jess_bythebook's reviews
450 reviews

The Home Wrecker by Sara Cate

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Talk. About. Hot! This checks almost every box when it comes to poly, dom/sub, and taboo relationships. 

“You might be married to him, but you belong to me.”

Caleb is awful at communicating, especially with his wife, Briar. Their marriage is rocky to say the least, so when Dean comes into their lives, he stirs up feelings that haven’t been present in a while. Two dominant men, one submissive woman, and a whole slew of new emotions they cannot ignore. 

“All right. You’re so sure you know what my wife wants, then prove it.”

This is spicy in the absolute best way. And the amount of tropes was a seriously impressive feat! It does touch on some of the same religious themes as the rest of the series, but I didn’t feel the same sort of resolution I did with the others. The instalust was also a bit much for me, but I do like how they talk about their relationship and feelings every step of the way like adults while still providing plenty of angst and tension. Plus, I felt like I understood their background, why certain things matter to them, and I found myself tearing up at certain points as well. It may be long, but it’s oh so worth it. 

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of my absolute favorite reads of the year so far! Fake dating, murder mystery, and a dog the size of Jamaica. What else could you want?

Riley Thorn is just your average divorced woman next door. Well, and she has psychic visions, but other than that… completely normal. When Nick, the private investigator, shows up asking about someone she recently totally did not see in a vision… she starts to realize she can’t ignore her gifts any longer. 

“Being who we are meant to be is not easy.”

This was a phenomenal book! I absolutely could not put this down from the moment I picked it up. From the witty banter to the hilarious fights, this romcom is a must read!

“Life is an adventure to be lived, not a series of repetitive days to survive.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Rebel by K.A. Knight

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Part mystery and a whole lot of spice! It reeled me in from the beginning and I am not ashamed to say I ate this up. 

Beck Danvers has one goal in mind: revenge. She will do anything for answers, including becoming a rock star, just to uncover everyone’s darkest secrets and deepest fears. However, getting to the depths of who someone is also means getting to know them. And when Beck is surrounded by three gorgeous (but also possibly villainous) rock gods, things start to get a little… messy. 

“They can have my body, my voice, and my smile, but they will never get all of me. Not before I get them.”

This was such a fun read! I loved the tie-in to Revolt and the characters that made a brief appearance in this book. The backstories of each of the guys really makes you feel for each of them. Then when the spice was added in, it just pumped it up to a whole new level. I will say that it felt like the last bit was rushed a little, however that didn’t really take away from the story at all. Because the plot twist in there… oh, baby! I did not see that coming! A really fun read.

“How daring do you want to go?”

That’s the question, isn’t it?

“All the way.”

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Just One Love: A Black Alcove Novel by Jami Rogers

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really loved the first 65% of it, but the last bit felt rushed compared to everything leading up to it. The plot twist was a shocker, though. Did not see that coming! Great cast of side characters, relatable albeit sometimes annoying main characters (just communicate already!), and I loved Abby’s journey with her mother. 

Moonlit Thorns by P. Rayne

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A modern-day retelling with a few unexpected and delightful changes that keep you on your toes. Full of spice, intrigue, revenge, and with a bit of magic, this enchanting tale sucks you in immediately. But don’t let the pretty words fool you, this story is definitely true to its darker roots.

Annabelle will do anything to save her family home, even if that means agreeing to whatever Asher Voss wants her to do. From scrubbing toilets to making breakfast, she is determined to succeed no matter how degrading the task. However, she’s yet to face her biggest difficulty - her growing feelings toward the beast of Midnight Manor.

“You won’t break me no matter how hard you try.” 

“Challenge accepted.”

Asher knew from the moment this woman stormed into his office that she was going to test him. From her stubborn determination to her constant need to ask questions, she annoys him at every turn. But with a 3 million dollar deal on the line, there’s no way he can pass up on what she’s offering. 

“She’s about to wish she could give me the estate and call off our deal, but once she’s signed on the dotted line… she’s mine.”

While the FMC and MMC are both the standout people they should be, I actually really loved the side characters in this and found myself wanting more. This book perfectly sets the foundations for the rest of the series of the Voss brothers. It was fun to theorize which brother is going to be the lead in what retelling. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Castle of Nevers and Nightmares by Lana Pecherczyk

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m so mad. This is my first book by this author so I admit that I didn’t know what to expect. But halfway through I knew I was in trouble because this book is ADDICTING. I could NOT put this down. I flew through all 500 pages of it in less than 2 days and am crying that I have to wait for the next book to come out. Talk about book hangover. Oh no…  What did I do to myself???

“The sooner I accept she can’t be our queen, the easier it will be to betray her.”

The drama and action this story unfolds kept me on the edge of my seat. And if that wasn’t enough, the tension and spice between Willow and The Six will keep you there for a whole other reason. From the side characters whom you grow to love, to the villains you love to hate, I was swept away in this magical world and never looked back. Vengeance, enchantments, dragons, deceit… It’s all so good!

“It’s not a game anymore. This is reality.”

Well this certainly became my reality for the past 2 days. I think I’m more upset that I didn’t savor it for a longer period of time. But I seriously can’t believe I waited for so long. If Hunger Games and ACOTAR and Fourth Wing all got together and decided to make an Irish baby, it would be this magnificent book. Now excuse me while I go down the rabbit hole and read literally everything else she’s ever written.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Witch is Dead by Geneva Monroe

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Warning: this book fulfills all your wicked desires. From the incredible world building to the rollercoaster of emotions to the spice… Make sure you have someone to read it with because you’re going to be talking about it for days!

“I hungered for her—and I hated it.”

This is the second book in the Dark Oz world and we get to see Nick’s background as well as his journey into how he became who he is today. But just because it focuses around his dark past doesn’t mean it slows down at all. We have skydiving, shoot outs, high tech boats, shibari, killer bees, and there’s this one scene in the rain… Oh, baby! Trust me. You’ll know when you get there. 

“It’s a shame so many people want you dead. You’d make a brilliant queen.”

“I’m already a queen. That’s why they want me dead.”

If you pick out trigger warnings like you’re at an all you can eat buffet, this series is for you. It’s dark and dangerous and oh so delicious. At no point did I know what was going to happen next. Be prepared - this will leave you wanting more. 

“A beautiful liar. I’d called her that once. I just didn’t know how right I was.”

Tomorrow’s Never Promised by Luna Everly

emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Before I'm Gone by Heidi McLaughlin

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If this book doesn’t make you swoon over serial killers, nothing will. It treads a fine line between dark and demented while still being sweet and oh so spicy. I don’t think I’ve ever cheered harder for the villain. 

“Being a serial killer who kills serial killers is a great hobby … 

Until you find yourself locked in a cage. 

For three days. 

With a dead body. 

In the Louisiana summer. 

With no air conditioning.”

Sloane and Rowan have a bet to meet up once every year to see who can get to their target first. And while their dangerous game may be fun at first, it quickly develops into something more… personal. And what happens when they finally decide to set their sights on each other instead?

I could not put this down! And honestly, with those narrators, I didn’t want to. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook. And grab a bottle of water because it is hot! I have never heard of this author before, but you can bet your best kitchen knife she is on my radar now!