tessa_talks_books's reviews
1150 reviews

Only One Survives, a gripping psychological thriller by Hannah Mary McKinnon, unfolds a suspenseful narrative.  The story revolves around Vienna, who narrates most of the events from her perspective.  It's a dual-timeline saga of a girl with a tumultuous past carving her path in the music industry until a tragic car accident involving the entire band changes everything.

There's a wealth of details I'm eager to share, but I'm mindful of the need to avoid spoilers.  This story is easily spoiled, but I've taken great care to respect your reading experience. These are the best kind of thrillers, after all! You can trust that I won't give away any crucial plot points.

The character development in this book is truly captivating. The characters are multi-layered, adding to the tragic, disturbing, yet thrilling nature of the story.  

The fast-paced narrative is filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense and thrill, from the tragic car accident to the revelations about the characters' past.  What thriller addict (like me)  doesn't love that?

Lastly, I'm still thinking about that ending, and it's been days since I finished the book.  I won't spoil it, but I will say that it's a fitting conclusion to the story. The characters are developed so well that it's easy to feel empathy for them, and the ending ties up their arcs in a specific way - whether it's satisfying or not - you will just have to decide for yourself. It's a testament to the book's lasting impact, that I'm still reflecting on it.

I gave my reading experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the Asian-inspired fantasy world, the magic and mythical creatures, and the immersive world-building.

However, I thought the character development could use a little more attention, and the ending was not to my liking. I hope there will be a second book because I’d hate for the story to end like that, but I don’t know that a second book is planned.

My opinion is a bit mixed, but overall, I enjoyed it and am in love with the attention and the beautiful physical edition that was given.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen is a captivating example of the silkpunk genre, a unique blend of fantasy and technology that is sure to intrigue readers. And it's reminiscent of the Mulan story's rich world-building and engaging plot. This novel held my attention from start to finish, offering a fresh and intriguing take on these genres.

The main characters in 'Of Jade and Dragons' are developed exquisitely, and their interactions are not just intriguing, but also deeply human, fostering a strong sense of connection with the reader. The main character, Ying, is stubborn and champions what is right even when it's a hard choice. Her interactions with Ye-Yang felt authentic and grew over time, which I found particularly engaging. Ye-Yang is a decent, almost bland male lead, but his individuality shines as the story progresses, making the reader feel a strong sense of connection and investment in their journey. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they navigate their complex world.

While the story was engaging overall, it started too slowly for my tastes, and I struggled with unfamiliar Chinese terms dating back to the Qing dynasty. They were unknown to me, and I didn't find them described enough so my reading could flow smoothly. This might resonate with readers who prefer a faster pace and are unfamiliar with Chinese history and culture. However, knowing these aspects beforehand will help you better appreciate the story's unique setting and cultural references, preparing you for a more immersive reading experience.

Bewitched by Laura Thalassa, the first installment in the Bewitched series, is a captivating journey into an immersive world that is as steamy as it is wondrous, inviting readers to delve deeper into its mysteries.

The world-building in Bewitched is a captivating journey that drew me in from the start. The author has meticulously crafted a world filled with magical creatures, enchanting landscapes, and a complex social structure. While the characters may not be fully developed, the main characters' growth throughout the story is a compelling aspect that kept me engaged.

The amnesia trope, a unique and exciting element in the story, is part of a mystery that I believe I've solved, but the truth awaits in book 2. This intriguing situation had me happily suspending my disbelief.  The pacing is fast, as the story is full of thrills and peril. The steamy parts are very steamy, though I fast-forward through them, as I tend to do.

This is a great new fantasy world that I'm excited to get back into with book #2.

Winter Lost, the fourteenth installment in Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, stands out as a unique entry point for me. This paranormal urban fantasy is a thrilling blend of action, romance, and suspense, but what sets it apart is the intense focus on family dynamics and the exploration of new supernatural elements. 

The story begins with Mercy, dealing with the aftermath of her encounter with the Soul Taker from the previous book, and then the story takes off after her half-brother Gary shows up on her doorstep suffering from his own magical issues. The rapid pace, as Mercy and Adam race to save Gary, kept me on the edge of my seat. And when a bigger crisis reveals itself, I couldn't put the book down if I wanted to.

The diverse array of paranormal beings in the story, such as werewolves, vampires, and fae, was a major draw for me.  Every creature I had ever heard of found a place in the narrative, keeping me captivated.  The interludes, offering a glimpse of the story from each being's perspective, were a brilliant addition that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The incredible character development and world-building in Winter Lost were a delight. I was able to enter this series at book fourteen with ease, a testament to the depth and richness of the world Patricia Briggs has created.

 One-word review: Delightful

Emojis: ☺️🫢🫠

Rating: 4 🌟s

My thoughts:

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin is a unique romantic comedy that turns the enemies-to-lovers trope on its head. In this book, a woman unexpectedly finds herself drawn to the man who gave her very first novel a one-star review.  Intriguing, isn't it?

I absolutely adored the premise. I can't imagine a better bookish enemies-to-lovers plot. It's so authentic, as is the rest of the story surrounding it.

The book takes you on a journey through all the pivotal moments in the lives of Natalie's best friend, who is in a relationship with Rob's best friend. Yet the story is about how Natalie and Rob met and fell in love even though he gives Natalie's pride and joy a review of only one star.

While the narrative technique employed may not have been my personal preference, the final quarter of the book was a profoundly affecting and emotionally charged experience that I couldn't help but be moved by.

The character development in this book is exceptional, with each individual given ample room to evolve and mature as the plot unfolds.  I found them all to be remarkably relatable, their lives vividly brought to life by the author's pen.

Overall, this book is a delightful addition to your beach or pool bag. It's a read that will keep you excited and engaged, and it certainly won't disappoint.

 One-word review: Wild-Ride

Emojis: 🫣🫨😮

Rating: 4 🌟s

My thoughts:

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine is a wild ride from beginning to end. And what an ending it was! I'm still stunned into silence.

The action in Two Sides to Every Murder kicks off in the first chapter and never lets up. It's a whirlwind of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. This book is a thrilling, unpredictable ride that I couldn't put down.

While I can't reveal much, I can assure you that the less you know about this book, the better.  The character development may be limited, but the fast-paced storytelling more than makes up for it. The book has a slasher movie-style element that adds to its rapid pace, keeping you hooked and turning the pages.

Overall, I found this a thrilling summer read that is perfect for a day of pure entertainment. It's the kind of book that keeps you up all night, eager to find out what happens next.

 

 Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood was such a quick read for me. It might have something to do with the fast pace or the fact that I tend to fast-forward through spicy scenes. But either way, the chemistry between Eli and Rue held me firmly in its grasp. 

As I turned the pages, I was swept away by the effortless dynamic Rue and Eli discovered. Their journey proved the relentless power of love - which can be euphoric and redemptive. I loved how the characters were developed with layers of trauma and experiences that meshed into complexities that breathed life into them and made them relatable even when I couldn't relate.

Not in Love, with its unique dual POV narrative, leaves no doubt about the leads' shared feelings. From the moment Eli's perspective is introduced, it is evident that his attraction to Rue is something more. He is wholly and instantly bewitched by her. Then comes the story's big twist, and all bets are off - or are they?

This is Hazelwood's most sizzling contemporary romance yet. Fans of very steamy romances that border on Erotica will find this a delightful addition to their reading list.

 

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle is a romcom that spans five years with former high school sweethearts Seth and Molly.  The pair, who reconnected at their fifteenth reunion, strike a wager that will keep their relationship alive until their twentieth.

The characters are very well-developed. Molly, for instance, suffers from a fear of commitment, which has led to a string of failed relationships. Seth, on the other hand, battles with imposter syndrome, constantly feeling like he's not good enough. These anxieties have defined them, creating complex and multifaceted characters who are often not likable. But together, this grumpy sunshine couple somehow makes sense.

The story went on a bit long. The constant back and forth, filled with misunderstandings and miscommunications, created a reading fatigue that made the book feel intolerably lengthy.  This repetitive pattern of conflict resolution, or lack thereof, was a major aspect of the plot and not my favorite trope.

However, what truly captivated me was the premise of the wager between reunions.  It injected the story with a delicious tension, akin to an enemies-to-lovers narrative, complete with witty banter that I couldn't get enough of. 

All in all, Just Some Stupid Love Story offers a delightful exploration into anxiety, triggers, and childhood wounds, making it a very entertaining read.

At times, we all crave a story that wraps us in a comforting embrace. Seven Summer Weekends is precisely that kind of narrative. It exudes warmth and comfort in every aspect, leaving me with a sense of tranquility.

The aspect that deeply resonated with me was the emotional journey of Addison and her aunt.  As Gicky grapples with her diagnosed illness, she sets up a series of heartwarming experiences for Addison to learn about and remember her after her passing.  The visits each weekend from friends of her aunt, the beach house and all it contained, and the neighbors who all knew and loved Gicky - all wove together to create a rich tapestry of relatable and authentic emotions.

The setting of Seven Summer Weekends is a true paradise. A beach house  brimming with cherished memories and love, nestled in a picturesque and artistic beach town—it's a setting that sparks the imagination. The place's self-sufficiency adds a layer of inspiration, making me yearn for a similar retreat. From the first page to the last, the setting serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

The romance in Seven Summer Weekends is a journey of growth and understanding. While I initially craved more of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, their relationship evolves into something more profound. They meet each other's needs and work well together. Some miscommunication goes on and some baggage to overcome, but these challenges strengthen their bond. By the end, their relationship is not just nice but thoroughly heartwarming, leaving n with a sense of satisfaction and warmth.

If you are looking for a warm-hug type of story, Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen is the book you should pick up today.