Jess—aka Reviews by Jess—is a sassy, top-ranked Goodreads reviewer who reads a little of everything. From steamy romance to dark fantasy, plus stories featuring mental health, hidden disabilities, and LGBTQ+ rep, she brings bold, unfiltered reviews readers can trust. Expect sass, sparkle, and a TBR that’s about to explode.

Reviews by Jess- Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Unforgettable Reviews.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Review: 3 Days, 9 Months, 27 Years

3 Days, 9 Months, 27 Years 3 Days, 9 Months, 27 Years by John Scalzi
My rating: 2 of 5 stars



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Review: Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Girl in Luv

Girl in Luv Girl in Luv by Jay Crownover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Stopover

The Stopover The Stopover by T.L. Swan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Proposal Playbook

The Proposal Playbook The Proposal Playbook by Samantha Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a delightful read perfect for fans of lighthearted, feel-good romance who adore the enemies-to-lovers trope and opposites-attract stories, as it follows the charming journey of a grumpy former Navy SEAL and a cheerful wedding planner as they navigate their undeniable attraction and learn to overcome their differences to find love.

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Review: You May Kiss the Groomsman

You May Kiss the Groomsman You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a delightful and lighthearted romance that is a perfect fit for readers who adore friends-to-lovers stories, second chances, and witty banter, and are looking for a fast-paced and feel-good tale that will leave them smiling and rooting for the characters.

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Review: Heathens

Heathens Heathens by Alta Hensley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is perfectly suited for readers who are captivated by dark, primal romances that delve into the complexities of power dynamics and morality. It explores the thrilling and often taboo nature of desire and forbidden attraction, pushing the boundaries of conventional relationships. If you're intrigued by stories that challenge societal norms and delve into the darker aspects of human emotion and connection, this book will undoubtedly resonate with you. The characters within these pages are morally complex and their relationships are fraught with tension, making for a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.

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Review: Heartless

Heartless Heartless by Elsie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heartless delivers a heartfelt, emotionally rich second-chance romance that digs into themes of loss, regret, and the hope for new beginnings. The small-town setting in the “Chestnut Springs” world gives everything a cozy, intimate vibe — familiar faces, quiet streets, and a sense of community that makes sadness feel lighter and healing feel possible.

The main characters carry heavy past scars. Their reunion isn’t magical or instant; instead, it’s slow, cautious, and layered with realistic hesitation. Watching them rebuild trust — with pain, fears, and memories hanging over them — makes their journey feel grounded rather than fairy-tale. The emotional stakes feel real: heartbreak isn’t easily forgotten, and hope doesn’t arrive overnight.

What stands out most is the honesty in the writing. The grief, guilt, and hesitation aren’t sugar-coated. There are moments of raw vulnerability, self-doubt, and honest conversations about fear and healing. That realism makes the romance sweeter when the walls begin to crumble, and the comfort that follows feels earned.

On the lighter side, the small-town charm, supportive side characters, and gentle pacing give the novel warmth — like a slow-brewed tea that warms you from the inside out. There’s no excessive drama or melodrama, which works for readers who appreciate emotional depth over constant conflict.

If I have a minor critique: the pacing sometimes slows too much in the middle, and a few secondary plot threads feel lightly sketched — which makes some transitions a bit softer than they could be. I also wished for slightly more “push” or external conflict to heighten the tension before the resolution.

Still, Heartless is a touching, often tender romance about healing old wounds, learning to love again, and finding light after darkness. If you’re in the mood for a romance that feels real, emotionally honest, and gently hopeful — this one’s absolutely worth picking up.

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Review: He Sees You When You're Sleeping

He Sees You When You're Sleeping He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Alta Hensley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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