booksthrilljessica's reviews
472 reviews

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

2.0

I saw this book getting a lot of highly rated reviews in a Facebook group, so I decided to give it a try. The premise definitely grabbed my attention as we are introduced to Mary B. Addison, who was convicted as a child for the murder of a baby. And after serving time in what she calls “baby jail,”  Mary’s now living in a group home, trying to piece her life back together. But the big question that resurfaces throughout the story is….did she really do it?

While the concept was compelling, I struggled with the execution. The writing style and the interactions between Mary and the other characters in the group home just didn’t resonate with me. I understand that the author likely wanted to reflect a gritty, realistic environment, but I found it hard to connect with any of the characters, including Mary. I think we were supposed to feel sympathy for her, but that emotional connection never landed for me.

One thing that really threw me off was Mary’s unwavering loyalty to her mother, even as she faces becoming a mother herself. It felt unrealistic and frustrating. And as for the ending... it honestly felt like a letdown. After following Mary’s journey, the way things wrapped up made me question if sticking with her story was worth it. A strong premise, but unfortunately, it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan

3.0

I didn’t really enjoy this book. The premise, especially the setting in Malaya during WWII, initially drew me in because of the praise and intriguing synopsis. I was eager to start reading what I hoped would be an emotionally powerful and informative story. Unfortunately, instead of offering a deeply moving narrative or meaningful insight, it felt like the book leaned more into shock value. The events portrayed were undeniably horrific and deserve to be shared, but the way they were presented, without any warning, left me feeling blindsided. Personally, the lack of content warnings, especially around topics like CSA and child/pregnancy loss, made it difficult for me to stay connected to the story. These are important issues to address, undeniably, but I wish the book had given readers a heads up.

*Thank you to Vanessa Chan, Simon Element l Simon & Schuster  for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Trial of Bronze and Blood: A Fantasy Romance Novel by M.K. Deoradhán

5.0

What a phenomenal journey this book took me on! From the very first page, I was completely immersed in the world of Drusilla Valerius (Dru) a fierce and complex heroine who’s thrown headfirst into the deadly Valorem Blood Trials. These trials aren’t just a fight against deadly evils, but a battle to discover her own identity. Dru’s path to self-discovery is both thrilling and emotional, and thrust her into the arms of her ex, Marcus Scaevola.

Deoradhan’s world-building and character development are absolutely amazing. The attention to detail and emotional depth pulled me right into the story. I couldn’t get enough of the enemies to lovers trope and the slow burn romance between Dru and Marcus was everything I hoped for.

Dru is the kind of fierce female lead I love, strong, independent, and fully capable of fighting her own battles without relying on the male lead to save her. And Marcus? He’s the brooding protector type who would go to any lengths for Dru, even while carrying a secret that could unravel the trust they’ve fought so hard to rebuild.

An intense, beautifully written fantasy with adventure, lust, and high stakes. I couldn't put it down!

*Thank you to M.K. Deoradhan for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

5.0

This book was absolutely gripping and incredibly well done. I was hooked on the idea that every character, including the narrator Theo, was hiding something. And it was only a matter of time before everything unravels as they find out each other's secrets. I'm a sucker for a murder mystery set in a remote, wintry cabin where no one can leave and Marshall sets this up perfectly! The writing was sharp and clever. I often found myself confidently guessing the characters' secrets more than once, only to be proven wrong each time, which made the twists even more enjoyable.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

3.5

I’m conflicted about my review of this book. While I really appreciated the documentary style approach, I felt that those chapters were the only parts of the story that truly moved the plot forward. That being said, I did enjoy the behind the scenes look at the cutthroat world of ice skating.

Katarina and Heath have shared a deep connection since childhood, competing for the affection of others, which they ultimately find through ice dancing. However, Katarina’s sheer determination and willpower begin to strain the bond she shares with the one person she truly loves and trusts. At times, I felt the story dragged, with a desire to see more from the characters in a quicker timeframe. I did, however, enjoy the evolving dynamics between them and the other ice skaters over time.

I do wish the book had introduced more characters to enrich the love story or delved deeper into the intricacies of the skating world. If you enjoy a romance tested by challenges with a satisfying, happy ending, this book will be a great fit for you.

*Thank you to Layne Farg, Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Vow of Wrath and Ruin by K.W. Foster

4.0

From the very first chapters, we’re thrust back into the steamy and captivating tension between Aelia and Tharan. I initially feared this book might focus more on their physical attraction than sotryline, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quickly reverts to being a character driven story, much like the first installment. Filled with betrayal, epic quests, and intense battles, this book immerses readers in the characters' struggles as they face the uncertain hands of fate.

As the race to reach the Trinity Wells intensifies, Aelia and Tharan must part ways to achieve their goals. Aelia remains suspicious that her sister might be harboring secrets with Aelia’s former love, Gidion, all while searching for her mother to uncover vital answers. Along the way, Aelia will uncover more than she anticipated which will force her to confront the difficult truth about her sister.

Meanwhile, Tharan embarks on his own quest to find Baylis, the one responsible for the death of the Alder King. Now that he’s been named the successor, Tharan must fight not just for the throne, but for what he truly loves. Tharan is trying to forge his own path, independent of what other think it should be.

Will Aelia and Tharan’s destinies align, or will the forces that be tear them apart?

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

5.0

I never thought I could love a book more than Phantasma, but I was wrong! This book has completely captured my heart and soul! Genevieve has bewitched me with her funny, sarcastic, and fierce characteristics. She is a refreshing change from the typical MFCs found in most romantacy novels.

When Genevieve enters the House of Enchantra, she quickly realizes it’s a dangerous game, much like Phantasma, only dark, dangerous and filled with deadly games full of peril. She came to Enchantra seeking answers about her curse and a way to break it, but what she doesn’t expect is to be forced into a marriage with the devilishly handsome Rowin. Yet, if she wants to survive and win, she has no choice but to except her fate.

The chemistry between Genevieve and Rowin is absolutely perfect and steamy! I also enjoyed the dynamics between Rowin and his family, their utter distruction of each other all while they are all pursuing the same goal… freedom. It added an unexpected layer of is heartbreak to their story.

And the narration by the incredible Laura Horowitz was on another level! Her voice brought the characters to life in such a way that I not only wanted to own the book but the audiobook as well, so I could listen to it time and time again!

Genevieve and Rowin will always have a special place in my heart, and their story will play on an endless loop in my mind.

*Thank you to Kaylie Smith, Bookouture Audio | Second Sky Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso

4.0

A thrilling teen slasher novel that follows a group of high school students determined to uncover the truth behind their town's most infamous murders. However, they never expect the legendary curse to start targeting them.

I loved the eerie ghostly presence that haunted the teens as they tried to figure out who was picking them off one by one. And the growing tension between Eden and Caleb also set up a perfect friends to enemies to lovers storyline. The narration done by Jennifer Jill Araya was flawless, bringing the characters to life in such an incredible way.  And the ending was full of shocking twists and turns that I never saw coming! 

*Thank you to Chelsea Ichaso, Tantor Audio and Netgalley for the ALC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Nobody's Fool by Harlan Coben

4.0

This was my first Harlan Coben book, and even though it was the second in a series, it was absolutely phenomenal! 

Sami Kierce, a former police detective, is doing whatever it takes to support his loving wife and young son. On top of his private investigation work, he also teaches night classes. But during one of his classes, Sami is stunned to see a woman he once loved while backpacking in Spain. Someone Sami believed was dead and he was the one responsible.  Now, faced with the shocking reality that she is alive and well, he's determined to uncover the truth behind her survival, no matter the cost.

This book had such an intriguing premise and kept me hooked from start to finish. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proven completely wrong. I truly sympathized with Sami as he fought to do what was right, all while grappling with the difficult realization that doing the right thing isn’t always in everyone’s best interest.

*Thank you to Harlan Coben, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4.0

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! It perfectly blended mystery and intrigue, while also being filled with witty and hilarious remarks.

Finlay Donovan, newly divorced and struggling to get by on her nonexistent writer's income, knows she’ll have to do whatever it takes to survive. However, she never anticipates a stranger slipping a note into her purse with an offer that seems too good to refuse. But can Finlay go against her morals to salvage what little remains of her broken life? Along the way, she uncovers unexpected truths about her ex-husband and his new girlfriend, all while discovering more about herself.

This book was the ideal cozy mystery, with the perfect mix of romance and humor. I can't wait to read the next book in the Finlay Donovan series!

*Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.