chaptersofchase's reviews
1036 reviews

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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

4.5

Dang, Alice Feeney, you knocked it out of the park with this one! 
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of Beautiful Ugly {partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery 
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“– 
Pub Date:  1.14.2024 
Pages: 320 
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†.5 
 
"Men still rule this world, and as a result, the world is broken. Men still hold most positions of power, men control governments, men control media, and it is always men who start wars. Men have tricked women into thinking they see us as equals, but real equality, for all women everywhere, still feels like little more than a pipe dream." πŸ‘ˆπŸΌ_ this quote. 
 
I started listening to Beautiful Ugly while putting away dishes one morning, and then, before I knew it, the kitchen was clean, clothes were folded, and the house was dusted, vacuumed, and mopped. I was giving my dogs a look that had them hiding under the bed because they thought for sure they were up next to be cleaned. I was grasping at anything I could to keep listeningβ€”Feeney packed so much into each short chapter, and it provided the absolute perfect distraction. 
 
I've always loved the settings that Feeney creates in her books, but the atmosphere and forbidding in Beautiful Ugly were fantastic. There was one theme on the island that I noticed very early on (and I'm curious if others who have read it noticed it as well) β€” I kept thinking that I had missed something, but then it was revealed, and I felt like I'd just won "best detective" for figuring it out so early πŸ₯³ 
 
And that ending?? Holy moly. I felt like I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. 
 
Audiobook Review: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†.5 
Beautiful Ugly is narrated by Richard Armitage (who has narrated His & Hers and Rock Paper Scissors) and Tuppence Middleton (who narrated A Midnight Feast). I enjoyed the narration, but the performance didn't blow me away. What I did love was the sound effectsβ€”they absolutely added to the sense of foreboding and left me with goosebumps on several occasions. But really, if audiobooks are your thing, you MUST use your ears to read this one. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
πŸ˜… Unique characters 
🌧️ Isolated setting 
🫣 Sinister vibes 
🀯 Endings that leave you shocked 
πŸ“– Short Chapters 
 
I recommend adding Beautiful Ugly to your 2025 reading list β€” and definitely try out that audio πŸ˜‰ 
 
 
__
 
 
 
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Like Mother, Like Mother: A Novel by Susan Rieger

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slow-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Perfect for the multi-generational story lover! 
Thank you, The Dial Press or PRH Audio,  for the gifted copy of Like Mother Like Mother {partner} 
 
Genre: Fiction 
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“– 
Pub Date:  10.29.2024 
Pages: 336 
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜† 
 
I'm a sucker for a multi-generational story, especially one that focuses on mothers and daughters. But I have to be in the right mood for them because they can be slow-paced and character-driven. Even though Like Mother Like Mother took a bit longer to get going, I couldn't put it down. 
 
The book is divided into three parts, and I usually have a favorite, but the whole thing was full of thought-provoking topics and characters that were both frustrating and endearing. 
 
One of the main characters, Lila Pereira, is the Executive Editor of the Washington Globe, and I loved all the references to current events and political issues. It was a terrific way to add some real-world flavor to the story. Grace is Lila's daughter, and while I completely understood her frustrations with her mother, I did find her character to be a bit grating due to her inability to know where her mother was coming from. 
 
Audiobook Review: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜† 
Like Mother Like Mother was narrated by Rebecca Lowman (who has also narrated Slow Dance, Return of Ellie Black, My Murder, and The Half Moon). She did a phenomenal job of bringing all the characters to life. I love an even-toned narrator whose speed I can gradually increase the more I listen and adjust to the narration style. On a personal level, it wasn't easy to keep track of the characters at first, but you eventually settled in. 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
πŸ’ž Mother/Daughter relationships 
πŸ’ͺ🏼 Feminist themes 
πŸ‘©πŸ½β€πŸ’» Journalism 
🩷 Multigenerational books 
🧐 Hints of mystery 
πŸ“– Character-driven stories 
 
While they cover different content, I suggest reading Like Mother Like Mother if you enjoyed the layout and progression of characters in Real Americans by Rachel Khong. 
 
______ 

 
 
 
 
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Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.5

Look what you made me do πŸ«€ 
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Cross My Heart by Megan Collins {partner} 
 
Genre: Mystery/Thriller 
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“– 
Pub Date:  1.14.2025 
Pages: 313 
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†.5 
 
After a tough few days, I needed something to take my mind off things. Thrillers are my go-to when I need a pick-me-up, so I decided to dive into Megan Collins' latest novel, Cross My Heart. And guess what? I was instantly hooked! To be honest, the author's note at the beginning really grabbed my attention πŸ˜‰ 
 
There's something so hypnotizing about a story with an unreliable narrator that they grab me and refuse to let go. I love figuring out the direction the book will go; an unreliable narrator makes that almost impossible. Then, can you add in a few red herrings? It's like cat nip to me. And Cross My Heart had both. I can't tell you the number of times that I knew I had it figured out, only to be proven entirely wrong. 
 
There was something endearing about the FMC Rosie, albeit a bit unhinged. She ultimately pulled me into her world and took me for one wild roller coaster ride. Cross My Heart felt like an ode to Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do." 
 
Read if you enjoy: 
πŸ‘πŸΌ Twisty AF 
🀯 Unpredictable & Unreliable Narrators 
πŸ€” Red Herrings 
πŸ’» Stalker Vibes 
 
Behind the Red Door has always been my favorite book from Collins, but Cross My Heart has taken that spot. You'll want to add this one to your 2025 reading list. 
 
______ 
 
 
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Pictures of You by Emma Grey

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

5.0

Pictures of You πŸ“Έ
Thank you, Zibby Books,  for the gifted copy of this beautiful book {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  12.12.2024
Pages: 416
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†

I decided to read Pictures of You without reading the synopsis. Last year, I read and loved The Last Love Note, so I wanted to dive right into Emma Grey’s newest story. 

I’m going to keep my review short because I really do think this story is one of those that is best to let slowly unfoldβ€”it goes with the overall plot. As we relive Evie’s life, we put together all of the missing pieces of her puzzle (before she does, really). I had to fight back tears numerous times because this is one of those books that felt very impactful. It will stay with me for a long long time. 

Pictures of You resonated with me on a very personal level and reminded me of a time that I would never go back to, but I’m also grateful for the experience. That experience taught me what true, selfless love is supposed to look like. 

Read if you enjoy:
🫢🏼 Second chances
πŸ˜• Toxic relationships
πŸ€” Mystery
✌🏼 Dual POV
πŸ‘©β€β€οΈβ€πŸ’‹β€πŸ‘¨ Young love

I recommend reading Pictures of You if you enjoyed reading Love and Other Words. 


______




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What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange

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

5.0

Oh, Tracey Lange, you have done it again.
Thank you, Celadon Books & Macmillan Audio, for the gifted copy of What Happened to the McCrays? {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  1.14.2024
Pages: 352
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†

β€œSmall towns don’t forgive easily. And even why they do, they never forget.”

If Tracey Lange writes it, I will read it. I will read it with tears streaming down my face, but that’s just to be expected in her books. Lange has this beautiful way of telling stories about people who feel very real. They could be your neighbor, best friend, or someone inside your family.  

What Happened to the McCrays? broke my heart in so many ways, but like the characters in the book, it started to heal with every page I read. By the end, I was hopeful for the people of Potsdam, New York. I had hoped that they would all find the happiness that they deserved. 

That is why I love Tracey Lange’s booksβ€”the characters are brought to life on every page, and I’m always so sad to see them go. 

Audiobook Review: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker (The Honeymoon Crashers, A Court of Wings & Ruin) and William Demerit (Jackal) narrated the audiobook. I loved the emotion and character depth they brought to the narration. They did an incredible job, and I’d absolutely recommend the audiobook to listeners.


Read if you enjoy:
🏘️ Small town
πŸ₯Ή Stories of forgiveness
🫢🏼 Second chance romance
πŸ’ Underdog sports team

I recommend reading What Happened to the McCrays if you enjoyed any of Lange’s previous books or were a fan of Beartown. 


______


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What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

What an impact this story had on my heart 🩷
Thank you, The Dial Press & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of What Does it Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella. {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  10.8.2024
Pages: 144
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†

"And right then, this is her only aim in life, the only happy ending she wants. Just to keep going."

What Does It Feel Like is the perfect example of how impactful a short story can be. It took on an auto-biographical feel as the author, Sophie Kinsella, has recently gone through with the main character of the book is experiencing. The story was phenomenal and absolutely broke my heart. By the end, I thanked my lucky stars for my healthy body and mind and reminded myself how quickly things can change and to try to find the little joys in every day. 

To Sophie Kinsella, keep fighting, keep going, and keep writing. I will always be a huge fan of yours, but your courage and tenacity have left me in awe. 

Audiobook Review: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
This book was narrated by Sally Phillips. I haven't listened to any of Phillips' previous narrations, but she did a terrific job with What Does It Feel Like, so I will add her to my audiobook narrator watchlist!



______

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A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A Very Bad Thing

Genre: Mystery
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  11.1.2024
Pages: 446
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†.5

β€œThere are only a few motivations to do bad things. Love. Money. Power.”

I read this one on a whim since it’s available through Kindle Unlimited. It started off relatively strong and gave me some Evelyn Hugo-ish vibes. I enjoyed the dual POV and timeline, but something about it didn’t quite do it for me. 

There were a few twists that I did predict - but they were pretty evident from the start. However, there was one big twist that I didn’t see coming (and it wasn’t revealed until the very end). 

But my biggest issue was that there were so many people to keep straight, and in the end, their relationships all kind of melted into one pot. I know there are pieces of the puzzle I missed along the way because I was trying to keep everything together. 

If you’re looking for a good escape from the day-to-day, I recommend adding A Very Bad Thing to your reading list (and it’s a plus because it’s on KU).

_____


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Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

Finally back at Rebel Blue Ranch πŸ’™ 
Thank you, The Dial Press & PRH Audio,  for the gifted copy of Lost and Lassoed {partner}

Genre: Romance
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  11.5.2024
Pages: 368
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†

β€œLife had begun to feel bittersweet, and I was getting all of the bitter, and everyone else was getting the sweet.”

I adore Lyla Sage and am so grateful that she created this series. It provides the perfect feel-good stories with lovable characters and very little drama. It’s one of those that I will happily read again and again. 

Lost and Lassoed was definitely entertaining (and steamy), but there was just something about the character chemistry that didn’t quite make me swoon. However, it should be noted that when I read the book, I wasn’t in the best headspace,so take that with a grain of salt. 

I loved the dynamic between Teddy and her dad. One scene in particular had me crying, but in true Lyla Sage fashion, she didn’t leave us in a puddle of tears for long. 

And that ending?? Heck yes! Bring on Wild & Wrangled 🐎

Audiobook Review: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
Jason Clarke (Not in Love and Hopeless) and Samantha Brentmoor (Leather & Lark) narrated the audiobook. They both did a fabulous job narrating Gus and Teddy. I can’t wait to see who narrates the next books!

Read if you enjoy:
πŸ˜‰ Enemies to lovers
πŸ’πŸ½β€β™‚οΈ Single dad
😘 Grumpy/Sunshine
🀩 Fun banter
πŸ”₯ Spice Spice Spice

I recommend reading this series in order, or you’ll miss out on a lot of fun!
_____




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From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough

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dark emotional fast-paced

5.0

Another Non-Fiction November read!
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of From Here to the Great Unknown {partner}

Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  10.8.2024
Pages: 304

"This was a huge lesson for meβ€”the only way out is through. You must allow pain in to free yourself from it."

It's hard not to know who Elvis is β€” he's an icon of the music world, cemented his place in the genre's history. But, growing up with him as your dad? It seems unimaginable to live a life in that type of stardom.

I was eager to read Lisa Marie Presley's book but wasn't quite prepared for the sadness that would consume me as I read her life story.

There was so much raw content in this book - things that I didn't realize about her life. From her wild childhood, the death of he father, the toxic relationships that plagued her early adult life, her marriage to Michael Jackson, the birth of her children, her opioid addiction, and the death of her son. It was just all so incredibly heartbreaking. It had me thinking that there really is a price that comes with being that famous.

I admire Riley for continuing with her mom's story, and my heart breaks for her because she never really got to say goodbye.
____



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The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Kelly Bishop will always be the first Gilmore Girl for me 🫢🏼
Thank you, Gallery Books,  for the gifted copy of The Third Gilmore Girl {partner}

Genre: Memoir
Format: πŸŽ§πŸ“–
Pub Date:  9.17.2024
Pages: 256
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†

"Well then, buy me a boa and drive me to Reno because I am open for business!"

There aren't many fictional characters I love quite like I love Emily Gilmore. Her wit, eye for detail, tenacity, and love for her granddaughter have always brought comfort to my life because she reminds me so much of my grandmother. 

But the actress who plays Emily? Kelly Bishop is a true force of nature. I'd read about her background but had no idea what an incredible life she'd lived. I savored every word of this audiobookβ€”I learned so much about Bishop's life and how she eventually took on the role of Emily. I believe she was meant for that role, it all led back to her 

She didn't hold back and put her whole self out there for us. I laughed out loud, re-listened to chapters, and cried big ol' ugly tears as she described saying goodbye to the love of her life. Her love of life, music, and dance, her honesty about choosing not to have children, and her immense love of animalsβ€”if there were a celebrity I'd like to sit down with and have a cup of tea, it would be Kelly Bishop. 

Even if you've never watched Gilmore Girls, I highly recommend listening to Kelly Bishop tell her life story because what a life she has lived (and she still has plentyyyyy of life left to live, too). 


______


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