Author Spotlight Interview: J.H. Croix
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 5, 2021
Today’s author spotlight, and the first one of 2021, is USA Today Bestselling Author JH Croix. JH is known and loved for her swoon-worthy contemporary romances. She releases several books each year and often works on collaborative projects, so her readers are always satisfied. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about her writing process, life outside of writing and future projects that are in the works. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JH: I love people and places that inspire happily-ever-afters. I write swoon-worthy romance with smart, sassy heroines who challenges alpha heroes. Small town romance is totally my jam, and most of my stories take place in several fictional towns. HG: Love that! Where does the inspiration come from? JH: I’m intensely curious about what motivates people, and my stories are character driven. I’m inspired by… Read More >
Most Reviewed Romance Books of 2020
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 29, 2020
Hidden Gems sends out thousands of novels from hundreds of authors each year, and although we cover more than 15 genres, our most popular by far is romance. Our subscribers decide which books they want to read and review, but if you’re searching for something new to read yourself, you’ll want to start with the ones that got the most positive attention both in terms of number of reviews left, and an overall positive score. Here are the top 5 romance novels that we sent out this year that meet those criteria. Bang by Sabrina Stark One hard billionaire. One college grad turned nanny. And a massive mansion that’s way too small for their growing attraction. With a 4.5 star average rating on Amazon, not only was this a popular selection amongst Hidden Gems readers, it was also well loved. For fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, Bang is a fun,… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Michelle Hazen
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 22, 2020
Today we’re talking to Michelle Hazen, whose latest book, Breathe the Sky, is one of the Amazon Editors’ Top Picks for Best Romance. It’s a real treat to have this opportunity to chat with Michelle about her books, inspiration and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? MH: I’d say I write romance that feels real. Lots of heart and angst and humor and friendship all wrapped up together in every book, just like it is in life. HG: That’s fantastic. So you probably draw inspiration from all around you! Have you always known that you wanted to write romance? MH: What always draws me into a story, whether it’s on a tv show or in a book or movie, or in one of my own book ideas, is the love story. The love relationships, both romantic and… Read More >
5 Well Read Women’s Literature Novels
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 15, 2020
This round-up includes some of the most-read women’s literature books that have come through the Hidden Gems ARC program. Ranging from lighthearted to heart wrenching, these relatable women’s lit novels have elements of exploration and redemption while delving into relationships within families and friendships. Perfect for “me time”, or your next book club pick. No Home Like Nantucket by Grace Palmer Grace Palmer, a favorite women’s literature author among Hidden Gems readers, brings us love, loss, heartbreak and hope in No Home Like Nantucket. Mae Benson was happy—a beloved wife, beloved mother, beloved neighbor. But even she wasn’t ready for the tragedy looming around the corner. The accident that claims her husband’s life rocks the whole family. And it’s not the only thing stirring up trouble. “What a great book to escape the quarantine pandemic of this coronavirus time,” writes Rebecca B. in her 5-star review. “There are so… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: J.W. Webb
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 8, 2020
Today’s Author Spotlight Interview is with fantasy author J.W. Webb. J.W is an epic storyteller and his next release The Giants’ Dance is due out on December 17th. We are ecstatic to have had the opportunity to chat with him about his books, inspiration and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JW: I’m a storyteller who learned to write. That took time – I drove big rigs for years. But as the decades rolled by the stories echoed louder in my head. I love the fantasy genre. The joyous release magical tales award the reader, helping them escape the norm – especially in a year like this one. New realms, magic, heroism – how anything can happen. As a child I was found loitering by the lamppost in CS Lewis’s Narnia, or else hanging out with… Read More >
5 Young Adult Book Series Starters to Fill Your Weekend
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 1, 2020
If this season of life has you wanting to curl up and binge-read a new series, you’ll love this list of young adult book series starters that were favorites among Hidden Gems ARC readers. Each is great in their own way, with all the elements that make YA addicting, so don’t blame us if you find yourself spending a whole weekend plowing through these series. The Acceptance by Ramona Finn The Hunger Games meets Divergent in this epic first book in the GEOS trilogy. Currently in the top 50 Teen & Young Adult Dystopian ebooks on Amazon, Finn writes a story in which humanity is on the brink of extinction. After being nearly wiped out by a deadly virus, Earth’s population was saved only by the genius of Farrow Corp. Now, the scientists in Farrow’s Labs work tirelessly to search for a cure to the genetic plague that has… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Tudor Robins
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 24, 2020
Today we’re sitting down for an interview with author Tudor Robins. Tudor writes “stories to make you smile”, and lately, we could all use more of those. That’s why we are so thankful for the opportunity to chat with her about her inspiration, life outside of writing and her latest release, Before & After: a Pandemic Novel. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? TR: Did you have to start with the hardest question? Well … I guess my tagline gives the big-picture idea: “Stories to Make You Smile.” Several readers have told me that when they finish my books they spend the rest of the day in kind of a happy daze. That’s exactly what I’m going for – especially these days – trying to give readers a break. HG: Haha! Definitely what everyone needs these days! Are your novels… Read More >
5 Steamy Romance Reads to Heat Up Your Winter
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 17, 2020
Light up the fireplace, grab your favorite blanket and get ready to melt with these steamy romance novels that were popular among Hidden Gems ARC readers who recently got to read them first, and for free! There’s a romance for everyone on this list, but be warned, they might keep you turning pages and skipping sleep. Protecting His Brother’s Babies by Katie Knight and Leslie North With an average 4.5 star rating and over 150 reviews on Amazon, USA Today Bestseller Leslie North and Katie Knight invite you to indulge in a heart-pounding military romance with a hot, super-alpha Navy SEAL protecting the woman he loves at all costs. “This book is gripping, captivating and draws the reader in with lots of intrigue, action and suspense and succeeds in keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, captivated and with baited breath,” writes Texas Customer in their 5-star review…. Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Tessa Layne
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 10, 2020
Today’s Author Spotlight Interview is with USA Today Bestselling Author Tessa Layne. Tessa writes steamy contemporary romance with swoon-worthy happy endings that fans go crazy for. Today she’s celebrating the release of her latest novel, Ride Rough, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with her about her books, inspiration and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? TL: I write stories with strong emotional arcs, themes of redemption and unconditional love. My stories are often a mix of humor, tears, angst – the full breadth of emotions. I think I gravitate to these stories because I recognize that as humans, we’re all broken – some more than others – and we’re all seeking the assurance that we’re lovable and worthy of love. I write strong characters and model healthy relationship behaviors because I discovered… Read More >
5 Political Fiction Reads to Add to Your TBR List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 3, 2020
It’s election day in the United States, and in many ways this year seems like something out of a political thriller. So if you’re looking for an escape from reality, we’ve rounded up these gripping, thought-provoking political fiction books that were under the radar this year. Hidden Gems readers got the chance to read several of these first (and for free!) and they recommend them to anyone that loves a story with political, military and/or conspiracy elements. World War O by James Ward World War Offshore…it’s the biggest anti-capitalist demonstration the world has ever seen. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators spread across six continents, demanding an end to the “non-accountability of the 1%”, re-regulation of the world’s financial services, and a new era of social justice. In this fictional tale, James Ward tackles one of the most hotly-debated topics of recent times. Taxation and corporate wealth. Just what, if anything,… Read More >
