Top Ten Spring 2021 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Spring 2021 TBR List.

1. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep
2. Hooked on You (A Maple Falls Romance, # 1) by Kathleen Fuller
3. A Wild Hope (Wild Swan Trilogy, # 1) by Celeste de Blasis
4. The Other Side of the Sky (The Other Side of the Sky, # 1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
5. Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
6. The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, # 3) by Jennifer L Armentrout
7. A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4) by Sarah J Maas
8. The Prince of Spies (Hope & Glory, # 3) by Elizabeth Camden
9. Winning the Schoolmarm (Wind River Hearts, # 14) by Lacy Williams
10. Sword of Rage (Reigning Kingdoms, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis

Which books are on your Spring 2021 TBR List? Let me know!

Namesake - Review

Namesake (Fable, # 2)

By: Adrienne Young

Publication: March 16th 2021 by Wednesday Books

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Filled with action, emotion, and lyrical writing, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Namesake, the final book in the captivating Fable duology.

Trader. Fighter. Survivor.

With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems.

As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception she learns that her mother was keeping secrets, and those secrets are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.

Fable was one of my favorite reads from 2020. Considering the cliffhanger that it ended with, I would have started Namesake immediately if I had it in my possession. So when I saw it for review request, I jumped on it. And read it as soon as I could.

Due to the nature of events--Fable being kidnapped by Zola--Namesake didn't exactly start off in the best of places. She's surrounded by enemies that pose a threat to her even if they've been warned not to touch her. Zola needs her to do a job for him along with as many other dredgers as he can get. What's more, Clove, who used to be her father's right-hand man, is crewing for Zola as well. Fable takes this to mean that even he can't be trusted. I won't discuss much more about the plot so that I don't spoil anything.

Fable isn't even sure that West will look for her, but she should have known better. West is willing to do just about anything to get Fable back. He's determined not to return to the Narrows without her. Even at the detriment of himself, his crew, his ship... anything is fair game in his attempt to save Fable. I felt slightly conflicted because these two could use some communication skills, but trust and love were there between them.

All of the side characters were lively even if I wish we'd had a little more time with them, particularly Koy and Willa. Even Saint didn't have much of a role. I mean he was integral but also absent.

The world is still one of my favorite parts of this series. The ships and the dives. The gems and various ports of call. All of that made this world a place I'd love to return to in the future.

I won't say that I enjoyed Namesake quite as much as Fable, but it was a pretty good follow up. So much of the plot was about one-upping the various big bad enemies. But I enjoyed the relationships and world-building. I would love to read more books in this setting. Namesake gets 4 Stars. Have you read Namesake ? What did you think? Let me know!

Forever Phoebe - Review

Forever Phoebe

By: Chalon Linton

Publication: February 8th 2020 by Covenant Communications

224 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism from the gentleman she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe’s spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park. Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe’s attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

I wasn't sure about Forever Phoebe mostly because I was unfamiliar with the author, but also, because I don't always want to read mysteries. Sometimes I'm in the mood for mysteries but not always. But I picked it up when I did due to the publication date, and I ended up reading it mostly in one day.

I have to admit that I fell in love with the entire Jamison family. Phoebe is much like the description states. She's used to being included with her brothers whether that be racing horses, shooting pistols, or teasing each other mercilessly. She has always wanted her brother Peter's close friend William Mason to show her particular attention, but Mason seems to only offer "constructive criticism" rather than compliments.

Peter is the closest brother in age to Phoebe. He seems to be the biggest joker of the brothers. Abraham is the fashionable one, but I think he got the least amount of page time being the middle brother. And then her oldest brother was often just referred to as Jamison. I can't remember his first name off the top of my head. But he was perhaps the most serious given he's the oldest and the responsible one while their parents are traveling. He also has a bit of a romance develop throughout the book.

Franklin moves to the neighborhood because he has inherited Ravenhouse from his uncle. He had intentions to put off his inheritance but after his older brother marries he sees the need for his brother and his new wife to have some time alone. Once in the neighborhood, he meets the Jamison siblings and quickly begins to see traits within Phoebe that he admires. Unlike Mason who is only ever critical, Franklin appreciates Phoebe for who she is. And he seeks to begin winning her favor. They had a sweet love story, and I enjoyed every page of it.

The mystery...well that felt a little unnecessary to me. It wasn't really a focal point of the book until the ending and major conflict for the climax of the story. Yet at the same time, I wasn't put off by it as I sometimes find. I think I would have enjoyed the story just the same without this part, but including it didn't lessen my enjoyment of Forever Phoebe either.

Overall, Forever Phoebe gets 4 Stars from me. I loved the romance and the side characters. I would love future books about the other Jamison brothers. And the mystery neither added to nor took away from the rest of the story for me. Have you read Forever Phoebe ? What did you think? Let me know!

First Comes Like - Review

First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3)

By: Alisha Rai

Publication: February 16th 2021 by Avon

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--The author of The Right Swipe and Girl Gone Viral returns with a story about finding love in all the wrong inboxes...

Beauty expert and influencer Jia Ahmed has her eye on the prize: conquering the internet today, the entire makeup industry tomorrow, and finally, finally proving herself to her big opinionated family. She has little time for love, and even less time for the men in her private messages—until the day a certain international superstar slides into her DMs, and she falls hard and fast.

There’s just one wrinkle: he has no idea who she is.

The son of a powerful Bollywood family, soap opera star Dev Dixit is used to drama, but a strange woman who accuses him of wooing her online, well, that’s a new one. As much as he’d like to focus on his Hollywood fresh start, he can’t get Jia out of his head. Especially once he starts to suspect who might have used his famous name to catfish her…

When paparazzi blast their private business into the public eye, Dev is happy to engage in some friendly fake dating to calm the gossips and to dazzle her family. But as the whole world swoons over their relationship, Jia can’t help but wonder: Can an online romance-turned-offline-fauxmance ever become love in real life?

I blew through First Comes Like. I really like the modern issues that couples face due to technology in this series (although I haven't read book 1). Husband and I utilized email in our early relationship so I appreciate seeing these aspects presented in a realistic way.

First Comes Like was exactly like the description states, yet still different from what I had in mind. When Jia finally meets Dev, he immediately feels an attraction to her but has no idea who she is. She's hurt and embarrassed. He attempts to investigate who could have written the messages to her in his name and is determined to make things up to her as much as possible. This causes them to interact more and eventually come up with the plan to fake date. Of course, getting to know each other sparks feelings on both sides, but neither knows where the other stands.

I devoured this book. Even though the challenges of modern technology felt realistic to me, the solutions to the problems facing this couple didn't feel the same level of realism in my opinion. Maybe this stems from my lack of cultural knowledge, but I felt some of those pieces of the puzzle were too easy. Honestly, though, I was enjoying the journey too much to care about the realism in the moment.

Often times I end up complaining about books that have forced extreme conflict just for the characters to have something to overcome. I was thankful that nothing crazy happened to force conflict between these two characters. There were little things that they had to work to overcome but nothing drastic or forced.

Overall, I enjoyed First Comes Like . It was clean for the most part. The only scenes came at a point where I couldn't morally object. Shoot these characters didn't even kiss until past a certain point (no spoilers). The technology challenges were realistic even though the solutions to some of the conflicts were not in my opinion. Ultimately, I'm happy to give First Comes Like 4 Stars. Have you read First Comes Like ? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post & Stacking the Shelves - 03/07/21

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

Well, life has been a bit of survival mode. Baby Boy is actually a very good baby. Adjusting to three is still...well...an adjustment. Schedules have to be adjusted. Big kids have to learn a little patience and independence. I haven't had time to read, but to be honest, the mood hasn't hit me either.

THE PAST MONTH:

Monday 1/18: Review of The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday 1/19: Ten Books I Didn't Get to in 2020
Wednesday 1/20: Can't Wait for Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke
Monday 1/25: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - January Wrap Up
Tuesday 1/26: Announcing Remy Jeriah
Wednesday 1/27: Can't Wait for A Trial of Sorcerers (A Trial of Sorcerers, # 1) by Elise Kova
Blogging Break for the Month of February
Thursday 2/25: 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge - February Wrap Up
Monday 3/1: Review of A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright ( Stars)
Thursday 3/4: Review of Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks ( Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of First Comes Like (Modern Love, # 3) by Alisha Rai
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton

Don’t forget to link up for the 2021 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2021 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Love Scenes

By: Bridget Morrissey

Expected Publication: June 22nd 2021 by Berkley Books

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

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

Goodreads description--Acting like she's in love with her handsome nightmare of a co-star--in a movie directed and produced by her complicated Hollywood royalty family--is Sloane's job. But what happens when the lines between script and reality get blurred?

Out-of-work actress Sloane Ford is in desperate need of something to do after losing her steady TV gig. When her famous family ropes her into working as a producer on their World War II-era romance, they neglect to mention that the film will be headlined by Joseph Donovan, her least favorite former co-star of all time. The roguish actor made her life a living hell the last time they worked together, using his movie star good looks and Irish charm to cover for his erratic professional behavior. On their new film set, he promises he's different now, but Sloane is far from convinced.

As filming gets underway, it becomes clear that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. When the lead actress is abruptly fired, Sloane agrees to step in and take over the role, and she starts to remember why she fell in love with acting in the first place. On camera, she and Joseph share an electric chemistry. Off camera, they've been honing their characters and, much to Sloane's surprise, growing closer. But playing the role of a woman in love with Joseph Donovan is a dangerous business, and the more time they spend together, the less Sloane can tell what's real between them, and what's just for show.

Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger, # 2)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: June 9th 2020 by Inkyard Press

576 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

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Goodreads description--Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” — New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

A half human, half angel and her bonded gargoyle protector must work with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

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

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: February 16th 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing

648 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Fae

Source: Personal Kindle Library

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

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

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

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

Instructions for Dancing

By: Nicola Yoon

Expected Publication: June 3rd 2021 by Penguin

304 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--#1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star Nicola Yoon is back with her eagerly anticipated third novel. With all the heart and hope of her last two books, this is an utterly unique romance.

Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually.

As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything--including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he's only just met.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it's that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?

Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath, # 2)

By: Kristi Ann Hunter

Expected Publication: April 20th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers

416 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

Winning the Schoolmarm

By: Lacy Williams

Publication: February 12th 2021 by Lacy Williams Books LLC

206 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Author (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Swirling rumors forced Cecilia White out of the teaching job she loved. She vowed not to get involved with a man again—no matter what. But when the term begins at a new schoolhouse in a new town, disaster strikes. No matter what she does, she can’t seem to escape the handsome, single chairman of the school board.

John Morgan has a secret. He’s not who he says he is. He’ll do anything to protect and provide for his young sister—including cozying up to the prickly schoolmarm.

Sparks fly and Cecilia must deny her heart if she hopes to keep her job. But what’s more important? Duty or love?

When Calls the Heart (Canadian West, # 1)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 1983

220 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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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.

When Comes the Spring (Canadian West, # 2)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 1985

252 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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Goodreads description--After a year of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the western frontier, Elizabeth plans her wedding to Wynn Delaney, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As they begin their new life together at his isolated outpost in the far north, Elizabeth is unprepared for the loneliness she feels and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences she's accustomed to. Her deep love for Wynn and her faith in God seem like all she has. But will that be enough?

When Breaks the Dawn (Canadian West, # 3)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 1985

215 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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Goodreads description--After surviving a harsh first year in the far north, Elizabeth Delaney and her Royal Canadian Mountie husband, Wynn, are settling into the small community of Beaver Creek. Elizabeth is once more teaching school, and they seem to be gradually making a place for themselves among the Indians. And then the news arrives...

When Hope Springs New (Canadian West, # 4)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 1986

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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Goodreads description--Leaving behind their dear friends in Beaver Creek, Elizabeth and Wynn take over an even more primitive RCMP outpost in the Canadian Northwest. Elizabeth finds herself totally isolated when the local Indian women are afraid to even communicate with her. The Delaneys thought they had already faced the most crushing disappointment of their lives when they saw little Sammy disappear from view in the arms of his father. Would they be able to survive the challenges ahead?

Beyond the Gathering Storm (Canadian West, #5)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 2000

251 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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Goodreads description--The love of Wynn and Elizabeth Delaney has healed their adopted son Henry's painful memories and helped him grow into a man of character. But when his job as a Royal Canadian Mountie brings tragedy into his life once again, Henry is left frightened and vulnerable. Assigned to a new post some five years later, he rediscovers someone who, once and for all, may be able to help him put his past behind him.

Henry's sister, Christine, also leaves home to explore life's possibilities. Moving to the city, she finds employment and loses her heart to the worldly son of her wealthy boss. Boyd is a lonely young man with an aching heart and does not share Christine's strong faith. Is her heart leading her down the wrong path?

When Tomorrow Comes (Canadian West, #6)

By: Jannette Oke

Publication: first published 2001

256 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Personal Ebook Library

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Goodreads description--As Canadian men volunteer for World War II in Janette Oke's When Tomorrow Comes, Christine Delaney recovers from her broken heart and finds solace in helping her adored brother Henry settle into married life with the widowed Amber and her young son Danny. However, the Delaney family's happiness is shattered when a terrible auto accident mars an anticipated family celebration. At this crucial turning point in her spiritual maturity, Christine must decide if she is willing to give up her dreams of living in the North, and let God help her choose between her suitors to find a lifelong love.

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!