jess_bythebook's reviews
450 reviews

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

*2023 VERSION WITH THE REWRITES*
I compared the newer copy with the 2018 original version (almost word for word) to see how the two compare and I am actually pretty impressed. Where the older book was already captivating, this newer script is actually smoother.

Certain words were changed to modernize them while others were cut out altogether. Some capitalized, some italicized, and a couple of sentences and paragraphs were cut out near the end (they were completely unnecessary). While no major changes or new chapters were added, I do admit that the story as a whole reads better than the original.

Pestilence is still just as brutal in the beginning and we do get a true enemies to lovers story that ends up melting your heart in the absolute best way. And I still love Sara - the rough and caring firefighter who knows when to pick her battles, but also isn’t willing to compromise on her core values.

I adored being able to travel the post-apocalyptic Southern Canadian and Pacific Northwest terrain with them again. Even though I knew what was coming, the rewrites smoothed out some of the blunter transitions and I felt like I was experiencing the book through fresh eyes. Definitely worth it!

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

Content Warnings

The Sacrifice by Shantel Tessier

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

At no point did I ever see where this book was going! I’m usually one to point out the plot twist from the very beginning, but this kept me on my toes and I couldn’t be happier! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, tension, and oh so spicy. This deliciously dark romance is revenge at its finest.

Laikyn has grown up in the Lord’s lifestyle and knows what to expect when she comes of age. But when her already restrictive life gets hijacked by not just her worst enemy, but also one of the most threatening men in their world, she’s finding herself in new and deadly situations that she doesn’t know how to get out of.

“Lots of people mistake lust and love. The difference is love demands a sacrifice.”

Tyson answers to no one. He gave up everything to be where he is now and he’s had 3 years to plan his vengeance upon all those who have wronged him. And nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.

“She’s a means to an end. My chance at revenge.”

If you liked The Ritual, The Sinner, and Sabotage, you’re going to love the taboo themes of The Sacrifice. While set in the same world, it can be read as a standalone. The characters from previous books did, however, make an appearance and it made my little black heart jump for joy because Ryat is still just as fantastic.

Dark, dirty, and mysterious, Tyson is one of my new favorite book boyfriends! Loved the ending and while there’s a ton of different things going on throughout the book, I actually enjoyed how I was never fully able to guess what was going to happen next. Just sit back and enjoy this salacious ride!

“I am the only god you will worship, little darling. Ready to get on your knees for me?”

Content Warnings

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.

I tried. I really did.
The audiobook was good, but the story was not.

Bewitched by Laura Thalassa

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

I loved the way I both swooned and hated Memnon in the same breath. The emotions were real for this one, I’m telling you… Betrayal, forced proximity, mistaken identity, enemies to lovers, and so much spicy tension that this possessive alpha will leave you begging for more!

Selene’s biggest dream as a young witch is to attend Henbane Coven and the only thing standing in her way is writing an essay about a magical trip of a lifetime. So when drunk Selene books tickets to South America for future Selene, she figures what’s the worst that could happen? Well, a 2,000 year old mummy who thinks she’s his traitorous wife might put a damper on things.

“I will destroy your world bit by bit until all you have left is me.”

Finally free from his entombment, Memnon the Cursed is out for revenge. He’s lost his kingdom, his people, his life, and the one person who promised to love him through everything. The same person who cursed him in the first place. But he’s determined to get it all back, no matter what he needs to do to get it. And to get her.

“Let me see your face,” he demands.

I turn to look at him. “Why?”

His eyes gaze at me intensely. “Because you are the only thing worth looking at, and my eyes have missed you.”

I absolutely loved every moment of this book! I had no idea where it was going at any point and the multiple mysteries left me reeling in excitement by the end. I could not put this down! I hope we see more of Selene’s best friend in the next book as well as some key players in the neighboring werewolf pack. I will be waiting so impatiently for the next one to come out because I want more of this explosive duo!!!

“You will know my wrath, my queen.

I’m coming for you.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this advanced reader copy. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Content Warnings

Highest Bidder by Sara Cate

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adventurous emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Guilt, betrayal, forced proximity, and enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. This spicy billionaire age gap will have you clutching your pearls and asking for more.

Ronan has lost the loves of his life so many times, he’s pretty much given up on relationships. Now if he sees a woman he likes, he steers himself in the opposite direction. But he keeps running into the one person who could not be more different from him. And if he doesn’t do something fast, this fire that’s developing between them may just burn him alive.

“I’d risk it all for her.”

Daisy completely uprooted her life and moved across the country for one man. The problem is - he has no idea. And he doesn’t know that she might be using him for more than what it seems.

“I’d be far more excited about falling for him if I wasn’t harboring a secret about Ronan that will shatter it all.”

I could not put this book down! While I don’t normally read about daddy pleasure doms, this book made me do a double take. M’kay… I see you, Ronan! This hot CEO came to win and he wasn’t playing around. Part mystery, part forbidden, but all spice! And another absolute knockout for the Salacious Players Club series!!

Content Warnings

Unstoppable by K.A. Knight

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

What’s it like being an evil scientist’s daughter? Nova would tell you in great detail how horrifying it actually is. She thought she escaped, but his death suddenly made her more valuable than she could imagine. Especially to the 5 men hunting her.

“Her father might have been our torturer, our enemy, but his daughter is our salvation.”

The first half was a little slower than I was expecting, but once the spice starts, it’s nonstop fun all the way to the cliffhanger ending! The trauma they work through together ranges from heartbreaking to heartwarming and I could not get enough of how many different ways they showed each other they cared. I will DEFINITELY be getting into the last half of this duet when it comes out!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

The Four Leaf by Lee Jacquot

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adventurous emotional lighthearted tense fast-paced

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

4.0

The tension. The hunt. The SPICE!!! This holiday novella may be short, but it surprisingly didn’t feel rushed.

“Bambi, we both know you will never win a game with me. Wherever you hide, I will find you.”

Sam and Adrian are lifelong friends, but after secretly pining for one another they finally start to face their feelings. This book explores a little bit of a lot of different things. The only thing I wish is that it was more in depth or even just longer. Because what was there was so good!

“Once I find you, there’s no going back. It will change everything.”

Also, do yourself a favor and listen to this masterpiece. The male lead is voiced by vo.Eros and oh my goodness gracious. I am immediately going to figure out what else he’s narrating.

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.25

Total Obsession by Ivy Wild

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Revenge, manipulation, deceit, secrecy, and betrayal. Combine that with some melt in your seat spice and you’ve got a heady combination. This second chance dark romance will leave you wanting more.

Zoey was just a kid when she made a mistake. But that one day would haunt her for the next 15 years. Once the words left her mouth, she couldn’t take them back. And what’s worse is that she knew the effect they would have on him - her best friend.

“I was alone.

Because she left me.

She told me she would never do that.”

Axe has been waiting for the perfect moment to exact his revenge upon Zoey. Patiently waiting, biding his time in the shadows, he has chosen his plan very carefully. However he forgot one small detail - how to stay unattached.

“She had wronged me. Painfully so. She deserved to be punished for it.”

The artwork in this book is absolutely beautiful. It really helps bring this story to life and I love the alternate cover as well. What I didn’t like was how strong Zoey seemed before Axe and when they were kids, but once he came into the picture as an adult, she quickly transformed into a different person entirely. Other than that, it was really enjoyable.

Spicy and hot, this book definitely has some memorable moments. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, everything changes. This is a mafia style dark romance, so check your triggers!

“Some things had more value dead than alive.”

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

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jess_bythebook's reviews 450 reviews

jess_bythebook's reviews
450 reviews