Can't Wait for Onyx Storm

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.

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, # 3)

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: January 21, 2025 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

? pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Dragons

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--THE STORM IS COMING . . .

Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons.
No more time for uncertainty.
Because the battle has truly begun; and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre.
The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves - her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.
They need an army.
They need power.
They need magic.
And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.
But a storm is coming... and not everyone can survive its wrath.

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

The Gentleman's Confession - Review

The Gentleman's Confession (Matchmaking Mamas, # 3)

By: Anneka R Walker

Publication: October 22, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

288 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man’s heart—not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

The matchmaking mamas strike again. When Jemma's grandmother passes away, she extracts a promise from Jemma on her deathbed. Jemma agrees to marry when she was previously against the idea. She's an independent woman after all, and her financial stability doesn't rely on a man's income either. But that's not all. She promises her grandmother to marry for love. And the truth is she wants what her grandmother had. Love and family. 

Miles has been in love with Jemma since they were kids. But she was always against marriage so he never thought he (or anyone else) had a shot with her. When she up and changes her mind, he's thrown into a tailspin. Especially because she asks him to teach her how to fall in love with the man the Matchmaking Mamas have picked for her. 

To make matters worse, Lisette, Jemma's cousin, has been in love with Miles since he saved her from drowning as a child. Jemma would never stand in the way of Lisette's happiness. And over time, expectations have risen that Miles and Lisette will eventually marry. Miles has never wanted to marry Lisette though, and he has always struggled with balancing their friendship with not raising her expectations. I'm a firm believer that two people cannot be friends when one of them has feelings for the other. No matter how careful the person without feelings is the other often reads too much into every small interaction. 

I don't love books where the main characters are willing to forego their happiness for the sake of someone else--especially when a little communication could clear up many misunderstandings. I mean don't get me wrong. I'm not a "happiness reigns supreme" kind of person. I don't believe happiness comes before moral rightness. But in cases like these, simply having a conversation with someone, and being open and vulnerable would have prevented a lot of heartache. So in this way, I don't think The Gentleman's Confession was executed in the best way. 

My heart ached for Miles. Unrequited love is so hard. And he's been watching his love from afar for so long. Once his secret was out, he got a little saucy with his flirting. But Jemma probably needed the directness to force her not to ignore him or her feelings. I also felt his lessons on love could be useful for just about anyone. He gave some of the most quotable moments which I'll share below.

Favorite quotes:

-"I'll write the words across my heart, never to be forgotten," she quipped. His forehead creased. "If only you would."

-"Misunderstandings are easy, are they not? They can make a wedge between a couple and prevent love from blossoming or even kill it completely."

-"Get her to talk about herself. Then based on your conversation, think of something nice to do for her. When you serve someone, you start to think differently about them. It's an amazing thing."

-"The theme this time is sacrifice. Think of something dear to you that you can give up for a time."

-"If love is solely self-serving, it chokes the other person."

-"...work too much or not enough. This is the same for both the poor and the rich. There seems to be a fine balance in which relationships hang on the pendulum. When out of balance, the couple suffers. Frivolity, relaxation, or social engagements, whatever form of play it is, can be tiresome in its excess. It, too, requires the utmost care of balance."

-Life was more than just keeping others happy.

-...giving is the only service compensated from the heart.

-"Remember not to settle for the easy road. Not when the harder path takes us toward a greater happiness."

-"I cannot give you the world, but this hand is yours if you want it."

One small pet peeve: Nowhere in Scripture does the Bible teach that humans become angels when we die. There was only one passing statement about this, but it bothered me all the same. 

The Gentleman's Confession was another enjoyable installment in the Matchmaking Mamas series. I don't love when characters know their behavior could hurt others. A simple, open conversation is more likely to be respected and appreciated. That being said, I still enjoyed The Gentleman's Confession and things couldn't have worked out better for all involved. And I can't wait to see what gets cooked up for Ian in the next book. The Gentleman's Confession gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Gentlenman's Confession? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 11/3/24

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.

Monday was back to school after our vacation. I honestly barely remember Monday or Tuesday. Oh wait, Tuesday, I tok the kids to the park. They played about an hour. Then we picked up donuts for Big Boy's birthday. Then we did my grocery pickup. Wednesday was Big Boy's birthday, but I also had some appointments scheduled. So we had to get up and rush through presents and a donut breakfast. I rushed Little Boy to school and then had an eye doctor appointmnet. I decided to give the kids the morning off school, but we did do afternoon school. Then we had to run our puppy to the vet for his first appointment with us. He did great and is a very healthy boy. Big Boy didn't have great behavior on his birthday. I always hate when that happens on special days. It always reminds me of The Berenstein Bear's Too Much Birthday. Thursday we had co-op. Of course, we had trick-or-treating. Our neighborhood has always been really active in those who decorate and participate in trick-or-treating, but this year was kind of disappointing. A lot of houses that normally participate didn't. And we didn't see nearly the same number of trick-or-treaters. A couple of houses keep count and they looked to have about half the numbers this year. Friday morning, I had to wake up early and go to my annual physical with my GP. That went well. I got home in enough time to do a shortened morning routine with the kids. It was a long day with not the best behavior, but honestly, I think every teacher everywhere will say that the day after Halloween is a bit of a trainwreck. Saturday, we had a two-for. My great-nephew's 1st birthday party was at 2 and then we had a wedding to go to at 5. After tomorrow our days will slow down until the week of Thanksgiving. And man do we need a break.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of The Courting of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 1) by Mary E Pearson (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: All Things Halloween Review of Knight of the Goddess (Blood of a Fae, # 4) by Briar Boleyn (3.5 Stars)
Thursday: All Things Halloween Review of Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart, # 1) by Stephanie Garber (4 Stars)
Friday: October 2024 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Gentleman's Confession (Matchmaking Mamas, # 3) by Anneka R Walker
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of Beneath the Crescent Shadow (The Balkan Legends, # 1) by AL Soward
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Biscuit Meets the Class Pet

My annual "All Things Halloween" event wrapped up. This is my month-long event where I feature reviews from Halloween-y genres (fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, mystery, thriller, and suspense). Over the last few years I've had mostly fantasy books as I just haven't been in the mood for much horror, but still...these are books that can get you in the mood for Halloween.

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

NEW BOOKS:

The Notorious Virtues (The Notorious Virtues, # 1)

By: Alwyn Hamilton

Publication: May 5th 2020 by Faber & Faber

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.

But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.

And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.

With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.

Incredible tests, impossible choices and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

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!

October 2024 EOM Wrap Up

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is ending. This is my month-long event where I feature reviews from Halloween-y genres (fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, mystery, thriller, and suspense). Over the last few years I've had mostly fantasy books as I just haven't been in the mood for much horror, but still...these are books that can get you in the mood for Halloween.

I read 6 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
When He Was Wicked (The Bridgertons, # 6) by Julia Quinn
The Wild Robot (The Wild Robot, # 1) by Peter Brown (re-read)
*A Dawn of Gods and Fury (Fate & Flame, # 4) by KA Tucker
The Art of Us by Julie Wright
The Giver (The Giver, # 1) by Lois Lowry
*The Rules of Matrimony (Matchmaking Mamas, # 4) by Anneka R Walker

I have reviewed 15 books (not including mini reviews of children's books). *These qualify for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Iron Flame (The Empyrean, # 2) by Rebecca Yarros
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The Death King (Death, # 1) by Penelope Barsetti
The Hollow Vows (The Hollow Vows, # 1) by Lexi Ryan
Serpent Sea (Spice Road Trilogy, # 2) by Maiya Ibrahim
The Wild Robot (The Wild Robot, # 1) by Peter Brown
*These Twisted Bonds (The Hollow Vows, # 2) by Lexi Ryan
Nymph Totem by Brittni Chenelle
The Court that Bleeds (The Gold Weaver, # 1) by Zara Storm
Kingdom Cold (Kingdom Cold, # 1) by Brittni Chenelle
Vows and Ruins (The Legends of Thezmarr, # 2) by Helen Scheuerer
Empress of Fae (Blood of a Fae, # 3) by Briar Boleyn
The Courting of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 1) by Mary E Pearson
*Knight of the Goddess (Blood of a Fae, # 4) by Briar Boleyn
Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart, # 1) by Stephanie Garber

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 10/06/24
Sunday Post - 10/13/24
Sunday Post - 10/20/24
Sunday Post - 10/27/24
Can't Wait for Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
Can't Wait for The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson
Can't Wait for Midnights with You by Clare Osongco
Can't Wait for To Charm the Dark Prince (The Iron Crystals, # 1) by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge - October Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 92 out of 65 books (not including children's books).
I've read 6 out of 5-10 series enders.

All Things Halloween Review - Once Upon a Broken Heart

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart, # 1)

By: Stephanie Garber

Publication: September 28, 2021 by Flatiron Books

408 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic

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--How far would you go for happily ever after?

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings... until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic but wicked Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game—and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after or the most exquisite tragedy...

Another book it's been a month before writing the book review for. Unfortunately, that means, I've forgotten some of the finer details. 

Evangeline is sure that her first love has been spelled into marrying her stepsister. She's so sure of this that she makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts despite knowing that his deals are often twisted and the requestor ends up regretting the deal almost always. There's a hint of a connection between Jacks and Evangeline upon meeting and their deal. The deal is that Jack will stop the wedding in exchange for 3 kisses of his choosing from Evangeline. Without spoiling things too much, he stops the wedding by turning everyone into stone. 

Evangeline immediately regrets her decision because she didn't want anyone turned to stone. Not Luc (the guy she's been in love with for a long time), not Marisol (her step-sister), and definitely not all the wedding guests either. Evangeline does what is necessary to right the wrong (I'm not going to tell you how), but that results in a good bit of time passing in her life and the characters, essentially, do their best to move on with their lives. Yet Evangeline still has to fulfill her part of the bargain. 

Since I finished this book just shy of two months before writing my review of it, I'm forgetting some of the details. I don't remember exactly how Evangeline got the invitation to go to this other kingdom in an attempt to wed their prince so that he could become king. But regardless, Evangeline realizes that her life is stuck as is and this is an opportunity, however small, for her to find love. Evangeline tries so hard to fall in love with Prince Sebastian that she ignores common sense. She ignores that he's pretty much been spelled to like her the same way Luc was spelled to like Marisol. She has no history to back up any relationship or trust with Marisol. But I will say that I waffled back and forth on whether I thought Marisol was an alley or an enemy. 

I wondered based on the description if Jacks would call in the kisses for himself at strategic times, but apparently, his kiss is fatal to anyone who isn't his true love. Maybe this is backstory given through the Carvel series so people who have read it would have already known, but I haven't read it so I was unaware, and thus disappointed to find out Evangeline was supposed to kiss others, even though I still assumed that Jacks would end up being the male love interest. Evangeline has to process how she feels about Sebastian, Luc, and yes Jacks so far into the story. 

The cliffhanger ending has me dying to get my hands on book 2, The Ballad of Never After, but my cheap self has to wait for that to go on sale since I have so many other books that I'm behind on reading. In the end, I feel like Once Upon a Broken Heart deserves 4 Stars. It was a solid start to a series that I'm looking forward to finding out more about. Jacks was probably my favorite part of the story. Have you read Once Upon a Broken Heart? If so, what do you think? Let me know!

*Sorry for the scattered review. That tends to happen when I get backed up on book reviews.

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.