jenessalikes's reviews
285 reviews

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Holy hell. Literally. 
What a fantastic sequel to TFK. The story was nonstop, tying things together from TFK snd laying the groundwork for book 3. I'm in awe of Hannah.
Our trio goes through it in this book, and I'm DESPERATE  to know what happens next! The tension, danger, surprises, reveals 😩 
I devoured the story and found myself gasping, tearing up, and just staring at the wall at the end. 

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

K here's the thing. Go into this knowing that it's essentially a rom com with vampires and werewolves. 
Don't expect intricate world building or lore or any of that. Just vibes. Vampyre and Were vibes. 
I enjoyed being in Misery's head. I loved Lowe as an MMC. Though the plot was a little predictable, I enjoyed waiting to see how it all came together. It was fun and funny and sweet and spicy.  
🌶🌶🌶/5

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Edge of Summer by Bobbi Maclaren

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Well, if this isn't the cutest book 😍
I thoroughly enjoyed this small town (island?) romance. It was filled with angst and heart, sadness, and triumph. 
Delilah is struggling to keep her and her siblings afloat in the aftermath of her parents' death (of which she feels responsible for).
With nothing left to lose and fresh start hanging in the horizon, she moves her little family to a small island. 
On her first day there, she accidentally rear ends the fire chief (adorable meet cute). His grumpy disposition rubs her the wrong way, and of course, he keeps popping up in unexpected places 😏
Luke is the ultimate mmc 😍 but he's got a lot of trauma from a past relationship, so dating the new gorgeous woman on the island is off the table.... right? 
If you want a sweet and spicy romance with fun side characters, then look no further!
🌶🌶/5

A Vicious Game by Melissa Blair

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love when we can see the emotional downfall of a character. This book has that in spades. 
Keera takes a step backwards only to leap forward. I loved learning about her new powers. The plot unraveled in a way that left me anxiously turning the pages to see what else would be revealed. 
Gerarda was such a pleasant surprise. I loved getting to learn more about her. 
I definitely could have used more Riven but that's simply because I'm a romantic at heart. 
That twist. That ending. I'm anxiously awaiting book 4😱
🌶🌶/5

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Filled with plot twists and turns, this book had me on my toes for most of it!
I wish we would have gotten more of Riven in hindsight but the plot development and that ending more than make up for it!

Cinderella Is Faking It by Dilan Dyer

emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Storm King by Sheila Masterson

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Living Legend by Allie Shante

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What we have here is a classic case of angel boy meets demon girl and chaos ensues in the best way!
If you love it when there is a tortured hero who gives in to his most base desires, then go ahead and add this one to the list.
I loved Dani as the main FMC. She is strong and fierce and takes no shit but she's also level-headed and smart in her decision-making (well, to a degree - everyone has a breaking point)! She has also been groomed by the demon queen of sorts to be vicious and ruthless.
Nick is her counterpart, a rule follower, and never one to go against the grain. When they are forced to team up to solve a mysterious case, neither can deny fiery sparks between them.
Elise was my favorite character outside of Nick and Dani. I just love how she tortured everyone around her. Big mood. 
Spice on this one is 🌶🌶.5/5 and can't wait to dive into the next book!