ARC Central: Calling ARC readers

If you're an ARC reader and would like to discover new indie-authors across various genres, you're in the right place.

Check out some of the current ARC opportunities below from a few fellow indie authors who are looking for ARC readers to join their team! Interested in any of these? Submit your application to join any relevant ARC teams via the links below.

Not sure what an ARC reader is? Check out this article: Beta Vs ARC reading: What's the difference?

Secret Santa

Author: Amy Tackett Genre: Thriller Apply here: Google Docs Submit application by: 27th September 2024

Synopsis:

Six friends. One holiday tradition. How many dead bodies?

When a former member of their clique dies unexpectedly, five friends reunite for a holiday tradition in an attempt to atone for their sins. But on the night of their gift exchange, they’re faced with a grim reality when mysterious boxes appear under the Christmas tree.

An unwelcome Secret Santa is among the group, and they must unearth the secrets of their past if they’re going to survive the night.

In this pitch-black thriller, Tackett explores mean-girl culture in an atmospheric, Appalachian setting that will have readers questioning all of their past friendships.

Purpose

Author: Annabel den Dekker

Genre: Young Adult, LGBTQIA+ Romance, Science Fiction

Apply here: Form

Submit application by: 1st October 2024

Synopsis:

If Jax could write his own story, he would add a true friend to spend his life with.

Jax Braeden has always felt different. Life at home is rough, and he struggles to find someone to truly connect with. All of this changes when a shy boy named Liam Hayfield steps into his life.

With Liam by his side, Jax braves the rough waters of high school, figures out his sexuality, and learns the true meaning of love and friendship. But Liam's life is filled with secrets, and once they start to unravel, they both find themselves in danger.

One day, Jax and Liam wake up at a mental health clinic, unable to remember who they are or what they mean to each other.

Will they find their way back to one another... and to themselves?

Just Like Christmas

Author: Annabel den Dekker

Genre: New Adult, Holiday Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQIA+

Apply here: Form

Submit application by: 1st October 2024

Synopsis:

There's nothing Niall Davis hates more than Christmas—except maybe his ex-best friend, Samuel Valentini. At least, that's what he keeps telling himself. 

Since the traumatic death of his father, Niall has turned into a Scrooge-like grump. When Sam pretends they are dating to get his meddling mother off his back, Niall sees an opportunity to avoid spending Christmas with his family and grudgingly goes along with it. 

Their scheme leads them to getting stuck together in a secluded cabin, where Niall is forced to take a good look at himself and face all his past, present, and future ghosts. 

Will he find a way to let go of his pain and love Christmas again? Or will he remain trapped in his bitterness forever?

The Earl and the Vixen - Book 1 of the Unlikely Betrothal Series

Author: Christina Diane Genre: Regency Historical Romance

Apply here: Form

Submit application by: 31st October 2024

Synopsis:

A scorned woman. A guarded man. A second chance at love.

Falling for the boy next store wouldn't have been so bad for Eliza, if the object of her affection wasn't also the son of her father's rival. Eliza is willing to risk everything for a shot at true happiness after she had given everything to the magnetic future Earl of Craven.

Until he sleeps with her and then breaks her heart, that is, and shows up years later, as if nothing has happened.

Can Eliza forgive and forget? Or will love be her undoing once more?

For Nick, there has only ever been one woman who possesses his heart. Eliza Nelson. But it seems love is not in the cards for Nick and Eliza...

Until fate brings them together after a heartbreaking mystery, that is.

Intent on discovering what happened all those years ago, and why Eliza is so distant, can Nick keep his desires buried? Or will he give up everything for a second chance at a childhood dream?

Cordial Convictions Author: Kateri Stanley Genre: Gothic Romance Apply here: https://www.kateristanley.com/contact Submit application by: N/A

Synopsis:

The truth cannot be hidden.

Greg Weaving took a gun to his workplace and killed several of his colleagues, before turning the weapon on himself.

A year on, plagued by guilt and humiliation, Marcus Weaving has been nursing a serious case of amnesia at The Barbary hospital. His son's crimes caused a ripple effect in the local community and the media pointed fingers in his direction. As a former mental health professional, how could he not know that his own flesh and blood was planning on committing mass murder?

Determined to recover from his public scars and resume civilian life, Marcus is notably distracted by another patient at The Barbary. Lily is a traumatised young veteran suffering from depression and severe PTSD. She is just as intriguing as her beauty is unsettling for him.

Beneath The Stains of Time Author: Michael Nunn Genre: Horror Apply here: Form Submit application by: N/A

Synopsis:

No matter how deep, the past never stays buried.

Fifteen years ago, the Unholy Spirit Killer murdered seven people in a small town in the north of England. Fathers and sons, abducted from their homes without a trace, as though taken by a spirit. The pattern was left unfinished.

Alex Greyson buried his past a long time ago. He created a new identity, a new personality, to keep anybody from knowing the truth: he's the son of a serial killer.

Now the Unholy Spirit is back and he's made Alex's estranged brother victim number eight. The only way to keep the truth of his past from destroying his new life, is to return to his hometown and resume his old identity. To hide in plain sight until the police catch his brother's killer.

Alex has been haunted by his father's crimes for fifteen years but, despite all evidence, he cannot accept the Unholy Spirit has really returned.

'Til Death Do Us Part

Author: Me, Arti Manani Genre: Psychological Thriller Apply here: Form Submit application by: 26th September 2024

Synopsis:

Amy's life takes a terrifying turn after a fall erases her memories, leaving her with nothing but an unsettling feeling that her husband, Samuel, is hiding something sinister.

Behind his loving facade, she senses a darkness that forces her to question everything—her marriage, her identity, and her very reality.

As she unravels the mysteries of her past, a chance encounter reveals disturbing truths, pushing Amy into a frantic search for answers. But the deeper she digs, the more Samuel's affection turns to manipulation, and the motives behind his actions become chillingly clear.

With her sanity on the line, Amy must navigate a dangerous game where the stakes are her very survival.

Can she outsmart the one person she’s supposed to trust, or will she fall victim to the secrets that bind them?

'TIL DEATH DO US PART is a domestic, suspense thriller that delves deep into the twisted realities shaped by trauma and amnesia, exploring how grief and mental health can twist our realities in ways we never imagined.