Round_114 "Mature" (reviews on GR & Amz)-Full & Underway > 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. You’ve completed your review commitment if you’re currently in another read/review round in this group. (You can’t sign up to a new round until after you’ve completed that review commitment (posted both review links) in the other round in this Goodreads group.)

4. 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).

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

6. Your book fits the round theme.

7. 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.

8. 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 topic 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:

-Four 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 topic so the Mod can "sign you off" for the round.

When you add your link(s) to this topic, 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 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 Mods 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 Mod has posted that the round has started.

1. Linda A. Sanchez | It Ends with Him
2. Florian Armas | Errant
3. Amber Daulton | Arresting Mason
4. Jane C.R. Reid | Treading Water
5. Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn | the (un)becoming

(✓ 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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I would like to join with my book It Ends with Him

Linda wrote: "I would like to join with my book It Ends with Him"

Welcome to the round, Linda. Please keep checking back for review conflicts.

I'd love to join with Arresting Mason or an alternate.

I've read from Linda before, but not her chosen book.

I just finished Round 112, but I'm waiting to be marked as done.

Thanks!

Are we allowed to sign up for two rounds again? That's stated up in #4 in the first message. I'm only asking because #4 is different in the other forming rounds.
Thanks.

Amber wrote: "I'd love to join with Arresting Mason or an alternate.

I've read from Linda before, but not her chosen book.

I just finished Round 112, but I'm waiting to be marked as done.

Tha..."

Welcome to the round, Amber. Please check back for conflicts as the round fills up.

Amber wrote: "Are we allowed to sign up for two rounds again? That's stated up in #4 in the first message. I'm only asking because #4 is different in the other forming rounds.
Thanks."

That was my mistake - corrected now. Thanks for pointing it out :)

Thank you, and you're welcome, EK. :)

Hi there, I would like to join with this is not a love story

Hayley wrote: "Hi there, I would like to join with this is not a love story".... which I think Amber has reviewed before,

Hayley wrote: "Hayley wrote: "Hi there, I would like to join with this is not a love story".... which I think Amber has reviewed before,"

Hi Hayley, do you have an alternative book Amber can read? If you do, I can put you in spot 4.

oh sorry, I didn't see this message! yes, we can do the (un)becoming

Hayley wrote: "oh sorry, I didn't see this message! yes, we can do the (un)becoming"

Thanks, Hayley. Welcome to the round. We are still waiting for someone to fill the remaining spot. Please keep checking back for any updates.

I think Hayley and my positions should be switched. I've read from her before, but as the list is now, she's in line to read from me.
Thanks!

Amber wrote: "I think Hayley and my positions should be switched. I've read from her before, but as the list is now, she's in line to read from me.
Thanks!"

Thanks! Switched it around.

I don't know if it's feasible with the conflicts I have, but if possible, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring to join this round!

Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Book I would like reviewed: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Conflicts:
I have reviewed Linda already and am actively reading a book from Amber from a review chain. I have not interacted with Hayley.

Peter wrote: "I don't know if it's feasible with the conflicts I have, but if possible, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring to join this round!

Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show......"

Hi Peter,

I notice you've joined Round 113. We only allow participants to join one round at a time so I can't add you here as well.

Thanks

Would it be possible for me to join with "Treading Water"?

I have read from Linda before, but not the one listed. She has read mine, but not this one. Amber has read one of my books, but not this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Treading-Water...

Jane wrote: "Would it be possible for me to join with "Treading Water"?

I have read from Linda before, but not the one listed. She has read mine, but not this one. Amber has read one of my books, but not this ..."

Welcome to the round, Jane. Please keep checking back for any conflicts.

I would like to join with Errant

Linda has reviewed me. I have reviewed Amber. Different books.

Florian wrote: "I would like to join with Errant

Linda has reviewed me. I have reviewed Amber. Different books."

Welcome to the round, Florian.

One last check before the round can get underway…

Everyone please double-check for reciprocal and other review conflicts. 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.

Ready to start.

Ready to start.

Ready to start.

Ready to start!

ready to start

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

You have four weeks to read and review.
Start date: January 23, 2026
End date: February 21, 2026

Please post your review no later than February 21, 2026.

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

1.__Linda A. Sanchez
You're reviewing Errant (Florian Armas).
Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Florian Armas
You're reviewing Arresting Mason (Amber Daulton).
Linda A. Sanchez is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Amber Daulton
You're reviewing Treading Water (Jane C.R. Reid).
Florian Armas is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Jane C.R. Reid
You're reviewing the (un)becoming (Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn).
Amber Daulton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn
You're reviewing It Ends with Him (Linda A. Sanchez).
Jane C.R. Reid 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 — at least PDF files. 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:

-Get a copy of the book you're reviewing as soon as possible. You’re reviewing the book "below" you on the list. There are several methods for getting a copy of the book to read and review:

1. 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.

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

3. You can request a review copy from the author.

If you need to get a review copy from the author, post that request in this topic. Then you and the author will coordinate to get information exchanged and a review copy to you - using one of two options (see Getting a review copy). These options are recommended for exchanging email addresses - to avoid the chance of spammers getting your email addresses from this open forum. Don’t post your email in the round - it’s an open forum.When the author has sent the review copy, they need to post in this topic that they have done so.

Everyone, when you have gotten a copy of the book you are to review (through whatever method), post in this topic that you have gotten a copy.

-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.

We understand that outside world commitments can sometimes make it difficult to complete a review on schedule. If you're going to be late getting your review in, you need to post to the round topic about the delay. Failure to post or complete reviews can result in repercussions, as detailed in How Read/Review Rounds Work (The Rules).

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

Be sure to shorten your links to remove possibly personal information and give you a clean link to post (remove the "?" or "ref" and everything after it).

You can post your Goodreads review link before the Amazon one has been approved. But since Amazon can take days to post the review, it might be better to wait until the Amazon review appears, then review the book on Goodreads, and then post both links together in one message in this topic. If you don't have the Goodreads and Amazon links on the same date, please don't edit your original post to add the second link as it's unlikely the Mod will see that. Create a new post with the link.

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.

Happy reading & reviewing! :)

Linda wrote: "Ready to start."

I will read your book through KU :)

Jane wrote: "Ready to start."

My book is available through KU, but if you would like a copy sent instead, I have the challenge question set up on my friend request. Let me know!

Florian Armas I will read Errant on KU.