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booksthrilljessica's reviews
461 reviews
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel
*Thank you to Neena Viel, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
3.0
Unfortunately, this book was a struggle for me. I really wanted to enjoy it based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t get into it. The creepy factor was definitely on point, but I felt like the storyline kept getting interrupted by side plots and the characters' internal dialogue. The idea of the creepy entity targeting the siblings was really intriguing, and I would have loved to see it explored more. However, whenever the internal thoughts or flashbacks kicked in, I felt like I was abruptly pulled out of the intense moments and thrown into a completely different situation. That said, I did enjoy the humor and satire among the characters, as well as their dynamic, which ultimately played into the big reveal.
*Thank you to Neena Viel, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
*Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
5.0
This book had me hooked from the very first page! With multiple POVs, the story takes readers on a thrilling ride full of twists and turns and all featuring amazing characters. This was my first Eddie Flynn book, and I dove right in without needing to read the previous books in the series. As the story unfolded, I found myself connecting with each character individually, sympathizing with them despite their flaws. The intensity of Ruby was gripping, and Eddie's wit was fantastic. And while I thought I had the ending figured out, let's just say I definitely did not!
*Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Between Flames and Deceit by M.A. Frick
3.0
This is my second M.A. Frick book, and I was really looking forward to it because of the intriguing blurb and the stunning cover. I went into it knowing it was an age gap romance, but I personally wasn't a fan of Nienna's love interest being her betrothed's father. I understand that this is just a personal preference, and others might enjoy that dynamic, but it just wasn’t for me. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if the King had started off as her arranged marriage partner, with the relationship evolving into a lovers to enemies scenario, while the Prince played the villain. The storyline was a bit repetitive with the slow burn being too slow for my ADHD brain. However, I did enjoy the secrecy of their love affair and the forbidden love angle. As for the goats, while they added humor to the book, I would have preferred more dragons, as the cover suggested. And I did appreciate that Nienna wasn't a typical damsel in distress! Her character was strong willed and pursued what she wanted rather than just accepting what was accepted of her. That said, I do wish the book was shorter, there were parts that made it hard for me to stay invested in the story. All that said I did love the characters and the dynamics between them, and the ending was absolutely heart stopping, leaving off on a fantastic cliffhanger.
*Thank you M.A. Frick for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
*Thank you M.A. Frick for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler
2.0
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. At first, I saw Vivian as the voice of reason, but that quickly changed when she seemed willing to forgive Charlie for actions that were problematic from the start of their relationship. Behaviors that had led her to leave him in the first place, resulting in some serious consequences.
As for Charlie, I found him to be an extremely untrustworthy narrator. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s selfish, a heavy drinker, or just tends to talk more than listen, but I found it frustrating every time the story was told from his perspective. He repeatedly contradicted himself, and I often found myself questioning whether he was truly in love with Vivian or just the idea of who he wanted her to be.
While I understand that, at a certain point in life, people might be willing to overlook certain flaws, I felt that both of them were ultimately lying to themselves. These characters, just like most people, still have a lot of healing to do before they can have a healthy relationship together. That said, if you enjoy romance stories dealing with second chances and flawed characters, this book may be a good read for you.
As for Charlie, I found him to be an extremely untrustworthy narrator. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s selfish, a heavy drinker, or just tends to talk more than listen, but I found it frustrating every time the story was told from his perspective. He repeatedly contradicted himself, and I often found myself questioning whether he was truly in love with Vivian or just the idea of who he wanted her to be.
While I understand that, at a certain point in life, people might be willing to overlook certain flaws, I felt that both of them were ultimately lying to themselves. These characters, just like most people, still have a lot of healing to do before they can have a healthy relationship together. That said, if you enjoy romance stories dealing with second chances and flawed characters, this book may be a good read for you.
*Thank you to Nickolas Butler, Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
3.0
Princess Calla has just won the games, not without cunning and sheer deceit. Now that she’s helped bring an end to her uncle's tyrannical rule, she must decide if August’s reign will be any better. But can she live with the choices she made, particularly what she did to Anton at the end of the games? Before she can confront her actions, however, she begins to sense something is off about the seemingly miraculous recovery of Otta Avia.
This book was both entertaining and unique. The idea of someone being able to take over your body is both fascinating and terrifying. I have similar feelings about this book as I did with the first, yet while it was compelling, the middle section felt a bit slow and I think some parts could have been trimmed. I also think the story would have benefited from including chapters told from Otta’s perspective. However, the ending was fantastic and I’m hopeful that if a third installment is in the works, it will delve deeper into Otta’s backstory.
*Thank you to Chloe Gong, Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
The Land of Frost by Whitney Welsh Gibbs
3.0
That first chapter….wow! The story kicks off with Maeve, a princess with magical healing powers, eagerly anticipating her wedding night. But things take a dramatic turn as disaster strikes as the people from the kingdom have other plans for her and her family. Barely escaping with her life, Maeve takes refuge in the most unlikely place, Bascogar prison. The opening was so gripping that I was hooked, expecting the rest of the book to maintain that pace. However, I found that the rest of the story felt like a slow montage, and I was left craving more depth in Maeve’s character development.
At times, it seemed like Maeve was constantly seeking validation from the male characters, which made it difficult for me to truly connect with her. I was also distracted by the odd freedom the prisoners seemed to have in the prison, and it took Maeve almost the entire book to realize she could leave whenever she wanted, though the real question was whether she could survive on her own. I also was confused about her magical powers being tied to her hair but not working once it was cut. Wouldn’t it still work once it grew out? Maybe I missed an explanation, but I felt this aspect needed more clarity.
That said, I really enjoyed the premise of the book. With less focus on the prison setting and more time spent on world-building or an epic journey, I think it could have pulled me back.
*Thank you to Whitney Welsh Gibbs and Azala Press for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
The Rivaled Crown by Holly Renee
Every chapter is filled with adventure, mystery, long-awaited answers, self-discovery, and passion, making it nearly impossible to put down. I particularly loved the development of Dacre’s character. As someone I once loved to hate in the first book, but a character who undergoes such a transformation by the third that he’s now one of my all time favorite book boyfriends.
From the very first pages, we’re thrown back into the sea of uncertainty, wondering if our two fated mates will finally save each other, and what will become of their prophecy. Their intertwined journeys will keep you up all night, eagerly anticipating what’s next. As for the reluctant hero, Verena, she’s grappling with the newfound knowledge of who she is and what that means for her future. She must decide what she wants from her life, her new family, and what she’s willing to sacrifice to save them.
This book will forever live rent free in my heart and mind!
5.0
This book took me on an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster, and I didn’t want to get off. I am completely in awe of Holly’s writing! She has captured my heart and soul with this series in a way I’ll never forget. I’m certain I’ll carry this story with me for a long time.
Every chapter is filled with adventure, mystery, long-awaited answers, self-discovery, and passion, making it nearly impossible to put down. I particularly loved the development of Dacre’s character. As someone I once loved to hate in the first book, but a character who undergoes such a transformation by the third that he’s now one of my all time favorite book boyfriends.
From the very first pages, we’re thrown back into the sea of uncertainty, wondering if our two fated mates will finally save each other, and what will become of their prophecy. Their intertwined journeys will keep you up all night, eagerly anticipating what’s next. As for the reluctant hero, Verena, she’s grappling with the newfound knowledge of who she is and what that means for her future. She must decide what she wants from her life, her new family, and what she’s willing to sacrifice to save them.
This book will forever live rent free in my heart and mind!
*Thank you to Holly Renee, Lauren Cox, and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
The Writer by J D Barker, James Patterson
Now – When Shaw is called to an apparent break-in, he quickly realizes there’s more to the crime scene than initially meets the eye. Shaw and his partner, Jarod Cordova, are called to the home of famous writer Denise Morrow, where she has discovered the brutal murder of her husband. As they dig deeper into the crime, both detectives sense something’s off and are determined to get to the bottom of it.
Then – Through short, interwoven snippets, we’re taken back to a case Shaw and Cordova worked on involving the brutal assault of a young woman, and the man they’ve sent to prison for the crime. The suspense builds as readers wonder how these two timelines will eventually connect.
While I did find the detectives’ portrayals to be a bit stereotypical of the NYPD, particularly in their initial impressions and internal dialogue (which sometimes veered into misogyny), it made sense for their character development and the eventual plot twist. The multiple twists at the end kept me on my toes, some I saw coming while others I never expected.
4.0
Told across two timelines, this book unfolds as a gripping police procedural from the perspective of NYPD detective Declan Shaw.
Now – When Shaw is called to an apparent break-in, he quickly realizes there’s more to the crime scene than initially meets the eye. Shaw and his partner, Jarod Cordova, are called to the home of famous writer Denise Morrow, where she has discovered the brutal murder of her husband. As they dig deeper into the crime, both detectives sense something’s off and are determined to get to the bottom of it.
Then – Through short, interwoven snippets, we’re taken back to a case Shaw and Cordova worked on involving the brutal assault of a young woman, and the man they’ve sent to prison for the crime. The suspense builds as readers wonder how these two timelines will eventually connect.
While I did find the detectives’ portrayals to be a bit stereotypical of the NYPD, particularly in their initial impressions and internal dialogue (which sometimes veered into misogyny), it made sense for their character development and the eventual plot twist. The multiple twists at the end kept me on my toes, some I saw coming while others I never expected.
*Thank you James Patterson, J.D. Barker, Little, Brown and Company for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
A Throne of Frost and Flame by Victoria K. Taylor
5.0
The raw emotions, bada$$ women, and epic journeys in this book had me hooked from the very first page! I went into it already feeling a deep connection with Deya from the previous book in the series, but as the story unfolded, my love and emotional bond with Val became indescribable. The struggles and losses Val has endured throughout this book and the two before it are heart wrenching, and the fact that she keeps pushing forward speaks volumes about her character. As for Deya, I found myself questioning why she wouldn't tap into her powers and embrace her darker side at pivotal moments. These two characters truly exemplify how one can endure mental and physical pain when faced with darkness, loss, and destruction. Then there's Caelum… a character you can't help but want to hate, only to end up loving in this epic "will they, won't they" romance. And will the reluctant lovers, Aris and Val, finally get their chance? This book has everything, and the cliffhanger has left me eagerly awaiting the next book!
*Thank you to Victoria K. Taylor for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan
4.0
I absolutely loved the concept of this book, blending the world of ghostwriting for the rich and famous with mystery and murder. I really connected with the main female character, who is a no-nonsense, solitary, and business-focused woman. It was also refreshing to see her begin to question whether this is the life she truly wants, or if she’s yearning for deeper, more intimate connections with others. The dynamic between her and Dorothy was fantastic and entertaining. Donovan captures their relationship perfectly, describing it as a true Sherlock and Watson partnership.