Easy Books to Read Over the Holidays

You can't start in the middle of a series, but you can start at the beginning as long as the cliffhangers aren't painful, and we've got just the reads for you. Whether you love dark fantasy or contemporary romance, we've got you covered, and we've also got a couple of brilliant standalones.


Short, fast, and fun...

The Witching Pen, by Dianna Hardy, is a great, light read as long as you love urban fantasy, witches, magic, demons, angels ... actually, there's a lot packed into this little gem. Yes, there are three books that follow it, but the ending of the first book is easy to cope with. If you buy the paperback, you also get the bonus short story prequel, Wilted, at the back of it. And it makes a quirky gift.

Unsure? Well, the eBook is free! So you can try before you buy.






Hot, dark, and strictly for adults...

This one's for werewolf lovers and those who don't mind bad words, violence, and explicitly written scenes. Releasing the Wolf, by Dianna Hardy, is the first book in the series and it's free (and mild compared to the rest in the series), so you can judge for yourself whether you want to continue – the ending is not for everyone. It's not a cliffhanger, though (not much, anyway). Six books complete the main series (which has one heart-pounding ending!) and there are side stories and a new series to come (sprung from this one) should you wish to go further.

Werewolves, thunderstorms, hunters uncontrollable lust ... one hell of a ride.




If you like your werewolves a little more Scottish...

Dealing with the Rogue Werewolves terrorizing his Pack? Simple. Trying to convince his mate he does want to be with her? Bloody impossible.

This hot paranormal romance book kicks off an urban fantasy series filled to the brim with vampires and werewolves, and they really don't like each other – not at all! Despite the fact that She Wolf, by Elizabeth Morgan, acts as a prequel, the book can be read as a standalone and is free as an eBook on most platforms.

All links:
Barnes & Noble| Amazon US| Amazon UK| Apple Books| Kobo






Gritty romantic suspense...

Set in the Whitechapel area of East London, Broken Lights, by Dianna Hardy, is a darker kind of romance, with a lot suspense and some violence, that looks particularly at one man's battle through redundancy and divorce. When he meets a woman from the "wrong side of the tracks" and totally opposite to him in every way, he is overcome with an impulsive need to help her, for better or worse.

Taking place in December, this actually makes a surprisingly fitting Christmas read as long as you're okay with the subject matter.

This is a standalone story.





Family drama, festive fun, a wedding, and a secret love...

Stepping Stones, by Elizabeth Morgan, is a sweet romance filled with angst and family drama. There are some very interesting dynamics due to hidden feelings, and the wedding around the corner creates the perfect grounds for revealing all!

Everything is leading up to Christmas in this story, so this makes a great festive read for those who like their romance droolworthy with no spice.

This is a standalone story.

All links:





Vampires, stately homes, and the Hampshire countryside...

A hidden past, family secrets, and blood vows all come to light as Sophia's memories are triggered by an ex's untimely visit and a vampire attack.

Blood Surge, by Dianna Hardy, is a full-length novel, yet an easy read as we live Sophia's journey with her. Not too heavy, this spicy story – humorous in places – builds a whole new reason for the vampire's existence and Sophia's unwitting place among them.

Found family, seeking identity, and hidden superpowers are delightful tropes you'll love to read until that crazy ending that leaves you gagging for more.

This is the first book in a continuing series.


A beautiful, heartfelt, uplifting romance...

If you don't do winter very well, The Spell of Summer, by Dianna Hardy, will be the perfect read for you. Taking place along the windswept beaches of Cornwall in the summer, Meredith is beside herself when her perfect wedding goes horribly wrong. Leaving the bustle of London to seek solace in her childhood home, she's pulled and pushed towards a certain boy (now a man) that changed her life thirteen years ago.

Rekindling friendships and finding love are strong themes here, along with the importance of what makes family.

This is the first book in a duo, but can easily be read as a standalone.






These make perfect gifts, and even better snuggle buddies under the covers or in your favourite chair while it rains, snows, and howls outside.

Happy reading!

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