Round_146 "Novella-length" -Full & Underway- (reviews due Nov 6) > Likes and Comments

This is a "Novella-length" 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.

Books for this round must be of novella-length or shorter, i.e. under 40,000 words (per numerous book awards). That length equates to roughly 160 printed pages.

Books can be published, finished works, available at Amazon & other online booksellers; or not-yet-published, i.e. ARC files & pre-order books. If the book is not yet published, you must be able to provide an ARC file and the book must be able to be reviewed in at least one other place in addition to Goodreads.

Participants post reviews to Goodreads and at least one place elsewhere. Amazon is the preferred second location.

If you can review on Amazon, please do so. And give it time to show up – about 2 weeks – before reviewing in another location as a backup.

However, if it's not feasible for you to review on Amazon (either the book's in pre-order or you cannot review on Amazon), that second location can be BookBub, LibraryThing, TheStoryGraph, Readers' Favorite, Smashwords, Kobo, Audible, B&N, IG, X/Twitter, or FB, etc.

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.

8. You agree to provide a contact email address when you sign up (see below).

This is necessary to allow for sending/receiving a review copy, if needed, as well as to allow the Mod to contact you about the round or your reviewing commitment, if needed. Emails must not be used for marketing purposes or sold.

To sign up for this read/review round:

1. Please provide your contact information via this form - https://forms.gle/KjqB9uuHuYbPwpfG8

If you want to create a new email account only for use for this review group, see Getting a review copy for a list of the supposedly best free email providers.

2. And please reply to this topic with these details:

a. 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.

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

c. A disclosure statement regarding your use or non-use of generative AI for your book's interior content. Some example statements:

"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate content for my book."
OR
"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate interior artwork for my book."
OR
"I used {AI-based tool name} to generate the English translation of my book's text.
OR
"I didn't use generative AI in the creation of this book. I created all content myself."

d. Which of the other authors have previously reviewed any of your books; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so. This helps avoid reciprocal reviews.

e. Which of the other authors you’ve previously reviewed; of the authors already in the round’s list and those signing up but not yet listed. If none, please specifically say so. This helps avoid reciprocal reviews.

f. 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 be sure to check back periodically as the round fills, to report any new conflicts and 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. Tajammul Kothari - Mixed Bag: Short Stories (NO gen-AI used)
2. S. Lynn Helton✓ (aka Lynn Helton) - Trial Run (NO gen-AI used)
3. Lena R. Halden✓ - The Human Advantage (NO gen-AI used)

(✓ 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 this round with my book "Mixed Bag - Short Stories"

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

No AI was used to generate my book.

I have filled out the form

Thank you

Tajammul wrote: "I would like to join this round with my book "Mixed Bag - Short Stories"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
No AI was used to generate my book.
I have filled out the form..."

Welcome to the round, Tajammul.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back periodically (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

I'll also join, with my fantasy novella Trial Run.

My GR book link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/50707695-...
My GR author link: www.goodreads.com/slynnhelton
(I also write as Lynn Helton)

I've filled out the contact info form. I didn't use generative AI in the creation of this book.

I have no conflicts with Tajammul: he hasn't previously reviewed me and I haven't previously reviewed him.

I’d like to join this round with my novella The Human Advantage.
Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/lenarhalden...
Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
AI disclosure: I used AI-assisted tools during research. Generative AI was used for creating the cover design. I didn't use generative AI in the creation of this book. I created all written content myself.
Authors in this round who have previously reviewed my books: None.
Authors in this round whose books I have previously reviewed: None.
Relationship with other members in this round: None.
I have filled out the contact form. Thank you.

Lena wrote: "I’d like to join this round with my novella The Human Advantage.
Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/lenarhalden...
Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2......"

Welcome to the round, Lena.

Since Goodreads notifications aren't reliable, please be sure to check back from time to time (at least once every seven days is recommended) to report any new conflicts and avoid missing out on anything posted in the round.

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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 before the round can get underway, everyone please do one last 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

I'm also 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: Oct 8, 2026
End date: Nov 6, 2026

Please post your review no later than NOVEMBER 6, 2026.

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

1.__Tajammul Kothari
You're reviewing Trial Run (S. Lynn Helton).
Lena R. Halden is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__S. Lynn Helton
You're reviewing The Human Advantage (Lena R. Halden).
Tajammul Kothari is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Lena R. Halden
You're reviewing Mixed Bag: Short Stories (Tajammul Kothari).
S. Lynn Helton 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 of the book you are to read & review, post in the round requesting a review copy from the author of the book you're to review. Then the Mod will email both of you (using the contact information you provided in the form during the "Final Check" phase) to pass along contact information so you can send/receive the review copy. (See Getting a review copy for more details.) Don't post your email in the round - it’s an open forum from which scammers can glean information.

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 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.

-Please post your review to Goodreads and also on your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to.

If you can't post a review on Amazon, please post your review at least one place elsewhere, such as BookBub, LibraryThing, TheStoryGraph, Readers' Favorite, Smashwords, Kobo, Audible, B&N, IG, X/Twitter, FB etc.

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).

If your second review is on Amazon, 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. Once 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 the good of all, participants 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! :)

Lena, I'll need a PDF review copy of your book, please.

I've emailed you my contact info to facilitate getting me that review copy when you get a chance. Thanks!

Hi Lynn, PDF sent. Thanks for reading.

Lena wrote: "Hi Lynn, PDF sent. Thanks for reading."

I got it. Thank you!

I too will need lena's and your email.

Thank you

Tajammul wrote: "I too will need lena's and your email.
Thank you"

Tajammul, are you saying that you need a review copy of my book? If so, please post that here in the round.


Lena, do you need Tajammul to send you a review copy of his book?

If so, I'm happy to get you each other's contact information for that. (And if not, there's no need to exchange that contact information.)

Note, as per #3 under "Get a copy of the book you're reviewing..." under the "Quick "start-up" summary"... (message 11)

If you need to get a review copy of the book you are to read & review, post in the round requesting a review copy from the author of the book you're to review. Then the Mod will email both of you (using the contact information you provided in the form during the "Final Check" phase) to pass along contact information so you can send/receive the review copy.

Yes please.

Tajammul and Lena, I've emailed you both each other's contact info to facilitate getting that review copy to Lena.


And Tajammul, please see my question in message 16.

Hi Lynn

Can you please send a PDF copy of your book.

Thank you

I received the book 👍

Tajammul wrote: "Hi Lynn
Can you please send a PDF copy of your book.
Thank you"

Tajammul, I've emailed you the review copy of my book.



Lena R. wrote: "I received the book 👍"

Thank you for the update Lena.

I received it Lynn. Thanks.

Tajammul wrote: "I received it Lynn. Thanks."

Thank you for that update.

Done reading and reviews posted.

Tajammul, thank you for a lovely afternoon with your book. It was a genuine pleasure to read!

I've posted my review on Goodreads and The StoryGraph, and shared it in a few Facebook reading groups as well.

I couldn't find your book on BookBub, but if you add it there, I'll gladly post my review there too.

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

The StoryGraph:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Lena.

Lena R. wrote: "Done reading and reviews posted.
Tajammul, thank you for a lovely afternoon with your book. It was a genuine pleasure to read!
I've posted my review on Goodreads and The StoryGraph, and shared i..."

Lena, thank you for those review links. You're done with your reviewing commitment for the round.

Please delete any email contact information that you might have received for use for that review for this round. Thank you!

Here's my review of Lena R. Halden's The Human Advantage...

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/book_re...

That completes my reviewing commitment for the round, but I'll still be around for any modding needs until the round finishes.