Book Reviewer and Indie Author Ally: Chapter Chirp Reviews!

I was so excited to be able to interview Jessica, the face and force behind Chapter Chirp Reviews! She is all over social media sharing her reviews and also championing reading

indie books, it's a pleasure to be able to share a little more about her with you because I am a long time fan.

Let's start with what made you decide to be a book reviewer?

I’ve always been an avid reader but kind of got away from reading in my 20’s. A few years after having my daughter I was feeling lost as a person, I felt like I didn’t really know who I was anymore besides a mom and wife. Long story short, my sister and I were talking one day about this feeling and she asked me to buddy read a book with her. Reading together sparked a fire in me that reminded me how much I truly loved reading and that was all she wrote. I started entering Goodreads giveaways and to my surprise I was winning books left and right. I was devouring as many books as I could. I actually started writing reviews to give back for having won the books, I figured it was a nice way to show my appreciation and gratitude. Everything kind of snowballed from there, I felt like I was myself again or I guess I should say a new and improved version of who I’d always been.

Why are you such an advocate for indie authors?

Shortly after I started reading again I also began my Bookstagram journey, and not long

thereafter I noticed a trend where traditionally published authors were really being pushed by the majority of influencers. I saw that there was this huge disparity between traditionally and independently published authors and I thought to myself, WHY? I’ve always been a fan of the underdogs because I’ve always felt like an underdog myself. It was at that moment I decided I wanted to take part in helping bridge the gap between readers and Indie authors. I wanted to read and review their stories, and help shout from the rooftops about how amazing their stories were. In doing so I feel like I’ve helped introduce people to books they might not have discovered otherwise, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet a wealth of genuinely kind people that have become not just my friends but family.

Do you have a favorite book genre and if so, what is it?

Haha, this is always a dreaded question for me because I am a lover of all genres. If I’m being honest, there is one genre that will always hold a special place in my heart slightly above the rest though and that is historical fiction. I love being transported to a different place in time, and getting to explore that period, the places, and the people through the minds of the author.

Do you have any favorite romance book tropes?

Ooh I love this question, my number one favorite romance trope is hands down enemies/rivals to lovers. I don’t know what it is about this trope that just sets my heart on fire but I’m obsessed with it (it never lets me down). I also really enjoy a good slow burn, opposites attract, and forced proximity.

Who is your animal sidekick, and are they a hindrance or a help to your work?

While I do have 3 dogs, sadly none of them are around me while I work as I don’t think I’d actually get any work done this way. I am a SAHM (stay at home mom) though so my usual sidekick while I’m working is my daughter. She’s only seven, but she’s fascinated by what I do and loves being a part of the process. I try to include her by asking her opinion on something I’ve written or what she thinks of a graphic I’m working on. She has a great eye for artistic things so I really do value her opinion, and she has no qualms about telling me if I’m being cringe.

Is there anything specific you'd like to share with readers?

I’d like to say read what you want to read, but also don’t be afraid to try new genres, authors, formats, etc. I’ve been heavily reading for the past two years now and I’m still discovering new things that I really love. Also, for the love of everything, read the Indies!! There’s so many amazing writers and books in this space that are so under-appreciated and overlooked, take the chance!

Thank you so much for sitting down with me, Jessica! I hope that readers follow Chapter Chirp Reviews from the links below so they can get recommendations on wonderful reads, find their next favorite book and support another amazing indie book champion.

Chapter Chirp Reviews Instagram

Chapter Chirp Reviews Threads

Exciting News from Hadley Grey This Month!

ARCS went out today for Luring the Librarian, and release day is LOOMING next month (May 29th!!). I am equally excited and terrified as I always am the month of a release. Cadel and Cassie's story was more emotional for me to write, and I can't wait for readers to get to know them and fall for them like Cadel falls for Cassie. His little librarian.

LURING THE LIBRARIAN is a dark sci fi romance with all the possessive, protective, touch her and die vibes you could want, with a human warrior with alien abilities who falls hard for a curvy librarian full of snark and wit.

Preorders are live now, so feel free to check it out on Amazon to get a jump before it comes out.

Rooted Night Market Saturday May 2nd from 6-9 PM

Want to talk in person? I'll be at the Rooted Night Market

tomorrow night in Cleveland, TN.

For those in Tennessee it should be a fun evening of local artisans, handmade goods, plants, and hands on experiences. Plus there will be flash tattoos by Heavenly Huckaby Tattoo who will be in the booth beside me!