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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
slow-paced
She was only eleven-and-a-half inches tall, but she would change the world. ๐ฉท
Thank you, PRH Audio, for gifting me the audio for Let's Call Her Barbie!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
Pages: 432
Rating: โโโโ
Growing up, I wouldn't consider myself much of a Barbie enthusiast -- I had them, but they weren't my primary source of entertainment. However, as an adult, I can appreciate Barbie's impact on young girls. Let's Call Her Barbie does an incredible job of tracing the doll's rich and colorful history.
But I wasn't prepared for the emotional weight of the story. It was heavy at times, reflecting on people's struggles and sacrifices to pursue beauty, perfection, and power. The book delves into the darker side of fame and the toll it can take on a person.
Trigger Warnings: Eating disorders, cancer, drug abuse
Audiobook Review: โโโโ.5
Narrated by Abigail Reno, a fresh voice for me, I found her narration soothing and engaging. I started listening at 1.2x speed, and once I got comfortable, I bumped it up to 1.5x.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ Short Chapters
๐ Slow-paced stories
๐ง Well-researched books
๐ซถ๐ผ Characters based on real people
If you're curious about the history behind the iconic doll and how Barbie shaped society (both positively and negatively), Let's Call Her Barbie is one you should add to your reading list.
____
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Drug abuse, Eating disorder
slow-paced
๐ฉ๐ฝ The Three Lives of Cate Kay ๐ฉ๐ฝ
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Three Lives of Cate Kay {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.7.2025
Pages: 304
Star Rating: โโโ.5
"{She} shot words straight light arrows, often pointed at my heart. But me, I burned my feelings alive, just smothered them down."
When I think about The Three Lives of Cate Kay, what stands out most to me is the beautiful complexity of the relationships between the characters. The book isn't about soulmates or grand, destined loveโit's more about the fleeting yet significant connections that come into our lives at just the right moment. These romances aren't meant to last forever but hold meaning to that character's story. Each love interest served a purpose, offering something to Cate's journey.
However, as much as I enjoyed the book's emotional layers, I did struggle to connect with the characters on an individual level. And, as much as the synopsis drew me in, the book didn't quite deliver on the mystery aspect. I went in expecting a thrilling, conwoman-centered plotโsomething along the lines of Kate from Lostโbut instead, I got something different. Still intriguing, yes, but definitely not the story I anticipated.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple POV
๐ Non-Linear Timeline
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Complex Relationships
๐ Slow Paced
๐ Debut Novels
๐ Books Within Books
______
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adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Figure Skating is โจFINALLYโจ getting its moment!
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Favorites {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.14.2025
Pages: 448
Star Rating: โโโโ
"We used to joke that they were going to die in each other's arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between."
I've always loved figure skating, but it wasn't until I picked up The Favorites that I truly understood the level of artistry and dedication that goes into each performance. It's not just about the flawless choreographyโit's the entire package: the music, the hair, the makeup, the costumes, and the jewelry. Every detail is carefully crafted to tell a story, and Layne Fargo perfectly captures this essence in her novel.
And oh, the dramaโthis book has it all! The characters' lives are a tangled web of passion, betrayal, and ambition. While there's a romance (or rather, a toxic one imo), this is so much more than just a love story. For me, The Favorites is a coming-of-age journey. Katarina Shaw, the FMC, grows in such profound ways from the first page to the last, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her candid account of chasing her dream.
Every moment felt like a glimpse behind the curtain of the figure skating world, and I loved every second of it.
Audiobook Review: โโโโโ
The Favorites is one of those that is meant to be listened to. I love a good full-cast narration, and this audiobook is even more special with the narration of Olympic Medalist Johnny Weir.
Read if you enjoy:
โธ๏ธ Winter Olympics
๐ญ Drama
๐ซฃ Toxic Romance
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Second Chance Romance/Friendship
๐ฃ๏ธ Mixed Media Format
I recommend reading The Favorites if you've always wanted to have a backstage pass to the secret lives of the figure skating world.
What's your favorite sport of the Olympics?
______
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emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
F I V E โจ S T AR S
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the free copy/audiobook of Good Dirt {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.28.2025
Pages: 385
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Good Dirt comes from the same author who wrote Black Cake in 2022 but, for me, there is no comparison. Good Dirt is in a realm all on its own. Even after finishing it a few days ago, itโs still on my mind.
I loved the way that each character grew over the course of the book and found their own voice and path to be forged - even in the face of tragedy and unimaginable brutality.
Few stories have the power to break my heart while also leaving me filled with hope, but Good Dirt is one of those rare gems. From the very first page, I was hooked, unable to put the book down until I had finished it in one sitting.
The non-linear narrative weaves together deeply moving, thought-provoking stories that shed light on experiences and histories often overlooked by those of us who need to listen the most. Itโs beautifully written, carefully crafted, and Iโm confident it will resonate with many readers once itโs released.
Audiobook Review: โโโโโ
Good Dirt is narrated by January LaVoy who is another one of the GOATS in voice acting - LaVoy has narrated Listen of the Lie, Ten Thousand Doors of January, Lula Deanโs Little Free Library, Jar of Hearts and many many more. She is incredibly talented at bringing the characters to life.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple POV
๐ Non-Linear Timeline
๐ Heartwrenching Stories
๐ซถ๐ผ Family Legacies
๐ Slow Burn
I recommend reading Good Dirt if youโre in the mood for a slow burn that tugs at your heart with depictions of redemption, history and forgiveness.
______
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dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Welcome to The Dollhouse ๐ธ
Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy of The Dollhouse Academy {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 2.11.2025
Pages: 320
Star Rating: โโโ.5
I went into The Dollhouse Academy with a completely open mind because, typically, Montimore's books blend themes of reality and magic. I definitely did not anticipate the story that she wrote this time aroundโit was rife with themes of beauty, self-discovery, friendship, and fame.
While it wasn't the book for me, some concepts within it appealed to me. I found the idea of an academy devoted to coaching people to be famous fascinating, and there was a touch of the science-fiction element that oddly made sense to me. It cemented my happiness with being out of the public's eye because I can't imagine living the life that some of the characters in this book do.
Where the book lost me was that it became overly repetitive and seemed to lose its traction a few times. I kept listening, and I loved the open-ended portion of the ending!
Audiobook Review: โโโโโ
The Dollhouse Academy was narrated by the incredibly talented Brittany Pressley and Xe Sands (who has also narrated The Book of Accidents, Pack Up the Moon, and the Wanderers). Both voice actors kept me hooked on the story (even when it lost traction) - but I'm not surprised because I love everything they do.
Read if you enjoy:
๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธ Open endings
๐ฃ๏ธ Alternating POV
๐ค Moral dilemmas
๐ค Dark academia
I recommend reading The Dollhouse Academy if you enjoyed Rouge by Mona Awad.
______
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emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Looking for a heartfelt read? Here you go!โจ
Thank you, Dell Romance & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of A Winter Wish {partner}
Genre: Holiday-ish/Romance
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 10.15.2024
Pages: 368
Star Rating: โโโโโ
I've been a bit behind on my holiday reading this year, so I picked up A Winter Wish by Emily Stone. The cover was adorable, and the synopsis grabbed my attention.
My main issue with the book was that it didn't quite deliver the festive holiday spirit I was hoping for. Instead, it focused more on themes like grief, parental abandonment, and the journey of self-discovery, which made the story feel heavy at times. While it eventually picked up, and I ended up enjoying the romance between the two characters, I just wished there had been more of that cozy holiday atmosphere I was craving.
One of the book's highlights was the concept of the travel agency Lexie inherits from her father. The agency specializes in helping people experience holiday traditions from different countries, which was a unique and fun idea. It made me start thinking about all the amazing places I'd love to visit and the special holidays I could experience there!
Audiobook Review: โโโโ
Meg Travers, a new-to-me voice actor, narrated a Winter Wish, and I really enjoyed her narration style! While she doesn't do a lot of voice variation for male characters, which some listeners prefer, I still found her performance engaging. I'd listen to more of her work in the future!
Read if you enjoy:
โ๏ธ Holiday travel
โค๏ธโ๐ฉน Explorations of grief
๐ซถ๐ผ Opposites attract
๐ Character growth
I recommend reading A Winter Wish outside of the holiday season, as I think it would resonate better then!
______
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emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an unforgettable debut novel ๐
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of Penitence through the #celadonreadtogether program! {partner}
Genre: Literary Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.28.2025
Pages: 320
Star Rating: โโโโโ
โEach of us is more than the worst thing weโve done.โ
If there is one piece of advice I have for you about Penitence - itโs to go into it knowing very little. The less you know, the less you will expect, and the more you will be in awe of Kristin Koval and her incredible debut novel.
Because I want you to go into knowing as little as possible, I will keep my review brief. Pertinence is a heavy, heavy readโthe characters in this book feel very real, and they are also very real. They have made mistakes, tried to do what is best for those around them, and ended up carrying the consequences of their actions for their entire lives. My heart broke for every single person in this book.
I gave Penitence five stars, not because it left me feeling happy or gave me the ending that I expected, but because Koval took a 320-page book and made me feel such raw emotion that I had to take a break from reading at times. Penitence will stay with me for a very long time.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ฉ๐ฝโโ๏ธ Legal drama
๐ฅบ Real, flawed characters
๐ซค Complex & complicated
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple POV
๐๐ผ Debut novels
I recommend adding Penitence to your reading list. If you have any concerns about the content, please DM me, and I can answer your questions.
______
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Alcoholism
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
From NYC to Egypt โ๏ธ
Thank you, Dutton Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Stolen Queen {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1936 & 1978
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.7.2025
Pages: 352
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Fiona Davis completely captivated me with The Stolen Queenโa mesmerizing blend of history, mystery, and an emotionally charged storyline.
Set in both the vibrant streets of 1970s New York City and the timeless sands of Egypt, The Stolen Queen was an absolute thrill. As someone who's always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt, I was excited to finally dive into a novel that brought this rich history to life.
Not only did I experience Egypt through a 1970s lens, but I also found myself stepping into an ancient tomb, uncovering secrets from a long-forgotten past.
Audiobook Review: โโโโโ
The Stolen Queen was narrated by Linda Jones, a new-to-me narrator. I enjoyed her narration style and didn't have to adjust the audio while listening!
Read if you enjoy:
๐ค Ancient Egypt
๐ Stolen treasures
โ๐ผ Dual Timeline
๐ฃ๏ธ Dual Narration
๐คฉ Museums
I recommend reading The Stolen Queen if you've always enjoyed reading about Ancient Egypt!
-----
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emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
F I V E ๐ฉต S T A R S
Thank you, Dell Books, for the gifted copy of Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.28.2025
Pages: 336
Star Rating: โโโโโ
I thought it would be impossible to top my love for Out on a Limb, but Hannah Bonam-Young has done it again.
This time, the couple is trying to navigate their relationship after years of being together. Everything about Sarah and Caleb felt relatable and realโI had no idea how badly I needed a romance about an already established couple trying to find themselves again as individuals and as husband and wife.
Not only did Sarah and Caleb feel real, but I also identified with Sarah on so many levels and saw so much of my husband in Caleb. I caught myself laughing and crying on so many occasions because of the realness of their characters (flaws and all).
It felt like a balm to my soul because I never once worried about Sarah and Caleb's stability or doubted their love for one another. They worked together to repair areas that needed improvement while still remembering to love one another fiercely.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ฅ Marriage in crisis
๐๐ผ No third-act breakup
โ๐ผ Dual timeline
๐ฅฐ Authentic characters
๐ฅน Deeply emotional
Hannah Bonam-Young, you outdid yourself with this book, and I can't wait for the rest of the world to read it.
______
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
medium-paced
I left this one on my TBR shelf for a little too long
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Icebreaker {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 1.23.2022
Pages: 447
Star Rating: โโโโ
โRecovery isnโt about winning. Itโs about learning and forgiving yourself, forgetting bad habits, and trusting the process. It isnโt linear.โ
Okay, so I see why so many people love a good hockey romance โ they are a delight to read ๐ฅฐ
I finally got around to reading Icebreaker, and once I started, I couldnโt put the book down. I loved Nate and Anastasia as individual characters, and I loved them as a couple. Sure, it was an instalove situation (which I usually stay away from), and good grief was there, and there was a lot of spice. But what I enjoyed the most about the book is their character growth. They challenged one another to be better, do better, get better, and feel better. There wasnโt anything toxic about their relationship (in my opinion), and I couldโve continued to read their story for another 100 pages.
However, my biggest issue with this book was the ending. It was SO close to being five stars, but that last chapter/epilogue absolutely ruined it for me. It wonโt prevent me from reading the rest of the author's books, but I just felt like the ending took away from their relationship and things they had previously discussed. It minimized Anastasiaโs character when the author couldโve allowed her to continue down the path that she had worked so hard to master.
Read if you enjoy:
๐ซถ๐ผ Found family
๐ Sports romance
๐ Instalove
๐ฅ Lots of spice
I recommend reading Icebreaker if you enjoyed reading the Office Campus series by Elle Kennedy.
______
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