[archived]Round_116 "General” (reviews on GR+ (NOT Amz))-Done! > Likes and Comments

This is a "General, Goodreads+ (NOT Amz)" round
Any and all types of books, both fiction and non-fiction, are acceptable here. This means you might be reading anything from a book about tax returns to creative nonfiction to horror or erotica and anything in between. ARC files and pre-order books are fine.

In Goodreads+ rounds, participants post reviews to Goodreads and at least one place elsewhere, such as BookBub, LibraryThing, IG, X/Twitter, B&N, FB, Kobo, etc. Reviews won’t be posted to Amazon.

When posting your review to places like IG, X/Twitter, etc., please create a new post, on your own account, in which you review the book. Don’t go to the author's account and paste your review as a comment on one of their posts - that comment is too easily lost in all the activity on the platform.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Participants & Book Links
1. S. Lynn Helton✓ (also Lynn Helton) - A Galeborne Resolve
2. Kat Kinney✓ - Taken
3. Amber Daulton✓ - Lyrical Embrace (Embracing You Book 2): A Steamy Summer Small Town Rock Star Romance

(✓ 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"

I'm sorry Linda but I cannot add you to this round at this time as you're already in Round 114 "Mature".

I would like to please join with Light My Pyre or any other book by me.

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

I'm sorry Linda bit I cannot add you to this round at this time as you're already in Round 114 "Mature".". Oh yes, sorry about that.

Kat wrote: "I would like to please join with Light My Pyre or any other book by me."

Welcome to the round, Kat.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back periodically to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

Can I join this round with my book Mixed Bag - Short Stories.

Kat hasn't read or reviewed me.

Tajammul wrote: "Can I join this round with my book Mixed Bag - Short Stories.
Kat hasn't read or reviewed me."

I'm happy to add you to the round, Tajammul, but I can't until your sign-up information is complete.

To sign up for a round, the third part of the sign-up requirements states (in part):

"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..."

So you need to also please let me know if you have previously reviewed Kat - and if not, specifically state that. This is necessary information to help with placing people in the round if adjustments are needed to avoid reviewing conflicts. Thank you.

Tajammul has reviewed me before, but I have other books that he could read! If he winds up reading me in this round, my book could be switched to: Darkwitch Thank you!

Kat wrote: "Tajammul has reviewed me before, but I have other books that he could read! If he winds up reading me in this round, my book could be switched to: Darkwitch Thank you!"

Thanks Kat

Thank you for that information, Kat!

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Tajammul wrote: "Kat wrote: "Tajammul has reviewed me before, but I have other books that he could read! If he winds up reading me in this round, my book could be switched..."..."

Welcome to the round, Tajammul.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, 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.

For future sign-ups, please include all the requested information when you post to sign up. It helps the process go smoother. Thanks.

Everyone please note that the rules in message 1 have been updated (due to Goodreads' pending changes to messaging).

Be sure to read through them to stay current.

Since I am proceeding for a vacation, I will not be able to commit to this round. So sorry!

Tajammul wrote: "Since I am proceeding for a vacation, I will not be able to commit to this round. So sorry!"

Thank you for letting us know, Tajammul. I've removed you from this round.

I'll join this round with my fantasy novel Christalborne Sigils (or another of my fantasy books).

My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/60585890-...
My GR author link: www.goodreads.com/slynnhelton
(I also write as Lynn Helton)

I've reviewed Kat before, and this book, but I could read and review Taken, if that's okay, Kat?

That would be lovely, thank you, Lynn!

I'd like to join this one with Lyrical Embrace (Embracing You Book 2): A Steamy Summer Small Town Rock Star Romance.

I've read Lynn's chosen book (and the 2nd in the series), but I'd be happy to read the 3rd one, A Galeborne Resolve.

Thanks!
Amber

Amber wrote: "I'd like to join this one with Lyrical Embrace (Embracing You Book 2): A Steamy Summer Small Town Rock Star Romance.
I've read Lynn's chosen book (and the 2nd in the series), but..."

Amber, I'm happy to add you to the round, but before I can I need to know whether you've previously reviewed Kat or she's reviewed you - and if not, please specifically say so. That information helps with placement in the round, to avoid reciprocal reviewing issues. Thanks!

Sorry. Kat has reviewed my books, but I haven't reviewed hers.

I have read Amber previously, but not this book!

Thank you both! Welcome to the round, Amber!

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Final Check
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Hi everyone and welcome to this Read/Review Round!

I think we're good on having no one set for a reciprocal review, but 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.

Good to go!

Ready

I'm good, too.

Sorry about the delay. I'm inundated at the moment, but I'll be back soon to get us going.

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

You have four weeks to read and review.
Start date: Feb. 17, 2026
End date: March 17, 2026

Please post your review no later than MARCH 17, 2026.

Remember, this is a Goodreads+ round, so post your review to Goodreads and one other place, such as BookBub, LibraryThing, IG, Twitter, B&N, FB, Kobo, etc., but NOT Amazon.

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

1.__S. Lynn Helton
You're reviewing Taken (Kat Kinney).
Amber Daulton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Kat Kinney
You're reviewing Lyrical Embrace (Embracing You Book 2): A Steamy Summer Small Town Rock Star Romance (Amber Daulton).
S. Lynn Helton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Amber Daulton
You're reviewing A Galeborne Resolve (S. Lynn Helton).
Kat Kinney 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.

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 at least one place elsewhere, if possible, such as BookBub, IG, Twitter, B&N, FB, Kobo, etc. (but not Amazon).

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).

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! :)

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..."

Kat, I got a copy of your book through KU, so I'm all set to read and review. :)

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Amber, do you need a review copy of my book?

Lynn -- yes, please send a pdf. You still have my email addy, right? I just emailed you in case you didn't.
Thanks!

Thank you, Lynn!

Amber wrote: "Lynn -- yes, please send a pdf. You still have my email addy, right? I just emailed you in case you didn't.
Thanks!"

Amber, I've sent the review copy.

Got your book, Lynn.

And I sent Kat my book.

Thanks!

Amber wrote: "Got your book, Lynn.
And I sent Kat my book.
Thanks!"

Thank you, Amber.

Kat, could you please confirm that you've got the copy to read - thanks.

I have a copy, thank you!

My review for Lynn's book...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.librarything.com/work/311...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/36060...

Thank you for the great read! :)

Amber wrote: "My review for Lynn's book...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.librarything.com/work/311...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/36060...
Thank you for ..."

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

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And thank you for the review of my book!

Here's my review for Kat Kinney's Taken...

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/23361...
LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/work/357...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...

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And that completes my reviewing commitment for the round. :)

Thank you so much, Lynn!

Kat wrote: "Thank you so much, Lynn!"

You're welcome!

My reviews. Really enjoyed it, Amber! Thank you so much for hosting, Lynn!

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
LT: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVWIxqSEeTo/

Also posted to Barnes and Noble and Bookbub.

Kat wrote: "My reviews. Really enjoyed it, Amber! Thank you so much for hosting, Lynn!
GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
LT: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews......"

Thank you for all those review links, Kat. (Although the LT link was actually for Storygraph, but I found it here: https://www.librarything.com/work/271....) You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

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And that wraps up this round. Thank you all for participating!
(I'll file the round away after a bit.)

Sorry about that. The migraine brain is strong this month, I am afraid!

Kat wrote: "Sorry about that. The migraine brain is strong this month, I am afraid!"

No worries. And sorry to hear that. I don't get them often but I have experienced the misery. Take care!