What do you think?
Rate this book
The Manchineel
Just as nature evolves to protect itself against predators, a woman grows into a deadly force.
Elyse Santiago seeks a fresh start far from the traumas of her past in Miami and ventures to Los Angeles. There, she cultivates a social media persona and shares lessons on life and nature from her garden. Yet, behind her smile she’s haunted by the voice of her childhood abuser—a ghost from her past she thought she’d silenced forever.
Surviving on her own in Los Angeles proves challenging for Elyse when she crosses paths with Ben, a handsome Hollywood attorney at a top talent agency. As they collaborate professionally, an undeniable attraction blossoms. But, Ben is trapped in an abusive marriage with Ana, the daughter of his powerful boss. Escaping Ana’s grasp threatens to destroy Ben’s life, endangering his career, lifestyle, and reputation. For Elyse, no moral boundary or personal risk can deter her from claiming Ben entirely as her own. As they grow closer, the very foundation of their lives begins to shift, entwining them in a web of passion, betrayal, and murder.
Elyse Santiago seeks a fresh start far from the traumas of her past in Miami and ventures to Los Angeles. There, she cultivates a social media persona and shares lessons on life and nature from her garden. Yet, behind her smile she’s haunted by the voice of her childhood abuser—a ghost from her past she thought she’d silenced forever.
Surviving on her own in Los Angeles proves challenging for Elyse when she crosses paths with Ben, a handsome Hollywood attorney at a top talent agency. As they collaborate professionally, an undeniable attraction blossoms. But, Ben is trapped in an abusive marriage with Ana, the daughter of his powerful boss. Escaping Ana’s grasp threatens to destroy Ben’s life, endangering his career, lifestyle, and reputation. For Elyse, no moral boundary or personal risk can deter her from claiming Ben entirely as her own. As they grow closer, the very foundation of their lives begins to shift, entwining them in a web of passion, betrayal, and murder.
284 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2024
31 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Carrasquillo
3 books69 followersMeet Jessica Carrasquillo, an attorney turned captivating storyteller. Rooted in the vibrant cultural mosaic of South Florida, her work beautifully intertwines her Latina heritage, professional background, and explorations of moral ambiguity and justice.
With an immersive literary style that blends romance, drama, and (often dark) humor, Jessica's narratives are both engaging and thought-provoking. Her debut novel, "The Manchineel," tackles provocative subjects and shares vivid, multidimensional characters who navigate complex ethical challenges while blurring the boundaries of morality.
With an immersive literary style that blends romance, drama, and (often dark) humor, Jessica's narratives are both engaging and thought-provoking. Her debut novel, "The Manchineel," tackles provocative subjects and shares vivid, multidimensional characters who navigate complex ethical challenges while blurring the boundaries of morality.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 20, 2024
I received an AD PR copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review as part of the audio book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
The Manchineel is a gripping, twisty read that pulls you in from the first chapter. The narrators did such a fantastic job narrating this and blended well together throughout the book, giving more depth and feeling to the characters and the story.
Elyse Santiago has moved to LA to start her life over from her past, which harbours a darkness to it. Becoming a popular social media persona sharing with her followers her love of plants combined with her beauty, things seem to be really making a turn for the better for her. Unable to silence the voice of a man who abused and hurt her in the past, Elyse is haunted by him and a dark secret she's trying to outrun. Then she meets Ben. Ben is a Hollywood attorney unhappily married and trapped in a volatile marriage to Anna, who is physically abusive towards him. The pair begin to work together, and their attraction towards each other deepens, starting a spiral down a path of vengeance.
I'd never heard of the Manchineel fruit before, so I was really intrigued as to how the title fit into the book. The author did a great job navigating the traumas both Elyse and Ben have faced, and I found I was rooting for the pair to end up together. I certainly was kept on my toes reading this and will definitely be reading more from this author.
[Check trigger warnings].
The Manchineel is a gripping, twisty read that pulls you in from the first chapter. The narrators did such a fantastic job narrating this and blended well together throughout the book, giving more depth and feeling to the characters and the story.
Elyse Santiago has moved to LA to start her life over from her past, which harbours a darkness to it. Becoming a popular social media persona sharing with her followers her love of plants combined with her beauty, things seem to be really making a turn for the better for her. Unable to silence the voice of a man who abused and hurt her in the past, Elyse is haunted by him and a dark secret she's trying to outrun. Then she meets Ben. Ben is a Hollywood attorney unhappily married and trapped in a volatile marriage to Anna, who is physically abusive towards him. The pair begin to work together, and their attraction towards each other deepens, starting a spiral down a path of vengeance.
I'd never heard of the Manchineel fruit before, so I was really intrigued as to how the title fit into the book. The author did a great job navigating the traumas both Elyse and Ben have faced, and I found I was rooting for the pair to end up together. I certainly was kept on my toes reading this and will definitely be reading more from this author.
[Check trigger warnings].
January 14, 2024
PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR TRIGGERS BEFORE READING ⚠️
I was absolutely hooked from the very start. Despite everything being clear and well written, I had so many questions. I just couldn’t stop reading until I finally found out what happened. Before even finishing it, I needed a second book. I need more answers though
I felt like an accomplice holding all that information. That’s how uneasy I felt, and for a book to make you feel that emotionally unstable, wow like that’s how you know it’s a great book
The title of the book, the plot, the sequence of events, THIS WHOLE book was so unique. I haven’t read quite a book like that. However, Jessica Carrasquillo reminded me so much of Kerri Maniscalco and I loved every second of it
The characters and myself have something in common and that’s we’re morally grey🥶
The proficiency of this author in making the struggles come to life was insanely vivid. Literally, I feel like we’ve all struggled with childhood traumas and carried them with us throughout our lifespan until we find someone or something to help us heal. This book displays these wounds very well
You know when you watch a movie or certain series and you start plotting what might happen next and developing theories, and then nothing from what you said actually happens? This is what happened to me in this book!!!
Lemme just say the UCLA sweater scene…. Just read this freaking boooook!!!! It’s going to keep you on your toes and intrigued all the time!
I was absolutely hooked from the very start. Despite everything being clear and well written, I had so many questions. I just couldn’t stop reading until I finally found out what happened. Before even finishing it, I needed a second book. I need more answers though
I felt like an accomplice holding all that information. That’s how uneasy I felt, and for a book to make you feel that emotionally unstable, wow like that’s how you know it’s a great book
The title of the book, the plot, the sequence of events, THIS WHOLE book was so unique. I haven’t read quite a book like that. However, Jessica Carrasquillo reminded me so much of Kerri Maniscalco and I loved every second of it
The characters and myself have something in common and that’s we’re morally grey🥶
The proficiency of this author in making the struggles come to life was insanely vivid. Literally, I feel like we’ve all struggled with childhood traumas and carried them with us throughout our lifespan until we find someone or something to help us heal. This book displays these wounds very well
You know when you watch a movie or certain series and you start plotting what might happen next and developing theories, and then nothing from what you said actually happens? This is what happened to me in this book!!!
Lemme just say the UCLA sweater scene…. Just read this freaking boooook!!!! It’s going to keep you on your toes and intrigued all the time!
August 24, 2024
RATING: 4.5/5
I stayed up til 2:00 AM to finish “The Manchineel,” and though I’m paying for it now, it was worth it. Things were escalating, and I just needed to know how the characters, Elyse and Ben, would figure it all out.
Author Jessica Carrasquillo writes a suspenseful, thrilling story of two people whose lives have been deeply impacted by trauma. Elyse has moved away to forge a different life but is still haunted by the past. And Ben, who is trapped in an abusive marriage. As their paths cross and they grow closer, Elyse’s past catches up with her as she tries to help with Ben’s situation.
I liked how the author was able to write the story in a way that brought me in so I could see and experience it through the eyes of the characters. That is, Elyse’s experience with plants and poisons was conveyed in a very CSI-esque way as Ben’s pained emotional experience of being the man who is the abused one in the relationship. Readers will see the “honeymoon” period Ben and his wife go through after each violent episode as his wife blames him––as well as the repercussions that follow.
Once the story peaks, each scene intensifies even more to the point readers will not want to put it down. Hence, I stayed up until 2:00 AM.
Thank you, Swipe the Book PR for the gifted reader copy of “The Manchineel” and Author Jessica Carrasquillo. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I stayed up til 2:00 AM to finish “The Manchineel,” and though I’m paying for it now, it was worth it. Things were escalating, and I just needed to know how the characters, Elyse and Ben, would figure it all out.
Author Jessica Carrasquillo writes a suspenseful, thrilling story of two people whose lives have been deeply impacted by trauma. Elyse has moved away to forge a different life but is still haunted by the past. And Ben, who is trapped in an abusive marriage. As their paths cross and they grow closer, Elyse’s past catches up with her as she tries to help with Ben’s situation.
I liked how the author was able to write the story in a way that brought me in so I could see and experience it through the eyes of the characters. That is, Elyse’s experience with plants and poisons was conveyed in a very CSI-esque way as Ben’s pained emotional experience of being the man who is the abused one in the relationship. Readers will see the “honeymoon” period Ben and his wife go through after each violent episode as his wife blames him––as well as the repercussions that follow.
Once the story peaks, each scene intensifies even more to the point readers will not want to put it down. Hence, I stayed up until 2:00 AM.
Thank you, Swipe the Book PR for the gifted reader copy of “The Manchineel” and Author Jessica Carrasquillo. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2023
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. I will say there is a trigger warning for DV, so please be careful. I did think the POV of the DV was very interesting, as you do not read about many situations like this.
The plant science of the book had me super interested- because again this is not a normal topic I see I’m books. The science was very well written as I never felt like it was to scientific to the point I was confused.
I finished this pretty quickly as the book had a hold over me. It’s pretty fast paced, I needed to see this book through. I had no clue though that the way the plot ended up going was how this book was going to go. Very nice surprise as this book got me out of a reading slump.
I am for sure going to be reading whatever Jessica puts out next!
I received this as an ARC.
The plant science of the book had me super interested- because again this is not a normal topic I see I’m books. The science was very well written as I never felt like it was to scientific to the point I was confused.
I finished this pretty quickly as the book had a hold over me. It’s pretty fast paced, I needed to see this book through. I had no clue though that the way the plot ended up going was how this book was going to go. Very nice surprise as this book got me out of a reading slump.
I am for sure going to be reading whatever Jessica puts out next!
I received this as an ARC.
January 17, 2024
I could not put this book down! What a wild ride with so many unexpected turns! And I never would have imagined wanting a happy ending for the main characters. My heart was racing through multiple parts of this book.
July 9, 2024
The Manchineel, the debut book by indie author Jessica Carrasquillo, is a thriller, a dark romance, and a horror story all rolled into one. I could not figure out where this tale was taking me next. And I sure as s**t wasn't sure I wanted to see the final destination, but I HAD to see it. I was angry, disturbed, cheering, screaming, and crying, occasionally all at the same time. I think I held my breath for an entire chapter. I love the way Jessica explored the weaknesses and strengths of the human spirit. Our ability to be placed in situations that require either capitulation or battle and how we choose to respond to those situations. "Nature is brutal, isn't it? It's impolite. It takes what it wants, and it doesn't ask permission. Given the option to shrink or thrive, it will choose to thrive no matter the cost." When Elyse, the FMC, utters these words, she is referring to plants and speaking to the followers on her social media gardening channel, but she is also speaking of herself and her past. In truth, she is referring to all humans and the nature of living, right? Ben, the MMC, is a successful entertainment lawyer trapped in a horrible position, yet it's obvious he is a truly good person with a strong moral compass. When Ben and Elyse meet, they see kindred spirits, two sides of the same coin. And so, the rollarcoaster begins. As I said before, I wasn't sure how this story would end for either of them, but I'm glad I stuck around for the ride to come to a complete halt. I can't say I kept my arms and legs inside the car at all times because I did punch the air and kick my feet out at least once or twice. Please be aware that there are some situations and scenes that may be very disturbing to some. Please be sure to take care of your own mental health and check the trigger warnings before you board this attraction.
January 17, 2024
Wow this book did not go where I thought it was going to! What a romantic suspense. Like girl is essentially a serial killer. It was really sad and horrifying reading what made her that way and all she had to go through, and the bright spot that was Ben. However, everything she went through heightened her obsessive behavior over any affection which leads to some things…
I normally am not a fan of the infidelity trope for obvious reasons, but here it made sense. Ben’s wife is abusive and the daughter of the billionaire that controls his life. He doesn’t love her but he’s stuck. Her affection always comes with a condition. Meanwhile Elyse makes him feel wanted.
Love truly can drive one mad…
Thank you Tracky PR and Jessica for this wonderful book!
I normally am not a fan of the infidelity trope for obvious reasons, but here it made sense. Ben’s wife is abusive and the daughter of the billionaire that controls his life. He doesn’t love her but he’s stuck. Her affection always comes with a condition. Meanwhile Elyse makes him feel wanted.
Love truly can drive one mad…
Thank you Tracky PR and Jessica for this wonderful book!
January 8, 2024
This book is so good. I loved the characters (I think Elyse and I would be the best of friends IRL), the drama, the impossible situations and everything in between.
I LOVE a good psychological thriller and this did not disappoint. Jessica did such an amazing job with this story and I absolutely loved the ties to nature and what it (and we) will do to survive.
This was a very fast paced read, I would have like to see the main relationship building more in depth but everything else perfection and I highly recommend this book!
🚩please check the trigger warnings and read responsibly.
I LOVE a good psychological thriller and this did not disappoint. Jessica did such an amazing job with this story and I absolutely loved the ties to nature and what it (and we) will do to survive.
This was a very fast paced read, I would have like to see the main relationship building more in depth but everything else perfection and I highly recommend this book!
🚩please check the trigger warnings and read responsibly.
December 13, 2023
This book had me so anxious, I couldn't put it down until I learned what happened to the main character. It felt like a roller coaster of emotions, sometimes thrilling and others feeling uneasy. By the end I felt like I should call the police not knowing what to do with all this murderous information. For days I questioned my own morality, having to remind myself, " It's just a story, it's not real life". You will learn, you will love, you will fear and you will hate. In the end you may be left feeling guilty of what you know.
I highly recommend The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo.
I highly recommend The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
A skilfully crafted tale of romance and desperation that explores how to push good people to violent immorality. A vulnerable hero, an unhinged heroine and an antagonist who doubles as a victim, this debut novel is worth a little exploration...
A vulnerable hero: Ben Deluca is trapped in a marriage that is not only loveless but abusive. Carrasquillo cleverly depicts Ben as a victim whilst never emasculating him to the reader. Her exploration of Battered Woman's Syndrome from a gender-reversed perspective is handled with care and genuine understanding, allowing our strong alpha male's physique to play into the story instead of lingering as a trope-tastic piece of eye candy.
An unhinged heroine: Elyse Santiago is haunted by the demons of a childhood trauma but that's not wholly to blame for the ease with which she slips into the role of homicidal botanist. This girl might be beautiful on the outside but, beneath the pretty petals, she's crazy with a capital C. And yet we completely understand why one might fall for her... It's a clever character depiction that leaves you a little afraid of our protagonist but also sort of wanting to be her best friend...
You can tell that this is Carrasquillo's first book and I don't mean that in a negative way: the prose is beautifully crafted, as if she's slaved over every word with passion, dedication and a well-used thesaurus. It made my eyes smile to read it. Overall a well-crafted story that draws you in, keeps the pacing strong throughout and has you considering the blurry lines of morality and how far you might go for the one you love.
Be warned! Trigger topics included: domestic abuse, child molestation, underage non-consensual sex and homicide.
A vulnerable hero: Ben Deluca is trapped in a marriage that is not only loveless but abusive. Carrasquillo cleverly depicts Ben as a victim whilst never emasculating him to the reader. Her exploration of Battered Woman's Syndrome from a gender-reversed perspective is handled with care and genuine understanding, allowing our strong alpha male's physique to play into the story instead of lingering as a trope-tastic piece of eye candy.
An unhinged heroine: Elyse Santiago is haunted by the demons of a childhood trauma but that's not wholly to blame for the ease with which she slips into the role of homicidal botanist. This girl might be beautiful on the outside but, beneath the pretty petals, she's crazy with a capital C. And yet we completely understand why one might fall for her... It's a clever character depiction that leaves you a little afraid of our protagonist but also sort of wanting to be her best friend...
You can tell that this is Carrasquillo's first book and I don't mean that in a negative way: the prose is beautifully crafted, as if she's slaved over every word with passion, dedication and a well-used thesaurus. It made my eyes smile to read it. Overall a well-crafted story that draws you in, keeps the pacing strong throughout and has you considering the blurry lines of morality and how far you might go for the one you love.
Be warned! Trigger topics included: domestic abuse, child molestation, underage non-consensual sex and homicide.
January 16, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5🌶️
“ℌ𝔦𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔥𝔞𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔞 𝔰𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔬𝔯𝔞𝔯𝔶 𝔰𝔦𝔱𝔲𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰. 𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔄𝔫𝔞, 𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔞𝔩𝔴𝔞𝔶𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔬 𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔫 𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔱 𝔦𝔫 𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡, 𝔞 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡 𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔞𝔴𝔢 𝔬𝔣.”
I absolutely devoured this debut novel by Jessica Carrasquillo! This dark, suspenseful romance was just what I needed, set in LA with emotional twists and turns that had me FLYING through it!
The theme of “survival” really stuck with me throughout this entire book while reading about the main characters, Elyse and Ben. I was obsessed with the rollercoaster that their relationship took me on. You will catch yourself tightly gripping your kindle and even questioning what is happening at times- but just TRUST the process & buckle up!
Jessica really has a gift for writing. The imagery Jessica created in this book, the depth of these characters and the addicting & dark plot blew me away! I highly recommend that you give this debut novel a read ASAP, especially if you like morally grey characters and need some thrilling suspense in your life. 🖤
“ℌ𝔦𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔥𝔞𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔞 𝔰𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔬𝔯𝔞𝔯𝔶 𝔰𝔦𝔱𝔲𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰. 𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔄𝔫𝔞, 𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔞𝔩𝔴𝔞𝔶𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔬 𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔫 𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔱 𝔦𝔫 𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡, 𝔞 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡 𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔞𝔴𝔢 𝔬𝔣.”
I absolutely devoured this debut novel by Jessica Carrasquillo! This dark, suspenseful romance was just what I needed, set in LA with emotional twists and turns that had me FLYING through it!
The theme of “survival” really stuck with me throughout this entire book while reading about the main characters, Elyse and Ben. I was obsessed with the rollercoaster that their relationship took me on. You will catch yourself tightly gripping your kindle and even questioning what is happening at times- but just TRUST the process & buckle up!
Jessica really has a gift for writing. The imagery Jessica created in this book, the depth of these characters and the addicting & dark plot blew me away! I highly recommend that you give this debut novel a read ASAP, especially if you like morally grey characters and need some thrilling suspense in your life. 🖤
January 16, 2024
The Manchineel is a debut novel full of characters and a plot that had my head spinning, questioning everything that happened. This is a carefully crafted and wonderful story, with characters Elyse Santiago and Ben Deluca, each with their own trauma that reeled me in. The author kept me engaged with this story, her attention to detail and was a fast paced read for me. I highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers. Please check TW before reading.
April 16, 2024
O how i DEVOURED this book. It's rare u get to read a book that includes my new love of romance with some murder and thrill (with a little twist). Elyse our beautiful (but just a little psycho) Heroine, and Ben our sexy, sweet business man make for the perfect duo. I loved these two characters. I was hooked from the very first chapter i love a strong opening in a book that's grasps you instantly.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings for this book as there are mentions of domestic violence.
With that being said i did think the POV of the DV was very interesting, you dont read about many situations like this and It had me in my feels for Ben.
The plant information/ education of the book had me hooked as well. I love that plants was a big part of this book. And as Elyse was making plans i felt like i was part of this big secret.
This book was pretty fast paced, and chapters weren't too long. My leg was bouncing up and down in anticipation to get to the next page. I love how the thrill and suspense was written so well into this romance story. Lastly There wasn't a crazy amount of spice (which i liked because i felt it would have taken away from the story) but just enough to really make you feel what Ben and Elyse felt!
Make sure you read the trigger warnings for this book as there are mentions of domestic violence.
With that being said i did think the POV of the DV was very interesting, you dont read about many situations like this and It had me in my feels for Ben.
The plant information/ education of the book had me hooked as well. I love that plants was a big part of this book. And as Elyse was making plans i felt like i was part of this big secret.
This book was pretty fast paced, and chapters weren't too long. My leg was bouncing up and down in anticipation to get to the next page. I love how the thrill and suspense was written so well into this romance story. Lastly There wasn't a crazy amount of spice (which i liked because i felt it would have taken away from the story) but just enough to really make you feel what Ben and Elyse felt!
December 14, 2023
Elyse is a beautiful woman who has a passion for plants. Not only do plants look beautiful, but some are also poisonous.She shares her plant passion and education online with her viewers. She has caught the eye of Ben, a Hollywood attorney. Ben is married to a controlling and abusive wife, but he can't help the attraction and desire he and Elyse have for each other.
I honestly had no idea what was going to happen in this storyline, and I wasn't expecting the road Jessica Carrasquillo took to tell this story. I couldn't stop reading. This is a great debut novel by an indie author. I would recommend this book to those who like dark psychology thrillers.
Thank you to Book Sirens, Jessica Carrasquillo, and the publisher for this free ebook ARC. This review is 100% my own and honest review.
I honestly had no idea what was going to happen in this storyline, and I wasn't expecting the road Jessica Carrasquillo took to tell this story. I couldn't stop reading. This is a great debut novel by an indie author. I would recommend this book to those who like dark psychology thrillers.
Thank you to Book Sirens, Jessica Carrasquillo, and the publisher for this free ebook ARC. This review is 100% my own and honest review.
February 14, 2024
WOW! What an amazing read! This is a solid debut for Jessica Carrasquillo. This is a captivating, well-written story. I was drawn in from the start. The elaborate, detailed plot and fantastic character development kept me reading. The FMC is unhinged, but her past gave readers some understanding of her decision-making.
The twists, turns, secrets, and true crime vibe were original and intriguing. I haven't read a true crime/psychological thriller romance like this. I was fully invested in this experience and immersed in the characters' world.
I couldn't stop reading because I had to know what happens. I can see why the author described the type of ending as open-ended happily ever after. The story had a great balance of mystery and spice. I enjoyed the suspense, and I am invested. I am interested in what comes next. The Manchineel is highly recommended.
As always, please check all trigger and content warnings.
Thank you, Jessica Carrasquillo and Book Sirens, for providing me with an e-ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The twists, turns, secrets, and true crime vibe were original and intriguing. I haven't read a true crime/psychological thriller romance like this. I was fully invested in this experience and immersed in the characters' world.
I couldn't stop reading because I had to know what happens. I can see why the author described the type of ending as open-ended happily ever after. The story had a great balance of mystery and spice. I enjoyed the suspense, and I am invested. I am interested in what comes next. The Manchineel is highly recommended.
As always, please check all trigger and content warnings.
Thank you, Jessica Carrasquillo and Book Sirens, for providing me with an e-ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 12, 2024
The Manchineel
Author - Jessica Carrasquillo
Genre - Dark Romance/Thriller
Reading Method - eARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Dark Romance
-Thriller
Meet Elyse Santiago, she has an irresistible online presence teaching others about the wonder that is within her backyard garden. Her best friend Stella is about to embark on life-altering journey, which has Elyse panicking as she is her only real friend in the city. Stella introduces Elyse to Ben who can help her make some money with the online presence she has developed. This simple introduction soon has boundaries blurred, and a sinister plot will start to unfold.
The Manchineel is symbolic to the machineel tree in which there is danger beneath the surface. I highly recommend those who enjoy a dark romance to check out this story, you won’t regret it. Within the pages of this story you will find realistic characters grappling with moral dilemmas, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Author - Jessica Carrasquillo
Genre - Dark Romance/Thriller
Reading Method - eARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Dark Romance
-Thriller
Meet Elyse Santiago, she has an irresistible online presence teaching others about the wonder that is within her backyard garden. Her best friend Stella is about to embark on life-altering journey, which has Elyse panicking as she is her only real friend in the city. Stella introduces Elyse to Ben who can help her make some money with the online presence she has developed. This simple introduction soon has boundaries blurred, and a sinister plot will start to unfold.
The Manchineel is symbolic to the machineel tree in which there is danger beneath the surface. I highly recommend those who enjoy a dark romance to check out this story, you won’t regret it. Within the pages of this story you will find realistic characters grappling with moral dilemmas, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
September 1, 2024
‼️CHEATING ( personally I don’t like this trope at all) MMC Cheats on his wife with the FMC. Though he is in a abusive relationship that doesn’t validate of justifying cheating.
So keeping that aside, Elyse and Ben both are morally grey or Anti- Hero characters. It seems whatever Elyse did in the name of love has a different obsession to it. They are interesting characters for sure! One thing i relate to Elyse is her passion for gardening and the peace she felt in her garden, even though its for different reasons(iykyk)🫢
What I loved about the book is how the author kept that thrilling aspect with different chemicals and forbidden fruits using them to kill people, stating how nature can be beautiful but deadly too..
I liked the easy way the book flows through and engaging to read.
It’s definitely fascinating to read. But there isn’t any mystery or Psychological thriller factor as described. Overall its decent and short read.
* Make sure to check the trigger warnings*
So keeping that aside, Elyse and Ben both are morally grey or Anti- Hero characters. It seems whatever Elyse did in the name of love has a different obsession to it. They are interesting characters for sure! One thing i relate to Elyse is her passion for gardening and the peace she felt in her garden, even though its for different reasons(iykyk)🫢
What I loved about the book is how the author kept that thrilling aspect with different chemicals and forbidden fruits using them to kill people, stating how nature can be beautiful but deadly too..
I liked the easy way the book flows through and engaging to read.
It’s definitely fascinating to read. But there isn’t any mystery or Psychological thriller factor as described. Overall its decent and short read.
* Make sure to check the trigger warnings*
November 29, 2023
This book is really makes you think about morality that’s for sure. It’s not what I was expecting but not in a bad way.
I was anxious during so much of this I’m not gonna lie. Check the TWs before reading and be warned the FMC is the OW in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was anxious during so much of this I’m not gonna lie. Check the TWs before reading and be warned the FMC is the OW in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2024
What a thrilling debut! I was swept up from start to finish; there are so many things going on. Elyse and Ben have great chemistry and connection, and there is no love lost on this end for anyone who hurt them. I enjoyed the layered story arcs and acute attention to detail throughout. Definitely check the trigger warnings, as there are recurring themes that might not be suitable to all. Aside from that, I highly recommend this to any fan of psychological thrillers.
November 15, 2023
A phenomenal read that keeps you guessing where it's going to go the whole time.
August 18, 2024
Packed with just the right amount of thrill, suspense and drama. This book was riveting. I had an electrifying experience while reading this book. It's a debut book and the author did an incredible job exploring everything in so much depth. I loved it.
Elyse starts her fresh life in Los Angeles, leaving all her past traumas in Miami. She grows up a persona on social media and shares her knowledge of nature and plants from her garden. She's hiding all the scars from her past behind her happy smile. I loved how strong-minded she was. It was quite terrific reading about her.Sometimes she was scary, sometimes downright psychotic.
She is one of those people you don't want to cross or be on their bad side.
Ben was charming. His life was a total nightmare. Being in an abusive marriage and having a manipulative person for a wife. He had all the traumas you can think about. Being married to his boss's daughter, he had no choice other than to live with his wife. As escaping his wife's grasp threatens to destroy his life, his career, his everything. Then, one day, Elyse and Ben meet and start working together. As they both grew closer, the very foundation of their lives began to shift. Their relationship is not right, but when you start reading you'll feel they are the right thing in the whole book. They are both broken. But together they're beautiful. The plot, the story, everything was amazing.
If you love these tropes, then this book is for you.
•Revenge & Haunting Scenes
•Femme Fatale
•Drama & Suspense
•Forbidden Love
•Anti-hero MC's
•Hollywood Crime
Elyse starts her fresh life in Los Angeles, leaving all her past traumas in Miami. She grows up a persona on social media and shares her knowledge of nature and plants from her garden. She's hiding all the scars from her past behind her happy smile. I loved how strong-minded she was. It was quite terrific reading about her.Sometimes she was scary, sometimes downright psychotic.
She is one of those people you don't want to cross or be on their bad side.
Ben was charming. His life was a total nightmare. Being in an abusive marriage and having a manipulative person for a wife. He had all the traumas you can think about. Being married to his boss's daughter, he had no choice other than to live with his wife. As escaping his wife's grasp threatens to destroy his life, his career, his everything. Then, one day, Elyse and Ben meet and start working together. As they both grew closer, the very foundation of their lives began to shift. Their relationship is not right, but when you start reading you'll feel they are the right thing in the whole book. They are both broken. But together they're beautiful. The plot, the story, everything was amazing.
If you love these tropes, then this book is for you.
•Revenge & Haunting Scenes
•Femme Fatale
•Drama & Suspense
•Forbidden Love
•Anti-hero MC's
•Hollywood Crime
January 17, 2024
Check TW 🫶🏼
I love romance and thrillers… mix them together? It’s my absolute favorite. I was hooked as soon as I started reading this. There’s so much good information about nature, life, and the plants that Elyse grows. The lessons for her social media, the general knowledge she has, and the ability to use those plants for things she probably shouldn’t… I thought it was very interesting to read about. I loved that we got Ben’s POV during the book. It’s not often that you read about DV from that perspective- and I believe by getting that perspective, it made the things that happened feel more… validated..?
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I think it was an amazing debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author! 💗
I love romance and thrillers… mix them together? It’s my absolute favorite. I was hooked as soon as I started reading this. There’s so much good information about nature, life, and the plants that Elyse grows. The lessons for her social media, the general knowledge she has, and the ability to use those plants for things she probably shouldn’t… I thought it was very interesting to read about. I loved that we got Ben’s POV during the book. It’s not often that you read about DV from that perspective- and I believe by getting that perspective, it made the things that happened feel more… validated..?
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I think it was an amazing debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author! 💗
January 27, 2024
4.5
The Manchineel makes for a great read, I was about to give it a 5★, but something about the ending didn’t sit well with me. Other than that one thing, the story is captivating in the beginning and then it has a complete 180 right around chapters 18 and 19. What starts like something sad and triggering, then turns to hope for Elyse to get something better in her life, but then a dark twist unleashes a series of events that are well detailed and explained.
Carrasquillo’s writing style balances action, description, dialogue and interiority. A good example of this was when the story needed some sort of explanation for the reader to understand certain plants. The whole flashbacks or looking up Elyse’s YouTube channel to watch a video of her, the description of the video and the emotions conveyed makes you feel that you’re actually watching Elyse’s videos, but in reality you are just reading her script, without info dumping and over explaining chemistry to the reader.
My verdict:
Plot - ★★★★★
Characters - ★★★★★
Spice - ★★★★☆
Thriller - ★★★★☆
Overall -★★★★☆
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is me fangirling, but Elyse is queen. Nature Goddess. "Trespassers will be composted"? THEY ABSOLUTELY EFFING WILL, QUEEN!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Manchineel makes for a great read, I was about to give it a 5★, but something about the ending didn’t sit well with me. Other than that one thing, the story is captivating in the beginning and then it has a complete 180 right around chapters 18 and 19. What starts like something sad and triggering, then turns to hope for Elyse to get something better in her life, but then a dark twist unleashes a series of events that are well detailed and explained.
Carrasquillo’s writing style balances action, description, dialogue and interiority. A good example of this was when the story needed some sort of explanation for the reader to understand certain plants. The whole flashbacks or looking up Elyse’s YouTube channel to watch a video of her, the description of the video and the emotions conveyed makes you feel that you’re actually watching Elyse’s videos, but in reality you are just reading her script, without info dumping and over explaining chemistry to the reader.
My verdict:
Plot - ★★★★★
Characters - ★★★★★
Spice - ★★★★☆
Thriller - ★★★★☆
Overall -★★★★☆
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is me fangirling, but Elyse is queen. Nature Goddess. "Trespassers will be composted"? THEY ABSOLUTELY EFFING WILL, QUEEN!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
✨Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 ✨
✨Thoughts: this book was GREAT!! Such an interesting set of events for a psychological romance thriller. Elyse has a bad past to hide, and the only person she will end up sharing it with is Ben. Ben, too, has some serious trouble in his past. I loved watching their relationship grow, especially since Ben is in a toxic marriage with a bitchy wife. I know you are meant to hate Ana, but MAN I HATE HER!!! Overall, the plot was good, the spice was perfect (just enough, not overly detailed), and the mystery had me turning pages faster than ever. I could NOT stop reading it.
✨Thoughts: this book was GREAT!! Such an interesting set of events for a psychological romance thriller. Elyse has a bad past to hide, and the only person she will end up sharing it with is Ben. Ben, too, has some serious trouble in his past. I loved watching their relationship grow, especially since Ben is in a toxic marriage with a bitchy wife. I know you are meant to hate Ana, but MAN I HATE HER!!! Overall, the plot was good, the spice was perfect (just enough, not overly detailed), and the mystery had me turning pages faster than ever. I could NOT stop reading it.
December 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an ARC and my review is voluntary.
As a child, Elyse found herself the victim of both neglect and SA. When she told her mom about the SA by her adult neighbor hoping for help, she didn’t receive it. That’s when she took things into her own hands-manchineel. Fast forward and now as an adult, she has had to leave Miama to escape her crime because her abusers mother refuses to let her live her life. Now in LA and running a successful Instagram and YouTube account for dangerous plants, her friend introduces her to an attorney who handles management for influencers and actors. Tall, dark, handsome, rich, and overly kind and affectionate-Elyse falls for Ben quickly. Only, he has a secret and she has a solution to it.
I finished this in a day and I did enjoy it. It could have been a five star read for me had there been unexpected twists and the FMC didn’t say “mmm” and “mhmm” all the time. I feel like there is good potential here, but I wanted more intellect from the FMC that made her studies in biochemistry more believable for her work rather than things that could be found in a Google search. Also, the whole “new girl in LA falls for her married manager” trope is too cliche for me.
I received this book as an ARC and my review is voluntary.
As a child, Elyse found herself the victim of both neglect and SA. When she told her mom about the SA by her adult neighbor hoping for help, she didn’t receive it. That’s when she took things into her own hands-manchineel. Fast forward and now as an adult, she has had to leave Miama to escape her crime because her abusers mother refuses to let her live her life. Now in LA and running a successful Instagram and YouTube account for dangerous plants, her friend introduces her to an attorney who handles management for influencers and actors. Tall, dark, handsome, rich, and overly kind and affectionate-Elyse falls for Ben quickly. Only, he has a secret and she has a solution to it.
I finished this in a day and I did enjoy it. It could have been a five star read for me had there been unexpected twists and the FMC didn’t say “mmm” and “mhmm” all the time. I feel like there is good potential here, but I wanted more intellect from the FMC that made her studies in biochemistry more believable for her work rather than things that could be found in a Google search. Also, the whole “new girl in LA falls for her married manager” trope is too cliche for me.
August 12, 2024
Check for the Trigger Warnings before reading.
This book is soo good.
Highly recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
This book is soo good.
Highly recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
April 1, 2024
I just finished my first romantic suspense novel, The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo, and I’m blown away! This book has so many twists and turns, heart stopping moments, and misdirections that I could never accurately guess what would happen next!
I both loved and feared FMC Elyse😂. She was this really interesting juxtaposition between a soft and sweet garden goddess and a vengeful reaper. I also appreciated that she is a bit unreliable, so you never knew what side of her would come out at any given moment. With all of these characteristics combined, I couldn’t anticipate how the story would unfold, which I appreciated.
Ben, the MMC, also held my attention. He’s this big strong guy with a super high profile job, that also happened to live in a heartbreaking situation. Although he is in control in his career, he has no control in his personal life, which was a unique twist.
Overall, The Manchineel raises a lot of interesting questions: Is m^rder ever justifiable? How far would you go to stop an unbearable situation? Is living a glamorous life worth the price? What would you do for the ones you love?
If you enjoy romantic suspense, gardening, science, and Hollywood glamour, you should read The Manchineel!
In the pages, you will find:
🧪 Science
🪴 Gardening
❤️ Romance
🤯 Shocking twists
🩸 Violence
🎥 Hollywood glamour
🍏 Deadly fruit
💪 Strong friendships
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I both loved and feared FMC Elyse😂. She was this really interesting juxtaposition between a soft and sweet garden goddess and a vengeful reaper. I also appreciated that she is a bit unreliable, so you never knew what side of her would come out at any given moment. With all of these characteristics combined, I couldn’t anticipate how the story would unfold, which I appreciated.
Ben, the MMC, also held my attention. He’s this big strong guy with a super high profile job, that also happened to live in a heartbreaking situation. Although he is in control in his career, he has no control in his personal life, which was a unique twist.
Overall, The Manchineel raises a lot of interesting questions: Is m^rder ever justifiable? How far would you go to stop an unbearable situation? Is living a glamorous life worth the price? What would you do for the ones you love?
If you enjoy romantic suspense, gardening, science, and Hollywood glamour, you should read The Manchineel!
In the pages, you will find:
🧪 Science
🪴 Gardening
❤️ Romance
🤯 Shocking twists
🩸 Violence
🎥 Hollywood glamour
🍏 Deadly fruit
💪 Strong friendships
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
February 27, 2024
OH! What an amazing read! This is a debut book for Jessica Carrasquillo but it didn't feel like it. I found myself reading a compelling and well written and described story. From the beginning I didn't want to put the book down in any way. We are faced with an absolutely well detailed plot and our writer develops the characters in a brilliant way.. The book will never bore you with the many twists, changes, secrets and the atmosphere of true crime. Truly original and intriguing. I've never read a psychological thriller/mystery novel like this one. With every page I read I absolutely had to know what happened, especially at the end and what an end, I would say.. The story is seasoned with the right mix of mystery, suspense but also Spicy.. Obviously I recommend it and I want to read everything this author writes. Decidedly. Rating 5⃣ ⭐
May 27, 2024
A captivating psychological thriller set in LA that had me hooked from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing employed by the author and found it really helped to fully immerse me this character driven story.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing employed by the author and found it really helped to fully immerse me this character driven story.
August 16, 2024
How far can one go?
The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo is a fast-paced & compelling romance thriller that will always keep you on edge. The book follows Elyse Santiago- our FMC, who is trying to survive in LA. She is trying to escape her past but her past is not letting her forget it. She has her social media ' gardening ' account where she posts and teaches educational and valuable lessons about life. She meets Ben, a handsome & MARRIED Hollywood attorney at a top talent agency. He is working under his father-in-law, and what we derive from the initial chapters of the book is that he is unhappy with his wife, Ana.
Elyse has faced trauma from men & her past haunts her at every corner. She feels a connection with Ben & is vehemently drawn to him. The only thing is that he is married, unattainable. But she also knows he is unhappy. The book is so beautifully written that it haunts me, the things done by some of the characters are just straight-on twisted & even sick at some level. The chapters are not lengthy, so they will keep you on edge.
I started the book last night & I finished it today a few hours ago. One thing that I do gather from the book is that Elyse is a survivor at whatever cost necessary. The book is filled with twists that just increase the already intense atmosphere engulfing the book! The ending was not expected, it was deadly. I didn't know what Manchineel was, so when I read about it in the book- it was an exciting surprise.
I was very confused throughout the book about my feelings about any of the characters. Elyse is a dark character; she is obsessive, and you will not miss the obsessive traits of Elyse. Ben, on the other hand, was an interesting character, I have never read such a story where this was the case. You will be left with an ever-remaining urge to flip to the next page. I can't even share whom I hate the most without giving spoilers, but let me tell you'll become intoxicated with the story.
Just read it. You will always be tense about what may happen next.
"It’s cool here. Dark. If I don’t do something, they’ll wither away. On the outside, it might seem like nature is being cruel. But aren’t we all fighting for a place in the light?"
“You should know better by now not to underestimate me.”
The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo is a fast-paced & compelling romance thriller that will always keep you on edge. The book follows Elyse Santiago- our FMC, who is trying to survive in LA. She is trying to escape her past but her past is not letting her forget it. She has her social media ' gardening ' account where she posts and teaches educational and valuable lessons about life. She meets Ben, a handsome & MARRIED Hollywood attorney at a top talent agency. He is working under his father-in-law, and what we derive from the initial chapters of the book is that he is unhappy with his wife, Ana.
Elyse has faced trauma from men & her past haunts her at every corner. She feels a connection with Ben & is vehemently drawn to him. The only thing is that he is married, unattainable. But she also knows he is unhappy. The book is so beautifully written that it haunts me, the things done by some of the characters are just straight-on twisted & even sick at some level. The chapters are not lengthy, so they will keep you on edge.
I started the book last night & I finished it today a few hours ago. One thing that I do gather from the book is that Elyse is a survivor at whatever cost necessary. The book is filled with twists that just increase the already intense atmosphere engulfing the book! The ending was not expected, it was deadly. I didn't know what Manchineel was, so when I read about it in the book- it was an exciting surprise.
I was very confused throughout the book about my feelings about any of the characters. Elyse is a dark character; she is obsessive, and you will not miss the obsessive traits of Elyse. Ben, on the other hand, was an interesting character, I have never read such a story where this was the case. You will be left with an ever-remaining urge to flip to the next page. I can't even share whom I hate the most without giving spoilers, but let me tell you'll become intoxicated with the story.
Just read it. You will always be tense about what may happen next.
"It’s cool here. Dark. If I don’t do something, they’ll wither away. On the outside, it might seem like nature is being cruel. But aren’t we all fighting for a place in the light?"
“You should know better by now not to underestimate me.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews