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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Family Family 💜
Thank you, Henry Holt Books, for the gifted copy of Family Family by Laurie Frankel {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Family Saga
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 1.23.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Henry Holt Books, for the gifted copy of Family Family by Laurie Frankel {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Family Saga
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 1.23.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned with."
Laurie Frankel first introduced me to family sagas when she wrote This is How It Always Is ( a 2017 Reeses Book Club pick), and I fell in love with the genre. I admit I didn't read the author's 2020 novel, but I plan to read it soon. But I just knew that Family Family was one that I had to read.
Family Family is full of quirky, delightful, charming, and unforgettable characters. There wasn't a single one of them that I didn't love, but Fig and Jack especially stole my heart.
As someone who doesn't have a "traditional" family (and struggles with that occasionally), Frankel reminded me that families come in all shapes and sizes. We often don't even realize the family we are building, but we should take notice because they are the people who show up repeatedly and remind you that they see and love you. Family does not have to be your blood; it doesn't have to be the people who gave birth to or raised you; it can be those who show up and never leave your side, even when life is challenging.
💯 Audiobook Narration
🫶🏼 Adoption
📖 Post & Present timeline
🗣️ Multiple POVs
🥰 Fig & Jack
If you haven't had a chance to read This is How It Always Is, I recommend adding it and Family Family to your reading list.
_
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dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You've Been Accepted
Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the gifted copy of Only if You're Lucky {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the gifted copy of Only if You're Lucky {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
"There is no right or wrong, noble or evil, but simply the existence of people who dabble in their own combination of each."
I've never been drawn to books that center around toxic female friendships because the story ultimately takes on a YA element. While I got some YA element vibes from Only if You're Lucky, it wasn't overwhelming.
The author, Stacy Willingham, created the perfect setting in this book as it took me right back to my college days and had me thinking about all of the decisions I made (some reckless) and how I had no idea what I was doing. So, while the story was part of a mystery, it was also an exciting look at complex friendships at such a young and impressionable age.
I enjoyed reading along, trying to figure out what happened to Levi and Lucy because I felt the obvious answer was right beneath my nose. The ending and how everything played out felt unbelievable, leaving me disappointed.
😒 Unlikable characters
☢️ Toxic friendships
👩🏽🏫 College setting
✌🏼 Dual timeline
📖 Slow burn
🛑 alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual assault, hazingå
I recommend reading Only if You're Lucky if you would enjoy watching Pretty Little Liars: The College Years.
_
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Alcohol
dark
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
What a wild ride! 😱
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Darling Girls {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 4.23.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Honestly, I have not always loved Sally Hepworth’s books - they’ve always almost been what I was looking for but never left me overflowing with praise. I was usually left feeling like she had the potential for a great novel, but it was missing something. So, I was unsure about reading her newest book, Darling Girls.
But, y’all this was THE book. Hepworth left me wholly floored, and I felt like she was a whole new writer. Darling Girls is my new favorite. It was a roller coaster ride of twists that had me eagerly flipping the pages on my kindle, all the way to that super satisfying ending. And that ending? WOW. I was blown away by how Hepworth wrote this book and absolutely can’t wait to see what she writes next.
🗣️ Three POVs
👏🏼 Perfect pacing
🤯 That last chapter
🤩 Addicting
I recommend reading Darling Girls if you’re in the mood for a dark mystery!
_
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Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Darling Girls {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 4.23.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Honestly, I have not always loved Sally Hepworth’s books - they’ve always almost been what I was looking for but never left me overflowing with praise. I was usually left feeling like she had the potential for a great novel, but it was missing something. So, I was unsure about reading her newest book, Darling Girls.
But, y’all this was THE book. Hepworth left me wholly floored, and I felt like she was a whole new writer. Darling Girls is my new favorite. It was a roller coaster ride of twists that had me eagerly flipping the pages on my kindle, all the way to that super satisfying ending. And that ending? WOW. I was blown away by how Hepworth wrote this book and absolutely can’t wait to see what she writes next.
🗣️ Three POVs
👏🏼 Perfect pacing
🤯 That last chapter
🤩 Addicting
I recommend reading Darling Girls if you’re in the mood for a dark mystery!
_
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emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Never, in my life, did I imagine reading and loving a 500 + page romance - but here we are. 💙
Genre: Romance
Trope: Grumpy/Sunshine
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.12.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“There’s a difference between taking care of someone because you love them and taking care of someone because you want them to love you.”
The Things We Never Got Over is full of hilarious moments, but what drew me into the story is that each character truly brought so much heart and soul. The development of each character in Knockemout is sheer perfection. People that you didn’t think would be impactful to the story are the ones who bring the book together.
When I tell people to read The Things We Never Got Over, I mean it - read it, love it, appreciate it, and don’t be surprised when you shed a few tears at the end. Again, there are moments that may seem over the top and there are times that the story slowed, but then it picked right back up and took off again. It’s one to savor, but don’t be disappointed if you devour it.
🥰 Found Family
🥹 That ending
💯 Character development
💙 A Rom-Com full of heart
As soon as I finished reading The Things We Never Got Over, I immediately cued up Things We Hide from the Light on my Kindle and picked up right where the first book ended.
-
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Genre: Romance
Trope: Grumpy/Sunshine
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.12.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“There’s a difference between taking care of someone because you love them and taking care of someone because you want them to love you.”
The Things We Never Got Over is full of hilarious moments, but what drew me into the story is that each character truly brought so much heart and soul. The development of each character in Knockemout is sheer perfection. People that you didn’t think would be impactful to the story are the ones who bring the book together.
When I tell people to read The Things We Never Got Over, I mean it - read it, love it, appreciate it, and don’t be surprised when you shed a few tears at the end. Again, there are moments that may seem over the top and there are times that the story slowed, but then it picked right back up and took off again. It’s one to savor, but don’t be disappointed if you devour it.
🥰 Found Family
🥹 That ending
💯 Character development
💙 A Rom-Com full of heart
As soon as I finished reading The Things We Never Got Over, I immediately cued up Things We Hide from the Light on my Kindle and picked up right where the first book ended.
-
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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Search Party
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
The Search Party is set on a dreary island near the wilds of Cornwall. It follows a slew of characters harboring secrets and resentments against one another that are bound to come out during their weekend together. Thankfully, due to the number of characters featured in the story, the author supplied a character list, which came in very handy when trying to figure out who was related to whom - I referenced it on several occasions as there were a whopping 22 characters in total through the 334-page book.
🗣️ Multiple POV
⛈️ Dreary Island setting
😬 Grating characters
🤔 Over the top
🙄 Predictable storyline
Ultimately, this one was too predictable with unlikable characters. The Search Part was slow to start and took one too many excessive turns, leaving me disappointed in the ending. I think that the locked room mystery is one I should avoid because the last few novels I’ve read with that trope have left me feeling this way.
I recommend The Search Party to those of you who love the locked room mystery, characters behaving badly, and over the top storylines.
_
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Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
The Search Party is set on a dreary island near the wilds of Cornwall. It follows a slew of characters harboring secrets and resentments against one another that are bound to come out during their weekend together. Thankfully, due to the number of characters featured in the story, the author supplied a character list, which came in very handy when trying to figure out who was related to whom - I referenced it on several occasions as there were a whopping 22 characters in total through the 334-page book.
🗣️ Multiple POV
⛈️ Dreary Island setting
😬 Grating characters
🤔 Over the top
🙄 Predictable storyline
Ultimately, this one was too predictable with unlikable characters. The Search Part was slow to start and took one too many excessive turns, leaving me disappointed in the ending. I think that the locked room mystery is one I should avoid because the last few novels I’ve read with that trope have left me feeling this way.
I recommend The Search Party to those of you who love the locked room mystery, characters behaving badly, and over the top storylines.
_
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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
The Magic All Around
Thank you, Harper Muse, for the gifted copy of this cozy magical book! {partner}
Genre: Fantasy
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Perception is all about how you choose to the see the world around you.. Staying in one place has it’s advantages.”
The Magic All Around was such a sweet story that reminded me of a cross between Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mary Kay Andrews (feel good). I think it would be the perfect book for those wanting to dabble a toe in the world of magical realism novels - I never felt like it was overwhelming and actually had to remind myself that it could be from that genre.
There’s something so comforting about reading a book that you know will turn out a certain way - it’s a reminder to keep going and not be afraid of something getting in the way of your dreams. The Magic All Around was predictable but in just the right ways, and I loved all the characters, delicious-sounding food, and small-town charm.
I did choose to read and listen to this book as it was a Libro.Fm ALC pick for January and I think, if I had to do it over again, I would choose to only read the book. While I enjoyed the audio, the narrator made the MC *almost* feel like she was a teenager. I’ve listened to other books from this same narrator and felt that way too.
💞 Mother + Daughter story
❤️🩹 Finding life after loss
🧁 Delicious food
🫶🏼 A little romance
📖 Recommend reading over listening
I recommend reading The Magic All Around if you’re looking for small town charm, delicious food and a heart warming story that all remind you that there is, in fact, life after loss.
_
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Thank you, Harper Muse, for the gifted copy of this cozy magical book! {partner}
Genre: Fantasy
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Perception is all about how you choose to the see the world around you.. Staying in one place has it’s advantages.”
The Magic All Around was such a sweet story that reminded me of a cross between Heather Webber (magical realism) and Mary Kay Andrews (feel good). I think it would be the perfect book for those wanting to dabble a toe in the world of magical realism novels - I never felt like it was overwhelming and actually had to remind myself that it could be from that genre.
There’s something so comforting about reading a book that you know will turn out a certain way - it’s a reminder to keep going and not be afraid of something getting in the way of your dreams. The Magic All Around was predictable but in just the right ways, and I loved all the characters, delicious-sounding food, and small-town charm.
I did choose to read and listen to this book as it was a Libro.Fm ALC pick for January and I think, if I had to do it over again, I would choose to only read the book. While I enjoyed the audio, the narrator made the MC *almost* feel like she was a teenager. I’ve listened to other books from this same narrator and felt that way too.
💞 Mother + Daughter story
❤️🩹 Finding life after loss
🧁 Delicious food
🫶🏼 A little romance
📖 Recommend reading over listening
I recommend reading The Magic All Around if you’re looking for small town charm, delicious food and a heart warming story that all remind you that there is, in fact, life after loss.
_
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dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
A new favorite from Megan Miranda 🤩
Thank you, MarySue Rucci Books, for the gifted copy of Daughter of Mine {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 4.9.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
I loved everything about Daughter of Mine - it was suspenseful, poignant, and absolutely addicting. I enjoyed so many elements of this book, but what drew me in and kept me reading was the flawlessly paced structure of the story; I was invested from start to finish.
What drew me in is that Miranda created this perfectly atmospheric story. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, waiting for the next shoe to drop. It made me eagerly devour page after page while deciphering where the author was leading us. Several scenes had me sweating with nerves as the main character put herself in situations that could go so many different directions.
I didn’t feel like I was reading a mystery I’d read a hundred times before; everything about Miranda’s book felt fresh and inventive. A new way to take a daughter’s search for the missing pieces of her past.
🏠 Perfect atmospheric
😅 Family dynamics
👏🏼 Slow building pressure up until the final reveal
🫣 Creepy & intriguing
I recommend reading Daughter of Mine if you’re looking for a book that will remind you why the thriller genre can be so entertaining!
_
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Thank you, MarySue Rucci Books, for the gifted copy of Daughter of Mine {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 4.9.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
I loved everything about Daughter of Mine - it was suspenseful, poignant, and absolutely addicting. I enjoyed so many elements of this book, but what drew me in and kept me reading was the flawlessly paced structure of the story; I was invested from start to finish.
What drew me in is that Miranda created this perfectly atmospheric story. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, waiting for the next shoe to drop. It made me eagerly devour page after page while deciphering where the author was leading us. Several scenes had me sweating with nerves as the main character put herself in situations that could go so many different directions.
I didn’t feel like I was reading a mystery I’d read a hundred times before; everything about Miranda’s book felt fresh and inventive. A new way to take a daughter’s search for the missing pieces of her past.
🏠 Perfect atmospheric
😅 Family dynamics
👏🏼 Slow building pressure up until the final reveal
🫣 Creepy & intriguing
I recommend reading Daughter of Mine if you’re looking for a book that will remind you why the thriller genre can be so entertaining!
_
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funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m officially in my cowboy era, y’all 🖤
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Done & Dusted {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Best Friends Little Sister
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
Genre: Romance
Trope: Best Friends Little Sister
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
“Some love stories burn hot and fast, but you two are more low and slow. It’s a strong and steady kind of love.”
I never thought that I would read a cowboy romance - I mean, never. Not in a million years. But I needed something different, so I grabbed a copy from PRH Audio.
Done and Dusted was the perfect segue into this genre, and I am so happy that I grabbed myself a copy. I loved Emmy and Luke - everything about them seemed effortless and enjoyable. And I will not love a romance that doesn’t have a third-act break or miscommunication; it’s always so refreshing to stumble across an author who doesn’t put her characters through unnecessary drama.
I only dropped this down to a 4☆ because I struggled with the steamy scenes throughout the book. I never shy away from these chapters (I usually embrace them), but these felt a little too cringey. They actually made me so uncomfortable that I stopped what I was doing and skipped ahead 🙈 Who am I? It honestly may have been because I was listening to the audiobook, and I’ve always had a tough time with this particular male narrator and his narration of the steamy scenes.
🏘️ Small town
✨ Debut novel
🤩 Cover art
💨 Quick read
👏🏼 No third act break-up
I recommend reading Done and Dusted if you want a sweet romance. I can’t wait to read Lyla Sage’s next installment in Rebel Blue Ranch.
_
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dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I waited until the last minute of 2023 to read (and binge) Yellowface. Do I see the hype surrounding this book? You bet I do.
Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 5.25.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“Reading lets us live in someone else’s shoes. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller.”
I was honestly not prepared to be as sucked into Yellowface as I was, but R.F. Kuang crafted this disconcerting and compulsive read that kept me hooked, resulting in me devouring the audio in less than 24 hours. I can’t tell you how many times I cringed or was in awe of the direction that Kuang took her characters. It’s one of those stories you just can’t put down because you HAVE to know what will happen.
The main character is absolutely unhinged (I don’t use that word often, but it is the only word that accurately describes June Hayward). She was the true villain of the story. But did I want her to get caught? Yes, no? It was such a perplexing thing for me, and I still don’t know how I feel.
I can’t think of a character in a book who has made me as uncomfortable as June - I had no idea what to expect of her. She is the perfect example of how an author can create an unlikable character that keeps you interested. If you’ve read this, do you agree?
Yellowface has themes of race, identity, privilege, and immoral behavior and is set in the publishing industry. It shines a not-so-bright light on the toxic nature of our world.
💯 Highly recommend audio
📖 Compulsive read
🤯 Unlikable characters that keep you coming back
😬 Will leave you feeling uncomfortable
I recommend reading Yellowface if you have an entire day to devote to reading because once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
_
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Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 5.25.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“Reading lets us live in someone else’s shoes. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller.”
I was honestly not prepared to be as sucked into Yellowface as I was, but R.F. Kuang crafted this disconcerting and compulsive read that kept me hooked, resulting in me devouring the audio in less than 24 hours. I can’t tell you how many times I cringed or was in awe of the direction that Kuang took her characters. It’s one of those stories you just can’t put down because you HAVE to know what will happen.
The main character is absolutely unhinged (I don’t use that word often, but it is the only word that accurately describes June Hayward). She was the true villain of the story. But did I want her to get caught? Yes, no? It was such a perplexing thing for me, and I still don’t know how I feel.
I can’t think of a character in a book who has made me as uncomfortable as June - I had no idea what to expect of her. She is the perfect example of how an author can create an unlikable character that keeps you interested. If you’ve read this, do you agree?
Yellowface has themes of race, identity, privilege, and immoral behavior and is set in the publishing industry. It shines a not-so-bright light on the toxic nature of our world.
💯 Highly recommend audio
📖 Compulsive read
🤯 Unlikable characters that keep you coming back
😬 Will leave you feeling uncomfortable
I recommend reading Yellowface if you have an entire day to devote to reading because once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
_
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fast-paced
What Have We Done || Review
Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the gifted copy of What Have We Done by Alex Finlay {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
I can't say I'm a huge fan of Finlay's books. Still, I always end up reading them because you never know when I'll find the diamond 💎 What Have We Done felt completely different from any of his other books, and maybe it was the concept, but it seemed more like a spy-type novel than a thriller. However, it still had the mystery component?
What Have We Done was an exciting read that entertained me while listening to it, cleaning the house, and getting ready for the holidays, but it felt lacking. Don't get me wrong, the first 40% of the book kept my attention, but then the storyline seemed to drop off somewhere. The dialogue between a few of the characters was grating and juvenile, and then the plot took off in an over-the-top manner.
I also struggled with the transition between timelines. One minute, I was with the character in the current timeline, and then we switched to a memory of a past timeline without any actual notice. Again, I chose to read this, so maybe the transition was more evident in the physical copy, but the audio could have been clearer during those transitions.
Another thing that led to me disliking the book is that I wouldn't say I liked the characters. Not all characters are meant to be likable, but for a book to be enjoyable, I need someone to cheer for. Unfortunately, the characters in What Have We Done didn't give me anything to grasp onto and enjoy.
📖 Short Chapters
🙄 Over-the-top plot
🤦🏽♀️ Cheesy dialogue
🙅🏽♀️ Unlikable characters
🗣️ Multiple POV
✌🏼 Dual timeline
I recommend reading What Have We Done if you want a quick read/listen!
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Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the gifted copy of What Have We Done by Alex Finlay {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
I can't say I'm a huge fan of Finlay's books. Still, I always end up reading them because you never know when I'll find the diamond 💎 What Have We Done felt completely different from any of his other books, and maybe it was the concept, but it seemed more like a spy-type novel than a thriller. However, it still had the mystery component?
What Have We Done was an exciting read that entertained me while listening to it, cleaning the house, and getting ready for the holidays, but it felt lacking. Don't get me wrong, the first 40% of the book kept my attention, but then the storyline seemed to drop off somewhere. The dialogue between a few of the characters was grating and juvenile, and then the plot took off in an over-the-top manner.
I also struggled with the transition between timelines. One minute, I was with the character in the current timeline, and then we switched to a memory of a past timeline without any actual notice. Again, I chose to read this, so maybe the transition was more evident in the physical copy, but the audio could have been clearer during those transitions.
Another thing that led to me disliking the book is that I wouldn't say I liked the characters. Not all characters are meant to be likable, but for a book to be enjoyable, I need someone to cheer for. Unfortunately, the characters in What Have We Done didn't give me anything to grasp onto and enjoy.
📖 Short Chapters
🙄 Over-the-top plot
🤦🏽♀️ Cheesy dialogue
🙅🏽♀️ Unlikable characters
🗣️ Multiple POV
✌🏼 Dual timeline
I recommend reading What Have We Done if you want a quick read/listen!
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