chloeberg's reviews
187 reviews

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Really liked the premise, but felt like parts of it fell flat. The ending was rushed and don't seem to really fit within the build up of the story. Really enjoyed getting to know the characters, but lacked closure. 

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

funny hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Ultimately a cute and quick read. I like the characters, but felt like the age difference was a bit exaggerated for effect. Would've enjoyed knowing more about their lives outside of the romance! All felt a bit all-consuming, not necessarily in a healthy way. 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I genuinely loved this book so much. It wasn't what I was expecting, but read like an adult Enid Blyton - with lovable characters and such a kind and gentle world-building style. Well worth a read, even for those not normally interested in fantasy. The characters were sweet and the exploration of friendships was one of my favourite things about the book.  

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a super cute, quick and easy read. Walsh writes with her typical humour and an excitement that can't help but keep you engaged throughout. 

Six Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) by Tess Sharpe

adventurous emotional reflective 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

4.0

Really enjoyable and sweet book, would definitely be interested in reading more by this author! I liked both the protagonists, but felt like the pacing was slightly off at the end - I would've really enjoyed a couple more chapters post-conclusion. Overall, would recommend as a quick read, with arguably slightly heavier themes than your typical contemporary romance. 

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Potentially I just wasn't the intended audience! The writing itself was actually really good - the character voice consistent. But the protagonist was shallow and unlovable. Difficult to keep reading. 

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

As if Oseman give us anything but a perfect tale of these two?! Loved it - possibly not as much as some of the earlier volumes, it almost felt like the young-adult themes/advice was a little too over-powering, but that might just be because I'm a bit old for the target audience! 

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The perfect Christmas rom-com (that somehow ended up being a January read?!). Holiday Romance reads like a late noughties movie - instantly charming and delightfully written. 

I'd love to read more from Walsh - light-hearted, positive and ultimately a refreshing take on a Christmas romance. 

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous challenging tense slow-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? No

4.5

This was long... Super long. Very much enjoyed, but it almost felt like it could've been two books. I got to the end very ready to read something else. 

However, as one of my first forays in to fantasy - it was a definite success! 

Fly With Me by Andie Burke

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

Really loved this - more than I was expecting too! Single perspective (which I prefer), with a Casey McQuiston writing style and a wonderful level of spice.