hermusings's reviews
215 reviews

La Asistenta by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A bit too predictable for me to fully enjoy it. Although, I did like the ending. 
However, it takes about 60% of the book for any sort of twist to occur. I honestly would have DNF it didn’t have such raving reviews from some of my friends. 

Medea by Eilish Quin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

I went into this blind. Medea’s story is not one I’m overtly familiar with however I enjoy Greek mythology and the comparisons made to Circe by Madeline miller did lure me to this.

However, this felt extreme slow and I found I would rarely feel drawn to read it. 

I think it’s for those familiar with the story (and know what to look forward to) and/or those more intrigued by Greek mythology.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Last Violent Call by Chloe Gong

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I’m a sucker for more story on characters I love. This was fast and sweet and what I honestly loved the most is how it ties in which the main stories. 

The Guest by Emma Cline

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Foul and a great reminder to wash your hands!!! 

This had some good commentary on class, nepotism & wealth. The symbolism would have delighted any English teacher.  Yet, it left me with nothing.

Emma cline gave MC Alex so many lives. 😩 I’m happy to see Alex come to her end. She really needed to be stopped!

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.

The first quarter of the book was so fast paced as all the drama with the criminal husband unfolded.  

After that it started to feel extremely repetitive at times and sadly, their romance is just not hitting it for me.  

However, I adored her best friends, the daughters, and the sisters. Also the representation through both Soledad’s boricuan roots and Judah’s sons having autism (and how his coparenting works), etc. These grounded the story in a really lovely way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.

I just couldn’t — this falls into that grumpy-sunshine troupe we’re the sunshine acts like they’re 4 for 80% of the time. 
The premise was fun tho 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Captivated my attention and I honestly couldn’t put it down. It’s predictable on a lot of fronts but you can’t help but keep reading to see how these characters would handle things. Major car crash vibes.
I love the literary references, specially the little women of it all.

However, there was a major plot point that I can’t get behind and hindered how much I was enjoying the book. 
The ending also felt slightly off & rushed.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was brutal! 

reading this as the genocide in Gaza (and the apartheid occupation in Palestine) is going on is incredibly sad. History repeating itself. 
This book gives a taste of what the Jews endured during the holocaust and it’s wild to think people would weaponize this atrocity to create another.

This was well-written, sad and honestly a bit too long at times.

There was so much going on. I personally really connected with Vianne’s story & how she tried her best at every turn to just stay alive and keep her kids alive. Isabelle’s outspoken character also resonated with me.
However, Kristin Hannah could not convince me to care about ANY of the romantic storylines she pushed onto the story. 

I must also mention a turn towards the end that infuriated me!! I (and the characters) could have honestly  done without.

Return to Eden by Paco Roca

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

This was sentimental and sad. 
Antonia’s story clearly capture from someone close to her is wonderfully executed in this story. 
From the design style to the progression of how the story unfolded. 
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review. 

The First Lady by James Patterson

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Mid at best.
Intensely written by an old man. The way he would describe every character … specially women 😒 and the story went absolutely nowhere. No character development nor stakes other than “it’s the First Lady & president you must care” …. 
Pretty much read it to say I have read one of his books… and can now say I will never again.