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The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Tessa never dreamed of going to Shelfbrooke Academy, but the summer before her senior year, a lawyer visits her family saying she’s a long-lost descendant of the D’Villes—one of the founding families of the school. Encouraged by her parents, she leaves everything she knows behind to finish her studies at the prestigious boarding school.
Once there, Tessa’s ties to the D’Villes give her access to all the perks Shelfbrooke has to offer—secret meetings, private rooms, hot guys.
But when Tessa and Angelo, the artistic student she can’t seem to stop thinking about, are paired for a school project, Tessa discovers not everyone shares the same love for the D’Ville name. Many would delight to see their fall from grace, while others are willing to do anything to climb to the top.
How far is Tessa willing to go to learn more about her past while trying to follow her heart?
Tessa is a modern retelling of the classic novel, Tess of the d’Ubervilles. It’s the second book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series (a collection of retellings that can all be read as standalones) that promises to be a lot more fun than the original!
Tessa never dreamed of going to Shelfbrooke Academy, but the summer before her senior year, a lawyer visits her family saying she’s a long-lost descendant of the D’Villes—one of the founding families of the school. Encouraged by her parents, she leaves everything she knows behind to finish her studies at the prestigious boarding school.
Once there, Tessa’s ties to the D’Villes give her access to all the perks Shelfbrooke has to offer—secret meetings, private rooms, hot guys.
But when Tessa and Angelo, the artistic student she can’t seem to stop thinking about, are paired for a school project, Tessa discovers not everyone shares the same love for the D’Ville name. Many would delight to see their fall from grace, while others are willing to do anything to climb to the top.
How far is Tessa willing to go to learn more about her past while trying to follow her heart?
Tessa is a modern retelling of the classic novel, Tess of the d’Ubervilles. It’s the second book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series (a collection of retellings that can all be read as standalones) that promises to be a lot more fun than the original!
- GenresRetellingsYoung Adult
200 pages, ebook
First published June 4, 2019
36 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 4, 2020
Wanting a YA series to read? I have been enjoying so far the Shelfbrooke Academy series as each book is a loosely based rendition of a famous classic novel/play. Tessa is based on the classic novel Tess of the D'Ubervilles. In Tessa, we meet adopted daughter Tessa Fielder who has just learned she has inherited a lot of money and is, in fact, a long-lost descendant of the D'Villes name. Tessa is then given the chance to attend Shelfbrooke Academy and is given a private room. While at the school, her first friends are both scholarship students whom she connects well with as despite the newfound wealth, she is still Tessa Fielder who was adopted and saved from a life in the Foster Care system. When she arrives at the school though, someone knows her true identity and believes that she should embrace the D'Ville name which of course isn't Tessa's intentions. She later learns that her family the D'Villes were a founding family of Shelfbrooke Academy and it has been decades since a D'Ville attended the school. Angelo St Clare is another of the wealthy families but he hates the wealth and wants to be a 'normie' and find someone who loves him for him and not his money. What happens though when he starts to fall for Tessa and vice versa, only to discover her true identity and believes that Tessa deliberately lied to him. Can Angelo get over his "crutch" and accept all parts of Tessa or will it be too late when Angelo's arch-nemesis Alex Stokes - another of the wealthy families sets his eyes on Tess for his gain. Find out all this and more in this cutesy YA novel. Fans of Jenni James "The Jane Austen Diaries" will enjoy the Shelfbrooke Academy series.
May 27, 2019
I have never read the classic of this retelling but this book sure makes me want to. It is such a cute YA read with lots of aspects that make you look back on yourself as a person and want to do better. I love books like that, ones that have meaning and wisdom snuck within the pages.
Tessa is a wonderful character to follow and I love how she sticks to her guns no matter what is going on around her. Her strength is breathtaking.
Angelo is also a sweetheart who needs someone to come in his life to help him see where he is missing something. It was a real treat to watch him figure himself out and come into his own. And of course hes swoonworthy in all ways.
If you are looking for a cute fast read that will leave you smiling as you close the book, you need to pick this one up right away. Its perfect for a day on the beach, at home in your backyard with some tea and beautiful weather, or even a cozy story for a rainy day!
Tessa is a wonderful character to follow and I love how she sticks to her guns no matter what is going on around her. Her strength is breathtaking.
Angelo is also a sweetheart who needs someone to come in his life to help him see where he is missing something. It was a real treat to watch him figure himself out and come into his own. And of course hes swoonworthy in all ways.
If you are looking for a cute fast read that will leave you smiling as you close the book, you need to pick this one up right away. Its perfect for a day on the beach, at home in your backyard with some tea and beautiful weather, or even a cozy story for a rainy day!
June 4, 2019
I have read every book by this author and I have to say that each one gets better. I really enjoyed Tessa because the two main characters, Tessa and Angelo, were strong, independent, and, for teenagers, pretty self-aware. I know that they had different lives, but it was obvious that they had a lot of the same values, which made for a good relationship. Also, Tessa's friends Bette and Izzy were great. They were relatable and believable and really added to the story. I think what I enjoyed the most and what I want more of is Bette. She was a smaller role in the story, but she was funny, supportive, and mindful. I would love to see a story about her!
Not only were the characters great, but the storyline was engaging as well. There was drama (family, relationship, frenemies, etc.) that kept your attention as well as love and humor mixed in throughout. I have not read the original of this retelling, but after reading this book, I would love to check it out.
Not only were the characters great, but the storyline was engaging as well. There was drama (family, relationship, frenemies, etc.) that kept your attention as well as love and humor mixed in throughout. I have not read the original of this retelling, but after reading this book, I would love to check it out.
May 29, 2019
I'm a big fan of Kayla's books, the stories are always so charming and fun. Tessa is a modern retelling of Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Retellings are tricky because you never know if they are going to work or not. Well Tessa is a wonderful retelling, its endearing, sweet and totally swoon-worthy. I love a contemporary that can make me swoon! The writing was captivating and made it a breeze to read. There's something to be said about an author that can make you fall in love over and over again! Highly recommend this wonderful story!
May 25, 2019
Great story! I read it in one sitting and loved it. First, it’s a clean romance, suitable for all ages. Second, it’s a really fun retelling of Tess of the d’Urbervilles. It’s a fast-paced read with no extra fillers and it kept my attention throughout. If you liked Accidental Cinderella by Emily Evans, you’ll love this one too. Highly recommend it.
August 20, 2019
Tessa by Kayla Tirrell is the second book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series. This one is a Tess of the d'urbervilles retelling. I really liked the story. I know and really like the original story and I loved the retelling.
Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Can't wait for the next book in this series!
June 9, 2019
4.5 stars
I haven't read the classic Tessa is based on, but after reading this I'm very curious. Mostly because I want to find the Easter Eggs the author hid for us in this story. The books in this series can be read as standalones, but it's definitely worth reading them all!
Tessa is entering her senior year, but will be going to Shelfbrooke Academy for the first time. During the summer, a lawyer contacted her and she found out she comes from a pretty prestigious family and wasn't aware of this. I loved how Tessa stayed really down to earth and just wanted to be who she's always been. Yeah, she has some money, but it's not something she feels she needs.
Angelo is also from a prestigious family and really hates anything that has to do with money. Not really the money, but how many students use it to get away with just about anything. There is definitely some anger there and he can't wait until he's 18 and can do what he wants. I loved that Angelo was a bit mysterious in the beginning. It's clear he's not like the others, but that's all we really know. He's really into music and I loved that side of him.
Of course there is some drama before Angelo and Tessa find their way to each other, but I really enjoyed the journey. How they both need time to find themselves and where they belong. The art project they did really helped that along and I loved that. That there family name doesn't define who they are. I also loved the friendships Tessa gained when she met Izzy and Bette. I definitely wouldn't say no if they got their own stories!
Besides the events at school, I loved how much this book focused on family. The author showed us family isn't always blood. Tessa's adoptive family is amazing and I think the scenes with her parents and siblings were my favorite. Same for Angelo. I loved seeing him find his way back to his brothers when there is a family emergency.
Tessa is a fast and fun read that I read in one sitting. If you're looking for swoon-worthy characters, great friends, family, a little romance and even a little update about the characters we meet in Twelfth Knight. I also loved the boarding school feeling this book gives us. I am really excited for the next book in this series!
I haven't read the classic Tessa is based on, but after reading this I'm very curious. Mostly because I want to find the Easter Eggs the author hid for us in this story. The books in this series can be read as standalones, but it's definitely worth reading them all!
Tessa is entering her senior year, but will be going to Shelfbrooke Academy for the first time. During the summer, a lawyer contacted her and she found out she comes from a pretty prestigious family and wasn't aware of this. I loved how Tessa stayed really down to earth and just wanted to be who she's always been. Yeah, she has some money, but it's not something she feels she needs.
Angelo is also from a prestigious family and really hates anything that has to do with money. Not really the money, but how many students use it to get away with just about anything. There is definitely some anger there and he can't wait until he's 18 and can do what he wants. I loved that Angelo was a bit mysterious in the beginning. It's clear he's not like the others, but that's all we really know. He's really into music and I loved that side of him.
Of course there is some drama before Angelo and Tessa find their way to each other, but I really enjoyed the journey. How they both need time to find themselves and where they belong. The art project they did really helped that along and I loved that. That there family name doesn't define who they are. I also loved the friendships Tessa gained when she met Izzy and Bette. I definitely wouldn't say no if they got their own stories!
Besides the events at school, I loved how much this book focused on family. The author showed us family isn't always blood. Tessa's adoptive family is amazing and I think the scenes with her parents and siblings were my favorite. Same for Angelo. I loved seeing him find his way back to his brothers when there is a family emergency.
Tessa is a fast and fun read that I read in one sitting. If you're looking for swoon-worthy characters, great friends, family, a little romance and even a little update about the characters we meet in Twelfth Knight. I also loved the boarding school feeling this book gives us. I am really excited for the next book in this series!
May 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this one! I love that these Shelfbrooke novels can be read as standalones without any problem. I have never read the original story this is based off of but it definitely makes me curious about it.
I liked Tessa as a character and thought her back story was interesting. I hated Alex from the beginning and that never changed throughout the whole story. I liked him less and less towards the end. I wish Angelo had talked to Tessa at that party in the beginning. I was kinda shocked at what Alex did to Tessa actually and was just glad she had someone to call. I wish Tessa's background was explained just a little more because I was a little confused as to why a lawyer just showed up out of the blue and told her about her past and sent her to this prestigious school. I was glad she had friends to help her out but Marion was a little irritating as a character/person. I got a little tired of her throwing herself at Angelo and then getting annoyed because she wasn't getting what she wanted. I also thought it was a little unfair to Tessa that Angelo was treating her the way he was just because of something that happened in his past that had nothing to do with Tessa. I was also surprised that they didn't talk or text over the phone so he was just gone out of the blue for two weeks and he didn't say anything to her?? I thought that was a little odd and she handled it way better than most people probably would. I did enjoy this story though and the chemistry between Tessa and Angelo and the love between Tessa and her family. I loved that they were included in this and you got to meet the twins. I'm excited to see what the next Shelfbrooke story is about!
I liked Tessa as a character and thought her back story was interesting. I hated Alex from the beginning and that never changed throughout the whole story. I liked him less and less towards the end. I wish Angelo had talked to Tessa at that party in the beginning. I was kinda shocked at what Alex did to Tessa actually and was just glad she had someone to call. I wish Tessa's background was explained just a little more because I was a little confused as to why a lawyer just showed up out of the blue and told her about her past and sent her to this prestigious school. I was glad she had friends to help her out but Marion was a little irritating as a character/person. I got a little tired of her throwing herself at Angelo and then getting annoyed because she wasn't getting what she wanted. I also thought it was a little unfair to Tessa that Angelo was treating her the way he was just because of something that happened in his past that had nothing to do with Tessa. I was also surprised that they didn't talk or text over the phone so he was just gone out of the blue for two weeks and he didn't say anything to her?? I thought that was a little odd and she handled it way better than most people probably would. I did enjoy this story though and the chemistry between Tessa and Angelo and the love between Tessa and her family. I loved that they were included in this and you got to meet the twins. I'm excited to see what the next Shelfbrooke story is about!
May 29, 2019
First of all, kudos to Kayla Tirrell for taking such a tale of Doom & Gloom[TM] and remaking it into a palatable YA romance*.
Granted, there is still plenty of drama before Tessa and Angelo get their HEA. But what I liked most about this story were the little things, like Tessa's interactions with her family, for example, especially with her little brother and sister. Case in point:
That's just... awwwwww!
Another of my favorite scenes is after Angelo got to reconnect with his family, especially his brother Felix - who delivers a fabulously deadpan summary of Angelo's part of the story . :)
And, of course, there are always Izzy and Bette, being awesome friends and having Tessa's back. (Side note: I'd really like to read more about these two! Will they get their own Shelfbrooke stories?)
*I'll admit, I haven't read the original story, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, and frankly, after reading a synopsis, I'm pretty sure I won't. :-p
Granted, there is still plenty of drama before Tessa and Angelo get their HEA. But what I liked most about this story were the little things, like Tessa's interactions with her family, for example, especially with her little brother and sister. Case in point:
“Are there really dragons here?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Sadly, no. But I know you would defeat them all if there were.”
That's just... awwwwww!
Another of my favorite scenes is after Angelo got to reconnect with his family, especially his brother Felix - who delivers a fabulously deadpan summary of Angelo's part of the story . :)
And, of course, there are always Izzy and Bette, being awesome friends and having Tessa's back. (Side note: I'd really like to read more about these two! Will they get their own Shelfbrooke stories?)
*I'll admit, I haven't read the original story, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, and frankly, after reading a synopsis, I'm pretty sure I won't. :-p
June 2, 2019
I loved reading this retelling of Tess of d'Ubervilles. I've never read Tess of d'Ubervilles but after this book, maybe I will!
Tessa has to change schools last minute after a lawyer comes to her during the summer and tells her of her prestigious family line. Not her adopted family, but her birth family. She's given admission and a full ride to a boarding school called Shelfbrooke.
When she arrives, she does her best to keep her lineage a secret. She is a member of one of the school's founding families, but she doesn't want special treatment. She is forced to navigate the social pool of the new school and decide who is genuine and who might have ulterior motives.
Angelo has been waiting for someone like Tessa to come to Shelfbrooke for a long time. He hates his family and the privilege that comes with the family name. Everything he does is to push away the money and the fake people who want money or social prestige. When he finds out who Tessa's family is, will he let that change his feeling for her?
Tessa has to change schools last minute after a lawyer comes to her during the summer and tells her of her prestigious family line. Not her adopted family, but her birth family. She's given admission and a full ride to a boarding school called Shelfbrooke.
When she arrives, she does her best to keep her lineage a secret. She is a member of one of the school's founding families, but she doesn't want special treatment. She is forced to navigate the social pool of the new school and decide who is genuine and who might have ulterior motives.
Angelo has been waiting for someone like Tessa to come to Shelfbrooke for a long time. He hates his family and the privilege that comes with the family name. Everything he does is to push away the money and the fake people who want money or social prestige. When he finds out who Tessa's family is, will he let that change his feeling for her?
August 5, 2019
Okay read
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
****Spoilers*** Just not many***
Okay! I can say this book was good! At first, I was like this book “not good” well more so doesn’t sound interesting at all. That I didn’t want to read it…. but actually glad, I did…
But what I am hoping for everyone hear about Alex being on a scholarship in one of those other books in this series because he was a horrible person especially to Tessa and Angelo…
I was trying to figure out what race Angelo was I was like is he Asian or Mexican…
But anyway, I like how both Tessa and Angelo were good for each other. That professor they had for Art I think his name is “Professor Crick” he knew what he was doing when he set up Tessa and Angelo together. Though he was mean half the time when it came to Tessa and did act like one of the Big Five’s when he clearly thought he didn’t…
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
****Spoilers*** Just not many***
Okay! I can say this book was good! At first, I was like this book “not good” well more so doesn’t sound interesting at all. That I didn’t want to read it…. but actually glad, I did…
But what I am hoping for everyone hear about Alex being on a scholarship in one of those other books in this series because he was a horrible person especially to Tessa and Angelo…
I was trying to figure out what race Angelo was I was like is he Asian or Mexican…
But anyway, I like how both Tessa and Angelo were good for each other. That professor they had for Art I think his name is “Professor Crick” he knew what he was doing when he set up Tessa and Angelo together. Though he was mean half the time when it came to Tessa and did act like one of the Big Five’s when he clearly thought he didn’t…
June 26, 2019
Tessa was such a fun read! It read like a TV soapy I terms of the drama (not in a bad way! In a good way!) It's a really light hearted retelling of Tess of the D'Urbevilles that has some underlying dark themes regarding social status and judgement of others. These themes are handled perfectly though and don't end up being either too macabre or too preachy but a nice balance. I also LOVED the ending! It wasn't sickly sweet but it had a sense of fullness and completion that left me fulfilled. Karma very much has its way in this book in the nicest way possible. I was hooked early on and stayed hooked the whole way through
June 4, 2019
I loved this re-telling of Tess of d'Ubervilles. A light, fun summer read, the story captured me from the start and I didn't want to put it down. My heart went out for Tessa, facing such a terrible human being as Alex. Ugh! Maybe someone else finds out his little secret and let it out on Knight Watch! That would serve him right. Everyone needs a Angelo St.Clare! If you are searching for your next beach read this is it!
September 7, 2019
(4.5 stars) - YA spin on Thomas Hardy's classic
Kayla Tirrell has a gift for taking books that I hated in high school and turning them into stories that I enjoy! While this Tessa is trying to figure out how to live with a name that she doesn't really feel any connection to, she's discovering that it comes with complications she'd never realized, and she's not entirely sure she wants to deal with any of it.
Angelo is one of the complications of Shelfbrooke - he's hot, then cold, then hot, then cold, ugh, those artistic temperaments, lol. Tessa's naive and ignorant of the manipulative games that are the norm at her new school, but it's what Angelo is used to and he's been burned before so he's struggling with being all in when it comes to trust.
As is not unusual for high schoolers, they frequently respond with their emotions even when their own heads are cautioning them to be wary, but expert manipulators know how to lie with truth as well as which buttons to push & so they do.
I liked that the MCs developed, recognizing & learning from their mistakes, especially Angelo realizing the errors in his snub the snub club thinking - including a key moment of hypocrisy, as in Hardy's book. I especially liked that the ending was not just happy (take that, Mr Hardy!) but had the MCs take the high road
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Language: a couple of d*mns & a half dozen h*lls
Kayla Tirrell has a gift for taking books that I hated in high school and turning them into stories that I enjoy! While this Tessa is trying to figure out how to live with a name that she doesn't really feel any connection to, she's discovering that it comes with complications she'd never realized, and she's not entirely sure she wants to deal with any of it.
Angelo is one of the complications of Shelfbrooke - he's hot, then cold, then hot, then cold, ugh, those artistic temperaments, lol. Tessa's naive and ignorant of the manipulative games that are the norm at her new school, but it's what Angelo is used to and he's been burned before so he's struggling with being all in when it comes to trust.
As is not unusual for high schoolers, they frequently respond with their emotions even when their own heads are cautioning them to be wary, but expert manipulators know how to lie with truth as well as which buttons to push & so they do.
I liked that the MCs developed, recognizing & learning from their mistakes, especially Angelo realizing the errors in his snub the snub club thinking - including a key moment of hypocrisy, as in Hardy's book. I especially liked that the ending was not just happy (take that, Mr Hardy!) but had the MCs take the high road
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Language: a couple of d*mns & a half dozen h*lls
June 2, 2019
Another great read by Kayla! I really enjoyed this one! This retelling is such a cute read! The characters were engaging and I loved Tessa! I enjoyed the depth of the art project, Tessa’s family dynamics, and Angelo’s growth throughout the book. This story had great characters, good drama, and a super sweet romance!
June 3, 2019
What a fun loving story to read. The characters and their relationships were great. The story was easy to read and follow. I also loved that it was a cute and clean love story!! This was my first book to read from this author and after reading Tessa, I will be checking out her other books. This is a book I would recommend!
June 6, 2019
I really did enjoy Tessa! Then again, I’m always a sucker for a good boarding school story, and especially a main character with a rags-to-riches storyline. Although I haven’t read the “real” “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”, I’m sure this does a great job of making the original relevant and palatable for a YA audience.
June 6, 2019
Tessa is an entertaining quick read. It's much more enjoyable than the bleak original.
Although Tessa is the second in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, I was able to enjoy the novel without having read the first book in the series.
Kayla Tirrell has written a story that is dramatic and fun.
Although Tessa is the second in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, I was able to enjoy the novel without having read the first book in the series.
Kayla Tirrell has written a story that is dramatic and fun.
June 2, 2019
My first book by Kayla and I enjoyed it very much. I really loved the storyline and was pulled in quite quickly. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
June 19, 2019
Loved this book! Such a sweet story and I loved watching the Tessa and Angelo grow as the story progressed. Once I started, I finished quickly because I didn’t want to put it down. I love how this author makes believable characters and tells a great story. Make sure to check out more from her—she’s one of my YA favorites!
July 14, 2019
This was a great book. Tessa stood her ground in what she believed in. The ending was so good.
September 12, 2019
An enjoyable fun fast clean YA story. This engaging storyline includes drama, humor, family, frenemies, miscommunications, secrets, and love that kept me reading page after page. The characters are interesting, relatable and had chemistry. I loved how they recognized and learned from their mistakes in this addicting story. I voluntarily listened and reviewed and can't wait for more from this fantastic author.
September 23, 2019
Cute story with typical (private) highschool drama, friendship & love.
Okay, so it might be typical, it might not be typical but it’s the stereotype that is shown throughout every form of media. The rich classes “are above” the other kids and won’t ever want to mingle. That kind of vibe. And of course, we have our main character who doesn’t follow that habit and well, that’s not so well recieved with the “top 5”
Although the whole idea for the story might not be a new invention, the story is cute, the characters are loveable (apart from those who are not worth it to be loveable, each story has thosr too!) and the drama is definitely there but not over the top. All in all a very lovely story about (overcoming) prejudice and (develope better) values and trust.
One addition thing: I did not read the first book in this series and I have not missed anything. Feel free to read whichever story from this series you’d like. They really are standalone stories. It’s just a set of standalone stories.
And since I listened to the audiobook, here the review for the overall performance as well:
Voice isn’t bad, everything is well pronounced but not always as clear as to whether the character is thinking something or saying that something. Bit annoying sometimes but mostly it just becomes evident if you keep on listening (I tend to pauze and/or hit repeat too soon)
Okay, so it might be typical, it might not be typical but it’s the stereotype that is shown throughout every form of media. The rich classes “are above” the other kids and won’t ever want to mingle. That kind of vibe. And of course, we have our main character who doesn’t follow that habit and well, that’s not so well recieved with the “top 5”
Although the whole idea for the story might not be a new invention, the story is cute, the characters are loveable (apart from those who are not worth it to be loveable, each story has thosr too!) and the drama is definitely there but not over the top. All in all a very lovely story about (overcoming) prejudice and (develope better) values and trust.
One addition thing: I did not read the first book in this series and I have not missed anything. Feel free to read whichever story from this series you’d like. They really are standalone stories. It’s just a set of standalone stories.
And since I listened to the audiobook, here the review for the overall performance as well:
Voice isn’t bad, everything is well pronounced but not always as clear as to whether the character is thinking something or saying that something. Bit annoying sometimes but mostly it just becomes evident if you keep on listening (I tend to pauze and/or hit repeat too soon)
June 16, 2019
I’ve never read the classic story of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, but I certainly loved this modern YA retelling! So much so, that I will be looking into the classic soon.
I am really enjoying the Shelfbrooke Academy series so far and how both books have had minor character overlaps.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I am really enjoying the Shelfbrooke Academy series so far and how both books have had minor character overlaps.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
September 20, 2019
This was such a sweet retelling of Tess of the d'Ubervilles, set in present day with real issues that teens and young adults face daily.
I haven't read the other books in the series (mostly because I follow Kayla Tirrell and love all of her books, but I am quite sure I'd like the other books in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, too!). Kayla always seems to be able to pull me in with her characters who are down-to-earth, relatable, and fun.
In this book, Tessa is the new girl at school and is struggling to find her way of fitting in at such a prestigious school. She makes some friends, makes some enemies, and meets Angelo - an easy going hottie who has been burned in the past.
I liked how mature Tessa seemed to be and handles everything that's thrown at her with as much grace and dignity as possible.
Again, such a FUN retelling! I believe it's available on Kindle Unlimited!
I haven't read the other books in the series (mostly because I follow Kayla Tirrell and love all of her books, but I am quite sure I'd like the other books in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, too!). Kayla always seems to be able to pull me in with her characters who are down-to-earth, relatable, and fun.
In this book, Tessa is the new girl at school and is struggling to find her way of fitting in at such a prestigious school. She makes some friends, makes some enemies, and meets Angelo - an easy going hottie who has been burned in the past.
I liked how mature Tessa seemed to be and handles everything that's thrown at her with as much grace and dignity as possible.
Again, such a FUN retelling! I believe it's available on Kindle Unlimited!
August 19, 2019
Tessa (Shelfbrooke Academy #2) was another great read by Kayla Tirrell. Tessa never thought that she would attend Shelfbrooke Academy, that is until the summer before her senior year she gets shocking news. A lawyer visits her family and tells her that she is the long-lost descendant of the D’Villes. They are the founding families of the school. She decides to leave everything behind to go to the boarding school with the encouragement of her parents. She learns that she has access to everything that Shelfbrooke has to offer with the D’Ville name. She gets paired with Angelo for a school project and learns that not everyone loves the D’Villes. I loved reading Tessa and Angelo’s story and can’t wait to read more by Kayla Tirrell.
October 25, 2019
I was going to wait a little while before starting the book…but my excitement got the best of me. 🙈🤣
Oh my gosh, where to start? I really loved how obvious the “academy feel” was in this book; that probably sounds a little weird, but it’s so true! Even though I’m not a fan of snobby people (lol), there was just something intriguing about the “Big Five”/”Snub Club” and everything else in between.
The school project was literally, hands-down one of my favorite parts. Everything about it was just perfect…from beginning to end.
While the book had a little bit of everything, I liked that there was more of a focus on art, family, and music…as well as realizing what’s important in life.
As far as content goes: there was some language (which tainted the book a little for me, but everyone has different preferences and viewpoints on that) and there was also some suggestive content…most of it surrounding around Alex, Marion, and partially Angelo.
Tessa and Angelo are such a cute couple. I mean, really. The development of their relationship and the angst between them was golden. And I know some people may find the whole “mixed feelings bit” tiresome, but I actually enjoyed how well Kayla portrayed it. 👏💗
So. Many. Swoon. Worthy. Moments.
~I received an ARC of this story, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~🤗💕
Okay…I’m done. 😊😆
June 4, 2019
Tessa is modern retelling of Tess of the d’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy. I haven’t read the original classic, but Tessa was an enjoyable, cute, quick read. I really like Kayla Tirrell’s books. I’ve read less than a handful of them, but each one has only made me want to read more by her. She writes characters that are fun to read about, likable characters that make you want to have as your friends.
“I’m still weirdly intimidated by how beautiful everyone is at Shelfbrooke.”
Tessa Fielder’s character was super down to earth and friendly. She arrives at Shelfbrooke Academy with the purpose of finding out more about who her real parents are. She never expects to find a whole different world from what she’s used to, but that only defines her more. I felt like she was a very strong character, confident and comfortable with her upbringing.
“She’s walking with two familiar faces, and now I’m even more intrigued by this girl. She’s invited to secret parties, [...] but looks more comfortable hanging out with some of the scholarship kids.”
Angelo St. Clare’s character was a total sweetheart. He has convictions of his own, but when he meets Tessa, he certainly begins reevaluating them.
“I want to ignore all my stupid rules and run headfirst into this thing.”
Both characters discover themselves through this story, but I loved Tessa’s journey most of all. Many events that happen in the story could’ve broken her, but she remained standing tall and proud of herself.
If you enjoy fun, quick and cute modern retellings then I suggest you check out the Shelfbrooke Academy series.
*A huge thanks to the author for sending me an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
“I’m still weirdly intimidated by how beautiful everyone is at Shelfbrooke.”
Tessa Fielder’s character was super down to earth and friendly. She arrives at Shelfbrooke Academy with the purpose of finding out more about who her real parents are. She never expects to find a whole different world from what she’s used to, but that only defines her more. I felt like she was a very strong character, confident and comfortable with her upbringing.
“She’s walking with two familiar faces, and now I’m even more intrigued by this girl. She’s invited to secret parties, [...] but looks more comfortable hanging out with some of the scholarship kids.”
Angelo St. Clare’s character was a total sweetheart. He has convictions of his own, but when he meets Tessa, he certainly begins reevaluating them.
“I want to ignore all my stupid rules and run headfirst into this thing.”
Both characters discover themselves through this story, but I loved Tessa’s journey most of all. Many events that happen in the story could’ve broken her, but she remained standing tall and proud of herself.
If you enjoy fun, quick and cute modern retellings then I suggest you check out the Shelfbrooke Academy series.
*A huge thanks to the author for sending me an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
July 2, 2019
I keep getting sucked into these Amazon Kindle deals with paid 5 star reviews and I have yet to learn my lesson. This book could have been read in one sitting and I almost did but I DNF at 87%. I literally could not take anymore. The promise of a Tess of the D’urbervilles retelling was too tempting but fell majorly short of any expectations. It was extremely teeny-bopper without any depth or credit given to the YA genre. The dialog was static, the characters were ridiculously motivated and boring, and I feel like it could have been written by a 14 year old. Now, maybe that is the intended audience and if so, good on you, author. However, any 15+ or adults who enjoy YA, should keep on keeping on and go back and reread the original Tess of the D’urbervilles.
November 10, 2020
it was really important that I knew the original story, that what made the book somewhat bareable
The story is about Tessa, One day a lawyer comes to her house and tells her she's adopted and her real family is rich and they will send her to a rich highschool Shelfbrooke, here she meets Angelo, her lab partner who hates rich people .. so Tessa is pretending to be poor just so she doesn't draw attention to herself, but somebody knows her secret and the drama comes from there
it was boring and barely had any plot but it was an ok book, wasn't impressed
The story is about Tessa, One day a lawyer comes to her house and tells her she's adopted and her real family is rich and they will send her to a rich highschool Shelfbrooke, here she meets Angelo, her lab partner who hates rich people .. so Tessa is pretending to be poor just so she doesn't draw attention to herself, but somebody knows her secret and the drama comes from there
it was boring and barely had any plot but it was an ok book, wasn't impressed
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