3 S.R. Johannes: This book was "Made for You" by Melissa Marr

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

This book was "Made for You" by Melissa Marr

So I'm going to begin by saying that there isn't anything about Melissa Marr's latest novel that I don't love- it's action packed, thrilling, and the romance is completely enveloping. Late night binge reading perfection, to say the least. 

Here is a list of the top ten things I loved about Made For You, by Melissa Marr:

1. The Thrill Never Dies 

There isn't a moment in this book where I'm not enthralled. It's a true to the name page-turner, delivering heart stopping thrills and twists with every chapter. I read it in twelve hours later. Needless to say, it kept my pulse racing. 

2. So Much Romance, So Little Time

The romance between the lead characters in this book is real enough to spark a very large campfire. Without even meaning to, I found myself so engrossed in the main couple's connection that their pain was my pain, their joy my joy.

It. was. awesome. 


The emotions were real and intense, and kept me reading like a true addict. 

3. Every Encounter Counted

There wasn't a single moment where I wasn't left guessing without a purpose, or the intricacies of the plot weren't intended- every word between every character was carefully plotted out and calculated. With each flashback, I gasped and connected the dots and this kept me so enthralled I forgot to eat. Or sleep. Or breathe at times. 

4. The True Southern Hospitality

There's no doubt in my mind that Melissa Marr has spent a great deal of time either in traditional Southern homes or researching them - because every encounter with true Southern men and women was oh so hysterical. It was hilarious to read some of the refreshing observances that the narration made on Southern hospitality and customs, down to the homemade lemonade and sugary smiles. 

5. It was Superbly Chilling

Each moment of this book ticked away like a chill down your spine, and never stopped questioning your sanity. It's the kind of story that will make you look behind every shower curtain and think twice before walking home by yourself at night. In short, the paranoia was so well written it keeps the reader on his/her toes. 

6. The Dialogue is Genius

Yes, genius. Every quip and witty comeback is wonderfully placed, and all of the characters work so well in tandem with each other it's easy to get caught up in their drama. That's probably why the thrills work so well- the dialogue is so sweet and dangerous at the same time. 

7. Superbe Pacing


As readers, pace is key. Without a good pace and steady feel, a novel can quickly be returned to the shelf. However, Made For You delivers a fast paced punch. The moment you pick it up, it has you; and after that there's no turning back: you're swept along faster than you ever expected. 

8. The Tiny Details

From the obscure meaning of various types of flowers, to the numerous Biblical allusions, Melissa Marr weaves hundreds of tiny facts into this story. They're not only impressively accurate, but add to the bone chilling reality of the plot itself. 

9. It Lets You Into the Mind of a Stalker- and Doesn't let  you Go 


Not only does the narration allow the reader into the innermost musings of a serial killer, it keeps you there. Perhaps the most enthralling thing about Marr's writing style is her ability to change POV so effectively, making you feel like you just changed minds with ease and comfort. From Eva to her best friend Grace (even the name is cool ;) - even to the killer himself - the internal narration of each character is fantastic. 


And Finally, 

10. The Setting was Just Plain Spooky

Let's face it- there isn't much about the old south that isn't a little bit scary. But set in the town of Jessup, North Carolina, this book just takes setting to a whole different level. A small and traditional Southern town, Jessup is exactly the opposite of where you would expect a thrilling story like this to take place- making it all the more horrifyingly brilliant. 

So there you have it! Ten reasons why Melissa Marr's new book, Made For You, absolutely floored me! If (and when) you pick it up, be prepared to not put it down for the entire day. 


Trust me, it's made for you. 




3 comments:

Yvonne Osborne said...

Chilling romance...sounds like a winner. I agree, there isn't much about that the south that isn't scary!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

It's a serious winner! I love the Southern setting, makes it all too real.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I found this book last month on TBD. I hope to by a copy later this year or early next year. Glad my instincts were right about this book being really intriguing and thanks for sharing what you enjoyed so much about it.