booksthrilljessica's reviews
465 reviews

The Crash by Freida McFadden

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on. It’s a gripping blend of Misery and No Exit, as McFadden immerses readers into the life of a pregnant and aspiring nurse who is down on her luck. When Tegan uncovers horrific memories from the night she became pregnant she finds herself ensnared in a series of dangerous situations. Some of her own making, while others are thrust upon her without warning. The suspense had me hooked, and I eagerly anticipated the signature twist Frieda is known for. Although the ending felt a bit rushed and made no great shakes, it still kept me wondering what would happen right until the very last page.

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

5.0

This book is packed with suspense and intrigue, capturing the addictive vibe of a well-crafted podcast. As someone who binge-listens to true crime podcasts, I absolutely loved how this novel was inspired by a popular show, delivering just as much of that page-turning energy. I could not put this book down reading it in one day. Wilson does a fantastic job creating a morally complex female protagonist—someone who feels incredibly relatable but also holds that unpredictable, even unhinged side we all secretly wish we could unleash. I thought I had the ending all figured out, but I was pleasantly shocked by the twist! This book was exactly what I needed to break my reading slump!

*Thank you to Carter Wilson, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Waging a War: Devil's Daughter Book One by Kayla Maree, Kayla Maree

2.0

While the premise of this book initially hooked me, it ultimately wasn’t for me. The story felt lacking in plot and was overwhelmed by explicit scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy dark, heavily spicy reads, but I need more substance in the story to feel invested. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters, and the constant focus on explicit moments left me completely lost as to what the actual story was about. However, if you're looking for a quick read that's all about the spice, then this book will definitely hit the mark.

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

3.0

When four renowned writers step into Finch House in search of inspiration for their next books, none of them are ready for the life-altering—and possibly life-threatening—consequences that await them. This novel gave me all the eerie, otherworldly vibes of a Stephen King classic. While some parts did lean more heavily on shock value and the grotesque than I would have preferred, Thomas masterfully pulls readers down a dark rabbit hole of horror and the macabre. As the writers struggle to survive the haunted house’s relentless grip, facing ghostly apparitions and soul-crushing fears, the question lingers: what will become of them?

*Thank you to Scott Thomas and Inkshares. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

4.0

This book is the perfect blend of mythology and The Hunger Games. I couldn’t stop laughing at the awkward but endearing humor between Alexis and her protective snake, Nys. When Alexis discovers that she has the blood of the Gods, she’s thrust into a high-stakes game of survival at the perilous Spartan War Academy. The book balances spunky, laugh-out-loud humor with heart-pounding, death-defying challenges, taking readers on a thrilling ride that’ll keep you hooked. However, I did struggle with the aspect that despite Alexis’ tough past surviving homelessness and enduring the awful foster care system, she sometimes lacks basic common sense or world awareness. It felt a little odd, especially given her intelligence, that she was often portrayed in such a clueless way. Still, it didn’t take away from the overall fun and excitement! I also really enjoyed the narration, especially the parts featuring Nys.

*Thank you to Jasmine Mas, Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for the ALC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Hunted Heir by Holly Renee

5.0

OBSESSED! This book left me breathless and craving more. The chemistry between Verena and Dacre is electric—infuriating yet tingling in all the right ways. I can't get enough of these two characters, caught in a dangerous game of survival against the very people they should be able to trust: their tyrant fathers. I loved how deeply each character had to dig, facing their past wounds and betrayals, to find each other again. The question remains—can they forgive the one who has captured their heart, body, and soul, or will they ultimately be the destruction of each other? With yet another cliffhanger, I’m on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting book 3!

Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart

4.0

This book was captivating from beginning to end. The gradual development of Ailith and Caitriona’s relationship was both heartwarming and endearing. This story follows two characters who, despite their differences, share more in common than they realize and find comfort in each other. Yet, they must not only rely on each other but also discover their own inner strength if they hope to escape a curse and Caitriona’s dangerous father, the King. Though he’s unaware of Caitriona’s secret, she is determined to uncover the truth in order to save her kingdom from her own father’s tyranny. With rich world-building and characters you can’t help but love, I’m already eager to dive into the next book!

*Thank you to Erica Rose Eberhart for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

5.0

Wait, wait, wait… what just happened?! Little secrets? More like HUGE secrets! This book was absolutely gripping from start to finish. The audiobook narrator brought the story to life with such intensity and suspense, making every moment palpable with all the emotions. I found myself feeling deeply sorry for Marain one minute, and then yelling at her in frustration the next for not understanding some of her choices. The execution of this book was flawless from beginning to end.

The King's Quartet by S. C. Selby

4.0

When a reluctant heroine discovers she's the long-lost princess with magical abilities, Elle faces a life-altering choice: accept her destiny and save her kingdom, or hide. On her epic journey of self-discovery, she will experience love, loss, and learn to harness her newfound powers. The book introduces a cast of endearing characters who come together with a shared purpose, to take over the kingdom. With just a hint of romance, Selby crafts a captivating plot that kept me hooked all the way to the final page. This debut novel is nothing short of remarkable, and that cliffhanger ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment!

*Thank you to S.C. Selby for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Ghost Of You by Kayleigh Hilton

3.0

This book is a wonderful representation of grief and loss, delving deeply into the emotional and mental toll of losing a loved one. What begins as a sweet romance between two characters deeply in love takes a tragic turn. While I found the dual timelines to be a bit distracting, as they seemed to take away from the overall story, I believe it would have been more effective to focus entirely on the past timeline in the first half and then shift to Killian's perspective post-accident in the second half, with a twist at the end. This approach might have allowed the narrative to unfold more naturally. Additionally, the excessive detail about the characters' lives, while perhaps intended to deepen the story, ultimately made the pacing feel static. Despite these issues, the book’s central message—while heartbreaking—is undeniably relatable and addresses an important, often overlooked topic that deserves more attention.

*Thank you to Kayliegh Hilton for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.