Round_144 "General" -Full & Underway- (reviews due Nov 17) > Likes and Comments

This is a "General" 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 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. Amber Daulton - Acoustic Embrace (Embracing You Book 1): A Steamy Halloween One-Night Stand Romance (NO gen-AI used)
2. Eric Gibson - In the Company of Flies (NO gen-AI used)
3. Ann Birdgenaw - Black Hole Radio (NO gen-AI used)
4. Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn - this is not a love story (NO gen-AI used)
5. K Balamurugan - Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone (gen-AI used for 2 interior illustrations)

(✓ 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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Can I join with The Bog of Lost Memory
No generative AI was used in creation of this book.
I filled out the contact form.

Eric wrote: "Can I join with The Bog of Lost Memory
No generative AI was used in creation of this book.
I filled out the contact form."

Certainly! Welcome to the round, Eric.

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.

Can I join this round with Nebulis Nebulis
Eric has read my books but not this one. No AI was used to generate my book.

Sorry, I've reviewed all of Ann's books.

Ann wrote: "Can I join this round with Nebulis Nebulis
Eric has read my books but not this one. No AI was used to generate my book."

Certainly! Welcome to the round, Ann.

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.

Eric wrote: "Sorry, I've reviewed all of Ann's books."

Eric, I don't see that you have read and reviewed the series' first book Black Hole Radio.

Could you please confirm that's the case, because if so, you can read that book of hers for the round (and I'll adjust the list accordingly).

Could I join with Acoustic Embrace (Embracing You Book 1): A Steamy Halloween One-Night Stand Romance or an alternate?

I've read from both Ann and Eric before, including their chosen books. I've actually read all of Ann's books, but I think Eric has a few more that I haven't read yet.

I'll fill out the form right away.

No AI used in my book.

Thanks a lot.
Amber

You're right, Lynn! I could read Ann's first book.

I even have another short story for Amber.

I'm ok with Eric reading my first book. It's the Green cover.

That works out well, thank you all!

Eric, could you please let me know what that other short story is, so I can update that in the list. Thanks!
_ _ _ _ _

And welcome to the round, Amber.

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.

In the Company of Flies

Thanks, Eric. In the Company of Flies sounds like a fun short story.

Thanks a lot, Lynn!

Eric wrote: "In the Company of Flies"

Thank you! The list is now up to date.

Can I please 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 haven't read Amber's book and Ann hasn't read my book.

I have filled out the form.

Thank you.

Tajammul wrote: "Can I please 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 haven't read Amber's book and A..."

Tajammul, for me to be able to see where you might fit in the list for the round, you need to please provide a complete sign-up. That means including:

>> Which of the other authors have previously reviewed any of your books... for all of the authors already in the round’s list...

>> Which of the other authors you’ve previously reviewed... for all of the authors already in the round’s list...

Thanks.

I've read from Tajammul before, including his chosen book.

I've also reviewed Tajammul's chosen book

Yes, Eric and Amber has reviewed my book but Ann has not. Also, I haven't reviewed anyone's chosen book.

Thank you everyone for the information. That helps.

Tajammul, I see that you've previously reviewed Ann (a different book). That's something that also needs to be mentioned when signing up, as authors cannot be reviewed by someone they have previously reviewed - no matter what book was involved.

So all of your conflicts for this round are:

Amber and Eric have both reviewed you before - so you cannot review either of them.

You have reviewed Ann before - so she cannot review you.

This is the important conflict information needed to determine whether an author (you, in this case) can fit into a round.

And with this complete list of your conflicts here combined with everyone else's conflicts, I'm sorry but I just don't see a way that I can fit you in this round. Perhaps you can fit in the other round that's forming? And watch for new rounds to open.

Thanks for the info, Lynn.

Tajammul, I'm so sorry - I messed up!

It looks like you can fit in the round, with Eric reviewing you (your book Unanswered Verses since he's already reviewed Mixed Bag: Short Stories) and you reviewing Ann.

Please let me know if you still want to join. Thanks!

(And sorry again about the mess-up!)

Its okay Lynn but I will skip this one. Thanks!

Tajammul wrote: "Its okay Lynn but I will skip this one. Thanks!"

Okay, thanks for letting me know. I've deleted the contact information that you had provided for this round.

Still looking for another participant for this round!

Ideally someone who can review Amber and who can be reviewed by Ann.

Lynn wrote: "Still looking for another participant for this round!

Ideally someone who can review Amber and who can be reviewed by Ann."

As my previous commitment is done, can I join in again with "Mixed Bag - Short Stories"

As you have mentioned, I haven't reviewed Amber's listed book and Ann hasn't reviewed my chosen book.

P.S; I won't be able to prospose an alternate book. So, considering this, I wonder if I will fit in. Will fill in the form if I do.

Thanks

Tajammul wrote: "As my previous commitment is done, can I join in again with "Mixed Bag - Short Stories"...
P.S; I won't be able to prospose an alternate book...."

Tajammul, I'm sorry, if you can't offer an alternate book to be reviewed, I can't fit you into this round.

Edited to add: Perhaps you'd like to join the new Novella round that I've opened up.

Eric, Ann, and Amber, what do you think about changing this round from a "Novella" round to a "General" one, since it's been taking a long time to fill?

That's fine with me. Thanks.

Ok with me. Amber hasn't read my first novel.

Eric wrote: "Ok with me. Amber hasn't read my first novel."

Just FYI, you don't have to switch books. General rounds do include novellas. :)

fine with me.

Thank you all. I've switched it to "General". Hopefully that'll mean it'll finish filling soon so we can get this round going. :)

Hi, may I join with this is not a love story?

No gen AI used.

I have reviewed Eric before (though not their chosen book.
Amber has reviewed me (and this book) before.
Ann and I are in the clear.

Hayley wrote: "Hi, may I join with this is not a love story?
No gen AI used.
I have reviewed Eric before (though not their chosen book.
Amber has reviewed me (and this book) before.
Ann and I ..."

Welcome to the round, Hayley.

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.

Hello, Can I join with my book Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone

I have reviewed Amber and Ann (but not the books mentioned) and I dont have any conflicts with others. AI used for two illustrations and cover in the book. No AI was used in the writing.

Thanks.

K wrote: "Hello, Can I join with my book Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone
I have reviewed Amber and Ann (but not the books mentioned) and I dont have any conflicts with others. AI use..."

K, it looks like you'll fit in that last spot! But your sign-up isn't complete yet. You still need to please provide your contact information via the form linked in message 1 under "To sign up for this read/review round". Thank you.

Thanks Lynn.
Submitted the form.

a. Goodreads Profile link:

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

b. Goodreads Book info link:

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

c. AI Disclosure Statement:

I didn't use generative AI in the creation of this book. I created all content myself.

d. Authors in this round who reviewed my books:

None.

e. Authors in this round I have previously reviewed:

None.

f. Relationships:

None.

Carpathian wrote: "a. Goodreads Profile link..."

Carpathian, thank you for your interest in the round, but it's already in the pending phase which means it's not open to more participants (the only exception would be if someone has to drop out during this part). I've deleted the contact information that you submitted for this round. Please watch for a new round opening soon.

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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

Ready to start

good to go

Ready!

Ready!

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

You have four weeks to read and review.
Start date: Oct 19, 2026
End date: Nov 17, 2026

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

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 In the Company of Flies (Eric Gibson).
K Balamurugan is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

2.__Eric Gibson
You're reviewing Black Hole Radio (Ann Birdgenaw).
Amber Daulton is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

3.__Ann Birdgenaw
You're reviewing this is not a love story (Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn).
Eric Gibson is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

4.__Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn
You're reviewing Angelo Sapiens and the Serpent's Stone (K Balamurugan).
Ann Birdgenaw is reviewing your book, so please make sure they have a copy to read.

5.__K Balamurugan
You're reviewing Acoustic Embrace (Embracing You Book 1): A Steamy Halloween One-Night Stand Romance (Amber Daulton).
Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn 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! :)

Ann, I'll need a copy of yours, please and thank you.