Unexpectedly it was the most boring, cringeworthy, ridiculous and non-romantic Lynn Painter book...

The premise was very intriguing, but the book felt overdone in some places, generic and flat in others. I doubt that professional psychologist and psychiatrist would be so misled by all other characters.

#AugustWrapUp #AugustReads 2025

Total books read: 9
physical book(s): 5
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 2
Female Author(s): 8/9
New Author(s): Andy Weir, Sabine Bohlmann, Asako Yuzuki
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0
MG/YA: 3/2

Magical and cozy stories about closeness to and love of nature, friendship and adventures. The books had some things that weren't handled so well (prejudices against other people, intolerance to different eating habits, the handling of the financial situation and others), but those are nice and simple fantasy stories.

It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't a rom-com. More like a survival trauma bonding story. I couldn't relate.

Light and entertaining, cute and funny enough. The book was quite good but it‘s not something new or mind blowing.

The history seemed well researched, but the ending... I expected something more.

So sciency, so nerdy - like physics fiction :) But the ending... I'm not sure how I feel about it :)

The sequel also had secrets, lies, relationships, unconventional investigations and traditional food. Quite enjoyable read, but I liked the first book so much more :)

I was excepting something a bit more... Overall, the book felt weird and boring. I'd say there really is no thriller or mystery element. The 'murderer' is not even a murderer.

#JulyWrapUp #JulyReads 2025

Total books read: 6
physical book(s): 6
e-book(s): 0
audiobook(s): 0
Female Author(s): 6/6
New Author(s): Shalini Boland, Annie Lyons
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0
MG/YA: 2/2

I was curious to know who and how did it, but the whole story was very unconvincing, so unbelievable - certain aspects were so far-fetched. The premise of the book was so promising and intriguing, but characters were pitiful and delusional, writing style was boring.

Better than the Movies was a reread: I still enjoyed it very much - charming, cute and funny, but this time Liz seemed truly infuriating and frustrating.

Nothing like the movies - I expected a light-hearted and funny story again, but it was sad and heartbreaking and not very romantic. Nothing like the first book...

Entertaining series :)

It was quite interesting story, but it didn't feel authentic. I really wanted to like this book more, but I wasn't fond of the characters.

#JuneWrapUp #JuneReads 2025

Total books read: 4
physical book(s): 2
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 1
Female Author(s): 2/4
New Author(s): Alan Hlad
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0
MG/YA: 0/0

Plenty of dysfunctional family drama, complicated mother-daughter relationships and the mystery I didn't guess. I liked how everything wraps up in the end.

This story felt more like a sequel for Rue&Eli and it saved the book :)

The writing style wasn't as captivating and engaging as I expected it to be, rather contrived. The story was quite compelling and enlightening. The premise was very interesting, but the execution wasn't fictional enough :)

So sad, so deeply moving, tears wrenching. A poignant tale of friendship and trauma - signature Backman. Incredible and meaningful writing!

#MayWrapUp #MayReads 2025

Total books read: 6
physical book(s): 2
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 3
female author(s): 6/6
new author(s): Ann Liang and Lauren Roberts
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0/0
MG/YA: 0/5

The repetitive writing, the dragging pacing, the weird romance non-triangle. I didn't totally loathe it, but I feel like this trilogy does not deserve the hype it gets.

I did enjoy some parts of this book, but it was mostly about two people being in denial.

Cute and snarky :) But it would be great to know how all was for them after/later :)

Sad and heartbreaking additional novella of nothing new really happening.

Felt like the book is trying too hard to be something special. Similar to “Hunger Games“, but it takes away originality.

Very sad and devastating. A lot of family drama + trauma and constantly creating new obstacles, problems, and drama... which overshadowed the love story.

#AprilWrapUp #AprilReads 2025

Total books read: 7
physical book(s): 2
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 4
female author(s): 6/7
new author(s): B. K. Borison
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0/0
MG/YA: 0/0

The story within a story. Engaging writing, wit and emotional characters, interesting plot.

It was fun, entertaining, but some parts just felt bland. Or maybe I had unreal expectations :)

Nice, but nothing special or unique. Most of the story was very predictable, but with a happy ending :)

Amazingly perfect idea! Imagine it could actually happen :)
The story was cozy, cute, bitter-sweet and heartwarming.

Warm, bitter-sweet, cozy.

Lots of banter! A fun and quick read. Really enjoyed reconnecting again with some characters of Rome!

It was an OK installment to the series - nothing special, wasn't super original or memorable, but quite enjoyable.

#MarchWrapUp #MarchReads 2025

Total books read: 4
physical book(s): 1
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 2
female author(s): 4/4
new author(s): -
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0/0
MG/YA: 1/0

Interesting and enjoyable read

Cute Valentine‘s Day novella

It‘s not entirely boring, but it‘s not very good either: repetitive, unnecessarily long and messy.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood was the best and then it went downward with each new book...

#FebruaryWrapUp #FebruaryReads 2025

Total books read: 6
physical book(s): 4
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 1
female author(s): 4/6
new author(s): Freida McFadden and Jordan Lees
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 0/0
MG/YA: 1/0
DNF: 1

It's a page turner - fast paced and easy to read but it's messy, crazy, unrealistic and rather unoriginal. Unlikable characters but quite interesting story.
Always stay hydrated 😂

Unreliable characters, twists, revenge and juicy drama. Such a great domestic thriller short story!

The characters were caricatures in the best way possible. Classical F. Backman :) Perfect short read!

Richly imagined and atmospheric, mysterious and adventurous. There's magic and darkness. Incredible story!

Very action-packed with frantic pacing, a lot of war strategy stuff and LOOONG story (unnecessarily long one), but it was a decent sequel.

DNF. This is not journalism or non-fiction nor it is actual fiction. Didn't like the author's “style“.

This sequel paints a bigger picture of a horrible story of messed up family/broken people. The story is interesting, complex, dark, creepy and disturbing.

#JanuaryWrapUp #JanuaryReads 2025

Total books read: 5
physical book(s): 3
e-book(s): 1
audiobook(s): 1
female author(s): 4/5
new author(s): Syou Ishida, M. C. Beaton and Elle Kenedy
Non-Fic/Memoirs: 1/0
MG/YA: 1/0

Well, it's almost palpable that this book was written more than 30 years ago... Writing style, the main character, the the world-building...
The mystery is not very elaborate, no twists. It's short and takes a long time to take off. But it's a quick read :)