melsbookspace's reviews
212 reviews

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! 

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging emotional funny 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

I've sat with this book for almost a month now, I wasnt sure what to rate it because I was initially disappointed with some aspects. 

The Fandom has had 2 years to speculate what was going to happen in this book after the cliffhanger in book 2 so I went in to it expecting more from the crossover. 

But at the end of the day that's not the books fault, it's still a great story otherwise and one I will definitely be rereading. I loved being back in this world, and with these characters. I loved seeing more of Lidia and her background she was an absolute highlight in this book for me.

Is part of me still holding out for a bigger multiverse storyline? Yes. Do I think we are going to get one? Actually, also yes. A girl can dream anyway!

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

funny lighthearted fast-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

3.5

A highly enjoyable, cute and spicy novella! 

I really enjoyed this - one marriage of convenience, forced proximity and a  cinnamon roll MMC what's not to love!
 

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

adventurous mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

I really wanted to love this book, the plot sounded so good but in the end it fell a little flat for me. 

There was a ton of worldbuilding/storytelling but not much actually happening until the last 100 pages or so. I didn't feel any chemistry between the main couple it honestly felt kind of forced, and there seemed to be a lot more focus on the secondary couple in the story. 

I did love the Obeah, I really hope book 2 focuses a bit more on them and the bond. 

Overall I enjoyed this book I just found it sort of dragged on a bit, hopefully with most of the worldbuilding out of the way book 2 will have a bit more going on.

Not Here to Make Friends by Jodi McAlister

challenging funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

I really wanted to love this book but I just could not get past my severe dislike for the FMC. I didn't want her to get a happy ending because she just annoyed me THAT much.

I havent read the other 2 books in the series and honestly maybe I'm missing a piece of her character in that? I just found her so frustrating and so cringey the whole way. 

I did however love the setting of the story and so will probably eventually read the other 2 books as I did enjoy the authors writing style.

 If you're someone who watches reality TV and loves to hate the villains on the shows you'd probably enjoy this one!

Forever After All by Catharina Maura

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Honestly this book was okay, I enjoyed it while reading it but it wasn't super memorable. Basically your typical billionaire marriage of convenience book with a toxic MMC alphahole. 

What you get: 

- marriage of convenience 
- age gap romance
- bestfriends brother
- brothers enemy 

If you're in the mooder for a darker "I own you" type romance where the MMC can't make up his mind and just be happy then you'll probably enjoy this one!