booksthrilljessica's reviews
401 reviews

That ending was incredible! I need the next book immediately! I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this story and its characters, who walk the line between morally gray to black. The twist halfway through was brilliant, adding a subtle mystery element to this dark romance that made it even more captivating. Crowe tackles intense themes like SA and mental illness with a unique approach, making the characters feel more relatable and more likable.If you’re a dark romance fan who loves flawed main characters, this book is a must-read!

*Thank you to R. Crowe for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Nyleeria’s world is shattered when she discovers her family has been brutally attacked by beings she believed only existed in myths. Now confronted with the truth about magic and the existence of multiple realms, she must journey into the unknown alongside the charming King Thaddeus.

Thaddeus, a battle-worn human king hardened by a never ending war against the fae, has spent decades searching for Nyleeria, knowing she is their last hope for survival. Driven to protect his kingdom and humanity, he’ll do whatever it takes to find her.

As Nyleeria faces her true identity and role in the conflict between fae and humankind, she must also confront her growing attraction to the mysterious king. Will she locate her missing family and unlock her powers before it’s too late?

This book had me hooked from the first page. With a brilliantly crafted storyline of self-discovery, steamy romance, and immersive world-building, Hartly takes readers on an unforgettable journey alongside Nyleeria. Reminiscent of ACOTAR, you’ll find yourself thrown into a world of fantasy wanting more with every chapter. The only thing I’d love to see added is a morally gray MMC. How soon is it to ask for book 2….asking for a friend.

*Thank you to CC Hartly for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This quick read left me craving more from Jameson! This short novella offers an enticing glimpse of what book two has in store. The world-building and characters are both fascinating and dynamic, I found myself wishing it were longer. I can’t wait to dive into the next book!

*Thank you to J. Jamron for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book offers an intriguing twist on the classic teen slasher storyline. Much like Scream, it breaks the fourth wall, challenging the reader’s expectations about the typical order in which teens are picked off based on their roles within the storyline. It draws readers in, making them part of both the horror and the reading experience.

The storyline felt somewhat disjointed to me. I was intrigued by the dynamics between the friends and how they’d have to come together to face the entity targeting them. And the mystery of uncovering the demonic force and discovering the identity of the one picking them off one by one pulled me in. However, I felt there was a lack of connection between these elements, which left me feeling lost at times. Overall it was a compelling story and I enjoyed the author's take on the teen slasher with a fantasy aspect. 

*Thank you to Joelle Wellington, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers  and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Violet Price is trying to escape her sorted past. She hopes that a fresh start as a teacher at the prestigious Montgomery Prep will finally give her the sense of connection she craves. Instead, she’s met with murder and mayhem—and a mystery that needs solving. To get to the truth, Violet is forced to partner with the newest staff member, Chance Harper, a man she never expected to see again after a one-night stand. Together, they must uncover why students are disappearing, and in the process they discover more about each other than they ever expected.

This book had me hooked from the start. I found Violet’s character intriguing, especially with the debacle she got herself into with Chance. However, I felt the romance and mystery plots felt somewhat disconnected, as if they could have been two separate stories. I would have preferred a bit less of the character’s love story and more focus on mystery-solving storyline. The mystery was well-crafted, and the twist at the end was fantastic.  Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from A.J. Wynn.

*Thank you to A.J. Wynn for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A true gothic romantasy that draws readers into the world of Katrin, who has grown up in high society but becomes an outcast when she is suddenly marked by death. With dark, inky markings etched on her skin, she must find a way to escape her fate. Her only protection lies with none other than the Ferrier of Souls, forcing Katrin to strike a deal that will save her life—but little does she know, this deal will change her life in unimaginable ways.

This book captivated my heart and soul! Fans of One Dark Window will find Backenstoe’s writing equally bewitching. The characters are wonderfully morally gray and so easy to fall in love with. I need more of Katrin and the Ferrier’s story and can hardly wait for book 2!

*Thank you to Elle Backenstoe for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A single visit to a local seer turns Aurelia’s world upside down. With new revelations about her true heritage, she embarks on an epic quest to correct the wrongs of her past. Along the way, she must defend those her parents once vowed to protect from her mother’s dark and twisted twin. Enter Finn, a mysteriously alluring companion who offers comfort, though he harbors secrets of his own. Will Aurelia fulfill her destiny, or will her aunt reach her first?

This is a slow-burn, fantasy adventure with a journey that pulls you in. While some parts felt a bit slow, and certain action scenes could have been richer, it’s a solid read for fans of character-driven epic tales. 

I really enjoyed the characters and world-building, which drew me immediately into the story. I also love a good betrayal storyline that sets the hero on a path of vengeance, and the cliffhanger at the end left me eager to see what unfolds in book two.

*Thank you to Savannah Stoltz for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Nora has spent her life under the lock and key of her godfather, Ricky, a ruthless crime boss who took control after her parents’ violent end. Though trapped, she finds a way to slip out at night, sneaking into rival territories for a taste of freedom. But when Ricky assigns August—a dangerously attractive new guard—to keep watch over her, she can’t help but imagine him in her bed. The feeling is mutual, but both know acting on their desires could be deadly, as Ricky wouldn’t hesitate to end August if he ever found out.

When the unimaginable happens and Ricky’s empire is brought down in a police raid, he faces a long prison sentence, leaving August to protect Nora—but from whom? Yet, August harbors secrets that could change Nora’s life forever. Will she finally taste the freedom she’s yearned for, or remain ensnared in this endless cycle of crime and punishment?

As someone new to the mafia romance genre, this book truly exceeded my expectations. The characters were incredibly swoon-worthy, and the chemistry between them was brilliantly written. Nora’s storyline was captivating, giving her character the space to grow and laying a thoughtful foundation for what I hope will evolve further in the next book. I especially loved the morally gray male lead who warns the heroine not to trust him, only to ultimately let down his own walls. I absolutely fell for this book, the writing style, and I’m eager for more of Nora and anything Arlo writes!

*Thank you to Oona Arlo for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Two years after the fall of the Blood Queen, Fey is struggling with her new role. No longer the fierce assassin she once was, she now finds herself entangled in politics, with witches begging her to take the crown. For the first time, the Queen’s Blades can forge their own paths, allowing Fey a glimpse of freedom, but she must decide what to do with it. One thing she knows: she wants Alastair by her side—though there’s always room for one more.

When leaders of each faction start meeting brutal ends, Fey and her sisters set out to uncover the culprit behind these gruesome attacks. But all signs point to one suspect: a blood witch. Can they track her down before the factions do?

I loved the first book so much that I worried the sequel wouldn’t satisfy my need for more Fey and Alastair. Yet, this installment delivered beautifully. I did, however, miss the sisterly bond and the gritty assassin dynamics that were in The Queen’s Blade. This book feels more like an exploration of Fey and Alastair’s evolving love, with hints of a potential addition. I would have enjoyed more insight into Vee’s character and her past leading up to the main events.

*Thank you to Evelyn Ward and Booksirens for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Wrobel takes readers on a dark and twisted journey, by sticking to the Hitchcock quote, “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” At the center is Alfred, a character reminiscent of Norman Bates, who is desperate to connect with his old college friends while struggling to run a Hitchcock-themed hotel. His business is failing, and in a last-ditch effort to save it, he invites his friends for a vacation, hoping to make his hotel famous. However, Alfred has some disturbing plans in store for them. But unbeknownst to him, there sinister forces at play behind the scenes, setting up the ultimate MacGuffin. 

Such a brilliant book that fans of Hitchcock and Christie will love. I loved the twist at the end and how it all ultimately panned out for the characters.