Jess’s Reading Nook

I’m an avid reader. A mom of 3u3. I tend to read RomCom, Mystery, and Thriller most often, but I’m open to any genre of Books.

[jessreadingnook]

I love Christina Lauren. This writing duo have written some of my favorite books. This new release is no different. I love Lily and Leo's story and it is full of adventure.

Lily is trying to live her life in the shadow of her famous treasure hunting father. She leads tourists on fake treasure hunts to cover her bills. She dreams of one day buying her old family's ranch, but it seems to be so far out of reach. When her long lost love shows up unexpectantly on one of her hunts. Her past collides and everything she has tried to keep away from comes rushing back. When unexpected events lead to a possible real treasure they must decide if it's worth the risk and the possible heartbreak.

There are so many plot twists, and I was kept on my toes the entire time. I definitely have to rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is so worth the read and you won't be disappointed.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ***/5

Not the Witch you Wed was picked as one of the monthly reads on my Facebook book group. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book. I enjoyed it just not as much as some of the other books that I have read lately. I loved the mix of Rom-Com with supernatural.

Violet is the magicless witch in her family. When she runs into the alpha wolf-shifter who broke her heart years ago she wants nothing to do with him. However, when they find themselves both in trouble with the supernatural council, they are forced to find mates. So, they agree to pretend to be together to extend their time frame to accomplish their goals.

I love the fake dating books and love the shared history between the two characters. I have already added the next book to my list to pre-order.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: *****/5

Meet Me in the Margins was such a cute Rom-com! I loved it. It was such a fast read and you fall in love with the main characters so easily.

Savannah is an editor at a publishing house that doesn't print anything except non-fiction. While editing other people's books she is also writing her own romance novel. However, when she submits it to a friend in the publishing world, she tells her that it still needs work and there is a short amount of time to fix it if she wants it published. After, leaving her manuscript in her secret room at work she comes back to find that someone has took it upon themselves to give their professional opinion. While using their advice to meet her deadline she finds herself falling for her mystery editor. The question becomes who is her editor?

This book is written from Savannah's point of view. I liked it a lot but i also have to question if it had been written from the love interests' point of view as well if there would have been an even bigger pull to his character. There were moments I wondered what he was thinking. I loved the ending so much. Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced e-ARC of this book.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: 5/5

I have been wanting to read this book since it appeared on NetGalley and sadly I was denied. So, when Book of The Month choice it as their March book I knew right away that it was the book I was picking. I fell in love this this author when I read "The Sun Down Motel". She writes in away that she always has me on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder with goosebumps. She definitely didn't disappoint with this story either.

Shea is a receptionist by day and a true crime blogger at night. When the women acquitted of a series of "Lady Killer" murders from 1977 walks into the doctor's office, Shea has to ask her for an interview. Surprised that Beth agrees to allow her to come into her house to tell her side of the case, Shea begins to question what really occurred. Beth has been haunted by her families past and is finally ready to open up to the public about those terrible years of her life. As things seem to happen in Beth's house Shea begins to wonder if the house is haunted and is she truly safe?

I absolutely loved this book. The book is from both Beth and Shea's point of views and the author does a great job of taking you back in time to the moments that shape Beth's story. It kept me guessing all the way through the book and there were moments when I had to put the book down just because I was starting to get a little scared. Simone St. James is so good at scaring me and making me feel like I'm watching a scary movie instead of just reading it.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

I have had this book sitting on my NetGalley TBR list for months now and finally decided to pick it up when one of my online book clubs decided to read it for their April book. I went in completely blind thinking this was just another monster fiction book. I was surprised when it had time travel in it as well.

Sixteen year old Joan has a crush on her coworker and is excited to go on a date with him finally. However, things don't go as planned when an elderly neighbor with dementia has an episode she wakes up to find that her day is completely gone. She soon learns that her life is not as simple as she believes. She is a monster and her family has special powers. When she goes to find Nick to explain why she missed their date she discovers that he is not who she thought he was and he will do anything to kill all monsters. In order to save her family she has to team with an unlikely ally.

I liked the unique magic system in this book. I did find that the world building was slightly lacking. I was looking for there to be a little more romance in this book because that's what I felt was advertised. I found the ending to tie things up well with no cliff hangers but I'm interested to see what the next two books will contain because I felt like the story was complete.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: 5 out of 5 stars

So, this book caused me such a massive reading slump. I was so taken by the ending that I didn't pick up another book for almost a month. I absolutely love this series. I can't wait to see how the next book in Sarah J. Maas's world pans out.

House of Sky and Earth picks up with Hunt and Bryce trying to figure out their new normal. Bryce has decided to take their new relationship slow and is trying how to cope with her new abilities and the whole city knowing who she truly is. However, has the rebels begin to make more moves. Bryce is determined to find the missing kid that everyone is looking for. The only problem is the Astri can't find out or they might go back on their deal.

As always with Maas's books so many things happen and there are so many different plot twists that you just don't see coming. The ending of this book was just so incredible shocking that I had to read the last part twice just to wrap my mind around what was happening. I absolutely loved this book. It was so worth the pre-order that I waited for. I loved the character development of Tharion. We got to see so many new sides of his history.

#SarahJMaas #Houseofskyandbreath #crescentcity #huntandbryce

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: 5 out of 5 stars.

I have heard so many amazing things about this book. I was so happy to receive a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books as an ARC. I absolutely fell head over heels for Aaron. So much more happens in this book then what I was expecting.

Catalina is in desperate need of a date to her sister's wedding after finding out that her ex, the man of honor, is now engaged and she lied and told her family she would be bringing her "boyfriend". When her work enemy number 1 says that he will be her date she is taken back and hesitant. How could they possibly get along long enough to pretend that they are actually dating when they can't even stand to be around each other for more than 5 minutes. Why would he even suggest it?

The banter between the two is amazing and I couldn't possibly pass up the chance to read one of my favorite trops, fake dating. This book is a definite must read. I was up all night finishing it because I just couldn't put it down.

#Spanishlovedeception #elenaarmas #fakedating #workplaceromance #enemiestolovers

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: 4 out of 5 stars.

I have really enjoyed this series! They are all such easy reads. I love the banter between John Logan and Grace. The beginning of this book was a little unexpected. How often do real college romances begin the way there's does.

John Logan is one of the main hockey players on Blairs hockey team and he could have any girl he wants. He is such a party boy because he knows when college is over his life will take a path that he really doesn't want. However, when he meets freshman Grace everything chances until he makes a mistake and losses her. He then has to prove that he is serious about earning her back.

This book does contain alcoholism and open-door sex.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

This book was definitely not what I expected. However, I absolutely loved it. It's a Romance that isn't completely wrapped around the relationship of the couple. Each Character has their own path that has brought them to this island, and they are determined to work out their issues.

Cleo is turning thirty and his set to go to a remote island to self-reflect on her love life and her next steps in life. While there her boss has talked her into doing a self-coupling ceremony to include in her magazine column. However, it seems that the lodge has been double booked and she now has to share her isolation with Mack an American who is trying to adjust to his separation from his wife and the new path of co-parenting their two boys.

I loved the way the Josie Silver was able to write a romance that allowed both of the main character to explore their needs in life. I love the turn in Cleo and the path that she found her life needed to take. I found the plot and character development in this story perfect.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy from Netgalley and Ballantine Books in return for an honest review.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that while the story was starting, we were able to flash back to each person's point of view into their past together. I loved the female character so much and felt like the male character was just trying to do the best that he could to be a good person.

Lucian is a successful businessman, but he keeps the mobs of Manhattan from fighting with each other secretly. When he finds himself in love with his investor's daughter, he does everything he can to protect her without becoming unprofessional. Olive has found herself in a bad situation when one of her ex's seems to be stalking her. While Lucian tries to protect her lines begin to get crossed.

I think Tara Wyatt did such a good job on this story. I do need to warn it is an erotica, so if that isn't something you are okay with reading then don't pick up this book. The plot is well developed.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

I have had this book on my TBR since I saw it on Netgalley. I unfortunately was denied on there for an ARC so I had to wait. However, it was well worth the wait. It's such a cute romance.

Ruby is a nursing aid who loves hanging out with the ladies at her workplace. She is trying to help an elderly lady fulfill a dream of having her dog in a dog show. However, Spencer is a dog show judge who is determined that Ruby's golden retriever friend is not cut out for being a show dog and will cause the classic to be a mockery. Ruby refuses to give up on anything including getting the grumpy, rule obeying judge to like her.

This is the typical grumpy/ sunshine romcom. I loved the characters in this book so much. The elderly lady is so funny, and she reminds me of a typical grandmother trying to push Ruby to go for what she wants. I'm not a huge fan of Ruby's mother but she does add to the background of the main character. The ending of this book was perfect.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

I know everyone has heard of this book; it is everywhere. Which is understandable. This once again is a fake dating trop with lots of comedy. However, it's also an enemy to lovers' story.

Oliva is the maid of honor at her very lucky sister's wedding. Oliva however is very unlucky. She is temporarily jobless, wearing a very ugly green dress that her sister won, she has completely financed her wedding for free with giveaways, and just as luck would have it having to spend the entire day with her enemy Ethan. When the happily married couple are not able to take their free honeymoon Ethan and Oliva must go together in their place. The more time they spend pretending to love each other the more they get to know and like about each other.

I found so many parts of this story funny. They have a quick wit with each other that makes it so easy to relate and read. Christina Lauren is great with story and character development. I haven't read a book by her that I haven't liked.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: *****/5

I loved this book. There was such a great story there. I had seen this book on Bookstgram a couple of times. I have now gone to Libby and placed holds on the rest of the Off- Campus series. I do need to disclose that there is talk of rape and this book does have lots of open-door smut.

Hannah Wells has a crush on the college football star however he has no idea that she even exists. In order to get his attention, she's going to have to step out of her comfort zone and become a little more social. Garrett is the university hockey star and after a recent exam in ethics his time on the ice might be placed on hold. However, when Hannah and Garrett bump into each other he decides that his only way to keep playing is for her to tutor him. Reluctant to tutor Garrett Hannah decides to use him to make her crush see her. However, when an unexpected pretend kiss happens Garrett releases, he wants Hannah for himself.

I loved the banter in this book so much. This was also my favorite trop: Fake Dating. I feel in love with their relationship. They were just so cute. Elle Kennedy did an amazing job with her character development. She covers the rape issues very delicately.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ***/5

I'm not all that impressed with this book. It was picked out by one of my online book clubs and it looked like it would be a good book. I really struggled with the male character.

Alex is an actor who has gotten into some trouble, so the producer of his show has enlisted his cousin Lauren to babysit him. So, they will be spending all their time together and she will be moving into his guest house. As she gets to know the real Alex it becomes hard for her to stay professional. However, trouble seems to fall Alex around and he is once again in trouble with the tabloids.

Alex was not my favorite character in this book. I struggled with his continuous need to compare Lauren to a bird, and I felt like there was way too many mentions on her body. I know it's supposed to be a body positivity book, however, I did not like the way the author went about it. This was a book that I struggled through. I did like the ending though. After reading this one I'm not sure I want to read her other, Spoiler Alert, has anyone read it is it any better?

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: *****/5

Maas continues to make my heart break and keep me on the edge of my seat. This is the newest book in the ACOTAR series. However, Faye's sister Nesta is the main character this time.

Nesta is struggling to adjust to her new life as Fae and life after the war. She has been through so much and now that the war is over where does she belong and what is her new purpose? Her anger has begun to push everyone away and that's what she feels like she deserves. However, Cassian refuses to let her anger push him away. He is always there to go toe to toe with her. When the Queens start planning again, they must work together to save everyone.

It was nice getting to see this world through a different character's point of view. I am still more invested in Faye's life, but we got to see her through this book, so all is good. This book got very very steamy and intense so be WARNED!!!

I have to share one of my favorite Quotes with you guys:

"That's the Key, isn't it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it ... that's the important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good, the things that fill you with wonder." She gestured to the stars zooming past. "The Struggle with the darkness is worth it, just to see such things."

Talk about tugging at my heart.

[jessreadingnook]

Feyre is a huntress who goes out to support her starving family. While hunting she finds a wolf and makes the decision to kill it. h

OMG!!!! I am definitely a Sarah J. Maas fan. I still haven't read her Throne of Glass Series, but I loved this series and her Crescent City book (new one is pre-Ordered). This is definitely worth all the hype. This is why I'm behind on my reviews. Once I started, I couldn't stop I had to Finnish them all.

Feyre is a huntress who goes out to support her starving family. While hunting she finds a wolf and makes the decision to kill it. This kicks off her next adventure. A shapeshifting Faerie storms her house and takes her to live with him in exchange for the faerie wolf that she killed. She soon learns that the faerie lands are a lot more dangerous than she might have thought and she has to break a curse placed on the land. This is just the tip of the Iceberg for this series. The series develops so so much!!!

I can't give too much away because this series goes so so far and is so good. The first book is a beauty and the beast retelling in a way. However, the other books developed the world so well and gets away from that theme. I found the first book is a little slow compared to the rest of the series, but that's just after reading all the rest of them. This series has made it to my top 10 list of best books/Series. I got so invested in the characters that by ACOWAR I was in tears. I might have stayed up way to late reading this series.

[jessreadingnook]

Book Review: ****/5

This Book has been sitting on my bookshelf since I watched Bridgerton on Netflix. I couldn't wait to see how if the book was as good as the show. Julia Quinn wrote a wonderful book.

Daphne is stepping into society, however with overprotective brothers it's hard to make an acceptable match. Daphne is Kind and knows what she wants from a husband. She has turned down many she saw unfit. Simon is coming back to London from his trips abroad and is trying to stay out of society and away from the people who knew his terrible father. When the two run into each other they form a plan that meets both of their goals.

I loved that the book just focused on Daphne and Simons story. They were my favorite from the show. The banter between these two characters was great and they are both such strong-willed characters. This is definitely a fake dating trop (my favorite). I was able to read this book in one day so it's a fast read. I might be one of the few (I don't know) but I love their relationship. Looking forward to reading the next one soon.