Can't Wait for Marriage & Masti

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.

Marriage & Masti (If Shakespeare Was an Auntie, # 3)

By: Nisha Sharma

Expected Publication: August 27, 2024 by Avon

352 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 third and final installment in Nisha Sharma’s beloved Shakespeare-inspired rom-com trilogy—an ode to Twelfth Night—is the perfect friends to lovers romp featuring an accidental wedding, meddling families, and plenty of sizzling chemistry.

Veera Mathur has been through a lot in the past year. Both of her friends found soul mates, the man she fell in love with got engaged to another woman, and her father fired her before selling the family company. When her twin sister, Sana, tells her there is no way of getting her old life back, Veera feels lost at a single, unemployed mess with a bad tattoo and tons of talent, but nowhere to go.

Deepak Datta hasn’t had the best luck either. To secure enough board votes for the CEO position at his family's company, Illyria Media, he’s ready to marry board member and famous beauty influencer, Olivia Gupta. That is until he wakes up to a get ready with me video announcing their separation. Despite his immediate relief, Deepak needs to do something fast to repair his image.

After a series of convenient mishaps bring them together again—including a literal shipwreck, way too many drinks, and a sunset elopement on the beach—Deepak and Veera realize their accidental wedding might be the solution to their career aspirations. Together, they plot against the very company that ruined their lives in the first place.

As they try to convince the world their friendship was a ruse for romance they’ve felt all along, the line between fake and real begins to blur. Now Veera and Deepak must ask themselves the terrifying question that has haunted them since the first time they will love ruin everything?

With her signature humor and heartfelt storytelling, Nisha Sharma writes a messy, spicy romance about identity, family honor, and love. In Marriage & Masti, readers are sure to love the highly anticipated finale of this beloved trilogy.

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

Romancing the Artist - Review

Romancing the Artist (Return to Inglewood, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: Pink Citrus Books (March 31, 2023)

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( 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.

Amazon description--A farmer's daughter doesn't belong in high society, even if she is a talented artist. And a gentleman training to take over the family estate can't afford distractions. But when the two of them meet, their whole world shifts. Can they overcome their fears, or will love remain out of their reach?

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends, including a persistent suitor, warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, and will have to settle for a life far less grand than she imagines. But that won’t stop her from pursuing her dream, or finding a new friend in the handsome Mr. Everly.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take the reins from his father. Everything about their home and family will fall under his care, including the land, their tenants, and all the responsibilities of a gentleman—including marrying the girl his parents have chosen for him. Overwhelmed and uncertain about his new role, Edward stumbles upon a beautiful artist in the woods. As he comes to know Miss Clapham, her way of looking at the world restores his confidence and makes his heart light. Before summer’s end, he cannot imagine a life without her.

Friends and family alike have warned against Caroline and Edward’s relationship. Edward has a role to fill, and he needs a companion who is up to the task. If Caroline leaves behind a life of finer things, she risks losing more than just her dreams of painting. Will she choose to remain in the world in which she grew up, or take the steps necessary to prove herself a worthy match for Edward?

***

The Return to Inglewood novels are a continuation of the stories in Sally Britton's Inglewood series, following the children of the heroes and heroines of Inglewood. This series can be read out of order and without reading Britton's previous books. All books in the series are sweet romance with no steamy content.

Oh my goodness guys! This one slipped through the cracks. I listened to this book on audio back in December, and I'm just now writing my review in March. That's more than 3 months between when I finished it and writing the review. All of that to say that I know I'm forgetting a ton of the details.

I do want to say that I really appreciate Sally Britton putting her audiobooks on YouTube for free. I wouldn't get to many of these books without authors like her. I don't know how she manages to do it, but I love and appreciate her for it. Marian Hussey did a wonderful job narrating. She captured this story wonderfully.

If you're familiar with the Inglewood series by Sally Britton, then you're well familiar with Neil Duncan. His story was Reforming Lord Neil, where he fell in love with a widow, Teresa Clapman. Teresa's daughter, Caroline, stars in this story along with a younger Everly sibling, Edward.

Caroline is a budding artist. She has come to Inglewood to learn from Esther, the Countess of Inglewood, from Rescuing Lord Inglewood. Caroline is a gentleman's daughter, but her family is now used to simpler circumstances. She doesn't know all of the ins and outs of the gentry. She has an encounter with Edward Everly, and the two become allies.

Edward agrees to help Caroline with her art if she will help him deflect attention from his family and his friend's family trying to match them. Caroline doesn't mind pretending to court Edward since she plans to leave Inglewood. And she really does need someone to sit for some of her art pieces. Through all of this, Edward and Caroline realize that the feelings they have aren't fake after all.

Romancing the Artist was exactly what I wanted. It was a fast listen that pulled me in quickly and hooked me into characters I cared about and rooted for. I wanted them to succeed individually as well as collectively. I have no idea who else will find themselves from and center for the Return to Inglewood series, but whoever it is, I'm here for it. Romancing the Artist gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Romancing the Artist? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 04/07/24

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

Monday we were back to our normal schedule as far as school goes. Both kids had games Monday night. Big Boy's team lost 11 to 3. They just weren't hitting well at all. There was no pep in the team. Big Girl's team won 11 to 10 by barely pulling out the last run from a tied game. Tuesday, we went to a local park and met up with some friends. We stayed there until lunch time. Grabbed groceries on the way home. Big Girl had a game that got started and was tied 4 to 4 when it started pouring rain and lightning. Wednesday was a nice relaxing day. Thursday, we spent the day with my parents, but I was dealing with a massive headache. Big Boy had a game Thursday night, and they killed the other team. I actually felt sorry for the other team. Big Boy went 3 for 3 home runs. I don't know the exact score because the scoreboard wasn't working, but we played 3 innings and got the 7 run rule each inning. I don't think the other team got more than 2 hits the entire game. Friday, Big Girl started 3rd Grade. That's one of the plus sides to homeschooling. We can move up a grade whenever we're ready. Friday afternoon, my mom came to get Little Boy. Since the big kids went on spring break to Gatlinburg with my parents, Little Boy got to spend the weekend with them all by himself at their new house. Friday night and Saturday we worked on burning this tree we cut down. It was a lot of work. Big Boy also had baseball practice.

THE PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Lady He Lost by Faye Delacour (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Saved by the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 2) by Jody Hedlund

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Romancing the Artist (Return to Inglewood, # 1) by Sally Britton
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday?

Don’t forget to link up for the 2024 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15th, 2024 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with an end of the year giveaway too! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

NEW BOOKS:

Queen of Shifting Sands (Instaonlde, # 1)

By: Kaitlyn Carter Brown

Publication: March 12, 2024 by Whimsical Publishing

451 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--A crownless queen. A cursed prince. One summer to live.

The stars have aligned in the kingdom of Instanolde, or so Lystra believes as she eagerly awaits her wedding day. Her beloved, the king, is everything her heart desires, but when a brutal attack leaves her betrothed dead and Instanolde on the cusp of collapse, she finds her future in ruins, and the throne beyond her reach. With invasion looming across the desert, Lystra refuses to let grief keep her from defending her kingdom—even if that means forging a marriage alliance with Elerek, the brother of her lost love, a prince shrouded in secrets.

Elerek, now heir to the throne, has spent his life waiting to die. An untouchable curse lurks beneath his skin, and though he aches to see its suffocating hold severed, he’s long given up hope. When his brother’s death drags him from the shadows, Elerek must find the strength to shoulder the crown’s burdens and secure a queen—a wife to protect his kingdom after the curse claims him. With the adoration of the people already in the palm of her hands, Lystra is the ideal candidate. But even if she doesn’t spurn him for his ruinous curse, he’ll need to protect her from its dangers—and his heart as he finds himself steadily drawn to the girl’s unbreakable spirit. With death on the horizon, Elerek must become the king he never planned to be and save Instanolde before his time runs out.

Lystra and Elerek only have one summer to prepare their kingdom for invasion, but more than one threat prowls their desert, and the cost of survival might just destroy them all.

Queen of Shifting Sands is a fantastical romance adventure where duty and endurance grapple amid the sands of chaos. Lovers of intrigue, high stakes, and slow-burn romance will fall in love with this escape into a rich, immersive fantasy world.

Princess of Air

By: Natalie Cammaratta

Publication: June 11, 2024 by Bees & Honey Publishing

370 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

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--Kingdom. Family. Love.
Which will shatter? Which can she save?

Air may not pummel, scorch, and drown like the other elemental magics, but with Arabella wielding it, it might be the strongest power.

When the Queen reveals the heir to her throne will be determined by a competition rather than birthright, the first born Prince of Earth’s rage quakes the palace, and Arabella feels the shock to her bones.

Trials between four siblings—four elements—are bound to be quite the show. Enough to distract from escalating problems throughout the continent.

Arabella will already have a new title soon, but her betrothal does not change the fact that she must compete. If the crown would let her have more moments that ignite her skin and send her heart racing with Tomas, this would be the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s his dark hair and blue eyes that pool heat in her belly.

Alas, if she wins, she’ll spend the rest of her life facing everything she can’t have.

Princess of Air is the spicy first book in the Elements of Royalty epic fantasy romance series. This whirlwind adventure is perfect for lovers of snarky heroines, gripping tension, and steamy desire.

The Court that Bleeds Gold (The Gold Weaver, # 1)

By: Zara Storm

Publication: March 24, 2024 by Independently published

314 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

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 action-packed dark fantasy romance perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Krista Street, and Sarah J. Maas.

Desperate to escape marrying a brutal king, I make a deal with a Fae Prince...

“I can spin gold,” I lie.

With my life at stake, I have no other choice.

I get one chance to turn my lie into truth, and I’m shocked when I succeed.

But now the cruel human king demands I become his wife—passing between his bed and being locked away in a tower, spinning gold until my last breath.

My only way out is to summon him.

A brutal Fae prince.

The deal we strike is sickening, but it’s the only way I’ll live after I’m caught escaping. My new captor drags me back to his realm.

A place of profound beauty and savage cruelties.

As wicked fairies play sadistic games, the prince is my sole protector.

He’s not just protecting me, though. He’s guarding his own secrets.

I should hate him. But our pact shows me a side his court never sees.

There is more behind his monstrous mask.

I can’t stop myself from looking.

Especially when I learn what he really wants with me.

The Court that Bleeds Gold is the first book in a dark fantasy romance trilogy. This enemies to lovers series has shades of Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast, with a dark hero who will absolutely burn this damned world to the ground for our sharp-tongued heroine. Expect steam, violence and plenty of barbed exchanges.

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

Can't Wait for Saved by the Matchmaker

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.

Saved by the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 2)

By: Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: August 6, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

352 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--After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund returns to 1800s St. Louis in this dramatic and stirring tale of resilience and love against all odds.

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

The Lady He Lost - Review

The Lady He Lost (The Lucky Ladies of London, # 1)

By: Faye Delacour

Expected Publication: April 2, 2024 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

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--Her only interest is in making her own way in the world. Luckily, he can help.

Lieutenant Eli Williams was supposed to be dead. In the two years since his shipwreck, his friends and family mourned him, his brother spent his savings, and his fiancée married someone else. So, when he turns up in the middle of the London social season, he quickly becomes the talk of the town. All Eli wants is to set his life back in order and reconnect with Jane Bishop, a friend who has always meant so much more to him, before returning to sea.

Jane refuses to waste any more of her life pining over Eli, who chose her cousin instead of her. She needs to focus on gaining her financial independence by establishing a ladies' gambling club. Never mind that Eli keeps trying to atone for his past mistake by bringing in new members. He's obviously keeping secrets about his disappearance, which means that she can't trust him with her heart even if she did kiss him in a moment of weakness. Or three.

As Eli works to regain her trust, Jane's defensive walls begin to crumble. But when Eli faces a court of inquiry on suspicion of desertion, Jane must decide if she can let go of the past to build a future with Eli, or risk losing him for good.

This charming and sexy friends to enemies to lovers historical romance romp is the perfect read for fans of Evie Dunmore and India Holton.

At the risk of giving too much away, Jane and Eli have been great friends for years. Ever since she visited relatives that were neighbors of his family. Eli and Jane have always connected, and Jane has been in love with him for a long time. Only, Eli made a stupidly male decision on a whim one night and got caught in a compromising position with her cousin. The resulting engagement broke Jane's heart. Eli needed the military to make his way in the world and to be able to afford a wife, so he left. Only his ship was commandeered by pirates and he was taken as a prisoner. His ship was wrecked and he was presumed dead. Jane mourned him but had to keep the depths of her mourning to herself as she didn't feel she had the right to mourn him as his fiance did. Eventually, Cecily marries someone else and Eli returns from the dead.

Jane refuses to allow her feelings for Eli to get riled up just because he's back. He chose Cecily over her. And she needs to focus on her own plans. Her uncle is a busybody matchmaker, constantly throwing eligible suitors in her way. But Jane plans to take her future into her own hands by starting an exclusive card club for women only. Why should men be the only ones to get to have any fun?

Eli returns with a mystery. He was shipwrecked and kidnapped, but he also could have returned home sooner than he did. The why is supposed to be the mystery and the ramifications when it appears that he deserted his post. I didn't love this part of the story. It seemed like a means to an end rather than a true part of the story. Like an afterthought maybe.

The "about the author" says that Faye Delacourt writes "feminist historical fiction." I suppose the progressive ideas pushed in The Lady He Lost included the women's card club that Jane was insistent upon providing her own way. As well as the progressive physical relationship that Jane and Eli had before marriage. Of course, these types of relationships have always happened, but culturally, this wasn't the norm of this period of history. I never mind skipping a feminist twist. Empowering is one thing, but feminism always seems to push things too far for me.

I pretty much hated Cecily. She was always in competition with Jane. I've known way too many people in real life who always feel the need to compete. And they exhaust me. At least Faye Delacourt provided her with a reasonable motivation for her behavior. And she didn't end up being a complete villain.

Favorite quotes:

-Really, what were gardens even for, except to compromise young ladies at house parties? Everyone knew that.

-They settled on the library, as it had served as a traditional hiding place for many a guest at many a party such as this.

-"I do love when you two are kind to each other."

Overall, I was a little underwhelmed by this book. Jane was a little too progressive for my taste considering the culture. Eli's mystery felt too thrown together. And the side characters were mostly annoying for too much of the book to be redeemed by the endings they got. The Lady He Lost gets 3 Stars. Have you read The Lady He Lost? What did you think? Let me know!