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Somewhere Beyond the Sea
I’d decided to make my own way in the world. I didn’t trust men. Well-to-do George knocked me off that path every time he smiled...I’m the housekeeper’s daughter, poor, with big plans for my future that don’t involve being anyone’s arm candy. Except, after one catastrophic day, I’m spun onto a new path by an explosive encounter in the kitchen. Is it even possible to resist my boss?My Cinderella story landed me in the deep end with a messy splash. Not everyone understands the kind of love I’ve found—especially Jamie Donovan. He decided to be my enemy. And my temptation… From mouse to mermaid, it’s surprising where a grieving heart takes you. What doesn’t break you makes you stronger. That’s what I keep telling myself. It all started when Mama gave me a push toward a man ready to make me his princess. I couldn’t have imagined what would happen from there—and how in over my head I’d sink.From Anna Alkire, the author of Buck Up, Buttercup, comes an unforgettable standalone romance that mixes the spice of Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer, and the forbidden love of Lucy Score’s Mr. Fixer Upper. Anyone looking for love during the hardest times, unexpected friendship, and heart-warming adventure will find it in this steamy contemporary romance. Grab your copy of Somewhere Beyond the Sea today!Spicy banterFound familyEnemies to loversRags to richesAge gapLow-level angstDual POVMermaiding in Mexico…
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
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May 14, 2024
It’s a bit of a miss for me, unfortunately.
It looks to be marketed as a romance, and I picked it up thinking it was one, but I don’t think it is.
Minnie is a solid character, and Alkire did a good job about crafting a character who is able to flow through phases of her life and learn to handle new things that she hasn’t encountered, from the attention/love of an older man to grief to finding someone else.
Jamie… became a much better character once he and Minnie were together, thank goodness. I didn’t like him for a good chunk, but he also grew as a character.
I just think the pacing and the marketing was off. The first half is Minnie falling for someone not mentioned in the blurb and dealing with her grief, and the second half follows her finding herself mixed in with Jamie. Again, I don’t think it’s a romance, because the actual relationship the blurb discusses doesn’t quite appear until the halfway mark.
Everything about this book is very complicated, and I guess that’s just life. There was so much going on and Minnie was so confused, it was a little hard to read sometimes. Her clearly non platonic friend would do things like kiss her on the lips or cuddle and personally I’m not someone who is comfortable with that from anyone other than my partner, even if it’s from my best friend in a “platonic” way. Minnie’s ability to brush that aside or bring it up in a nonchalant way didn’t quite vibe with me.
It was also a little weird that the point of view would change without warning, but the perspectives were different (Minnie was first person, Jamie in third.) It made sense, but maybe a little detailing to let the reader know the point of view will shift might be beneficial, because sometimes Minnie would start her sections talking about Jamie so it would seem like he’s narrating for a bit.
I think this is a book for a select audience, and I’m not one of them. Some things made me a little more uncomfortable than the author meant, because I’m just not feeling that sort of thing. For example, I’m not huge on age gaps, especially when it’s very obvious there’s an age gap (26 and mid 40s, I believe) and constantly brought up.
thank you HiddenGems for the arc
It looks to be marketed as a romance, and I picked it up thinking it was one, but I don’t think it is.
Minnie is a solid character, and Alkire did a good job about crafting a character who is able to flow through phases of her life and learn to handle new things that she hasn’t encountered, from the attention/love of an older man to grief to finding someone else.
Jamie… became a much better character once he and Minnie were together, thank goodness. I didn’t like him for a good chunk, but he also grew as a character.
I just think the pacing and the marketing was off. The first half is Minnie falling for someone not mentioned in the blurb and dealing with her grief, and the second half follows her finding herself mixed in with Jamie. Again, I don’t think it’s a romance, because the actual relationship the blurb discusses doesn’t quite appear until the halfway mark.
Everything about this book is very complicated, and I guess that’s just life. There was so much going on and Minnie was so confused, it was a little hard to read sometimes. Her clearly non platonic friend would do things like kiss her on the lips or cuddle and personally I’m not someone who is comfortable with that from anyone other than my partner, even if it’s from my best friend in a “platonic” way. Minnie’s ability to brush that aside or bring it up in a nonchalant way didn’t quite vibe with me.
It was also a little weird that the point of view would change without warning, but the perspectives were different (Minnie was first person, Jamie in third.) It made sense, but maybe a little detailing to let the reader know the point of view will shift might be beneficial, because sometimes Minnie would start her sections talking about Jamie so it would seem like he’s narrating for a bit.
I think this is a book for a select audience, and I’m not one of them. Some things made me a little more uncomfortable than the author meant, because I’m just not feeling that sort of thing. For example, I’m not huge on age gaps, especially when it’s very obvious there’s an age gap (26 and mid 40s, I believe) and constantly brought up.
thank you HiddenGems for the arc
May 16, 2026
i have... so many questions (and issues with this book)
FOR A BOOK I GAVE TWO STARS I HAVE 27 PAGES OF ANNOTATIONS HAHA
(lots of funny scribbled notes also about poor character development and timing)
(also ah not spoilers but girl maybe dont get married like get a degree or something???)
ok fine... 3 stars
fav things:
- “You,” he said, “have been leaving me little notes.”
- “Everything seems brand new with you.”
- You should come. Don’t be a hermit all the time. Live! Take risks! Make mistakes! Your painting will thrive.
- “You’ve been busy,” he said, walking up to a big canvas of a forested landscape surrounding a beach. Her style was fresh and luminous—joyful. “I could look at this every day.” She leaned against his side. “You know, that’s the best compliment I’ve ever received.” She slipped her hand into his. (goals)
- “I was so angry with myself. For what I’d wanted to happen.”
- made strange beautiful
- I was more of a board games and golden retriever type of person. I belonged in a vanilla relationship with a man who held my hand after dinner. Thrill-chasing sexual adventures with a distant man seemed dangerous—and like they might spoil my ability to be happy with what I was meant for.
- Jamie wasn’t offering what I wanted—an affectionate partner. I honestly couldn’t see him changing or settling for someone like me and, in that context, sticking around made zero sense. What was there to wait around for?
- I had a moment of second-guessing myself, of wanting to tell Jamie I needed more time. I was like a bungee jumper, too terrified to look down, standing at the top of a bridge being told to jump off. I’m not ready…
- it seemed too permanent
- Did he want to date an artist who occasionally painted in her underwear?
- She patted my hand. “Jakoś to będzie.” It will all work out somehow, a saying I had heard often.
- Ta, Olivia
- I could say we’re too much alike—don’t we need our opposites to force us to be open?
- He’s a sullen grumpy workaholic. That’s me too. We’re hopeless together
- “Yeah. The sweet spot is hot sex with someone that has a good job. Ask for more and you’re in for hard luck.”
- His words cut into my thoughts. Holding you is the best part of my life…
- It’s been a long time since I’ve written “dear” to anyone. Sometimes I need a hard shock to wake me up. You’ ve left me and finally I can let myself be vulnerable again.
- You are dear to me. You said we are too much alike, but you are far more imaginative and empathetic.
- I’m more peaceful than I’ve ever been—and also alive. I want to hold your hand. I want to see whatever you create.
- You’re in my thoughts nearly all the time. I need to make the right choice. I’m not sure I’m ready to be a completely settled person. I want to travel—paint and walk in different parts of the world. Would you be happy with a partner that left for weeks at a time? Could you ever come with me?
- “It’s been a hard year. Maybe I am resurfacing.” She exhaled. “I like that. Resurfacing.”
thoughts:
- cover art isnt a vibe
- trying this on the new kindle as a non serious read in case i cant export all my hand written notes
- Pierogi are polish dumplings? thanks google
- I hung onto my dreams with my fingernails. (i think it's meant to be clung?)
- sugar puff? for a dog name??
- to quote my kindle handwritten notes: "this poor MC character is so blissfully oblivious fml"
- AND THEN THE DYING WISH NOT IGNORING THE CHEATING
- WHY ARE WE SUDDENLY GETTING JAIMES POV IN THE BOOK
- (I didn’t tell him that I’d dreamed about him after that encounter in the shed. I’d always had a crush on him, but it had diminished to almost nothing when George and I started seeing each other.) come back to this later for thoughts
- “Can you really paint when you’re drunk?” try this
- A relationship based on great sex and good company, kept separate from our extended lives, made my feelings seem like some kind of shameful secret. I didn’t function that way. (think on this)
- I want the things George gave me without having to ask (and this)
valid:
- I’d decided to make my own way in the world. I didn’t trust men.
- Everything he did was wrong—he worked too much, he didn’t have enough friends, he didn’t notice her new hair color, her dog hated him.
- I’m curious about people—without wanting to spend time with many of them.
funny notes:
- My mama had decided I should marry her boss.
- lol the mum Blowing out her breath, she let go of me. “So smart—I put you in top schools. What you do? Become artist.”
- God, was she even over eighteen? Or she could be thirty, it was hard to tell.
- hands fluttered like agitated bird wings
- Did I have a forty-two-year-old hookup?
- Was losing your virginity on a Monday a bit of a letdown?
- Wow. As if cleaning a house changed your species or something.
- Schadenfreude in my heart. You have a heart?
- Six months later, on a rainy day in March, George passed away. I held his hand. (bahaha)
- How’s the painting today? Busy. Someone took a picture of me. Maybe if I put a busking hat out, they’d avoid me.
- “You’re a cuddler?” I asked. “That’s shocking me for some reason.” I yawned. He kissed my temple. “Go to sleep.”
- “You lock doors?” “Always.” Was I her daughter?
- I’m painting by the river, in town. I did tell you I’m a mess.
tension? idk:
- My skin was hot—no wonder Jamie accused me of tramping around. It all seemed absurdly contrived with me naked under George’s bathrobe.
- “Tomorrow,” I said, “I’m going to wonder if this really happened.” He kissed me again softly then leaned back. “You won’t wonder if you wake up here.”
- “Are you in trouble?” He swooped in to kiss my neck, his hands sliding up under my camisole. “I want to be.”
- Gingerly, I put a hand on his head, sinking my fingers into his thick, slightly coarse hair.
- Sex before dinner is a fine way to start off.”
- “It’s wrong.” Her eyes were still closed. “To be attracted to you.” He slid an arm around her back and she shivered. “No.”
- “Come here,” he said, pulling her forward to ravish her soft mouth.
- Cold air hit me down there along with the realization that now we had to sort ourselves out, in relation to each other, again.
- “I really like kissing you,” he said, leaning his forehead against mine. “I like it too much.”
- I leaned into him, trying to memorize the warmth and texture of him against me.
- I rubbed my forehead. Jamie was the only person I wanted in bed. Sergio was my best friend—with a bit of sexually charged physical affection thrown in. If I was being fair, I’d be running scared if Jamie had someone like that in his life.
- “Your man is a little…possessive. Was he angry with you?” I flopped back against my chair. “Yes.” “And?” “I kind of liked it.”
- I was infatuated with you. Dreaming about you
- which was a contradiction. I wouldn’t give him up.
Smut? ish??
- His mouth found hers, soft and pliable under his. He was lightheaded, dizzy, his hands sliding over the bare skin of her back and pulling her in tighter against him.
- There wasn’t any more waiting left in him.
- Everything was against me where I wanted it
- “Bottom up,” he ordered as we crawled onto the bed. “I want to spank you a little.”
- “Undo my pants, right now, and I might forgive you.” Her hands worked at him. “I’m angry too.” She kissed his neck. “Dragging me out of the party.” “You knew the stripping was going to happen and you didn’t tell me,” he tried to growl, but with her hand on him, it was more of a mutter.
- I was nothing but my body
- I sank deeper into that current-like pull between us, trying to savor every moment. I knew, at some point, we’ d reach the end of our journey.
- We’d made love that morning, after he’d kissed my neck to wake me. I’d giggled and hugged him in tight, wrapping my legs around his back. He’d thrust in on top, his eyes locked on mine. The sex was so good with him. My body was in a constant state of limp repletion. Every time he touched me, tingles ran along my skin. Yet, after our conversation that morning, I hadn’t been able to eat anything all day, dread filling my stomach like a boulder.
FOR A BOOK I GAVE TWO STARS I HAVE 27 PAGES OF ANNOTATIONS HAHA
(lots of funny scribbled notes also about poor character development and timing)
(also ah not spoilers but girl maybe dont get married like get a degree or something???)
ok fine... 3 stars
fav things:
- “You,” he said, “have been leaving me little notes.”
- “Everything seems brand new with you.”
- You should come. Don’t be a hermit all the time. Live! Take risks! Make mistakes! Your painting will thrive.
- “You’ve been busy,” he said, walking up to a big canvas of a forested landscape surrounding a beach. Her style was fresh and luminous—joyful. “I could look at this every day.” She leaned against his side. “You know, that’s the best compliment I’ve ever received.” She slipped her hand into his. (goals)
- “I was so angry with myself. For what I’d wanted to happen.”
- made strange beautiful
- I was more of a board games and golden retriever type of person. I belonged in a vanilla relationship with a man who held my hand after dinner. Thrill-chasing sexual adventures with a distant man seemed dangerous—and like they might spoil my ability to be happy with what I was meant for.
- Jamie wasn’t offering what I wanted—an affectionate partner. I honestly couldn’t see him changing or settling for someone like me and, in that context, sticking around made zero sense. What was there to wait around for?
- I had a moment of second-guessing myself, of wanting to tell Jamie I needed more time. I was like a bungee jumper, too terrified to look down, standing at the top of a bridge being told to jump off. I’m not ready…
- it seemed too permanent
- Did he want to date an artist who occasionally painted in her underwear?
- She patted my hand. “Jakoś to będzie.” It will all work out somehow, a saying I had heard often.
- Ta, Olivia
- I could say we’re too much alike—don’t we need our opposites to force us to be open?
- He’s a sullen grumpy workaholic. That’s me too. We’re hopeless together
- “Yeah. The sweet spot is hot sex with someone that has a good job. Ask for more and you’re in for hard luck.”
- His words cut into my thoughts. Holding you is the best part of my life…
- It’s been a long time since I’ve written “dear” to anyone. Sometimes I need a hard shock to wake me up. You’ ve left me and finally I can let myself be vulnerable again.
- You are dear to me. You said we are too much alike, but you are far more imaginative and empathetic.
- I’m more peaceful than I’ve ever been—and also alive. I want to hold your hand. I want to see whatever you create.
- You’re in my thoughts nearly all the time. I need to make the right choice. I’m not sure I’m ready to be a completely settled person. I want to travel—paint and walk in different parts of the world. Would you be happy with a partner that left for weeks at a time? Could you ever come with me?
- “It’s been a hard year. Maybe I am resurfacing.” She exhaled. “I like that. Resurfacing.”
thoughts:
- cover art isnt a vibe
- trying this on the new kindle as a non serious read in case i cant export all my hand written notes
- Pierogi are polish dumplings? thanks google
- I hung onto my dreams with my fingernails. (i think it's meant to be clung?)
- sugar puff? for a dog name??
- to quote my kindle handwritten notes: "this poor MC character is so blissfully oblivious fml"
- AND THEN THE DYING WISH NOT IGNORING THE CHEATING
- WHY ARE WE SUDDENLY GETTING JAIMES POV IN THE BOOK
- (I didn’t tell him that I’d dreamed about him after that encounter in the shed. I’d always had a crush on him, but it had diminished to almost nothing when George and I started seeing each other.) come back to this later for thoughts
- “Can you really paint when you’re drunk?” try this
- A relationship based on great sex and good company, kept separate from our extended lives, made my feelings seem like some kind of shameful secret. I didn’t function that way. (think on this)
- I want the things George gave me without having to ask (and this)
valid:
- I’d decided to make my own way in the world. I didn’t trust men.
- Everything he did was wrong—he worked too much, he didn’t have enough friends, he didn’t notice her new hair color, her dog hated him.
- I’m curious about people—without wanting to spend time with many of them.
funny notes:
- My mama had decided I should marry her boss.
- lol the mum Blowing out her breath, she let go of me. “So smart—I put you in top schools. What you do? Become artist.”
- God, was she even over eighteen? Or she could be thirty, it was hard to tell.
- hands fluttered like agitated bird wings
- Did I have a forty-two-year-old hookup?
- Was losing your virginity on a Monday a bit of a letdown?
- Wow. As if cleaning a house changed your species or something.
- Schadenfreude in my heart. You have a heart?
- Six months later, on a rainy day in March, George passed away. I held his hand. (bahaha)
- How’s the painting today? Busy. Someone took a picture of me. Maybe if I put a busking hat out, they’d avoid me.
- “You’re a cuddler?” I asked. “That’s shocking me for some reason.” I yawned. He kissed my temple. “Go to sleep.”
- “You lock doors?” “Always.” Was I her daughter?
- I’m painting by the river, in town. I did tell you I’m a mess.
tension? idk:
- My skin was hot—no wonder Jamie accused me of tramping around. It all seemed absurdly contrived with me naked under George’s bathrobe.
- “Tomorrow,” I said, “I’m going to wonder if this really happened.” He kissed me again softly then leaned back. “You won’t wonder if you wake up here.”
- “Are you in trouble?” He swooped in to kiss my neck, his hands sliding up under my camisole. “I want to be.”
- Gingerly, I put a hand on his head, sinking my fingers into his thick, slightly coarse hair.
- Sex before dinner is a fine way to start off.”
- “It’s wrong.” Her eyes were still closed. “To be attracted to you.” He slid an arm around her back and she shivered. “No.”
- “Come here,” he said, pulling her forward to ravish her soft mouth.
- Cold air hit me down there along with the realization that now we had to sort ourselves out, in relation to each other, again.
- “I really like kissing you,” he said, leaning his forehead against mine. “I like it too much.”
- I leaned into him, trying to memorize the warmth and texture of him against me.
- I rubbed my forehead. Jamie was the only person I wanted in bed. Sergio was my best friend—with a bit of sexually charged physical affection thrown in. If I was being fair, I’d be running scared if Jamie had someone like that in his life.
- “Your man is a little…possessive. Was he angry with you?” I flopped back against my chair. “Yes.” “And?” “I kind of liked it.”
- I was infatuated with you. Dreaming about you
- which was a contradiction. I wouldn’t give him up.
Smut? ish??
- His mouth found hers, soft and pliable under his. He was lightheaded, dizzy, his hands sliding over the bare skin of her back and pulling her in tighter against him.
- There wasn’t any more waiting left in him.
- Everything was against me where I wanted it
- “Bottom up,” he ordered as we crawled onto the bed. “I want to spank you a little.”
- “Undo my pants, right now, and I might forgive you.” Her hands worked at him. “I’m angry too.” She kissed his neck. “Dragging me out of the party.” “You knew the stripping was going to happen and you didn’t tell me,” he tried to growl, but with her hand on him, it was more of a mutter.
- I was nothing but my body
- I sank deeper into that current-like pull between us, trying to savor every moment. I knew, at some point, we’ d reach the end of our journey.
- We’d made love that morning, after he’d kissed my neck to wake me. I’d giggled and hugged him in tight, wrapping my legs around his back. He’d thrust in on top, his eyes locked on mine. The sex was so good with him. My body was in a constant state of limp repletion. Every time he touched me, tingles ran along my skin. Yet, after our conversation that morning, I hadn’t been able to eat anything all day, dread filling my stomach like a boulder.
March 12, 2024
Dual pov 🖤🙌
ARC Review ✨️
This story had so many twists and emotions. It was such a great read!! The plot flowed together nicely, and you were able to see how much growth each character displayed as the story unfolded. I'm a sucker for age gap, so this was a must-read for me!!
ARC Review ✨️
This story had so many twists and emotions. It was such a great read!! The plot flowed together nicely, and you were able to see how much growth each character displayed as the story unfolded. I'm a sucker for age gap, so this was a must-read for me!!
March 20, 2024
Steamy forbidden romance story with unexpected raw emotions.
I would like to thank the author, Anna Alkire, for allowing me to read an advance copy of Somewhere Beyond the Sea and freely give my honest review here.
Wealthy businessman George Stanley has been divorced for five years, during which time he has watched his housekeeper’s daughter growing into an attractive young woman, who he is starting to want to know better. Minnie, the housekeeper’s daughter is fiercely independent, working hard with a cleaning job whilst studying to qualify as an x-ray technician. Minnie is not interested in a relationship with the boys she meets but, despite being 19 years her senior and her mother’s boss, she finds George tempting. Whilst Minnie’s mother is encouraging her daughter to pursue George, his best friend and business partner Jamie Donovan is pointedly against the idea. After a particularly chaotic day, it starts to look as though George and Minnie might get what they want.
The narrative of Somewhere Beyond the Sea is mostly told from Minnie’s first person perspective, however, sections are a third person account of Jamie’s point of view as he observes both George and Minnie and his thoughts about each. Initially I found the story a little difficult to get into and Millie’s character almost one-dimensional but as the story progresses and Millie grows as a person and becomes more sexually aware, so her character is developed in the story. At times in the story I was moved to tears by Millie’s situation and desperately hoping for her to get a happily ever after ending. Whilst George’s character is emotionally available and generous, Jamie is closed and at times aggressive. Again, as the story progresses, the reader comes to understand Jamie better. Millie’s mother, Lena, and her college friends add extra interest to the narrative.
The storyline of Somewhere Beyond the Sea is well paced and has enough twists to make it not entirely predictable. Whilst an easy and compelling read, the story is emotionally heavier than I was expecting. This story contains some explicit sex scenes and readers should also be aware that content includes brief descriptions of cancer symptoms and treatment. Overall, I found Somewhere Beyond the Sea to be an absorbing story that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy a spicy romance story. I look forward to reading more stories from Anna Alkire.
I would like to thank the author, Anna Alkire, for allowing me to read an advance copy of Somewhere Beyond the Sea and freely give my honest review here.
Wealthy businessman George Stanley has been divorced for five years, during which time he has watched his housekeeper’s daughter growing into an attractive young woman, who he is starting to want to know better. Minnie, the housekeeper’s daughter is fiercely independent, working hard with a cleaning job whilst studying to qualify as an x-ray technician. Minnie is not interested in a relationship with the boys she meets but, despite being 19 years her senior and her mother’s boss, she finds George tempting. Whilst Minnie’s mother is encouraging her daughter to pursue George, his best friend and business partner Jamie Donovan is pointedly against the idea. After a particularly chaotic day, it starts to look as though George and Minnie might get what they want.
The narrative of Somewhere Beyond the Sea is mostly told from Minnie’s first person perspective, however, sections are a third person account of Jamie’s point of view as he observes both George and Minnie and his thoughts about each. Initially I found the story a little difficult to get into and Millie’s character almost one-dimensional but as the story progresses and Millie grows as a person and becomes more sexually aware, so her character is developed in the story. At times in the story I was moved to tears by Millie’s situation and desperately hoping for her to get a happily ever after ending. Whilst George’s character is emotionally available and generous, Jamie is closed and at times aggressive. Again, as the story progresses, the reader comes to understand Jamie better. Millie’s mother, Lena, and her college friends add extra interest to the narrative.
The storyline of Somewhere Beyond the Sea is well paced and has enough twists to make it not entirely predictable. Whilst an easy and compelling read, the story is emotionally heavier than I was expecting. This story contains some explicit sex scenes and readers should also be aware that content includes brief descriptions of cancer symptoms and treatment. Overall, I found Somewhere Beyond the Sea to be an absorbing story that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy a spicy romance story. I look forward to reading more stories from Anna Alkire.
March 28, 2024
*spoilers*
The first book I read by Anna Alkire, A Gnome Inheritance, I really liked. Somewhere Beyond the Sea was an intersting read, but after a few days of marinating on it, I still don't know where I land.
Alkire is good at creating characters. Minnie is a really facinating character in that at times she's completely detached from her life like when she loses her virginity, or she starts to date George, her eventual husband. At other times, Alkire describes heartbreaking moments when George dies and Minnie is at a loss of what to do. I also really enjoyed Lena, Minnie's mother and her journey and growth.
The romance part of the novel doesn't really start until over a third into the book, and genuinely, this was an okay build up to Minnie really enaging with her new love attraction after her husband's death. Jamie is damaged and hurting from the loss of his best friend and a failed marriage. The attraction between Jamie and Minnie is hot, sexy, and makes sense most of the time. When the two characters are together, the book sizzles right along.
Where I really struggle with the book eventually comes down to pacing. A large portion of the beginning of the book was about Minnie dating and marrying George and then chapters of his slow death to cancer. Then, there are chapters full of details of Minnie adjusting to life without her husband. Characters are introduced with details and they don't play a role or are never seen again in the book. Small details about the in and outs of Minnie's life slow the pace of the book, and cause interest to wander. There's no question that losing a spouse (especially being the caretaker to one dying) is emotionally taxing and heartbreaking. However, cutting down to some key events would have added magnitude to her pain, and recovery instead of distancing the reader from the emotional journey from over informing on things.
I feel like Somewhere Beyond the Sea was more of a miss than a hit for me. I'm not giving up on Alkire yet though. She's great at characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first book I read by Anna Alkire, A Gnome Inheritance, I really liked. Somewhere Beyond the Sea was an intersting read, but after a few days of marinating on it, I still don't know where I land.
Alkire is good at creating characters. Minnie is a really facinating character in that at times she's completely detached from her life like when she loses her virginity, or she starts to date George, her eventual husband. At other times, Alkire describes heartbreaking moments when George dies and Minnie is at a loss of what to do. I also really enjoyed Lena, Minnie's mother and her journey and growth.
The romance part of the novel doesn't really start until over a third into the book, and genuinely, this was an okay build up to Minnie really enaging with her new love attraction after her husband's death. Jamie is damaged and hurting from the loss of his best friend and a failed marriage. The attraction between Jamie and Minnie is hot, sexy, and makes sense most of the time. When the two characters are together, the book sizzles right along.
Where I really struggle with the book eventually comes down to pacing. A large portion of the beginning of the book was about Minnie dating and marrying George and then chapters of his slow death to cancer. Then, there are chapters full of details of Minnie adjusting to life without her husband. Characters are introduced with details and they don't play a role or are never seen again in the book. Small details about the in and outs of Minnie's life slow the pace of the book, and cause interest to wander. There's no question that losing a spouse (especially being the caretaker to one dying) is emotionally taxing and heartbreaking. However, cutting down to some key events would have added magnitude to her pain, and recovery instead of distancing the reader from the emotional journey from over informing on things.
I feel like Somewhere Beyond the Sea was more of a miss than a hit for me. I'm not giving up on Alkire yet though. She's great at characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2024
I have previously read one book by Anna Alkire (A Gnome Inheritance) so I assumed that Somewhere Beyond the Sea would be an another funny Romance. Boy was I wrong! I, instead, read a novel based on loss and self-discovery with strong, flawed characters. I must admit that I wasn't up for a trophy wife kind of trope with a Cinderella feeling but putting my doubts aside and getting past the tense opening chapters was worth it. Minnie and George's relationship was tender and heartbreaking and allowed Minnie to uncover parts of herself that she had buried deep. Minnie presented a tough outer shell, and it was a little hard to warm up to her. I didn't always agree with her actions or reactions, but it didn't stop me from wanting to see what would happen. However, as her life moves on, Minnie begins to seek the answers to those hard questions in her life leading her to Jamie Donovan, Greg’s business partner and her former adversary. The chemistry between Minnie and Jamie came off the page!
Anna writing style gives us the chance to judge these characters from the outside and then discover with them the truth that guides or misguides their lives. This is a sharply told story of a young woman who must fight to find what is important to her happiness and then summon the courage to claim it.
I received an Advance Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review based on my reading experience.
Anna writing style gives us the chance to judge these characters from the outside and then discover with them the truth that guides or misguides their lives. This is a sharply told story of a young woman who must fight to find what is important to her happiness and then summon the courage to claim it.
I received an Advance Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review based on my reading experience.
April 15, 2024
This is a different romance book from what I expected. The characters here are great but confusing at times. The characters included George (the boss), Jamie (the best friend), a dog called Sugar Puff, Minnie (Minka, AKA housekeeper's daughter), Lena (the housekeeper), George's kids, and others. Although I expected this to be about George and Minnie, things didn't turn out to be as I thought. There was a quick wedding, and she became the owner of the whole thing, but then Jamie came into the picture after his divorce. There was one scene that I thought was unnecessary, which was in the pool house, but other than that, the book was great, and Mama Lena also found her better half after her health scare. I expected a different ending, but the one here is more to be continued, which may bring another book into play, but I'm not sure.
March 14, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by the art by this author. I did find out that I am not a fan of the writing style. It was written in the first person for the female character, but then was written in the third person for the remaining characters, I felt this made the book disjointed.
I did like the story as it had all of the ingredients to make a good romance. It was an age, gap, lifestyle, gap, trust issues, love, and sorrow. I will try and read another book by the author to see if this is totally her style or if it just happened in this book. I also loved that I learned about mermaid.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this review.
March 15, 2024
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Anna Alkire is a wonderful enemies to lovers book. I started reading it believing it was a rom-com, but, it wasn't. It was very moving, beautiful and heartbreaking. I very much related to Minnie, to her being a loner who sometimes doesn't fit in and also to Jamie, who has a difficulty to express his feelings, causing everyone to think he is a sulky and moody person. The story of these two loners falling in love and finding each other is wonderful. They are lovely and complex characters. The story is realistic, romantic and unpredictable with just the right amount of steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The story is realistic, romantic and unpredictable with just the right amount of steam. Great characters that will pull you into their story and pulls at your heart strings and emotions! Minnie and George's story was very moving, beautiful and heartbreaking. Minnie and Jamie’s story of these two loners falling in love and finding each other. They have great chemistry, panty melting heat and some emotional baggage too. This story has drama, heart, hope, love, loss and family. The story flowed effortlessly with a few twists and turns that will keep you glued from start to finish.
March 19, 2024
Minnie and George's relationship was tender and heartbreaking and allowed Minnie to uncover parts of herself that she had buried deep. Minnie presented a tough outer shell, and it was a little hard to warm up to her. I didn't always agree with her actions or reactions, but it didn't stop me from wanting to see what would happen. However, as her life moves on, Minnie begins to seek the answers to those hard questions in her life leading her to Jamie Donovan, Greg’s business partner and her former adversary. The chemistry between Minnie and Jamie came off the page!
April 18, 2024
This book was a tough one, on the 1 hand it featured 2 wonderful relationships, dealing with the heartbreak of loss and cancer and handled so well. On the other it felt rushed but dragged on at the same time.
I would happily read another of Anna's novels and this one I read in a day but having finished it I was unsure as to where the book was going at times.
The characters were well written and at times it had the usual misscommunication trope that I hate with a passion but the spice really brought it back for me.
I would happily read another of Anna's novels and this one I read in a day but having finished it I was unsure as to where the book was going at times.
The characters were well written and at times it had the usual misscommunication trope that I hate with a passion but the spice really brought it back for me.
February 26, 2024
There were many lovely parts of this book, but it felt to me that it lost it's way when Minnie lost her way after George died. There was a lot of book between that scene and when she decided on her second love. I nearly gave up and filed it as a Did Not Finish, but the final scene was worth sticking it out. I still think the story could be tightened up through the middle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2024
Wow! I loved it so much even though there was a lot of drama going. I loved how the fmc had changed over the pages, how she turned out to be stronger and deeper than I had thought in the beginning of the book. I loved warmth of this book. It felt like a hug from a friend. I loved the plot and its development.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free fro. BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free fro. BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2024
grief
I like this author´s books very much but this one contained scenes so sad I struggled, but on the other hand, that´s part of life, too. In the end, there is an atmosphere of hope that life can get better in spite of all the losses and struggles we have to face.
I like this author´s books very much but this one contained scenes so sad I struggled, but on the other hand, that´s part of life, too. In the end, there is an atmosphere of hope that life can get better in spite of all the losses and struggles we have to face.
March 10, 2024
I struggled to get into the story to begin with but enjoyed the character development of both Minnie and Jamie through the second half of the book. Perfect for a quick read and fans of age gap romance.
March 16, 2024
There is spousal death in this one so be forewarned before starting. Ok this story was definitely unique. You have Minnie who’s story really had me scratching my head at times but it kept me interested in finding out what was going to unfold.
April 18, 2024
Fantastic Love Story
Such a beautiful story. There is an age gap but true love between the two. There is sadness but there is also growth and learning to love again. I couldn't put this book down. So good.
Such a beautiful story. There is an age gap but true love between the two. There is sadness but there is also growth and learning to love again. I couldn't put this book down. So good.
November 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a good quick read, good for getting out of a slump. Other than that it’s chaotic, messy, and the writing/pace of everything felt so off.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a good quick read, good for getting out of a slump. Other than that it’s chaotic, messy, and the writing/pace of everything felt so off.
March 3, 2024
She is a servant and he is her boss but she feels a pull to him. She knows nothing will ever come of it and he has decided to be her enemy. Why? What is really going on with him? Will it ever be different? See how she gets on
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