shetellsastory2's reviews
708 reviews

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5.0

This is a book that will stay with me for years to come. Ove is a character that if you only look at the surface you'll absolutely hate, but the more you get to know him, the more depth you encounter. You find that he's got a big heart, a man of principles - which is not a bad thing, at all - funny, decent and colorful. I loved the journey we went through alongside him. Loved how this story proves to you that every person feels differently and express it in a whole other way. We're not all similar, our circumstances shape us and our reaction to them varies from one person to another. Ove is a man grieving; his life, his youth, his joy and his love. It's a difficult path to be on and i feel that Fredrik Backman wrote it beautifully.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

4.0

That was so much fun ! i enjoyed listening to this throughout the day. Loved the romance, even though it felt a little bit insta-lovely for my taste. Once again Abby Jimenez did an excellent job with weaving reality and true social commentary in between the light and it was perfect. I also laughed a LOT in that book. 

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

4.75

Another hit for me! Abby Jimenez's books have me in a chokehold and i honestly just want more. I felt seen reading this book! Jacob's character was so incredibly written it felt ridiculous at times how i could relate to his spiraling, anxiety, and social stress. It was so real - a bit triggering so i highly recommend you go in with full disclosure on that - but so reconciling in a way. The slow burn, yearning and tension between our main characters was absolutely perfect. I couldn't stop reading and it drove me mad at some parts that i found myself on the edge of my seat thinking <i> is this it?</i> with a smile on my face multiple times. The audiobook was a wonderful experience and loved binging it.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

5.0

this was absolutely perfect ! The story had me hooked from the start. Emma and Justin's pact to break each other's love droughts was pure rom-com gold, but what truly surprised me was the emotional depth Jimenez weaved in. It wasn't just about a summer fling.  Both characters grapple with personal struggles, adding a layer of vulnerability and growth to their journey and making the story and reading experience way more interesting.  Their dynamic is a delightful mix of witty banter and heartfelt connection. I laughed out loud one minute, then found myself tearing up and emotional the next. Abby's writing is addictive, and the audiobook was the perfect way to experience it.  This was my first Abby Jimenez novel, and let me tell you, it won't be my last. I can't wait to explore more of her work!

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

4.5

<i>Thank you Macmillan for sending me an early copy</i> — this was absolutely spectacular. I was obsessed and devoured it in a single day. Filled with adventures, love, and so many wonderful discoveries. I truly enjoyed reading this a lot. The perfect conclusion to the duology and i hope we get more in the future. 

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

2.0

the first half of this was so good but then for me it went downhill from there, it was an ok read for me. Interesting, could've been sooo much better with a more mature main character but alas, we never get what we want. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

I couldn't put this book down! I spent five hours glued to the pages, completely absorbed in the story. It was a whirlwind of emotions – I giggled, laughed, teared up, and smiled all the way through. It had everything I love in a book, and the way it tugged at my heartstrings was incredible. This is officially my new favorite Emily Henry novel, surpassing even 'Book Lovers'!

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

fast-paced

5.0

the hype is <i>real</i> i ate this up and damn it ! It got my heart racing, soul singing and i was utterly enchanting. I need more 🤌🏻

Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb

slow-paced

4.0

good lord, how can one person handle this much <I>pain</I> !!!
my poor heart is truly in shambles, when did I start caring ? how dare you make me care Hobb !? 💔
this last book in the Farseer Trilogy took me the longest to get through, the pacing went back to being really slow at first and then .. boom! Tragedy fest with slap-you-on-the-face kinda plot twist after the other. And now I'm invested to continue the entirety of 16 books! Gods, damn it!  

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

“There is a fine line between a saint and a witch, and I wonder if you are prepared to walk it.”

this was a surprise to say the least. The quote above hints at the blurred boundaries between the holy and the forbidden that Leigh masterfully explores. This very tension becomes the source of the novel's magic. Leigh's writing felt much more mature, lush and sumptuous. The narration and flow of the story were solid, I was hooked from start to end but I found myself un-caring for the plot at some turns. It wasn't remarkable in its twists and turns but rather the prose itself was unique enough to keep me intrigued. I found that Leigh presented a true social dilemma in between the lines in a very smart way; I'd find myself rolling my eyes so many times at sexist lines by men in the book then I'd find myself understanding that the author's intention is to show how society treated women in the 16th century (sometimes still do!). I was a bit skeptical before starting about how Leigh would treat the religion vs magic and science element of the story but hats-off to her because she truly nailed it with exceptional talent.