Somewhere Along the Way

by Heather Miekstyn

A safety-conscious residence hall director who lives by the rules (specifically her rules). A homicide detective who has always wanted her to let him be her safe place. One wedding date that will change everything.

Mel King and Noah Anderson have been best friends for forever. Diapers? They wore them together. Science projects? They aced them together. Adulthood? Still doing life together.

But Noah has a secret. Despite the fact that Mel brother-zoned him a long time ago he still can't seem to stop himself from loving her. So when Mel asks him to attend a wedding with her in hopes of fending off another man's unwanted advances, Noah jumps at the opportunity to be her fake date. Faking it until he makes it has never sounded so appealing...but he's ready to not be faking it--or hiding it--anymore. This could finally be his opportunity to tell her the truth, and he's ready for it.

But when one of Mel's residents is found murdered in a dressing room at the wedding venue, Noah's confession takes a backseat to a very personal murder investigation. With various leads and clues pointing them in all different directions, can Noah and Mel solve the case before the murderer strikes again?

And is there a right time during a murder investigation to tell someone you love them? After all, a murder investigation is a far less romantic setting than a wedding...or is it?

Genres: Mystery, Friends To Lovers, Detective, Rom Com, Contemporary

ebook

Published March 4, 2024

Reviews

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

If you're looking for a murder/mystery rom-com with fast pacing, look no further, because this book would be the perfect choice.

Been best friends ever since they were babies? Fake dating trope? And the mmc is a sort of an investigator, which means this is a rom-com espionage/murder mystery?
How much more fun can it get than this, right?

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romcom and a murder mystery? Yes, please! This story had me laughing, swooning, and guessing whodunnit until the very end. It was a sweet and fun book, and I loved it!

Mel and Noah were adorable! The way he loved and cared for her gave me all the feels. I loved how once he decided to stop hiding his true feelings for Mel, he was all in.

What I loved:
Friends to lovers
Knock knock jokes
Mel’s inner dialogue
Spider-Man references
The proposal
Dual POV
HEA

This is the 3rd book in the Detectives In Love series but can be read as a standalone.

Many thanks to the author for an eARC!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere Along the Way is the third book in the Detectives in Love series. Each book features a different friend from a group of homicide detectives. While I think you'll understand the friendship dynamic most by reading in order, this could definitely be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.

Oh my goodness, I'm a little bit obsessed with this series! This one is another romcom-ystery, which might just be my favorite style of mashup! It had all the humor and swoon-worthy moments that I'm looking for in a romcom--- with a cozy murder mystery mixed in there too. And I love it. Honestly, I found myself thinking that I really shouldn't be laughing so much when we're dealing with murder... and yet, so many times throughout I found myself laughing out loud. The first body mentioned in the story!? Yeah, I was definitely giggling! (When you read it, you'll understand!)

Mel and Noah were fantastic together. They've been best friends for a long time, so you have all that history that I adore in friends to more. The chemistry between them was great, and I loved his protectiveness of her. And that one kiss (again, you'll understand which one I mean when you read, I can't give it all away) ... so, so good! This was truly the perfect balance of humor, romance and mystery... and I loved everything about it.

Somewhere Along the Way is a closed-door romance with kisses only. There was less than a handful of very minor language as well.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Gracelyn Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story follows Detective Noah Anderson as he navigates his biggest case yet...being in love with his best friend. Meanwhile, Mel has dealt with everything that comes with being a college resident director but when it comes to dealing with her feelings...well she's gotta learn to throw out the rulebook. But when they finally talk, it seems not even a murder can distract them from each other.

I cannot recommend this or the other detectives in love books enough!!! It's a great, light, clean, feel good read that leaves you giggling. The characters are amazing. The plotline is suspenseful. And the knock knock jokes...well face palm worthy but that's what makes them good 🤣.

Definitely go read this ASAP!!!!

This book is the third book in the Detectives in Love series so definitely go check out the other books too!!!!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE

I had the privilege to get an ARC of this book.

This is a silly book. Lots of jokes, funny interactions and banter between all the characters. The murder mystery part had me guessing, twisting every clue and being absolutely chocked at the revelation. I love the Mel/Noah dynamic, and the side characters are for the most part very likeable, altough of course some are also horrible, I mean at least one of them is a murdurer and that's not very nice... Anyways I did have a lot of fun, and laughed out loud quite a lot. It’s a quick read, and I felt like it came at a very good time for me where I have recently read a lot of books that require high focus. It is exactly what I was expecting, and as the author’s notes say in the end, she wants the book to feel like being hugged by a Hallmark movie, and I think she captured that perfectly. I chose to rate this four stars because of my many giggles and laughs. It's not the kind of book I'd usually read but I did have a great time.

[Charlie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Romcom and murder mystery are my two favorite genres, so having them combined into one book was just perfection! I was hooked from the very beginning and didn’t want to put it down! Mel and Noah’s relationship was so sweet, they complimented each other so well and you couldn’t help but route for them to get together! I also loved the colorful, quirky cast of supporting characters! They really elevated the story and the mystery! And the mystery itself was fantastically written! So many twists and turns and surprises, it kept me guessing right to the end! (I did guess the murderer right though, just before the characters figured it out, which I was pretty proud of.) This book was just such a joy to read, I laughed, I gasped, and felt every emotion in between. And never have I read a book that has so many great knock knock jokes that wasn’t a joke book. Overall, this was absolutely delightful read, 5/5 stars, could not recommend it highly enough!

[Heather Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in this series so I was excited to get an ARC of this one! It was such a fun, sweet read! Had so many quotes and quips in it that I loved!

I typically am leery about friends to lovers because I get so frustrated with endless pining and not communicating with each other! Heather Miekstyn did such a great job with that in this book though; I am on board with “loving her out loud”!

I loved how Noah cares for Mel. How he saw her in her celiac disease and looked out for her.

I loved the 4 detectives’ relationship and banter with each other. Including a conversation with a couple of the guys on what a DTR relationship is!

I highlighted and bookmarked so much in this book; really liked it!

[Selmas Book World · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere Along the Way is a tale of romance and mystery, about best friends Mel and Noah who were “always meant to be lovers.” Mel is a risk-averse college dorm director who loves rules and safety which she uses to shield herself from getting hurt and Noah is her best friend and a devoted homicide detective who has been hopelessly in love with her all of his life. The plot of the story thickens when Mel and Noah attend her stepbrother's wedding, forcing Noah to confront the possibility of jeopardizing their friendship and confessing his feelings. However, an unexpected turn of events leads Mel and Noah to partner up and investigate the death of one of Mel’s residents before the murderer gets away.

This novel effortlessly balances sweet romance scenes with a complex murder investigation, keeping readers engaged from cover to cover. The supporting characters add depth and charm, enhancing the overall reading experience. Noah and Mel’s banter is a highlight, providing both humor and insight into their evolving relationship. As the characters undergo significant growth, readers will find themselves rooting for this dynamic duo. The clever foreshadowing to the next book adds an exciting anticipation for what lies ahead, making Somewhere Along the Way a well-developed, enjoyable, and engaging read.

[Reagan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 📘, knocked the friends to lovers out of the park 🤭😍 the pining 😍 feelings 🥹 kiss scenes 💋 murder scenes 🔪 everything was just perfection.

Mel. Her obsession with safety and rules is so relatable 💗 I loved how there was a rule by Mel at the start of every chapter 📋 I love how protective she is of the students in her residency halls 💗 Her feelings towards Noah were so sweet. Part of me doesn’t understand how she didn’t fall in love 😍 with him from day one, but when she fell, she fell so hard 🥹

Noah. Mans been in love 😍 with this girl for years 😆 And he has to watch her go through all of his stupid boyfriends 😡 and then help her after them 😭 He has the patience of the SAINT 💗 So when he finally decides to try for her heart, no punches back 🥵 I was swooning 🫠 so hard over some of his lines. Also shout out to his biceps 💪🏼 that me and Mel both very much appreciate 🤣🫠

The murder 🔪 in this book was absolutely insane 🤯 I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure it out before the reveal 🫣 The side characters are all perfection 🎙️👽💍 to the story. The setting was crazy, murder at a wedding 💒 reception.

As I said, before, the romance is just so sweet and perfect 🥰 I love friends to lovers books; I love the history, the understanding, and the familiarity between characters 💗

⚠️CW: d3ad body, blood, attack, mention of drug usage, fights⚠️

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

I enjoyed reading this mystery and seeing these two realize their real feelings for each other! It was sweet and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Gerika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read! Mel and Noah are both so adorable! Childhood friends to lovers, he falls first kind of thing. The characters and their stories are well developed. The plot is well built, has twists, turns, keeps you guessing like who the heck did it.

The side characters are also well planned out. Some you’d love, some annoying, got dreams and likes and dislikes of their own, and everyone is just full of personality. The book will make you sad, laugh out loud, and gush. The ending is not disappointing at all!

This was a light hearted, sweet read with some suspense. Romance, comedy, and who did it. Worth the read and I need to read the other books in the series now.

This usually isn’t my type of read, but I’m glad I stepped out and gave this a chance. No regrets here.

[Zaima Saiyara Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡ARC REVIEW♡

You like sweet, then this book is for you.
You like cute then this book is for you!
You area fan of swoon-worthy moments then this book is definately for you.

Somewhere Along with You is a fun romance - yestry story of Noah - the detective and Mel - the rule follower.

It has equal portions of tingling romance,which had me kicking my feet in the air; and intriguing case - solving that made me feel like a detective myself(I was the first one to figure out the murderer😉).Not only are the main characters adorable but so are their friends.All the characters and the plot are extremely well written which makes this book a perfect read for a sweet evening.

Did I think I'd miss a little spice before starting- yes

Did I miss spice by the end - Nope,not at all

Everything was so well executed that you end the book with happy tears and heart bursting with love.

[Faith Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew murder mysteries could be cozy and romantic?!

Somewhere Along the Way was funny, charming, and ridiculously unrealistic in the best way. I had to muffle my laughter so as not to disturb others in the house as I stayed up reading it! Mel was relatable, hilarious, and impossible not to like, and Noah was a sweetheart. However, it sometimes felt rushed, and although the multitude of "Sophie"s was intended to be comedic, it made the story confusing.

To those interested in whether there is questionable content, Somewhere Along the Way contains several kisses and a few thoughts or jokes about further intimacy, but nothing further. The word "effing" is used, along with an h-word. And, of course, there's murder and violence, but only off-screen briefly described.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and I loved this book! The plot was intriguing with many twists and turns. It was hilarious as well! This book reminded me a lot of the tv show Psych. The murder mystery was well planned out and gripping. I had a hard time putting this book down because I wanted to know who the murder was. Mel and Noah were adorable! They have a sweet friendship, even though Noah would like to be more than friends. I love the respect and trust they had for one another. The banter and snarky comments among the different characters were one of my favorite parts of the book. I could not stop laughing! Reynolds was my favorite character, he had the best comebacks. I’m hoping his story is next! The romance was clean with swoony kisses. If you love romcoms and mysteries, then give this book a read!

I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best in the series yet. I honestly laughed out loud so many times during this book and was completely drawn in by the drama (murder at a wedding, anyone?). The best part, however, was the friendship to more between Noah and Mel. He’s always been in love with her and has never quite had the courage to tell her, afraid she’ll not return his feelings. Mel, though, has begun to have all sorts of romantic feelings for Noah and doesn’t quite know how to deal with them. Which means when she asks him to come with her to a wedding, she blurts out that she needs him to protect her from her step-brother who may be about to ask her out. That’s a whole sub plot which does allow for some properly funny moments. There are lots of red herrings thrown in so you’re never quite sure who the murderer is and the banter between the four detectives is as brilliant as ever. This series is excellent and I can’t wait for the grumpy Reynolds to finally find his true love again. Also the Spider-Man kiss - perfect!

[Kara Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book I was really nervous because friends to lovers is usually not my jam, but wow this friends to lovers was done SOOO well! I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil it but just trust me. And gosh I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Heather is a freaking pro at writing inner dialogue. There were some pitch perfect vibes (IYKYK) and I loved her references to The Spice Girls, Jonas Brothers, School House Rock, Mad Libs, and Miss Congeniality! The romance was so sweet and I loved seeing all the characters from the previous two books.


🌺Contemporary Romance/Mystery
🌺 3rd in series/can standalone
🌺Kissing Only
🌺No Swearing
🌺CW: Mild violence, death, and murder

[Musfira Siddiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably my first rom-com that also has a murder mystery going on and OML, it was so interesting!!!! There were LOTS of characters and I had a hard time actually remembering them lol, am still confused between some :D BUT the storyline was so engaging and mind swirling that I couldn't still guess the murderer till the end. It was so unexpected because I definitely could not ever see Garrett behind it (HOW COULD I NOT!?) Probably the only character I missed suspecting lol.
Anyways, talking about the rom-com part? NOAH!! He's my new favourite <3 such a sweetheart going way beyond to protect Mel. Just raised my standards a few more points now. I will miss this book so muchhh

[Kelli Moffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Somewhere Along the Way! Heather does an amazing job of combining the heartfelt, swoony, romantic moments with the hilarious, quirky, mysterious elements that make up her Romcom Mysteries. The first two books in this series are just as fantastic and I love that you still get the see those characters develop as the series grows. I loved Noah and Mel and their sweet love story. And the side characters with all their theatrics and hysterics was icing on the cake! Heather Miekstyn is a wonderful author and I 100 % recommend her books!

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

👌🏻👌🏻

You know those episodes of TV shows where the entire episode is in one location? I think they're called bottle episodes. I've always liked those ones. Well, this book was like a bottle episode. Almost the entire book takes place at a wedding that Mel and Noah are at together, just solving a murder. No big deal.

If you like friends to more, these four detective friends, flirting, cute jealousy, mysteries, singing, wedding backdrops, awkward encounters, and cute endings, read this one! I am flying through this series and I couldn't be happier about it.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Heathers books and was so excited to read this one! It was so good! I loved the mystery, the romance and the characters were so good. I love that she weaves in characters from her other books because then we get a little peak into their lives after their story ended. 5 stars, highly recommend!

[ShyCuriousReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.15

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for me, short and good and funny 😁 .


Thank you, Heather Miekstyn

[hazel (prettymuch_prose) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🩷

· childhood friends to lovers  · it's always been you 

· found family · murder mystery    

· he falls first 

"You're my safe place to land too, Mel."

I absolutely adored this book! It was cute yet it had amazing twists and turns. Mel and Noah were absolutely amazing characters and Mel was very relatable and Noah as well. I really felt for both of them.

I could not put this book down especially as the twists and turns kept on coming. I lived getting to update @authorheathermiekstyn as I read the book. It was so fun! I swear I was glued to my kindle.

I really enjoyed the pining and the romantic moments and the other characters from the other books, I am so excited for Reynolds' book because he is absolutely hilarious! I need to read tbe other books

[ann. · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 | 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 🔎💌💍💒
4/5⭑

this was my first ARC! I’m glad and honored to have read something from this amazing writer! if you like books with ✨2000s✨movies vibe, this one is totally for you!

↳ 𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙎:

🚔𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙.
🚨𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨.
🚔𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨.
🚨𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙤𝙫.
🚔𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮.

i highly recommend this story if you’re trying to improve your english or looking for a book with easy to understand writing!

i loved this book, it makes the reader curious from beginning to end! noah and mel’s relationship is adorable, i think everyone who loves books when he falls first and hardest will enjoy their story! he’s so husband material!

the murder mystery part was surprising, i only guessed it at the end!!! i really like mysteries with romance and the comedy made me laugh a lot!

I hope you guys like it the way I do!

[Rosalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great friend’s to lovers romcom with an added murder mystery. Noah and Mel were friends since they were born. Mel asks her best friend Noah to be her plus one at her stepbrothers wedding they have more fun than they bargained for. They are plunged right into the middle of a murder investigation that had me guessing who done it all the way to the end where they arrested the person.
Such a fun, quick, hilarious read.
Thank you to Heather for the arc review copy. These words are my own.