tessa_talks_books's reviews
1185 reviews

One-word review:  Everything

Emojis: 🫨🥹🥲🥰

Rating:  4.5🌟s

Favorite Quote:

"Why do . . . did you love me?" Simon sat back in his chair at that, his hands coming to rest on his stomach. He looked at me for a long moment, as if I'd asked him to explain the formation of the universe. Perhaps loving me was just as puzzling. Finally, he leaned across the table and took my hand. "Because, Kathy Valence, you are worthy of love."

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. It's EVERYTHING you could want in a fun paranormal world, with unique and fascinating elements that left me wanting more.  The world-building is so immersive that I found myself lost in its intricate details.  I'm left with a few questions, eagerly anticipating their answers in future books.

4.  It's EVERYTHING you could want in a second-chance romance. The love between Kathy (Grim) and Simon is palpable on every page, making me root for them. If she can admit it and fight for their relationship, all will be right.

3.  It's EVERYTHING you could want in a found family story. The only thing Conner missed out on in his short life was a real sense of family, and witnessing that thread of the story play out truly touched my heart in the most profound ways, making me feel a part of their journey.

2. It's EVERYTHING you could want in a cozy mystery. Loads of suspense make the pacing consistently quick throughout the story. The mystery kept me guessing, with plenty of red herrings to distract me.

1. It's EVERYTHING you could want in a story of any genre.  With characters that come to life right on the page and a whimsical, cozy, suspenseful, mysterious, and poignant tale, I couldn't have asked for more and hated to leave the story.  When is Book 2 coming out?

 

The Note: A Novel by Alafair Burke

One-word review:  Complex
Emojis: 😴🧐🫣
Rating: 3.5 🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I loved that all the characters had very different backgrounds and remained friends. From a successful lawyer to a struggling artist, the diversity in their professions and personal lives added depth to the story. The friendship theme throughout the story is a nice touch and adds to the complicated nature of the thriller.
4. The setting(s) is my favorite, with characters spending significant time near the water - this story mainly occurred in the Hamptons. I haven't been there, but I have always loved coastal settings.
3. The characters are adequately developed for the genre, but they annoyed me greatly as I read. Their actions and decisions, at times, seemed unrealistic and forced, which detracted from the overall reading experience.
2. The story's first half read very slowly and struggled to hold my attention, BUT…
 1. The story's second half takes an unexpected turn, propelling the narrative into a twisty, turney, fast-paced adventure.  The big reveal caught me off guard, and I loved that about it. 

One-word review:  Mesmerizing

Emojis: 🥺😈💔

Rating: 5 🌟s

Favorite Quote: "A long-ago teacher had told Rae stories were created by villains. Their desires and evil deeds ignited the plot, while the hero only wanted to stop them. At least, to begin with, villains were in charge."

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The setting and tone were fun because they were so fairytale-like. I felt like I was entering a fairytale, just on the opposite side from where I normally sit.

4. The characters in this story are not just amazing, they're complex in a way that truly engages the reader. Their layers and nuances are revealed in such insightful ways, making them more than just characters, but real people with their own unique traits and struggles.

3. The relationship between Rae and Key is so complex that it held me riveted.  I had no idea how it would turn out, and I loved that uncertainty.

2. I loved how Rae embraced the villain role. I don't think I ever rooted for the villain before, but how it's handled in this story totally flips that norm on its head.

1. This story's underlying heart-wrenching narrative truly resonated with me. It's not just a fun read; it's a deeply emotional journey that builds subtly until it reaches a point that absolutely wrecks my heart. The layers of this story are incredible, a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

 

 One-word review:  Fun

Emojis: 👰🏻🤭🥰🧛‍♂️

Rating:  4 🌟s

Favorite Character: Reggie, a character who stands out with his unique traits, became my favorite. His zest for life and his ability to march to the beat of his own drum, not to mention his flying ability, make him a truly intriguing character.

5. I love how Levine continued this series and told Reginald's (Reggie)story. I had so much fun getting to know him better and learning more about Fredrick and Cassie from book one, My Roommate is a Vampire.

4. The fake dating trope is one of my favorites, and it‘s done to perfection in this paranormal romcom.

3. While My Vampire Plus-One is not a steamy read overall, it does have one open-door steamy sexy scene. This scene is tastefully written and adds a dash of spice to the otherwise light and fun narrative. The rest of the book is a delightful, campy, and quirky love story.

2. The romance in this book is not just any romance, it's fun, flirty, and entertaining.  Reggie and Amelia's relationship, despite their differences, is a joy to watch as it blossoms.

1. Sometimes, all you need is a book that can whisk you away, make you laugh, and fill your heart with love. My Vampire Plus-One is a delightful, light-hearted read that does all this and more.

 

One-word review:  Immersive

Emojis: 🤔🤐🥰😱

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

Tropes:

Favorite Quote: “We’re not good people, Lennon.  None of us. Not you…Good people don’t wield power like this. We’re all dangerous. You should know that by now.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The romance in this novel is a captivating experience. It kept me on my toes, constantly oscillating between feeling destined and feeling like it was never meant to be. The amount of back-and-forth was truly dizzying!

4. The pacing and thrills in this novel are relentless, keeping you on the edge of your seat.  I found myself unable to put it down, even in the dentist's office (for which I do not apologize! Especially since I hope the dental assistant who loves fantasy and stopped to talk to me about it - reads it 😀). The unexpected twists and turns kept me hooked.

3. The only aspect that gave me pause was how Lennon Carter (FMC) would struggle with different skills and couldn't even do them a little bit. Then, a chapter later - suddenly, I had mastered the skill with no in-between progression.  This happened more than once and threatened to pull me out of my suspended disbelief each time.

2. The setting of this novel is truly fascinating. As someone who is very familiar with Savannah, Georgia, I was captivated by the idea of a street block in the old town center taken out of time and space. The setting added an intriguing element to the story that I couldn't get enough of.

1. The moral grayness of this novel is a standout feature for me. The academy, the characters, the title, and even the story itself all exist in a morally gray area, and it's incredibly compelling.  There's nothing more complex than moral ambiguity, and I absolutely adored the moral grayness of it all.

One-word review:  Moving

Emojis: 🤔🥺🥰

Rating:  5🌟s

Favorite Quote: “Before I learned to ignore the siren call of my memories, their taunts, daring me to jump down, down, down, into that all-to-familiar place - a hole into which at times I fell accidently and at others I climbed willingly, allowing the rest of the soil to tumble in after me, shutting off all oxygen and blotting out the sun.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The romance plot thread warmed my heart and made it grow exponentially. Eliot (FMC) and Manuel’s story have so much beauty. I just loved it!

4. The family themes, with their raw authenticity, created a connection that resonated deeply. The messiness and love that make for a good story were beautifully portrayed.  I cherished the evolution of their bonds throughout the narrative.

3. The pacing, while leisurely at times, compensated with its intellectually stimulating exploration of topics and themes.

2. The book offers a unique and in-depth perspective on a commonly referenced mental health disorder - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. It reframes the disorder, shedding light on lesser-known symptoms that pose significant challenges for sufferers and their loved ones.  While it can be difficult to delve into a mental health disorder through a story, it is also crucial.

1. Emma Noyes’ courage in sharing this story, which is deeply personal and informative about a complex mental health disorder, is truly admirable.  It’s never easy to admit one's struggles, as it opens up a world of uncertainty and fear. However, to go a step further and share it with the world in a moving and informative fictional story is a testament to the book's importance for society.

One-word review:  Timely

Emojis: 😟😥🧐🫣

Rating: 4 🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. Detective Elise King, a character so relatable, her journey through a slow recovery from successful cancer treatment feels authentically emotive. Her story is handled with such empathy that it's easy to feel like you're right there with her, championing her when the situation calls for it.

4. The plot, a slow-burn procedural, is made even more engaging by the short chapters and the deeply relevant societal issues that easily hold your attention. These issues are not just part of the story, but they resonate with the current world, making the narrative more compelling and relatable.

3. I could never have predicted that conclusion, and I love how crafty and clever the author was in coming up with such an ending. The unexpected twist will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel the mystery.

2. This is book two in a series but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I also listened to parts of the audiobook and found it very well done, with a narrator who was able to hold my attention, which is no easy task.

1. I love the look at the different challenges women in their forties go through, particularly those who have gone through divorce and now are single parents, trying to navigate the digital world and dating, and dealing with the challenges of recovery. It's timely and authentic to a bone-chilling degree.

 

 One-word review:  wonderful-escape

Emojis: 🤔😳🫣

Rating: 4 🌟s

Favorite Character: 

My favorite character was not Wren—at least not in this first book in the trilogy—but Elodie, who is the mother or mother figure (that's one of the mysteries that needs to be solved) of Wren and a powerful wielder of magic. She is fascinating and powerful, with a past full of mystery and a power that can change the fate of everyone she comes into contact with. She is a supporting character with definite main-character energy.

5. The world-building, while in need of more development, holds great potential. With two books to go, there's a sense of anticipation. The basic introduction was sufficient to prevent confusion or frustration, leaving room for more to be unveiled.

4. The romance, though rapid, is a whirlwind that worked for me. In a fantasy story like this, the concept of insta-love is easily believable and can engulf you like no other emotion, adding to the immersive experience.

3. The story pulled me in from page 1 and thoroughly entertained me from start to finish.  Its entertainment level is perfect for an afternoon read.

2. I'm never a fan of a cliffhanger ending, and boy, did this have one. Fortunately, I will be delving into book 2 in just a few days, making the impact not as bad as it would have been otherwise.

1. I loved the story's pacing, which is enhanced by loads of high-stakes situations such as life-threatening battles and intense magical confrontations, and plenty of tension. The fast pace kept the pages turning rapidly, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. 

One-word review:  Fascinating
Emojis: 🤭🫣😏
Rating: 5 🌟s

Favorite Character: In this third book in the series, I have to say my favorite character wasn’t Carl or Donut.  It was actually Katia, who I loved seeing grow and become a force in her own right.  I met her in book 2, where she was a bit of a wallflower - unsure how to use her powers, stand up to others, and what her role should be. In book 3, she learns to embrace her power with inner strength and self-confidence. Her transformation is truly inspiring, even if it meant Donut had to take a back seat.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I loved the overall tone of this installment. There were many positives to counter the increasing challenges, and the floor was extra fascinating—much more puzzle-like.

4. I didn’t learn as much about the aliens as I hoped to in this installment. I felt like that part of the world-building stalled, but not completely.

3. This is a story of survival, and the way it is portrayed is a testament to the author's skill. The themes that play into survival are covered so artfully that a reader might not even realize they are there. The resilience of the human spirit is a strong undercurrent, and I predict it will take the aliens by even more surprise than it already has.

2. There is still plenty of snark to make my sarcastic heart happy. However, it has died down primarily because Donut is a less prominent character. The achievements still make me laugh every time they are read.

1. The progression of humanity and Carl’s pivotal role in it was a narrative I particularly enjoyed.  The question of whether they would succumb to the 'Lord of the Flies' route or be convinced to take a more Quixotic/Three Musketeers approach was a compelling one.  The aliens' desire to see humanity turn against each other was a constant threat, but the potential for humanity to rise above it is a powerful theme.

 Genre: Witchy RomCom

Trope(s): Grumpy/Sunshine, Opposites Attract

One-word review:  Charming

Emojis: 😉😂🥰🫠

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

Favorite Character: Tia Hightower. She's a witch and a confident, determined, and straightforward woman. No one is more loyal than Tia; I love her energy and strength. The main character of this story, Leah Turner, is a close second. She is human, and everything is upbeat and light, with a heart that shines as brightly as the rest.

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I'm eagerly anticipating booking 3 to delve deeper into Tia's story and the High Family of the Witching World. The prospect of finally meeting the enigmatic and always-absent Henry is also a thrilling thought!

4. The found-family themes in this story are not just heartwarming, they're downright soul-stirring. They beautifully illustrate the unbreakable strength of these bonds.

3. The chemistry between Leah and Gabriel is so authentic, it's palpable.  She fills the void in his life, and her unwavering determination to help him brings about a genuine transformation.

2. I'm a sucker for a story full of magic, and De-witched doesn't disappoint despite the premise.  This story's magical world still holds some mysteries, but I enjoy its many facets.

1. I love an excellent grumpy/sunshine romance, and this one always delivers.  Leah is everything sunshine should be, and Gabriel, well…his baggage definitely weighs down his disposition.  I always enjoy the transition from the grumpy character to an individual who is complex, nuanced and has learned to laugh.