Scan barcode
tessa_talks_books's reviews
1163 reviews
Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan
4.0
Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan: 4 Stars
Five Reasons to Read Can't Help Falling in Love:
1. Fake Dating Trope—I personally love the fake dating trope. It's a lot of fun and often involves laugh-out-loud moments, which this book does and does well.
2. Poignant Plot Threads— Nothing makes RomComs better than a thread of a more poignant story threaded through it. In this story, Lexi and her mom are dealing with grief - debilitating, life-altering grief. Witnessing their growth as they slowly worked through their loss gave me all the feels.
3. Relatable FMC - Lexi, the main character, is a hardworking individual who strives to keep her and her mom afloat. Despite her admirable work ethic, she grapples with self-confidence and overall self-worth. While this aspect of her character may not always be enjoyable, it certainly makes her more relatable to readers, adding a personal touch to the story.
4. A Swoon-worthy MMC— Will, the male lead, is a character that will make your heart flutter. Handsome, rich, and not afraid to help Lexi and her mother work through their emotional challenges, he is the epitome of a swoon-worthy love interest.
5. Perfect Fall Coziness—The story is sweet and full of all the feels that create a sense of inner warmth and peace, making it the ideal read for a cozy fall evening.
Why Not Five Stars:
Though I love many aspects of Sophie Sullivan's Can't Help Falling in Love, the pacing caused me trouble at different points in the story. While the characters and plot were engaging, there were moments where the narrative felt either rushed or dragged, disrupting the overall flow. Despite this, the novel's charm and heartwarming elements still make it enjoyable.
Five Reasons to Read Can't Help Falling in Love:
1. Fake Dating Trope—I personally love the fake dating trope. It's a lot of fun and often involves laugh-out-loud moments, which this book does and does well.
2. Poignant Plot Threads— Nothing makes RomComs better than a thread of a more poignant story threaded through it. In this story, Lexi and her mom are dealing with grief - debilitating, life-altering grief. Witnessing their growth as they slowly worked through their loss gave me all the feels.
3. Relatable FMC - Lexi, the main character, is a hardworking individual who strives to keep her and her mom afloat. Despite her admirable work ethic, she grapples with self-confidence and overall self-worth. While this aspect of her character may not always be enjoyable, it certainly makes her more relatable to readers, adding a personal touch to the story.
4. A Swoon-worthy MMC— Will, the male lead, is a character that will make your heart flutter. Handsome, rich, and not afraid to help Lexi and her mother work through their emotional challenges, he is the epitome of a swoon-worthy love interest.
5. Perfect Fall Coziness—The story is sweet and full of all the feels that create a sense of inner warmth and peace, making it the ideal read for a cozy fall evening.
Why Not Five Stars:
Though I love many aspects of Sophie Sullivan's Can't Help Falling in Love, the pacing caused me trouble at different points in the story. While the characters and plot were engaging, there were moments where the narrative felt either rushed or dragged, disrupting the overall flow. Despite this, the novel's charm and heartwarming elements still make it enjoyable.
The Mirror by Nora Roberts
5.0
Nora Roberts has once again proven her mastery in storytelling with The Mirror, a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The way she seamlessly weaves these elements together will keep you intrigued and turning the pages, eager to uncover the next twist in the plot.
Top 5 Reasons to Read The Mirror:
- Ghosts: The detailed history and background of the ghosts add depth and mystery that keep you hooked from start to finish. Each ghost has a story that intertwines with the present, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and compelling.
- New Romance: The budding romance in the story is beautifully crafted, with relatable and endearing characters. The chemistry between the pair is palpable, making their journey together a joy to read.
- A New Pet: Introducing a new pet adds a delightful touch to the story. This furry companion brings warmth and charm, providing moments of fun and heartwarming interactions.
- A Party to End All Parties: The grand party scene is a highlight of the book, filled with drama, revelations, and unforgettable moments. It's a pivotal event that brings all the characters together and sets the stage for the story's climax.
- Engaging Plot: The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Roberts masterfully balances the elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a thrilling and emotionally satisfying narrative.
Why I Loved It:
I loved The Mirror because it had so much to sink my teeth into. The rich background on the ghosts provided a fascinating layer of mystery, while the new romance added a heartwarming touch. Adding a new pet brought a delightful charm to the story, and the party scene was spectacular. Nora Roberts has a way of creating worlds and characters that feel real and relatable, and The Mirror is no exception. It's a book I couldn't put down, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala
4.0
Five Reasons to Read Guilt and Ginataan:
- A Taste of Filipino Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Filipino cuisine and culture as Lila Macapagal navigates family traditions, mouthwatering dishes, and the bustling atmosphere of her cafe. The author skillfully uses food to introduce readers to Filipino culture, making it an integral part of the story's atmosphere and Lila's heritage.
- An Engaging Murder Mystery: When Lila's best friend is accused of murder, she's thrust into a thrilling investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the end.
- Friendship Dynamics: Explore the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and love triangles as Lila grapples with her feelings for her best friend and her best friend's girlfriend.
- A Cozy Mystery Vibe: Guilt and Ginataan delivers a satisfying blend of intrigue and cultural immersion if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of exotic flavor.
- A Relatable Protagonist: Lila is a friend you can relate to, not just a character. Her resourcefulness and resilience in adversity make her a compelling character to follow.
What I Liked:
The central murder mystery involving Lila's best friend is not just a hook but a well-crafted narrative thread that builds suspense throughout the novel. Each clue and revelation keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth. Exploring the delicate dynamics between Lila, her best friend, and her best friend's girlfriend is a key aspect of the story. It adds complexity and depth, as it's not just about the murder mystery but also about personal relationships and how they evolve in the face of adversity.
Why Not Five Stars:
While I enjoyed Guilt and Ginataan, the pacing was sometimes uneven, with certain sections feeling rushed while others were more leisurely. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been more developed. However, these minor issues didn't significantly detract from my enjoyment of the book.
In Too Deep by Lee Child, Andrew Child
5. Consistent with the show: "In Too Deep" is a seamless extension of the Jack Reacher series, mirroring the tone and style of the Prime show. For show fans, the book will be a comforting return to the familiar world of Reacher.
4.0
Series: Jack Reacher #29
One-word review: Complex
Emojis: 🤔🫣🤐
Rating: 4 🌟s
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. Consistent with the show: "In Too Deep" is a seamless extension of the Jack Reacher series, mirroring the tone and style of the Prime show. For show fans, the book will be a comforting return to the familiar world of Reacher.
4. Pace and Readability: The novel is a heart-pounding, rapid read, with action sequences that grip you from the first page to the last. Its readability and breakneck pace make it a book you'll struggle to put down.
3. Suspense and Action: True to Reacher's roots, the book is a rollercoaster of suspense and action. It's a thrilling ride with never a dull moment, and the tension skillfully builds, keeping you engaged throughout the story.
2. Complex Mystery: The story's central mystery is a labyrinth of intrigue and deception. When you think you've untangled the web, another twist sends you spiraling. It's a puzzle that keeps you guessing until the very last page.
1. Engaging Characters: Lee Child and Andrew Child have done a great job maintaining the depth and complexity of Jack Reacher's character. His interactions and the challenges he faces feel authentic and engaging.
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner
4.5
One-word review: Inventive
Emojis: 🧐🫢😂
Rating: 5 🌟s
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. The loving orange-tabby cat - Lord Thomas Cromwell - who may or may not be possessed by the ghost of the actual Thomas Cromwell. Cats have my heart, especially orange tabbies, so this little cat with a big name stole the show for me at times. Also, the name 'Thomas Cromwell' is a nod to history and adds an intriguing layer to the story.
4. The setting is perfect for the story: a sleepy town in Upstate NY with a diner and a sassy librarian. A place where tea and coffee breaks are frequent, and they are quick to make a newcomer feel welcome.
3. The nod to fictional cozy detectives is a treat. It lends itself to immediate buy-in from the reader, as do the other instances where the story shows self-awareness.
2. The story is a delightful blend of humor and intelligence that I thoroughly enjoyed. The witty banter between the characters had me laughing out loud more than once, adding a light-hearted touch to the narrative.
1. What I loved most about this story was how it surprised me by being fun and chilling simultaneously. I got goosebumps more than once when the demons came to play. Usually, cozies can be too… well, cozy for me. I want a little more action. And the paranormal aspects of this story, including the unique abilities of the characters and the eerie encounters with demons, kept me on my toes and engaged throughout.
Emojis: 🧐🫢😂
Rating: 5 🌟s
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. The loving orange-tabby cat - Lord Thomas Cromwell - who may or may not be possessed by the ghost of the actual Thomas Cromwell. Cats have my heart, especially orange tabbies, so this little cat with a big name stole the show for me at times. Also, the name 'Thomas Cromwell' is a nod to history and adds an intriguing layer to the story.
4. The setting is perfect for the story: a sleepy town in Upstate NY with a diner and a sassy librarian. A place where tea and coffee breaks are frequent, and they are quick to make a newcomer feel welcome.
3. The nod to fictional cozy detectives is a treat. It lends itself to immediate buy-in from the reader, as do the other instances where the story shows self-awareness.
2. The story is a delightful blend of humor and intelligence that I thoroughly enjoyed. The witty banter between the characters had me laughing out loud more than once, adding a light-hearted touch to the narrative.
1. What I loved most about this story was how it surprised me by being fun and chilling simultaneously. I got goosebumps more than once when the demons came to play. Usually, cozies can be too… well, cozy for me. I want a little more action. And the paranormal aspects of this story, including the unique abilities of the characters and the eerie encounters with demons, kept me on my toes and engaged throughout.
The President's Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins
4.0
One-word review: Creepy
Emojis: 🤔🫢😳
Rating: 4 🌟s
Comp Titles:
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. The inclusion of character sessions, a unique narrative device, was a brilliant move. It fuels the story and gives the reader a deep insight into the killer's mind and motivation, making you feel more connected to the plot.
4. The back story, complex and fascinating, though sometimes wordy, is a puzzle that keeps the reader intellectually stimulated. The balance of exposition to dialogue, while leaning heavily on the exposition side, is paramount in determining who the killer is.
3. I was not a fan of the real-world political commentary. However, I found the stereotyping by political parties fascinating, although it could be seen as misleading. The author's portrayal of political parties may not align with all readers' views, and this could be a potential drawback for some.
2. There are lots of twists and turns and excellent red herrings that keep you guessing, and I found them captivating and entertaining throughout the story.
1.That ending!!!! I can't say anything about it, but it was so creepy, and I loved that!
A Crown of Darkness: An absolutely unputdownable and gripping romantasy novel by Jessica Thorne
4.5
One-word review: Complex
Emojis: 🥺🤔💔🥰
Series: The Lost Queen, book 3
Rating: 4.5 🌟s
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. The world-building is a perfect blend of relatability and uniqueness. The creativity of the different magic systems, their symbolic representations, and their integration with the political systems make the story easy to grasp and yet intriguing enough to keep you engaged.
4. The characters are developed very well. They are stereotypical heroes and villains—except for Wren, who is so conflicted and complex that I enjoyed every moment with her.
3. The second-chance romance between Elodie and Roland just grabbed my heart and held on to it. I loved their story and how it developed in this trilogy. I wish I had felt the same about Wren and Finn's romance. They are the main characters, so I thought I should care about their story as much or more, but somehow I just didn't.
2. The ending is not just good, it's brilliant - a masterpiece of storytelling. I won't spoil it, but it's a perfect conclusion that will leave you wanting more.
1. What I loved the most was the story's progression from book 1 to book 3. It started off simple, but as the complexities grew, it developed into a highly intricate story that twisted and turned, captivating and enthralling me with every page.
Maya's Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja
3.5
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. Maya's belief that she was cursed became frustrating as the story progressed, especially since her behavior lacked common sense. Because of this, the story kept me at arm's length. Maya wasn't cursed as much as annoyingly naive.
4. The inclusion of infidelity in this story was a significant disappointment for me. Both characters showed a lack of respect for the female main character's engagement, which was frustrating. This element felt entirely out of character, especially for two characters who seemed to be deeply committed to their religion and beliefs. It felt like a betrayal on multiple levels.
3. This book cleverly employs a few fantastic tropes: fake dating, road trip/travel mishaps, and forced proximity. These elements added a delightful layer of fun and excitement to the story, keeping me thoroughly entertained.
2. The setting of this story is truly one-of-a-kind—Switzerland and Pakistan. The vivid descriptions of these places took me on a delightful journey, making me feel like I was right there. It's a testament to the author's skill in painting a vivid picture of these unique locales.
1. I truly savored this book. It's a charming, heartwarming romance that beautifully showcases cultural diversity. The author's skillful storytelling and insightful cultural explanations made it a truly enlightening read. I always find joy in exploring cultures different from my own, and this book was a delightful journey in that regard.
5. Maya's belief that she was cursed became frustrating as the story progressed, especially since her behavior lacked common sense. Because of this, the story kept me at arm's length. Maya wasn't cursed as much as annoyingly naive.
4. The inclusion of infidelity in this story was a significant disappointment for me. Both characters showed a lack of respect for the female main character's engagement, which was frustrating. This element felt entirely out of character, especially for two characters who seemed to be deeply committed to their religion and beliefs. It felt like a betrayal on multiple levels.
3. This book cleverly employs a few fantastic tropes: fake dating, road trip/travel mishaps, and forced proximity. These elements added a delightful layer of fun and excitement to the story, keeping me thoroughly entertained.
2. The setting of this story is truly one-of-a-kind—Switzerland and Pakistan. The vivid descriptions of these places took me on a delightful journey, making me feel like I was right there. It's a testament to the author's skill in painting a vivid picture of these unique locales.
1. I truly savored this book. It's a charming, heartwarming romance that beautifully showcases cultural diversity. The author's skillful storytelling and insightful cultural explanations made it a truly enlightening read. I always find joy in exploring cultures different from my own, and this book was a delightful journey in that regard.
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara
4.5
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
3.5
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: 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.