chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)

dark emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Lark Ascending  ๐Ÿค

Genre: Dystopian
Format: ๐ŸŽง
Audiobook Narration: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Pub Date: 9.27.2022
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


โ€œThere was some comfort in knowing that, although the world was being torn in two, there were still remarkable things that went on being, that refused to lose their shine. Some days it was only the wonder that kept us going.โ€

Lark Ascending is my first novel from Silas House, and I plan to read more from him soon! He is, after all, a local Kentucky author. I feel like the last Kentuckian to not read something from him, but now I have!

Iโ€™ve always been drawn to novels from this genre; in some weird way, they give me hope. But the synopsis of Lark Ascending felt a little bit too close to home for 2024, so I was apprehensive about picking it up to read. I chose to listen to the audiobook so that I could do little tasks around the House when I became too nervous. But, the story ended up being different from what Iโ€™d imagined - sure, it was unsettling and made me anxious, but it didnโ€™t weigh on me like other books do.

I canโ€™t say that I loved Lark Ascending because how could I love something about the fall of our world and what becomes of the few people who are left? Itโ€™s a heavy topic. But, the overall impression I was left with is that House is a gifted writer and somehow managed to bring beauty to a dark world.

๐Ÿ’จ Quick read
๐Ÿ’™ Local Kentucky author
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช Ireland setting
๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ The dog

I recommend reading Lark Ascending if youโ€™re looking for a short dystopian read about a boy, his dog, and their quest to find home again.

_


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funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A

๐Ÿ’— + ๐ŸŽฎ
Thank you, Harper Perennial, for the gifted copy of In a Not So Perfect World {partner}

Genre: Romance
Trope: Forced Proximity/Fake Dating
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Pub Date: 3.19.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


In a Not So Perfect World was a lot of fun to read, and I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve read anything with the female protagonist being involved in the gaming world before. I canโ€™t say that I play video games now, but I used to love them, so it was fun to be reminded of that. Did you play video games, or do you still play them?

I canโ€™t say that I loved Sloaneโ€™s character, but I did enjoy reading along as Sloane and Charlie got to know one another. I always love a book that follows its characters from being strangers to friends and then finally lovers.

Unfortunately, two things happened in the book that always bother me - miscommunication and a third-act breakup. Thereโ€™s just something about both of these things that always feels unnecessary and ultimately distracts from the overall feel of the novel.

๐ŸŒ Slow burn
๐Ÿ๏ธ Island setting
๐Ÿ™…๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ Miscommunication + third-act breakup
๐ŸŽฎ Gamer subplot
๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿ’ป Women in tech
๐Ÿ’จ Ending was a bit rushed


In a Not So Perfect World will make for the perfect beach or pool read this summer! โ˜€๏ธ


_


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dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No

Sheโ€™s Not Sorry
Thank you, Park Row, for the gifted copy of Sheโ€™s Not Sorry {partner}

Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Pub Date: 4.2.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†.5


I have always enjoyed reading Mary Kubicaโ€™s books (The Other Mrs. is still my favorite), and Sheโ€™s Not Sorry was no exception. I especially loved the ICU aspect as it added an exciting addition to the storyline.

It was such a fast-paced book that I felt like I couldnโ€™t turn the pages fast enough. I needed to know what was happening and how it would turn out. It kept me guessing until the very end. The BIG twist was a complete surprise to me, and I had to go back a few pages to ensure Iโ€™d read it right. What was the last twisty book that left you surprised?

My only issue with the story was that too much was going on. All the pieces came together at the end, but it seemed over the top and unbelievable. Some chapters felt repetitive and unnecessary to the overall arc of the story. It felt very scattered and rushed as I approached the final chapter, which ultimately was a letdown.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿฝโ€โš•๏ธ ICU Nurse
๐ŸŒช๏ธ Twisty
โ“ Keeps you guessing
๐Ÿ’จ Fast-paced
๐Ÿ˜ณ Unlikable characters


I recommend reading Sheโ€™s Not Sorry if youโ€™re looking for a twisty mystery that will take you by surprise.


_


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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Welcome to Plumpton - where everyone thinks youโ€™re guilty of killing your best friend (and you just might have).
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of Listen for the Lie {partner}

Genre: True Crime Fiction
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Pub Date: 3.5.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


โ€œThe truth doesnโ€™t matter.โ€

I devoured this book in 48 hours. I couldnโ€™t put it down, and when I wasnโ€™t reading it, I thought about the book and what could happen next. Listen for the Lie was written with just the right amount of dark humor (and a little romance), making it even more addicting. The main character, Lucy, has to be one of my favorite characters ever - I loved her snarky attitude, wit, and approach to everything in her life. Do you have a character thatโ€™s recently stood out to you?

The author did a marvelous job leading me astray and even convinced me the story was headed in one direction. And boy, was I wrong. I love it when an author (specifically in this genre) surprises me.

The whole story was a bright and refreshing addition to the true crime fiction genre, and youโ€™ll want to add this to your reading list in March! Also, Iโ€™m already crossing my fingers that weโ€™ll see more from Listen for the Lie in the future ๐Ÿ˜‰

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Podcast element
๐Ÿ˜ˆ Dark humor
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Multiple timelines
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Small Town
๐Ÿ˜ Grandma Beverly


I recommend reading Listen for the Lie if you enjoyed First Lie Wins, The Night Swim, or None of This is True.


_


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Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes

A perfect blend of magical realism, romance and delicious treats.
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Recipe for a Charmed Life {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism +  Romance
Format: ๐ŸŽง
Audiobook Narration: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Pub Date: 1.9.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


"As the years pass, you either soften or you calcify. It's time to lighten the load." 

Before starting Recipe for a Charmed Life, here is some advice: Don't go in hungry. Or you'll be scouring your kitchen for treats to make at 11 pm - is anyone else guilty of doing this? I couldn't get enough of all the vivid descriptions sprinkled throughout the book; they either had my mouth watering or envisioning that trip to the PNW I've wanted to take. Rachel Linden is the queen of creating the most delicious stories.

While there is some romance (with a Damon Salvatore/ Ian Somerhalder lookalike ๐Ÿ”ฅ), the story is about more than Georgia and Cole's relationship. It was about Georgia rediscovering the spark that had her packing her bags for Francine in the first place. It was delightful; I'll never tire of reading Linden's books.

โœˆ๏ธ PNW + Paris
๐ŸŽญ Family drama
๐Ÿ“ Vivid descriptions
๐ŸŒณ Environmental Stewardship


I recommend reading A Recipe for a Charmed Life if you enjoy reading Heather Webber's books.


_





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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

Nightwatching
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audio of Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra

Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Audiobook Narration: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Pub Date: 2.6.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


Let me preface my review by saying that I don't do well with lots of internal dialogue from characters while reading. I need conversations or vivid descriptions to propel me forward and keep me invested. Most of Nightwatching is the thoughts of the MC, and it was a struggle for me. Not much happens until the story reaches the 40-50% mark and then takes off. Honestly, I would've DNF had it not been for one of my friends urging me to finish the book so we could talk about it.

The pacing did pick up in the second half, and I certainly see why so many people are raving about the book. The way it was written had me doubting what the MC was thinking and telling everyone had happened - how could that many people be doubting her? Was she losing her mind? Did it happen the way she remembered? It was a compulsive, twisty ending that had me completely floored at the author's ability to bring everything together. I'm so glad I finished the book, and what a wild ride it was.

๐Ÿ˜ฑ Audiobook narration (that voice)
๐Ÿคฏ Complex plot
๐Ÿ“– Multiple timelines
๐ŸŒช๏ธ Twisty
โ—๏ธ Poignant in today's climate


If you decide to read Nightwatching, I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator is perfection and adds to the book's creep factor.



_


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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Swift and Saddled, you stole my heart โค๏ธ
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of this delightful audiobook {partner}

Genre: Romance
Trope: City Girl, Country Boy
Format: ๐ŸŽง
Audiobook Narration: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Pub Date: 3.25.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


I feel like Swift and Saddled was written for me. Sure, it was a romance, but it was so much more than that. Ada was someone I wholeheartedly identified with โ€” I've never been the girl with girlfriends to do fun things with or have girls' nights. So, watching Ada's character grow through the story gave me hope that my girls are out there waiting for me. I may need to take a trip to a ranch in Wyoming, but they're there.

Speaking of Ada's character growth, I loved watching her evolve from the cynical, lonely, controlling person to the woman the book showed. I was so happy I could've had another 100+ pages of Ada and Wes' story.

And then there's Wes - he is my new favorite book boyfriend. He is truly the King of Consent, and I love how much he adored Ada, but he also respected her. Without giving anything away, there's a scene towards the end of the book involving the town line, and it brought me to tears because his love for her felt so pure. Have I mentioned that I needed more of their story?

โค๏ธ Cowboy romance
๐Ÿฅน Found family
โœŒ๐Ÿผ Dual POV
๐Ÿคฉ So much more than a romance
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ No third-act breakup
โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿฉน Male mental health representation


I canโ€™t recommend reading Swift and Saddled enough. It is part of the Rebel Blue Ranch series, so I recommend reading Done and Dusted first, or you will miss out on some of the backstory.

_


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fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

My most recent five star romance? This
Thank you, PRH audio, for the gifted audiobook of Bride {partner}

Genre: Romance
Trope: Fantasy
Format: ๐ŸŽง
Audiobook Narration: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†
Pub Date: 2.6.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


โ€œYouโ€™re not a problem, Misery. Youโ€™re a privilege.โ€

I guess what I needed in my life was a vampire + werewolf love story because I DEVOURED this book. It kept me entertained, swooning and repeatedly fanning myself because it was SO steamy. A couple of times, I caught myself giggling because I was embarrassed by what was playing out between my ears. Sure, it was weird, but how boring would life be without some not-vanilla spice?

Bride was the perfect mixture of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mystery, Twilight fan-fic, he falls first, and so many more. I could have a sequel * hint hint nudge nudge * and be perfectly happy. Also, why do I love the name Misery so much?? If Ali Hazelwood keeps writing like this, well, then you can sign me up for all her future titles because I am a fan.

๐Ÿ’ฏ Vampire + werewolf love story
๐Ÿ”ฅ Hello spice
1๏ธโƒฃ One POV
๐Ÿฅต Those Lowe excerpts


I recommend reading Bride if youโ€™re comfortable getting outside your comfort zone and exploring what would happen if a werewolf and vampire fell in love.



_


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emotional hopeful reflective fast-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: Yes

โœจ FIVE STARS โœจ
Thank you, Scribner Books, for the gifted copy of The Same Bright Stars {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Pub Date: 7.2.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†


Ethan Joella will forever be one of my favorite authors. Not only does he seem like such a wonderful human, but he is also an exceptionally talented author who evokes such deep emotions in me with his stories. I look forward to his books every year, and I always say I'll savor them, but I never do because they're so hard to put down. His books never make me sad, but they leave me thinking that someone else out gets this feeling; they understand what it's like, they get it and they get me. And to find that time and time again in an author is so comforting.

The Same Bright Stars is about the intersection of grief and hope and how they continue to shape our lives and those we grow into. I related to so much of this story. I cheered on every character (except those horrendous people with the restaurant company) because they felt like real people facing all the terrible, unfair things life throws them. I wanted each character to succeed just like I like my friends and family to. It was a truly beautiful story, and I can't wait for everyone to have a chance to enjoy it as much as I did.

๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ Found Family
๐ŸŒ… Small coastal town
๐Ÿ’— Intersection of grief & hope
๐Ÿ“– Characters who felt real


I recommend reading The Same Bright Stars, and while you're at it, you should also read A Little Hope and The Quiet Life.


_

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Expand filter menu Content Warnings
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

One of the most unique & clever books I've read in a while!
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels {partner}

Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐Ÿ“–
Pub Date: 1.23.2024
Star Rating: โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†.5


"You just need to use the right words, at the right time, to show them certain things and hide others. They'll do the rest all by themselves."


I've been intimidated by Hallett's books in the past and (truthfully) shied away from them as they're written in a mixed media format (text, emails, transcription, letters, newspaper clippings), and that writing style isn't typically my cup of tea. But I decided to sit down and give Alperton Angels a try, and holy moly; I sucked right in! I'm genuinely in awe of how Hallett can create such a marvelous story that left me speechless, as everything came together so flawlessly in the end.

It starts slowly, but Hallett laid the groundwork for what was happening to spark the story's development. However, I became invested early on. So many unexplained things were happening to all of the characters, and seeing all the different points of view gave it a creepier vibe. I picked the book up every chance I had because I was desperate to put together the puzzle pieces and see how it would all end.

๐Ÿ“ Mixed media format
๐Ÿ“– Slow start, but it takes off
๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿผ *Chefs kiss* of an ending
๐Ÿ’ฏ Masterfully put together
๐Ÿ˜‰ The devil is truly in the details


If you love reading mystery novels that slowly peel back each layer of the story, you need to add The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels to your reading list!


_





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