When You Return

The Soulmatism Saga #1

by Isabella Ayubi

When You Return is the first installment of an epic, romantic, fantasy saga that will leave you reeling for a love that should never be.

Idalia is a Thultan Sentry who is always underestimated by her peers. She strives to be seen as their equal, as a solider worthy to fight alongside them. She instead is deemed expendable by her so-called "friends" and thrust into a dangerous mission that could result in the loss of life.

A mission across the Gate.

Erin is the Prince of the Gate. A villainous ruler of the kingdom that everyone fears and in turn, fears him. However, what will happen when it is revealed that Erin may not be the monster everyone claims him to be?

Could it be possible that two people, both misunderstood and lost in the world, could find refuge in each other?

Strength will be tested, lines will be blurred, and hearts will be stolen.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2024

About the author

Isabella Ayubi is a YA fantasy romance author. Her debut series is the Soulmatism Saga, with the first two installments being When You Return and Our Poisoned Love. She graduated summa cum laude from Liberty University where she attained a BSBA in Digital Marketing and Advertising. When Isabella is not writing, you will often find her with a sketchbook in hand, walking the beach, or dreaming up new ideas for her next great literary adventure. 

Reviews

[Sharon Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Return is a book that I found to be a comforting, effortless read that immediately pulled me in with its subtle magic system and excellent world building. Ayubi has such a way with words. The perfect balance between poetry and exceptional storytelling. I plan to order a physical copy of the book, as well, just so I can go through and highlight my favorite quotes. 🖤

Within the first few pages, was rooting for Idalia, the spunky, underestimated, independent, loyal, FMC who is eager to prove her worth to her fellow members of the guard. She was a character I loved throughout, and gained more respect for as the story went on.

Erin—the swoon-worthy, misunderstood prince, however, was my favorite character. He immediately had my heart with his kind, brave, gentlemanly behavior, but was cloaked with just enough mystery to leave you guessing what his angle truly was.

The slow burn, “enemies to lovers” trope was done gently and with tact. I found it refreshing that they had such a clean and wholesome relationship.

ZERO red flags detected! Zero spice, just good old-fashioned, butterflies-in-your-belly romance! 🥰

I cannot wait to continue to follow Idalia and Erin in their beautiful story!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books, when you read them, they become a part of you. This book is now part of me. This is one of those rare books that feels like it was written specifically for me. There's action and heroes and villains and plot twists and a hint of magic. But primarily, this book is a love story. And it's my favorite kind of love story. It's soft and sweet and there's not a ton of drama between the couple. Don't get me wrong, I love enemies-to-lovers and tension as much as the next reader. I can appreciate a will-they-won't-they as long as it's done right. But when the majority of the books that I read follow the will-they-won't-they formula where the couple doesn't get together until the very end of the book/series, or they get together and then break up and/or have a ton of drama between them, this book is a breath of fresh air and just what I had been wanting. I love the way that Isabella portrayed love in this book, to me, this is what true love is. The love of Erin and Idalia is forever etched in my heart. I will never be able to emotionally move on from their story. Also: there are nightmare hurt/comfort and wound tending scenes. Just felt like it was important for you to know.

[AyeLikeBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! (except for something that happened at the end)

I did feel like the book started off a bit too fast with not much backstory about the kingdoms and main characters, but as I kept reading, I really started to enjoy Idalia and Erin's story!

I absolutely love Idalia and Erin so much!! 😍 But that ENDING! That HEART-WRENCHING ENDING... I was not mentally prepared for that at 12:30 in the morning 😭

I will say I loved the sweet slow burn (no spice) romance, the undying love between Idalia and Erin was so heartwarming, their banter which was hilarious, the plot twists I didn't see coming, the good dose of action and high stakes. 🖤

With that being said, I NEED the next book because you can't leave me hanging with that ENDING!!! It can't end like that!! 💔

(Sorry if I keep mentioning that ending... I can't help but bring it up)

[Sara Puissegur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin & Idalia’s story is a perfect slow-burn romantasy with no spice. The pacing, character development, and action were all very well done. The romance was pure sweetness, something so refreshing to read with all the really dark options out there. The leads are likable and “shippable” from the very beginning! I read this book in a day because I could not put it down! Don’t even get me started on that ending! Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book through Instagram (@authorisabellaayubi), and Isabella's promotional Reels pulled me in! I was fortunate enough to receive her eARC in a giveaway, and I'm SO HAPPY I did!

If you're into slow burn, enemies to lovers, misunderstood villains, and bad guys you want to punch in the face, get this book. I loved that the FMC is such a strong, resourceful woman who can keep up with the guards, while still maintaining her soft, empathetic side. And the MMC.... such a heartthrob!

But oh my gosh that ending killed me a little inside! I already can't wait for the second book!

Well done, Isabella, on your outstanding debut!

🙊 No cursing
🌶 No spice, all swoon

[Ashlyn Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would give it ♾️⭐️
Spice (few kisses but nothing graphic)
Characters-lovable and hateable. Very well developed


This epic rollercoaster of a novel is packed full of epic fights, strong characters, and swoony romance.
The details throughout make you feel like you are sitting beside the characters. You feel like you know them and throughout the book you understand more and more of their motivations.
Most authors will draw a picture of their world. But that’s not the case for Isabella Ayubi.
She doesn’t draw a photo, she builds a world around the reader so we are looking around and living in the masterpiece.

Absolutely loved it!! It’s absolutely my favorite fantasy novel!!

[Shelby Wallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely meant to write my review much, much sooner; better late than never!

Okay, wow. Just wow. I was absolutely blown away by this book! I absolutely loved the characters and the way they developed throughout the story. I'm actually borderline obsessed with Erin. He is literally the epitome of a perfect book boyfriend. I adore Idalia as well, she's an exceptionally well written character in all aspects. Between her tone, describing her background, her internal dialogue-- all of it was immaculate. The world building is actually magical, Isabella absolutely knocked it out of the park describing the beauty and darkness in this magical kingdom. The writing style is so addictive and the pace was perfect for me, I read this book pretty fast because I just couldn't put it down. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the Soulmatism saga, and what a way to kick it off. On top of the book, being incredible, this is an author that I genuinely could not be happier to support as she is a gem of a human!

5/5⭐️ (I would absolutely rate higher if I could!)
🫑 Closed door romance with a very light hint of some steam

[Brandy Huckaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ for this read. It took me way longer than it should have to read it.

I did enjoy the romance and connection between Erin & Idalia. But while I loved these parts of the story, and I am rooting for them as a couple… there was elements of this story’s writing that I struggled with. The narration was inconsistent… you would bounce from a 3rd person narration to sort of being in Erin’s mind, and then in the next sentence being in Idalia’s mind. It was hard to follow. This would have been better done by clearly notating sections as Erin’s POV and Idalia’s POV. Or just fully sticking as a 3rd person outside narrative just telling the events.

I also felt the story’s pacing was quite rushed. I think the plot of this book should’ve made it easily twice the length it was. The plot points just did not feel fully fleshed out. It was like a certain storyline was beginning and then in the next sentence it was done & moving on. Whereas the author could have taken so much more time explaining or providing background, or even just letting the reader relish more in the moment before transitioning to something else.

I also felt that the characters themselves seemed to shift or change personality on a dime. For example, in the beginning when you meet Idalia and Erin (as Keir), she’s this rigid and determined sentry, and her fellow sentries tell her that Keir is okay and to leave him be. This was important because it showed how they discounted her judgment. But then literally next thing you know, instead of standing her ground, she’s casually flirting with Keir at a tavern like nothing happened. It’s gives you whiplash. Same with Matthias in the Gate’s cells… when he’s first introduced, he is giving Idalia a hard time and Erin is warning him to not push her, and then she suddenly “realizes they’re friends”? It just didn’t make sense with what was provided in the text. Several moments like these, I would go back and re-read to see if I’d missed something. It just seems like there should have been more content provided between these personality shifts, to lead into it and explain it more.

There are many questions left unanswered, and several things that seemed significant when presented in the story (like Erin’s nightmares), but then were never explained or delved into more…maybe they will be in the next book, but it just seemed like they are either unnecessary events, or again, something that was left not fully fleshed out.

The conflict and drama between the two sides of this world’s war were also not well explained in my opinion…. so to me it was hard to figure out why the sentry’s wanted to suddenly attack. Especially when her notes from “spying” were not very informative. So, I guess there just needed to be a bit more world building, and a bit more intel from the evil brother that is attained, for this to make sense.

The ending to this book though, was intriguing…. and this alone is making me look forward to some (hopefully) answers in the next book of the series.

[Nospicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
A sassy, underestimated female sentry is tasked with spying on the enemy kingdom. On the day of her arrival she is saved by one of the mysterious Princes of the Gate. As time progresses she begins to fall for the "villainous Prince" and begins to question everything she grew up believing. Uncover the secrect rebellion of the morally grey Prince, attempting to right his families wrong, while the female sentry gets reunited with her long lost family and makes new family along the way. Will their love survive survive the impending war?

Tropes:
-Enemies to Lovers
-He falls first
-Underestimated FMC
-Morally-grey Prince
-Secret Identities
-Found Family
-No spice
-Forbidden Romance

Review:
The beginning of the book had me kind of lost because i felt like it progressed very fast, with too few details. One i got about a 3rd of the way through I really started to get more into it. Let me tell you this book completely exceeded all of my expectations! That being said I do wish there was more of a backstory for both kingdoms, and the characters. (Hoping to see more of this in book 2!) The light sweet romance, and the banter between the main characters ahh perfect. There are so many twists and turns you won't know what to suspect. The ending mad end what the title actually meant and it was heart breaking. I need the next book asap.

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When You Return" by Isabella Ayubi is for you if you love morally gray MMCs.

I love how the author has created a new world that embodies the classic struggle of good versus evil. The villains are clearly defined, while the heroes are those fighting for justice. Throughout the story, the author poses intriguing questions that encourage readers to reflect on values and the perceptions associated with various characters. Or does it?

The relationship between the two main characters is sweet and surprisingly less angsty than I anticipated. The magic of the world captivated me and made me curious about what else it has to offer. I must mention that the book has an ending! That ending left me eager to read the next book and discover what happens next. What a thrilling ride!

If you enjoy dark atmospheres, castles, and strong female characters who are not in distress, I highly recommend reading this book!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very sweet, pleasant read. I loved the main characters! Their banter didn't feel awkward or forced and their relationship was paced really nicely. The world was interesting and creative and I was hooked from the start!

I would have loved to see more of the side characters. At times, it was confusing to understand why they were doing what they were doing because you didn't have enough background on them to figure out their motive. There were also times that the story felt a little too fast paced. There were a couple of instances where a scene was set with a lot of apprehension, but then something big (but unrelated) interrupted that scene and the apprehensive feeling dissipated, but was never really resolved.

Overall this book did leave me wanting more and I can't wait to see what happens next! There are a lot of questions I have that I hope will be answered!

[Della · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of When You Return.

I struggled between a 3 star and a 4 star for this review. I loved the characters and story of When You Return, but I feel like they could've been better. A lot of plot points in the book felt underdeveloped or like the plot moved too quickly. When You Return could have greatly benefitted from slower pacing, or a higher page count.

What is in When You Return is done beautifully though! Isabella Ayubi creates a really compelling setting and some really fun characters. The FMC has her perspective on Good and Evil challenged, and the MMC has a really interesting power. After the results of the ending of When You Return I'm excited to see where the story is taken next.

[ZanaArt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH
I loved bit of the of the romance Erin is such a sweetheart gentleman who deserves so much
And Idalia is very inspiring I loved the way Ayubi portrayed love instead of misunderstandings and miscommunication there’s trust bonding friendships slow burn. The will they won’t they didn’t feel dreading the love felt earned.

My favourite character in this book had to be Erin despite him being filled with mystery he’s gentle kindhearted gentleman which immediately made me fall for him I really admired his backstory.

Although the ending felt like a shockwave or the calm before the storm I really hope idalia is still alive I hope she isn’t dead the cliffhanger really made me on edge
Every chapter kept urging me to read

[Becca :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful introduction to the soulmatism saga universe. It is a sweet, YA fantasy romance that centers around the concepts of found family, slow burn love, tragedy, and secretive identity.

The world building is done slowly and throughout the whole book, helping to keep the reader on track. The characters are well written and well rounded. The plot is creative and unique with many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.

The romance is so sweet and wholesome as well! The interactions between the two MCs are so beautifully written and just so full of love it’s quite heartwarming.

[Sarah Harrington · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 — I tried so hard not to DNF, but I just couldn’t get to the end. I enjoyed the concept of the story, but how the plot was executed was just not entertaining to me. The writing style just wasn’t my favorite and felt very choppy, especially towards the end. I felt the world building could have been explored more, and descriptions of scenes and characters’ feelings expounded on. I enjoyed the chemistry between the main love interests, and there were some very swoon worthy, sweet moments between them! But the characters themselves lacked real depth. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but I wouldn’t mind recommending the book to someone!

[Atticus08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT RIGHT NOW!

I would give this book 1,000 stars if I could!
It is one of those books once you pick it up you can't put it back down! I can not believe this is the author's first book. It literally has it all. Characters that you can't help but root for, a misunderstood villian, a swoon worthy romance, and fast paced action.Erin has forever altered my brain chemistry and raised the bar for all men exponentially. It is one of my favorite books of all time, just trust me, read it!

[K And · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book, I found it through the authors Instagram (authorisabellaayubi) and absolutely fell in love with the aesthetic teaser videos she put out. Despite the book being 362 pages I read it in mere hours because I simply couldn't put it down. There wasn’t any foul language or anything unsavory so I'm comfortable recommending it to anyone that revels in descriptive fight scenes and a forbidden romance. I only wish there was more because the ending left me reeling!

[Crystal Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I am in love with When You Return. It is unquestionably my favorite Fantasy Romance novel. I felt that the romance was perfection and the action/fight scenes were flawless. I was completely captivated by the storyline. Every aspect of this book from the plot to the characters made an impression on me. It’s a book that I won’t soon forget. I absolutely can’t wait for book 2 in this saga!

[Alyssa McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book by Ashlyn’s friend about a sentry who has to cross into the neighboring city which is a city of criminals and lead by two corrupt prince brothers. When the main character Idalia is sent over then she is befriended by one of the brothers who turns out to be different than she originally thought.

[Taylor Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and endearing YA book. I appreciated the no-spice love/relationship. The story is built solely on the plot, which is sometimes hard to find.

The main characters are extremely loveable and the ending is just 😱 (no spoilers here). But the story is worth it, just solely for the ending.

I’m excited to see how this saga continues!

[Blogger6Fowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read a romantasy where the villain is the nice guy, this is your ideal read! This book left me gasping, heartwarmed and wanting to get an Erin of my own. Besides, this is the perfect book to make us brown-eyed brown-haired girls feel special and beautiful just as we are <3

[Aniya · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZINGGG!!! BEST BOOK EVERR! ERIN IS SO SWEET AND IDALIA IS JUST AMAZING!! PLS READD!!

[think for yourself · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

[Blus.story · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 The ending got me teary eyed 🥹