[archived]Round_81 "Mature" (reviews on GR & Amz)-Done! > Likes and Comments

This is a "Mature, Goodreads & Amazon" round
Any and all types of books, both fiction and non-fiction, are accepted. The Mature round is ideal for books that contain explicit material, i.e. with explicit sex and/or violence and gore, including horror and erotica, but not at all limited to these genres.

Anyone is free to enter any genre book in a mature round, but be aware that you’ll predominantly be reviewing books with extreme and explicit material, so you must be comfortable with reading that type of material. Books must be published, finished works and available on Amazon.

In Goodreads+Amazon rounds, every participant must be able to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so everyone’s starting with the same options. Participants post reviews to Goodreads, and please also post on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to.

Before you sign up, please make sure:

1. You’ve thoroughly read and understand How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules). Participating in the round indicates your understanding and acceptance of the rules and compliance with them.

2. You’ve claimed your Goodreads author page.
If you’re on a regular Goodreads user account, rather than an author account, you’ll need to do this before joining a round. You’ll find the directions for claiming your author profile page here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/program.

3. Your Goodreads account setting "Who Can Send Me Private Messages" allows people to message you, i.e. it’s set to "anyone".
(See Private Messaging Settings for how to check/change this.)

4. You don’t have any review commitments outstanding that are past the deadline, and you're signed up in no more than one other round in this group. (Currently, on a trial basis, participants may review in two rounds at the same time. If you do this, be diligent when checking for conflicts, as you'll need to factor in what's going on in both rounds.)

5. Your book is fit and ready to be reviewed.
If it’s not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews. For GR+Amz rounds, your book must be currently available for sale or free download at Amazon and other online booksellers (not pre-order).

6. You have enough time to read and review a book within the round timeframe of three weeks.

7. Your book fits the round theme.

8. You can provide — and accept — at least PDF files.
You’re not expected or required to buy the books you’re scheduled to read, although that’s a nice gesture. And doing so for GR+Amz rounds will give a "Verified Purchase" review on Amazon, which is a nice thing for the author. Each participant is responsible for getting a review copy of their book to their reader in the round and must be able to provide — and accept — at least PDF files. Many provide and accept other formats as well. Please ask your reader’s preference if you can provide files in a variety of formats. And many authors have books available via KU and others might provide Smashwords coupons.

Note that International Copyright laws apply: you cannot sell or give away material you’ve received, without the author’s express permission.

9. You are able to submit reviews to Amazon.

(On Amazon, only people who have spent $50 in the last year can leave reviews in each of their stores. If you’re uncertain about your Amazon reviewer status, try to post a "test" review before you sign up for the round. If you’re unable to post reviews on Amazon, please don’t sign up for GR+Amz rounds. Instead, look for rounds that say “reviews on GR+ (NOT Amz)”.)

To sign up for this read/review round, please reply to this thread with these details:

1. Your Goodreads Profile link

Please also include any additional names/profiles under which you publish, to help the other participants check for and avoid reciprocal reviewing.

2. Your Goodreads Book info link for your book that you want to have reviewed

3. Specify which of the other authors in the round have previously reviewed any of your books (if none, please specifically say so), and also which of the other authors in the round you have previously reviewed (if none, please specifically say so), to help everyone avoid reciprocal reviews. Also, state any relationship you have with other members in the round.

It’s a more-professional practice to avoid reviews from the same household on a book from that same household, or if you are an editor, relative, or close friend of the author. And Amazon doesn’t allow this anyway.

How to check for reciprocal reviews:
Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

Please check back as the round fills to report any new conflicts.

And be sure to check back periodically, so you don't miss out on anything in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

By joining this round, you agree to accept for reading and reviewing whatever book you are scheduled for. Please note that it’s possible that the book you’re scheduled to read may contain material you find upsetting or offensive. You are expected to finish the book — that’s only fair. If you can't commit to this, please don’t sign up.

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Round Parameters:

-Three weeks to complete reading the book and post your review.

Read the entire book and write your unbiased and honest review of the book, making every attempt to avoid spoilers if possible, and post it. For what constitutes a book review for this group (and for reviewing tips), please see Book Reviewing.

-After your review is posted, add the link(s) to it to this reading-round thread so the mod can "sign you off" for the round.

When you add your link(s) to this thread, make sure the links are to your own review not the book page. Please shorten the links (always a good practice for any social media). See GROUP TIPS: Finding review links to post them in the group for specific tips.

Additional Notes:

Reviews that state you received a copy "in return" or "in exchange" for a review will probably be removed/disallowed by some retailers. If you wish to add a disclaimer, the following would be more acceptable: "I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review".

Your Goodreads details and the rounds you participate in may be recorded by moderators on a database. We don’t retain details of email addresses, etc.

If you have questions, please first review How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules) and check Questions about Review Rounds for an answer. If you still have questions, please ask before signing up.

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Each author will review one other book in this reading round.

(Person 1 reviews 2. Person 2 reviews 3. Person 3 reviews 1. (And if the round expands to a 4-way or 5-way round, reviewing follows the same pattern, just expanded for the additional participants.))

Please don’t get books or begin reading/reviewing until the moderator has posted that the round has started.

Participants & Book Links
1. Amber Daulton✓ - Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance
2. Linda A. Sanchez✓ - Half of Me
3. Dimitry Orlov✓ - Lion Eyes
4. Juliette Godot✓ - From the Drop of Heaven: Legends, Prejudice, and Revenge
5. Ela Sharp✓ - Embers of Forgotten Fate

(✓ means the participant is done with their review commitment, ✍︎ means the participant has provided one review link but hasn't yet posted the other link)

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May I join with Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance or an alternate?

Thanks!

Oh, I'm also in Round 77. This one will be my second round.

I would like to join with Half of Me

Linda A. Sanchez

Amber wrote: "May I join with Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance or an alternate?
Thanks!"

Welcome to the round, Amber. Please be sure to check back periodically to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

Linda wrote: "I would like to join with Half of Me
Linda A. Sanchez"

Linda, for me to be able to place you in the list for the round, you need to please provide all the sign-up information, as listed under "To sign up for this read/review round" in message 1, namely:

3. Specify which of the other authors in the round have previously reviewed any of your books (if none, please specifically say so), and also which of the other authors in the round you have previously reviewed (if none, please specifically say so), to help everyone avoid reciprocal reviews. Also, state any relationship you have with other members in the round.

Thank you.

Hi Lynn, Amber has read from me, but not this book, and I have not yet reviewed any of Amber's books.

Linda wrote: "Hi Lynn, Amber has read from me, but not this book, and I have not yet reviewed any of Amber's books."

Thank you, that helps. Welcome to the round, Linda. Please check back from time to time to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

I would like to join with From the Drop of Heaven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I have not read either of these books.

Juliette wrote: "I would like to join with From the Drop of Heaven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I have not read either of these books."

To see how you can fit into the list, I also please need to know whether either of them has reviewed you before, and also whether you've previously reviewed either of the authors in the list (other books). Thanks.

Lynn wrote: "Juliette wrote: "I would like to join with From the Drop of Heaven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I have not read either of these books."

To see how you can fit into the list, I als..."
I don't think either of them have read my book. I did a search of reviews on Amazon and it didn't find anything, so I think I'm good.

I've reviewed Juliette's book before. GR link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amber wrote: "I've reviewed Juliette's book before. GR link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Hi Amber. I thought I recognized your name, but I couldn't find your review on Amazon. Sorry. I probably just missed it!

For reference, the most reliable way to check for reviews is (as detailed in message 1):

Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

By doing that, I see that both Amber and Linda have reviewed your book, Juliette. This is vital information because it can affect fitting you into rounds.

I'll be back later to update/expand the list so I can add you, Juliette.

Juliette wrote: "I would like to join with From the Drop of Heaven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6......"

Welcome to the round, Juliette. Please be sure to check back periodically to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

Hi Lynn, I am interested in joining with Lion Eyes.

Lion Eyes on goodreads is out of date.

How do I upload a more current edition?

Thanks

Dimitry

Dimitry wrote: "Hi Lynn, I am interested in joining with Lion Eyes.
Lion Eyes on goodreads is out of date.
How do I upload a more current edition?
Thanks
Dimitry"

Regarding uploading your more current edition, I think that's something to contact the Goodreads Librarians Group about, specifically in their Adding New Books & Editions section.

Then I'm happy to add you to the round. Before I can, however, I will need you to please Specify which of the other authors in the round have previously reviewed any of your books (if none, please specifically say so), and also which of the other authors in the round you have previously reviewed (if none, please specifically say so), to help everyone avoid reciprocal reviews. Thanks!

I have not reviewed Amber's books; she has reviewed me.

I have not reviewed Linda Sanchez's books; she has not reviewed my books.

I have not reviewed Julliet's books; she has not reviewed my books.

Dimitry wrote: "I have not reviewed Amber's books; she has reviewed me.
I have not reviewed Linda Sanchez's books; she has not reviewed my books.
I have not reviewed Julliet's books; she has not reviewed my books."

Just what I needed, thank you! Welcome to the round, Dimitry. Please be sure to check back from time to time to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round (note that Goodreads notifications aren't reliable).

This round is looking for another participant so it can get going.

Join in to give and get a review!

Hi Lynn,

May I join with "Embers of Forgotten Fate"
I have reviewed Linda's books before, but not this book.
I have not reviewed or been reviewed by others on the list.
Thank you.

If possible, I would join with The Other Side

I reviewed Julliette's only book, and I am reviewing Amber's Timeless Honor in another group.

Florian wrote: "If possible, I would join with The Other Side
I reviewed Julliette's only book, and I am reviewing Amber's Timeless Honor in another group."

Florian, I'm sorry, I just don't see a way to fit you in this round with all the conflicts.

Do watch for other rounds opening and while you wait, perhaps check out the group's other review options, if you're interested: Book List & Book List Reviews and Review Chains.

I'd like to join this round with

Amber has reviewed another of my books
I've reviewed another book by Dimitry
I have also reviewed Julliet's book already.
No history with Linda
I think if you put me in spot 2 or 3 that would work.

Just fyi I've been out of this for a while due to health issues but I'm ready to participate again.

Ed wrote: "I'd like to join this round with

Amber has reviewed another of my books
I've reviewed another book by Dimitry
I have also reviewed Julliet's book already.
No history w..."

Glad to see you're back, Ed!

And I'm sorry but I just don't see a way to fit you in this round with everyone's various conflicts. Perhaps a different round will work. And also watch for new rounds opening periodically.

Ela wrote: "Hi Lynn,
May I join with "Embers of Forgotten Fate"
I have reviewed Linda's books before, but not this book.
I have not reviewed or been reviewed by others on the list.
Thank you."

I'm so sorry I missed your post, Ela. Thanks for messaging me to alert me to it and welcome to the round.


And with Ela joining, we're ready for the...
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Final Check
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I think we're good on having no one set for a reciprocal review, but before the round can get underway, everyone please do a double-check for reciprocal and other review conflicts to make sure. You can’t be listed to review someone who reviewed you before and vice versa. It’s all about who has already read whom, when positioning the readers in the slots.

Please double-check these things (please don't rely on memory):

1. Have you previously reviewed the person directly above you on the list in message 1 (the list wraps around so the last number is "above" 1.)?

If you have, please post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so as to avoid a reciprocal review, which isn’t allowed here.

2. Have you already reviewed the book listed for the person directly below you on the list (the list wraps around so "1." is "below" the last number)?

If you have, post a reply that says so. That way we can fix the list so it shows the correct book for reviewing.

3. Are you an editor, relative, close friend, or from the same household of either the person whose book you'll be reviewing or the person who'll be reviewing your book?

If so, please state any relationship you have with those other members. It’s a more-professional practice to avoid reviews from people in those relationships to the author. And Amazon doesn’t allow this anyway.

Reminder of how to check for reciprocal reviews:
Go to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and search for the other author’s name. Check if someone has reviewed you in the same way… through their profile, searching for your name.

If you have no review conflicts, please post a reply with "Ready to start" or similar words.

After everyone has posted that they’re ready, I'll post the official "start the round" message to get the round rolling! :)

Please don’t get books or begin reading/reviewing until that official "start the round" message has been posted. The order can still change before then.

I’m ready to start

Thank you Lynn. And no worries, these notifications sure are tricky :)

Ready to start!

ready

We're just waiting to hear back from Dimitry and Juliette.

I am ready to start.

OH MY GOODNESS!! I forgot about this round completely. I'm good to go!

SORRY!

Thanks for the email, Lynn. I have been out of the loop, but am ready when you are.

Thank you all - let’s get this round going!

You have three weeks to read and review.
Start date: Aug. 8, 2025
End date: Aug. 29, 2025

Please post your review no later than AUGUST 29, 2025.

As AUTHORS, you’ll send your book file to your reviewer, and as REVIEWERS, you’ll receive a book file to read.

1.__Amber Daulton
You're reviewing Half of Me (Linda A. Sanchez).
Ela Sharp is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Linda A. Sanchez
You're reviewing Lion Eyes (Dimitry Orlov).
Amber Daulton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Dimitry Orlov
You're reviewing From the Drop of Heaven: Legends, Prejudice, and Revenge (Juliette Godot).
Linda A. Sanchez is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Juliette Godot
You're reviewing Embers of Forgotten Fate (Ela Sharp).
Dimitry Orlov is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__Ela Sharp
You're reviewing Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance (Amber Daulton).
Juliette Godot is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

It's the responsibility of each author to get their book to their reader in a format the reader can manage. Everyone must be able to provide and accept PDF. You may buy or borrow the book you are due to read, if you want, but it’s not required.

Please honor the commitment you’re making to your fellow group members to give an honest review.

Quick "start-up" summary:

-You’re reviewing the book "below" you on the list.

You can choose to buy the book, but you don’t have to. If you do buy, certainly the author will appreciate the verified review on Amazon.

You can choose to read the book through KU, if you’re a subscriber and the book’s available there.

-You need to message the person who will be reviewing you (the person above you on the original list of names) through their Goodreads author page (links provided above) to ask what kind of file they would like or say you can only offer PDF. Don't forget to ask where to send it so they can give you their email.

(Using messaging is recommended for exchanging email addresses to avoid the chance of spammers getting your email addresses from this open forum).

To message someone: on their Goodreads author page, click on the down arrow beside the "Follow Author" button under their picture and it opens a menu which should give you the option to "Send message".

The person who you’re reviewing should be in touch with you in a similar way or post on the thread to say they are getting your book directly from a retailer. If you - as a reviewer - haven't heard from the book's author about a review copy, feel free to message them. You don't have to wait for them to contact you.

-Please make sure you have sent your book - or have been assured by your reviewer they will buy your book or read it through KU - as soon as possible so your reader can start reading.

-For this round, you’re requested to please post your review to Goodreads, and on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to. Posting a review to other sites is by agreement between both author and reviewer.

-After you’ve posted your reviews, please reply to this thread with the links to your reviews (not the book page) so you can be "signed off" for reviewing.

You can post your Goodreads review link before the Amazon one has been approved. Just please—when the Amazon one comes in—post a separate message. Notifications don’t pop up for edits, so the moderator won't know to go hunting for it.

For GR+Amz Rounds:
The moderator will note whether participants have posted reviews on Amazon. Members who persistently fail to post to Amazon will find mods less than willing to add them to subsequent GR+Amz rounds, as joining these rounds indicates both a capability and a willingness to review on Amazon.

For the good of all, participants in any type of round who persistently fail to post reviews, or DNF reviews, will find mods less than willing to add them to subsequent rounds.

Please let me know ASAP if I missed something that results in you being asked to review someone who’s already reviewed you.

Feel free to ask questions if you need to, either here or via messaging.

Happy reading & reviewing! :)

Oops, I miscounted for the reviews due date. I've now corrected the date in the message above. (Sorry about that!)

Dimitry Orlov Hi Dimitry I messaged you, but if you see this first can you please send me your book. Thank you.

Here are my links for Lion Eyes

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/review/RFSZDGD...

Linda wrote: "Here are my links for Lion Eyes
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/RFSZDGD..."

Thank you for the review links, Linda. You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

Here are my links for Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/RYFJI6W...

Thank you!

Ela wrote: "Here are my links for Timeless Honor: A Steamy 18th Century Time-Travel Romance
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/review/RYFJI6W...
Thank you!"

Thank you for those links, Ela. You're all done with your reviewing commitment for this round.

My links for Linda…
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1CD1KS...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/12626...

Amber wrote: "My links for Linda…
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1CD1KS...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/12626..."

Thank you for the review links, Amber. You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

My Links for Julliette

www.goodreads.com/book/show/62331537

Amazon link is bit.ly/472WgqO

Dimitry wrote: "My Links for Julliette..."

Dimitry, unfortunately neither link is going to your review of her book. The Goodreads link only goes to the book page and the Amazon link tries to go to the page where you edit your review.

If you need help with getting the review links, please see GROUP TIPS: Finding review links to post them in the group.

Hi Lynn, I am able to see my review of Julliette's book that I posted.

I will repost the links again.

Sorry

My Links for Julliette Godot

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.ca/Drop-Heaven-Leg...

Sorry about the delay here. I'll catch up shortly.
(Was at the ER/hospital most of Monday night and nearly all of yesterday with my husband. He's okay - it just took a while to figure out what was going on with him.)

Dimitry wrote: "My Links for Julliette Godot
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.ca/Drop-Heaven-Leg..."

Thank you for the links, Dimitry.

While the Amazon link went only to the book page, I was able to locate your review. This is the direct link: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/customer-rev..., which is what we'd like for these reviews - it really helps.

You're all done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

A reminder that the deadline for getting those reviews in is coming up soon - just a few days away.

Here are my links for Embers of Forgotten Fate;

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1KH8MN...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...

Thank you

Juliette wrote: "Here are my links for Embers of Forgotten Fate;
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1KH8MN......"

Thank you for the review links, Juliette. While the Goodreads one didn't go to your review (only to the review edit page), I was able to find it: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.


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And that finishes up this round. Thank you all!

(I'll file the round away in a bit.)