Sizzling Romance Novels to Read in the Summer Heat
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on July 11, 2023
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. If you’re looking for a new sizzling romance read to enjoy the summer weather with, there’s something for everyone on this list! A Lethal Betrayal by Lori Matthews With 340+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, A Lethal Betrayal follows coast guard agents Landry and McKenna as they investigate a murder with a dangerously attractive prime suspect. Pamela M. raves in her five star Amazon review, “An incredible start to the Coast Guard Hawaii series that immediately pulled me into the middle of all that was happening and kept me glued to the book until I read the last word of this fast-paced thriller. I… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jane Harvey-Berrick
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on July 4, 2023
Today’s interview is with award winning, multi-genre author Jane Harvey-Berrick. Jane has been publishing for years and it was an honor getting to know more about her writing process and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JHB: The short answer is contemporary romance and women’s fiction – but I don’t really like to categorise like that (even when I have to!). I write stories about people with all their flaws and failings, but people who haven’t given up, people who perhaps just need to meet the right person to find the next steps on their journey through life, their place in the world. HG: Beautiful. Tell us a bit about your publishing journey. When did you know you were ready to take on the “author” role? JHB: Oh, I’m still working on that! I never want to… Read More >
Children’s Books To Read For a Summer Reading Program
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 27, 2023
Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for a great bedtime story to enjoy with your youngest book lovers. With summer reading programs coming up, we have a handful of children’s books to read or add to your TBR! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well. How Lucky Am I? by Brittney Spencer With 25 ratings and a 4.7 average star rating, How Lucky Am I? is recommended for children 5 years and younger. How Lucky Am I? is the story of an expecting parent dreaming of the future with her child. “A sweet, sweet heartfelt story to share with your children,” Whitney writes in her five star Amazon review. “You can feel the love flowing from page to page from the author’s words to her daughter. The illustrations are precious and warm… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Brian Sachetta
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 20, 2023
Today’s interview is with author, blogger and software developer, Brian Sachetta. Brian is passionate about using his skills to positively influence the lives of others, and much of his writing is focused on health, wellness, and personal development. It was a pleasure to get to know more about Brian’s publishing journey, mission and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BS: By trade, I’m an engineer, so that definitely comes through in my content: I enjoy figuring out how things work (or at least trying to), testing out different solutions, and presenting my findings to my audience. I used that same engineering-oriented approach with my own anxiety and depression, so, in some ways, my books are really just an extension of that philosophy. My writing style and tone are mostly formal / serious (to reflect the weight of… Read More >
Fantasy Novels to bring on your Summer Vacation
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 13, 2023
If you are looking for some enthralling fantasy novels to accompany your summer vacation, this list is for you. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of recently top rated fantasy novels that our Hidden Gems ARC readers raved about. The Dragon King’s Egg by Ava Richardson With 130+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, The Dragon King’s Egg is the fourth in the six book Charassi’s Fae Queen series. In this installment, the arrival of a new dragon egg, combined with the prophesy of impending doom will force Ophelia, Queen of Fae, to balance conflicting interests regarding the future of the egg, and the kingdom. Miriam K. writes in her five star Amazon review, “I was so excited to continue in Charissi’s world! This book was great; introducing new characters that fit in perfectly! Exciting and adventurous with the sweet romance thrown in now and then!! Wonderful read!!”… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Deryn Pittar
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 6, 2023
Today’s interview is with award winning romance author Deryn Pittar. Deryn writes across multiple genres, and today she shares her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Deryn’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? DP: I write over a range of genre; sci.fi/paranormal/fantasy, contemporary fiction, romance, a cozy mystery and a dash of horror. I also dabble in poetry and particularly like the challenge of haiku which requires few words to convey a moment in time. HG: Wow! How fantastic. Tell us a bit about your publishing journey. When did you know you were ready to take on the “author” role? DP: About twenty years ago I decided to get serious about my desire to write. Research told me that romance was… Read More >
Women’s Lit Books to Read This Summer
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 30, 2023
According to Wikipedia, Women’s fiction is an umbrella term for women centered books that focus on women’s life experience that are typically marketed to female readers, and includes many mainstream novels. If you’re looking for women’s lit books to add to your queue this summer, take a peek at these titles our ARC readers loved. Love, Lizzie by John Zaiss With 70+ ratings and a 4.9 star average, Love, Lizzie is the story of a woman in a seemingly perfect marriage in 1952, and the tale of her story as it is unraveled fifty years later. Patricia K writes in her five star Amazon review, “Really an excellent read. This story was captivating from the beginning, and held my attention throughout. It reminds us of a time with different challenges, when family secrets could shift a life or lives once they are revealed. I appreciated the multi generational characters and… Read More >
5 KU Romance Novels to Borrow Next
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 23, 2023
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 get to choose from love stories of all kinds, from newly published and veteran authors. This week we are highlighting some recent faves that happen to be in Kindle Unlimited. If you’re looking for a new read to enjoy soon, there’s something for every romance reader on this list! To Redeem an Earl by Nina Jarrett With over 400 ratings on Amazon and a 4.4 star average, this is one for historical romance lovers. According to the book description, in this steamy historical romance, a cynical debutante and a scandalous earl find themselves entangled in an undeniable attraction. Will they open their hearts to love or will his past destroy their future together? Kelly R., Vine Voice raves about the character development in her… Read More >
Sci-Fi Books to Read This Summer
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 16, 2023
Summer vacations are just around the corner! Need to add a futuristic book (or two) to your TBR list? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following sci-fi books, and we bet you will, too. Hamartia by Raquel Rich With 35+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Hamartia is the first in a thrilling time traveler series by Raquel Rich. In this installment, Grace is in a race through time to save her son – or humanity. Scott P. explains in his five star Amazon review, “When Grace gets the nod to participate in a secret clinical trial that holds a shadow of a hope to save her son’s life, she’s taken on a desperate roller coaster ride that involves time travel, soul cloning, intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and sacrifice…Time travel stories are always fraught with paradox, but Rich is able to pull off hers without it becoming too complicated or… Read More >
Mystery Novels to Read on the Beach
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 9, 2023
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 there’s nothing better than a mystery novel that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the end. So if you’re looking for a page-turning mystery to read on your next vacation, this list is for you. Only One Lie by Audrey J. Cole With 850+ ratings and a 4.4 star average, Only One Lie by Audrey J. Cole is a thrilling kidnapping saga set in 1940s Seattle. Karen M. describes in her five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “Well developed characters that intertwine in an astonishing storyline that reveals not only the grip of a powerful and ruthless banking family, it showcases the amazingly heroic actions of the women… Read More >