Lists

Humorous books to Tickle Your Funny Bone

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 3, 2022

They say laughter is the best medicine. Need a prescription? We’ve rounded up a list of humorous books our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved. What makes you LOL?   Strange Currents by J.C. Bruce Recommended for fans of Hiassen, White, and Hall, Strange Currents is book four of five in The Strange Files. The series chronicles Alexander Strange as he lives and works aboard a fishing trawler in Naples, Florida writing about news of the weird. J.B. raves in his five star review, “I’ve read all of the Strange books and this is the best! It’s got the most-sophisticated plot, the most-developed characters, the most-memorable settings and the best dialogue. And it is strange, which is what makes J.C. Bruce’s series so unique and readable. As a veteran of numerous trips to Key West, the authentic, recognizable setting was an added treat. Bruce fills his books with uniquely-interesting characters and… Read More >

5 Love Stories to Spend Your Weekend Devouring

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 19, 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. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of top rated love stories.   Coaching the Nanny by Alexa Padgett Coaching the Nanny is a steamy, angsty single dad sports romance from USA Today Bestseller Alexa Padgett, whose love stories are universally enjoyed by our ARC readers. In their five star review, M18 raves, “Emotional, angsty, intriguing, steamy, heartfelt, heartbreaking…just perfection. Coaching The Nanny by Alexa Padgett is all that and so much more.” She continues, “From the moment I sat down and started reading I found myself so quickly falling in love with Paloma and Silas, two characters that are so likable, so relatable… Read More >

Highly Rated Thrillers That Will Captivate Readers

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 5, 2022

Heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping…those are just some of the feelings an excellent thriller can invoke. Thrillers make us wonder “what if?” Hidden Gems readers have been able to choose from a variety of highly rated thrillers over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well reviewed page turners.   Desert Rose by K. Moore If you like captivating and emotionally-driven domestic thrillers, then you’ll love K. Moore’s novel. Desert Rose was named ‘Most Promising Manuscript’ at the 2018 Alaskan Writers Guild Conference. “I first have to say, this is phenomenally written,” raves Dustin in their 5-star review. “I felt such a connection to Jen, her fear, her heartache were shared so beautifully, I felt as if they were my own. As a parent, Jen’s situation is one of my biggest fears in life. Walking through this experience with her, helped me face… Read More >

Nutrition Focused Cookbooks To Add To Your Collection

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 22, 2022

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 highlight five cookbooks with a strong nutritional focus that our readers enjoyed exploring.  Whether you want to re-evaluate your meal choices, or are simply looking for some new delicious recipes, check out these great cookbooks and don’t stress about what’s for dinner this weekend.   A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Plant-Based Weight-Loss by Shane Corbitt Curious if a plant-based diet is right for you? In A Beginners Guide to Sustainable Plant-Based Weight Loss, you will discover a straightforward guide to following a plant-based diet, 20+ easy to make recipes, tips and tricks to help you make the shift and the science behind plant-based diets. “This book was great, it had a lot of great information and was easy to… Read More >

Young Adult Novels to Read in 2022

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 8, 2022

Hidden Gems ARC readers, regardless of age, appreciate young adult novels. As an adult, there’s something so nostalgic about sinking into a YA, and for teens there’s usually a relatable theme in the storyline, or at least an opportunity to escape to another world. We’re certain you’ll want to add these highly rated YA reads to your TBR list this year.   BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey Bell With an astounding, 4.9 star rating on Amazon and well-loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers, this story comes with trigger warnings for bullying and suicide. It examines heart-breaking consequences of struggles that teens face. The characters in BFF will stick with readers. Ann B. explains in her 5-star review, “This book ventures into areas that are hard to present to middle grade and young adult readers: bullying, suicide, sexual preference, race and culture. The tenderness and thoughtfulness put into the… Read More >

Top Mysteries to Read This Spring

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 22, 2022

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 highlight five of the top mysteries that have left our readers raving and begging for more. If you’re looking for the perfect escape from reality you’ll love getting to the bottom of these page-turning mysteries.   Boys and Ghouls by Sarina Dorie Clean, cozy, no sex or swearing, PG 13— this book is perfectly fine for teens or grandmas who like mysteries with magic. Boys and Ghouls is the 14th book in the Vega Bloodmire Wicked Witch Mystery Series. The book takes place at a magical academy, but these whodunnits are fine to be read in any order. “Another great installment of Vega Bloodmire,” raves Robin M. BG in their 5-star review. “The hospital bill that Vega put Malisha… Read More >

Recent Top Rated Love Stories

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 8, 2022

Romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program and our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, it’s always a good time to crack open a romance novel. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of some of the recent love stories our readers enjoyed the most.   Sheikh’s Surprise Son by Leslie North With nearly 150 reviews on Amazon, Sheikh’s Surprise Son is the first book in Leslie North’s Sheikh’s Wedding Series. Leslie North is a Hidden Gems reader favorite, and her love stories are always universally enjoyed. “If there’s one thing Leslie North knows, it’s how to craft a strong, sexy sheikh,” writes Megan in her 5-star review. “Her heroes are deeply rooted in tradition and her heroines are strong, caring, and never… Read More >

Science Fiction Novels To Ignite Your Mind

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 25, 2022

Great science fiction novels ignite a sense of wonder with imaginative and almost unimaginable tales. They take our mind to a place of what-if.  From space exploration to post-apocalyptic survival journeys, these five science fiction novels were loved by Hidden Gems readers who got to read them for free.   Star Binder by Robert Appleton Currently ranked in the Top 100 Amazon Teen & YA Space Opera eBooks, in Star Binder, a discovery made deep under the polar ice of Mars has profound implications for young Jim Trillion and his best friend, Sergei: two orphaned grifters scraping a living in the planet’s oases resorts. “Star Binder by Robert Appleton is an outstanding work of young adult science fiction,” writes Cheryl E. Rodriquez of Readers’ Favorite. “The writing style is smooth as silk and perfectly seamless. Caught in an unbelievable adventure, sailing into the dark sea of the unknown, Jim and… Read More >

Top Rated Picture Books to Enjoy With Your Kids

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 11, 2022

If you’re looking to spend some extra quality time reading with your kids this year, you won’t want to miss this list. We’ve rounded up five children’s picture books that Hidden Gems ARC readers have recently read and adored. With delightful illustrations and touching messages they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Consider adding these titles to your shopping list the next time you’re buying for a child you love!   Do You Want To Be A Ninja? by Mark Bacera This illustrated children’s picture book is for all the little girls and boys who love dressing up and playing make-believe. In this book you and your kids can explore the secret traits and techniques of ninjas. If you’re lucky, you may even find all of their hidden ninja tools. “So, so cute!” raves Ashley in her 5-star review. “In this story, author Mark Bacera asks, ‘Do you… Read More >

Self-Improvement Books to Help Kick Off the New Year

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 28, 2021

With the new year right around the corner, a lot of people find themselves reflecting and setting intentions. Regardless of your goals, we are certain that there’s a self-help book out there for you. With those thoughts in mind, today we’ve rounded up the self-improvement books our readers loved the most.   Happy Mind, Happy Life: A Science-Backed Guide to More Happiness and Self-Love by Barbora Centik No matter your age or background, the tried-and-tested lessons inside this self-improvement book arm you with powerful tools and knowledge for taking your happiness into your own hands. If you want to escape the endless cycle of worry and enjoy feelings of contentment in your everyday life, then Happy Mind, Happy Life is for you. Pat M. says in their 5-star review, “Barbora Centik has written an engaging book that starts off with asking us a pertinent question – ‘What is happiness to… Read More >