A Review: 'Tears of Tess' by Pepper Winters
The Rating
★★★☆☆
(3 Star Rating)
The Review
It was a good read, the length isn't too intense, and it's got a happy ending; the characters are, for the most part, complex beings. It was not a mind-blowing experience, nor was I stricken by some unexplainable fever of happiness or sadness while reading it. Ranking it square on the line of 'not my favourite but not terrible.'
Tears of Tess discusses and features a lot of weighty topics, and the book itself, majority of the time, dealt with them well. In certain scenes, the characters don't necessarily handle things according to their presupposed character or do things in a way that an ordinary person might not do. The book is well-written, with special attention to the use of diction, and you can find many beautiful instances of imagery or well-thought-out lines and paragraphs. For example, early on in the novel, a character says, "The black musty hood over my head suffocated my thoughts." Lines like this make me a little giddy; it takes me back to my high-school English class, simply delightful.
Yet, there is a very significant section where Tess finds herself at a transitional stage; this transition is what drives the main romance portion of the novel. But this transition was so abrupt, so rushed. Her character, although with an explanation, switches from emotion A to Z very quickly, which goes against her previous character description. Her nature of 'strong warrior who defies human traffickers' shifts all too quickly to 'meek, devoted slave'. I couldn't help but feel cheated at the sudden loss of a character. I can see what the author tried to show with the mini-climax of the story, which catalysed the transition, but whether it was pressure to keep the book short enough or a personal decision, it was hasty.
Her character, Tess, was also a bit confusing throughout. There were moments in particular where I felt infuriated by her decisions and moments I wish she had thought a little beyond herself: for instance, when confronted with her situation at Q's (the main male character) house and her privilege by another character (Suzette, the housekeeper, of sorts), she couldn't see further than her own distress. Even when a blatant example was put in front of her. Q, on the other hand, was a lump of inebriated self-doubt. But, thankfully, there is a part which I dubbed 'The Reclaim' in Chapter Twenty-three, where we get to see a better side of Tess--seeing her regain her wings was refreshing. And the two of them, Tess and Q, somehow drawn to one another, perfectly suit and balance each other--in their own desire-driven way.
Note: on the basis of the hard topics and graphic scenes, I recommend a 17+ age rating.
Favourite Quotes
"I stared at the marble. laying my heart at his feet."
I'm not the biggest fan of submission or fully handing my power over to someone else, but I must admit the devotion that Tess shows in this scene is quite captivating. She returns to Q after a while of being apart, and of her own volition, too. Which is a blatant show of where her loyalties lie. Very charming.
"Twine rubbed my wrist with hungry stringed teeth, ready to bleed me dry in this new existence."
Honestly, I just genuinely liked how this was written. I think it's really evocative, and that's all there is to it.
"J'aitais malheureux sans toi."
Translating to "I've been miserable without you." This line reshaped my entire perception of French, although not my go-to romance language, it is used throughout the book. This is said by Q after reuniting with Tess and forms part of an overdue confession. A delicious show of raw emotion, I love it!!
Who should read this book?
If you particularly like:
- Dark Romance (quite dark...)
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Possessive Male Lead
- Tortured Female Lead (literally this time)
- Grief, Trauma, Abuse and Healing
- Themes of Abuse and Abduction
- Revenge (as a minor plot)
If all of these check the boxes, then head forth and conquer! It's exactly what you want from a 'kidnapped-girl-who-ends-up-at-a-sketchy-but-hot-billionaire's house', this definitely won't suit you if you crave a sweeter and less 'tied' [;)] up romance! And it's especially perfect for those who want to be saved and fight their way out, with intense passion and too much danger for one person to handle.
I recommend a cool room with deep, slow bass playing gently in the background while you stuff yourself with popcorn to get through this one. Think Lana Del Rey Slavatore or Adele Skyfall. PS, it took me no more than 11 hours to finish.
Buy the book:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/6U9L8xf
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Thank you for reading. Note that this is my opinion and was written from my perspective. Feel free to browse the website for more tidbits to read or just to kill some boredom. Have a lovely day! And I hope your exams haven't depleted all your energy reserves!
Thank you for reading. Note that this is my opinion and was written from my perspective. Feel free to browse the website for more tidbits to read or just to kill some boredom. Have a lovely day! And I hope your exams haven't depleted all your energy reserves!
Follow me on Instagram @lilypadpotion
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