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!

Sunday Post - 08/02/26

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

Monday was a normal day except we had to run a few errands. We went by UPS, Goodwill, and Walmart. Monday afternoon, Big Girl had pitching lessons. My boys weren't allowed to play with neighborhood friends this week, so I planned a couple of playdates with friends that are better influences. Tuesday, we met some friends at the park and played for a couple of hours. The Big Kids had martial arts. Wednesday, I vacuumed the pool, and then we went swimming. Big Boy had pitching lessons. Then we went to church. Thursday, we met some different friends at the park. We played and then walked to a local store that sells popscicles. From there, we went to Burger King. I don't love Burger King's food, but it is seriously one of the only fast food places around that have a play place. Big Kids had their last martial arts for a couple of months. I registered them for fall ball which starts later this month. Friday, we stayed at home and went swimming. Saturday was a rainy day, and being trapped inside most of the morning was wearing on me. I can't believe we only have one full week until school starts back.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Daggermouth (The Heart, # 1) by HM Wolfe (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Facts About Sharks & Whales (4.5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Embrace (Off the Ice, # 4) by Bal Khabra
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Review of A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey
Friday: Homeschool Friday - ?

NEW BOOKS:

No new books this week!

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

Homeschool Friday - Facts About Sharks and Whales

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

Facts About Sharks and Whales

By: Sue Stuever

Publication: January 1, 2023 by The Good and the Beautiful

58 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Level-2, Early Reader, Non-fiction, Science

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | The Good and the Beautiful )

*Note: The above link to The Good and the Beautiful is NOT an affiliate link.

Goodreads description--Young readers will dive into the underwater world of fascinating sharks and wondrous whales in this high-interest book. Real photos of these ocean animals in their natural habitats will excite early readers as they discover new information about life in the sea.

The Good and the Beautiful ranks Facts About Sharks & Whales as a Level-2A. Level 2 starts to get into some longer books, but 58 pages is still longer than a lot of the other level-2 books that we own. I think stretching the child to longer books is a good idea. So I like that this isn't a 30-page book like the level-1s and early level-2 books we own.

As the name suggests, this book is all about various facts concerning sharks and whales. It also includes rays and dolphins. What they eat, how they breathe, their physical bodies, their teeth, whether they lay eggs or have live babies. All of these are facts that are presented in this book. If your child is reading, why not enjoy some books that will teach them some fun topics. I don't know anyone who isn't at least mildly fascinated by sharks and whales.

Facts About Sharks and Whales is a great addition to your level-2 library or reading list. The information is factual. The photographs are beautiful. It's a win-win to work on reading fluency and learn about some of God's amazing creatures at the same time. Facts About Sharks and Whales gets 4.5 Stars. Have you or your child read Facts About Sharks & Whales? 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!