Without a Clue - Review

Without a Clue

By: Melissa Ferguson

Publication: February 17, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there's one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it's her composure--her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It's a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin--her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash--a dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip's composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she'll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

I've had an up and down relationship with Melissa Ferguson's books. Yet I've found that the ones I've loved the most have been the books that she writes about books. Meet Me in the Margins and The Perfect Rom-Com were two that stood out to me in the past. But I'm not a big fan of mysteries, so I put off reading Without a Clue for longer than I intended, and I also started it and put it back down due to a slower beginning. But once I get into the heart of the book, I found it easy to keep going.

I really feel like Melissa Ferguson has written these books about books, about stories, as a way of venting her love for each of the genres. I could be reaching, but that's how it appears to me. As I already said, I'm not the biggest fan of mysteries, and I find that when they are mixed with romance, the plot can overtake the relationships. Or the mystery becomes the major conflict instead of relational conflict. One I appreciate, and the other I don't. Without a Clue was enough romance to suit my preferences there.

Penelope has been a writing assistant for an author for years. She also organizes and keeps things together for a group of seven famous authors. Hugh, the author she's an assistant for, keeps trying to get her to write her own book. She's also developed a crush on one of the other authors who she has a close working relationship with. Yet they never associate outside of work. When Penelope's long-term boyfriend breaks up with her in a public way, she's feeling herself on the verge of an emotional breakdown. This vacation (a celebrity cruise) is just what she thinks she needs. Only Hugh ends up murdered, and Penelope is the only one who can solve the murder.

I can't say more due to spoilers.

Without a Clue was an enjoyable read, and I got into it once I made it about 20%. There was mystery-genre plotting, and romance. I wasn't always sure who I could trust. At the same time, I wasn't surprised by the outcome or ending of the book at all. Without a Clue gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Without a Clue? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Trust Issues

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.

Trust Issues

By: Kasie West

Expected Publication: April 27, 2027 by Saturday Books

368 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--The perfect follow up to Kasie West’s duo of adult rom-coms, We Met Like This and Stranger Things Have Happened, Trust Issues will appeal to readers of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood.

While out of town on a work trip, Parker begins to question her boyfriend’s fidelity when she receives an anonymous text with a link to his profile on a dating app. Desperate to be proven wrong Parker hires a food delivery driver to deliver both food and information. But the driver, upon learning what he’s been hired for, ruins the surveillance mission by ratting her out to her boyfriend, effectively ending her 2-year relationship with one ten-piece wing order. Parker is angry at herself…and at the asshole food delivery driver. Too bad three months later he becomes the new hire at the newspaper where she writes.

Not only has he invaded her daily happy place, they are put on an assignment together, against both of their wills, investigating a local fire. Parker finds that he’s just as arrogant, condescending, and utterly infuriating as she initially thought. But he also has stunning blue eyes. And an annoyingly cute smirk. Are his mouth and intense stare starting to cloud her judgement? Crumble her well-earned trust issues?

Or is she discovering that loathing and lust aren’t actually as different as they seem and that maybe she wants to see which one of those emotions will come out on top.

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

When Calls the Heart - Review

When Calls the Heart (Canadian West, # 1)

By: Janette Oke

Publication: first published 1983

220 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook 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--Nothing in her cultured East Coast upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. Yet, despite the constant hardships, she loves the children in her care. Determined to do the best job she can and fighting to survive the harsh land, Elizabeth is surprised to find her heart softening towards a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Book 1 of the bestselling Canadian West series.

I remember my mom reading these books when I was little. And you know, it isn't possible that my mom and I would like the same books, right? But of course, I loved the Hallmark TV adaptation of this series. I know they changed a lot. But I've come to love historical fiction, and I got books 1-4 of this series for insanely cheap a while back on Google Books.

I don't remember a ton because I finished this book five months before writing my review of it. So you can imagine that I don't remember the details clearly. I do remember Elizabeth decides to go west, but she doesn't realize that she won't get to pick which town she will be a teacher in. She is assigned to a town that is even smaller and more remote than she imagined. And she isn't in constant contact with her brother like she hoped. She does, however, begin to make an impression on the students and their families, as well as a certain Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer.

I wouldn't say that romance is the majority of the plot for When Calls the Heart, but it was present enough that I didn't feel uninterested, as relationships are my preferred driving force to any story. I do want to continue the series, but I'm not dying to read book 2 immediately.

When Calls the Heart gets 4 Stars. Have you read When Calls the Heart? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Night Tide

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.

Night Tide

By: Lexi Ryan

Expected Publication: February 23, 2027 by Avon

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romantasy, Vampires

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Aurora Evanselier’s graduation from Invictus Mage Academy is meant to be the most unforgettable night of her life. The glittering ball is supposed to begin with music and dancing and end with a single which of the empire’s four ruling kingdoms she’ll serve with her formidable magic.

As the emperor’s daughter, everyone expects Aurora to choose Daybreak, the most powerful kingdom in the empire. But when her father collapses, only one man can save him—Malek Ravenstorm, the brooding, magnetic prince of Night Tide. Malek has never forgiven the emperor for executing his brother, but he offers Aurora a his healing magic, in exchange for her allegiance. Desperate to save her father, she agrees.

Now Aurora is bound to a kingdom rumored to harbor witches and vampires, where the castle hides forbidden wings, and nothing is what it seems—especially Malek. He’s infuriating. Irresistible. Dangerous. And determined to keep her in the dark.

But Aurora didn’t trade her freedom to become a pawn. As whispers of a curse stir and Night Tide’s mysteries deepen, she uncovers a truth that threatens everything she thought she knew. Because the darkest secret of all isn’t Malek’s. It’s hers.

Night Tide begins a steamy, high-stakes romantasy trilogy where magic is power, desire is dangerous, and the shadows hold answers that can’t survive in the light.

TROPES YOU'LL FIND IN NIGHT TIDE:

Magical academyBrother rivalry (with Vampire Diaries' Stefan-Damon vibes)Enemies-to-lovers romanceFound friendshipRoyals with secret identitiesMysterious creatures that roam the nightBound by curses and fate

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

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens - Review

A Christmas for Mrs. Dickens

By: Rebecca Connolly

Publication: September 23, 2025 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

176 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christmas, Retelling

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--Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.

I knew I was going a little out of my comfort zone with requesting A Carol for Mrs. Dickens. This is a retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. And I have found that some stories don't lend themselves to retellings as much as others. Cinderella has been done a million times, for example. But I find that I almost always dislike retellings based on Cinderella. And I guess A Christmas Carol falls into one that I don't think I'll ever love any retellings of.

Kate is Charles's wife. She is familiar with his love for Christmas, and his love has created traditions for their family. She's also very familiar with his popular book, A Christmas Carol. But Kate is feeling worn down. She's pregnant and, not long ago, actually lost a baby. So she's feeling fear over the upcoming birth. Her Christmas spirit has dimmed a bit. During this Christmas party she and Charles are hosting, Kate is visited by several of her own ghosts with memories that bring her full circle.

The story itself was sweet. But as I said, this is outside of my usual reading preferences. Kate and Charles have a good relationship, but there's nothing quite so spurring and interesting for me to read as new romance. A Carol for Mrs. Dickens felt honoring to the original, but it was hard for me to read long stretches at a time without falling asleep. At one point, I put it down for months before finally returning to finish it.

Favorite quotes:

-"“Life exhausts,” came the kind, soft rebuke. “It is the nature of being alive. It is our mortal experience. Would you resent the love, laughter, and warmth in your life because it also comes with fatigue, loss, and irritation? We take the good with the bad, Kate. And there is always good.”

-“We will gather our friends and our family, especially our children, and celebrate with love and gratitude for all that we have, even when times are troubling.”

-That joy and desire to celebrate in a time of year when hope and light and love were needed most.

-This was Christmas. This simple, poignant beauty, so understated and underappreciated, that captivated the heart and mind in ways that could not be denied and could barely be expressed.

-All was not perfect, but all would be well. And that was enough.

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens didn't blow me away, but I'm probably not the best reader for this book as it is outside of my normal reading preferences. Or at least outside of the books I favor the most. I found the retelling to be in line with the original. It's a great way to focus on what is important during Christmas or any time of year, but it wasn't very different from the original, making me wonder if it is necessary. Either way, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens gets 3 Stars. Have you read A Carol for Mrs. Dickens? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Court of Splintered Harmony

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

A Court of Splintered Harmony (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 6)

By: Sarah J Maas

Expected Publication: October 27, 2026 by Bloomsbury Publishing

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, 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--What was broken will be remade.

Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.

The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day.

To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable.

But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.

The internet is ablaze with the ACOTAR news. And while I don't always love jumping on trends, the truth is, I am really excited for this book. However, I probably won't get to this book immediately. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Pride Comes Before the Fall - Review

Pride Comes Before a Fall (Miss Prentice's Protegees, # 3)

By: Virginia Heath

Publication: July 28, 2026 by St. Martin's Griffin

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--In the third installment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

What's funny is that I keep avoiding the books in this series even though I know I want to read them because I keep predicting wrongly. Because Portia is so forward-thinking, I could only assume that her character would be super annoying to me. I don't really like female characters in books or in real life that are domineering and dogmatic. Overly forceful in their views. And for some reason, I really pictured Portia as being a feminist in today's terms and not as much in the historically accurate way. Either way, I was pleasantly impressed with this book and Portia.

I won't say that Portia isn't concerned with gender differences, but her attention seems to be focused on the differences between the commoner and the aristocracy. She has been writing for a newspaper that writes what is considered sedition for many years. But now she has risen in rank and relocated to Bath. Unfortunately, she didn't realize that the position doesn't come with any income. So she still needs to provide for herself. She ends up applying for the position of being a companion for a duke's sisters who are determined to thwart their brother. She didn't realize that the duke is also a magistrate.

Leo is just trying to protect his family. After his sister is injured on his watch, he has taken that responsibility to a new level. But his "protection" has come in the form of control. But his sisters are determined to do what they want. And they are not happy with being sent to Bath during the Season. He hires Portia because she is fiery and spunky. And that seems to be what his sisters need to keep them in line. But he finds himself drawn to her as well.

I enjoyed Portia and Leo's relationship. I don't want to spoil too much, so I can't describe all of the pieces that I liked the most. They had a few moments of intensity that closed-door readers might not appreciate, but I did appreciate that for the most part they went about things in the "proper" way. Spice is something hard to quantify because all readers have different tolerances and preferences. For me, I thought there was less descriptive scenes than other books I've read by Virginia Heath, which I appreciate.

Favorite quotes:

-"I want equality and change to come from enlightenment and not down the threatening barrel of a gun."

-"That is the unique curse of us dukes. To always be underestimated simply because we were born with a silver spoon in our mouths and always be judged solely on our impressive title and even more impressive ducal exteriors."

-Nothing killed a wholly futile, totally inappropriate romantic moment quite like guilt.

-"I've honestly never met anyone like you before. You call to my soul, Portia."

-"Oh for goodness' sake! People change, Portia, and what they want changes too. It is perfectly acceptable for a grown woman of four-and-twenty to reevaluate what she thought she wanted as a child of sixteen!"

-"Women who use their privilege as a platform and the finances at their disposal as a weapon and, while I agree that it might be slow, as change so often is, in the end they really make a difference."

I absolutely loved that Portia had to learn that not all aristocrats are evil or the enemy. Shades of grey can be found in all levels of society. There are morally great people at all levels. And there are morally bankrupt people at all levels. Even still today. The title isn't the enemy. Evil is the enemy.

Pride Comes Before the Fall was better than I expected. I liked Portia better than I expected. I had no idea who her MMC was going to be, but I really think Leo was the perfect pairing for her. Pride Comes Before the Fall gets 4 Stars. Have you read Pride Comes Before the Fall? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Widow of Woodlark Cottage

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.

The Widow of Woodlark Cottage

By: Julie Klassen

Expected Publication: December 1, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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--Young widow Elizabeth Eaton resides with her late husband's cold, critical family. When she learns her estranged father, a writer and naturalist, has died in a rented cottage on the North Devonshire coast, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to travel there to claim his belongings and notes for a new book.

When she reaches the cottage on the grounds of an estate, she is told the nearby manor house is empty, yet she sees candlelight flickering within, giving Elizabeth reason to doubt her eyes--and her safety. Finding her father's final manuscript nearly complete, Elizabeth decides to stay long enough to finish it, hoping to make amends for cutting him out of her life. As she does, she meets two very different men, a charming seafarer who fills her head with local legends, and an aloof man of business with his own agenda. Strange, frightening incidents begin to occur, and Elizabeth must decide which man to trust when her life--and her heart--are in danger.

Award-winning and bestselling author Julie Klassen pens another captivating romance set in Regency England and brimming with intrigue.

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

The Best I Never Had - Review

The Best I Never Had

By: Amy Buchanana

Expected Publication: August 18, 2026 by St. Martin's Griffin

320 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--They staged a romance, faked a breakup, and this time around, anything can happen—even something real.

Thea Pappas has always been the storm in her own life—fiery and unpredictable—traits that led her and her younger sister, Addy, through a series of foster homes. But with Addy's whirlwind engagement, Thea is determined to be the perfect maid of honor, even if she finds it odd that she hadn't heard of the fiancé until the ring was on Addy's finger. She believes she can survive a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a group of strangers without causing any trouble.

But upon arrival, Thea realizes these aren't strangers. Among the familiar faces is Owen Hayes—the man who, three years ago, paid her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family wedding. Now, he's looking at her with the same panicked expression.

Owen's life has always been about control—managing his mother's matchmaking schemes, his family's expectations, and the career path he never truly chose. Thea was his one rebellion, a beautiful lie that ended with a "heart-destroying" fake breakup. Now, with his younger brother's wedding underway and his mother on the prowl, Owen begs Thea to reprise their roles. One week. Same fake breakup. No feelings.

But as old sparks reignite and the lines between pretense and reality blur, Thea and Owen will have to choose: carry on their greatest performance yet or admit the truth—that it was never fake at all.

The Goodreads book description tells us a lot. Thea once fake-dated Owen for cash she desperately needed, and he needed to get his mom off his back about dating. Little does she know that he's been milking a fake-broken heart ever since. But truth be told, he was interested in staying in touch with Thea, and maybe even making a go at something real, but Thea deleted her number from his phone in hopes of a clean break. Now Thea's little sister is marrying Owen's brother. I find it hard to believe that even without knowing his last name, Thea wouldn't have been tipped off about Addy dating his brother, but I didn't want to question it too much. When Thea shows up and realizes that Owen is her sister's soon-to-be new brother-in-law, they decide to continue the charade. They aren't fake-dating again, but they are pretending to be exes. Except this time, Addy specifically asks Thea to stay away from Owen, all the while his mother is constantly trying to throw them together in hopes of getting them back together.

The Best I Never Had has some pet peeves of mine. We've got a pregnant lesbian couple. And there's also a gay male couple that isn't as prominent. Oh, and we have the trifecta with the bisexual (I think) best friend. Diversity for diversity's sake...CHECK! The language was a lot. And the on-page spice was more than my preference. You can skip ahead if this isn't your cup of tea, like me.

Favorite quotes:

-"I like to know what pain I'm getting into before it hits."

-"I--I lash out. When I'm feeling vulnerable. Always have. It's easier to hurt other people than face my own [stuff], but I don't want to do that to you. I don't want to be someone who hurts you. So I'm sorry."

-"I ask for your help trying to connect with the family, then resent you for becoming close with them. I worship you, then get jealous of the things I idolize."

This entire book was a study in how different people handle trauma. For Owen, his dad died, and his mom pushed him to succeed with the company to carry on his father's legacy. He also had to step up and take care of his younger brother. He sacrificed his own wants and needs to take care of others until that became his default, and he rarely ever sought after anything he wanted for himself. Owen's mom was so heartbroken over her husband's death that she couldn't cope and do all of the things she needed to do as a mother. She ended up trying to micromanage and control her sons, at least Owen, to the point of alienating them both and becoming manipulative. Thea was always fiery. Her mom died from a drug overdose. And Thea and Addy went into the foster care system. Thea had a habit of lashing out in anger over everything when she felt vulnerable, and this pushed many people away. Addy grew up with such a complex over moving from place to place that she could barely be herself for fear of constant rejection from others, at least until Harrison. These are all messed-up people that sound exactly like real people with flaws, messed-up backstories, and childlike coping mechanisms.

I ended up enjoying the overall story of The Best I Never Had. I felt like some pieces didn't make a lot of sense. Owen's mom went from being Team Thea to Anti-Thea pretty easily. I was annoyed with Addy for wanting Thea to get close to the family and then getting mad at her for doing exactly that, but all of that was at least addressed. Owen and Thea had a good relationship development, and I liked that they mostly handled their situation with maturity. Until the forced conflict, anyway. The Best I Never Had did check a bunch of the diversity checkboxes. Diversity for diversity's sake has always annoyed me. But in the end, I'm giving The Best I Never Had 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Best I Never Had? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Kiss of the Season

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.

The Kiss of the Season (Fairfax Sisters, # 4)

By: Michelle Kenney

Expected Publication: November 6, 2026 by One More Chapter

? 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--‘Worthy of Georgette Heyer…the most wonderfully satisfying five star Regency Romp’ Julie CaplinStern elder brother, and master matchmaker of the Fairfax family, Sir Thomas Fairfax intends to announce the marriage of his youngest sister, Matilda, at The Knightsbridge Christmas Ball.

Determined to defy her brother, Matilda persuades her friend Georgiana to accompany her on a bracing ride over a wintry Dartmoor so she can enlist as a nurse with the army instead. Yet, her plan fails when Georgiana falls and breaks her ankle, developing a fever that concerns them enough to send for her older, widowed sister, Miss Arabella Farrington.

From the moment the enigmatic Arabella arrives, it is clear that she and Thomas share a mysterious history. Faced with the secrets of the past, Thomas finds himself questioning the future he thought he knew…

Each book in the Fairfax Sisters series can be read as a standalone.

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

Soulgazer - Review

Soulgazer (The Magpie and the Wolf Duology, # 1)

By: Maggie Rapier

Publication: July 8, 2025 by Ace

451 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Pirates

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--Every legend has a beginning.

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she's managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she'll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he'll have to marry her first.

Saoirse picked up a soulstone as a child, and ever since then, she and her family have believed her to be cursed. After touching her pregnant mother's belly, her baby brother died. After touching her older brother, he drowned. But it isn't every human touch that seems to condemn someone to death. So that part was a little confusing to me. Since these incidents, Saoirse has been cast into a cottage to live alone for years. Her father is one of the kings of this realm, and he's treated her unkindly since he lost two children "at her hands." But he still plans to use her for a political match. I don't see how that's possible exactly, but he was keeping the details of her "curse" to himself and not sharing it with the man he basically wants to sell her off to. At the same time, her father has been attempting to bind her magic.

Saoirse has existed on tales of the Wolf and his escapades, as her older brothers used to tell her his stories. When Saoirse is allowed out of the cottage for a yearly ceremony, she runs into the Wolf himself. He just so happens to be looking for the exact magic that Saoirse is capable of. Only her magic is now stifled due to her father's bindings. Saoirse knows that her only protection from the bethrothal that her father has arranged is if she's married to someone else. So she and Wolf get married as a marriage of convenience. Although no one but them knows that--not even his crew.

You see, the Wolf, Faolan, is a pirate. He's been working for his queen, his cousin, to pay a life debt. But his time to find an island that can't be found is running out. He needs Saoirse's magic in order to find it. Of course, Faolan and Saoirse begin to develop feelings that go beyond convenience.

The magic of this world is unique. Saoirse isn't the only one who holds magic, but her kind is feared because people don't understand it.

Favorite quotes:

-The Wolf's hold falters as I buckle forward, choking on the waves of it because I know him, this stranger. I see a hundred different versions of his face, feel the weight of his hand upon my chest--I know that I'm going to tear through his world like an arrow through flesh, and he will bear those scars for the rest of his days. I will steal his rest, and he will rob me of mine. We are going to break each other.

-Legends may not die, but stories always end.

As per usual, we can't have side characters without trying to check all of the boxes. I can't say more because AI bots will block my reviews on various sites where I post my reviews. But know that the alphabet is present in this one.

All of that being said, I never had an issue with the world-building. I don't avoid "witch" books per se, but I have found that none of them particularly satisfy what I'm looking for in a story. I've felt the same about time travel and mermaid books. I just haven't found one that works for me. And this world isn't about witches in the sense of casting spells. But when I read the author's note at the end of the book, I felt a conviction not to continue the series. I can't explain it. There was nothing in this book that turned me off exactly. There was no content that I can point to. But afterwards, when I went to pick up the next book, I just felt a strong conviction not to read it. And I know that it came outside of myself because my preference was to read book 2. I enjoyed book Soulgazer enough to want to continue the series. But I've also learned to listen to these "instincts." So I won't be continuing the series.

Soulgazer had a unique magical world that I'd not seen before. It's one of only two pirate books that I've enjoyed. It wasn't without faults. The diversity for diversity's sake is always frustrating to me. But the conviction I felt not to continue the series leaves me feeling like I can't exactly recommend this book to others either. Soulgazer itself gets 4 Stars. The conviction I felt didn't come until I'd finished this book. Thus, I won't be continuing the series. Have you read Soulgazer? What did you think? Let me know!

A Kingdom to Claim - Review

A Kingdom to Claim

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Publication: July 2, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior.

I read Sian Ann Bessey's previous book, The Call of the Sea which features Rhiannon who's family is raided by Vikings. Yet she has a connection with one of the men who were present, and their story builds from there. When I saw A Kingdom to Claim also takes place in roughly the same period, I knew I would want to read it. At the same time, I wondered if Bessey would take a different approach. She does. What makes this even more fun for me, is that this past year, we studied about King Alfred the Great in our homeschool. So it was fun for me to see all of the same information I learned studying with my kids being included in A Kingdom to Claim.

Aisley is the daughter of a thegn who went to fight with King Alfred at one of his early battles against the Vikings. Wessex was defeated in this battle and suffered heavy losses. Her father being one. Her brother takes over as thegn in their area, and he doesn't have the same good qualities that her father had. At the same time, Aisley's mother has been training her in the healing arts of plants. She uses her skills to heal others which reconnects her with another thegn, Brecc. They've had a couple of encounters prior to this, and their connection builds as Aisley helps his friend Rheged. Unfortunately, Aisley's brother does not have her best interest at heart--only his own wealth motivates him.

Brecc is honorable. He takes his position seriously, and he worries more about the threat the Vikings pose than many others. His warnings put him in a situation to be a good counselor to King Alfred.

I don't want to say too much more about the story so that I don't spoil anything for the reader, but I enjoyed this book, and I read it in just a couple of days.

Favorite quotes:

-"When one prefers to sit and watch over participating, it becomes easier to catch things that are not spoken."

-"If it would help to talk, I am a good listener. If you need time for quiet contemplation, we can walk in silence." She waited, barely daring to breathe. And then he smiled. "I should like that very much," he said. "To which 'that' do you refer>" "Walking with you. And talking. And thinking. I believe I should like to try a little of them all."

-It was a rare thing to be led by a monarch so wlling to learn and to teach.

I enjoyed A Kingdom to Claim. I know that I'm not the only one fascinated by the Viking culture, but it's also odd to be fascinated by a culture that goes so against what is right. The raiding by the Vikings was completely opposite of civil or good. So it's an odd place to put authors trying to write love stories that are also historically acurate when it comes to facts and events. Sian Ann Bessey did a great job. A Kingdom to Claim gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Kingdom to Claim? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Peculiar Stars

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.

Peculiar Stars

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: November 17, 2026 by Montlake

653 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Survival

( 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 Rebecca Yarros comes a slow-burn romance about love, family, and what it means to become the truest version of yourself.

Callista Moran has spent a lifetime putting her own plans aside to care for other people. Once she and Darren Knight announce their engagement, she thinks her future is finally set. But when a routine sailing trip goes tragically wrong, a cyclone blows those carefully made plans away.

Stranded on an island for the next eighteen months alongside the crew and her fiancé’s cousin, Callista discovers a strength she never knew she had. And begins to question the life she always thought she wanted. With Dominic, an ex–army medic, she finds true peace―and a version of herself that she doesn’t need to explain. They resist their connection at first, but as months wear on, and the hope of rescue fades, something real starts taking shape, built on who they are when everything else is stripped away.

When they’re finally found, the world hasn’t changed. But they have. In the height of a modern media frenzy, learning to live as the people they’ve become will challenge not only their definition of survival, but love.

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

Embrace - Review

Embrace (Off the Ice, # 4)

By: Bal Khabra

Publication: August 4, 2026 by Berkley

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Romance, Sports

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--An unexpected spark between a hockey player and the coach’s daughter might cause them to cross the line in the next Dalton University book from international bestselling author Bal Khabra.

Kian Ishida is all about parties, hockey, and living in the moment. But when he realizes he’s headed to the NHL without his degree, his late dad’s one wish for him, he’s determined to make up those last few credits. Desperate for help, he joins a study group led by none other than Scarlett Kilner. She’s as gorgeous as she is smart. Too bad he doesn’t know yet that she’s his coach’s daughter.

After making a reputation for herself, all Scarlett wants for her senior year is to prove she’s more than her mistakes and graduate without tarnishing her well-respected father’s name. But when Kian Ishida, one of her dad’s star hockey players, joins her study group, things get complicated.

As Scarlett helps Kian, their study sessions turn into something more—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a connection neither of them expected. Kian has to decide what’s more the dream he’s worked for his whole life or the girl he never saw coming.

I'm coming in on the end of this series. I haven't read any of the previous books, so I have no idea how much of this story or the characters connect to other books beyond the obvious (other couples).

Here's the gist, and probably more information than you need to know up front. Scarlett's parents married when they probably shouldn't have. They weren't in a great place for getting pregnant, but they did anyway. Scarlett grew up witnessing her father being abusive to her mother. And Scarlett's testimony is part of what put her dad in prison. Her mother is now remarried. Her stepfather ended up adopting her. Yet Scarlett remembers good times with her biological father, and she has always wondered if they would be able to have some kind of relationship despite their past. All of this plays into how Scarlett viewed herself in her freshman year of college. And let's just say she had a lot of meaningless hookups and casual sex and developed quite a reputation for herself. She has been trying to rehab her image, but it isn't going so well. It seems that once you undervalued yourself and physical intimacy, it's hard for others to see value in what you didn't value yourself. It's not slut-shaming. It's human nature. Suppose I have a glass teapot that I toss in the air and slam onto the table. Will my friends be gentle with my teapot when they have a chance to use it? Of course not, because I've already shown them the lack of value I place upon it by how I treat it. But I digress.

Kian needs to pass his last class to graduate, which is what his father always wanted for him. Kian begs Scarlett to tutor him; in exchange, he will help her repair her image. At the very least, guys will leave her alone, knowing that they are friends and will have to answer to Kian for mistreating her. Kian has been the happy guy that all his friends and family can both count on and yet don't want to burden. He has his own issues dealing with both the death of his father and his mother having dementia.

I really liked the slow buildup between these two characters. Because of Scarlett's history, they took things slower than a lot of couples would have. And yet when that line was crossed, they went full steam ahead. So if you're looking for low language and physical scenes, this isn't really the book for you. But if it doesn't bother you or you can skip over any of that, I did enjoy the plotline.

Favorite quotes:

-Can a hug alter your brain chemistry?

-"I think you need to meet her where she's at. You don't always need a big declaration, Kian. It just seems like she wants your honesty,"...

-I'm so sick of missing people who are close enough to touch but never to be with.

To be honest, most of what I highlighted were editing errors, which will likely be fixed in the final version since I read an advanced copy. The second most I highlighted were points of contention where I didn't agree with some of Scarlett's life choices or their explaining away the consequences of her choices. I don't think that gives people grounds to disrespect her or treat her like trash, but we show others what we value. Scarlett made some bad choices that she came to regret. Call it like it is.

Another minor pet peeve is Kian's pet name for Scarlett is Scar. She seems to like this a lot yet never comment on how that's what her parents also call her. Yet throughout the book I noticed both her mother and adoptive father call her this. It felt off to me. At least if it had been addressed that Kian called her by her parent's nickname for her then it wouldn't have felt out of place.

Overall, I really enjoyed the storylines of Embrace, and I read it quickly. It took me too long to realize why it was named Embrace, but now I get it. And you better believe I've been implementing some six-second hugs in my life with my family. I don't love the language and physical scenes. That could be left out for my preferences, but I expected it at the same time. Embrace gets 4 Stars. Have you read Embrace? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Christmas Yes List

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.

The Christmas Yes List

By: Melissa Ferguson

Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Get ready for a laugh-out-loud holiday romance that's brimming with witty banter and heartwarming cheer by the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson.

Chronic people-pleaser Chloe Hollis is determined to finally learn how to get over her fear of rejection. Her unconventional solution? She must collect ten "nos" before Christmas Day by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can dream up. But her plan goes hilariously off-track when she meets James Dutton.

James, a rule-following workaholic, has decided to do the exact opposite of he's saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way in hopes of finally embracing life--and maybe a little Christmas spirit.

As they continue to get tangled up in each other's wild experiment, Chloe and James find themselves in a whirlwind of festive, awkward, and delightful situations. But no one is more surprised than they are to realize they're falling in love.

With sparkling humor and swoon-worthy heart, this delightful Christmas rom-com is a feel-good story about facing fear head-on, choosing growth over comfort, and finding the courage to say "yes" to the things--and the people--that truly matter.

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

Daggermouth - Review

Daggermouth (The Heart, # 1)

By: H.M. Wolfe

Publication: March 3, 2026 by Scarlett Press

544 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dystopian

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--Set in a corrupt surveillance state ruled by the masked elite, this true enemies-to-lovers dystopian romance that’s Conform meets V For Vendetta follows a mercenary who botches the assassination of the president’s son and ends up forced to marry him.

The first thing you’ll learn in New Found Haven is that mercy doesn’t exist. The second thing is that, from the highest glass atrium in the Heart to the windowless slums of the Boundary, the Veyra are always watching.

The last lesson is the hardest, but you must remember it: Love outside of your ring is a death sentence.

The city is carved into rings of privilege and poverty, ruled by the masked elite who will do whatever it takes to hold onto power. Obedience is demanded. Rebellion is crushed.

Greyson Serel has spent his life caught between two worlds. Publicly, he’s the flawless heir to the presidency. Privately, he’s entangled in secrets that could topple the regime. But when he’s forced into a political marriage meant to bind him tighter to the government’s brutal laws, he finds himself shackled to a bride as lethal as she is unwilling.

Shadera Kael is a mercenary raised to kill, not to wed. Yet when her bullet misses its mark, survival leaves her tied to the very man she was sent to eliminate. Trapped inside the corrupt heart of the city, she becomes both prisoner and wife, her every step watched, her every move tested.

Their union is no love story—it’s a battlefield. As secrets come to light and betrayals fester within the walls of power, Greyson and Shadera must decide between annihilating each other or burning the city to the ground together.

In a world where passion has consequences and loyalty is paid for in blood, their forced bond may be the spark that ignites a revolution. Or the fire that consumes them both.

Daggermouth is a dystopian book at heart. It's told from multiple POVs, whichever character has the most important information to share in the moment. It has some technology that isn't quite widely used today, but none of that is out of the realm of possibility for today so it doesn't quite fit science fiction. And while there are relationships, I also didn't really feel like it fit into the realm of romance either.

I've seen Daggermouth praised in the Bookstagram world so I figured I would check it out. But I have to say that I wasn't quite as blown away as those I saw praising it. Mostly I felt like there were too many inconsistencies. I'll spend most of my review addressing these.

Why can an assassin feel so much hatred towards an executioner? Both characters are taking hit orders from someone else. Neither know the people they are killing intimately. Both understand that the people they are killing have families and people who care about them. Both feel the weight of what they're doing. One is forced into a role without their choosing, the other chose their role. Neither know each other well enough to judge the other, but do so anyway.

People in this world are regularly executed for falling in love across "rings". Yet because someone from the lowest ring saw someone from the highest ring unmasked they are forced to get married? That makes no sense. Even the idea of marrying between the rings to unite them is inconsistent. The entire point of their political world seemed to be to keep people in their rings. No rising or falling. Just stay where you are in your place. So Shade and Greyson being forced to "marry" just because she saw him unmasked made no sense.

This world starts off feeling like the "royal" family is almost mafia. All of the family members have their places and assignments. Yet the further into the book we go, we see such subjugation for the women in this world. And it just felt a little forced to me. If this were a political commentary on today's society (which I'm not saying it is), Daggermouth would show how far we've come past women's subjugation today.

Then, a character is shot literally 3 different times in the span of a week and continues to fight on like his entire body isnt facing multiple debilitating injuries. But maybe he's built up a tolerance to pain through his history. Yet the first bullet left him near death. Another character is injured similarly. Not quite 3 bullet wounds. But still, this is so unrealistic it's laughable.

Look, I don't avoid books that have spicy scenes if the plot is good. But I'd rather not have them in there. I don't think it's necessary. And Daggermouth had less and more than I expected. The only full scene (and I say full given the amount of description and the act itself) was early in the book. There are a few more partial scenes that were descriptive, but didn't go as far as I expected. I have to say that given the proclivities of the two main characters, I'm glad that things didn't progress as much as one would expect. But I don't understand why almost all of the scenes in this world had to include violence of some kind. Maybe it's just me, but even if it is, I feel like it shouldn't be.

I think Daggermouth was supposed to have some big plot twists. But if you read enough books, you can begin to predict things that might happen. This was the case with me reading this book. There was only one small surprise for me at the very, very end of this book. Everything else I predicted. That's not to say that every reader will do this. I know some friends of mine never try to predict what's going to happen, but my brain can't turn that off. I'm always thinking "oh I bet this unexpect thing is going to happen." Anyway, at the same time, with the way Daggermouth ended, I really don't see the need for a second book. I know there are a lot of holes, but none of them feel pressing enough for me to need a second book.

Even though the majority of my review has been negaitve, I read Daggermouth quickly. I wanted to keep reading when I needed to put it down. So it wasn't all bad. I had hopes for the characters, which I guess hasn't fully fleshed out and maybe that's the idea behind the second book, but yeah, I also can't rate Daggermouth as some masterpiece either. At this point, I'm giving Daggermouth 3 Stars. I'll probably read the second in the series when it publishes, but time will tell if my interests drops before it publishes. Have you read Daggermouth? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Threshing Day

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.

Threshing Day (The Empyrean, # 3.5)

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: September 29, 2026 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, 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--The next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing Day contains thirteen stories starring your favorite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-color illustrations by artist Joe Requeza. This breathtaking collectible is available only in the US and Canada while supplies last. Full blurb to be revealed soon!

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

The Wind Weaver - Review

The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 1)

By: Julie Johnson

Publication: April 8, 2025 by Ace

544 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

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--Magic and adventure swirl through this spellbinding romantasy where a young woman reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all.

Fear of maegic plagues war-torn Anwyvn. Halflings like Rhya Fleetwood are killed on sight. But Rhya’s execution is interrupted by an unexpected savior—one far more terrifying than her would-be killers. The mysterious and mercenary Commander Scythe. In the clutches of this new enemy, Rhya finds herself fighting for her life in the barren reaches of the Northlands. Yet the farther she gets from home, the more she learns that nothing is as it seems—not her fearsome captor, not the blight that ravages her dying realm, not even herself.

For Rhya is no ordinary halfling. The strange birthmark on her chest and the wind she instinctively calls forth means she is a Remnant, one of four souls scattered across Anwyvn, fated to restore the balance of maegic…or die trying.

But mastering the power inside her is only the beginning. Desire for the Commander—a man she can never trust, a man with plans of his own—burns just as fiercely as the tempests beating against her rib cage for release. Rhya must choose: smother the flames…or let them consume her.

I dont really know why but I didnt have high expectations for The Wind Weaver, but I found myself pleasantly surprised and enjoying it. At the same time, I did notice early on that plot points of The Wind Weaver reminded me of other books I've read.

Rhya is a halfling fae. I don't know how she knows that considering she's never met her parents and have been raised by a human instead. Her human father for all intents and purposes was a healer who taught her the trade but also taught her to hide the parts of her that are fae, well except for her ears she cant hide. Her human father is dead, and Rhya is alone. The book starts with her having already been captured by an army squad that is determined to execute her. She is saved by an unlikely person, Scythe. But he keeps her bound and doesn't treat her very well as they run from another enemy army that seems to be chasing them for some reason Rhya doesn't know.

Scythe is actually an alias and his real name is Pendfyre. I won't tell you too much about him as that would be a spoiler. But he is taking Rhya against her will north. He won't explain anything to her. He barely talks to her at all. Yet time and again he saves her life. To him that seems to cover a multitude of sins. Or at least normal decency and behavior. When Rhya still has trouble trusting him, he's annoyed that his protection from harm or death ought to be enough to reveal his character to her. I'm sorry, I'm with Rhya on this one. It's obvious he's kidnapped her with a purpose but he won't share that purpose with her.

The misunderstood, morally grey but not really MMC, the long journey with one horse, the shared bedroom at the inn, the lack of communication because then what would the plot conflict actually be...all of these felt very familiar to other fantasy novels I've read. They did feel unique enough without a deeper dive to say they don't mimick any one book too closely.

After I felt hooked, I did begin to feel like things were being too predictable. I have my suspicions for what is to come with the next book. Also, I skimmed more than I wanted towards the end of the book.

Favorite quotes:

-The heart makes you soft. The stomach makes you weak. Ignore their fleeting impulses. It is your mind you must mind.

-Physical contact is something I took for granted in all the years of my youth.

-For what is hate but love turned poison?

-“It is only lately, for the first time in seventy years, that I have felt my first bit of respite from those pointless longings. For if she were still here . . . you would not be.”

-Skies, everything was so much simpler when we were at each other’s throats instead of under each other’s skin.

The Wind Weaver was better than I expected it to be. Yet it was also predictable. The Wind Weaver gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Wind Weaver? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Throne of the Heavens

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.

Throne of the Heavens (The King's Men, # 4)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian 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--Flashes of a forgotten life are all Mattaniel remembers from before his freedom was stripped away. When a shocking revelation forces him into the service of a foreign king, he finds himself entangled in a world of political intrigue and captivated by a woman far beyond his reach.

As the daughter of a king, Elissa knows her duty is to secure her father's ambitions with an advantageous marriage. Yet when her brilliant and enigmatic tutor uncovers a conspiracy that drags them both into a deadly game of treachery, her privileged world begins to crumble. As more fragments of Mattaniel's past are uncovered, enemies close in, loyalties fracture, and their forbidden bond will ignite a chain of events that could reshape the destiny of nations.

The early years of King Saul's reign come to life in bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette's compelling, biblical-inspired tale.

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

An Honorable Love - Review

An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Audra Wells

Expected Publication: March 19, 2026

244 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--One grump. One thief. One highly-questionable adventure.

Leonard Stanton has perfected the art of being alone. He keeps to the edges of ballrooms, and society, whenever possible. But when a priceless family heirloom is stolen off his very person, he finds himself dragged into the one thing he hates most—a social entanglement.

Enter Miss Honora Gillingham. Vexingly cheerful, utterly unpredictable, and the last person Leonard should trust. Mostly because . . . she’s the one who stole from him.

Sigh, I'm a little sad about An Honorable Love. I can't say that I loved this book out of the A Gentleman's Gamble series. This series has been such a fun reading journey. I've seen independent historical fiction authors pile together to create these "series" where the characters or themes are connected, and each book is written by a different author. I think it's a great way to introduce readers of one author to similar authors they may be unfamiliar with. That certainly happened with me and this series. At the same time, I just didn't feel like An Honorable Love meshed with the other books in this series as much as I wanted it to.

Leonard is the last of his friends to marry. Or at least, he is unmarried at the start of this book. And that means that he has to pay the forfeit to the other friends for a total of six hundred pounds. He has the money, but his investments are tied up, and it isn't wise to pull them at this time. Yet he wants so badly to pay off his friends that he's willing to sell his great-grandmother's ring to do so. Unfortunately, he gets pickpocketed by a woman.

Honora didn't grow up wealthy. As a matter of fact, her father was a thief. And she has no friends in her new life. Well, she has one, but that friend hasn't contacted her in a while. And now she's bored. She's tried conversing with her maid, but the maid is terrified of stepping outside of her duties. And so she sets her sights on Leonard because he's so fun to rile up. She didn't mean for them to have any repeat interactions after pocketing his great-grandmother's ring. But the man did manage to track her down. Honora uses Leonard in a series of quests to complete a final task and put her thieving days behind her once and for all. Only these two are catching feelings.

Honora's past and entanglements make this book feel almost like a mystery, yet the mystery element is lacking. The only real mystery is the truth behind her past. But that isn't revealed in some big climax, but over a series of slow drips of information for both the reader and Leonard. I could feel the attraction between the two of them, but to get all the way to love felt like a stretch.

In a similar way, it was like Leonard was so against marriage and tying anyone to his father and his family, yet that didn't turn out to be any big obstacle in the end, and his father didn't even seem like an unreasonable man either. It was almost like he was made out to be some big villain, even potentially abusive to his son, yet none of that ended up coming out. I wasn't disappointed to find out that he was a decent person, but it felt a little bit anticlimatic.

In the end, An Honorable Love was probably my least favorite in the The Gentleman's Gamble series. I've decided to give it 3 Stars. I almost thought Thomas was going to show up in the end single after starting the whole thing, considering we never met him in person aside from the prologue of all of the books. That would have been something. Have you read An Honorable Love? What did you think? Let me know!