tessa_talks_books's reviews
1162 reviews

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

5.0

 I read/listened to The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean and found myself thoroughly riveted by both formats.  This is a story about Ellie Black, who disappeared two years ago and just as mysteriously returned, at the books opening, to her hometown.  As Detective Chelsey Calhoun, haunted by disappearance and death of her sister 20 years ago, delves into Ellie's case, she uncovers a web of secrets and personal demons.  The story is a gripping exploration of the human psyche and the lengths we go to protect others.

I loved the unique aspect of the audio version, which featured an ensemble cast of narrators.  Each narrator voiced a different character, bringing them to life in a way that I found it easy to believe.  This added a dynamic element to the storytelling and made it easy to follow and enjoy.

I loved the atmosphere and suspense. It was perfection.  The setting of Washington State, with its dense wooded areas, plays a significant role in the story. It adds a layer of mystery and isolation, creating an environment that is both beautiful and eerie. This setting is a perfect backdrop for a story like this, and it actually gives it an air of authenticity that makes plausible deniability easy.

I also loved the characters.  They are not just names on a page, but complex, layered individuals, authentically damaged from past events.  For instance, Chelsey, the protagonist, is not just a detective but a woman with a troubled past.  Her marriage, which is not just a side plot but a significant part of the story, adds so many more layers to the narrative than it would have had otherwise.

What truly captivated me in The Return of Ellie Black was the mix of mental health disorders and challenges that would naturally arise from a long-term abduction and genuinely shocking twists and turns.  The psychology of the story lulled me into a false sense of security, making me think I knew what was coming. But the events managed to floor me on more than one occasion, leaving me in awe of the author's storytelling prowess. 

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

5.0

 

I finished One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware yesterday, and I still don’t think I’ve recovered. It’s a story told by Lyla, one of the participants of a new reality show filmed on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. The night after their first day of filming, a storm hits, and they wake to discover that two people have been killed and the boat is nowhere to be seen. Left alone with barely any natural resources, will they be found before they all perish?

The intensity of the survival story was truly through the roof. I’m still reeling from it.  That intensity held me riveted from beginning to end, and I still feel its impact the day after finishing it. The book left me questioning my own capacity for survival and the depths of human cruelty, and I believe it will have a similar effect on anyone who reads it.

The characters are so authentically developed, as are their reactions and interactions.  I could see all of the events coming together, and the feeling completely believable, which added significantly to the intensity.  Man’s inhumanity to man is a well-developed theme that plays out with significant messages.

The only thing I’m not sure how I feel about is the ending. It was somewhat of a surprise, but I’m not sure it was a good surprise. However, it does send a very powerful message about the consequences of our actions. I don’t want to say more, though, because this story will have more impact if you go in as blind as you can. 

Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

4.0

 Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert is book 2 in her Crimson Sails series, set in a fantasy world called Threshold. Threshold is a realm where vampires, selkies, and other fantastical beings coexist. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but if you want to understand the world more, start with book 1, which does a great deal of world-building.  In this installment, the story focuses on two side characters from book one: Lizzy and Maeve.  Lizzy and Maeve join forces to find things stolen from them - for Lizzie, a vampire, that is her family jewels, and for Maeve, a selkie, it's her pelt holding her magic.  From then on, the story is full of romance and adventure on the high seas.

As a fan of the series, I didn't think I'd miss Evelyn and Bowen (the main characters from Hunt on Dark Waters) as much as I did. Their absence really impacted my reading experience. However, the story of Lizzy and Maeve, two side characters from book one, was still engaging. This story focuses on the romance between Lizzy and Maeve, which is good for romances, but I wanted more of a balance. Despite this, the adventure elements were still present and kept the story moving at a satisfying pace.

One of the highlights of Blood on the Tide is the dynamic between Lizzy, a vampire with a sharp wit and unwavering loyalty, and Maeve, a selkie with a cautious yet level-headed nature. Their unique traits and how they complement each other create a remarkably genuine relationship. Their interactions are a testament to the author's skill in crafting authentic and compelling characters.

I also enjoyed the thrilling adventure as Lizzy and Maeve met danger after danger head-on.  This action-packed journey kept the pace delightfully quick, and I found myself speeding through as fast as the pages would turn.  I also enjoyed the dual perspective, as the two main characters are so different that each perspective offers something new and fascinating.

Blood on the Tide is not just an action-packed adventure but also a sizzling romance. The steamy scenes will have you fanning yourself as you eagerly turn the pages to see what happens next. 

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

5.0

 Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problem is a masterful blend of unexpected plot twists, balanced humor, and raw emotion. It took me on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears, and anger, leaving me completely satisfied. I was left in awe, wondering what more a story could possibly offer.

When Anna Green discovers her marriage of convenience to West (Liam) Weston is ongoing, and he needs her to go to his sister's destination wedding with him; it begins an adventure nobody could have foreseen. They married in college for affordable housing, and Anna thought the paperwork she signed upon graduation was the dissolution of that marriage when, in actuality, it was an agreement to stay married for three more years. She didn't know he was from a wealthy and influential family. He didn't think she had changed her major from pre-med to fine arts, so when he needed her to travel to Indonesia for his sister's wedding, there may be too many lies to pull off the deception of a happy marriage.

I love the Pretty Woman vibes and how the author owned it with a hilarious scene in which one of the characters inadvertently quoted the movie. The whole grumpy/sunshine, fake marriage, and one-bed collection of tropes is the perfect storm for an utterly entertaining story.

The setting of The Paradise Problem is a true delight. The beach backdrop, always a favorite, is elevated to new heights with a private island resort and a bungalow over the water. The vivid descriptions allowed me to fully immerse myself in this picturesque world, feeling the warm sand beneath my feet and the gentle sea breeze on my skin.

But what truly captivated me was the emotional journey of the characters. It was a flawless blend of authenticity and perfection, drawing me into their world and making me feel every emotion. The opposites attract dynamic between the characters was a perfect match, and their love was palpable in every word and action.

If you are looking for a story you can fully invest in, look no further. The Paradise Problem will be a story you will be sad to see end.

 

Time-Marked Warlock by Shami Stovall

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

 Time-Marked Warlock is the first in the latest series by Shami Stovall. Set in California, the story focuses on Adair Finch (a warlock and a PI) and Bree Blackstone (a 12-year-old girl), who comes directly to Adair when her mother is murdered and her father taken. The pair use Adair's time magic to figure out the identity of the murderer, find her father, and do a few fun good deeds along the way. But will they solve the mystery without anyone else being killed? Only time will tell.

The magic system in Time-Marked Warlock is not your typical run-of-the-mill system. It's a unique blend of familiarity and novelty that keeps readers like me constantly intrigued. The concept of time magic, derived from a bond with Chronos, is particularly fascinating and practical. The detailed explanation of the differences between warlocks and witches is another aspect that I found well-developed and engaging.

The dynamic between Adair and Bree is not just a subplot, but a captivating aspect of the book. Bree, with her youthful impetuousness and unwavering determination to do good, brings a refreshing energy to Adair's grumpy world. As a detective duo, they inject a fun and light-hearted element into the story. Bree's repeated good deeds, even after each time reset, add a unique and heartwarming touch to the narrative.

I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing of the book, with its twists, turns, and dangers that kept me flipping through the pages at a rapid pace. The use of time magic to solve the case was a particularly enjoyable aspect, adding a unique and intriguing layer to the mystery.

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Note: It's important to note that some readers may have sensitivities to the portrayal of animals in books (I'm one of them). In Time-Marked Warlock, there are scenes involving cats and a dog in the beginning. I understand that these scenes might be triggering for some, and if I had known ahead of time, I might have declined to read the book. However, I got the sense that those parts of the story would be short-lived, and they were. By around 30%, the triggering scenes were over. I've noticed that the rule to refrain from killing pets in books has long since been forgotten. Still, the story would be better if it could work with a different non-pet animal. For instance, I would have recommended badgers instead of cats or some made-up creature. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Animal death

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

5.0

 Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is everything I love about a story and much more. The Saint (Saint Cecelia) is a family-owned and operated resort on an island off the coast of Georgia. Traci Eddings, who grew up a local (an 'ain't'), grew up and married Hoke Eddings, heir apparent. After he died in a tragic plane crash, it was up to Traci to take over running The Saint. With a post-covid economy, staffing requires thinking outside the box, and Traci is up to the challenge. But once the summer begins, missing inventory, a death, and other mysteries expose a long-running scheme. 

Mary Kay Andrews never fails to deliver a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Summers at the Saint is a thrilling mystery that had me guessing until the end. While I did manage to piece together some of the puzzle, the suspense was in waiting for Traci to figure it out before it was too late. This plot thread was a chef's kiss of suspense that held me riveted.

The setting is glorious. The author's vivid descriptions of the beach, the resort, and the island's natural beauty made me feel like I was there. I quickly wondered if I could find a job at a beach resort. I wonder if they ever employ resort Counselors because I would be very interested in that job!

The characters are wonderfully developed, relatable, and thoroughly authentic. The messy family dynamics, such as the power struggles and hidden secrets, kept me entertained when the suspense calmed. For example, Traci's relationship with her in-laws becomes more complicated as the story unfolds. Sometimes, the story felt a bit like a reality show about people who work at a summer resort and the wealthy family who owns it, but then, as the characters grew, made themselves known, and had to confront a tragic loss, it became so much more and just grabbed my heart and broke it.

Summers at the Saint is the kind of summer read you hope to find but often don't - it's pure reading perfection! 

May Day by Jessica Lourey, J.H. Lourey, Jess Lourey

3.5

 May Day by Jess Lourey is a unique blend of humor, action, and mystery. As Mira navigates her way through a jobless phase and a house-sitting gig in rural Battle Lake, Michigan, the story unfolds with small-town humor, a charming bookish setting, and a murder mystery that will keep you on your toes.

The small-town humor in May Day resonated with me. The little details, so true of small towns and their inhabitants, had me in stitches. Mira's quick transition from jobless to a library and newspaper position, all because of her English degree, is a delightful reflection of small-town life. It’s a fun and relatable.

The mystery in May Day was a delightful puzzle. I was kept guessing until the very end, only figuring out the culprit when it was revealed. The unexpected twists and turns added to the intrigue, making this a fast and enjoyable read. 

May Day is the perfect companion for a rainy afternoon. Its light-hearted humor and engaging mystery make for a relaxing and enjoyable read, allowing you to escape into the world of Battle Lake, Michigan, effortlessly. 

People in Glass Houses by Jayne Castle

5.0

People in Glass Houses, the tenth book in a series by Jayne Castle, is a testament to the author's skill in world-building. It can easily be read as a standalone because each book in the series focuses on different citizens of Harmony, a colonized planet that has lost its connection with Earth. This unique setting, with its own set of rules and challenges, is a crucial part of the story, and Castle's prologue effectively describes this world, immersing readers in its intricacies and making them feel a part of it.

People in Glass Houses, a captivating blend of romantic suspense/thriller, sci-fi, mystery, and paranormal, is a genre lover's dream. The fusion of these genres is masterfully executed, with a haunted house made of fire glass and a hint of alien ghosts adding a unique twist to the mystery. I was enthralled by every aspect of this genre mashup, eagerly devouring every detail to satisfy my curiosity.

The mystery took a few twists and turns, and they each shocked me. But I was too busy exploring this world to really pay any attention to whether or not there were clues or even red herrings. I was that person walking through a spectacular area who was actively looking everywhere and in danger of running into the other people around me. I was just in sensory heaven and even a little scared.

The romance between Josh and Molly is a delightful journey, following the 'grumpy sunshine' trope. This dynamic leads to engaging interactions and significant character growth. Molly Griffin, the 'sunshine' in this case, beautifully works her way into Josh's heart. Also, the Griffin family dynamics, particularly Molly and Leona's bond, are heartwarming and offer a glimpse into the depth of their love and resilience.

I can't say enough good things about this story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes any of the combination of genres in this splendid tale.

The Image of You by Adele Parks

dark tense slow-paced

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

3.5

One-word review: Dark

Emojis:  🥰😠🫥

Rating:  3.5 🌟s
 

The Image of You by Adele Parks is a captivating tale of Anna and Nick's impending wedding. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Anna is unable to attend a dinner she arranged for Nick to meet her twin sister, Zoe. As sparks fly between Nick and Zoe, a complex love triangle emerges. The story takes a thrilling twist when a shocking death occurs, revealing hidden truths.

While I'm not a fan of infidelity in relationships, The Image of You by Adele Parks offers a unique blend of romance and thriller genres. The messy entanglements and fast-paced narrative kept me engaged up to a point, despite my personal reservations.

However, I figured the one real twist out at about 25%. The fact that it wasn't revealed until very close to the end meant I grew tired of being led in circles around what I already knew would happen. The story just droned on for me.

Despite my mixed feelings about the book, I'm genuinely intrigued by the upcoming movie adaptation. I'm eager to see how the plot will be brought to life on the screen and what new elements will be introduced. The potential for a fresh perspective is exciting, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

 

Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C. Wilson

4.5

 Thank you @NeemTreePress for the free book!

🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸

🌷Clytemnestra’s Bind  by Susan C. Wilson 🌷

One-word review: Multifaceted

Emojis: 🥺😟😲

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C. Wilson presents a unique narrative, delving into the life and losses of Queen Clytemnestra before her reign in Mycenae and the downfall of Agamemnon, a man consumed by his own cruelty and thirst for power.

I was captivated by how Wilson meticulously crafted Clytemnestra's character, transforming her from a mere figure in Greek Mythology to a complex, relatable woman. For instance, her loss of her children and her husband's betrayal were not just tragic events, but catalysts that shaped her into a woman driven by revenge. This depth of character made me shed a tear with every one of her losses and feel the fire of revenge burn within me for her retribution.

I also love the women's empowerment angle of the story, which is not just about Clytemnestra's rise to power, but also about Elektra's journey to become the warrior she dreams of being. It's about women reclaiming their agency and challenging the patriarchal norms of their time. And, who doesn't wish Clytemnestra to have the power to rule that she deserves and Elektra to become a warrior? At this point in the story, that's all I wanted for both of them, and Wilson spins the tale so that I feel the possibilities are open. But it's done in such a way that it never negates the story that has been passed down since ancient times. It simply adds thoughts and feelings that were before unwritten.

Clytemnestra's Bind offers a thrilling new perspective for those who, like me, are captivated by the ancient Greek plays and stories of Greek mythology. This fresh take on Clytemnestra, where she is not just a vengeful queen but a complex and multifaceted character, infused with a powerful women empowerment theme, is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you eager for more.

 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Child death, and Sexual assault