Why I Review Books

I started reviewing books because I am an author myself, and I understand how difficult it can be to obtain legitimate, lasting reviews.

I have previously used review-exchange platforms where authors read and review one another’s work in return for tokens or credits. While well intentioned, I found the process slow and unreliable. Of the three reviews I received through such a platform, two were removed from Amazon, and it was clear that those reviewers had not read the book in full.

I have also encountered scam reviewers who use AI-generated summaries or rely solely on blurbs to write reviews without reading the book at all. As an author, it is deeply discouraging to recognise a review that does not reflect the work, and even more so to see reviews deleted after publication.

I read every book I review in full. I do not write reviews based on blurbs, summaries, or automated tools. None of my reviews have been removed.

I hold Kindle Unlimited in Australia and can leave reviews there, and I also qualify to post reviews on Amazon.com. Where possible, I may also post reviews on platforms such as Goodreads. When platform or regional restrictions prevent this, the full review will always be published here.

This site exists to provide honest, thoughtful reviews that respect the time, effort, and vulnerability involved in writing a book. I review this way because I know how much it matters.

See my Reviews

Click the links to see the reviews I have posted

FAQs

Why choose me as a reviewer?

I read each book in full and write an honest, thoughtful review based on the work itself. Reviews focus on craft, clarity, themes, and reader experience. I do not use AI-generated summaries or write reviews based on blurbs alone.

What genres do you review?

I primarily review fiction, with a particular interest in speculative fiction, fantasy, and literary works. I occasionally review memoir and other genres if the work aligns with my interests and available time.

How long does it take?

Reviews are typically completed within one week, depending on book length and current reading commitments. Timelines are always discussed in advance.

Yes, I can accept print copies. However, for faster turnaround I prefer ebooks.

I have Kindle Unlimited, so if your book is enrolled in KDP Select, please send the Amazon link to the digital edition. If your book is not part of KDP and the ebook price exceeds $5 USD, the cost of the ebook will be included in the review fee.

I prefer to purchase the book myself where possible, as this allows reviews to be verified and ensures my own standing with KDP is not affected..

Do you accept print copies?

Do you write 5 star reviews?

How much do reviews cost?

Yes. Any author whose book I review cannot review my own work in return. Reviews must remain independent and reciprocal reviewing is not permitted.

Reviews are priced to reflect the time required to read each book in full and write an original, independent review.

Rate:
$1 USD per 1,000 words, calculated on the total word count of the book, including front and back matter.
Word counts are rounded up to the nearest 1,000.

Minimum review fee:
$25 USD

This fee covers reading the book in full, writing a human-written review, and publishing the review on Teresahakaraia.com. Reviews may also be posted on Amazon Australia, Amazon.com, and Goodreads where platform rules and regional eligibility allow.

Payment does not guarantee a positive review and does not influence the content, tone, or outcome of the review.

Payment:
Payment is currently accepted via PayPal. Payment is requested after a book has been approved for review and before reading begins.

Are there any conflicts of interest?

I do not guarantee star ratings. I assign ratings based on my genuine reading experience, using the following criteria:

1 star
The book is not recommendable.

2 stars
I was able to finish the book, but the writing is not yet polished enough for publication. This may include issues with structure, clarity, execution, or coherence of ideas.

For 1 and 2 star outcomes, I will write the full review and share it privately with the author. If you do not wish for the review to be published publicly, I will not post it anywhere.

3 stars
The story has merit and a solid foundation, but something does not fully come together to elevate it further.

4 stars
I genuinely enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.

5 stars
The book is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

As an author myself, I respect the time, effort, and vulnerability involved in writing a book. I do not approach reviews with the intention of demoralising or tearing down an author’s work. My focus is on reading for enjoyment and recognising what the author is doing well, rather than centring the review on flaws.

That said, I do not write 5-star reviews because a fee has been paid. Amazon and other platforms do not allow incentivised reviews, and neither do I. While many of my past reviews have been 5 stars, this reflects my reading approach and the books I choose to review, not a guaranteed outcome

How do reviews work?

I have a strong academic and professional background in reading, analysing, and evaluating written work.

I hold a Master of Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, and a Graduate Diploma in English Literature, and I am also a secondary-trained English teacher. This means I read with both technical understanding and reader awareness, considering craft, structure, clarity, and intent alongside overall enjoyment.

I read efficiently and with purpose. Most reviews are completed within a few days rather than months, while still reflecting a full and careful reading of the book. This allows authors to receive timely, thoughtful feedback without the long delays common on many review platforms.

My goal is not speed for its own sake, but focused, attentive reading that results in a clear, honest, and useful review.

Get in Touch

Questions or review requests? Reach out anytime.

Welcome to Teresahakaraia.com.

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of this website and the services provided through Teresa Reviews. By accessing this website or submitting a book for review, you agree to be bound by these terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, please do not use this website or services.

Nature of the Service

Teresa Reviews provides independent, human-written book reviews. Reviews are based on a full reading of the submitted book and reflect the reviewer’s honest opinion.

Payment for a review reflects time spent reading and writing and does not guarantee a positive rating, public posting, or publication on third-party platforms.

Review Outcomes and Publication

Star ratings and review content are determined solely by the reviewer.

For reviews resulting in 1 or 2 stars, the review will be shared privately with the author. These reviews will not be published publicly without the author’s consent.

For reviews resulting in 3 stars or higher, the review may be published on Teresahakaraia.com and may also be posted on third-party platforms such as Amazon or Goodreads where permitted by platform rules.

Once a review has been published publicly, it will not be removed at the author’s request unless required by law.

Payment and Fees

Fees are based on total word count and are outlined above in FAQs.

Payment is requested after a book has been approved for review and before reading begins. Fees are non-refundable once reading has commenced, as they compensate for time and labour.

Payment does not influence the tone, content, or rating of a review.

Intellectual Property

Review Publication

All reviews are written by the reviewer and published on Teresahakaraia.com.

Where platform rules allow, reviews may also be posted on Amazon.com, Amazon Australia, and Goodreads.
Reviews posted on Amazon may be a condensed version of the full review published on Goodreads and this website.

The website version remains the most complete and authoritative version of each review.

That is all you need. No IP chest-beating, no legal awkwardness.

Author Submissions

Submission of a book for review confirms that the author or rights holder has the legal right to distribute the book for review purposes.

Teresa Reviews reserves the right to decline any submission at its discretion.

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External Links

This website may contain links to third-party sites. Teresa Reviews is not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of any external websites.

Disclaimer

Reviews represent the personal, professional opinion of the reviewer and are not statements of fact.

No guarantee is made regarding the impact of a review on sales, rankings, visibility, or reader reception.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Teresa Reviews is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website or services.

Changes to These Terms

These Terms and Conditions may be updated at any time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any revised terms.

Contact

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact via the website.

Terms & Conditions