T.'s Updates en-US Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:44:41 -0700 60 T.'s Updates 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Rating851286692 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:44:41 -0700 <![CDATA[T. Shree liked a review]]> /
When Hate & Love Collide- Part 2 by T Shree
"You might have read many books, many plots, many stories, and many twists, but have you read something divine, out of the box, too good to resist, and a complete journey of love and commitment?

If your answer is NO, then here is your chance to read a book that will give you an exemplary experience of reading, romance, love, care, betrayal, friendship saga, and revenge. No, it's not a regular story; it's a blend of faith, promises, commitments, apologies, and unconditional love ❤️.

The author has given equal opportunity to every character to tell his or her POV and how beautifully they all mingled in the story.
The hard work, the dedication, and the execution are clearly seen in the outcome.

Coming to the plot, as we know, the story is divided into two parts - in the first part, we have already seen how Arsalan and Minha got nikahfied and in what circumstances. How Arsalan rejected her as soon as their nikah was performed. And how Daniyal has disowned his son for his reckless behavior.

Now, in this part, you will see how Daniyal Ali will keep his mother's promise and bring Minha home, how her life is changed, how Mariyam is coping with this situation, and how Kashan is planning his ugly revenge.

The USP of the book is the detailing and characterization, dialogues, and emotional quotient. The author has made sure to make you cry, laugh, smile, and give you the best experience of your time. Daniyal, Manav, Mariyam, Shishir, Shaivi, Samar every other character will give you very genuine reasons to love them.

The forgiveness scenes will make you cry; you will not realize when you started crying reading these emotional scenes. The scenes will be rooted within you.

Devil Trinity will give you friendship goals. Whereas Daniyal and Manav's jodi will give you the real definition of commitment and promises. Mariyam's motherly love will keep you grounded. As a mother and wife, she has sacrificed a lot.

I loved the cupid Shaivi and Shishir. They are cute and adorable.
Samar brought in his humor and wittiness. His dialogues on two occasions will make you roll on the floor laughing.

And now comes the main characters of the story, our very own mighty Arsalan Khan and Minha.
Arsalan is a different character altogether. He is a brat, high-headed, too mischievous, full of attitude, always rebellious, and dashing like hell. But there is another quality that nobody knows and that is his way of love and care. He loves like no one else, he will protect you like no one else and he apologises like no one else.
You will see how immensely he loves Minha and values her. The scene where he is apologizing to Minha will make you cry uncontrollably, and you will pray that they get together, leaving behind all the bitter taste.

Minha is the opposite; she is like a sparrow, a cute little bundle of joy. She wins over hearts with her innocence, charm, and simplicity. She is way too religious and cultural. She faces too many challenges at a very tender age, but she has grown up to be a strong woman.

If we talk about Arsalan and Minha together, they are water and fire. Dangerous for each other, but their destiny has brought them together. Yes, their nikah and days after were not as they should have been, but now their days are impossible without each other.

Sanem played a significant role in making Arsalan's life a living hell, but I think Minha's prayers kept him safe and protected.

As a father-in-law, Daniyal has set a benchmark in the way he pampered and cared for Minha.

Taimoor and Ruhi's banter is not left behind. They gave us a hint that they were in the line to conquer their story.

Kashan is hell-bent on ruining everything in the process. He is using Minha for his wrong deeds. And my concern is, will he succeed??

Arsalan and Minha's cute little breaks with each other will give you reasons to blush. Arsalan's flirting skills are at par. He can make a stone blush.

I know, I know, I am talking so much about this book, but trust me, I am just half done. I have so much more to talk about, share, and cherish.

Guys this book is a perfect weekend read, buy it immediately and enjoy the freshness of the extremely engrossing plot.

Highly recommended 👌🏻🥰"
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Rating851286663 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:44:31 -0700 <![CDATA[T. Shree liked a review]]> /
When Hate & Love Collide- Part 2 by T Shree
"
Every once in a while, a book walks into your life, quietly at first, and then lingers—long after you’ve turned the last page. When Hate & Love Collide � Part 2 is that kind of book. It didn’t just tell a story; it made me feel like I was living inside someone’s pain, love, regret, and redemption.

T Shree, the heart behind the You and Me series, is no stranger to emotionally rich storytelling. Her stories don’t just flirt with drama—they dive deep into it. And if you’ve followed Arsalan and Minha’s saga in Part 1, you already know this one was going to hit hard.

The story picks up after Arsalan and Minha’s marriage falls apart, and life has thrown both of them into a pit of grief and growth. Arsalan is not the man he used to be—time, heartbreak, and fatherhood have carved something new into him. Minha, on the other hand, is torn between memories that still sting and a heart that still feels.

What sets this story apart is its raw honesty. This isn’t a simple “boy loses girl� tale. It’s about how broken people try to heal in a world that isn’t always kind. It’s about guilt, patience, faith, and the complicated web of human emotions.

T Shree’s prose flows like poetry, especially when she lets Urdu verses slide into the story like whispered truths. Her style is intimate—you feel like she’s writing just for you. There’s no unnecessary flair, just powerful, evocative language that lands straight in the heart. The blend of narrative and emotional insight is beautifully done.

Arsalan is probably one of the most frustratingly real characters I’ve read in a while. I disliked him, then pitied him, and finally rooted for him. Minha is strong in a way many women will recognize—not the scream-out-loud strength, but the quiet, dignified kind that doesn’t break easily. Supporting characters like Shaivi, Shishir, and even the ever-blunt Shaan bring warmth, wit, and a touch of chaos to the otherwise intense storyline.

The structure weaves past and present beautifully, creating a rhythm that never feels disjointed. The story takes its time—no shortcuts to emotional resolution, which makes every moment feel earned. The pacing, though deliberate, suits the tone perfectly.

Forgiveness. Self-worth. The complexity of love after betrayal. These themes echo through every chapter. There’s also a deep spiritual undercurrent, especially with Arsalan’s introspection and reconnecting with faith. The book gently nudges you to ask—how long does it take to rebuild trust? Can love survive the worst parts of us?
I teared up more than once. Especially during scenes between Arsalan and his father, and those moments when Minha’s internal battle was laid bare. The book doesn’t manipulate your emotions—it earns them. And when a book makes you pause to reflect on your own choices, you know it’s done something right.

The emotional depth. The character growth. The slow, steady burn of healing. These are where the book shines. T Shree doesn’t rush closure or forgiveness—and that’s exactly why it feels so real.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the pace might feel a bit too slow for readers looking for dramatic twists every few chapters. But honestly? The richness of emotion more than makes up for it.

I didn’t expect this book to hit me the way it did. I saw pieces of myself in Minha’s hesitation, in Arsalan’s guilt, and in the silences between them. It made me reflect on love—the kind that hurts, heals, and changes you.

When Hate & Love Collide � Part 2 is not a book you read and forget. It’s a story you carry in your chest like a whisper. T Shree has once again given us a piece of her soul wrapped in words. If you believe in second chances, or even if you don’t—this book might just change your mind.

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Especially to anyone who's ever had to fight for forgiveness, from someone else—or themselves.


"
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Review7404116782 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:43:15 -0700 <![CDATA[T. added 'Amar Bail']]> /review/show/7404116782 Amar Bail by Umera Ahmed T. gave 4 stars to Amar Bail (Kindle Edition) by Umera Ahmed
The novel is undoubtedly a phenomenal piece of art, yet it felt incomplete in several ways. The entire story was presented solely from Alizey’s perspective, which limited the reader’s understanding of the other characters—especially Umer. His thoughts, emotions, and reasons behind his decisions remained a mystery throughout.

While I appreciated Umer’s character, his lack of perspective left me disconnected. There was little insight into his internal struggles or the rationale behind his choices. Perhaps the author intended to keep readers intrigued, but for me, it was frustrating not to grasp his point of view. His love for Alizey, for instance, was reduced to just a few lines by Judith—far too little to convey the depth of his feelings. Alizey deserved more. If nothing else, a diary from Umer’s side would have added much-needed depth. The lack of clarity was exasperating at times.

Umer’s death, in particular, felt unnecessary and abrupt. I couldn’t understand the purpose behind it or why the author chose that ending. The idea that Alizey wouldn’t be happy with him seemed unfounded, and the story could have easily led to a beautiful, happy ending. The narrative was flowing well until the second-last chapter, but Umer’s death ruined the entire emotional build-up for me.

Though the writing quality was strong, the transitions between flashbacks and the present were abrupt and confusing. There were several loose ends that the writer left unresolved, offering no clear justification for them. The theme of broken homes and their psychological impact was intense and well-portrayed, especially through Alizey’s character. Umer, too, came from a broken home, but his character was portrayed as calm and composed. Unfortunately, the lack of deeper exploration into his mindset made it difficult to understand his motivations.

Overall, while the narrative had its strengths—especially in its thematic depth—the abrupt transitions and unresolved aspects left the story feeling incomplete. ]]>
Review7380782542 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:15 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'A Touch of Fate']]> /review/show/7380782542 A Touch of Fate by Cora Reilly T. gave 5 stars to A Touch of Fate (ebook) by Cora Reilly
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Review7370641254 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:55:51 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'Ishq Aatish / عشق آتش']]> /review/show/7370641254 Ishq Aatish / عشق آتش by Sadia Rajpoot T. gave 5 stars to Ishq Aatish / عشق آتش (Hardcover) by Sadia Rajpoot
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Review7359996907 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:36:42 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'Bakht / بخت']]> /review/show/7359996907 Bakht / بخت by Mehrulnisa Shahmeer T. gave 5 stars to Bakht / بخت (ebook) by Mehrulnisa Shahmeer
Beautiful narration with a very strong plot.

Bakht � This Urdu word refers to fate, but it holds a much deeper meaning in our lives. Bakht is the silent architect of our journey, the unseen hand that turns the pages of our story and weaves together the moments of joy, sorrow, struggle, and triumph. The central theme of this novel emphasize that every choices of ours has a consequence and we cannot snatch away someone’s fate because everything is pre ordained. It’s a beautiful story with a strong plot and equally strong characters.

Whether it’s Umer, Meherma, Yakut, Haroon, or even Farwa, every character compels you to reflect on their actions and motivations, making you question: Was it fate, or was it choice? This novel beautifully blurs the lines between the two, drawing the reader into a world where destiny is inevitable, yet human will still plays its part. It’s a must read story for those who likes to read actual plots rather than repeated tropes. Overall the journey of this novel is a wonderful experience in itself. ]]>
Review7310829050 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:48:58 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'Peer-e-Kamil/پیر کامل']]> /review/show/7310829050 Peer-e-Kamil/پیر کامل by Umera Ahmed T. gave 5 stars to Peer-e-Kamil/پیر کامل (Hardcover) by Umera Ahmed
There are books you read and forget, books that linger for a short while, and some that stay etched in your memory for years. Sometimes, it’s the characters that leave an imprint; other times, it’s the plot, the narration, or the emotional depth. And then there are rare books that leave you with a withdrawal effect, haunting you long after you’ve turned the last page. Peer-e-Kaamil & Aab-e-Hayat are such masterpieces.

For years, I searched for its English translation, having heard endless praise for Peer-e-Kaamil. Yet, since it was in Urdu, I couldn’t bring myself to read it. But the moment I got my hands on its English version, I couldn’t wait another second. This novel—though romantic in essence—is far more than a love story. It captures love in its purest, most transcendent form, while weaving in other elements that keep you hooked. Remarkably, there isn’t a single intimate scene between the protagonists, yet their connection grips your heart. That is the true beauty of this story. The daring plot, the mesmerizing narrative—every aspect reflects the sheer brilliance and confidence of the author. I am absolutely in awe.

Salaar Sikander is a character who wins your heart at every stage of his life. From a reckless, impulsive teenager to a desperate lover and, finally, to a patient and devoted husband, his journey is beautifully, almost magically, sketched. Words alone cannot do justice to the depth of his character. And then there’s Usman Sikander—what a father he was! His presence left an equally powerful impact. What makes these characters so remarkable is their raw, human flaws. The author has done complete justice in portraying them with honesty and depth.

Lastly, Humain—what a character! He left an impression on me that far exceeded my imagination. Each character in this novel feels alive, flawed, and deeply human, making Aab-e-Hayat & Peer-e-Kaamil an unforgettable experience.

While, Salaar left me mesmerised, confused me. She remained an enigma—a woman whose desires seemed known only to her. Throughout the story, her actions often came across as impulsive and, at times, unreasonable. Her decisions were frequently self-serving, taken without considering Salaar’s feelings or the consequences of her whims. She judged him at every turn, criticized him without restraint, and left him whenever she felt like it, all without any apparent remorse. It almost felt as though her heart never fully belonged to him, and she stayed with Salaar only because she had no other choice.

But Salaar, oh, Salaar—his love was nothing short of extraordinary. He loved enough for both of them. His selflessness and strength made him the kind of man every woman would wish for, and that’s why Imama’s shortcomings never overshadowed their bond. She never said the words “I love you,� and he never demanded them. That silent, unspoken understanding between them speaks volumes about the depth of Salaar’s love and patience.

Overall, Aab-e-Hayat is an absolutely unforgettable tale� it has that element which will remain etched in your heart forever. ]]>
Review7307304446 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 20:15:33 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'Namal / نمل']]> /review/show/7307304446 Namal / نمل by Nemrah Ahmed T. gave 5 stars to Namal / نمل (Hardcover) by Nemrah Ahmed
Phenomenon novel. What a plot and what a narration. I have read so many books but this beats each one of them. ]]>
Rating821313563 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:15:57 -0800 <![CDATA[T. Shree liked a review]]> /
When Hate & Love Collide-Part 1 by T Shree
"� T Shree has always made me 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 with her writing, and I adore them! 𝐓 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞'𝐬 "𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 & 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐃" is a masterfully written and incredibly detailed 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 - which is what I adore most about it. Her writing makes the 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 that is certain in this plot stand out. 💕

� Even after reading this specific book again, the experience I am sharing now will always be 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡. The 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 combined with the 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 are enough to grab my 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Their 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝, and the characters in particular teach you what 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 is. 🪐

� We are given a 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 on the world by 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐥 and 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐦. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞, and 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - perhaps more than anything else - we felt the 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 through the characters who are genuinely struggling to keep their 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 and remain 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 throughout the story. 🥂

� The aspect of this story - 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐢, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - is the most 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. I am with the characters' 𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫. Literally! How can I so easily get into these characters? 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 and 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐥 are like two different people. The author created a lively and remarkable range of emotions in this story. �

� Her 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 is 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, and the storyline shows 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞. Yes, you can find these pages overhype after reading millions of highly acclaimed romance novels worldwide. But I am not the type to give you false hope - I think this 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 works well for me. 🍂"
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Review7179969543 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:25:38 -0800 <![CDATA[T. added 'Aab-e-Hayat/آبِ حیات']]> /review/show/7179969543 Aab-e-Hayat/آبِ حیات by Umera Ahmed T. gave 5 stars to Aab-e-Hayat/آبِ حیات (Paperback) by Umera Ahmed

There are books you read and forget, books that linger for a short while, and some that stay etched in your memory for years. Sometimes, it’s the characters that leave an imprint; other times, it’s the plot, the narration, or the emotional depth. And then there are rare books that leave you with a withdrawal effect, haunting you long after you’ve turned the last page. Aab-e-Hayat is one such masterpiece.

For years, I searched for its English translation, having heard endless praise for Peer-e-Kamil. Yet, since it was in Urdu, I couldn’t bring myself to read it. But the moment I got my hands on its English version, I couldn’t wait another second. This novel—though romantic in essence—is far more than a love story. It captures love in its purest, most transcendent form, while weaving in other elements that keep you hooked. Remarkably, there isn’t a single intimate scene between the protagonists, yet their connection grips your heart. That is the true beauty of this story. The daring plot, the mesmerizing narrative—every aspect reflects the sheer brilliance and confidence of the author. I am absolutely in awe.

Salaar Sikander is a character who wins your heart at every stage of his life. From a reckless, impulsive teenager to a desperate lover and, finally, to a patient and devoted husband, his journey is beautifully, almost magically, sketched. Words alone cannot do justice to the depth of his character. And then there’s Usman Sikander—what a father he was! His presence left an equally powerful impact. What makes these characters so remarkable is their raw, human flaws. The author has done complete justice in portraying them with honesty and depth.

Lastly, Humain—what a character! He left an impression on me that far exceeded my imagination. Each character in this novel feels alive, flawed, and deeply human, making Aab-e-Hayat & Peer-e-Kaamil an unforgettable experience.

While, Salaar left me mesmerised, confused me. She remained an enigma—a woman whose desires seemed known only to her. Throughout the story, her actions often came across as impulsive and, at times, unreasonable. Her decisions were frequently self-serving, taken without considering Salaar’s feelings or the consequences of her whims. She judged him at every turn, criticized him without restraint, and left him whenever she felt like it, all without any apparent remorse. It almost felt as though her heart never fully belonged to him, and she stayed with Salaar only because she had no other choice.

But Salaar, oh, Salaar—his love was nothing short of extraordinary. He loved enough for both of them. His selflessness and strength made him the kind of man every woman would wish for, and that’s why Imama’s shortcomings never overshadowed their bond. She never said the words “I love you,� and he never demanded them. That silent, unspoken understanding between them speaks volumes about the depth of Salaar’s love and patience.

Overall, Aab-e-Hayat is an absolutely unforgettable tale� it has that element which will remain etched in your heart forever.
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