melsbookspace's reviews
207 reviews

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

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? It's complicated

5.0

My first Freida McFadden book and it certainly won't be my last!

I finished this in one day, I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last! Some really excellent plot twists which kept me guessing until the very end! 

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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 was Ali Hazelwoods first YA romance and I definitely need more, because this was so cute!

We follow Mallory who used to be a bit of a chess prodigy, but she hasnt played in years. She ends up playing at a charity chess event for her friend and there she is pitted against the current No. 1 ranked player, Nolan, aka the "King killer".

Mallory ends up beating him and is thrown back into the world of chess, where she remains on Nolans radar because for the first time in years he has found a worthy opponent.


Thats all I'll say about the plot but if you like cute YA romances with super smart FMCs definitely check this one out!

Daisy Haites by Jessa Hastings

challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Even more toxic than the first book, but once again I couldnt put it down!

These characters had me SO frustrated, like JUST TALK TO EACHOTHER FFS. SO much miscommunication. 

Was interesting to see Magnolia and some of the scenes from her book from another perspective. 

Adored Julian he needs his own book asap. 

In summary toxic/dramatic AF, SO much miscommunication but also had me hooked the whole way.

The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This was my first Rachael Johns book and I really enjoyed it! It was a very solid romcom.

If you enjoy romance books that dont just focus solely on the romance side of things, but really bring you into the characters world/ daily life, then you will probably enjoy this one! 

This Bridget Jones inspired boy next door romance, will have you laughing, crying (which was not on my bingo card for this book) and swooning. 

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

adventurous funny 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

4.0

This norse inspired fantasy romance had me hooked from the start! 

In this world some children are born with Gods blood, and they manifest powers based on the God whose blood they have. Freya has Gods blood, but its been foretold that the power she has would unite their land under one king (whoever controls her basically)

So she is found by this man - forced to swear an oath to him to serve him and make him King. He then assigns his fire axe wielding son to protect her (a son who she has really great banter with) 

Overall the fantasy side of this was really good, the romance side was really good, the banter was REALLY good and there was a nice sprinkling of spice too! Definitely recommend checking it out!

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings

emotional fast-paced

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

4.0

This was one toxic rollercoaster. I don't think a group of characters have ever frustrated me this much, but I also couldn't put it down and finished it in one day- guess I'm just a sucker for some drama.

I hope the rest of the books with bring more depth to these characters because if it's 4 more books of the same thing I can sense it getting old quickly.

If you're after a super toxic, dramatic story with major gossip girl vibes then you should definitely check this series out.

Ward Willing by Amanda Richardson

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.0

Age gap romances aren't really up there with my favourite tropes but when they're done right they're something else, and this was done right!

The tension, the chemistry, the BANTER!! and it's a slooow burn which I absolutely love! The spice, as usual with Amanda's books, is absolutely sizzling. This book had me blushing so much!!

If you love spicy, billionaire romances and haven't read the Ravaged Castle series yet, what are you doing?!

The Lucky Ones Die Twice by Andy Lee Barnes

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad 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

5.0

Just as good, if not better than the first book! Andy's writing has such a way of transporting me into the story I couldn't put it down!

I really hope to see more from these characters soon! 

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

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? No

3.5

This was enjoyable enough, but definitely not my favourite I've read of theirs. Nothing has really stuck with me since finishing it like their other books did. 

They Just Won't Bloody Die by Andy Lee Barnes

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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? No

5.0

Reading this book reminded me of when I was in school reading the Hunger Games, I finished it in 1 day, I didn't want to put it down.

The way it was written I felt like I was actually there with these characters fighting for my life. I was completely invested in their journey. 

If you enjoying post apocalyptic/ dystopian books and don't mind fairly graphic violence/ gore descriptions I highly recommend checking this series out!