Stranger Things Have Happened - Review

Stranger Things Have Happened

By: Kasie West

Publication: April 14, 2026 by Saturday Books

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Can fake dating lead to real love? In Kasie West's next sexy adult romcom two people must decide where the lie ends and the chemistry begins.

Sutton knows she needs therapy. After all, she’s managing her newly opened restaurant remotely while taking care of her ungrateful sick mother. Plus, her boyfriend of two years just dumped her over the phone. But does therapy with a handsome stranger, who she has to pretend to be engaged to, in order to help her friend’s struggling relationship count? Probably not. Then why did she just agree to go? Because she’s had a few too many drinks? Because this stranger, Elijah, is smug and annoying and really, really handsome? Because she feels guilty that she abandoned her best friend, Tara, after high school and this might just make up for it? Whatever the reason, she has committed to this unhinged plan.

What [...] is Sutton doing?

Helping Tara prove a point: a good therapist can tell the difference between real love and fake love. That’s what she’s doing. But as they attend their sessions, Sutton and Elijah only seem to be proving one thing—the lines between pretend desire and real desire are very blurry. This true connection forming between them is threatening to unravel everything Sutton thought she knew about family, friendship, and her own heart.

Kasie West has been a mostly auto-read author for me. Up until this year, she has written only for young adults. But within the last year, she's released two adult novels, and I'm here for it.

Sutton starts off the novel on her way to meet her boyfriend for a date since she's been out of town taking care of her mom. But her boyfriend decides to dump her over the phone instead. On top of that, she's recently opened a new restaurant with a friend and business partner that isn't getting great reviews from critics. She's not in the best place, but she's keeping it together. She runs into her high school best friend, who is engaged, the fiancé, and his brother.

Tara is trying to talk her fiancé into doing premarital counseling before the wedding, but he thinks therapy is pointless. Sutton gets pulled into a bet of sorts that a therapist couldn't even tell if two random strangers were actually in a relationship or not. But Sutton and Elijah (fiancé's brother) are the only strangers who could attempt this for Tara and fiance. Of course, Sutton and Elijah are forced to spend some time together and have some homework given to them by the therapist. They agree to do the homework to the best of their abilities to ensure they don't need to lie in their sessions and remain as truthful as possible to see if the therapist can figure things out. And of course, feelings begin to develop.

Elijah and Sutton were great. Everything about their relationship was enjoyable. Even though things kept getting thwarted. They were easy to root for. There is a little on-page spice, but there are not too many scenes if that's an issue for you.

What was a struggle was DB fiance who I haven't dignified with even a name in this review. He was easy to root against. And then Sutton's mom was so difficult as well. She was often downright mean to Sutton. I suppose there's resentment towards Sutton and thoughts that her husband wouldn't have left, but she was just so awful to her that it was hard to read. Caregiving is hard work, but compound that with trying to care for someone who degrades you, and that's what she was facing.

Overall, Stranger Things Have Happened was a fun, fast read for me. I am actually giving Stranger Things Have Happened 4.5 Stars because of how real and connected I felt to the story. Have you read Stranger Things Have Happened? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/26/26

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

It was back to school and routines after our vacation the week before. Monday was a normal school day. All three kids had ball games Monday night. I took Little Boy, and Husband had double duty. Big Girl got to play on the local high school field. The boys started playing in a regional week long midseason tournament. They both lost their pool games Monday and Thursday, but that just puts us in a lower bracket for the tournament. Tuesday we didn't have any activities. Normally we would go to my parent's house and hang out and get groceries, but our schedule had to be a little different this week. Wednesday, we had normal school. Little Boy did have to stay late for end of the year testing. It isn't too intense or anything, and he did well. Wednesday, Big Girl did have pitching practice. Thursday, we went to my parents. I dropped two off. And Big Boy had some testing done. We're trying to rule out some potential things like dyslexia and such. Anyway, we went back to my parent's house. And then all three kids had ball games again. I went to Big Girl's game and then to Big Boy's after that. Bracket games started Friday night. So we had two games instead of three. Little Boy's team lost by 1 and that shut down their chances for a bracket championship. Big Boy's team won. So we went on to play Saturday morning. Saturday morning's game was a shut out. They had their bats moving and defense was spot on. We spent the rest of the day doing various yard work things.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy, # 2) by Callie Hart (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Tempest (The Lyrian Sea, # 1) by Victoria Aveyard
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Be Kind

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Bad Seed

NEW BOOKS:

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams – A Historical Novel of the Woman Who Helped Shape America from the Shadows

By: Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Narrated By: Cassandra Campbell

Publication: May 5, 2026 by William Morrow Paperbacks

464 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, American Revolution

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.

In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.

When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.

From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Be Kind

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

Be Kind

By: Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrated By: Jen Hill

Publication: February 6, 2018 by Roaring Brook Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Friendship, Fiction, Manners

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A picture book about the power of kindness.

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend.

We've had Be Kind for a long time. I'm always looking for books that have good morals. Be Kind does a great job of showcasing diversity without it being forced. Be Kind is a story about a girl who witnesses a friend at school spill grape juice on herself. The main character (I don't think we ever learn her name) is wondering how to help her friend feel better. So she goes through the process of thinking through some things that might help Tanisha and what it means to be kind.

I know that Accelerated Reader wasn't a perfect program, but I do like to use it as a guide to figure out which books are on my child's reading level. Be Kind is listed as a 2.2 Level book. There were a few names that were a struggle for my son. Tanisha, Rabbi Mandelbaum, Desmond. For the most part, he didn't need much help other than those names.

Be Kind is my favorite kind of picture book. It has a great message. The illustrations are meaningful to the story. And my child didn't fight me about reading it. Be Kind gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Be Kind? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Tempest

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Tempest (The Lyrian Sea, #1)

By: Victoria Aveyard

Expected Publication: September 8, 2026 by Harper Voyager

464 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Pirates, Romantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard comes an epic adventure of love and betrayal, amid a brutal war for the high seas.

May the sea always sing for you

Cat Rose knows what it is to live in two worlds, in two times. Before—as Lady Catrine Rose of the Meridian Empire, chained to a loathsome lord with a dwindling fortune. And after—as the Widow Rose, queen of a pirate tavern in the Lyrian Sea, determined to be the master of her own fate.

But tides turn and winds change. The Meridian Empire looms on the horizon, the full weight of her navy falling on the Lyrian, bent on reclaiming the wealthy colonies and crushing the pirate republic once and for all. Ship after ship is captured, save for one, captained by a pirate who continually evades both noose and blade: the legendary Valerian Kane.

With his fearsome ship and uncanny connection to the song of the sea, Valerian is the only man who might rally the pirates who remain. The only man who threatens the Empire. And the only man Cat has ever loved, blazing in and out of her life like a star.

Desperate for victory, the Empire offers Cat a devastating choice: bring them Valerian or hang. In truth, no choice at all.

But Cat Rose is nothing if not a survivor.

A storm is rising on the Lyrian Sea—the question is, what will it leave in its wake?

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Brimstone - Review

Brimstome (Fae & Alchemy, # 2)

By: Callie Hart

Publication: November 18, 2025 by Forever

672 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Duty. Blood. Honour. Power.

Saeris Fane doesn't want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court's lips, but now that she's been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she's discovering that a queen's life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders.

Her ward - and her brother - need her back in her homeland . . . but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead . . .

'Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.'

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

Guys, I'll just be honest...I don't remember too much about Quicksilver. Like the details. I remember the beginning and some of the middle and ending. So the start of Brimstone felt a little confusing for me. I'll also say, that despite being interested in what was happening, I fell asleep almost every time I picked this book up. I just could not stay awake. And only reading snippets at a time made this read take so long for me to get through. And that always affects my enjoyment of a book. Not to mention that Brimstone is 672 pages.

Saeris used to be human. Now she's turned half fae, half vampire. This was necessary to prevent her from dying. Because she isn't a full vampire, she isn't exactly controlled by their blood thirst. And because she killed Malcolm, she's the new Queen of the vampires. The entire court can be put under a command not to hurt her or her friends. Seems odd. Seems like everyone would be out to kill the current ruler in order to obtain that power for themselves. But whatever. Saeris and Kingfisher spend a lot of time at the Blood Court, but they also switch back to Cahlish periodically. They have to figure out what to do with the Blood Court, but there's also a weird rot that is spreading across the fae lands at a rapid pace. Oh and, Fisher and Carrion go back to Zilvaren to get Hayden for Saeris.

I don't know how many books are planned for this series, but I think Brimstone falls into the catergory that most second books in a series do. They deviate (because they have to) from some of the things that caused readers to fall in love with the first book. The main characters usually have to spend some time away from each other. Thankfully, there was no weird drama that caused a rift for Fisher and Saeris. There was only distance that seperated them.

The physical scenes were easy for me to skim by. But the language was a lot. Like a lot.

I will say...this is probably a spoiler, but I just have to comment on this. We all know that in fae lore, having the real name of a fae or fairy means that you have control over them. So in a lot of fae books, having a fae's true name is a big thing. This was brought up in Brimstone. It was assumed by many that Fisher and Saeris would get married since they are godsbound and mates. But Fisher informs Saeris that you need a fae's true name in order to get married, but he doesn't even know his true name. Well you'll probably not be surprised to know that Saeris does learn his true name. What will surprise you is that now that we've been calling him Fisher or Kingfisher for two novels, all of a sudden Saeris "can't think of him by any other name" and so she starts calling him by his real name. And despite the fact that he's gone by Kingfisher for HUNDREDS OF YEARS and never even known his real name, he takes no issue with this. And THEN she starts calling him a shortened, nickname version of his real name. I don't like it. Kingfisher/Fisher is such an iconic name. That would be like changing Xaden or Rhysand or Rowan at this point to something completely different. Or you find out that Harry's parents actual named him Benedict. You just can't take an iconic name and change it after 1000 pages.

Another complaint, I have argued about Colleen Hoover using letters to give big information dumps. In this case, Fisher's mom left Saeris a book that basically tells her what they need to do because she was an oracle/seer/could see the future. As the reader, we don't have access to the knowledge that Saeris has. We only know that Fisher's mom left this book that details what Saeris needs to do at different points. Yet it doesn't seem like she spells out exactly what Saeris needs to do, but she seems to have enough information to know what she needs to do next. I just feel like this is cheating in some way. It feels like a cop out.

I'd also be remiss not to mention that Onyx...well, I feel quite strongly about a specific scene with him. IYKYK. I'm not a fan of what went down there. This better have big pay off at some point.

Favorite quotes:

-“Can you— look, can you just behave yourself out there?” I murmured under my breath. He looked bemused, the faintest hint of a dimple forming in his right cheek. “I can,” he answered. “I can’t promise that I will.”

-“No, Carrion. I won’t.” “Why not?” He sounded like I’d just kicked him. “There’s only one way to learn how to endure pain the way I have. You have to suffer through it. Again, and again, and again. It galvanizes you. Tempers you like steel. But I wouldn’t wish the kind of pain I’ve lived through on anyone. I’ve borne it because I had to and for no other reason. Feel the pain you’ve been given, Carrion. Don’t be fool enough to ask for more. It’s a curse I would spare you from, believe me.”

-Meanwhile, I dream that I’d been turned into a goat, and I wake up with a mouth drier than the glass flats, covered in suspect pox marks!”

-I swear myself to you, Saeris Fane. I will carry out your bidding so long as there is breath left in me. And when I pass from this place and move on to the next, I will carry your banners there and storm the gates of heaven in your name if you wish it.”

-“I shouldn’t tell you this, since you seem blissfully unaware of the power you hold over me, but… I will give you whatever you want, Saeris Fane. Always. No matter what it costs me.”

Even with those complaints, I didn't feel like Brimstone was a bad book. Now, I still can't rate it 5 Stars or anything like that. It falls into a fairly typical second book in a series feel which are so rarely my favorites. Most of the time the second in a series ends up being my least favorite books. We will see where Brimstone falls when the series is complete. I'm giving Brimstone 4 Stars. Have you read Brimstone? What did you think? Let me know!