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, … 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 a novel in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, a collection retellings that promise to be a lot more fun than the originals!
Enroll at Shelfbrooke Academy today!
Twelfth Knight by Jessica Bucher
Tessa by Kayla Tirrell
Sway by M.F. Lorson
The Garden by Amy Sparling
Love Letters by Daphne James Huff
more
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.
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!
Such a fun loving, easy to read book that holds your attention with great characters and storyline!
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!
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:
“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
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.
*Finally, a BIG thank you to Kayla for giving me an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.*
Okay…I’m done.
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.
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.