All Things Halloween Review - Beguiled

Beguiled (Betwixt & Between, # 3)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: February 15th 2021 by Feather & Leaf, LLC

372 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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--Newly indoctrinated witch, and a charmling to boot, Defiance Dayne discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially since one neighbor is trying to seduce her, another neighbor is trying to steal her house out from under her, and a third neighbor is trying to get her kicked off the planet. Oh for three, but things start to look up when a new witch moves to town, one who says she’s been sent to thwart an attempt on the charmling’s life.

Dephne decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF, Annette, the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not.

None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent to kill her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.

I have this funny habit of reading books and ignoring characteristics about a character that I find unattractive. Like men with long hair aren't attractive to me for the most part. So if a book has a main male character with long hair, I mentally edit that out. Or in this case, if the main male character wears a leather kilt, I just kind of forget that detail as I'm reading. Does anyone else do that? I'm sure some people find leather kilts attractive. Me...not so much.

One thing Darynda Jones does well is writing quirky, funny heroines. Defiance might be her quirkiest character yet. Charley comes close, but Defiance has an air of ditziness that even Charley didn't have. And Sunshine is quite a bit more put together with her professionalism that neither Charley nor Defiance has. And Annette is right up there. The humor was on point in Beguiled.

I was slightly discouraged with the romantic relationship. Roane said a few things that made me feel like he had no emotional choice in his being drawn to Defiance. And the two progress in their relationship without actually sharing much back and forth conversation as far as delving into the essence of who each other is and how they've come to be these people...at least in this story. They seem to just share day-to-day experiences with each other, which is fine, but doesn't give me a really deep feeling about their relationship despite having some supernatural situations that tie them together in multiple ways.

Favorite quotes:

-"I want to be let past the gates. You can keep the wall up." He leaned back again. "I'm fine with that. I understand it better than most. I just want to be on the other side of it. With you."

-There were few things more disappointing than finding out you were nothing more than a means to an end.

-Clearly, I could not be trusted when it came to men with a penchant for saying exactly what a girl wanted to hear.

-"Sometimes the fiercest predators and the strongest allies come in the smallest packages."

-"How long can you wait?" "Until the stars burn out."

Perhaps the most telling thing for me was that after I finished Beguiled, I kept wanting to come back to it. I kept forgetting that I was finished and had this urge to pick it up to keep reading. Of course, I also want to continue the story and find out what happens next. I'm both dreading and excited to see things continue with Annette in the future. But I don't feel done with Defiance. (Obviously, she'll still be present, but I hope she continues to narrate in the future as well.) I'm hoping to see continued depth develop between Defiance and Roane and not just be two characters that were cosmically connected and now have no choice in the matter. Beguiled gets 4 Stars. Have you read Beguiled? What did you think? Let me know!

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

Can't Wait for House of Sky and Breath

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.

House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, # 2)

By: Sarah J Maas

Expected Publication: February 15th 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing

768 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

( 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--Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

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

2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - October Wrap Up

Time for our Monthly Wrap Up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge hosted by Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know and Holly @ Words Fueled by Love!

Neither Holly nor Sandy have finished any series enders this month.

Which series enders did you finish? Link the up below. Don't forget to include the title, your name, & your blog name (Ex: Requiem - Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know) Also, the October giveaway runs from October 25th - November 25th. On November 25th we will use random.org and the linky entries to pull a grand prize winner.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

All Things Halloween Review - Bewitched

Bewitched (Betwixt & Between, # 2)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: September 15th 2020 by Feather & Leaf, LLC

247 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, Witches

Source: Personal Kindle 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--Forty-something Defiance Dayne only recently discovered she comes from a long line of powerful witches. Added to that was the teensy, infinitesimal fact that she is what’s called a charmling. One of three on the entire planet. And there are other witches who will stop at nothing to steal her immense power, which would basically involve her unfortunate and untimely death.

No one told her life after forty would mean having to learn new lifeskills—such as how to dodge supernatural assassins while casting from a moving vehicle—or that the sexiest man alive would be living in her basement.

Whoever said life begins at forty was clearly a master of the underappreciated and oft maligned understatement.

This is another book when I let too much time go by between finishing the book and writing my review. Sigh. And I truly can't remember much that I wanted to say about Bewitched.

I really couldn't remember Defiance bringing Ruthie back from the veil at the end of Betwixt. So it took me a little while to settle in to the start of Bewitched. I also felt like overall Defiance was facing a lot of the same challenges in Bewitched that she already faced in Betwixt. She doubts her abilities in Betwixt, but now she's trying to deny they exist. She doesn't expect to be able to stay in the house and in Salem in the first book and now she's looking for a way to escape. I just don't want the stories to repeat themselves too much.

I also found it slightly discouraging how much doubt Defiance has in Roane or at least in the possibility of him being interested in her. To me it seemed quite obvious that he feels connected and even desires her. And well by the end of the book it should definitely be obvious to her.

Defiance does hint about some big evil that should be coming based upon what she witnessed in her coma at the beginning of the book. I'm curious as to how many books Darynda Jones intends for this series. It seems similar to the Charley Davidson series in that not much happens in the overall plot per book. Enough to keep you interested and wanting to know more, but a slow trickle of information for the overall plot.

I'll be honest, this review sucks. *I'm pregnant and dealing with a sinus infection and so my brain is just not working like I'd like. I finished Bewitched 14 days before writing this review which I'm beating myself up about not reviewing sooner. I enjoyed it. I really did. I'm happy to give Bewitched 4 Stars. Have you read Bewitched? What did you think? Let me know!

*Original review written in October 2020 but saved for "All Things Halloween" 2021.

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

Sunday Post - 10/24/21

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 and Tuesday, I was focused on finishing up last minute details for Little Girl's birthday. Wednesday was Little Girl's actual birthday. She had school as always so festivities didn't begin until after she got home. She turned 6 years old this year. Everyone says it...the days drag but the years fly by. She had a good birthday, and I fixed ravioli lasagna (her favorite) for dinner. Thursday I spent as much free time as possible getting ready for the birthday pary this weekend. Friday, I did what I could, but I had a hair appointment. That was overdue, and it feels so good. Saturday was the joint birthday party for Little Girl and Little Boy (his birthday is this coming Saturday). We only had family and a couple of family friends over, but they had a blast. This afternoon we're getting family pictures done. October is always jammed packed for our family.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7) by Sarah J Maas (5 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Moonlight & Magic (Betwixt & Between, # 4) by Darynda Jones

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of Bewitched (Betwixt & Between, # 2) by Darynda Jones
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is starting. 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 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 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 Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: January 11th 2022 by Berkley

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

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--Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

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 Moonlight & Magic

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.

Moonlight & Magic (Betwixt & Between, # 4)

By: Darynda Jones

Expected Publication: November 17th 2021

? pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches

( 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--Forty-something Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those non-existent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.

Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Defiance’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Deph, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, to control the power at her fingertips, Annette is overcome with powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Deph was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged, and Annette learns she is also a charmling, a healer, and an alchemist. But what does that even mean?

Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She consults the house they’re living in. Or, more to the point, the delicious entity haunting the house. Because, like her, he was once an alchemist. Maybe he will have the answers she so desperately seeks before she kills someone. The fact that he was once a stunning specimen of masculinity has nothing whatsoever to do with her desire to learn from a man who may or may not have been a powerful warlock.

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

All Things Halloween Review - Kingdom of Ash

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: October 23rd 2018 by Bloomsbury YA

720 pages

Genre: Young Adult/New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Borrowed from the eLibrary & Personal Kindle Library

( 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--Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

I have put off reading this book for years. Mostly, I put it off due to how long it is. But when I have been in the mood to read here in 2021 after giving birth to my 3rd child, I have wanted to read something I know I will enjoy. Also, I originally read the series on Holly's kindle. But her 1G kindle stopped syncing. So I put KOA on hold with the e-library. I finally got my loaned copy, but of course, you only have two weeks to read a book from the e-library. And 900+ pages is going to take me a bit longer than that these days. My library copy expired, but by that point, I was hooked on the story. So I bought it with my birthday gift card money.

The first thing I want to say review wise about Kingdom of Ash is how very far we've come since Throne of Glass. Oh, my word! It almost doesn't even feel like these two books belong in the same series to me how far apart we've come. I remember thinking, and even commenting in my review, that Throne of Glass not focusing on the assassin competition more was a missed opportunity. Boy, I was completely ignorant about the overall arc of the series story and conflict. Aelin being an assassin was such a small (yet still important) part of the story. I intend to re-read this series from the beginning, and I'm sure I will be just as impressed by the distance from the beginning to the end as I was finishing Kingdom of Ash.

There is so much to discuss and unpack in this book, but with a series ender, I'm always hesitant to spoil anything.

I found it difficult to get back into the story because I put off reading this book for several years. There are so many narrators and so many pieces to this puzzle that it is hard to keep everything straight sometimes. But one thing is for sure, Sarah J Maas has crafted this series like a pro and even the smallest pieces and interactions are remembered for future use and crafted to tie back together. I truly love when a series is like this. Each piece is meaningful and important in some way or another.

Multiple times I found myself thinking that Kingdom of Ash had a JRR Tolkein and The Lord of the Rings vibe. Dorian's quest to find the 3rd key by going into Morath reminded me of Sam and Frodo going into Mordor. Dorian and/or Aelin needing to forge the Lock while war is going on in other areas of the land and story reminded me of the quest to destroy the ring. All of the dark, evil creatures Erawan created of course reminds me of all of the Orcs and creatures from The Lord of the Rings. The battle that Aedion is fighting in Terrasan reminded me of the big battle in Return of the King. Of course, I don't see the religious symbolism throughout Kingdom of Ash like The Lord of the Rings. If anything, maybe there is an "anti-religion" theme throughout Kingdom of Ash.

I want to discuss Aelin and Dorian's mission to destroy the key a little more, but I know that will likely stray into spoiler territory for sure. I'll just say that the self-sacrifice that was touched on in this area felt a little cliche. I was rolling my eyes a good bit through this section. Yet when I analyze it, I'm not sure I can come up with another way things should have gone down. In some ways, I might even say this section could have been skipped altogether.

Sarah J Maas has so many couples going in this book. Each couple has conflicts to overcome. Aedion and Lysandra aren't in a great place. Rowan, of course, has to reunite with Aelin. Lorcan and Elodie are also at odds when things begin. And Dorian and Manon have an impending separation coming. I'm probably even missing someone. Oh and Aedion and Gavriel...not a romantic relationship, but I had to shed a tear at this point of the story.

I really feel like this review has not done this book or this series justice. But there's so much to wrap my head around and so much that I don't want to spoil. Kingdom of Ash gets 5 Stars. And I believe this is my only 5 Star read from 2021 (at least so far). Have you read Kingdom of Ash? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 10/17/21

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.

The big kids had fall break Monday and Tuesday of this past week. Husband took those days off work as well. He went to mow grass at our house Monday. Then he and Little Girl went on a Daddy/Daughter date night. Hopefully our first of many. They went to a movie, dinner, and grabbed froyo. Plus a car wash. Little kids are mesmerized by the car wash. Tuesday, we had a "come to Jesus" meeting with one of our contractors. Things have got to turn around on our house. We're past 6 months on a 8-10 week project now. Little Girl was excited to go back to school Wednesday so she could tell her friends at school that there's only one week until her birthday. Friday, my mom went back to her mom's house. Nanny is on a roller coaster of up and downs. Her memory is going, and she's fallen two more times. Saturday, I took the kids to a friend's birthday party. They had a blast.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood & Ash, # 3) by Jennifer L Armentrout (4 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for King of Battle and Blood (Adrian X Isolde, # 1) by Scarlett St. Clair

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7) by Sarah J Maas
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is starting. 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 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 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:

Gilded

By: Marissa Meyer

Expected Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Feiwel & Friends

512 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--Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author, returns to the fairytale world with this haunting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda's outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn't meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.

An Accidental Romance

By: Karen Tuft

Expected Publication: December 6th 2021 by Covenant Communications

272 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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--Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

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 King of Battle & Blood

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.

King of Battle & Blood (Adrian X Isolde, # 1)

By: Scarlett St. Clair

Expected Publication: November 30th 2021 by Bloom Books

368 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Vampires

( 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--Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrain. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

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

All Things Halloween Review - The Crown of Gilded Bones

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, #3)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: April 20th 2021 by Blue Box Press

625 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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--Armentrout comes book three in her Blood and Ash series…

She's been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

I'm going to have a difficult time putting my thoughts into words for this review. First of all, I thought The Crown of Gilded Bones was the series ender. I'm not sure why I thought this, but because I was waiting for the ultimate conflict to wrap up, this felt like an extremely slow start with much to cover. The pacing of the book does pick up towards the second half, but I still felt like there was too much the characters needed to accomplish and discover in order to settle all of the pieces of the puzzle. Once I realized this is not the series ender, the pacing made more sense.

Of course, my favorite piece of any book is usually the romance. In this case, Casteel and Poppy have a pretty solid relationship. They're together. They know how the other feels. And so there isn't much tension or conflict there. You guys know how this happens. We want our characters to be happy, but we also find them a bit boring when they are.

Most of the story is about Poppy's self-discovery. She slowly gets pieces of her history through the story. And just about every time we settle on an additional piece that allows her to have some sort of title, we learn that there's an even bigger and more powerful title that should replace the one we've just learned. And Poppy is only just beginning to learn her power and what she's capable of. From the start of the series and being trapped as the Maiden, Poppy has dreamed of choosing her own path. And she finds time and time again that those around her want to cast her into a role, a piece of their puzzle, and they have preconceived ideas of how she should act and behave. If she deviates, those characters have at times tried controlling her. But Poppy won't be controlled. She won't allow others to make those decisions for her anymore. And as hard as it may be, she's not going to allow her raw emotions to make the decisions for her either. I was both frustrated and impressed with her through this cycle of behavior. Several times, Poppy has to pull herself back from using her powers in a destructive way. And I wanted to roll my eyes every time she found herself in this mental state, yet applaud her and Jennifer L Armentrout for choosing a different path. Yet, I also wondered why Poppy needed this "lesson" repeatedly.

This series has been about some big twists. Unfortunately, my brain can't help but seek them out. I find myself anticipating a bit twist, reveal, betrayal, etc. And I question myself, "What could the author possibly do to surprise me? What assumptions have I, or the characters, made while progressing through the story that has little to no evidence to support the assumption?" And this has revealed more twists for me than I expected. The downside to this is that if I'm proven right, I'm actually a little disappointed. I want the author to truly surprise me. Or in the best-case scenarios, I want the author to allow me to be right on a few things and yet totally surprise me in other ways. Mostly, I was unsurprised with The Crown of Gilded Bones.

I mentioned the pacing earlier. And the book did feel slow to me. I picked it up despite the length and despite knowing that I wouldn't post my review of it until months later (for All Things Halloween) because I expected to blow through it. I can't really explain why but I kept putting The Crown of Gilded Bones down. Partly this was because I found myself under a lot of stress in real life. We started our home renovation, Husband quit his job and found a new one, as well as having a 4 month-old baby. It was a stressful time. Sometimes I found myself escaping into the book, but sometimes, I felt like The Crown of Gilded Bones was adding more stress to me. And when a chapter break would come, instead of feeling excited and propelled forward....instead of feeling a desire to keep reading, I often felt a desire for a break from the story.

Favorite quotes:

-"There will always be people who need to be reminded of history."

-"Unrest and unease are two very powerful destabilizers of any society. No matter how great one is, they can be taken apart piece by piece from the inside, often tweaking the foundation to the point of collapse before anyone realizes what is happening."

-"The heart doesn't care how long you may have with someone. ... It just cares that you have the person for as long as you can."

-"You are Casteel Hawkethrone Da'Neer. A son. A brother. A friend. A husband. ...You are a King. My king. And you will always be my everything, but never will you be a thing."

And a little bit of A Song of Ice and Fireness coming out in this quote...

-"Make sure she knows that I am the Chosen, the One who is Blessed, and I carry the blood of the King of Gods in me. I am the Liessa to the wolven, the second daughter, the true heir, owed the crowns of Altantia and Solis. I am the Queen of Flesh and Fire, and the gods' guards ride with me. Tell the Blood Queen to prepare for war."

The last thing I'll say is that I felt a little political commentary in this book. It felt close enough to the story to be about the story, but I wondered if it were placed strategically to be a little bit about some of the current political issues we face. I find this irritating no matter what the political stance may be. Thankfully it wasn't a huge piece of the story.

All in all, The Crown of Gilded Bones gets 4 Stars from me. It was slow to get started. Since I incorrectly assumed it was the series ender, the pacing never felt right to me. I often wanted to put the book down, which I find never to be a good thing. The romance is still between two characters that I really like, but because they were in a good place I didn't find that piece of the story to propel me forward. Even still, I do want to know what's going to happen next. How is this all going to wrap up? Have you read The Crown of Gilded Bones? What did you think? Let me know!

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

Sunday Post - 10/10/21

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.

Finally a mostly normal week. Well normal for now. We are mostly well again which is something we are very thankful for. Things are moving along with our house. Brick work is finished and mostly painted. Vinyl siding is mostly finished. Either the brick mason or the vinyl guys broke one of our windows. So now that has to be replaced. It isn't looking like we'll be back in our house in enough time to have the kids' birthday party like I wanted. We'll still have it, but we will just have to have it at my mom's. I'm so thankful that she's willing to let us do that. Friday, Husband was off work and took Little Boy to the pumpkin patch with his school. We have a tradition to go as a family, but the place we usually go is closed again this year due to COVID-19. So...we went to a different place as a family on Saturday. The kids still had fun. I finished birthday shopping and bought Halloween costumes this week too. Today is Husband's birthday. He doesn't ALWAYS read my blog, but in case he pops in, "Happy Birthday to my favorite person. I love you!" We're celebrating him and my dad today with my side of the family.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, # 3) by Jennifer L Armentrout
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is starting. 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 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 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:

Never Fall for Your Finacee (The Merriwell Sisters, #1)

By: Virginia Heath

Expected Publication: November 9th 2021 by St. Martin's Griffin

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

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--The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, ever wants is a wife. Unfortunately for him, his mother is determined to find him one, even from across the other side of the ocean. So, Hugh invents a fake fiancée to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay. But when Hugh learns his interfering mother is on a ship bound for England, he realizes his complicated, convoluted but convenient ruse is about to implode. Until he collides with a beautiful woman, who might just be the miracle he needs.

Minerva Merriwell has had to struggle to support herself and her two younger sisters ever since their feckless father abandoned them. Work as a woodcut engraver is few and far between, and the Merriwell sisters are nearly penniless. So, when Hugh asks Minerva to pose as his fiancée while his mother is visiting, she knows that while the scheme sounds ludicrous, the offer is too good to pass up.

Once Minerva and her sisters arrive at Hugh's estate, of course, nothing goes according to his meticulous plan. As hilarity and miscommunication ensue, while everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight, Hugh and Minerva’s fake engagement starts to turn into a real romance. But can they trust each other, when their relationship started with a lie?

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 Skin of the Sea

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.

Skin of the Sean

By: Natasha Bowen

Expected Publication: November 9th 2021 by Random House Books for Young Readers

336 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mermaids

( 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--An unforgettable fantasy debut inspired by West African mythology, this is Children of Blood and Bone meets The Little Mermaid, in which a mermaid takes on the gods themselves.

A way to survive.
A way to serve.
A way to save.

Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata--a mermaid--collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home.

But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi does the unthinkable--she saves his life, going against an ancient decree. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy it.

To protect the other Mami Wata, Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. But something is amiss. There's the boy she rescued, who knows more than he should. And something is shadowing Simi, something that would rather see her fail. . . .

Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she doesn't, then she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.

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

All Things Halloween Review - A Court of Silver Flames

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: February 16th 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing

648 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Fae

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( 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--Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

There are two things that Sarah J Maas truly excels at writing in my opinion. (Okay, she's pretty stinking good at more than just these two things, but for me these are unique abilities that not all authors are good at.) One of those is characters that have suffered and have to work to overcome trauma to reach their peak potential, and the other is romantic relationships that transition from one character to another more fitting character. A Court of Silver Flames only had one of these so don't go freaking out on me at the mention of a relationship transition.

When we start A Court of Silver Flames, Nesta is in quite a bad mental space. She's suffering from PTSD over the war with Hybern, her transition from human to high fae, her being thrown into the cauldron against her will, having new unknown powers, and guilt over her father's death as well as the deaths of the Illyrian warriors she didn't save in order to save Cassian. That's a lot of weight on one's shoulders. And a lot of mental things to work through. Feyre and Rhys cut off her cash flow and give her an ultimatum: train with Cassian and work in the library under the House of Wind or be dumped in the human world where she will never be accepted or find peace. She really has no choice. Reluctantly she begins training and finds that doing so helps her.

When I truly sit down to list out the changes that occur in Nesta over the course of this book, I'm blown away at all Sarah J Maas worked in and accomplished. She learns about balance, breathing, mind stilling and meditation. She pushes her body and builds strength. She finds friends and sees that others could benefit from the same training that she's doing to overcome their own trauma. She helps others. She finds purpose and her determination goes beyond what anyone would expect. And really this is only scratching the surface.

Cassian is truly the perfect match for Nesta. His character balances her so much. He's cocky and arrogant at times, but he has reason to be since he can mostly back it up with action. He pushes Nesta to grow outside of her comfort zone. He never judges her even during the times when she makes him angry. He keeps offering his hand to help lift her up. He is the only one I believe truly capable of reaching her in this deep pit that she's in. Yet even though he helps her out a ton, the work has to be hers. She's responsible fo her emotions and her recovery from her trauma. His patience with Nesta rivals Rhys's, which makes their story beautiful.

I will say that the graphic content seemed to be taken up a notch in A Court of Silver Flames. There for a while, it felt like there was some very descriptive sexual scene every time you turn around. I have more to say about the nature of the content, but I think that gets into too personal territory here for this family-friendly blog. I do think in some ways this was done to show a contrast between where the characters are in their relationship during the earlier parts of the book versus as the storyline moves along how things change between them. Plus it seems to fit the characters' personalities. But for me, it was a bit much.

I didn't highlight much, only two times really. But I'll only share one of them with you.

-“That’s the key, isn’t it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it… that’s the important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good, the things that fill you with wonder.” She gestured to the stars zooming past. “The struggle with that darkness is worth it, just to see such things.”

So, so much happens in A Court of Silver Flames. The big bad hasn't been defeated, but I feel like Nesta and Cassian moved forward enough as characters that another major book from their POVs isn't necessary. I imagine we will be swapping main characters for the next book. I'm personally hoping for Az. This book was so complex that Sarah J Maas is truly a master of weaving it all together. I can't wait to move forward with any other future books. A Court of Silver Flames gets 4.5 Stars from me. (I deducted .5 Stars due to the graphic content.) Have you read A Court of Silver Flames? What did you think? Let me know!

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

Sunday Post - 10/03/21

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.

A big Happy Birthday to my Dad! He doesn't read my blog, but a happy birthday wish to him anyway. Our family has been hit in 2021 with sickness. Colds and stomach viruses mostly. We can't complain too much because so many others are suffering and dying. I mentioned last week that my Dad got COVID. He's mostly back to normal and has returned to work. I was already struggling with a cough and congestion. Last Sunday, I added two major COVID-19 symptoms--upset stomach and fever. I went Monday to get tested. Thankfully it was negative. My Husband seemed to be about a day behind me. We kept the big kids home from school for two days until I had my test results (I didn't do the rapid test). Wednesday was back to school and a normal schedule for the most part. My doctor did prescribe me an antibiotic, and within just a day I noticed a huge improvement. Things are finally progressing with our house. The addition has been bricked and the entire house brick has been painted. The flooring isn't perfect inside, but I think we're going to have to live with it as is. But the kitchen cabinets finally were installed. That really helped things start to look like they are coming together. My Mom has gone again to my Nanny's house. She does that every other weekend. And I absolutely cannot believe we're officially into October. It is birthday month for our family, as well as the start of my "All Things Halloween" month-long event here on the blog.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2) by Jody Hedlund (4 Stars)
Wednesday:Can't Wait for Never Fall for Your Finacee (The Merriwell Sisters, #1) by Virginia Heath
Friday: September 2021 EOM Wrap Up

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is starting. 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 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 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:

Games in a Ballroom

By: Jentry Flint

Expected Publication: May 3rd 2022 by Shadow Mountain

272 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (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--London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father, and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the season kicks off, Emerson proposes a bit of fun with a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is more wary. After all, the game must be played in secret and they must be discreet when tagging each other at dinners and balls and the theater. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s father, who has an explosive, and at times violent, temper.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

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!

September 2021 EOM Wrap Up

I read 4 books (not including children's books). *These qualify for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
Look Alive Twenty-Five (Stephanie Plum, # 25) by Janet Evanovich
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2) by Jody Hedlund
Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson

I have reviewed 4 books. *These qualify for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge.
To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell
Hooked on You (A Maple Falls Romance, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller
Forever Wild (Wild, # 2.5) by KA Tucker
The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys, # 2) by Jody Hedlund

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 09/05/21
Sunday Post - 09/12/21
Sunday Post - 09/19/21
Sunday Post - 09/26/21
Top Ten Fall 2021 TBR List
Can't Wait for That Dark Infinity by Kate Pentecost
Can't Wait for The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
Can't Wait for Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross
Can't Wait for A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
Can't Wait for Never Fall for Your Fiancee (The Merriwell Sisters, #1) by Virginia Heath
2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - September Wrap Up
August 2021 EOM Wrap Up

Goals:
I'm ahead on my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 32 out of 52 books (including children's books).
I've read 2 out of 5-10 series enders.