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booksthrilljessica's Reviews (537)
This book is packed with characters that readers will love to despise. The story follows a couple celebrating their first anniversary in Paris, but as the plot unfolds, we discover that both have dangerous secrets. Rouda keeps readers on edge, constantly questioning who the villain is, who the victim is, and who will ultimately come out on top. I found Paul to be unbearably unlikable, and Nick Landrum's narration was so effective that I couldn't help but feel intense disdain for him. Although I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, it works perfectly as a standalone, with minimal backstory needed for the plot to unfold smoothly. The ending twist, while somewhat predictable, was still engaging and enjoyable. However, it left me wondering... Do three wrongs make a right?
*Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
In this psychological thriller, Strangers on a Train meets a victim support group. Mia, a grief counselor, brings together women who have lost their sisters to domestic violence. Together, they devise a plan that will not only change their lives but the lives of many others.
I was captivated by this fresh twist on the classic Strangers on a Train and was hoping for more chaos and intrigue. However, I was left somewhat perplexed by the ending, especially the abrupt resolution between the women and the lone officer who was onto them. That said, I did enjoy the journey each woman took in finalizing their parts of the plan, and how they each had to confront and overcome their personal demons.
*Thank you to Katherine Kovacic, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
I’ve been following this story in the news since it first broke, eagerly awaiting an autobiography to gain a deeper understanding of what truly happened. The writing style captivated me, shedding light on circumstances that made my heart ache for the family. I especially appreciated hearing from one of the older children, offering their perspective on how things went from good to bad and what contributed to Ruby's downfall. I also respected how the book kept the names and experiences of the younger children private, focusing instead on Shari’s journey and insights. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime and uncovering the real stories behind these tragic events.
This historical mystery transports readers to a world that spans both the physical and the spiritual realms. Hecate Cavendish discovers there’s more to her than just a brilliant mind and a passion for ancient texts. She finds out that she can communicate with lost spirits, and it’s now her responsibility to help them. However, as a woman in the 1800s, she faces numerous limitations. Hecate must navigate not only the challenges of her newfound abilities but also the societal constraints placed upon her. Along the way, she will experience love, heartbreak, adventure, and mystery. But can she uncover the true purpose of her gifts before it is too late?
I was really excited about this story based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, I felt the narrative fell flat at times. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that pulled me out of the story and left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their development. I also hoped the love interest or a slow-burning romance would emerge earlier in the book, with more focus on that relationship rather than the overemphasis on Hecate’s connection with her father.
*Thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Adele is struggling to pick up the pieces after her husband’s devastating betrayal. Not only has he swindled their company and deceived their friends and neighbors, but he’s also drained the family’s finances, leaving Adele to face an uncertain future. In a desperate attempt to secure a better life for herself and her two children, she must resort to bold and extreme measures. But what she uncovers in the process will push her beyond what she ever thought she’d be willing to do.
Enter Maverick Dillan, a daring YouTuber known for his extreme stunts. His next big project? A high-stakes game of hide and seek on a deserted island, with a massive cash prize at stake. However, Maverick’s past game, which ended in tragedy, looms over him. Can he shake the ghosts of that disaster, or will it mark the end of his career?
The premise of this book immediately hooked me, and I was intrigued by the concept of the abandoned building and the inspiration Unger drew from her own family trip. However, I did feel that the novel contained too many subplots that didn’t quite come together. I wished the story had focused more on the deserted island and the game show, with additional attention to the backstory of the main character and more exploration of her husband’s role in the narrative. However, the ending twists were expertly executed, delivering a sense of justice and wrapping up the story in a satisfying, neatly tied bow.
*Thank you to Lisa Unger, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
I am completely obsessed with this book! Tamsyn, the royal whipping girl, has come to accept the life she’s been dealt. But when The Beast, or Border King, demands to marry a Penterran princess, Tamsyn is thrust into a marriage with a man who stirs up a whirlwind of emotions within her. This forced marriage is the ultimate enemies-to-lovers tale. Jordan’s writing style pulled me into this world, and I never wanted to leave. I adored all the characters, whether they were villains or heroes, and the dynamic they brought to the story. Even though the spice was minimal, the love story between Fell and Tamsyn was both steamy and heartbreaking. And the ending… wow, I need more of this world and story right now!
*Thank you to Sophie Jordan, Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
This was perfectly creepy! When Mina, a newly graduated child psychologist, is approached by a journalist during one of her grief counseling sessions, she can’t help but be intrigued by his offer. Sam has just wrapped up an interview with a teenage girl from a small town who believes a witch is watching her through the walls and he needs help from Mina to understand if Alice is truly being haunted. While others think the girl can communicate with the dead, Sam and Mina decide to uncover the truth behind what’s happening to Alice. Both have their own hidden motives, while they want to help Alice, they also hope that she might be the key to reconnecting with their lost loved ones.
I loved the eerie atmosphere of this book and wished it was longer. I do think it could have explored certain elements more deeply. More background on the town and its people would have helped set up the ending better. Additionally, it was difficult to connect with some characters since they were introduced abruptly without much development. If you enjoy the vibe of a haunted, isolated town with a touch of Midsommar, you’re in for a real treat.
I loved the eerie atmosphere of this book and wished it was longer. I do think it could have explored certain elements more deeply. More background on the town and its people would have helped set up the ending better. Additionally, it was difficult to connect with some characters since they were introduced abruptly without much development. If you enjoy the vibe of a haunted, isolated town with a touch of Midsommar, you’re in for a real treat.
*Thank you to Daisy Pearce, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
This book had me completely hooked. Grady Green, a down and out writer who is still reeling from his wife’s disappearance, is struggling to revive his career with little success. When his publicist suggests a peaceful writing retreat on a remote Scottish island, Grady jumps at the chance for some much-needed isolation. But once he arrives, he begins to sense that something sinister is at play. I absolutely loved the mystery and the gothic atmosphere in this book, especially how Feeney hints at an underlying lie that keeps the reader guessing. While the ending was a bit underwhelming, I still really enjoyed the book overall.
In a world divided between Lightcasters and Darksomes, Prudence must hide her gift to survive. After the tragic death of her parents when she was young, she understands that concealing her darkness is essential to protecting herself and her younger sister. But when the ruthless Lightcaster, Kenric, captures her, Prudence finds herself at the mercy of the enemy. She must now make choices that will not only determine her fate but also that of her sister. As the story unfolds, Prudence discovers there is more to her powers than she realized, and she must infiltrate the elusive rebellion to secure something the leader of the Lightcasters desires in order to save herself and her sister.
I was left with many questions after reading this book. The story seemed to jump abruptly from one event to the next with little transition, which made it hard to follow at times. I also felt there was a lack of depth in some key scenes, like the dungeon and prison scenes, which could have been explored further. It also struck me as unrealistic that the rebels accepted her so easily with barely any questions. I was also confused about Kenric’s motivations. Why is he so cruel to Prudence but then saves her and sends her to a different prison? Additionally, I didn’t get a clear sense of who exactly is in charge of the Lightcasters. With minimal backstory and world-building, I felt there was a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the world and the characters’ relationships, which felt a bit underdeveloped.However, I do think this was a great concept with an original take on magical powers set in a dystopian world.
This story is told from multiple POVs, featuring a diverse group of characters, including a princess, a dragon shifter, and three thieves, one of whom is a blood witch. Each character is on a quest to find the same item, the Crimson Shard, but for different reasons. The plot splits into two distinct storylines: in one, the thieves are desperately seeking the Shard for their own personal gain, while in the other, a princess and a dragon shifter develop a slow-burn romance, all while searching for the Shard to stop a plague threatening dragon shifters. Throughout their journeys, these characters not only seek the Shard but to also explore who they truly are and what they mean to one another. I wasn't as invested in the thieves' storyline and found myself craving more of Keagan and Avalon's story. I really connected with these characters' enemies to lovers storyline and wanted to see more of their journey. I would have also loved more world-building to better understand where the characters are coming from and what drives their motivations. This was my first Gossin book, and I'm excited to read more in the future!
*Thank you to Brittany Gossin for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.