booksthrilljessica's reviews
478 reviews

The Dream Haunters by Megan Mary

3.0

The premise of this book was intriguing, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential. It leaned more toward educating the reader about Halloween rather than fully exploring the storyline. I wished for deeper character development to create a stronger connection, but I found myself feeling detached. The dream storyline had so many possibilities, especially with the shapeshifters, but it didn’t delve as deeply as I’d hoped. While I enjoyed the magical elements (even the talking animals), the concept of pumpkins as portals lost me. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life, making it entertaining through to the end. The ideas were there, but it needed a bit more depth to truly shine.

*Thank you to Megan Mary, Inner Realms Publishing | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney

4.0

In this Hades and Persephone-inspired retelling, we’re introduced to Hecate “Kate” Goodwin, a hedge witch navigating the lingering grief of her mother’s death. Just as Kate starts to feel ready to embrace her new responsibilities, Matthew Cypher—a brooding, dark, and handsome figure from her past—re-enters her life. But Matt isn’t the only one from Kate’s past who is interested in her fate. This enchanting story is perfect for readers who enjoy a love story steeped in magic and lore, complete with endearing characters who also happen to have a talent for baking.

*Thank you to Wallis Kinney, Alcove Press and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

3.0

This wasn’t my favorite McFadden book. It felt a little too similar to Psycho, and the twist at the end seemed somewhat forced. That said, it was still a quick and entertaining read overall.

 

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

4.0

Feeney continues to astound me with her mastery of mystery and thrillers. This one gave me the vibes of And Then There Were None and The Others—a fantastic whodunit with a subtle gothic undertone. And that ending? It will have you reevaluating everything you’ve just read.

Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh

4.0

I had high expectations for this book, and it delivered right from the start. I’ve never encountered a character as committed to his “job” as Kane—if you know, you know. The layers of deception and hidden truths are utterly addictive, keeping you hooked and guessing until the final page. If you’re a fan of political thrillers, this is a must-read!

The Mirror of Beasts by Alexandra Bracken

4.0

Bracken’s ability to weave words into an incredibly intriguing story is truly remarkable. Still recovering from the shocking ending of the first book, I couldn’t wait to see what fate had in store for Tamsin and her friends. As they navigate a world devastated by the monsters unleashed from Anwnn, they embark on a new quest to right the wrongs that have been done. I especially loved how other myths were seamlessly woven into the story, adding depth and a sense of mysticism. While I wish the series had been split into four shorter books due to its length, the story was so compelling that the size was well worth it. 

*Thank you to Alexandra Bracken, Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly by Sophia St. Germain

4.0

This book had me hooked from start to finish. My heart ached for Elessia and everything she’s been through. She’s a character who refuses to stay down, rising stronger every time she’s pushed to the edge—a reluctant hero fighting relentlessly for freedom. Yet, she finds herself ensnared in more ways than she realizes, caught not only in the web of the Fae King but in battles within herself. Germain creates unforgettable characters you’ll either root for or despise. The ending left my heart pounding and breaking, and that cliffhanger was absolutely brutal. I can’t wait for the next installment!

*Thank you to Sophia St. Germain for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Killing Time: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M.C. Beaton, R.W. Green

4.0

This book did not disappoint! As an avid Agatha Raisin fan, I was thrilled to find all the wit, mystery, and delightful bumbling that make this series so enjoyable. It had me laughing out loud while eagerly trying to guess how Agatha would crack the case. I kept yelling “time” at my Kindle, anxiously waiting for the characters to figure it out. Charles left me a bit perplexed in this installment, and I’m curious to see what’s next for him and Agatha in the next book. I can’t wait to find out!

*Thank you to M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green,  ​St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

To the Bone by Alena Bruzas

2.0

I was intrigued by the synopsis and eager to dive into this book. The concept of following a woman in the 1600s, navigating harrowing experiences while engaging in a taboo relationship, had me hooked. However, the writing style—primarily composed of sentence fragments—made it difficult for me to fully connect with Ellis as a character. I’m unsure if this was a deliberate choice by Bruzas, but it left me feeling detached. The collapse of the colony and the desperate measures taken were compelling, yet the focus seemed more on a stifled love story than fully exploring these fascinating themes. That said, if you enjoy this style of writing and are curious about the struggles faced by early colonists, this book could be a good starting point.

*Thank you to Alena Bruzas, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Rocky Pond Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom

4.0

This book was a delightful, light-hearted read filled with love, curses, and family dynamics. The magical elements blended seamlessly with the star-crossed lovers trope, all delivered with a perfect touch of humor—absolutely chef’s kiss! The spice level was just right, and I’m crossing my fingers for a second book to continue Delia and Max’s story. This was my first Carly Bloom read, but it definitely won’t be my last!

*Thank you to Carly Bloom, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.