Here at Chapter Break, we don’t always write a full review of every book we read. Well, now we’ve decided to do these monthly wrap-up posts with roundups of our reviews this month and mini-reviews to fill in the gaps. Enjoy!
Mini Book Reviews
Julie’s Mini Reviews:
Dungeon Crawler Carl: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1
Dungeon Crawler Carl: This was a trip. Still getting used to all the gamer talk and “new achievement” lol. Enjoying all the fun and unique characters. You had me at main character princess cat.
Rites of the Starling: A Slow-Burn Epic Romantic Fantasy (Shield of Sparrows, 2)
Rites of the Starling: What started out as two seemingly separate stories really came together! I thought there was a connection, but wasn’t expecting that reveal. Wow. This is how to do a slow burn just right. The book is long and slow, but not in a bad way. It is interesting throughout and when it delivers at the end, it’s so worth it!
I feel like there isn’t much I can say that I didn’t already say in Book Review – Shield of Sparrows without giving away spoilers to this book. The plot is the reveal.
Gone Before Goodbye Vibe: Legally Blonde Plastic Surgeon.
LOL but Reese’s voice will always be Elle Woods to me. This audiobook was great – dual narration and good voices for each character. I enjoyed the twists and there sure were a ton of secrets and lies and manipulation all over the place! It’s a medical thriller and also a murder mystery in a way. The Main Character Maggie was interesting and I am curious what comes next for her after all this. But her Father In Law Porkchop is the boss! He kinda gives Mike on Breaking Bad vibes. Quiet old man with secrets and badassery. Overall I enjoyed it and it was a pretty quick listen.
The Phantom of the Opera: The Original Novel Phantom of the Opera is a re-read because I am finally going to see the live musical again this fall. I read this for the first time as a teenager, and was a tween the first time I saw the show. And this is where my intrigue with morally grey men began. This time I’m re-reading the audio version, which the narrator has a cool French accent when reading all the names but is also a bit monotone as it seems many of these older type books tend to have. Maybe the era of fabulous narrators is more recent. Still a fun gothic story. I enjoy drawing parallels to the songs based on goings on in the book, though the book is much darker and the ending much different.
Lynn’s Mini Reviews:
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line: A Novel (The Finlay Donovan Series, 6)
FINLAY DONOVAN CROSSES THE LINE: This is #6 in the series. Which makes me wonder what the end game is? Or are we looking at 20 or more books that I keep reading in case something different or exciting happens before I just give up due to the meh factor? I liked this one ok, but it’s not particularly earth-shattering. Expect the usual antics and crime-solving (and crime-committing). Less Nick and the kids. More Vero, Javi, and Ramone. But also Vero’s mom and aunt, who are a hoot. Interesting twist towards the end in solving who stole the money which Vero has been accused of. Lots of antics, including Vero and Finlay being chased by cops in a stolen car. The expected cliff-hanger of an ending setting up the next book.
My Pucking Mate: A Paranormal Hockey Romance (Pucking Werewolves Book 1) 
My Pucking Family: A Werewolf Hockey Romance Book 2 (Pucking Werewolves) 
My Pucking Life : The 3rd book in the paranormal sports romance, Pucking Werewolves series
PUCKING WEREWOLVES SERIES: I don’t normally read hockey romances. Nor paranormal romances. But yet – here I am. It was free. I even downloaded all four in the series. These NEED TO BE READ IN ORDER. Stupid free books. The first one MY PUCKING MATE: Why am I even reading this? It’s trope-y. And not in a good way. He’s 700+ years old. In this series all the sports stars are supernatural beings. And here, a bunch of hockey-playing werewolves. She’s barely 18 and a recent orphan who has panic attacks. She has no clue supernatural beings even exist, but has managed to move to a college town full of supernaturals. Insta-love and fated mate tropes drive me crazy. The age gap is uncomfortable (for me). I think I like the characters? And I’m invested after that cliff-hanger of an ending. Book 2: MY PUCKING FAMILY: She moves in with him after barely knowing him for a few weeks? We barely talk about her actual college life now. His possessiveness would be a real red flag if this were actually the ‘real world’. He doesn’t understand her need to have her own space and time away from him. Learning more about the different werewolves and the pack is interesting. Again with the cliffhanger at the end. Book 3: MY PUCKING LIFE: I think the actual plot of this is them performing the mating bond. The book is basically all sex scenes. With some bad witches at the end. And an interesting twist with some of the other members of the pack. Roman does set the bar really high for men and their partners. He definitely pulls out all the stops.
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space
A COMPLICATED LOVE STORY SET IN SPACE: Picked this up for this’ month’s random food on the cover bingo square. Timey-wimey. Plus some crazy reveals in the middle. Mystery wrapped in romance with some more mysteries. We don’t really have all the answers by the end of the novel, but that’s ok. We have enough answers and the prospect of future adventures. I liked the characters, especially Noah. He’s definitely not a Gryffindor. But will still do what he has to do to save his friends. Some funny moments. Some poignant moments. Overall enjoyable read.
Iron Flame (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, Book 2 
Iron Flame (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, Book 2
IRON FLAME: This was a re-read. Graphic audio for the win! Always pick graphic audio! What stood out on the re-read: Violet is kind of annoying in this book. She keeps insisting that Xaden tell her truths, but doesn’t do the same. And when she FINALLY realizes that truth is not the same as full-disclosure on things he CANNOT talk about, it’s revelatory. But also about time from the reader perspective. The emotional scenes (you know the ones) are still gut-punch emotional. I don’t know that I noticed anything new or hints left by the author. Still amazing.
GONE BEFORE GOODBYE: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, but also had no expectations. I didn’t even realize that Reese Witherspoon was the main audio narrator. Twisty and turny plot kept me surprised and engaged. Maggie is definitely an adrenaline seeker, and not afraid to take risks. Porkchop, Maggie’s father-in-law, is one of those side characters where I could definitely read a whole series of his exploits. Interesting take on medical relief organizations, and are they really helping people. I am still wondering about that ending.
Rites of the Starling: A Slow-Burn Epic Romantic Fantasy (Shield of Sparrows, 2)
RITES OF THE STARLING: See what Julie said above ^^. But really. I liked this one. I’m not sure what the complaints have been all about? Yes – there is a lot of journey. Especially Odessa’s story. Yes – there is not a lot of Ransom. BUT – dude. When Ransom saves the day – shivers. Plus the story picks up quite a bit after Ransom joins the plot. But where the first book is about Odessa, the Sparrow, the majority of this book centers on Caspia, the Starling. I liked Caspia’s story. I think any discussion about the plot is going to be spoiler-y. We learn A LOT of answers to the questions from book 1, and in a very satisfactory fashion, in my opinion. I am super excited to see where this series goes in book 3. My only minor complaint – the male narrator’s voice was very low \ quiet. I kept having to turn up the volume to hear the male characters, which then made the regular narration too loud. Background noise around me at the gym did not help.
Spies, Lies, and Alibis: A low-spice, thrilling spy romance
SPIES, LIES, AND ALIBIS: The last 20% was good. But the rest was ok. There is some fun banter between Ben and Cybil before the end. And some hilarious scenes. But few and far between. Most of the story is setup for the end. Here’s the thing: both Ben and Cybil are hiding their true selves. And reconnecting after years. (They spent summers together at Cybil’s uncle’s farm.) Between the two, they are both spies, lying, and using alibis. Good title call back! Ben’s grandmother is a hoot – Grandma Mazer from the Stephanie Plum level fun. I would totally read more about her Pistols and Pearls club at the retirement home. There isn’t much romance in this – more pining and casual flirting til the end. Overall, an ok read. But if you are looking for a spy rom-com, check out the Blonde Identity books first. Those are great.
Books we reviewed in full this month:
- [6 Jul] Lost Prince (The Trials of Death and Honor #3) by Karolina Wilde ★★★★
- [21 Jul] Indigo, The Deep by Kellye Abernathy ★★★★½
- [28 Jul] The Ties That Bind Us (The Bonds of Fate, #1) by Deidra Duncan ★★★
Don’t forget to join our Book Bingo.
We are linking up our monthly wrap up posts with Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight (we now co-host her monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up) and The Sunday Post (hosted by The Caffeinated Reviewer).
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