Do book ratings really shape what we choose to read? From bestseller hype to FOMO and algorithms pushing the popular picks, it’s hard not to be influenced. But numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes, the best books are the ones we discover for ourselves — beyond the star count.
Not every protagonist needs to be likeable. In fact, the most memorable ones rarely are. Unlikeable characters challenge our empathy, push moral boundaries, and often feel more real than the heroes we’re told to admire. This post explores why flawed, difficult protagonists can make fiction far more compelling.
Building a diverse bookshelf isn’t a one-off project but an ongoing journey of curiosity and empathy. From exploring different cultures and identities to seeking stories beyond the mainstream, this post shares how to read widely, intentionally, and year-round, discovering the voices that make our world richer.
October’s theme is all about celebrating Black British voices. From cozy contemporary love stories to witty, character-driven tales, these authors showcase Black women being adored, challenged, and fully seen. Here are a few of my favourites, familiar voices and new discoveries, redefining British romance one story at a time.
This month’s Author Spotlight shines on the wonderful Christina C Jones, a woman I would consider my favourite author. The author who introduced me to black contemporary romance and has held my loyalty and love for over 5 years! Readers praise her for skillfully blending the realities of modern life into compelling stories that centre Black characters across nearly every corner of the romance genre. Whether it’s thrilling, action fantasy or the paranormal, CCJ weaves romance beautifully into all genres, and this spotlight tells you why she is an author to explore no matter your tastes.
Jacqueline Wilson’s Cookie was my first true book love. Its story of resilience, courage, and hope reflected parts of my own childhood in ways I didn’t fully realise at the time. Revisiting it now, I’m reminded how powerfully books shape us – and why childhood favourites never leave us.
Do you read multiple books at once or one book at a time? This is a topic that causes discussion in book communities. In this post, I’ll be explaining what I find most comfortable, but also why you should do what works best for you!
To commemorate the 6 month anniversary of my little book blog, I’m giving you a get to know me! In this post I answer 25 bookish questions about me and give you a bit more insight to the woman behind In Novel Company!
Do you prefer standalone books or lose yourself in the extended world of a book series? Do you love stories that are intertwined? I break down my case for the standalone and the case for the book series in this post and which one works best for me!
As a dedicated Romance addict it’s only right that I tell you guys what my favourite romance tropes are. The ones that melt my heart and immediately make me want to pick up a book without knowing what it’s about. I have a top 3 and in this post I’ll be telling you why!
