booksthrilljessica's reviews
465 reviews

Josephine's Tear by V.I. Davis

4.0

This book was incredible! In a world where vampires, ravagers, and dark witches hold power and humans are mere vassals, Sophie Devereaux is determined to uncover the truth about her mother's death and find a way to wipe out all supernatural beings. Her strategy is to infiltrate the vampire world by posing as a clan leader’s vassal. But Sophie never expected to learn that not all vampires are evil, nor that the lies she has been told extend to just supernatural beings. With the help of a note left by her mother, Sophie will discover something within herself that will send her life down an unexpected path. The writing was fantastic, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. My only wish is that some of the more intense moments were explored further, allowing readers to truly experience them alongside the characters. The slow burn romance between Sophie and Henry is absolute perfection! I am desperate to read book 2!

*Thank you to V.I. Davis, Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

3.0

This was my first Hendrix book, and unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me. I was excited to dive in, especially with all the hype and the intriguing synopsis. I was expecting something with a "The Craft" like vibe, but it just didn’t hit the mark. The book's premise tackles the injustice faced by young pregnant women who are pressured by societal norms and family expectations to give up their babies. However, the witchcraft element felt tacked on, almost as if it was there to add intrigue but wasn’t fully explored. When it was explored it was done only by some of the girls at the detriment of the others. Fern, in particular, was hard to connect with, her indecision and lack of clear direction made her feel insignificant to the overall story other than being the main character or narrator. Even though the book ends with a so called HEA, it felt rushed and forced, leaving me unsatisfied.

Broken Tides: A shift in the Tide by A.M. Denelsbeck, A.M. Denelsbeck

3.0

Set in a dystopian waterworld, Abigail discovers that her beloved father is not the man she thought he was. When he is murdered, she is determined to seek revenge. Along the way, she finds unexpected solace in someone she never imagined, and an enemy in someone she once held close. I do wish the book had been longer to explore more of the story in greater detail. Some intense or steamy moments felt rushed, and I would have loved more time to truly dive into the characters and their journey. I grew attached to them and wanted more time to connect with their backstories. 

My Rose by E.S. Portman

4.0

In this dark mafia romance with a Romeo and Juliet feel, we meet Rose, who has pined for her best friend August since childhood. But when Briggs Andrews enters her life, everything she’s known is about to be turned upside down. With secrets about her tragic past waiting to be uncovered, she’s on the brink of discovering something that could shatter her life. The sizzling sexual tension and undeniable chemistry between Rose and Briggs is absolutely irresistible. I especially loved the mystery that unfolds, revealing why Briggs has been pushing Rose away for so long. For all the dark romance girlies out there, this is a must-read!

*Thank you to E.S. Portman for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

One Last Wish by B.L. Wilde

3.0

The premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention. Featuring a shadow daddy, a matter of fact MFC, and a secret magical side plot. I loved the representation of a main character who struggled with mental health issues as well as being neurodivergent. I could also relate to the way she navigated social situations. However, I struggled with how much of the story centered around Alora’s desire to get laid. The lack of world building and explanation as to what Alora’s dreams ment left me confused. Especially since key details were only introduced in the final chapter and were glossed over to the point where I still don’t fully understand who or what Alora or Darce are. That said, the concept is intriguing, and I’m open to reading the second book in the series to gain a clearer understanding of the story.

*Thank you to B.L. Wilde for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne

4.0

I was completely captivated by this enchanting story from start to finish. The forced proximity, fated mates, and slow burn romance between Wren and Finn had me hooked. However, I do wish we had more insight into Elodie’s backstory, specifically the challenges she faced and how she became so powerful. I truly felt for the characters, and their struggles and heartaches were deeply moving. Finn’s internal battle, torn between his lifelong role of hunting those with magical abilities and the magnetic pull he feels toward Wren, was particularly heartbreaking. Meanwhile, Wren is desperately trying to suppress her magic to stay hidden from those who want to destroy her. While the spice level was low, the plot developed nicely with several unexpected twists and turns.

*Thank you to Jessica Thorne, Second Sky and Netgalley for the Audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

So I Lied by Chelsea Ichaso

4.0

A gripping tale of betrayal and deceit, this novel follows three friends who discover just how far they’re willing to go to protect their secrets. The story begins with the trio setting off on a bachelorette trip abroad, only to be harassed and stalked by a fellow hotel guest. As the tension builds, questions arise… what have they done to provoke such attention, and how does it end with one of them dead? The characters are flawed and relatable, yet also deeply frustrating. Despite wanting to root for them, I couldn’t help but feel that “Karma’s a bitch” as the story unfolded. Ichaso expertly explores the idea that while everyone has secrets, those hidden sins, especially when they come at the expense of others, can lead to devastating consequences.

*Thank you to Chelsea Icaso, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

3.0

The premise of this book seemed perfect for me, especially with my love for William Shakespeare and the dual timeline featuring two similar narrators. Unfortunately, that’s about where my expectations ended. The story was filled with nothing but heartache, toxic men, and frustrating situations. I get the intention of highlighting that not all lives are happy. However, when I read a book I tend to crave a balance between good moments mixed with the bad, to offer an escape from the harsh realities of life. That said, I do appreciate how Picoult tackles tough, often taboo topics with a depth that other authors tend to avoid.

*Thank you to Jodi Picoult, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O'Neal

4.0

This dystopian novel is set in a future where plants have ceased to grow, and an evil entity is bringing about the end of humanity. I can't help but feel that the story would have benefited from being split into two books to expand and allow for deeper world building. The relationships between the characters, especially the slow burn romance between Willow and Liam, as well as the lovable third wheel, Olivia, were fantastic. I would have appreciated the opportunity as the reader to build a stronger connection with each character or more insight into their backgrounds. I did struggle with the reasons behind the state of this world, as well as the presence of powers in some but not others, making it unclear. Additionally, Liam’s super-soldier-like abilities were never fully explained. However, if you’re a fan of dystopian settings, slow-burn romances, and forced proximity, this book is definitely worth reading.

*Thank you to Brilynn O’Neal, Regenerative Lives and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Whisper in the Woods by Elise Nelson

5.0

This book grabbed my heart from the very first page. If you’re a fan of ACOTAR and enjoy rich folklore, then this one is definitely a must-read. The chemistry between Leena and Bratan was both intense and heartwarming, making their dynamic so captivating. I found myself unable to put the book down and was sad to see it end. While the romance is more closed door, Nelson places a strong emphasis on plot and character development. I only wish we had gotten to explore more of Bratan’s world and the mysteries surrounding his past.