Group 400. In This World - PENDING > Likes and Comments

The review group is the most successful group for peer reviews on Goodreads. It hosts non-reciprocal reading/review rounds of ten authors with a variety of themes and genres, as well as ‘general’ rounds where any book is permitted, from non-fiction, to horror. When a round has ‘now forming’ in the title, there are places available, you can sign up. If it doesn’t, it’s full – look for another round or check back another time.

The Amazon rules state that authors/publishers are not allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on Amazon. To comply with this rule, we don’t insist members review on Amazon, but we do insist that every participant in the round has the capacity to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so we all start with the same options.

The founding principle of the group is honest, non-reciprocal reviews, so please help maintain the integrity of the group by letting me know as you sign up if you have been reviewed by, or have reviewed another author in the group and do check back as the group fills to report any clashes. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Communication & Contact Details
As Goodreads has disabled private messaging, participation in this round requires providing a contact email address via a Google Form (or an alternative method specified by the moderator). This email will be used by the moderator to resolve round-related issues and, only where necessary, may be shared with other participants solely for the purpose of exchanging review copies. Email addresses must not be used for marketing or shared more widely. The form with all collected email addresses will be deleted once the round has closed. If you are not comfortable with this, please do not sign up for the round.

Any participant who knowingly uses the email addresses for marketing, or is caught selling them, will be blacklisted from the group.

If you’re uncomfortable with sharing email addresses, you’re encouraged to establish a new free Gmail or Yahoo account, to be used exclusively for Review Group. Please refer to the below links:
https://support.google.com/mail/answe...
https://login.yahoo.com/account/create

This is an 'In This World' round
Non-fiction books or fiction books that could have actually happened in contemporary and/or historical settings. So nothing set in the future, no magic, ghosts, elves, talking animals or creatures from outer space.


Please note it is always possible that the books you are assigned may contain material you find upsetting or offensive. If you can't commit to this, please do not sign up.

Now for the boring stuff, but please read it, it saves a lot of time if everyone is on the same wavelength.
Before signing up below with your Goodreads author and Goodreads book link in the thread below, please ensure that:

1. You have enough time to read and review 4 books within the 12 weeks of time allowed.

2. Your book is currently available for sale on Amazon (not pre-order) and it complies with the individual round theme, if there is one.

3. Your book is written in English, or you can provide an English translation, and it is fit to be reviewed.
If it is not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews. This is your problem, not that of the reviewers or the groups. The number one error new authors make is not having their book beta read and edited, by non-family members.

4. You can submit reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.
Amazon allows only those people who have spent $50 in the last year to leave reviews in each of their stores. If you are unsure about your Amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up. If you are unable to post reviews on Amazon, please do not sign up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files.
You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review, but as this will give a ‘Verified Purchase’ review on Amazon, it is welcomed when you choose to do so. Many authors have books available via KU and others might provide smashwords coupons. Most authors can provide mobi and/or epub files directly by email. Please note: International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. You have completed your reading if you are currently in another review round in this group. You can be involved in the ‘one for one’ list whilst you are in a round.

7. You have an author profile set up before you join.

8. You agree to provide a contact email address when requested by the moderator. This is required in order to participate in a round and replaces the previous requirement for Goodreads private messaging. Emails must not be sold, or used for marketing purposes.

The link to the mod's email form will be in the next post.


9. You declare any relationship you have with another member in the round.
Amazon will not allow reviews from the same household on the same book or if you are an editor, relative or close friend of another member.

10. You agree to finish assigned books before leaving a review, that your reviews will be unbiased and honest, whatever the star rating, and you will try to avoid ‘spoilers’. i.e. giving away the finale of a book. Please note the Review Group will back any reviewer's right to express their opinion about a book, but personal comments about a fellow author are against both Review Group and Goodreads policy. If you DNF (DO NOT FINISH) an assigned book, you run the risk of not being allowed into review rounds in the future.

11. You will not ask a fellow author to change a review of your book because you don’t agree with it.
If you think you have a legitimate concern, talk to the mod of your round, NOT the other author. Personal attacks, or pressuring other members WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in you being blacklisted.

12. You declare all Goodreads accounts when signing up for rounds, including all pen names and additional user accounts, so that these can be checked by moderators and other group members to ensure that there are not previous review conflicts.

13. Books which include AI-generated writing are not permitted. Reviews may not be written by AI.

For books first published in 2023 or later, authors will be asked to provide a PDF or Word copy of their book when submitting it to the group. This will be via the online sign-up form.

Moderators may use AI-detection tools alongside their own assessment when reviewing submissions. If a submission raises concerns, it will be discussed by the moderation team before any action is taken.

When sharing your book link from an online drive (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) please ensure the document is visible to those with the link, and the ability to download is on.

Where the moderation team concludes that a book contains AI-generated writing, books may be declined and blacklisted. Repeated submission of books containing AI-generated writing may result in removal from the group.

Please note:
We all want reviews, it’s why we joined the group. It is bad taste to expect other people to review your book and then not do the same for other people in the group. People that DNF and/or don’t post reviews will find it difficult to get into a subsequent group.

It is not necessary to leave any kind of disclaimer in your review, but ultimately, it is up to individuals. Reviews that state you received a copy ‘in return’ for a review will probably be removed/not allowed by amazon.com. ‘I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review’ would be more acceptable if you feel the need to add a disclaimer.

Your Goodreads details and the rounds you participate in may be recorded by the admin mod on a database. We do not retain details of email addresses etc.

Allocation is entirely random and there will NOT be any rearranging of the listing to accommodate personal preference. The ONLY circumstance in which you may duck out of giving a review is if YOU provide a stand-in reviewer.

The only way this group can function is if we trust each other to behave honourably. And it IS perfectly possible to give a fair-minded review of a text that does not coincide with our normal choice of reading matter. If you need a few hints/tips, please see this thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I will do my best to fit everyone into the group they request, but occasionally, particularly in the case of our more prolific good standing members, I may have to decline a member request to fit the maximum number of people into a particular round. I will always endeavour to start another round as soon as possible with that member in mind.

It is permissible to review an author more than once if a different book is available.
If you need anything clarified please ask on the thread below before signing up. You can also contact the mod via the form linked in this thread.

Your group moderator will be:
Gene

Member Links | Book Links
1. Kirby Quinn | Peanut Butter & Chicken Nuggets
2. Balroop Singh | Beyond the Fetters
3. Sotto Voce | Atlas
4. James W. George | The Creature of Oakmont Way: A Short Halloween Tale
5. J. Salvatore Domino | Saint Joseph
6. Christa Nonnemaker | Women's History of America*Part 1, 1600-1900: High School History and Social Studies Workbook
7. Sass Green | Midnight Mafia: Dante
8. Mary E. Hughes | A Mid-Century Childhood: Growing Up in Toronto's Lawrence Park
9. S.D. Brown | KIT'S INDIAN SUMMER: 1852: KLAMATH RIVER GOLD RUSH
10. Amber Daulton | Acoustic Embrace (Embracing You Book 1): A Steamy Halloween One-Night Stand Romance


Everyone: When signing up, please remember to list all the people currently on the list whom you have reviewed, as well as all the people on the list who have reviewed you.

You'll need to fill out this form before I can add you to the list: https://forms.gle/mnxkZVxyQfE53Dr66

As you're aware, we no longer have the Direct Message feature on Goodreads. The mods have discussed the best way to go forward, and have determined that we will need an email address from everyone, which will be collected in an online form.

(Please refer to the revised Rule 8 above.)

If you'd like to join this round, please remember that I can't add you until I have links to your Goodreads book and your email address, provided in this form. For the sake of everyone's privacy, we're asking participants to list the email address on the form and not in the actual thread where it's visible to all online.

Please Note: When signing up, as well as posting your Goodreads author, Goodreads book link, and submitting your email address using the form, please post review conflicts. Please don't rely on memory.

To check if you’ve reviewed someone, click your “My Books”, and type their name in "search and add books".

To check if someone else has reviewed you, go to their profile, click the middle link under their picture (x reviews) then type your name into “search and add books.”

To sum up: this is now a two-step process. You fill out this form https://forms.gle/mnxkZVxyQfE53Dr66 and you then post your review conflicts here in the Goodreads thread. You have to do both before I work out the Sudoku and figure out if you can fit.

I'll open with my latest book.

Hello. I'm new to the group. I have reviewed four authors on Goodreads, J.R Douglas, WIlliam Word, Sharmila Sangupta, and Maren Engelshoin (this review is a WIP. I don't know if these author's are members of this group.

My book is Peanut Butter & Chicken Nuggets.

Thank you for considering me.
Kirby Quinn

Thanks for filling out the form, Kirby. Welcome.
You don't need to post a download link to your book in the Goodreads thread, so feel free to edit your post and delete that link. Thanks.

Gene wrote: "Thanks for filling out the form, Kirby. Welcome.
You don't need to post a download link to your book in the Goodreads thread, so feel free to edit your post and delete that link. Thanks."

Thanks Gene. I've deleted that link now.

Hi Gene,
I'd like to join with Kit's Indian Summer a middle grade historical novel.

I filled out the form. Hope I did it right.

I have reviewed you

S.D. wrote: "Hi Gene,
I'd like to join with Kit's Indian Summer a middle grade historical novel.

I filled out the form. Hope I did it right.

I have reviewed you"

Thanks. Hopefully you'll be added soon; I've sent you an email so please look out for it.

Hi Gene,

I just finished my reviews for the 399 group. I wonder whether you can fit me in this group, as you've read all my books.
If yes, I will fill the form and give you the link of my book.
Thanks
Balroop.

Since there are several blank slots, I believe you can fit, Balroop.

I have reviewed Balroop

I've added S.D. I think Balroop can fit, but I still haven't received her form response.

Thanks Gene. Here is the link. I am hopping off to fill the form.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Unfortunately, Balroop, we would have to be in each other's blind spots since I've reviewed all of your books. And since S.D. has conflicts with both of us, we'll also have to be spaced apart from each other, and there isn't a way to for you to fit. Sorry about that, I was hoping there could be a way for you to fit.

Hi Gene. I'd like to join if possible, but it looks like there are already quite a few familiar faces.

I know you and Balroop have reviewed me (different books) and I have reviewed SD Brown (different book).

I've filled out the form. I'm hoping to get some reviews for a short Halloween story I've written this year.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thank you!

James has reviewed me

I'll be removing myself from the round, as I already have conflicts and there's another round that better suits my book. I'll be adding Balroop in my place, and checking to see if there's a spot for James.

Everyone, please remember to post a download link to any post-2023 book when filling out the Google Form. And you'll also need to reply on the thread, listing your review conflicts.

(Unfortunately, the loss of Goodreads DMs means signing up is a two-part process.)

Hi Gene,

I would like to join with Round the World: A Life of Jeanne Baret: The Complete Series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I have read Balroop and S.D. but not these books.

Thanks CR

Hi, C.R. You'll need to change permissions on your Google Doc so I can open it.

Thanks.

Permission changed. You should be able to open the file.

Thanks, Gene

Thanks, C.R. I've been able to add you to the list.

Hi Gene et al,

I have reviewed CR (A Life of Jeanne Baret) as well as the following authors/titles:
Zita Harrison - Owl Manor, Book 3
Angela Panayotopulos - How Much Can a Heart Hold
Katie Nelson - Parties All Around
LM Bertiaume - Defining Me
Sage Willowbrook - A Green Witch's Guide to Herbal Medicine
I did not include ones that were not "in this world".

Welcome, Christa.

I've been able to add James, as well.

Hello,

I’m new here. I just sent the required form. Anything else to do as of now?

Thank you!

Hi Gene I would love to participate with my new book Midnight Mafia: Dante
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931094225

I read Gene, Ballroop, and C.R Hurst reviewed me. I filled out the form.

I'd like to thank Halasius and Sass for filling out the form and including links for AI screening.

I've been able to work Sass in. Halasius, please be patient. I'll be emailing you soon.

Thanks!

Thanks Gene! In the link I sent you, I made 1 download available so if you need more pls let me know.

Hi Gene, I just sent the form to join this round with my book, Saint Joseph.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

I have previously read and reviewed S.D. Brown - Kit's Indian Summer, and C.R. Hurst has reviewed my book Saving Goodtown.

J. Salvatore

Thanks, J.

That leaves us with two open slots. These are the conflicts as I have them (please let me know if I've missed one) :

S.D. can't send to Balroop
Balroop can't send to James
James can't send to S.D.
C.R. can't send to Balroop
C.R. can't send to S.D.
C.R. can't send to Sass
C.R. can't send to J. Salvatore Domino
Christa can't send to C.R.
Sass can't send to Balroop
J. Salvatore Domino can't send to S.D.
Sass can't send to S.D.

Gene,

I am sorry I must drop out of this round. My husband's health has taken another turn for the worse. I apologize for the inconvenience to you and the other group members.

Best, CR

Sorry to hear that, C.R. but thanks for letting me know. Hopefully everything works out well for you guys.

Sass has reviewed me

Thanks for letting me know, S.D. I've rearranged the list.

If anyone is aware of another conflict, please let me know as soon as you can.

Hi Gene, I don't know if I can fit here based on:

1. My book ATLAS is set in the present, but there are advance gadgets/abilities (not magic).

2. Ballrop has reviewed me, but not this book. I have reviewed Christa and Sass. There are no conflict with the rest.

It's okay if I don't fit.
Thank you.

It looks like you fit, Sotto, but please remember you'll need to fill out this online form before I can add you: https://forms.gle/mnxkZVxyQfE53Dr66

Also, please note our new rule for post-2023 books; you'll need to provide a download link so that the moderators can do an AI review.

Hi Gene,
I'd like to join this group with A Mid-Century Childhood - Growing Up in Toronto's Lawrence Park, non fiction, social history enhanced with memoir.
I have reviewed several books by SD Brown including this one, and a book by Balroop Singh but not this one.
I'll go to the form now.

Hi Gene
I'd like to join this group with my non fiction title, "A Mid Century Childhood - Growing Up in Toronto's Lawrence Park" - social history enhanced with memoir.
I have reviewed SD Brown, ( several of her books) and one by Balroop Singh but not this one.

Gene wrote: "It looks like you fit, Sotto, but please remember you'll need to fill out this online form before I can add you: https://forms.gle/mnxkZVxyQfE53Dr66

Also, please note our new rule for post-2023 bo..."

Thank you, Gene.
I have filled the form.

Thanks, Mary and Sotto. I'm looking for a way for Mary to fit.

Sotto -- you have to give me permission to view your file.

I've been able to work Mary in. Sotto isn't officially on the list until we receive a PDF review copy, per the new rules, but I've worked out where he could fit.

The order has changed, so please let me know if you see a review conflict. To check if you’ve reviewed someone, click your “My Books”, and type their name in "search and add books".

To check if someone else has reviewed you, go to their profile, click the middle link under their picture (x reviews) then type your name into “search and add books.” As of now, I have these conflicts:
S.D. can't send to Balroop
Balroop can't send to James
James can't send to S.D.
Sass can't send to Balroop
Sass can't send to S.D.
J. Salvatore Domino can't send to S.D.
Balroop can't send to Sotto
Sotto can't send to Christa
Sotto can't send to Sass
Mary can't send to S.D.
Mary can't send to Balroop

Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her.

J. wrote: "Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her."

You send to the four names above you, so S.D. would send you another book she's written.

Gene wrote: "J. wrote: "Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her."

You send to the four names ab..."
Okay Thanks

J. wrote: "Gene wrote: "J. wrote: "Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her."

You send to the ..."

Hi J, I have several other books you could read...
Just let me know what looks interesting to you.

S.D. wrote: "J. wrote: "Gene wrote: "J. wrote: "Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her."

You s..."

Hi S. D., I'm quite intrigued by the sample of CODE ORANGE CANCUN: COVERT KIDS . I would love to read and review that one.

S.D. wrote: "J. wrote: "Gene wrote: "J. wrote: "Hi Gene, just a reminder. I have already read & Reviewed S.D. Browns - Kit's Indian Summer. Right now, it looks like you have me positioned to review her."

You s..."
sounds good...

I'd like to join with Acoustic Embrace (Embracing You Book 1): A Steamy Halloween One-Night Stand Romance,

I’ve read from Balroop and Sotto before, but not their chosen books.

Sass and S.D. have read from me before, but not my chosen book.

I have not read or been read by the other authors.

There is no AI use in my book. I’ve filled out the form.

My GR page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Thank you.
Amber

Thanks for filling out the form, Amber. Based on those conflicts, I believe you fit.

Everyone, please now check your conflicts, and post if you are "good to go".

The 4 people above you will be reviewing you, and so to avoid reciprocal reviews, you need to make sure you have never reviewed any of them. Also, You will be reviewing the 4 people below you, so you need to check and make sure none of them have reviewed you before. The person 5 spots from you is in your blind spot.


Do not rely on memory as this has caused trouble in the past!

Remember -- you're SENDING your book to the four names above you (the list wraps so 10 is above 1) -- and you're RECEIVING books from the four names below you on the first post of the thread.


To check for conflicts, please follow these instructions:

To check if you've reviewed the 4 authors above you.

1. Go to your profile.
Under your picture, or where your picture would be, are three links. Click the middle link.

2. In the small box "Search and add books" type the name of one of the 4 people above you. Click the icon of the magnifying glass.

3. If the next page says You have no books matching "author's name", then you are good to go with that person.

4. Check the other three people above you in the same way. If you have not reviewed any of the 4 people above you, you are good to go in that direction.

To check if any of the 4 people below you have reviewed you, follow these instructions.

1. Go to the profile of one of the 4 people below you. Click on the middle link under their picture, or where their picture would be.

2. In the box with "Search and add books" type in your name.

3. If the next page says Author's name has no books matching "Your Name" Then you are good to go with that person.

4. Go to the profiles of the other three people below you, and check your name in the same way. If each says Author's name has no books matching "Your Name" then you are good to go in that direction.

If you are good to go both above and below, then come back here and type "Good to go" or something similar. When all 10 of us have said that they are good to go, then we will be. Please reply within a week. Otherwise, your spot will be open again.

Good to go.