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Finished rounds > Group 173 - 18+ Mod: Neil

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message 1: by Neil (last edited Feb 14, 2018 11:26AM) (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 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.
The new amazon rules state that authors/publishers are no longer allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on amazon. To comply with this new rule, we no longer insist members review on amazon. However, we are all in the same situation, we want reviews.
When sorting out groups, I prioritise those members who have fully participated in previous groups and don’t have multiple review connections with the other participants.

This is an 18+ round. Books that contain explicit material. Including but by no means limited to horror and erotica. Books in other genres may be submitted. All authors MUST be comfortable with reading explicit material.

If you are only willing to review your own preferred genre, make sure you join a genre round. 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.
Let’s be honest here – we don’t all like the same things but we all want reviews. 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/...

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 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 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. For a small fee, the group admin will look at the first few pages of your book to advise. 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, amazon.com and amazon.uk. Amazon has recently changed their criteria for reviewers to allow only those people who have spent $50 on amazon. If you are unsure about your amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files. Many authors can also provide mobi and epub files. You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review. Some authors borrow books via KU and others provide smashwords coupons. This is their choice. International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. It is up to individuals what disclaimers they place in a review concerning receiving a book in exchange for a review. Note: 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.

7. 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.

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

9. Your goodreads profile allows people to message you, i.e. your profile is not set to private.

10. 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.

11. You agree 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.

12. 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 pressurising other members WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in you being blacklisted.

13. The new amazon.com review guidelines do not allow for free books to be supplied in return for reviews. Therefore, you are not obliged to review on amazon, just on goodreads. We all want reviews, its 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.

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

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. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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, either by goodreads personal message to me or on the thread below, before signing up. It’s a pain to have to keep rearranging the list because people haven’t read the above.

Your group moderator will be
Neil Carstairs

Member Links
1. J.B. Trepagnier
2. Cecily Wolfe
3. Cherie Mitchell
4. Shashane Wallace
5. Augustine Sam
6. Erin Lee Daniels
7. M.V. Clark
8. Sabrina A. Fish
9. Kaylin McFarren
10. Effie Kammenou

Book Links
1. Bette, Unscripted
2. Reckless Treasure
3. Wild West Madam
4. Hot Damn
5. Take Back the Memory
6. Blaque Beauty and the Rancher
7. The Splits
8. Diomere’s Exile
9. Twisted Threads
10. Waiting for Aegina


message 2: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments As ever, when signing up please note the rules and report any review clashes with authors already signed up. Find out how to check here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


message 3: by J.B. (last edited Jan 07, 2018 02:56PM) (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) Is it possible to drop from the In this world round and join this one with Lilith? It's releasing today and I need reviews and feedback


message 4: by Erin (last edited Jan 07, 2018 01:00PM) (new)

Erin Daniels | 96 comments I have read and agree to the rules. I would like to submit my novella Blaque Beauty and the Rancher


message 5: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments I have read and agree with rules. I would like to submit my novella, One Night in Havana, One Night in Havana This is #34 in the City Nights series from Tirgearr Publishing. It has a release date of January 31, 2018, but I have arcs. Thank you.
Kathleen rowland


message 6: by J.B. (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) Erin and I have read and reviewed each other. I've reviewed one of Kathleen's books, but not that one


message 7: by Neil (last edited Jan 08, 2018 11:19AM) (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Welcome on Board J.B. and Erin

Kathleen, your book needs to be available on Amazon rather than just an arc or pre-order (Rule No. 2), if you have another book you want to substitute I will put that in (as long as there are no clashes with J.B. or Erin). If the group is still forming by Jan 31st you can swap your new release in.


message 8: by Molly (new)

Molly McHugh | 56 comments Hi, I'd like to join please! Here is my Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disord...

Here is my author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Thank you.


message 9: by J.B. (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) I've read and reviewed Molly's book


message 10: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments Neil wrote: "Welcome on Board J.B. and Erin

Kathleen, your book needs to be available on Amazon rather than just an arc or pre-order (Rule No. 2), if you have another book you want to substitute I will put tha..."



message 11: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments Kathleen wrote: "Neil wrote: "Welcome on Board J.B. and Erin

Kathleen, your book needs to be available on Amazon rather than just an arc or pre-order (Rule No. 2), if you have another book you want to substitute I..."


Molly wrote: "Hi, I'd like to join please! Here is my Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disord......"

Oh, that does make sense. Thank you, Neil. I'll wait for another time.


message 12: by Molly (new)

Molly McHugh | 56 comments J.B. wrote: "I've read and reviewed Molly's book"

I didn't recognize that name - but thank your for your past review J.B.!

So I am not able to join this review group? Let me know...


message 13: by Cherie (new)

Cherie Mitchell | 15 comments I've read and understand the rules. I'd love to join in this review round with my book, Bella Cummings, Wild West Madam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RGHNF1


message 14: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Molly wrote: "J.B. wrote: "I've read and reviewed Molly's book"

I didn't recognize that name - but thank your for your past review J.B.!

So I am not able to join this review group? Let me know..."


Hi Molly, as you suspected I can't fit you in. Daft as it may see with all the space in the group Erin occupies the only place where you would avoid J.B., better luck next time


message 15: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Cherie wrote: "I've read and understand the rules. I'd love to join in this review round with my book, Bella Cummings, Wild West Madam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RGHNF1"

Welcome on board, Cherie


message 16: by Molly (new)

Molly McHugh | 56 comments Neil wrote: "Molly wrote: "J.B. wrote: "I've read and reviewed Molly's book"

I didn't recognize that name - but thank your for your past review J.B.!

So I am not able to join this review group? Let me know....."


Ok, no worries, I guess the issue is getting on the list first, then any issues the other folks have to worry about.

Next time!

And - how do I know when a new one is being set up? Is there a notice sent?


message 17: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments There are no notices sent out, it's just a case of keeping an eye on the group and being in the right place at the right time.


message 18: by Sabrina (new)

Sabrina Fish (sabrinaafish) | 22 comments I've read and understand the rules. I'd like to join this round with my fantasy romance, Diomere's Exile
Here is my author GR profile: Sabrina A. Fish


message 19: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Welcome to the group, Sabrina


message 20: by J.B. (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) Neil? I apologize, I've just realized I've reviewed Cherie before, but not that book. I'd actually really love to read the book she has listed


message 21: by Sabrina (new)

Sabrina Fish (sabrinaafish) | 22 comments Neil wrote: "Welcome to the group, Sabrina"

Thanks, Neil. I've actually been a member awhile, but wanted to lurk for a bit to see how it goes before becoming an active participant. I'm looking forward to reading books by authors I haven't read before.


message 22: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments J.B. wrote: "Neil? I apologize, I've just realized I've reviewed Cherie before, but not that book. I'd actually really love to read the book she has listed"

Thanks. J.B., we should be okay with Cherie in that spot on the list but worth knowing in case I had moved her later.


message 23: by Crystal (new)

Crystal | 64 comments Hello!
I have read and agree to the rules.
I'd like to join with my fantasy romance, Water Lily.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

This may not work because JB Trepagnier has read this book :/


message 24: by J.B. (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) Do you have another book I could review maybe?


message 25: by Crystal (new)

Crystal | 64 comments J.B. wrote: "Do you have another book I could review maybe?"

Alas, I do not!


message 26: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Crystal wrote: "Hello!
I have read and agree to the rules.
I'd like to join with my fantasy romance, Water Lily.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

This may not work because JB Trepagnier has..."


Hi Crystal, it's not going to work I'm afraid. I can't get you in anywhere to avoid J.B. if you only have the one book. Sorry.


message 27: by Crystal (new)

Crystal | 64 comments No worries, Neil! I'll keep peeking in to check future rounds :)


message 28: by M.V. (new)

M.V. Clark | 18 comments Hello I'd love to put my horror novel in The Splits. I can supply pdfs etc. I'm not sure what the time frame is though?


message 29: by Neil (last edited Jan 18, 2018 11:40AM) (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments M.V. wrote: "Hello I'd love to put my horror novel in The Splits. I can supply pdfs etc. I'm not sure what the time frame is though?"

Hello, M.V., once the list is full and the reading order published you will have 12 weeks to read and post reviews for 4 books. We do have flexibility in those dates as long as you let us know of any delays (we all have other lives and appreciate that things happen outside our control). I have added you in for now, let me know if you want your name and book removed.


message 30: by M.V. (new)

M.V. Clark | 18 comments No that sounds fine - i've read the terms and all sounds good.


message 31: by M.V. (new)

M.V. Clark | 18 comments But when do we find out which books we are supposed to read? Do we choose them or are we allocated? presumably we read authors who are not reviewing us?


message 32: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments When the list fills up I will post the review/read order. Generally speaking it will mean you read the books of the four authors below you and you send your book to the four names above (it is a rolling list so 10 follows 1). Don't start ahead of schedule as the reading order may change at the last minute to avoid reciprocal reviews. Have a look at one of the groups that is currently running and find the post with the reading order, first time out it looks confusing but it does make sense.


message 33: by M.V. (new)

M.V. Clark | 18 comments Thanks very much Neil. I will keep a look out for when you fire the starting gun. Looking forwards!


message 34: by Cecily (new)

Cecily Wolfe Can I join with Reckless Treasure?

I have read Erin's book.

Thank you!


message 35: by Rose (new)

Rose Helg (rosehelg) | 4 comments How do I sign up. Help Please


message 36: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Cecily wrote: "Can I join with Reckless Treasure?

I have read Erin's book.

Thank you!"


I have put you onto the list at the moment, Cecily, but it all depends on whether Erin is happy to send you her other book in place of the one she has submitted.


message 37: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Rose wrote: "How do I sign up. Help Please"

Hi, Rose, the group is for authors with books they need reviews for and are willing to do non-reciprocal reviews.


message 38: by Augustine (new)

Augustine Sam (augustinesam) | 66 comments Hi, I see the list hasn't filled up yet, so I'll like to join with this novel: Take Back the Memory

GR Profile page

Conflict 1: J.B. has already reviewed this one but I can send her another book
Conflict 2: I have been reviewed by Cecily but not this book.

Many thanks


message 39: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments I think this is you fitting in, Augustine, welcome on board


message 40: by C.F. (new)

C.F. Rabbiosi | 4 comments Hello Neil! This is my first time with this group, and I have read every single guideline.
Here is my profile link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

And the book I need reviews for: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Jb has reviewed this for me already! Thanks!


message 41: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments C.F. wrote: "Hello Neil! This is my first time with this group, and I have read every single guideline.
Here is my profile link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

And the book I need ..."


Hi C.F., with the way the list has filled up I can't fit you in. J.B. has reviewed both of your books and the only slot that can avoid her is already filled I'm afraid.


message 42: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments Hello Neil, my book, One Night in Havana, was released yesterday. I would love to be a part of your 18+ group if possible. I know the rules and guidelines. One Night in Havana
Kathleen Rowland
Thank you for your consideration.


message 43: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments Kathleen wrote: "Hello Neil, my book, One Night in Havana, was released yesterday. I would love to be a part of your 18+ group if possible. I know the rules and guidelines. One Night in Havana
[auth..."


Hi Kathleen, are you aware of any review clashes with authors already listed?


message 44: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments Neil wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Hello Neil, my book, One Night in Havana, was released yesterday. I would love to be a part of your 18+ group if possible. I know the rules and guidelines. [book:One Night in Havan..."

Neil, I have a clash with J.B. Trepagnier. We have reviewed each other.


message 45: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments J.B. is very popular, I'm not going to be able to fit you in then, for the same reason I gave C.F. in the message before your first post.


message 46: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Rowland (kathleenrowland) | 71 comments Okay, Neil. I will try another time. Thank you.


message 47: by C.F. (new)

C.F. Rabbiosi | 4 comments Neil wrote: "C.F. wrote: "Hello Neil! This is my first time with this group, and I have read every single guideline.
Here is my profile link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

And the..."


No problem, thank you!


message 48: by J.P. (new)

J.P. Willson | 322 comments Okay Neil, I'm gonna give this a shot....I have reviewed both J.B. several times and Cecily once yet not these books- I have been reviewed by Augustine for one of my books and Erin has reviewed both of my books....
I think this may work- but only if you put me in the no 1 spot and shift everybody down? maybe?
How To Become a Successful (recovering)AlcoholicJ.P. Willson


message 49: by J.B. (new)

J.B. Trepagnier (jbtrepagnier) Neil, would it be possible to swap out Lilith with Bette, Unscriped? It just published yesterday, so no one would have read it in the group and it fits the guidelines since it's live now


message 50: by Neil (new)

Neil Carstairs | 662 comments J.B. wrote: "Neil, would it be possible to swap out Lilith with Bette, Unscriped? It just published yesterday, so no one would have read it in the group and it fits the guidelines since it's live now"

That's done, J,B,


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