For Readers

Great Fantasy Novels to Escape Into

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 9, 2024

Is one of your New Year Resolutions to read more? If you’re looking to escape the winter cold, here is a list of some great fantasy novels loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers, sure to keep the pages turning. The Cleaners by L.L. Frost With over 445+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Cleaners by L.L. Frost is book one of a six book series which follows a team of paranormal mercenaries. JaToya L. describes in her five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “There is nothing like smart, strong characters dealing with understandable conflicts. I love that effort went into giving these characters depth. That you can see how complex they are without being overloaded with all the details from the beginning. Frost is building a cast that readers will actually care about and cheer on. And I’m really looking forward to… Read More >

Women’s Lit Books To Kick Off 2024

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 2, 2024

Explore this selection of women’s literature from the Hidden Gems ARC program—ranging from lighthearted to heart-wrenching. These novels, rich in themes of exploration and redemption, delve into the complexities of family and friendship relationships. Whether you’re seeking a moment of “me time” or your next book club pick, these compelling reads promise an engaging journey through relatable and resonant stories. Bouquets and Breakups by Jules Matthew Poppi Applewhaite’s meticulously crafted to-do list is her roadmap to success, but as life throws unexpected curveballs, she finds herself juggling professional aspirations and personal loyalties. Tasked with orchestrating the grandest wedding in Barbados, Poppi sees it as her golden opportunity to ascend the career ladder and prove herself to her affluent circle. However, her ambitions face sabotage from an unexpected source, threatening not only her professional standing but also unveiling buried personal truths. “I really loved this book,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star… Read More >

Best Romances Novels to Keep You Warm

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 26, 2023

Are you looking for the best romance novels to keep you warm as the weather chills? We’ve got you covered. Today we’ve brought a variety of recent romance novels to tickle the fancy of whatever it is you’re into, from age-gap to dark mafia romances. These books were popular with our ARC readers, which means you’ll probably love them as well. Ruthless Possession by Zoe Delaney Despite Bianca Carlotti’s disdain, Gregorio is bound to marry her to fuel his vengeance against those who threaten him. Kidnapping her is simple, and as his wife, he’ll tame Bianca, introducing her to the luxuries she missed and molding her into a woman suited for his world. Whether she approves or not… “Ruthless Possession was my first foray into mafia romance, and wow. Just WOW. I devoured the book in a day and my head is still spinning from the suspense. I never thought… Read More >

Books for Young Adults on the Winter Break

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 19, 2023

Are your middle-grade or young readers looking for books to fill the winter break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following titles, and we bet these books for young adults will satisfy the younger readers in your life, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following titles, too.   10 Minute Stories From Greek Mythology – Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Joy Chester With 35+ ratings and a 4.8 average star rating, 10 Minute Stories from Greek Mythology is just that – short stories to get your child excited about reading with quick, thrilling stories of Greek Mythology. Todd A raves in his five star Amazon review, “…Perfect for modern, busy lifestyles, it offers an ideal balance of education and entertainment. The innovative format makes these legendary tales accessible for a quick bedtime story or as an educational tool. The thoughtful omission… Read More >

Spirituality Themed Books to Expand Your Mind

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 12, 2023

Spirituality themed books encompass a diverse array of subjects. Individual beliefs and sources of inspiration vary from person to person of course, but we’ve curated a selection of books on faith and spirituality that received high praise from Hidden Gems ARC reviewers. Explore the list to discover your next enlightening read. Christ vs Satan – The Second Coming of Christ: Lucifer Rebellion. The Real Matrix Series by Trinity Royal Have you ever pondered the eternal conflict between God and the Devil? Have you questioned the origins of the War in Heaven or delved into the significance of Lucifer’s Rebellion? Do you find yourself wondering about the connection between the celestial battle and its manifestation on Earth, as well as the persistent presence of darkness? Author Trinity Royal will take you on a journey beyond space and time to find the answers. “I absolutely loved this book and am convinced only… Read More >

Mystery Novels to Add to your Holiday Wish List

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 5, 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 page-turning intrigue is a must. If you’re looking for a gripping mystery to read over the holidays, this list is for you. Naked Came the Detective by Glendall C. Jackson III With 50+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, Naked Came the Detective by Glendall C. Jackson III is an award winning novella that isn’t your typical murder mystery. Celine describes in her five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “…This book stands out as a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to the world of fiction. What immediately strikes the reader is the novel’s ability to subvert traditional expectations. It weaves a compelling narrative that isn’t bound by the conventional rules of the… Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: J.D. Gordon

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 28, 2023

Today’s interview is with author J.D. Gordon (who writes under JDG). JDG blends science fiction and humor to fabulous results, and it was a pleasure getting to know more about his writing and interests. We hope you consider checking out his work! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JDG: My goal in writing is always to say only things that need to be said, and to do it without pulling punches. Typically each of my stories has one element of the impossible in the premise, but otherwise stays grounded in reality. I also have a strong humorous streak, so don’t be surprised if I make you laugh in the process. HG: Tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind your stories or where you get your ideas.  JDG: My inspiration for Surviving the Bomb was the 2017 North Korea nuclear… Read More >

Kids Books to Add to Your Holiday Shopping Cart

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 21, 2023

Each and every week, subscribers to Hidden Gems are offered FREE books to download, read, and review – from any or all of over 15 different genres. Today, we’re going to look at some of the recent kids books that our ARC readers loved. Harvest Dreams by Heidi Rauld Two sisters, Adelina and Alessandra, are journeying through colorful autumn trees, a pumpkin patch, and an apple orchard in search of a missing pumpkin. The girls follow the thief’s trail into a forest, only to find that the culprit is a horse and is in deep trouble. She has to choose between saving the majestic horse, or her beloved pumpkin. “My daughter enjoyed this book so much, she just had to sleep with it in her bed! She would not let me put it away. It’s such a sweet adventure of two sisters with a message of good at the end… Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: R.M. Kozan

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 14, 2023

Today’s interview is with the hilarious and clever space opera author R.M. Kozan. Kozan writes stories packed with action and wonder. It was a pleasure getting to know more about their writing and interests. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? RMK: Weird, yet essential. HG: Intriguing! When did you know you were ready to take on the role of author? RMK: I felt I was a shoo-in after I hid the body of the real R.M. Kozan. HG: LOL! Tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind your books or where you get your ideas. RMK: It is mostly ChatGPT, although I also deploy a regime of Shakespeare-familiar monkeys on standard analog keyboards. (But seriously, I use alleged intelligence, not artificial intelligence.) HG: What feeling do you hope readers are left with when they finish one of your stories? RMK:… Read More >

Love Stories To Spend the Weekend With

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 7, 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. There’s a love story for everyone on this list of titles recently loved by ARC readers. Princes & Wolves by E.J. Knox Harlow has been promised to Apollo since high school. He isn’t a man, but a god, the god of school and she is supposed to be his princess. But Harlow wants to find her own place in the world, and that means rebelling against what her destiny is. “I love this series! The plot is intriguing. Who will Harlow pick? Valen or Apollo? That was a tough decision for me at first,” writes Diane V. in their five-star review. “As the story progressed,… Read More >