tessa_talks_books's reviews
1150 reviews

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.

 One-word review:  Emotive

Emojis: 🥹😢😭

Rating:  5🌟s

Favorite Quote: "All those things / are so simple, yet perfect, / and in those moments / happiness shivers."

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. I marveled at Hopkins’ use of dual POVs (twin siblings) in a story told through poems.  This technique is new to me, and I would never have guessed how effective it could be.

4. Several trigger warnings are understandable, considering the dark scope of the story, so potential readers should be sure to check them. StoryGraph is a great place to easily find them.

3. The book skillfully weaves in more hopeful themes of friendship, love, and resilience,  providing a stark contrast to the darker, heart-wrenching moments. This emotional rollercoaster, with its highs and lows, had me bawling as my heart ached for these very realistic characters.

2.The palpable authenticity of this story is a testament to the author's courage.  The author fearlessly delves into the harsh realities of the twins’ lives, a rare but much-needed experience for teenagers and society at large. Their courage is something to be respected and admired, fostering empathy in all who read.

1. The raw, relatable, and emotive nature of this story, told through poems, is truly transformative.  Each poem had the power to reach in and grab my heart, leaving me inspired and deeply moved.

One-word review:  Poignant
Emojis: 🤔🥺 🥰
Rating:  5🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The unique tone and plot of this story have completely captivated me. It's a narrative unlike any other, with dual timelines and a character's journey from the US to Italy to uncover what happened to the youngest of the three sisters the series is based around.  This approach vividly underscores the diverse impacts of WWII on individuals, keeping me intrigued throughout.

4. The setting, so idyllic, serves as the perfect foil for the WWII timeline. The contrast between the serene beauty of the setting and the harsh realities of war in the timeline creates a compelling backdrop, immersing readers in the story's world and enhancing their reading experience.

3. I highly recommend reading the series in order, so I would only read this book after reading the other two books. However, this story is so well-crafted that it can be enjoyed as a standalone without any confusion about the plot or characters.

2.The research and portrayal of the events and, more importantly, the experiences during WWII are not just phenomenal, they are enlightening. The characters in this series could easily be real people alive during that time. The authenticity is practically palpable, connecting readers to the characters and their experiences in a way that few other books can.

1. The series' themes of family, found family, and sisterhood are not just moving, they are deeply touching. They resonated with me in a way that few other series have. This story didn't just allow me to imagine, it made me truly feel the realities of that time.

 

One-word review:  Intriguing

Emojis: 🤔😥🤫

Rating: 3.5🌟s

My Top-Five-Style Review:

5. I enjoyed the narration a lot. It’s sarcastic and self-deprecating in a way that kept me amused.

4. I would have loved to see more world-building.  I never felt on solid footing with this world or even the characters. Did they resemble the animals they represented, or were they fully human-like?  How could things like hot dogs exist in this world that’s nothing like ours?  I needed to know a lot more to become fully immersed.

3. The cast is quite extensive, and I often found myself in a state of confusion about who was who and who was in a relationship with whom.  This was as disorienting as the lack of world building, and it was a struggle to keep track of everyone.

2. Among the characters, Grasshopper stood out as my favorite. Despite her young age and small stature, she possesses an inherent power and purity that I found truly admirable.

1. The 'locked-room' style mystery in the book was a highlight for me. While the solution to the mystery required a bit of a leap, I found this mystery style to be a fun and enjoyable read.

 

 One-word review:  Shocking

Emojis:💡🧐🤯

Rating: 5🌟s

Favorite Quote: “Angelenos would totally tell you you’re a f-ing idiot, but we’d also hand you a kale smoothie while we did it, and tell you it’s okay that you’re dumb; at least you’re skinny.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. This story was utterly compelling - holding my attention without fail from beginning to end.

4. While the main characters may not be the most likable, they are undeniably relatable. This relatability is all you need to become fully invested in the story.

3. The dual perspectives of Meredith and Aspen were a delightful addition to the story. They not only added depth but also facilitated the truly shocking twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat and fully engaged in the story.

2. The social media angle is just so relatable. Is it wrong that I was getting Instagram ideas from this story?

1. That ending!!! It's so thought-provoking, I don’t even know what to think, and I love that I don’t know what to think.

 

One-word review:  Irresistible

Emojis: 😍🫠🥰

Rating: 5 🌟s

Favorite Quote: “You distract me so I can’t think straight. I’m not even supposed to be here right now. I should be in the city, dealing with work, but instead I’m here. With you. There are a thousand other things I need to be thinking about every day, but all I think about is you.”

“Kindness takes effort. It can have rough edges and it can be impolite, but it’s still genuine and good. But if you’re nice… well, you can be nice to someone and still stab them in the back…it just means when you do it, you might have a smile on your face.”

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The chemistry in this story is so palpable it's almost a character in its own right. This kept those pages turning and made even the miscommunication trope (which I usually dislike) take a back seat.

4. The book features both spice and closed-door scenes, each handled uniquely. One couple provides the spice, while the other's scenes are kept behind closed doors. This creative approach to handling the spicy scenes adds a unique touch to the individual couples' dynamics.

3. The setting is perfect on so many levels. I always enjoy a beach setting, but this one had the added ability to demonstrate the differences between the haves and have-nots while keeping true to Pride and Prejudice.

2. The two romances in the novel are not just delightful but also feel fully authentic. Elizabeth and Will's excellent enemies-to-lovers story and Jane and Charlie's instant attraction both felt real and kept me invested in their journey.

1. Elizabeth in East Hampton successfully captures the very essence of Pride and Prejudice while preserving a contemporary retelling. This unique blend of modernity and tradition kept me intrigued and curious, and I believe even Jane Austen would give it a nod.