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The Space In Between
Well here we are.
Senior Year.
A year that by definition means I’ll be one of about 300 other kids running my school.
Greenville High.
I know what you’re all thinking. “Oh no, here comes the book about the virgin wallflower who the popular guy meets and instantly falls for.”
Wrong.
I’m not an ugly duckling that the cool cats use to make themselves look like even bigger jerks, and I’m definitely not a wallflower, though that whole virginal thing, well that’s really none of your business.
I’m just the girl more interested in taking pictures and playing on her acoustic than getting caught up in the petty drama that four years of high school is guaranteed to create.
Until Christian.
I know, I know. It’s always a guy isn’t it?
Girl on the fast track to any college she chooses, always seems to get tripped up by the guy.
But hear me out! This guy…he’s different.
You see, Christian Cayne isn’t just some guy I almost ran down on my first day here and later fell in love with.
I wish it were that simple.
It would make what’s gotta happen now easier.
Christian is a lot of things to a lot of people since he landed here with his dad at the end of the summer, but in a couple of months, he’s going to have to be one thing only to me.
My step-brother.
Senior Year.
A year that by definition means I’ll be one of about 300 other kids running my school.
Greenville High.
I know what you’re all thinking. “Oh no, here comes the book about the virgin wallflower who the popular guy meets and instantly falls for.”
Wrong.
I’m not an ugly duckling that the cool cats use to make themselves look like even bigger jerks, and I’m definitely not a wallflower, though that whole virginal thing, well that’s really none of your business.
I’m just the girl more interested in taking pictures and playing on her acoustic than getting caught up in the petty drama that four years of high school is guaranteed to create.
Until Christian.
I know, I know. It’s always a guy isn’t it?
Girl on the fast track to any college she chooses, always seems to get tripped up by the guy.
But hear me out! This guy…he’s different.
You see, Christian Cayne isn’t just some guy I almost ran down on my first day here and later fell in love with.
I wish it were that simple.
It would make what’s gotta happen now easier.
Christian is a lot of things to a lot of people since he landed here with his dad at the end of the summer, but in a couple of months, he’s going to have to be one thing only to me.
My step-brother.
352 pages, ebook
First published July 26, 2015
17 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Melyssa Winchester
28 books240 followersMother, Sister, Daughter, Best Friend, Avid Book Reader, Author, Overall Crazy Person.
I'm Melyssa and I was born and raised in what is now known as the mega city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I'm the country girl stuck in the city girls body and anytime I can get away from the big city lights and settle somewhere far more slower is always such a treat.
I'm a mother to probably the four most amazing kids on the planet. (Yes that's a typical mom answer isn't it?) They have brought so much joy to my life and without them I'm not entirely sure where or what I'd be doing. They've taught me so much that I only hope I can do the same for them as they grow.
When I'm not with them I'm doing one of two things. Either curled up with my e-reader and as many books as I can handle or watching marathons of Supernatural, Sons of Anarchy or Veronica Mars.
Lastly, I'm always on the lookout for my next book boyfriend, even if I have to create him in my own stories. can't go wrong with a good book boyfriend. :)
I'm Melyssa and I was born and raised in what is now known as the mega city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I'm the country girl stuck in the city girls body and anytime I can get away from the big city lights and settle somewhere far more slower is always such a treat.
I'm a mother to probably the four most amazing kids on the planet. (Yes that's a typical mom answer isn't it?) They have brought so much joy to my life and without them I'm not entirely sure where or what I'd be doing. They've taught me so much that I only hope I can do the same for them as they grow.
When I'm not with them I'm doing one of two things. Either curled up with my e-reader and as many books as I can handle or watching marathons of Supernatural, Sons of Anarchy or Veronica Mars.
Lastly, I'm always on the lookout for my next book boyfriend, even if I have to create him in my own stories. can't go wrong with a good book boyfriend. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 26, 2016
There are books in life that when you finish reading them, when you finally reach to the end, you just shut them down and jump straight to look for your next read.
But there are some books, that when you reach to the last page and you see THE END in big sized letters, you just stare at the book for some time, absorbing the precious moments that comes after reading one epic tell... And when you finally shut the book down (or power off your e-reader), you just stare into space while having the worst hangover EVER.
This book is the latter.
After finishing this book, I was crying.
Happy tears.
Sad tears.
Emotional tears.
I loved this book to pieces and I loved even more that The Space In Between touched my soul.
I'm not gonna lie. Some things hit home for me and some of the events touched me in a more personal level. But whoever read this book and don't just feel it... Well... All i'm gonna say is that I think they are robots ;P
About the story-
To me, the story split into 2 parts.
The first half was about Emery & Christian process of falling in love.
They met.
They bonded.
They fallen in love.
They WERE in love.
You actually watched them together as a couple and you rooted for them. You read about each of them with their parents and watched the relationship that each of them had with their single parent. Emery with her mom. Christian with his dad. The book started slow. Melyssa didn't throw us headlong into the forbidden of their love. Nope. She build their relationship first. Focused on bringing this two individuals together that when hell break loose, the impact would be destructive.
"You know what would be kind of funny?"
"What's that?"
"If our parents were dating."
"You mean, I could be sitting with my future sister and not know it?"
"Eww! Take that beck!" She exclaimed before nailing me in the chest with a slap.
The second half was the discovery of their new situation, their reactions and the way it was handled. The angst. The fear. The disappointment. The forbidden. The oppose. The dread. The hurt. The numbness.
"I know you wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt me."
"That's because I wouldn't. Ever. I'd hurt myself a million times over before doing one thing to cause you pain."
Emery was a great heroine. She had her insecurities. She had her vulnerability. She had her share of fears and mistakes. She made wrong choices and sacrifices. Sometimes I didn't agree with her. Sometimes I wanted to shake her. Sometimes I wanted to hug her and keep her safe. She had devotion and endless love. This girl - she was real. She wasn't perfect, but she was real. Before Mikey entered her life she was comfortable in her own world. She was loner. She had one best friend - JD (which i adored). Her camera and guitar were her alleys and I loved how much she opened up and came out of her shell with the help of Chris love. I loved how her camera and music didn't take a backseat stage either. Meeting Chris only intensified her talents and made them stronger... Better.
Christian was adorable. From the moment he met Emery, she become a vital part of his life. Since the moment his mom died 4 years back, he closed himself off to the world. All he needed was his guitar and his music and he was okay. He Went through the motions of every day while his relationship with his dad was strained and went downhill with every day that passed. Both of them withdrawal from the world for a long while. All of that changed when his dad decided to move and start a new chapter in their lives. When Emery came into the picture, the grayness beacons technicolor. She whispered breath into his numb heart and made it beat again.
For her.
I adored him. No matter what life throw at him, he never gave up on her and never back down. Yeah... He sometimes gave Emery the time she needed - The space she needed - But he was all in from the get go and I adored him for that.
Rose - Emery's mom. Well.. All I'm gonna say about her is one little word - BITCH! Lol. Sorry. She had her moments. I won't say that she was evil, but she was selfish most times and her reaction was hard to agree to. At the end, she came around and I didn't hated her like i did at the beginning, but I didn't end up loving her either. She's on the gray area for me and I'll rather keep her that way ;P
Nick - Christian's dad. Where should i start? I'm in love with this man. Wow. He was such an amazing guy. Compared to Rose, he was the clam, laid back side of the relationship. He was the voice of reason and the calming of the storm. I adored him and he was the best father anyone could have asked for. I loved how much he rooted for their happiness and never wavered from his true belief that Chris and Emery belonged together<3
"Love doesn't judge. Love isn't forceful. Love just is." -Nick
Okay. Let's talk about the step siblings theme here. This kinds of books could be tricky. There are a lot of opinions about them. A lot of questions about moral and 'should they?' .. After reading this book, Iv'e learned that when it comes to love, there is nothing - no society, not what people would say, not a parent opposition - nothing that should stand in their way.
I loved how the step-siblings theme was addressed in this book. I loved how the hero and heroine met. How they became music partners. Created beautiful music together. Opened up to each other. Got to know each other. And finally - Fell in love. After the ground was solid and they were hooked, only then the slap came.
"My dad can go to hell.
So can rose.
I don't care if they're in love and they're good for each other.
All I care about is Emery."
I loved how much emotion the author put into the revealing scene. Chris scene was so intense. So emotional. And Em... Poor baby, my heart cried for her. Each of them dealt with it how he saw fit and the second part of the story was filled with emotions.
"If my dad wants to tear my life apart and Rose wants me to end things with her daughter, then the havoc they want, they're going to get."
I LOVED the secondary charterers! Both hero and heroine had a really good friend that was there for them at all times!! Both charterers had depth and i was glad all of them got their HEA ~!
I don't wanna say too much, in my opinion - You all need to experience it and read their reactions and decisions for yourselves. Make up your own mind about the events. All I'm gonna say is that I freaking loved this book and I highly recommend <3
Safety gang:
"It's what all of the signs I've been given the last two weeks have been leading to.
This experience with Emery.
Us. Together."
"ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review... Thank you Melyssa!:)"
August 4, 2015
Sweet read young adult read, likeable characters, touch of drama, lots of romance.
Read
July 12, 2015Before jumping into this book, because I'm all about making sure people don't waste their money on something they won't like, here's the skinny on The Space In Between.
1. YA book (but mature for language I guess since that's actually a thing). Both Christian and Emery are 17 (though Christian turns 18 during it)
2. No love triangles or exes though there is past events before C moves to town that are eluded to throughout.
3. Couple's first time will play a part here, but only in a "use your imagination" way. I lead into it, but the actual act is not shown. It's not erotic folks sorry.
4. It's a Step Brother romance yes, but not in the way you've seen it, at least in a lot of books lately. I'm delving into society reactions. family dynamics to the news, whether it's taboo or whether it's not, and the emotional impact of finding this out for both characters and their families.
5. They're not in this situation when they meet. It's what happens over time.
6. It's got a lot of humor in it, as well as some serious emotional stuff. I'm not tackling this subject lightly.
7. It's a HEA. (Just not saying how. Hope that doesn't ruin it lol)
8. The parents play their own unique part in this later in the story ( 2 POVs from the mom and 1 from the dad), but a lot of the book does focus on Christian and Emery and their friendships and growth as a couple.
9. It reminds me a lot of Count On Me, but without the abuse and special needs and bullying.
10. Christian is a beta hero. Not an asshole (no Kay, or Dillon here folks), but he does make missteps and mistakes. Wouldn't work for me as the author if he was absolutely perfect. Same goes for Emery. They act their age, but also older if that makes sense.
11. They're both virgins and only have eyes for each other.
12. If you liked Count On Me at all, the writing style, the characters, the love story, you'll like this one. It's written in the same way even if the stories are completely different.
I think that about sums it up. If there's something specific you want to know about before picking it up, shoot me a line and I'll let you know.
For anyone that takes a chance on this book, thank you. I will love your faces forever, no matter the response to it. <3
1. YA book (but mature for language I guess since that's actually a thing). Both Christian and Emery are 17 (though Christian turns 18 during it)
2. No love triangles or exes though there is past events before C moves to town that are eluded to throughout.
3. Couple's first time will play a part here, but only in a "use your imagination" way. I lead into it, but the actual act is not shown. It's not erotic folks sorry.
4. It's a Step Brother romance yes, but not in the way you've seen it, at least in a lot of books lately. I'm delving into society reactions. family dynamics to the news, whether it's taboo or whether it's not, and the emotional impact of finding this out for both characters and their families.
5. They're not in this situation when they meet. It's what happens over time.
6. It's got a lot of humor in it, as well as some serious emotional stuff. I'm not tackling this subject lightly.
7. It's a HEA. (Just not saying how. Hope that doesn't ruin it lol)
8. The parents play their own unique part in this later in the story ( 2 POVs from the mom and 1 from the dad), but a lot of the book does focus on Christian and Emery and their friendships and growth as a couple.
9. It reminds me a lot of Count On Me, but without the abuse and special needs and bullying.
10. Christian is a beta hero. Not an asshole (no Kay, or Dillon here folks), but he does make missteps and mistakes. Wouldn't work for me as the author if he was absolutely perfect. Same goes for Emery. They act their age, but also older if that makes sense.
11. They're both virgins and only have eyes for each other.
12. If you liked Count On Me at all, the writing style, the characters, the love story, you'll like this one. It's written in the same way even if the stories are completely different.
I think that about sums it up. If there's something specific you want to know about before picking it up, shoot me a line and I'll let you know.
For anyone that takes a chance on this book, thank you. I will love your faces forever, no matter the response to it. <3
July 28, 2015
4.5 stars.I really enjoyed this. This was such a beautiful , sweet, loving, emotional book. I love seeing how Emery and Christian(mikey) relationship came to. The letter(from Christian's mom) was so heartfelt that I still have tears! His dad was awesome. truly a great man and father. Her mom I had to warm up to alittle but she came through. Christian and Emery together felt like a real couple with real problems and handle them like any would at a young age but at the same time in some ways I felt like the love between them was beyond their years.(if that makes any sense). I honestly came to the end and didn't want it to end. I wanted so much to keep reading their story:( I loved this !
safety gang safe.
safety gang safe.
July 30, 2015
Loved this.
When I first read the blurb I was sold. When I read the Prologue I was already in love with this story.
From the start you know that Emery and Christian are going to meet, fall in love, and then have their lives turned upside down when they realize they are soon to become step siblings. I mean, we learn that from the Prologue, but knowing that's what's going to happen and actually experiencing it as it all unfolds is quite another. Written beautiful here is a story of two souls meant to be together. We watch it happen slowly, not rushed, and while this is happening I almost forgot that trouble was on the horizon because it all seemed so perfect - so meant to be. So, when the time came for it all to come crashing down I was pissed. I was pissed and heartbroken and just so...sad.
But you know what? I was also happy to see that while Emery was trying to make her mom happy, at the risk of breaking her own heart, Christian wasn't going down without a fight. He stood tall, demanded that the people in their life listen to him. He proved his love over and over again.
It was incredible to witness a young man fight for what's right - fight for what's his. It was also incredible to witness how his father was on his side through it all. The father-son dynamic was written with such care that I didn't feel like I was watching from the sidelines. I felt like I was right there - in this battle with them - ready to take up arms so Christian and Emery could be together.
Needless to say, I appreciate a story that delves deep, gets you by the heart and holds on until the end. And I always get that with Melyssa's books. I knew when I started it would be an emotional ride. And I was right. And I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
"Finally proving to the world what I've known from the day she crashed her way into my life.
Some of the most beautiful things can be found in the spaces in between."
So yeah, I loved this book.
Beautifully done Melyssa Winchester! Beautifully done indeed.
When I first read the blurb I was sold. When I read the Prologue I was already in love with this story.
From the start you know that Emery and Christian are going to meet, fall in love, and then have their lives turned upside down when they realize they are soon to become step siblings. I mean, we learn that from the Prologue, but knowing that's what's going to happen and actually experiencing it as it all unfolds is quite another. Written beautiful here is a story of two souls meant to be together. We watch it happen slowly, not rushed, and while this is happening I almost forgot that trouble was on the horizon because it all seemed so perfect - so meant to be. So, when the time came for it all to come crashing down I was pissed. I was pissed and heartbroken and just so...sad.
But you know what? I was also happy to see that while Emery was trying to make her mom happy, at the risk of breaking her own heart, Christian wasn't going down without a fight. He stood tall, demanded that the people in their life listen to him. He proved his love over and over again.
It was incredible to witness a young man fight for what's right - fight for what's his. It was also incredible to witness how his father was on his side through it all. The father-son dynamic was written with such care that I didn't feel like I was watching from the sidelines. I felt like I was right there - in this battle with them - ready to take up arms so Christian and Emery could be together.
Needless to say, I appreciate a story that delves deep, gets you by the heart and holds on until the end. And I always get that with Melyssa's books. I knew when I started it would be an emotional ride. And I was right. And I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
"Finally proving to the world what I've known from the day she crashed her way into my life.
Some of the most beautiful things can be found in the spaces in between."
So yeah, I loved this book.
Beautifully done Melyssa Winchester! Beautifully done indeed.
February 17, 2016
I loved this book! This is one of the best YA romances I've ever read. There was this amazing chemistry between Christian and Emery and I was hooked from the moment they met. This was the type of book that just sucks you in and you end up reading in one sitting because you have to know what's going to happen. I loved the teenage angst. This was such a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good YA book or a sweet romance. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Read
July 15, 2017I'm not going to rate this one because I only read fully up to page 60 then skimmed over sections to see how things went so it's not a DNF and not a full read either.
Anyway, this was all a bit too nice and on the younger side of YA with a lot of pages full of stuff that didn't add anything to their story and made everything feel bogged down and a bit boring. Even the angst didn't do anything for me and I like that element in forbidden story lines like this.
Anyway, this was all a bit too nice and on the younger side of YA with a lot of pages full of stuff that didn't add anything to their story and made everything feel bogged down and a bit boring. Even the angst didn't do anything for me and I like that element in forbidden story lines like this.
July 27, 2015
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review via blog tour
Title: The Space In Between
Author: Melyssa Winchester
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: July 26th, 2015
Date Read: July 25, 2015
Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
Melyssa Winchester made a step-brother novel unique in a extraordinary way. I loved the plot line I loved how it wasn't like any other step sibling novel which was refreshing. I just wish I could have connected with the characters. Longer Review to Come
Title: The Space In Between
Author: Melyssa Winchester
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: July 26th, 2015
Date Read: July 25, 2015
Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
Melyssa Winchester made a step-brother novel unique in a extraordinary way. I loved the plot line I loved how it wasn't like any other step sibling novel which was refreshing. I just wish I could have connected with the characters. Longer Review to Come
July 15, 2015
This book was given to me as an ARC. This is my honest and spoiler free review. I usually don't read books that mention step brother or step sister. The ones I've read so far were twisted. Melyssa Winchester, wrote a book about something similar. The big difference is she can take something that could be ugly and turn it to something that is so sweet and earth shatteringly beautiful. She wrote a book that wasn't twisted and sinful. It was about 2 young loves and 2 adult love that just interlaced . She focused on the first love , respect and commitment of these young adults. I love how she can make stories about people that are unacceptable to society and make it seem acceptable and beautiful. " It's only weird if you let it be". This author is very talented and can write awesome stories. The writing is beautiful and nicely written. I still believe in first love that can last, I'm still there. This book is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story for my review.
July 14, 2015
At my age, I've moved on from the first love thing. However, this book took me by surprise. Emery and Christian/Mikey's story reminded my of why I began reading romance novels in the first place. It truly brought me back in time.
August 20, 2015
4 Stars by Jen Skewes
When I first read the blurb for this book I was completely sold. I had to read it. A step brother romance with a twist? Sign me up. Then I read the prologue and needed more. I was hooked, I needed to know how these two characters came to fall in love and how it all came crashing down. This is a story of young love but a love that is so real and I loved it.
It’s senior year for Emery, the sassy girl who would rather take pictures and play her guitar than hang out with anyone from her school. Then she literally crashed into the new boy, Christian Cayne and everything changed. They became the best of friends. In the beginning they may have fought the feelings that they had for each other but as time went on they finally admitted to their feelings and they took their friendship a step further. Until they find out that their parents have been dating and are getting married causing their world to be flipped upside down. Emery wants to make her mother happy and therefore pushes Christian away. But Christian will do everything he can to fight for his girl. But will it be enough?
I loved this book and these characters. Christian had lost his mother a few yers back and seemed to be losing his dad as well. Since his mother’s death his father has basically thrown himself into work. When Christian meets Emery she brings out something in him that hasn’t been there for a long time. He starts to feel like the boy that he once was. He fell for her hard so when their parents upcoming nuptials threatens their relationship he will do everything to fight for his love. And that is one of the many things that I loved about him. Emery is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her mother’s which I totally understood but at the same time my heart hurt for her because of it. I understood her mother’s issues but I just didn’t agree with them and quite frankly wasn't a big fan of hers.
Christian and Emery were soul mates,. They were meant to be together. And I know some may say that they are so young, how can you possibly know what true love is at that young age. But I will say that I myself do believe in true love even at the age of eighteen. Maybe it’s because I have bEen with my husband for 23 years, basically since we were 18 years old. So I know when you find the one you don’t wan to let go no matter what age you are. And that is what I loved about this story. These two were only 18 years old but they knew that they belonged together. Their love was true and real and a kind of love that people dream of having. I was rooting for these two all the way. I wanted her mother to understand how strong and real their love was. I wanted Emery to realize that when you find your one true love you never give up no matter who wants you to. You fight for your love and happiness. And thank god for Christian and his father who I had so much respect for. He was an amazing man who loved his son and wanted the best for him. And to be honest I think I may have fallen in love with him...lol
The Space in Between is a beautiful story of young love. But it is also about sacrifices and doing what makes you happy. This story really captured me from the very beginning until the very end. I fell in love with these characters and wanted them to find their happiness. The end was simply perfect. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
When I first read the blurb for this book I was completely sold. I had to read it. A step brother romance with a twist? Sign me up. Then I read the prologue and needed more. I was hooked, I needed to know how these two characters came to fall in love and how it all came crashing down. This is a story of young love but a love that is so real and I loved it.
It’s senior year for Emery, the sassy girl who would rather take pictures and play her guitar than hang out with anyone from her school. Then she literally crashed into the new boy, Christian Cayne and everything changed. They became the best of friends. In the beginning they may have fought the feelings that they had for each other but as time went on they finally admitted to their feelings and they took their friendship a step further. Until they find out that their parents have been dating and are getting married causing their world to be flipped upside down. Emery wants to make her mother happy and therefore pushes Christian away. But Christian will do everything he can to fight for his girl. But will it be enough?
I loved this book and these characters. Christian had lost his mother a few yers back and seemed to be losing his dad as well. Since his mother’s death his father has basically thrown himself into work. When Christian meets Emery she brings out something in him that hasn’t been there for a long time. He starts to feel like the boy that he once was. He fell for her hard so when their parents upcoming nuptials threatens their relationship he will do everything to fight for his love. And that is one of the many things that I loved about him. Emery is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her mother’s which I totally understood but at the same time my heart hurt for her because of it. I understood her mother’s issues but I just didn’t agree with them and quite frankly wasn't a big fan of hers.
Christian and Emery were soul mates,. They were meant to be together. And I know some may say that they are so young, how can you possibly know what true love is at that young age. But I will say that I myself do believe in true love even at the age of eighteen. Maybe it’s because I have bEen with my husband for 23 years, basically since we were 18 years old. So I know when you find the one you don’t wan to let go no matter what age you are. And that is what I loved about this story. These two were only 18 years old but they knew that they belonged together. Their love was true and real and a kind of love that people dream of having. I was rooting for these two all the way. I wanted her mother to understand how strong and real their love was. I wanted Emery to realize that when you find your one true love you never give up no matter who wants you to. You fight for your love and happiness. And thank god for Christian and his father who I had so much respect for. He was an amazing man who loved his son and wanted the best for him. And to be honest I think I may have fallen in love with him...lol
The Space in Between is a beautiful story of young love. But it is also about sacrifices and doing what makes you happy. This story really captured me from the very beginning until the very end. I fell in love with these characters and wanted them to find their happiness. The end was simply perfect. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 13, 2015
It's hard to put into words how I feel about this book, but it's all good things. I gotta say I was hooked immediately. The blurb, the epilogue and then the first chapter all pulled me into the romance of Emery and Christian. Now, I've read a lot of step-sibling romance books but this one was different. Unlike finding out you have step-siblings and then falling in love, this story was precious of finding your first love, building that romance and then finding a way to deal with your feelings and your parents' own happiness when it comes to love.
I like that Emery and Christian are normal, average teenagers. Christian wasn't an alpha male, he wasn't possessive, he wasn't this god-like creature that every girl wants to jump their bones. Same goes for Emery. She wasn't the damsel in distress, abused or lost, or made up to be some hot chick that every guy is looking to screw. These two are real people out in the real world discovering who they are, who they want to be and falling in love. These are characters that are very, VERY likable and you want to root for them from beginning to end.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was a lot longer than i'd like, but with the way the book flowed, I actually didn't realize I got to the end until I read the words (It was really hard to put down the book). You get lost in the book because every good moment that they shared, you really keep it to heart and you want to see what happens next. The angst was hard to get through because you really feel their pain, but watching them get through the struggles was hard not to ignore.
The style of writing was a little surprising. I only expected to read POVs from Emery and Christian, but to read Rose's (Emery's mom) and Nick's (Christian's dad) POVs really helped the story a bit so that you could get a wider perspective of how this story affects not only the two main characters but everyone surrounding them. This also includes the one POV of Emery's best friend, Johnny.
As for the secondary characters, I loved every single one of them, except for Rose. Here's the thing, despite how the book ended and her explanation as to why she feels the way she does, all I can see is the word SELFISH. She was absolutely selfish and never took in any one else's feelings into consideration except for her own. As for Nick, he was/is a terrific father. He would easily give up his own happiness for his own sons, BUT he makes it known that it's not his business. The kids should do what feels right for themselves and if they love each other, then they should be together.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book. Aside from the angst and heartache, this book was precious, sweet and really captured my heart. (And I wish there were more people, men and women, with a heart like the Cayne men :D)
I like that Emery and Christian are normal, average teenagers. Christian wasn't an alpha male, he wasn't possessive, he wasn't this god-like creature that every girl wants to jump their bones. Same goes for Emery. She wasn't the damsel in distress, abused or lost, or made up to be some hot chick that every guy is looking to screw. These two are real people out in the real world discovering who they are, who they want to be and falling in love. These are characters that are very, VERY likable and you want to root for them from beginning to end.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was a lot longer than i'd like, but with the way the book flowed, I actually didn't realize I got to the end until I read the words (It was really hard to put down the book). You get lost in the book because every good moment that they shared, you really keep it to heart and you want to see what happens next. The angst was hard to get through because you really feel their pain, but watching them get through the struggles was hard not to ignore.
The style of writing was a little surprising. I only expected to read POVs from Emery and Christian, but to read Rose's (Emery's mom) and Nick's (Christian's dad) POVs really helped the story a bit so that you could get a wider perspective of how this story affects not only the two main characters but everyone surrounding them. This also includes the one POV of Emery's best friend, Johnny.
As for the secondary characters, I loved every single one of them, except for Rose. Here's the thing, despite how the book ended and her explanation as to why she feels the way she does, all I can see is the word SELFISH. She was absolutely selfish and never took in any one else's feelings into consideration except for her own. As for Nick, he was/is a terrific father. He would easily give up his own happiness for his own sons, BUT he makes it known that it's not his business. The kids should do what feels right for themselves and if they love each other, then they should be together.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book. Aside from the angst and heartache, this book was precious, sweet and really captured my heart. (And I wish there were more people, men and women, with a heart like the Cayne men :D)
July 24, 2015
**ARC provided by the Author for an honest bias free review**
I like to read. I like to read a lot, actually, but I’m a picky asshole when it comes to what I’ll waste the little time I do have on. Some other peeps I’ve stalked on here call the people they repeatedly buy, auto buy authors, so with the way I read Melyssa Winchester, she’s my auto buy.
Some like to say it’s because we’re best friends in real life. I like to correct them and say it’s because I like the way she writes. It has nothin to do with our friendship. If she writes shit, I’m callin her on it. That simple.
When she came to me months ago askin if she could put the story we’re writing together on hold (our slightly fictional real life story) because she had a dream that wouldn’t leave her alone and she had to write it, I’d been supportive. Until she said that the dream was stepbrother/sister related.
I’m gonna be completely fuckin honest with you. Have you read step brother romances? I’m not takin anythin away from the authors because most of them theyre written really well, but they all follow the same formula. I didn’t want that for Melyssa. After Count On Me and the others, this scared the shit out of me.
I voiced my hatred of this loudly to her. It’s the way I am. I made her a promise that I would never bullshit her and I didn’t here. I was pretty rough on her about it and she took it, turned it sideways and threw it back at me, making me eat my words.
Sure this is a stepbrother romance, but it’s a book about family, connection, growth and coming of age more than that. Melyssa took two teens and had them fall in love, never knowin at the time that their parents were doin the same thing. Then she had them react. The mom and dad, and Emery and Christian. They all reacted and in very real ways.
This is the Melyssa Winchester I love reading. She did the same with Count on Me. Took autism and abuse (taboo subjects no one really wants to open up about) and put them under this microscope in such a real and emotional way. The Space In Between is exactly like that, but better.
There’s no special needs here. There’s no abuse or violence. There is just love (first and real), heartbreak, happiness and pain. This story is a journey in everything. Will it change your life? Nope. It’s not the Count On Me series, but it will make you feel.
And that’s what I’m starting to see is MW’s thing. She makes you feel stuff. So if feelin stuff is your thing, you’ll dig this.
Melyssa Winchester, thanks for makin me feel stuff.
I like to read. I like to read a lot, actually, but I’m a picky asshole when it comes to what I’ll waste the little time I do have on. Some other peeps I’ve stalked on here call the people they repeatedly buy, auto buy authors, so with the way I read Melyssa Winchester, she’s my auto buy.
Some like to say it’s because we’re best friends in real life. I like to correct them and say it’s because I like the way she writes. It has nothin to do with our friendship. If she writes shit, I’m callin her on it. That simple.
When she came to me months ago askin if she could put the story we’re writing together on hold (our slightly fictional real life story) because she had a dream that wouldn’t leave her alone and she had to write it, I’d been supportive. Until she said that the dream was stepbrother/sister related.
I’m gonna be completely fuckin honest with you. Have you read step brother romances? I’m not takin anythin away from the authors because most of them theyre written really well, but they all follow the same formula. I didn’t want that for Melyssa. After Count On Me and the others, this scared the shit out of me.
I voiced my hatred of this loudly to her. It’s the way I am. I made her a promise that I would never bullshit her and I didn’t here. I was pretty rough on her about it and she took it, turned it sideways and threw it back at me, making me eat my words.
Sure this is a stepbrother romance, but it’s a book about family, connection, growth and coming of age more than that. Melyssa took two teens and had them fall in love, never knowin at the time that their parents were doin the same thing. Then she had them react. The mom and dad, and Emery and Christian. They all reacted and in very real ways.
This is the Melyssa Winchester I love reading. She did the same with Count on Me. Took autism and abuse (taboo subjects no one really wants to open up about) and put them under this microscope in such a real and emotional way. The Space In Between is exactly like that, but better.
There’s no special needs here. There’s no abuse or violence. There is just love (first and real), heartbreak, happiness and pain. This story is a journey in everything. Will it change your life? Nope. It’s not the Count On Me series, but it will make you feel.
And that’s what I’m starting to see is MW’s thing. She makes you feel stuff. So if feelin stuff is your thing, you’ll dig this.
Melyssa Winchester, thanks for makin me feel stuff.
July 25, 2015
Christian and Emery's story is sweet, funny, heartbreaking and romantic. It's a story about falling in love, trust and forgiveness and overall believing in the power of love.
Christian is the new guy at Emery's school and they „bump“ into each other the first day of their senior year. Emery is this sassy girl who is happiest taking picures with her camera.
„I didn't catch your name!“
„That was sort of the point!�� She calls back laughing. „Takes a lot more than getting knocked on my ass to get my name!“
Falling in love is a first for both of them and because of their pasts, both Christian and Emery struggle to accept their feelings in the beginning but once they do, it's beautiful.
„I'm starting to think that nothing about us is random.“
„The way Christian looks at me, it's the same as I do him. We're perfectly imperfect.“
Woven in between the space of Christian and Emerys journey is a sweet second chance lovestory and with it comes the heartbreak.
„Christian was supposed to be my reward for being smart and doing things differently. Not my biggest nightmare.“
I was so angry at the person causing them this heartbreak and so sad for the Emery, who felt the need to sacrifice her own happiness, and Christian because he couldn't change Emery's mind.
But Christian doesn't give up and fights for his girl <3 and I fell in love with him some more.
The Story is told mainly in Christian and Emery's POV except a few short parts. These POVs fit perfectly within the story and I especially loved Christian's Dad POV.
He may have made mistakes in the past but now he would do everything to see his son happy.
„If I have to choose between standing beside my son and fighting for his long term happiness or experiencing my own, the choice is clear. Christian will always come first.“
Melyssa Winchester's „Count on me“ Series is one of my fav series because they're not only beautiful lovestories but they convey the message of love and acceptance, beside what's considered „normal“.
And as in these books, there's a little message I take with me from „The Space in Between“:
„It's only weird if you let it be.“
I love epilogs and playlists and „The Space in Between“ has both.
While reading the last pages, my heart melted for Christian once again.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Christian is the new guy at Emery's school and they „bump“ into each other the first day of their senior year. Emery is this sassy girl who is happiest taking picures with her camera.
„I didn't catch your name!“
„That was sort of the point!�� She calls back laughing. „Takes a lot more than getting knocked on my ass to get my name!“
Falling in love is a first for both of them and because of their pasts, both Christian and Emery struggle to accept their feelings in the beginning but once they do, it's beautiful.
„I'm starting to think that nothing about us is random.“
„The way Christian looks at me, it's the same as I do him. We're perfectly imperfect.“
Woven in between the space of Christian and Emerys journey is a sweet second chance lovestory and with it comes the heartbreak.
„Christian was supposed to be my reward for being smart and doing things differently. Not my biggest nightmare.“
I was so angry at the person causing them this heartbreak and so sad for the Emery, who felt the need to sacrifice her own happiness, and Christian because he couldn't change Emery's mind.
But Christian doesn't give up and fights for his girl <3 and I fell in love with him some more.
The Story is told mainly in Christian and Emery's POV except a few short parts. These POVs fit perfectly within the story and I especially loved Christian's Dad POV.
He may have made mistakes in the past but now he would do everything to see his son happy.
„If I have to choose between standing beside my son and fighting for his long term happiness or experiencing my own, the choice is clear. Christian will always come first.“
Melyssa Winchester's „Count on me“ Series is one of my fav series because they're not only beautiful lovestories but they convey the message of love and acceptance, beside what's considered „normal“.
And as in these books, there's a little message I take with me from „The Space in Between“:
„It's only weird if you let it be.“
I love epilogs and playlists and „The Space in Between“ has both.
While reading the last pages, my heart melted for Christian once again.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2015
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Christian Cayne is a boy who has been through a lot in his life. After losing his mother at a young age and going through the motions of life, his dad decides it's time to move from the house they all shared. Moving to another school for his senior year of high school isn't exactly what he wants to do....until he meets Emery Carmichael.
Emery has been the perfect child. She can be found walking around with a camera around her neck capturing photos. That was her life...until Christian walked into her path.
Emery had never really given anyone the time of day until her and Christian were partnered together for a music project. After days of spending time together they became a couple. Meanwhile, their parents who had been single for years started dating again. They made jokes about how funny it would be if their parents were dating, little did they know that's what was going on. When the news came out, it didn't end well. There were words exchanged, happiness's given up, hurt feeling and lots of tears.
What happens when parents don't agree on what's best? Who will give up their happily every after?
I loved this book. The connection between the characters was written perfectly. I'm not one to normally read a Step-Brother romance but this was different. I wasn't sure at first but knowing your writing style I knew you could pull it off. It could happen in real life. Emery & Christian were perfectly written characters that I loved from the first couple of pages. Rose Carmichael...well I can honestly say I'm not a huge fan! Nick however, he won me over!
Christian Cayne is a boy who has been through a lot in his life. After losing his mother at a young age and going through the motions of life, his dad decides it's time to move from the house they all shared. Moving to another school for his senior year of high school isn't exactly what he wants to do....until he meets Emery Carmichael.
Emery has been the perfect child. She can be found walking around with a camera around her neck capturing photos. That was her life...until Christian walked into her path.
Emery had never really given anyone the time of day until her and Christian were partnered together for a music project. After days of spending time together they became a couple. Meanwhile, their parents who had been single for years started dating again. They made jokes about how funny it would be if their parents were dating, little did they know that's what was going on. When the news came out, it didn't end well. There were words exchanged, happiness's given up, hurt feeling and lots of tears.
What happens when parents don't agree on what's best? Who will give up their happily every after?
I loved this book. The connection between the characters was written perfectly. I'm not one to normally read a Step-Brother romance but this was different. I wasn't sure at first but knowing your writing style I knew you could pull it off. It could happen in real life. Emery & Christian were perfectly written characters that I loved from the first couple of pages. Rose Carmichael...well I can honestly say I'm not a huge fan! Nick however, he won me over!
August 20, 2015
3.95 stars
This is the first time I gave a 3.95 rating to a book. It is so close to 4 stars but I feel like this book doesn't deserve that quite high rating. This book started out really good. The pace was perfect. My interest was at its highest point. But then after like 65% of the book, I got bored and some of the parts were already dragging. I just wanted to reach the part where Emery will find out about the fact that her mom is dating her boyfriend's dad.
I love Christian as a hero. He is not one to give up without putting one hell of a fight. Yes, hiding the truth from Emery is a break up waiting to happen but I understood his reasons for doing it. He gave Emery's mom respect, considering that she is the only family Emery has before he came in the picture.
The book made me feel in the beginning. But it came short towards the end. With that said, this book is an okay read.
This is the first time I gave a 3.95 rating to a book. It is so close to 4 stars but I feel like this book doesn't deserve that quite high rating. This book started out really good. The pace was perfect. My interest was at its highest point. But then after like 65% of the book, I got bored and some of the parts were already dragging. I just wanted to reach the part where Emery will find out about the fact that her mom is dating her boyfriend's dad.
I love Christian as a hero. He is not one to give up without putting one hell of a fight. Yes, hiding the truth from Emery is a break up waiting to happen but I understood his reasons for doing it. He gave Emery's mom respect, considering that she is the only family Emery has before he came in the picture.
The book made me feel in the beginning. But it came short towards the end. With that said, this book is an okay read.
July 30, 2015
I always feel so many emotions while reading MW. She is a gifted author. One minute I can be laughing out loud and the next next I can be moved to tears. She gets the reader to feel things right along with all her characters. Brilliant.
I loved the surprise of some of the different POV's that we got to experience. I really enjoyed Rose's POV. It was such a nice way to tie in the story from the other perspective.
This book had a very sweet approach to the step-sibling storyline. I would def recommend to all!
"Sure, I'm the girl that stock piles books of all shapes and sizes, but none more than romance novels (the first love kind, not the ones your mom hides under her bed so you can't get your grubby little hands on them)." _ I can actually picture this line coming straight of out MW's mouth...LOL!!!!
Bahahaha- "My school is stealing his gimmick." #THRILLER
I loved the surprise of some of the different POV's that we got to experience. I really enjoyed Rose's POV. It was such a nice way to tie in the story from the other perspective.
This book had a very sweet approach to the step-sibling storyline. I would def recommend to all!
"Sure, I'm the girl that stock piles books of all shapes and sizes, but none more than romance novels (the first love kind, not the ones your mom hides under her bed so you can't get your grubby little hands on them)." _ I can actually picture this line coming straight of out MW's mouth...LOL!!!!
Bahahaha- "My school is stealing his gimmick." #THRILLER
August 21, 2015
Christian and Emery are seniors in high school when they meet. Emery is one to hide behind her camera lens instead of engaging in all the high school drama. Christian is new to this school moving to a new city with his dad. I loved watching their love grow. Emery's mom has started dating and she is so happy to see her mom happy. Christian's dad has started dating as well. They joke what if their parents were dating...then when the truth comes out everyone is hurt. Beautiful coming of age and falling in love story.
July 13, 2015
Before jumping into this book, because I'm all about making sure people don't waste their money on something they won't like, here's the skinny on The Space In Between.
1. YA book (but mature for language I guess since that's actually a thing). Both Christian and Emery are 17 (though Christian turns 18 during it)
2. No love triangles or exes though there is past events before C moves to town that are eluded to throughout.
3. Couple's first time will play a part here, but only in a "use your imagination" way. I lead into it, but the actual act is not shown. It's not erotic folks sorry.
4. It's a Step Brother romance yes, but not in the way you've seen it, at least in a lot of books lately. I'm delving into society reactions. family dynamics to the news, whether it's taboo or whether it's not, and the emotional impact of finding this out for both characters and their families.
5. They're not in this situation when they meet. It's what happens over time.
6. It's got a lot of humor in it, as well as some serious emotional stuff. I'm not tackling this subject lightly.
7. It's a HEA. (Just not saying how. Hope that doesn't ruin it lol)
8. The parents play their own unique part in this later in the story ( 2 POVs from the mom and 1 from the dad), but a lot of the book does focus on Christian and Emery and their friendships and growth as a couple.
9. It reminds me a lot of Count On Me, but without the abuse and special needs and bullying.
10. Christian is a beta hero. Not an asshole (no Kay, or Dillon here folks), but he does make missteps and mistakes. Wouldn't work for me as the author if he was absolutely perfect. Same goes for Emery. They act their age, but also older if that makes sense.
11. They're both virgins and only have eyes for each other.
12. If you liked Count On Me at all, the writing style, the characters, the love story, you'll like this one. It's written in the same way even if the stories are completely different.
I think that about sums it up. If there's something specific you want to know about before picking it up, shoot me a line and I'll let you know.
For anyone that takes a chance on this book, thank you. I will love your faces forever, no matter the response to it. <3
1. YA book (but mature for language I guess since that's actually a thing). Both Christian and Emery are 17 (though Christian turns 18 during it)
2. No love triangles or exes though there is past events before C moves to town that are eluded to throughout.
3. Couple's first time will play a part here, but only in a "use your imagination" way. I lead into it, but the actual act is not shown. It's not erotic folks sorry.
4. It's a Step Brother romance yes, but not in the way you've seen it, at least in a lot of books lately. I'm delving into society reactions. family dynamics to the news, whether it's taboo or whether it's not, and the emotional impact of finding this out for both characters and their families.
5. They're not in this situation when they meet. It's what happens over time.
6. It's got a lot of humor in it, as well as some serious emotional stuff. I'm not tackling this subject lightly.
7. It's a HEA. (Just not saying how. Hope that doesn't ruin it lol)
8. The parents play their own unique part in this later in the story ( 2 POVs from the mom and 1 from the dad), but a lot of the book does focus on Christian and Emery and their friendships and growth as a couple.
9. It reminds me a lot of Count On Me, but without the abuse and special needs and bullying.
10. Christian is a beta hero. Not an asshole (no Kay, or Dillon here folks), but he does make missteps and mistakes. Wouldn't work for me as the author if he was absolutely perfect. Same goes for Emery. They act their age, but also older if that makes sense.
11. They're both virgins and only have eyes for each other.
12. If you liked Count On Me at all, the writing style, the characters, the love story, you'll like this one. It's written in the same way even if the stories are completely different.
I think that about sums it up. If there's something specific you want to know about before picking it up, shoot me a line and I'll let you know.
For anyone that takes a chance on this book, thank you. I will love your faces forever, no matter the response to it. <3
August 26, 2015
As a writer, reviews should be easy, but they never are. I get so involved in the story, all the things I loved become impossible to separate and describe. But, I loved this book. I loved the banter between Emery and her Mikey. I loved the way he adored her. How he refused to give up on her, or them. Her feistiness made me smile. The way she teased him, yet noticed every single detail, remembered them, and in some way helped him, made me tear up. Her selflessness to some may have been too much, but I so understood her and her thought process. Putting someone you love ahead of yourself is the ultimate act.
Thank God, Mikey never gave up.
I smiled and laughed, I cried and yelled.
I enjoyed.
Thank God, Mikey never gave up.
I smiled and laughed, I cried and yelled.
I enjoyed.
August 12, 2015
Emery and Chris keep running into each other since the first day of school. From there they start a friendship that grows into a deeper relationship. Coincidentally, both their parents are dating someone, but what Emery and Chris don't know is that their parents are dating each other. When Emery, Chris, and their parents realize this everyone's relationship is put to the test especially after the parents share the news of their engagement. Can Emery and Chris's relationship survive after this devastating blow? You'll have to read to find out what happens. >_<
August 16, 2015
Oh My goodness this book <3
I loved it and if I was alone in the train yesterday I would have cried my eyes out like a baby not only heart breaking tears but happy ones.
Instead I sat there telling myself don't cry don't cry or else everybody will think you are crazy haha Such a good story I loved Mikey and Ems !! I will probably read this book again <3 so five big beautiful funny stars
I loved it and if I was alone in the train yesterday I would have cried my eyes out like a baby not only heart breaking tears but happy ones.
Instead I sat there telling myself don't cry don't cry or else everybody will think you are crazy haha Such a good story I loved Mikey and Ems !! I will probably read this book again <3 so five big beautiful funny stars
August 5, 2015
5++++ stars!!!! She got me with the prologue...... And like all of her stories this one didn't disappoint me....i just simply fell in love with both of the main characters.
November 17, 2015
4.5 stars!
August 8, 2015
4.5. Drama...vontade de dar um tapa na mãe da Emery. O legal foi que dessa vez o "romance proibido""entre futuros meio-irmãos teve um argumento diference.
September 13, 2022
This is the right book 😂😂😂 overall good book
March 11, 2016
This was such a SWEET and BEAUTIFUL love story.... one of those loves that are like written in the stars, totally meant to be. Full of SIGNS...
It was full of "aww" moments, where I, being the Romance Lover I am, totally melted. >.<
"Well, yeah. I mean, I want to spoil you. You're my girl"
"When I'm with you, I feel like I'm home"
And moments when I worried a lot about what would happen.
"l'm not going anywhere. We're in this together.
Music. That's what her words are, and even though I know she means them, I also know that sooner rather then later, it's all going to crumble around us, and the way we are right now won't exist anymore.
We'll both be completly alone"
The main characters were Funny, and the book was also about friendship and family relationships. I loved Emery, Christian, and Jonhy so much <3 .
And what I found to be GREAT was that the book was told in Multiple POV (not only both main characters, but also the parents and Jonhy. We even get a letter from Emily, how AWESOME is that!!!)
It became one of my favorites... I do recommend it! : )
November 1, 2018
You can’t help who you love. Your heart doesn’t wake up and go through a list of things that it needs to adhere to before feeling something for someone. It doesn’t understand societal norms or prerequisites like race, religion or hell, like with us, whether or not there are people close to them venturing down the same path. It only knows that it likes the way it feels when it’s with the one that beats to match it. Love doesn’t judge. Love isn’t forceful. Love just is.
October 8, 2015
In honour of our MIKEY:
"He’s in a class of his own. It’s like someone had this dream of the way they wanted the perfect guy to act and by some force of magic it was brought to life.
Wow. Did I really just go total girl mode and call Christian Cayne a dream come true?" (Emery Carmicheal)
Yes you did hon... ;)
Loved Emery and Christain (Mikey) Cayne <3
Wish all girls have their dreams come true and a phenomenal guy like Chris who never stops fighting for them.
Definitely BOOK BOYFRIEND :*
P.S. that letter in the end was a show stealer :') Moms! they live in hearts ^_^
"He’s in a class of his own. It’s like someone had this dream of the way they wanted the perfect guy to act and by some force of magic it was brought to life.
Wow. Did I really just go total girl mode and call Christian Cayne a dream come true?" (Emery Carmicheal)
Yes you did hon... ;)
Loved Emery and Christain (Mikey) Cayne <3
Wish all girls have their dreams come true and a phenomenal guy like Chris who never stops fighting for them.
Definitely BOOK BOYFRIEND :*
P.S. that letter in the end was a show stealer :') Moms! they live in hearts ^_^
February 3, 2016
The story was adorable, heart-warming, heart-wrenching, sad, and completely romantic. Christian is so cute, and the way that he loves is so ..... devoted, and sincere, and completely genuine and true, that to me he feels like a fairytale. But the book wasn't bad, and who doesn't like an adorable, kind-of hot, devoted fairytale.
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