booksthrilljessica's Reviews (537)

From the very first chapters, we’re thrust back into the steamy and captivating tension between Aelia and Tharan. I initially feared this book might focus more on their physical attraction than sotryline, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quickly reverts to being a character driven story, much like the first installment. Filled with betrayal, epic quests, and intense battles, this book immerses readers in the characters' struggles as they face the uncertain hands of fate.

As the race to reach the Trinity Wells intensifies, Aelia and Tharan must part ways to achieve their goals. Aelia remains suspicious that her sister might be harboring secrets with Aelia’s former love, Gidion, all while searching for her mother to uncover vital answers. Along the way, Aelia will uncover more than she anticipated which will force her to confront the difficult truth about her sister.

Meanwhile, Tharan embarks on his own quest to find Baylis, the one responsible for the death of the Alder King. Now that he’s been named the successor, Tharan must fight not just for the throne, but for what he truly loves. Tharan is trying to forge his own path, independent of what other think it should be.

Will Aelia and Tharan’s destinies align, or will the forces that be tear them apart?

I never thought I could love a book more than Phantasma, but I was wrong! This book has completely captured my heart and soul! Genevieve has bewitched me with her funny, sarcastic, and fierce characteristics. She is a refreshing change from the typical MFCs found in most romantacy novels.

When Genevieve enters the House of Enchantra, she quickly realizes it’s a dangerous game, much like Phantasma, only dark, dangerous and filled with deadly games full of peril. She came to Enchantra seeking answers about her curse and a way to break it, but what she doesn’t expect is to be forced into a marriage with the devilishly handsome Rowin. Yet, if she wants to survive and win, she has no choice but to except her fate.

The chemistry between Genevieve and Rowin is absolutely perfect and steamy! I also enjoyed the dynamics between Rowin and his family, their utter distruction of each other all while they are all pursuing the same goal… freedom. It added an unexpected layer of is heartbreak to their story.

And the narration by the incredible Laura Horowitz was on another level! Her voice brought the characters to life in such a way that I not only wanted to own the book but the audiobook as well, so I could listen to it time and time again!

Genevieve and Rowin will always have a special place in my heart, and their story will play on an endless loop in my mind.

*Thank you to Kaylie Smith, Bookouture Audio | Second Sky Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A thrilling teen slasher novel that follows a group of high school students determined to uncover the truth behind their town's most infamous murders. However, they never expect the legendary curse to start targeting them.

I loved the eerie ghostly presence that haunted the teens as they tried to figure out who was picking them off one by one. And the growing tension between Eden and Caleb also set up a perfect friends to enemies to lovers storyline. The narration done by Jennifer Jill Araya was flawless, bringing the characters to life in such an incredible way.  And the ending was full of shocking twists and turns that I never saw coming! 

*Thank you to Chelsea Ichaso, Tantor Audio and Netgalley for the ALC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This was my first Harlan Coben book, and even though it was the second in a series, it was absolutely phenomenal! 

Sami Kierce, a former police detective, is doing whatever it takes to support his loving wife and young son. On top of his private investigation work, he also teaches night classes. But during one of his classes, Sami is stunned to see a woman he once loved while backpacking in Spain. Someone Sami believed was dead and he was the one responsible.  Now, faced with the shocking reality that she is alive and well, he's determined to uncover the truth behind her survival, no matter the cost.

This book had such an intriguing premise and kept me hooked from start to finish. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proven completely wrong. I truly sympathized with Sami as he fought to do what was right, all while grappling with the difficult realization that doing the right thing isn’t always in everyone’s best interest.

*Thank you to Harlan Coben, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! It perfectly blended mystery and intrigue, while also being filled with witty and hilarious remarks.

Finlay Donovan, newly divorced and struggling to get by on her nonexistent writer's income, knows she’ll have to do whatever it takes to survive. However, she never anticipates a stranger slipping a note into her purse with an offer that seems too good to refuse. But can Finlay go against her morals to salvage what little remains of her broken life? Along the way, she uncovers unexpected truths about her ex-husband and his new girlfriend, all while discovering more about herself.

This book was the ideal cozy mystery, with the perfect mix of romance and humor. I can't wait to read the next book in the Finlay Donovan series!

*Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Adams has done it again! I absolutely loved this book, with its perfect blend of intrigue and excitement. The story features two strong, determined female characters, Aara and Alysna, who will fight tooth and nail to defend what they desire and need in a dystopian gladiator style setting. In this world, everyone seems to have unique abilities or powers and is forced to battle in an arena for the King’s cruel amusement. It gave me more of a mature version of The Hunger Games.

Aara, captured and forced to fight in the King’s sadistic games, will do anything in her mission to stay alive and protect her newfound family. But to do so, she must team up with Jarin, the one person she despises most. Jarin is a morally complex, devilishly handsome Blade Master whom Aara has sworn to kill. Oh, Jarin… the book boyfriend readers will love to hate, yet secretly yearn for.

While the first half of the book is rich in world building and character development, trust me, it’s worth sticking with it. The spice and the intense battle scenes that follow will make it all come together in an epic read!

*Thank you Terina Adams for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Unfortunately, this book was a struggle for me. I really wanted to enjoy it based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t get into it. The creepy factor was definitely on point, but I felt like the storyline kept getting interrupted by side plots and the characters' internal dialogue. The idea of the creepy entity targeting the siblings was really intriguing, and I would have loved to see it explored more. However, whenever the internal thoughts or flashbacks kicked in, I felt like I was abruptly pulled out of the intense moments and thrown into a completely different situation. That said, I did enjoy the humor and satire among the characters, as well as their dynamic, which ultimately played into the big reveal.

*Thank you to Neena Viel, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book had me hooked from the very first page! With multiple POVs, the story takes readers on a thrilling ride full of twists and turns and all featuring amazing characters. This was my first Eddie Flynn book, and I dove right in without needing to read the previous books in the series. As the story unfolded, I found myself connecting with each character individually, sympathizing with them despite their flaws. The intensity of Ruby was gripping, and Eddie's wit was fantastic. And while I thought I had the ending figured out, let's just say I definitely did not!

*Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This is my second M.A. Frick book, and I was really looking forward to it because of the intriguing blurb and the stunning cover. I went into it knowing it was an age gap romance, but I personally wasn't a fan of Nienna's love interest being her betrothed's father. I understand that this is just a personal preference, and others might enjoy that dynamic, but it just wasn’t for me. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if the King had started off as her arranged marriage partner, with the relationship evolving into a lovers to enemies scenario, while the Prince played the villain. The storyline was a bit repetitive with the slow burn being too slow for my ADHD brain. However, I did enjoy the secrecy of their love affair and the forbidden love angle. As for the goats, while they added humor to the book, I would have preferred more dragons, as the cover suggested. And I did appreciate that Nienna wasn't a typical damsel in distress! Her character was strong willed and pursued what she wanted rather than just accepting what was accepted of her. That said, I do wish the book was shorter, there were parts that made it hard for me to stay invested in the story. All that said I did love the characters and the dynamics between them,  and the ending was absolutely heart stopping, leaving off on a fantastic cliffhanger.

*Thank you M.A. Frick for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. At first, I saw Vivian as the voice of reason, but that quickly changed when she seemed willing to forgive Charlie for actions that were problematic from the start of their relationship. Behaviors that had led her to leave him in the first place, resulting in some serious consequences.
As for Charlie, I found him to be an extremely untrustworthy narrator. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s selfish, a heavy drinker, or just tends to talk more than listen, but I found it frustrating every time the story was told from his perspective. He repeatedly contradicted himself, and I often found myself questioning whether he was truly in love with Vivian or just the idea of who he wanted her to be.
While I understand that, at a certain point in life, people might be willing to overlook certain flaws, I felt that both of them were ultimately lying to themselves. These characters, just like most people, still have a lot of healing to do before they can have a healthy relationship together. That said, if you enjoy romance stories dealing with second chances and flawed characters, this book may be a good read for you.

*Thank you to Nickolas Butler, Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.