Mystery Novels To Cozy Up and Read
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 13, 2022
One of the most amazing things about the mystery genre is that there truly is something for everyone. No matter which side of the spectrum you prefer, we can all agree that page-turning intrigue is a must. So, if the weather has you ready to cozy up with a good mystery, this list is for you. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of recently top rated mystery novels that our Hidden Gems ARC readers raved about. The Killing Woods by Linda Berry With 490+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Killing Woods is one that should be on your TBR list. Formerly published as Girl With the Origami Butterfly, this title follows Sidney Becker as she begins her tenure as the police chief in her sleepy hometown, only for a brutal murder to send her on a race to apprehend the killer. Diana U. writes in her… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Ashley Bostock
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 6, 2022
Today’s interview is with USA Today Bestselling author of seductive, addicting, thigh-clenching romance, Ashley Bostock. It was a pleasure getting to learn more about her writing, publishing journey and life outside of that! We hope you enjoy learning more about Ashley and consider picking up one of her books as your next read. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? AB: I would say that my writing style is lighthearted, with some humor and I have no problems writing explicit sex scenes or cussing. I tend to write close-knit friends or family and most of the time there is always a grandma. HG: We all love a grandma figure! That’s fantastic. Tell us a bit about your publishing journey. How did you know you were ready to take on the “author” title? AB: Unlike a lot of authors who do their research… Read More >
YA Books for the Winter Break
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 29, 2022
Are your middle-grade or young adult readers looking for novels to fill the winter break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following ya books, and we bet the middle-grade or young reader in your life will, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following titles, too. The Hollow Boys by Douglas Smith With 20+ ratings and a 4.9 average star rating, The Hollow Boys is the first in the two book Dream Rider Saga. The Hollow Boys is the story of Will, the boy who can walk in dreams, and siblings Case and Fader, who are fighting to survive the danger that is lurking in the streets. Ami A. raves in her five star Amazon review, “The Hollow Boys by the extremely talented wordsmith, Douglas Smith, is an excellent fantasy adventure! The characters are relatable and the protagonists easy to understand and… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Karina McRoberts
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 22, 2022
Today’s interview is with Australian author, illustrator, musician, and theatre producer Karina McRoberts. She shared her writing process, passions and details about projects that are in the works. It was an honor getting to know more about Karina’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? KM: If you want different, try me. Example: “Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts is by far one of the most unique books I have ever read” (editorial review from Readers’ Favorite). I’m eclectic and write in several genres. I mainly write what I call Intelligent Fiction. Stories that entertain, of course, but also give pause for thought ̶ on a whole bunch of fascinating topics! I want to involve readers in some magic, not just “talk at them”. We need magic! It’s a constant challenge to create words that… Read More >
Romance Novels to Add to Your Cart
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 15, 2022
If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. Check out this list and decide which you’ll be adding to your cart! Sweet Slow Sizzle by Sadira Stone With 30 ratings and a 4.6 star average, Sweet Slow Sizzle is the final book in the four book Bangers Tavern Romance series. You do not need to have read any of the other books in this series to enjoy, but reviewers say that you’ll want to dive into the other books in this series. Sweet Slow Sizzle is the story of Lana, a young server struggling to keep her brothers in line after the tragic death of their parents; and Jojo, a bouncer who has… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Beth Barany
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 8, 2022
Today’s interview is with award-winning author Beth Barany. We learned more about her journey to publication, how she switches between genres and her interests outside of writing. It was an honor getting to know a talented writer like Beth. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BB: I write popular fiction in science fiction and fantasy, with adventure, mystery, and romance. HG: You also write non-fiction, is that correct? Which did you publish first? BB: I published in non-fiction first, my e-book Overcome Writer’s Block. I used these tips and techniques to be the prolific writer I am today. More about the book: From a writing teacher who has taught hundreds of students in writing classes in-person and online! Do you have writers block? Do you wish you could get writing now? Are you looking for writing prompts and story ideas to… Read More >
Sci-Fi Reads to Cozy Up With This Month
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 1, 2022
Does the changing weather make you want to cozy up with a book and dream of faraway adventures in a different galaxy? We have a list of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC reviewers loved the following sci-fi reads, and we bet you will, too. Broken World by Grace Hamilton With 390+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Broken World is the first book in the four book EMP Aftermath series. Broken World follows Bear and Laurel, who are frantically fighting to save those they can in a post-apocalyptic world after life changes in an instant. Marjorie G. raves in her five star Amazon review, “This book drew me in from the first page. I loved it so much that as soon as I finished it I did a pre-buy for the next one. It is fast paced with detail to keep your attention, but… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jacky Gray
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 25, 2022
Today’s interview is with prolific multi-genre author Jacky Gray. We learned a lot about her writing style, things that interest her and the obstacles she has faced in her publication journey. It was lovely getting to know more about Jacky’s novels, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JAG: I write the kind of stories I enjoy reading, so they’re completely character-led with bags of (very British) humour, adventure and a dirty great dollop of romance. My prose takes few prisoners, assuming the reader is fully invested and paying attention. I always imagine my readers are way more intelligent than me and don’t like to be spoon-fed lots of unnecessary detail. Lee Child and Stephen King are my role models in this – every word has to earn its place on the page. HG: Excellent. You write… Read More >
Thrillers to Get You Ready for Halloween
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 18, 2022
The seasons are changing; as the leaves turn and the weather changes, it’s time to carve pumpkins, pick out costumes, or read scary stories. However you celebrate Halloween there are tales that will thrill you and keep you turning the pages. Today we’re focusing on hidden gems that our readers loved that do just that, and hope you will enjoy them just as much. The Sinister by David Putnam Currently marked as an Editor’s Pick on Amazon, with 60+ reviews and a 4.6 star average, The Sinister is book nine in the 10 book Bruno Johnson Crime Series, and can be read out of order. This book promises to be an unrelenting thriller, recommended for fans of Michael Connelly and James Lee Burke. In Lou J.’s five star Amazon review, he raves of this installment, “…David Putnam proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves an intricate and convoluted… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jo de-Lancey
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 11, 2022
Today’s interview is with debut fantasy author Jo de-Lancey. She shared with us her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Jo’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JD: I write swashbuckling fantasy, littered with morally grey characters. With my books, I want to take my readers on an adventure to new and different lands, surrounded by characters they love (or hate) and feel for. I have strong female characters who don’t conform to the usual tropes, as well as male characters who I’m not afraid to show as kind and sensitive. I’m very character-driven and I have run the Myers-Briggs test on my main characters. My writing style is bold, vivid and sensory. Readers will be able to smell, touch and hear… Read More >
