booksthrilljessica's reviews
416 reviews

I’ve always been intrigued by the tale of Hades and Persephone, so I couldn’t wait to dive into Carbonneau’s fresh take on this classic story. What stood out to me was the unique twist—setting the fated mates in the modern world, with Persephone unable to remember their past life.

As Persephone seeks to forge her own path, she’s haunted by a mysterious male voice in her thoughts. Enter Hades, who offers her an irresistible job: serving as his personal companion at night. But only Hades knows the truth about their shared destiny and must patiently wait for her to rediscover it.

I really enjoyed following Persephone’s journey of self-discovery, as she proves to be anything but meek or easily swayed this time around. With just the right amount of spice, this story kept me invested in both the characters and their fate.

*Thank you to Alannah Carbonneau and BookSirens for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I was intrigued by the characters and the outcome of the Nightbirds as they became entangled in a political game, there were moments where the story fell flat for me. At over 400 pages, it felt like the book could have been trimmed down, as some of the side storylines shifted focus away from the bonds forged between the Nightbirds and felt unnecessary. If you enjoy more of a folklore steeped in magic with a political plot this book is perfect for you. 

*Thank you to Kate J. Armstrong, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A dark stalker romantic comedy that captivated me right from the beginning! With the perfect blend of humor and intense dark desire, I couldn’t help but laugh while secretly hoping for a masked stalker to be waiting for me at home. Reminiscent of You, the MMC, Josh, feels like a “healthier” version of Joe—if that’s even possible. This book will leave you questioning your kinks and plotting how to convince your significant other to invest in a mask!

After reading The Butcher’s Daughter prequel, I was eager to see how Jack’s twisted affair with three vampires would unfold. As she struggles with her vow for revenge upon the vampire that could have saved her father’s life, Jack finds herself desperately attracted to him even though he invades her thoughts. Navigating her new normal—managing the family butcher shop after her father’s death—Jack enters a relationship with the vampire who has been helping her prepare for vengeance. But her life takes a more complicated turn when another vampire from her past resurfaces, seeking reconciliation. 

This book may not dive deep into world-building, but it shines with its complex, morally gray characters. A fast-paced read driven by lust and desire, it explores the inner turmoil of its main characters, who find a sense of solace in one another—except for Elias, of course. I wish we had more insight into Elias’s perspective or a deeper storyline into his past from his POV. His dramatic reentry into the vampire world felt a bit abrupt, lacking the context and thorough explanation it deserved. Honestly, I think I would have enjoyed exploring that storyline more than the love triangle between Jack and the vampires. That said, don’t get me wrong—I’m all for a spicy vampire romance!

If you enjoy why-choose romances, overprotective MMCs, vampires, or reverse harems, this is a must-read!

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

The tragic births of twins Clarissa (Rissa) and Zareleon (Leo) changed their lands forever. Rescued by Theodore Gayl through the use of dark magic, this act unleashed a curse that envelops people one-by-one of the realm into an eternal slumber. Now, with Gayl ruling as Emperor, the people are desperate to fight back and reclaim what remains of their lives.

Rose, who has been trained to become an Alchemist by her uncle, was orphaned at a young age and her buried memories hold secrets that could uncover the truth about her father’s murder. When Rose and her family journey to the capital to compete in the Emperor’s trials, she embarks on a dangerous path. As she comes face-to-face with Gayl, Rose discovers the curse is far more complex than anyone believed—and she might be the one destined to break it.

This book delivers incredible world-building, characters who fight at every turn, and a subtle yet spellbinding love story. Packed with epic contests that challenge both the characters' wits and magical abilities, it kept me on the edge of my seat. And the struggles the two main characters, Rose and Leo, face draw you into their lives, making you root for their success—and for them to find their way to each other. Lacey has created characters with lonely souls who are battling their inner demons and ultimately discover a connection they can trust and rely on in a new found family. This is a journey through despair, hope, and perseverance, complete with a heartfelt HEA, and was exactly what I needed.

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

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.