Stranger Things Have Happened - Review

Stranger Things Have Happened

By: Kasie West

Publication: April 14, 2026 by Saturday Books

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

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

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

What [...] is Sutton doing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Post - 04/26/26

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

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

THE PAST WEEK

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

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

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

NEW BOOKS:

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

By: Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Narrated By: Cassandra Campbell

Publication: May 5, 2026 by William Morrow Paperbacks

464 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, American Revolution

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homeschool Friday - Be Kind

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

Be Kind

By: Pat Zietlow Miller

Illustrated By: Jen Hill

Publication: February 6, 2018 by Roaring Brook Press

32 pages

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

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can't Wait for Tempest

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

Tempest (The Lyrian Sea, #1)

By: Victoria Aveyard

Expected Publication: September 8, 2026 by Harper Voyager

464 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Pirates, Romantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

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

May the sea always sing for you

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

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

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

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

But Cat Rose is nothing if not a survivor.

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

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

Brimstone - Review

Brimstome (Fae & Alchemy, # 2)

By: Callie Hart

Publication: November 18, 2025 by Forever

672 pages

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

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Post - 04/19/26

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.

I can barely remember the week before this last one. I missed prepping my Sunday Post for last week because we were getting ready to go out of town. We left Saturday morning the 11th. We arrived in Gatlinburg, TN Saturday afternoon. We pretty much got settled into the room and grabbed some dinner. Sunday, we slept in a little. Then we went to lunch. We went by a lady that makes balloon animals that my parents have met on previous trips to Gatlinburg. My mom and I split off to go get groceries for the week. And Husband took the kids to the waterpark at the resort. Monday, we went horseback riding at Jayell Ranch. We had a good time, and we all got a laugh out of our various horse experiences. We also did the zip lines at Jayell Ranch. They are long enough and high enough to feel daring without being a high and long as some places like Ober. After that we grabbed lunch at JT Hannah. After an afternoon nap, we did Hillbilly Golf. Tuesday, we went to Lazer Port to do go carts, lazer tag, and glow in the dark mini golf. Then we went to Mama's Farmhouse Kitchen. We went back to Hillbilly Golf after dinner in the room because they have a half price deal if you return within three days. Wednesday, we spent the main part of the day at the waterpark at the resort. That night we went to the Hatfield and McCoy's Dinner Fued show. Thursday, we went to Ober and did the bobsled (what we used to call the alpine slide), mountain coaster, ice skating, and various activities there. We were pretty exhausted by the time we got home that night. Friday was our last full day in TN so we drove through Cade's Cove. We saw several turkeys and deer, and we saw one bear in the distance. The bear activity seemed to be quite frequent as there were signs everywhere about various trails closed due to bear activity. We had lunch at Mel's Diner. And then we took the kids to play in the creek. After that it was mostly packing to head home. We got up early for a Saturday and hit Sawyer's for breakfast on the way home. We got home around 3:30 in the afternoon. It was passed time to be able to pick Scout up from boarding so we'll get him today. We all miss him like crazy. But it was nice to get the house back in order and unpack. This coming week will be busy with ball games. The kids mananged to all three have games on Monday and Thursday. The boys are participating in a midseason tournament which means if either of them win one or both games this week they will likely play Friday and/or Saturday as well. So we jump right back into things. But we only have about 4 weeks of school left until summer break which is kind of crazy to think about.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS

Monday 4/6: Review of Bloodsinger (Fire That Binds, # 2) by Juliette Cross (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday 4/8: Can't Wait for Storm Breaker (Storm Breaker, # 1) by Nisha J Tuli
Monday 4/13: Review of A Deal with a Debutante (London's Most Eligble, # 1) by Chelsea Bobulski (3.5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy, # 2) by Callie Hart
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Lucky Goes to School

NEW BOOKS:

Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, # 0.5)

By: Suzanne Collins

Publication: March 18, 2025 by Scholastic Press

400 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: Borrowed from the e-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--When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town.

As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

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!

A Deal with a Debutante - Review

A Deal with a Debutante (London's Most Eligible, # 1)

By: Chelsea Bobulski

Publication: April 7, 2026 by Haven

304 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--She’s running from London’s marriage mart. He’s running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love—but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London’s high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named “the debutante of the season” back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she’s been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she’s convinced he only wants her fortune?

Calliope is an American debutante from a "new rich" family. Her family has everything they need to move around the social structure of New York. Except that Calliope's mother wants to be invited into the Knickerbocker's club, and Calliope needs to hail from a well-known family or marry into one. Thus, her mother's desire for Calliope to marry an English aristocrat. Calliope, for her part, wants nothing more than to return to New York, where she can resume time spent with her friends as well as the work of writing articles she hopes to later compile into a book about historical sites. Calliope loved New York, but unlike another book I recently DNF'd where the character acted like every other place in the world could never compare with New York and therefore ridiculed those places, I appreciated that Calliope had a love for her home while also being able to see the beauty and history of other places.

Edward hoped that by being direct with Calliope on what he had to offer and what he hoped to gain in return, she would appreciate him. Unfortunately, he sounded a little too much like those who had mocked her and the other American debutantes who were in the marriage mart in England to snag titled husbands. Edward had to work to backtrack and prove himself. He made a deal to take Calliope to tour historical locations in London as well as show her his home estate, which needed her dowry to sustain it and the families dependant upon it for survival.

Calliope and Edward spend a lot of time together, but how can she ever trust the feelings building between them when he needs her for something? Those questions were exacerbated by a long-time friend who travels to England to ask Calliope for her hand in marriage, which offers her a chance to return to New York and her friends and family, as well as her work.

I will say that I don't usually love this period in history when it comes to novels. I can't remember seeing a specific date included, but the inclusion of the motorcar leads me to believe it's Edwardian. The rules of society are closely related to the Regency and Victorian, but more modern. I am no expert, but The Gilded Age is one I tend to steer clear of for various reasons. That being said, I wasn't too put off by the period, and I would consider reading other books in this series should there be more published.

I read A Deal with a Debutante quickly. It was easy to root for the characters, but I found myself skimming some passages of description that didn't always suit my reading preferences. I want to be so immersed in the story that I'm neither looking to skip ahead nor wanting to slow things down. I didn't quite feel like the pacing of A Deal with a Debutante was exactly right. Or maybe some extra stuff could have been trimmed a little. I'm giving A Deal with a Debutante 3.5 Stars. Have you read A Deal with a Debutante? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Storm Breaker

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.

Storm Breaker (Storm Breaker, # 1)

By: Nisha J Tuli

Expected Publication: May 5, 2026 by Mayhem Books

416 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Romantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--From the publisher who brought you Fourth Wing comes your next romantasy obsession...

For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.

A gripping dystopian romance filled with forbidden power, ruthless challenges, and a heroine who refuses to burn quietly―perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games.

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

Bloodsinger - Review

Bloodsinger (The Fire That Binds, # 2)

By: Juliette Cross

Narrated By: Blair Dade; Kale Williams

Publication: April 7, 2026 by Macmillan Audio

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Dragons

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 spellbinding gift...

A plea answered by the gods...

An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Lela Bihari’s village was invaded on her wedding night, her betrothed murdered right in front of her. While her sisters were either dragged away or escaped, Lela was sold to Valerius, a consul of Rome.

When she tried to kill Valerius her first night as his slave, her bloodsinger gift manifested… and she was punished for it. Now she’s paraded in front of the other senators for their amusement.

But Trajan Tiberius, the newly elected tribune to the senate, is different. He has no love for the brutality around him. When he frees Lela from enslavement and hides her, Lela is set on a path of vengeance, and using her gift puts her in more danger than ever before.

Now trapped inside the walls of Rome while deathriders circle the skies, how can she possibly trust a Roman dragon? Especially when it is clear Trajan has ulterior schemes of his own? As her powers grow stronger, danger draws closer, and Lela realizes it isn't just her life at stake, but also her heart.

Bloodsinger is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault, and dubious consent—none of which is between the MCs. There is also a scene with self-injury. Listeners who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.

I listened to the audio version of Bloodsinger which means that spelling or names and places is hard to get right. Also, I don't have any quotes to share or notes to refer back to. I enjoyed the dual narrators. They both did a good job and most of all enhanced the story and didn't take away from it at all.

Lela is Malina's sister that we met in Firebird. She was on the cusp of her wedding when her village was attacked, and her betrothed was killed in front of her. As the description states, she was sold as a slave to Valerius who tortured and abused her and made her wear a muzzle after her attempt to kill him with her bloodsinger gift. With one taste of anyone's blood she can command them to do what she wishes. But she has been abused and mistreated to the point of not having much faith in herself.

Trajan is invivted to Valerius's house often. After Julian's betrayal, Trajan has to stay close to the leaders to prove himself even though doubt is immediately thrust upon him simply because he used to be under Julian's command. And it's true, he has been plotting with Julian to take down Inniculus and the other vile dragon shifters that would take his place. He does everything he can to help Lela escape. Although, he knows Malina, he has no idea that Lela is her sister.

Trajan was sweet and took his time building his relationship with Lela given everything she's been through. Of course, there is on-page action which I usually skim over. And there's cursing which I also prefer to skip. It's more annoying to me in audiobooks because my eyes can jump over it while reading, but hearing it aloud is harder to ignore. Another frustration is that the endearments I complained about in the first book are the same used in this book even though the characters are different. Sure endearments can be cultural, but this is one of my pet peeves and an easy way to distinguish unique voices from character to character.

Bloodsinger was good. I listened to it quickly, and I did hate to have to put it down. I felt slightly less connection to the characters as well as the frustrations I mentioned above with the endearments having the lead characters sounding too simular to the characters from the previous book. I am excited about the sneak peek given into the next book in the series, and I look forward to continuing to unravel this world. Bloodsinger gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read or listened to Bloodsinger? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/05/26

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 night, Little Boy had a ball game, and I had to work the concession stand for Big Boy's team. They lost 4 to 8. Big Girl and Little Boy spent the night with my parent's. Tuesday was a super busy day. Big Boy had some testing to do in the morning. We went to my parents' house after that. I picked up groceries before heading home. I still had to do school with Big Boy when we got home. The Big Kids had martial arts belt testing Tuesday evening. They are testing for their senior blue belt. We barely made it to ball games for them to play. Big Boy's team won 19 to 11. Big Girl's team lost 8-9. Wednesday was a normal day, and Big Girl had pitching practice. Thursday was another busy day. The Big Kids had their homeschool nature class. Little Boy and I did some school. Then he had some chores that I had to help him with. Then I did some baking. I made sourdough bread, sourdough discard cheddar garlic biscuits, cornbread, cream of chicken soup, and southern cornbread dressing. Then Little Boy had a game that night. They won 17-4. Friday, Little Boy didn't have school, and Husband was off work. We did a slightly easier day with homeschool. And then Big Boy had a game. They won 19 to 7. Husband's family came in from out of town, and we did our family Easter celebrations on Saturday. We dyed Easter eggs, did an egg hunt, and had a big lunch. The crazy kiddos have been swimming already, several times. So they did that while their cousins were here too. Happy Easter to everyone! Jesus is risen indeed! Praise God!

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Empire of Flame and Thorns (Flame and Thorns, # 1) by Marion Blackwood (4 Stars)
Tuesday: March 2026 EOM Wrap Up
Wednesday: Can't Wait for North Country by KA Tucker

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Reivew of Bloodsinger (Fire that Binds, # 2) by Juliette Cross
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday -

NEW BOOKS:

No new books this week, but I did receive a signed copy of a book I've already read as a thank you for my review.

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 North Country

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.

North Country

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: June 16, 2026 by K.A. Tucker Books Ltd.

398 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Second Chance

( 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 the USA Today and international bestselling author of the Simple Wild comes a sweeping second-chance, forbidden romance set against the rugged beauty of northern Canada.

Emery McAllister once dreamed of leaving Cold River with the boy next door, but one devastating night destroyed their future and left her heart carefully guarded. Twenty years later, she’s built a life of control: running the town’s police detachment, raising her daughter, and keeping a fragile peace with her ex-husband, the mayor.

She’s certain she has moved on until the day she has dreaded—and secretly hoped for—finally arrives.

Logan Landry is home.

After two decades behind bars for being in the wrong place at the wrong time—and the choices that haunted him ever since—Logan returns to his family’s bison ranch carrying the weight of everything he lost, but especially Emery. Friendship is all he dares hope for now, but seeing her ignites a fire he thought long extinguished.

When a teenage girl disappears and old wounds reopen, Logan becomes Cold River’s favorite suspect, despite his airtight alibi. As distrust closes in, Emery must choose between the life she’s built … and the love she can’t let go.

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