chaptersofchase's reviews
1036 reviews

Penitence by Kristin M.E. Koval

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What an unforgettable debut novel 💙 
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of Penitence through the #celadonreadtogether program! {partner} 
 
Genre: Literary Mystery 
Format: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.28.2025 
Pages: 320 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve done.” 
 
If there is one piece of advice I have for you about Penitence - it’s 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 read—the 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: 
👩🏽‍⚖️ Legal drama 
🥺 Real, flawed characters 
🫤 Complex & complicated 
🗣️ Multiple POV 
👏🏼 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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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

From NYC to Egypt ✈️ 
Thank you, Dutton Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Stolen Queen {partner} 
 
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Time: 1936 & 1978 
Format: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.7.2025 
Pages: 352 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
 
Fiona Davis completely captivated me with The Stolen Queen—a 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: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
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: 
🖤 Ancient Egypt 
💎 Stolen treasures 
✌🏼 Dual Timeline 
🗣️ Dual Narration 
🤩 Museums 
 
I recommend reading The Stolen Queen if you've always enjoyed reading about Ancient Egypt! 

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Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

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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

5.0

F I V E  🩵  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: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.28.2025 
Pages: 336 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
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 real—I 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: 
😥 Marriage in crisis 
👏🏼 No third-act breakup 
✌🏼 Dual timeline 
🥰 Authentic characters 
🥹 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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Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

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medium-paced

4.0

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: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.23.2022 
Pages: 447 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
 
“Recovery isn’t about winning. It’s about learning and forgiving yourself, forgetting bad habits, and trusting the process. It isn’t linear.” 
 
Okay, so I see why so many people love a good hockey romance — they are a delight to read 🥰 
 
I finally got around to reading Icebreaker, and once I started, I couldn’t 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 wasn’t anything toxic about their relationship (in my opinion), and I could’ve 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 won’t 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 Anastasia’s character when the author could’ve allowed her to continue down the path that she had worked so hard to master. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🫶🏼 Found family 
🏒 Sports romance 
😍 Instalove 
🔥 Lots of spice 
 
I recommend reading Icebreaker if you enjoyed reading the Office Campus series by Elle Kennedy. 
 
 
______ 
 
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PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This one is a bookstagram made me do it 🩷
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of P.S. I Hate You {partner}

Genre: Romance
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  12.3.2024
Pages: 432
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

“You can be sad with your eyes dry; your pain is valid in whatever form it comes.”

I didn’t have PS I Hate You on my reading list because the concept seemed so sad, and there were a lot of tear-filled reviews being shared. But, as with most things, the more I see it, the more FOMO I have, so I decided to dive in and give it a try.

Maybe I’m just super jaded, but the story didn’t take the emotional toll on me as it did on many friends. The main reason is that I did not love the FMC, Maddie Sanderson. She seemed overly self-absorbed, lacked effective communication strategies, and just wasn’t the lovable character that I had hoped to find. Sure, she did grow on me, and I loved seeing her character growth—but it was one of those too little, too late situations. 

Now, the character that I loved was Dominic Perry—oh, how I would’ve loved to have chapters from his perspective. He was even-tempered, supportive, and knew how to be an active listener. I loved how much he supported and loved Maddie until she was ready for him. He put it all out there and waited patiently for her to come to her senses. 

I think I would’ve loved this story even more if it had been told from the perspective of one character—I can’t say who because it gives away a big plot point. But as the reader, we spent a small amount of time with the specific character, and wow, what a difference it would’ve made if the entire book had been told from their POV. 

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
Karissa Vacker narrated PS I Hate You, and I really don’t think I need to explain why I gave her audiobook narration five stars. She is one of the GOATs in the voice-acting community. 

Read if you enjoy:
🎭 Family drama
🚙 Road trips
👏🏼 Character growth
😢 Themes of loss & grief

I recommend reading P.S. I Hate You if you enjoy compelling character growth and a little romance.


_____




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The Sirens by Emilia Hart

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.5

The Sirens 🧜‍♀️
Thank you, St Martin's Press, for the gifted copy of The Sirens {partner}

Genre: Fantasy
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  4.1.2025
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

The Sirens started much slower than I anticipated—I started and stopped it several times because it wasn't the speed I was looking for. But once the start hit the 40% mark, it really took off and completely pulled me into its orbit. There was an unexpected twist and an overwhelming sense of forbidding that also propelled me forward with my reading. 

While the story didn't have the same feel as Wayward's, it was still remarkable regarding resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery. The characters grew so much within the book that they almost seemed unrecognizable when I turned the last page. Each character brought their unique perspective to the story, and as difficult as it was to read the chapters set in 1800 (due to content), I stuck with the sisters and hoped for a better outcome than it seemed they were destined for. 

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The Sirens was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, who also narrated Migrations, No Two Persons, The Soulmate, Reckless Girls, and We Are the Brennans. Kreinik did an incredible job ( as always) and narrated The Sirens, each character in a way that differentiated one from the other — which is not an easy job, seeing as many characters were nestled within the pages of the story. 

Read if you enjoy:
🐌 Slow build
🌊 Atmospheric
✌🏼 Dual timeline
💪🏼 Female empowerment
📖 Folklore

I recommend The Sirens if you're looking for a rich, atmospheric read with characters you can root for. 


______



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Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

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emotional informative mysterious 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

5.0

If there is one book that you need to add to your 2025 TBR list, it’s this one 🤩
Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy of Wild Dark Shore {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  3.4.2025
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

It’s impossible to say just how impactful Charlotte McConaghy’s books have become to me. I always know they will transport me to places I’d only dreamed of seeing through her vivid details and incredible storylines. And just as I know I will love her books, I also know there will be a piece of my heart that the story takes with me when it ends. 

Wild Dark Shore is arguably her best book yet. It’s going on my top reads of the year, and I will recommend it to everyone who could use a reminder about what beautiful, thought-provoking, and impactful books can look like. Once I finished the last page, I just had to sit back and contemplate what I’d read, cry, and then try to formulate something to adequately portray just how incredible this book is.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, so reading a book based on something similar completely captivated my mind. There was reference after reference to the precious seeds stored away in case there is ever a need for them for the future of food supply. I learned so much, but at the same time, I felt the growing ache in my chest at what the seed vault means about our world and just how critical protecting our planet is. From the food crops to the plants and the trees - it’s all connected; without one, there is no other. 

It’s very rare for me to love all of the characters in a book, but I can promise you that Dominic, Fen, Rowan, Orly, and Raff have a very special place in my heart. 

Read if you enjoy:
🌲 Nature writing
🥹 Unforgettable characters
📖 Vivid descriptions
🕵🏽‍♀️ Mystery
🌎 Climate change themes

I highly recommend Wild Dark Shore and can’t wait to see it in the world. I promise this one will stay with me for a long time, and I will be reading it again. I recommend reading Wild Dark Shore if you enjoyed reading The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton or Drowning by TJ Newman


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Unromance by Erin Connor

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

3.5

Ruining one romance trope at a time 😈 
Thank you, Forever Publishing,  for the gifted e-copy of Unromance {partner} 
 
Genre: Romance 
Trope: all of them! 
Format: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.14.2025 
Pages: 352 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆ 
 
I loved the premise for this - a jaded actor who enlists a romance writer to ruin romance tropes one at a time. Why? Because he's hoping it'll keep him from finding the romance in all the "little" moments of a new relationship. 
 
The book's first third was so much - I enjoyed the character's banter and especially loved Mason. There was just something about him that gave me major romance vibes. However, Sawyer was a bit grating on my nerves. Something about her irked me from the beginning, and as the book wore on, I started to resent the way she acted and treated Mason. His character deserved a lot more than she was willing to bring to the relationship - which is not her fault; she was clear about her intentions from the start. 
 
My biggest issue with the story is that there is no character chemistry. The only thing Mason and Sawyer are interested in is having sex or thinking about sex. When your two main characters lack the sizzle that makes a romance steamy, it makes it hard to believe in them as characters or see anything appealing about their relationship. 
 
One thing I loved was the humor that was mixed into the story - I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🫶🏼 He Falls First 
👏🏼 Opposites Attract 
📖 Debut authors 
🤭 Fun humor 
 
Now, take this with a grain of salt because this is just my opinion of the characters, but there are a lot of glowing reviews out there, so I recommend checking it out for yourself! I plan on reading whatever Erin Connor writes next  🥳 
 

______ 

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Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Welcome back to Rome, KY 💜 
Thank you, Dell Romance & PRH Audio,  for the gifted copy of Beg Borrow or Steal {partner} 
 
Genre: Romance 
Format: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  1.7.2025 
Pages: 384 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
 
 
Putting into words my excitement about finally having the chance to read this book is impossible. I practically begged, tried borrowing it, and was almost sure I could steal an ARC if it meant returning to Rome, Kentucky. I fell in love with this charming small town when I first read When in Rome and then with Practice Makes Perfect and was eager to return. So, when this title arrived in my email, I disregarded everything else and began reading. And when I finished it in record time, I was tempted to go back and start from the beginning. 
 
Emily and Jack stole my heart, mainly Jack, but Emily was pretty cool too. My new favorite trope is probably He Falls First, and boy, did Jack fall first for her. There was something so special about their enemies to lovers, friendship, andfriend-mentorship that had me swooning. They supported one another and cheered on one another’s accomplishments (well, once they got over the whole being enemies thing). I love how Sarah Adams incorporates HEALTHy communication strategies into her couple relationships. There’s no unnecessary drama - there’s support, love, and a lot of heart eyes. 
 
Also, I always thought one bed was a great romance trope, but I now believe “hiding in a closet while trying to steal your boss’s laptop” might be the winner. 
 
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ 
I chose to tandem read Beg Borrow and Steal so I could have the best of both worlds (print and audio). The audiobook was narrated by Nelson Hobbs and Brittany Pressley. Both voice actors did an incredible job, and I always love listening along as they bring their characters to life. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🏘️ Small town romance 
🥰 He Falls First 
🫶🏼 Found Family 
👏🏼 Healthy communication 
🤫 Secret authors 
 
If you haven’t read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, you can read Beg Borrow or Steal as a standalone, but you’ll be missing a lot of backstories and missing out on a lot of feel-good moments. 
 

______ 

 
 


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Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

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funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I can think of no better pairing than Christmas and a mystery 🎄🕵🏽‍♀️ 
Thank you, Mariner Books,  for the gifted copy of Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret{partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery 
Format: 🎧📖 
Pub Date:  10.22.2024 
Pages: 175 
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
 
“Ernest Cunningham, a detective reluctantly drawn into a festive murder mystery when his ex-wife is accused of killing her boyfriend, forcing him to unravel a web of secrets and lies amongst a cast of suspicious characters, all while navigating the chaos of the Christmas season,” 
 
I recently read (and loved) Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, so naturally, I skipped the second book of the series and went straight for this super fun and cozy Christmas novella. But don’t worry, I’ll be returning to the second book in the series soon! 
 
One of my favorite things about these books is that Ernest Cunningham always breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to his audience. Something about this formatting draws me right in and keeps my attention. He often gives away an upcoming event, which keeps me reading because I want to know how we get to that point; the author, Benjamin Stevenson, knows how to hold his reader's attention. 
 
For 175 pages, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret was expertly plotted and left zero room for any funny business. The only thing that irritated me a bit was the Advent Calendar countdown - and this could be a problem because I missed the point of it at the beginning of the book. But I loved the locked room (literally) trope to this book and couldn’t figure out what happened until the end (naturally, when all was revealed). 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
🤭 Humor 
🔍  Expertly plotted mystery 
💁🏽‍♂️ Single narrator 
👀 Breaking the fourth wall 
 
I recommend adding Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret to your holiday reading list. If you don’t get around to it, don’t worry—it will translate just fine during the other months of the year. 

 
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