melsbookspace's reviews
204 reviews

Heart of My Monster by Rina Kent

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Revenant Games by Margie Fuston

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

Blood of My Monster by Rina Kent

challenging dark mysterious tense 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? No

4.0

Lies of My Monster by Rina Kent

dark mysterious tense 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? No

4.0

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick

challenging mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

Heavy on the Beauty and the Beast vibes. Like quite literally just felt like I was reading Beauty and the Beast with a slight Hades/Persephone twist. 

It was enjoyable enough but just didn't feel very original? Like there's "Beauty and the Beast inspired" and then there's this. 

There were original aspects to the story don't get me wrong but those parts seemed kind of glossed over and not explained very clearly- and the ending just kind of came out of nowhere and everything was quickly wrapped up in a neat bow. 

The chemistry between the main characters was on and off- would've liked more tension/banter.

Still an enjoyable enough read I'd recommend giving it a go if you like Beauty and the Beast!

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

Imagine you're driving and your car breaks down in a small town that feels oddly familiar to you. Why? Because it is the (fictional) setting of your favourite romance series, and all of your favourite characters are just wandering around. Except theres one character you can't quite place - the grumpy (and attractive) bookshop owner - you don't remember him from the books. 

That's the basic premise of A Novel love story, which I absolutely adored! Ashley's romances always have unique twists to them and this one was the same taking place in a fictional book world. 

The characters have great chemistry, there's a lot of cute moments and a little sprinkling of spice. Highly recommend! 

One By One by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Not my favourite of her books this one took me a week or two to finish whereas the others took 1-3 days.

Kind of predictable plot twist (or maybe I've just read so many of these now they're easier to spot?) 

Still worth a read just not my favourite

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

Throne of glass meets Fourth Wing. 

This was one of my most anticipated fantasy reads for 2024 and it did not disappoint!

The world building is so beautiful and so detailed I felt drawn into this world from the very first chapter. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. 

I love a fantasy read with a kick ass FMC and this one has major sassy Aelin vibes! There's also dragons and romance (and a little bit of spice- after a slowwww burn) What more could you want in a fantasy book?!


If you are new to the fantasy genre I probably wouldn't recommend this to start with - it is a high fantasy novel and features a 10-15 page glossary of words made up specifically for this world/story. It can be hard to follow at times so just bear that in mind before diving in. 

The Ex by Freida McFadden

mysterious tense 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? No

4.0

This one through me for a loop! Did not see that twist coming at all- took me a while to wrap my head around what the hell was going on when the twist did hit 😂

Would probably make more sense if I reread it one day, still another highly enjoyable Freida read!

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

Saw a (spicy)quote on Booktok and when I tell you I ran to buy this book.  (iykyk) 
Let me tell you it did not disappoint! 🤭

🩷 Childhood frenemies to lovers. 
🩷 Brothers best friend
🩷 Single Dad
🩷 He falls first
🩷 Forced proximity

What more could you ask for!?