jess_bythebook's reviews
450 reviews

Sun Serpent by Geneva Monroe

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.25

The absolute whirlwind of emotions this book created in me was intense! Secret identities, forced proximity, magical abilities, and a female lead who doesn’t need saving. I finished this book a week ago and I’m STILL thinking about it!

“At best, I was the last of my kind; at worst, I was a singular fluke of nature that never should have existed.”

Elyria has been guarding a secret since she was born. Hiding in plain sight, she unknowingly has attracted the attention of a captivating, but arrogant prince who won’t seem to let her go. But when one disaster turns into another, she finds herself slowly looking forward to being stuck with him at every turn. 

“I was going to regret this. But which would I regret more—that I let him kiss me or that I only let him do it once?”

Meanwhile Cal knows he’s on the brink of a salvation - if only he can lie to Elyria a little while longer. Guarding his identity and his true intentions from her, he knows his time is running out to find a solution to save his people and she just might be exactly what he needs. Now if only he could keep his head and his heart aligned. 

“You are positively infuriating sometimes.” 

“Only sometimes? That’s progress.”

I loved how this story unfolded. The supporting characters were memorable, the plot twists were unexpected, and though it started slow I found myself completely invested by the end. From the laugh out loud moments to the edge of your seat heartstoppers, this was an excellent read! I’m super excited to see where this series is going!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-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

4.25

A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn

funny lighthearted 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

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

3.75

Tragic Bonds by J. Bree

dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh

emotional funny lighthearted reflective slow-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

3.5

If a Hallmark Christmas Movie had a baby with Pretty Woman, it’d be My Phony Valentine. This was so cute, a little cheesy, but really fun to read! A super enjoyable Valentine’s Day themed romcom. 

When Poppy Hart puts her foot in her mouth and claims to be dating a new guy in town, she never could have guessed that new guy would be pro hockey player Dallas Burke. And while he goes along with it for a bit, it soon becomes clear that it might be better for his career if more than just the people in the small town of Loveland think that. But they seem to have more differences than they do commonalities. Can they overcome all the odds while trying not to put their heart on the line?

“He is a man who dates supermodels and rock stars. I’m about as plain as they come, and my size two has a one in front of it.”

I liked that the characters each had their own past and obstacles to overcome as well as the cast of supporting characters. They felt like real people. Especially those ones you love to hate. And while I wish it had more spice, I am excited to see where they next book goes. I’m totally rooting for Raya’s story to be told. 

“I haven’t relied on anyone but myself for most of my life. It was safer that way. But…

Is this what it’s like to not be alone?”

What I loved most was actually their ability to talk about these awkward and weird situations like adults! There was no miscommunication. There was no hiding from the family. These were two consenting people who grew their relationship naturally and openly. And for that reason alone, I am here to stay!

Runaway Groomsman by Meghan Quinn

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-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

4.0

Hate Notes by Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-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

Supernova by Kass Morgan

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

3.5

Forced Bonds by J. Bree

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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? No

5.0

I swear these books just get better and better. Drama, suspense, and so much action! Where the first two books are more about the characters, the third focuses on the plot, and this one now just jumps straight into the deep end. 

Oli is racing against the trials sent by Silas Davies. Her bonds and the town are all trying to work together to figure out one problem after another while also trying to maintain their sanity and their relationships on a day to day basis. But how do you build a bond with someone who doesn’t want you?

“I will never be helpless again.”

From the tumultuous beginning to the shocking end, this book was nonstop action and intrigue. And then, when you sprinkle in the spicy scenes, it transforms into this delightful story that I simply could not put down. Time and time again, I am left completely unaware of where this story is going and this powerful cliffhanger was no exception.