Next Level Love - Review

Next Level Love

By: Shameez Patel

Narrated By: Shahjehan Khan; Jensen Olaya

Publication: January 20, 2026 by Forever

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Multicultural

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--When your favorite player turns out to be your very real boss, the rules are a lot more complicated.

Elizabeth Gordon-Bettencourt is rebuilding her life on her own terms, starting with a new internship, a shot at her dream job as a civil engineer, and a whole lot of distance from her family’s drama. With her life full of change, the one constant is @theanswerisno, a charming gamer who seems to just . . . get her. Even if he has no interest in meeting her in real life.

Elizabeth would feel a lot more confident about her job if her new boss wasn’t so hard to read. Lincoln Carden is quiet, demanding, and adamant about avoiding small talk—especially in the office. What she doesn’t know is that online, he’s someone else entirely: quick, confident, and a little bit flirty. And his favorite player to team up with is @pancakesareelite, the one person who never makes him feel like he has to try so hard. As their two worlds start to collide, Elizabeth and Lincoln start to wonder: with their careers on the line and their online friendship at risk, is a romance IRL worth it?

I listened to Next Level Love when my family was hit with a fever virus. Everyone was down for the count, including me. Having something to listen to helped me pass the time when I felt like I didn't want to move and didn't have the energy to watch TV or hold my Kindle. Of course, I find that my enjoyment of a story tends to go up the faster I finish it. That being said, I finished Next Level Love in one day.

Lincoln is an engineer and gamer. His dad died when he was young, about eight, I think, when he was hit by a car as he was walking down the road. The road had no sidewalks. So, Lincoln has focused his engineering career on roads. He also has ADHD, so he struggles with distractions and has developed coping mechanisms to help him through his work. But he's always struggled to connect with other people. He has a group of friends, but he has always felt a little bit like an outsider with them. His mother is remarrying and moving out of his childhood home. She is expecting him to pack his father's office. Lincoln is being offered a trial run as a supervisor at his company, but he has to figure out how to manage people, specifically an intern.

Elizabeth is the stepdaughter of a famous guy. Yet she's escaped him and his influence and is trying to make her way in the engineering field. She's landed an internship that she's not sure she earned. Everyone treats her a specific way due to her last name (her stepfather's name). In her free time, she loves to play online games. Only she's beginning to suspect that the Link she's been chatting with online for years might actually be her boss.

I really appreciated that Next Level Love didn't have any on-page spice. Things "fade to black," so to speak. I can't remember any cursing, but if there was any, it would have been minimal. To be fair, I wasn't in my top brain while listening, so I might have missed it. But I love it when a story can prove that those things aren't needed to make a good and enjoyable book.

My eight-year-old son has, I believe, undiagnosed ADHD, so seeing an adult character with a rewarding and complicated career, with a friend group, and a love life. It helps my mama heart to see that some of the struggles we are having now might be able to be overcome because some days it feels hopeless, which I know isn't true.

The dual narrators, Shahjehan Khan and Jensen Olaya, did a great job. I felt their performances, and they never pulled me out of the story. That's the note of a good narration job.

Next Level Love was a really enjoyable book for me. I liked the ADHD representation. You could tell that Lincoln isn't white, but his race wasn't harped on, which I also appreciated. The relationship and all of the side pieces of the story came together very well, and every piece of the puzzle popped off the page feeling real and well-rounded. Next Level Love gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Next Level Love? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 03/08/26

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.

This was one of the worst weeks we've had in a while. Little Boy was running fever last weekend. Last Sunday night was the last time he ran fever. The Big Kids started running fever on Sunday. I kept Little Boy home on Monday. I did a medication run Monday afternoon. Tuesday, we stayed home from my parent's house and did my grocery run. Tuesday afternoon I started running a fever. Wednesday, Husband took Little Boy to school for me and picked him up. Big Boy was finally fever free. I ran fever again Wednesday night. Husband took Big Boy to his nature school homeschool class on Thursday. Big Girl ran fever at least once a day each day. I am quite sure we have had the flu. We never went to the doctor because if it was the flu there was nothing they would do for us besides tell us to treat our symptoms. Little Boy only had fever. Big Boy had fever and diarrhea. Big Girl had fever and cough. I have had fever, cough, and congestion. All of us have had headache with fever. Husband took the boys to baseball practices on Thursday night, but Big Girl missed all of her practices and activities this week. Two of the kids actually have regular checkup appointments this coming week. Saturday was my 15th Blogoversary. I just didn't have the energy to do anything to celebrate it.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of A Love Most Daring (Bow Street, # 3) by Joanna Barker (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for A Love Once Lost (The Bridwells' Grand Tour, # 1) by Jennie Goutet

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of Next Level Love by Shameez Patel
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday -

NEW BOOKS:

The Spare's Season of Light (Brides of the Regency, # 3)

By: Isabel Jacobs

Publication: January 25, 2026 by Grace Romance

290 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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--Betrayed by her betrothed, she flees to a stranger. Haunted by his past, he offers salvation. Can two wounded souls find healing in each other?A wronged debutante and a disillusioned duke enter into a marriage of convenience—only to discover that trust, grace, and healing can grow even from the ashes of betrayal.

She needs to escape …
When Miss Annabel Ridley learns of her fiancé’s shocking betrayal, she knows she cannot proceed with the match—even if it means defying her father’s wishes and igniting scandal. Trapped between duty and danger, she flees to the one man powerful enough to help her—the Duke of Halmesbury, a stranger with a formidable reputation … and a surprising offer.

He needs to make amends …
Philip Markham, Duke of Halmesbury, has spent years hiding from heartache and mistakes he cannot undo. When a determined young woman arrives on his doorstep, desperate and brave, he sees an opportunity to do one thing right. He proposes a marriage of convenience to protect her—but as they draw closer, he finds himself yearning for more.

Can two hearts bound by necessity learn to love—and find peace in the providence neither dared to hope for?

As old wounds resurface and secrets come to light, Annabel and Philip must learn to trust one another—and to believe that sometimes, the most unexpected unions are those most touched by grace.

The Duke’s Sacred Vow is the moving first novel in the Brides of the Regency series by Isabel Jacobs. If you enjoy noble heroes, courageous heroines, and stories of romance woven with faith and emotional depth, then you will be captivated by this heartfelt tale of love, trust, and quiet redemption.

Seek the Traitor's Son

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated By: Imani Jade Powers; Max Meyers; Rebecca Soler; Steve West

Expected Publication: May 12, 2026 by Tor Books

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Science Fiction

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--A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Chase Me If You Can

By: Heather Frances

Expected Publication: June 23, 2026 by Berkley

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Two storm chasers find a love that could blow them away in this electric debut romance.

Wedding photographer Sloane Michaels might spend most of her year running after brides, but she lives for the six weeks each spring she chases tornadoes instead. When the prestigious magazine Nature Shots announces a cover contest, Sloane knows that winning could be the chance she needs to break up with taffeta for good and establish herself in landscape photography.

The last thing she needs is a distraction in the form of reckless “Wild Wes” Talbot. A legend among storm chasers, he’s been Sloane’s close, personal frenemy for the last decade and is the man to beat for the cover contest.

Sloane isn’t surprised when Wes gets in an accident that jeopardizes his season. But with an active weather pattern emerging, she doubles down on her need to beat Wes fair and square, and begrudgingly invites him to join her for the remainder of the season.

As they race through hail, high winds, and stormy skies, Sloane realizes that Wes might be more than the rich, flirty, Texas wildcard she thought she knew — and that the feelings blooming between them are more charged and dangerous than the storms they’re chasing.

The Queen's Crown (Leauge of Rulers, # 1)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Publication: September 19, 2023 by Reign Publishing

306 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

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--Eighteen-year-old Princess Sabine Ludwig of Backley thought her biggest problem was finding a man remotely interesting to dabble with while trying to fill her days with something other than knitting or drinking tea. But when her dear sister is brutally murdered in a foreign kingdom a week before she’s to be married, Sabine suddenly wishes for boring, ordinary days again.

Seeking retribution, Sabine decides to take her sister’s place and marry the mysterious king of Lynk. It’s the only way she can hunt down and find the killer. It’s the only way she can get revenge. When she finds the king far more appealing than she’d intended, it becomes difficult to keep her wits about her and remember why she’s there.

Thrown into a world of lies, power struggles, and seduction, Sabine must learn to navigate through the foreign kingdom’s dangerous court as she seeks her sister’s killer. The closer she gets to discovering who it is, the more she questions who she can trust—including herself.

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!

Can't Wait for A Love Once Lost

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.

A Love Once Lost (The Bridwells' Grand Tour, # 1)

By: Jennie Goutet

Expected Publication: June 23, 2026 by Haven

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Georgian

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Amy Bridwell reluctantly accompanies her family on a Grand Tour of the Continent—the very trip her former sweetheart proposed they take as newlyweds. Receiving no suitable marriage offer in the six years since and with her heart still guarded by regret, Amy has no choice but to go along with her widower father and younger sisters to ensure their travels proceed smoothly.

James Fletcher has built a successful practice as a physician in the fashionable resort town of Spa. Though he came with a wounded heart, seeking distance from Amy’s rejection, he’s managed to build a respectable life and is now engaged to a woman who will ensure his professional future. If only he could be certain that his betrothed’s heart is truly his.

When the Bridwells arrive at their first destination, Amy is stunned to encounter James again. He is promised to another, and as old feelings resurface, Amy must confront the choice she made six years ago, facing the possibility that her heart has never truly moved on.

Bestselling historical romance author Jennie Goutet weaves a story of lost love and second chances against the scenic backdrop of Georgian-era Europe.

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

A Love Most Daring - Review

A Love Most Daring (Bow Street, # 3)

By: Joanna Barker

Expected Publication: March 3, 2026 by Shadow Mountain

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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--From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

A Love Most Daring should really be listed as the third in a series IMO. A Heart Worth Stealing would be book 1. Then So True a Love would be book 2. This book wasn't listed as third in the series at the time of writing this review, but strangely enough the previous two books I just mentioned weren't listed in a series either until I just looked and they are now listed in the Bow Street series. The first book being about Ginny & Jack. The second book is about Verity, Jack's sister, and Nathaniel. And now this book, A Love Most Daring is about Ginny's best friend, Beatrice, and a fellow Bow Street Runner, Alexander.

Beatrice is in London visiting Ginny & Jack. Ginny has been trying to matchmake her with a different Bow Street Runner, Mr. Drake. Yet Beatrice has been involved in a slight scandal in the past. She stumbled upon a lady of the ton in a compromising situation with a man, but instead of that lady's reputation being ruined, she spread rumors about Beatrice instead. She's spent two years at home, but she's been lonely, and she hopes the gossip will have died down. Unfortunately, once Rawlings realizes that Beatrice has her sights set on his friend Drake, he begins asking around about her, which doesn't give him a favorable opinion of her. He behaves rather rudely towards Beatrice and thwarts one of her and Ginny's attempts to spend time with Mr. Drake. Rawlings gets trapped into the outing instead.

During this outing, a criminal attempts to stab Rawlings for his part in investigating a murder. And Beatrice both saves his life and sees the attacker's face. Rawlings and Beatrice go into hiding while the other Bow Street Runners take over the murder investigation. Alexander and Beatrice end up going to his estate where his mother has been living. His mother has been trying to get him to end his Bow Street career and come home to run his estate--something Alexander hasn't been interested in at all. If Alexander was rough upon his first meeting Beatrice, his mother is doubly hard on her. I even teared up one time with all that Beatrice had upon her shoulders.

Beatrice and Alexander's slow-building relationship was so enjoyable and just the change in genre I needed to get away from some of the fantasy I've been reading lately.

I only highlighted twice.

-The man really should just smile and get it over with before his face cracked right down the middle from the stress of holding it back.

-There is little point in begging you not to be angry with me, so I shall only ask that you do not do anything foolish while angry. Such decisions are never well made.

A Love Most Daring was really enjoyable. And often, I find that books that have a romance and a mystery can be troublesome for me when the mystery takes over the romance. That didn't happen in A Love Most Daring at all. And I appreciate that. Joanna Barker has really become an auto-buy author for me. And I look forward to Mr. Drake potentially getting his happily-ever-after afterall. A Love Most Daring gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Love Most Daring? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 03/01/26

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.

Monday was crazy. It was a normal school day. Husband had to take Big Girl to pitching practice. The boys had to go with my to get my Azure Standard order from the drop location. Then we got home in enough time to drop off my order and put the freezer items up. I took Big Boy to Husband, so he could drive him to practice. I took Little Boy to his practice. It was so cold! I had to keep moving. Tuesday we went to my parents' house for the day. We were a little late getting there because Big Girl was finishing up her school before we left. She officially started 5th Grade on Tuesday. One of the beauties of homeschooling is that she can just move right on into the next grade without having to pause. We get to work at each child's pace. I did get groceries Tuesday afternoon. Husband took the Big Kids to martial arts. I took Little Boy to baseball practice again. Then Big Girl had a practice after that. Wednesday we finally had a free night and a normal day. Thursday, it rained all day here so we stayed home. We got our school done pretty well. And all practices were canceled due to rain except martial arts, so the Big Kids went to that. I made my own pearsauce and canned it for the first time. Friday was a normal school day. And yet again practices were canceled due to wet fields. Little Boy did run fever Friday afternoon. I don't know what that's about. He claimed a headache, but no other symptoms. Saturday, I spent most of the day sitting on the couch beside my little buddy while he ran fever. You would have thought I could get some reading done, but I really didn't.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Proposition of the Season (Fairfax Sisters, # 3) by Michelle Kenney (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Quotes From/About Books 2026
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Seth and Beth by Jenny Phillips
Saturday: January & February 2026 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of A Love Most Daring (Bow Street, # 3) by Joanna Barker
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday -

NEW BOOKS:

No new books this week.

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!