Hidden Gems

Welcome to Hidden Gems hosted by KJ's Book Nook! Once a month I'll feature a new to me author that I've discovered and fell in love with their books. I'll share the author's bio, one of my favorite books of theirs and a review.

For this month's Hidden Gems I am going to choose...

Emily Schneider

Emily Schneider is a multi-award winning author who grew up in Minnesota where she spent most of her life studying music and singing, which ironically has nothing to do with writing fantasy novels or rom-coms.

While music had always been a passion, Emily could never get away from her love of reading and writing books full of dragons, Fae, monsters, magic, and romance.

When she is not writing about dragons and romance, you can find Emily chasing around her two dogs, Pixel and Frodo, playing Mario Kart with her husband, or watching The Lord of the Rings for the one-hundred-and-eleventh time.

Emily is the author of the best selling Ash & Smoke trilogy, winner of the '21 and '22 Best Indie Book Awards. Emily is also winner of the 2022 Minnesota Author Project in YA Fiction.

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Mood reading is a thang y'all. When I get in the mood to read a particular trope, I will not stop looking for books until I find at least one. Grumpy/sunshine is what lead me to finding Emily Schneider and I just have to tell you... I am SO glad that it did! From the moment I started reading The Heart Shot, I could NOT put it down and I wanted ALL my bookish friends to read it! This book had all the swoony feels that I have come to love and crave in books. I'm not going to lie, this is definitely one of my top 3 books of the year. It. Is. Amazing!

Two strangers. One couple's photoshoot. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m Elsie Faren and I hate love.

Err, not hate, exactly. More like I no longer believe in it. After watching my parents divorce, then dumping my deadbeat boyfriend, I realized the idea of love is a fantasy.

For four years I’ve been perfectly content to remain single and alone, but now my best friend has tricked me into doing a couple’s photoshoot with a stranger.

Unfortunately, that stranger, Jameson Beck, has somehow managed to worm his way into my life, convincing me to go on three dates with him.

I was so certain that my hardened heart would be immune to his sunshine demeanor and kind soul. Little did I know that between all my fears, our flirting, and some flying donuts, there would be a sizzling spark between us…one that would have my heart begging to be let out of its cage.

But I’ve seen the effects of broken love—and I can’t risk it—not even for Jameson.

…Right?

You can check out my review here.

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!

The Heart Shot by Emily Schneider

 

Synopsis:

Two strangers. One couple's photoshoot. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m Elsie Faren and I hate love.

Err, not hate, exactly. More like I no longer believe in it. After watching my parents divorce, then dumping my deadbeat boyfriend, I realized the idea of love is a fantasy.

For four years I’ve been perfectly content to remain single and alone, but now my best friend has tricked me into doing a couple’s photoshoot with a stranger.

Unfortunately, that stranger, Jameson Beck, has somehow managed to worm his way into my life, convincing me to go on three dates with him.

I was so certain that my hardened heart would be immune to his sunshine demeanor and kind soul. Little did I know that between all my fears, our flirting, and some flying donuts, there would be a sizzling spark between us…one that would have my heart begging to be let out of its cage.

But I’ve seen the effects of broken love—and I can’t risk it—not even for Jameson.

…Right?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Oh holy swooniness with all the feels Batman! Where do I even begin?! This book was AMAZING! 

I hadn't even finished reading the description before I was downloading this baby. To say I was intrigued was an understatement. A reverse grumpy/sunshine? Strangers pretending to be in love? Why not give it a shot? Y'all. I am so glad that I did! 

It didn't take very long for me to be transported to Meridel, IA where I became fully immersed in all things Elsie and Jameson. These two quickly made their way into my heart and I couldn't help but love them!

My heart ached for Elsie. She had been through so much. To keep her heart from being hurt again, she built her walls up so high in hopes that no one would ever break through them. But one look at Jameson and she knew she was going to be in trouble. 

Jameson... *dreamy sigh* Y'all. He will have you swooning like no other. This man knows what he wants and he wants Elsie. There is just something about her that calls to him. He has no problem tearing down those walls to see into her heart, to see her. 

Gah! I couldn't get enough of these two! Their chemistry, their banter, their sizzling, swoony kisses... *dreamy sigh* They were absolutely perfect for each other! 

This is my first book by Ms. Schneider and it definitely will not be my last. Her writing style is so fun and I can see her personality shining through every single word she writes. I cannot wait to get my hands on Maya's book. I have a feeling I'm going to love it just as much as I did this one. 

Y'all. Make sure you read the dedication of this book. It will hit you right in the feels. Best dedication I have read in a long time. 💗

And of course I can't forget my casting... *dreamy sigh* I had so much fun picking these two out! I don't know about you, but I'm in love! What do you think?