tessa_talks_books's reviews
1184 reviews

 Let me say this upfront: More or Less Maddy isn't just a book—it's an experience. Lisa Genova once again proves she has a gift for blending deep empathy with sharp, incisive storytelling. This novel is a heartfelt, profoundly authentic exploration of living with bipolar disorder, and I can't stop thinking about it.

Maddy is a character who feels so real that you'll swear you've met her before. Her journey of coming to terms with her diagnosis is raw, messy, and achingly human. Genova doesn't sugarcoat the struggles of living with bipolar disorder, but she also paints it with the nuance it deserves. You can feel the ups, downs, the in-betweens—and Maddy's strength shines through it all. It's a deeply researched and empathetic portrayal, never dipping into stereotypes or sensationalism.

And let's talk about the people who surround Maddy. Her support system is pure magic. From her best friend to her steady and compassionate sister, these characters bring warmth and heart to the story. I especially loved her mother, who evolves from someone overbearing to someone deeply understanding, and her brother, who uses humor as both a shield and a bridge to connect. Their love doesn't solve Maddy's problems but makes her feel less lonely, showing readers the importance of a strong support system in dealing with mental health issues.

Oh, and the stand-up comedy storyline? Genius. Maddy's journey into the comedy world added a fascinating layer to the book. It was such an interesting choice to let us see behind the scenes of the comedy world—the pressure, the vulnerability, and how laughter can be both a shield and a release. Watching Maddy take her pain and spin it into something universal and relatable on stage felt not just triumphant, but also deeply inspiring. It's a testament to the transformative power of art and humor in the face of adversity.

This book is a masterclass in balancing heavy topics with lightness and heart. It's a story of survival and finding joy in unexpected places. I laughed and cried, and the counselor in me came away with so much gratitude, knowing that everyone who reads this story will go away with a better, more informed understanding of the mental health disorder. If you're looking for a story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page, More or Less Maddy is it.

✨ Highly recommend to fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth, a touch of humor, and characters who will steal your heart.

 

 If the title doesn't hook you, the irreverent tone definitely will. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is an unexpected delight—a dark, twisty, laugh-out-loud exploration of what happens when love, murder, and a hefty dose of dry humor collide. Asia Mackay's knack for blending the macabre with the mundane is a triumph, making this book a compulsively readable gem that pleasantly surprised me.

Let's start with Haze, our endlessly fascinating leading lady. Haze is everything I didn't know I needed in a protagonist: sharp, layered, and simmering with complexities that make her feel utterly real. She's a killer (literally), yet Mackay gives her this beautifully human core, tugging at my sympathies and making me feel empathetic even as I nervously chuckled at her ruthless efficiency. Following Haze's journey feels like peeling back layers of a particularly deadly onion. Every revelation about her character adds intrigue, keeping me hooked from page one.

Thanks to those short, snappy chapters, the pacing is as slick as a well-oiled knife. Each one feels like a punchy vignette, propelling you forward at breakneck speed while never skimping on the details that make the story so rich. I blinked and suddenly found myself fifty pages in, hungry for more. It's the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go, making it perfect for readers who thrive on thrillers with a touch of irreverence. The pacing will keep you exhilarated and hungry for more.

What truly elevates the story, though, is the tone. Mackay masterfully balances humor and grit, creating moments that are as laugh-out-loud funny as they are tense. It's a tricky line, but she nails it, making even the darkest scenes feel oddly entertaining. Imagine if a Tarantino film met a rom-com, with a splash of noir—and then sprinkle in Mackay's signature wit. That's the vibe here.

Whether you're a fan of antiheroes, dark humor, or fast-paced thrillers, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is an absolute must-read. It's sharp, it's smart, and it's just the right amount of wicked fun. Plus, Haze? She's a character you won't soon forget—and honestly, wouldn't dare to. 😉

Grab this one if you're in the mood for something bold and utterly original. You won't regret it. 

If there’s one thing Alice Feeney knows how to do, it’s craft a story that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go—and Beautiful Ugly is no exception. From the very first page, I was hooked by the atmospheric tension that builds and builds, never once letting up. Feeney masterfully balances a suspenseful tone with a brisk pace, so you’re flying through chapters while simultaneously holding your breath.

One of my favorite things about this book is the setting. It’s a psychological thriller set in a bookish world! I mean, could there be a more perfect combination for book lovers? Feeney creates a dark, moody, almost claustrophobic environment, yet it feels oddly familiar and comforting to anyone who loves stories about books, writers, and the secrets they hide.

The twists? Oh, they twist. Just when you think you have it figured out, Feeney pulls the rug out from under you. I’ll admit, there were moments where I audibly gasped. She layers in the suspense so cleverly that you don’t even realize how tightly wound you are until the big reveals start landing.

While it’s not a full five stars for me (the ending got a bit confusing), it’s easily one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read this year. If you love psychological thrillers that play with your mind and immerse you in a rich, bookish atmosphere, Beautiful Ugly should be at the top of your list.

 Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is one of those books that invites both admiration and frustration. While I absolutely loved how it explored women's empowerment and the compelling allure of dark magic, I grappled with the feeling that it might be trying too hard to make a political point. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for stories that shed light on real-world issues, but when it feels like the entire plot is pushing an agenda, it can detract from the immersive experience that I love so much in fiction.

The premise immediately intrigued me—young women cast out by their families, forced to navigate pregnancy alone, and then pressured into giving up their babies for adoption, only to return to a society that pretends nothing happened. This isn't just historical context; it's a reflection of the systemic control over women's bodies and choices. While I typically shy away from books that feel overtly political in their storytelling, Hendrix walks the line by weaving these societal critiques into a dark, magical narrative.

The story explores how the home's oppressive environment—driven by societal shame—creates fertile ground for rebellion. That rebellion comes in the form of witchcraft. The depiction of dark magic is one of the novel's strongest elements. Hendrix doesn't shy away from the gritty, dangerous side of spellcraft. The rituals these girls perform aren't neat or pretty; they're messy, primal, and deeply tied to their anger and grief. The magic is empowering and terrifying, making it clear that the power they're tapping into comes at a cost.

What struck me most was how witchcraft became a metaphor for reclaiming autonomy. In a time when these girls were expected to relinquish their voices, their choices, and even their children, magic becomes their way of taking control—of their futures, their pain, and their collective power. It's a theme of women's empowerment that feels incredibly relevant even today, though its placement in 1970 gives it the richness of historical fiction. Hendrix masterfully ties the struggles of these young women to the broader, centuries-long battle for women to be heard and respected.

But there's a fine line between a story steeped in social commentary and one that feels overly didactic. While Witchcraft for Wayward Girls mostly succeeds in letting its themes arise naturally from the narrative, there are moments where the political undertones feel more like a sledgehammer than a subtle touch. I couldn't help but wish some parts of the story could breathe, letting the characters' experiences speak for themselves without so much overt framing.

That said, the novel shines in its portrayal of sisterhood. The bonds that form between these girls—born of shared trauma and their shared magic—are the beating heart of the story. Hendrix doesn't romanticize their relationships; they're messy, fraught, and sometimes heartbreaking. But there's also an undeniable strength in how they come together, forging their own family when the world has taken everything else from them.

The 1970s setting is more than a backdrop; it's a critical part of the story, grounding the characters' struggles in an accurate history of societal control and systemic silencing of women. The home for unwed mothers, with its air of forced compliance and quiet despair, is a reminder of how far we've come and still have to go.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a dark tale of empowerment, rebellion, and the cost of claiming one's voice in a world determined to silence it. While its political overtones may sometimes feel heavy-handed, the story's raw emotional power and its unflinching portrayal of dark magic make it compelling. It's a book that lingers long after the final page, especially for those who appreciate stories of women finding strength in the face of oppression. 

 Five Reasons to Read The Last One:

The three aspects I loved the most were the witty dialogue and sparring, the relationship between Kai and Jadon, and the mark Kai leaves on different individuals in the community.  These are the elements that kept the pages turning for me.  The pacing was mostly fast, which I also loved, as plenty of action keeps the plot moving.  But that just made those moments when Kai made a difference in someone’s life stand out even more.  Those scenes were heartwarming and gave her character the layers and complexity that made it easy to root for her as she fought battle after battle until the final truth came out.

The world-building is complex, but since you see through the eyes of someone with amnesia, the information comes in bits and bursts.  Though this is in keeping with the amnesia storyline, it was hard for me to follow and impeded any immersion into this world.  I would have rather had the information spread more consistently throughout the story from a mixture of remembering and revelations from others.  

 

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn: 4.5 Stars 

 

Five Reasons to Read How My Neighbor Stole Christmas: 

What I Liked:

This book had so much to love! The creative formatting was delightfully unique, complete with Dr. Seuss-inspired poetry, an unnamed narrator, and alternating POVs. The enemies-to-lovers romance delivered all the witty banter and antics I adore, while the festive setting of Kringletown, Colorado, brought year-round Christmas magic to life. Beneath the holiday cheer, the heartfelt themes of family and sisterhood added depth, making Cole's journey with found family and Storee's reconciliation with her own even more touching. Though I'm not a fan of spicy scenes, they'll surely appeal to others, and the story kept me hooked regardless!

Why Not Five Stars:
 
My only issue is how long this book is. It could have easily streamlined many details to make it a quicker holiday read.
 

The writing style was too much telling and not enough showing 

 Chronos Warlock by Shami Stovall: 5 Stars

📚 Book Review: A Magical Adventure with Time-Twisting Twists 📚

Chronos Warlock by Shami Stovall is the second book in The Chronos Chronicles. And let me tell you, it absolutely delivers! This story took me on a wild ride through magic and time, and I loved every moment. If you liked the first book, you're in for a treat with the second book.

🔮 Time Manipulation: One of this book's most intriguing aspects is its exploration of time manipulation. The main character, Adair Finch, uses his time-marking abilities in creative and unexpected ways that genuinely add a fresh twist to the story.

🌟 Character Growth: Adair's development is wonderful to witness. Watching him deal with his past mistakes and work towards becoming a better warlock and person is both relatable and inspiring. His journey hits home in a natural way.

🆕 New Allies and Enemies: Introducing new characters adds much to the plot. From the mysterious ally who challenges Adair's beliefs to the tough-as-nails foe who pushes him, each new character kept me invested in the story from start to finish.

💔 Emotional Depth: This book is fearless in exploring complex emotions. Adair's relationships with his friends and enemies are layered and engaging. His internal struggles make everything feel personal and add an impactful depth to the narrative.

🌍 World-Building: Stovall amps up the world-building this time around. She expands the magical universe from the first book, adding exciting new locations, magical creatures, and lore that enriches the entire experience.

📖 Engaging Plot: The story races along with plenty of twists and turns. When you think you've figured it out, Stovall throws in a curveball that keeps you guessing.

💬 Witty Dialogue: I'm a sucker for sharp, witty banter, and this book has it in spades. It adds a fun, light touch to the otherwise intense storyline.

⚔️ Action-Packed Scenes: Action scenes are fast and keep you turning pages. Whether it's a magical duel or a breathless chase, Stovall knows how to keep the adrenaline flowing.

Chronos Warlock is a fantastic follow-up to the first book in The Chronos Chronicles. It's a magical adventure blending time manipulation, character growth, and emotional depth, and I was hooked from beginning to end. If you enjoy urban fantasy with a twist, you've got to check out this series!

 

 Now or Never by Janet Evanovich: 5 Stars

That ending!!! I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating it. I have so much to say about that ending, and I can’t say anything about it.  I have lots of thoughts about it, though. 

The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley: A heartwarming holiday read that earns 4 Stars for its engaging characters and festive setting.

One unique aspect I particularly enjoyed was the use of AI in the storyline. At the beginning of the book, Riley, the main character, loses her job because the company will rely more on AI.  This is such a new topic that I inwardly applauded its use.

I didn’t give it five stars because of the overwriting.  Though the last quarter wasn’t plagued as much by it, the first three quarters would have read much easier with fewer unnecessary details.