Author Spotlight Interview: Stephanie Queen
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 28, 2021
Today’s interview is with USA Today bestselling author of romance, Stephanie Queen. Stephanie has published more than fifty novels and novellas, and now also teaches novel writing classes and speaks at libraries, conferences and workshops. We were honored to chat with Stephanie about her writing style and exciting upcoming projects. HG: Hi Stephanie! Thanks for allowing us to get to know you better today. So tell us, how would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? SQ: Hot and tense with twisty plots, pops of humor and distinct non-cookie-cutter characters (according to readers). HG: Sounds fantastic. You’ve got a couple of upcoming books, He Has a Baby is a single dad hockey romance, which releases October 15th and is available for pre-order now. Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and what readers will love about this story? SQ: Readers will… Read More >
Thriller Books to Keep You Up At Night
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 21, 2021
Captivating, thought provoking and at times downright bone chilling, a great thriller can often take our mind to the land of “what if?” Hidden Gems readers have been fortunate to have plenty of thrillers to choose from over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well liked page turners. Run For The Hills by Jodi Burnett A psychotic client stalks therapist Joscelyn Turner and flips her life upside down. When his threats become violent, she must run from her home to save her life and the lives of her horses and dog. If you like roller-coaster whirls of emotions and thriller novels with gripping tension, you will love Run For The Hills, from Hidden Gems reader favorite, Jodi Burnett. Judith T. raves in her 5-star review, “If I could give this more than a 5 star rating, I would! It’s… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Yolanda McCarthy
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 14, 2021
Today’s interview is with speculative fiction author Yolanda McCarthy. Her debut novel is currently a #1 New Release on Amazon in the Teen & YA Dystopian and Science Fiction Romance category. We were thrilled to chat with Yolanda about her author journey, life outside of writing and exciting upcoming projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? YM: As a reader, I enjoy the fast-paced twists and turns of a thriller, the yearning of star-crossed lovers, the hollowness of a villain who’s lost faith in the world, and for my setting I need something ‘more’ than the everyday. Whether that’s a science fiction invention, magical-seeming powers, or historical details… I guess I just like escapism! I also like young adult literature, because that’s where we find the really powerful choices on which the rest of a lifetime turns. As a writer,… Read More >
Highly Rated Romances To Cozy Up With This Fall
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 7, 2021
Romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program and our readers love the chance to dive into new reads, generally before release. Today we’ve rounded up five of the most highly rated romances that our readers enjoyed recently. We’re sure you’ll want to add these to your TBR list this Fall! The Hellion is Tamed by Tracy Sumner The Hellion is Tamed is #4 in the steamy Victorian series Publishers Weekly calls, “A superpowered twist on Victorian romance!” In this scandalous story, passion defies time and love conquers betrayal. “The Hellion is Tamed by Tracy Sumner is another heart tugging, riveting entry in the League of Lords series,” raves C. Sinclair in their 5-star review. “Emotionally engaging and lyrical in its execution, the writing both astounds and satisfies this reader’s expectation. Haunting and at times tragic we follow the story of Simon Alexander from his… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Hamour Baika
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 31, 2021
Today’s interview is with author Hamour Baika. His contemporary historical fiction novel is inspired by real events during a tumultuous period preceding the Iran Iraq war. Baika has crafted a memorable cast of characters of divergent and conflicting political allegiances, all who struggle to do the right thing in a morally complicated world. It was an honor to learn more about his writing journey, why this book is important to him and about his upcoming projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? HB: I’m an Iranian American author who writes about atypical characters and settings. Before growing roots in the Washington DC area, I lived in several countries as a refugee. Migration, whether internally or across international borders, is a factor in many of the pieces I’ve written or am writing. LGBT issues are also on the forefront. As I write… Read More >
Young Adult Novels You’re Never Too Old For
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 24, 2021
You’re never too old to curl up with a young adult novel and you’ll definitely want to check out these favorites among Hidden Gems ARC readers. Each great in their own way, with all the elements that make YA addicting, don’t blame us if you find yourself spending a whole weekend devouring these reads. Everywhere, Always by Jennifer Ann Shore When Avery Miller wakes up in her hospital room, it’s to a life she didn’t expect, want, or ever imagine for herself. Everywhere, Always is a standalone romantic young adult novel from Jennifer Ann Shore, Hidden Gems ARC team favorite and Amazon bestselling author of The Stillness Before the Start and The Extended Summer of Anna and Jeremy. “If you are looking for a feel-good YA indie novel that will make your eyes misty, pick up Everywhere, Always,” says Christine in her 5-star review. “As Avery overcomes the tragic… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Susan English
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 17, 2021
Today’s interview is with award-winning author Susan English. Her debut novel Callisto 2.0 is the transformative first book in the Shambhala Saga feminist science fiction series. It was an honor to learn more about her writing journey, why this book is important to her and about her upcoming projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? SE: I am someone who writes from the heart. I try to be as honest and open as possible, both with my autobiographical work and fictional characters. My main impetus for writing the Shambhala Saga in particular is to imagine what the not-too-distant future might look like. But instead of the typical post-apocalyptic dystopia, with brutal regimes, zombies, or nuclear fallout, I figured if I’m going to create my own reality through my writing, why not go for something more positive? Why imagine a future full… Read More >
Science-Fiction Novels for the Imaginative Mind
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 10, 2021
Science Fiction has a way of igniting a sense of wonder with imaginative and creative tales. From space exploration to time travel, extraterrestrial life to the mysterious unknown, these five science-fiction novels were popular with Hidden Gems readers who got to read them for free. HAWK: Hellfire by Mike Waller If you like great, classic science-fiction novels, you will love this new work by multi-award-winning author Mike Waller, an action packed dive into the world of a galactic mercenary driven by the ghosts from his past. Grab a copy now and join Lazarus Hawk in his search for justice for a remote colony world. “I LOVED this new book, HAWK Hellfire!” writes Slugpuppy3 in their 5-star review. “Hellfire is a devastating, illegal street drug in the far future. Krystian (Hawk) Hauken’s mission has nothing to do with drugs – he thinks. Guarda officer, Abigail (Abbie) Renner’s mission has everything… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Julia Brewer Daily
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 3, 2021
Today’s interview is with women’s fiction author Julia Brewer Daily. Her debut novel tackles topics of adoption and motherhood and has received much advance praise. It was wonderful to learn more about her writing journey, why this book is important to her and about her upcoming projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JBD: I’m a Texan with a southern accent. I lived most of my life in Mississippi and now I will be buried in Texas. My writing is straight-forward, not too flowery, with southern voices and relatable characters. I use cliff-hangers, raw emotions, and tension to propel the reader forward and keep them reading. HG: Fantastic! It’s release day for No Names to Be Given, congrats! Who is your audience and what can readers expect from this story? JBD: I think of this story as Women’s Fiction, but the… Read More >
5 Hot Romances for Summer Vacay
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on July 27, 2021
Romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program and our readers love the chance to dive into new reads, often before they’re even for sale. Today we’ve rounded up five newer hot romances that have been highly rated by readers. Which one will be next on your to-read list? The Match by Winter Renshaw With over 650 Amazon reviews and a notable 4.5 star average rating, The Match from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Winter Renshaw is a hit! This contemporary sports romance is about a woman having a baby by sperm donor then unexpectedly meeting him and what unfolds is a game changer. “If you’re looking for a romance that is light on the angst and heat, but heavy on the love and family theme, then this is definitely one to read,” writes I Heart Reading in their 5-star review. “This story is about… Read More >
