booksthrilljessica's reviews
432 reviews

In this dark mafia romance with a Romeo and Juliet feel, we meet Rose, who has pined for her best friend August since childhood. But when Briggs Andrews enters her life, everything she’s known is about to be turned upside down. With secrets about her tragic past waiting to be uncovered, she’s on the brink of discovering something that could shatter her life. The sizzling sexual tension and undeniable chemistry between Rose and Briggs is absolutely irresistible. I especially loved the mystery that unfolds, revealing why Briggs has been pushing Rose away for so long. For all the dark romance girlies out there, this is a must-read!

*Thank you to E.S. Portman for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention. Featuring a shadow daddy, a matter of fact MFC, and a secret magical side plot. I loved the representation of a main character who struggled with mental health issues as well as being neurodivergent. I could also relate to the way she navigated social situations. However, I struggled with how much of the story centered around Alora’s desire to get laid. The lack of world building and explanation as to what Alora’s dreams ment left me confused. Especially since key details were only introduced in the final chapter and were glossed over to the point where I still don’t fully understand who or what Alora or Darce are. That said, the concept is intriguing, and I’m open to reading the second book in the series to gain a clearer understanding of the story.

*Thank you to B.L. Wilde for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I was completely captivated by this enchanting story from start to finish. The forced proximity, fated mates, and slow burn romance between Wren and Finn had me hooked. However, I do wish we had more insight into Elodie’s backstory, specifically the challenges she faced and how she became so powerful. I truly felt for the characters, and their struggles and heartaches were deeply moving. Finn’s internal battle, torn between his lifelong role of hunting those with magical abilities and the magnetic pull he feels toward Wren, was particularly heartbreaking. Meanwhile, Wren is desperately trying to suppress her magic to stay hidden from those who want to destroy her. While the spice level was low, the plot developed nicely with several unexpected twists and turns.

*Thank you to Jessica Thorne, Second Sky and Netgalley for the Audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A gripping tale of betrayal and deceit, this novel follows three friends who discover just how far they’re willing to go to protect their secrets. The story begins with the trio setting off on a bachelorette trip abroad, only to be harassed and stalked by a fellow hotel guest. As the tension builds, questions arise… what have they done to provoke such attention, and how does it end with one of them dead? The characters are flawed and relatable, yet also deeply frustrating. Despite wanting to root for them, I couldn’t help but feel that “Karma’s a bitch” as the story unfolded. Ichaso expertly explores the idea that while everyone has secrets, those hidden sins, especially when they come at the expense of others, can lead to devastating consequences.

*Thank you to Chelsea Icaso, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The premise of this book seemed perfect for me, especially with my love for William Shakespeare and the dual timeline featuring two similar narrators. Unfortunately, that’s about where my expectations ended. The story was filled with nothing but heartache, toxic men, and frustrating situations. I get the intention of highlighting that not all lives are happy. However, when I read a book I tend to crave a balance between good moments mixed with the bad, to offer an escape from the harsh realities of life. That said, I do appreciate how Picoult tackles tough, often taboo topics with a depth that other authors tend to avoid.

*Thank you to Jodi Picoult, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

*Thank you to Brilynn O’Neal, Regenerative Lives and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book grabbed my heart from the very first page. If you’re a fan of ACOTAR and enjoy rich folklore, then this one is definitely a must-read. The chemistry between Leena and Bratan was both intense and heartwarming, making their dynamic so captivating. I found myself unable to put the book down and was sad to see it end. While the romance is more closed door, Nelson places a strong emphasis on plot and character development. I only wish we had gotten to explore more of Bratan’s world and the mysteries surrounding his past.

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on. It’s a gripping blend of Misery and No Exit, as McFadden immerses readers into the life of a pregnant and aspiring nurse who is down on her luck. When Tegan uncovers horrific memories from the night she became pregnant she finds herself ensnared in a series of dangerous situations. Some of her own making, while others are thrust upon her without warning. The suspense had me hooked, and I eagerly anticipated the signature twist Frieda is known for. Although the ending felt a bit rushed and made no great shakes, it still kept me wondering what would happen right until the very last page.

This book is packed with suspense and intrigue, capturing the addictive vibe of a well-crafted podcast. As someone who binge-listens to true crime podcasts, I absolutely loved how this novel was inspired by a popular show, delivering just as much of that page-turning energy. I could not put this book down reading it in one day. Wilson does a fantastic job creating a morally complex female protagonist—someone who feels incredibly relatable but also holds that unpredictable, even unhinged side we all secretly wish we could unleash. I thought I had the ending all figured out, but I was pleasantly shocked by the twist! This book was exactly what I needed to break my reading slump!

*Thank you to Carter Wilson, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

While the premise of this book initially hooked me, it ultimately wasn’t for me. The story felt lacking in plot and was overwhelmed by explicit scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy dark, heavily spicy reads, but I need more substance in the story to feel invested. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters, and the constant focus on explicit moments left me completely lost as to what the actual story was about. However, if you're looking for a quick read that's all about the spice, then this book will definitely hit the mark.