booksthrilljessica's reviews
401 reviews

This book did not disappoint! As an avid Agatha Raisin fan, I was thrilled to find all the wit, mystery, and delightful bumbling that make this series so enjoyable. It had me laughing out loud while eagerly trying to guess how Agatha would crack the case. I kept yelling “time” at my Kindle, anxiously waiting for the characters to figure it out. Charles left me a bit perplexed in this installment, and I’m curious to see what’s next for him and Agatha in the next book. I can’t wait to find out!

*Thank you to M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green,  ​St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I was intrigued by the synopsis and eager to dive into this book. The concept of following a woman in the 1600s, navigating harrowing experiences while engaging in a taboo relationship, had me hooked. However, the writing style—primarily composed of sentence fragments—made it difficult for me to fully connect with Ellis as a character. I’m unsure if this was a deliberate choice by Bruzas, but it left me feeling detached. The collapse of the colony and the desperate measures taken were compelling, yet the focus seemed more on a stifled love story than fully exploring these fascinating themes. That said, if you enjoy this style of writing and are curious about the struggles faced by early colonists, this book could be a good starting point.

*Thank you to Alena Bruzas, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Rocky Pond Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book was a delightful, light-hearted read filled with love, curses, and family dynamics. The magical elements blended seamlessly with the star-crossed lovers trope, all delivered with a perfect touch of humor—absolutely chef’s kiss! The spice level was just right, and I’m crossing my fingers for a second book to continue Delia and Max’s story. This was my first Carly Bloom read, but it definitely won’t be my last!

*Thank you to Carly Bloom, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This paranormal thriller feels like a blend of House on Haunted Hill and One by One. The story follows a group of artists attending a secluded colony, where things take a dark turn after a dead body is discovered. When one of their own meets an untimely end, the group begins to suspect a supernatural force is at play. I connected with the characters on many levels and appreciated how their pasts intertwined with their experiences at the colony. Spooky, thrilling, and utterly engrossing, this book kept me hooked until the very last page.

*Thank you to Delilah S. Dawson, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This was my first time reading Ann Cleeves, and I was eager to dive into this mystery based on the blurb. The premise was fantastic—murder, a missing teen, and the possibility of a cult lurking in the shadows had me ready for an edge-of-my-seat thriller. However, the story felt weighed down by an overwhelming number of characters who didn’t contribute much to the plot. If you enjoy stories rich in detail and with a large cast of characters, this might be the book for you.

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

If you’re searching for a book that will sweep you away into an enchanting dark retelling of beloved Grimm fairy tales, this one is a must-read. From the very first page, I was hooked. Barden’s ability to weave multiple fairy tale characters into a single, cohesive story is pure magic. The characters are compelling, and the world-building is absolutely flawless, leaving me eager for more of Eveline’s journey. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

Reading Divergent and Hunger Games as a young adult I never knew I have been waiting for an adult version that gives me the same feeling. This book has gripped my soul in a way I desperately needed. Filled with deadly trials, love, betrayal and loyalty this book will transport the reader into a world where they want to deconstruct the City as much as we all wanted to for District 1. 

The character development and world building done by Sherron is so palpable that the reader can not help but envision themselves along with Faye’s as she battles in the trials. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and follow Faye as she navigates the new trial she has set for herself.

Reading Divergent and The Hunger Games as a young adult, I never realized I’d been waiting for an adult version that would recall those same feelings. This book gripped my soul in a way I didn’t know I needed. Packed with deadly trials, love, betrayal, and loyalty, it immerses readers in a world where you’ll feel just as compelled to dismantle the City as we all did District 1.

Sherron’s character development and world-building are so vivid and tangible that you can’t help but picture yourself alongside Faye as she fights her way through the trials. I’m eagerly anticipating the rest of this series and can’t wait to follow Faye as she faces the new challenges she’s set for herself.

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

This paranormal, gothic tale unfolds in a dual POV spanning across two timelines. I loved following these storylines and speculating on how they would eventually intertwine. Both MFC characters within this story are on a journey to escape oppression and embrace their true selves, each harboring similar secrets. I was deeply invested in their stories and appreciated how they discovered purpose and self-love along the way. However, the pacing felt uneven, with the first 75% and the final 25% of the book feeling somewhat disjointed, almost like they belonged in separate stories. If you enjoy dark, gothic love stories, this one is worth checking out!


*Thank you to Kiersten White, ​​Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book is ideal for middle-grade readers who loved Upside Down Magic and are ready for a more mature story. The story begins with Lavinia (Vin), who struggles to fit in at every magical school she attends. After being expelled once again, she’s sent to the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents. There, Vin finally finds friends and the freedom to embrace her chaotic magic. But when mysterious attacks on students begin, Vin is quickly blamed. Can she and her friends uncover the real culprit before it’s too late?

This book weaves powerful messages for young readers through themes of magic, friendship, and self-acceptance. For anyone who’s ever felt like an outcast, Preto’s powerful message is that even amongst loneliness there is still hope in friendship and embracing who you truly are.

*Thank you to Nicki Pau Preto, ​​PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

In this captivating tale of fated mates told from dual perspectives. Ava, a young woman with a weak heart has a limited time to live, and is  determined to make the most of every moment. Logan, a shapeshifter, is on a mission to find his fated mate to secure the survival of his pack. Their separate paths collide after a fateful night lands Ava in the hospital, intertwining their destinies in unexpected ways.

Set in a world where folklore creatures walk among us, this story pulls you into its magical realm. 

Prepare your TBR list for this steamy, possessive MMC, magical elements, and found family in this epic paranormal romance!

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