Somewhere I Can't Follow

by Nicolette Beebe

In the depths of the underground city of Grimhold, twenty-one-year-old Arabella yearns for the open spaces in the world above, even though the toxic air and the winged enemies in the sky are a threat to her life. Stay hidden. Stay quiet. And survival will be easy. Until Shaw, a Skylark, finds her.

However, Shaw doesn’t fit the rumors she has grown up hearing. He’s kind, and caring, and seems to want to end the divide between their two kinds as much as she does. And most importantly, he has not tried to kill her. That is because of the secret tied to Arabella’s very essence. Arabella’s rare ability to clean the toxic air with her lungs. His little secret Vy.

As their connection deepens, so does the danger.

The toxic air is rising to the skies and causing newLark’s wings to grow inward, killing them. Arabella is the Skylark’s ultimate prize in their deadly hunt for survival.

Arabella must evade being captured and experimented on by the Skylarks by trusting a secretive one that could cost her city, her heart, and her life.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2024

About the author

Nicolette is a Bay Area author of alluring romances that span from dark contemporary to the depths of the apocalypse. Outside of the all-consuming obsession to write, she is in love with being a full-service editor. She taught the fourth grade for five years, and is now a part-time substitute. During downtime, she enjoys knitting and crocheting while watching video game playthroughs with her hubby and fur baby.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had a lot of potential I really wanted to like this more than I did but felt rushed and more like a Wattpad story than anything definitely a interesting story if only it was written better and had a bit more backstory

[Anna Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! The world building was so unique and I loved the characters so much!

[Rebecca Conover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been in a real reading slump but this book got me excited to finish it. I found myself thinking about it throughout the day and I couldn't wait to get home and see what happens next. I'm excited to see where these characters go from here and what happens next. Sign me up for the next one!

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this, couldn’t put it down. Loved the concept of it, thought it was well paced and a very interesting idea

[Francette Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Really cool and unique world building and characters that make you fall in love them really fast. I was so invested in the last half of the book I didn’t even realized i was in the last page! Now i can’t wait for the next one.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Love the world building...love the characters. Great story. Kept me hooked to story with everything happening.

This book does end on a cliff hanger and definitely leaves you screaming for book 2🖤🖤🖤

[Jasmine Neves · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He was a Terran’s fiercest enemy in the skies. But, my… deliciously forbidden infatuation.”

I picked this up not knowing what to expect and I was definitely not disappointed. I instantly loved Arabella and Shaw. Their connection and chemistry was perfect. I loved the idea of this dystopian Romeo and Juliet story and I can’t wait to see where the story goes when the next book is released.

I really wanted more back story from this book which I am hoping is yet to come in future books. I have so many questions that weren’t answered. I felt like this was definitely more of a focus on Shaw and Arabella’s relationship and we got little crumbs of information through out but the plot kept halting a bit and I wanted more progress with the world building and back story as to how the world got like this.

Overall I did really enjoy it and it has so much potential to be an epic series. Hopefully the other books are as good or better!

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little messy, but it kept me intrigued from start to finish. I need book 2!!!

[Lexy Wuellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enticing story

This book had an enticing plot line.
Nicolette worked wonders when it came to Arabella and Shaw and the battles they have faced alone and together. The world building was amazing and was such an interesting fantasy world to experience.
The magic, the love, the betrayal and corruption leaves you wanting the second book now!
The last page snuck up on me and I'm craving more!

[Arleigh Salerno · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even begin to describe this one... before I even try though, I NEED MORE!!
Now... the way this book went made me want to explore. But it also cause so much turmoil... emotional turmoil. Let's just say if someone asks for a forbidden romance type read... this will be my immediate answer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air! In a world where fantasy romance feels very samey, this was very refreshing. It has post-apocalyptic vibes, and a Romeo and Juliette style romance. Indie books can be hit or miss but this was genuinely a good time, well written, and the MMC is a teddy bear in the best possible way. Excited for book two!

[Patricia Lambert- Sentell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Arabella and Shaw's story. I can't wait for the second book.

[Brittany Curtis-Kutschbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolette Beebe has done it again. If you have not read her work and you love romantasy, then jump right in. This has to be one of my favorite books she’s written! So in love with the main characters and POVs of Arabella and Shaw 💜.
Post apocalyptic romantasy with a “should be” enemies to lovers, a unique setting, and some great humor. Her FMC is such a strong character but very self aware. I think what made me the happiest was not having the frustrating communication trope. Ara made rational decisions and didn’t leave me yelling at the book. Shaw has Beebe’s signature overprotective traits that make you fall for him. Still lots of drama but also leaves you not knowing who to trust at times.
I just finished my reread of the book after the audiobook was released and think I like it even more the second time. Now I’m just jonesing for the next book in the series!

[Ana - Fables and Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot of books in a. dystopian setting so this was a change for me but oh my lord did I enjoy this book!! The writing style was really great and easy to follow and I got invested in the characters immediately, the story drew me in and kept me captivated throughout. The book leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions and there is a lot more information you want to know about the characters backstory etc which is as expected for a first book in a series.
I enjoyed this book a lot and cannot wait to dive into the authors other pieces.

[Christine Ennocenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I just finished Somewhere I Can't Follow and 😭🫶🏻 😍 What an interesting and original idea with the Skykarks and the Vys! I started it Friday evening and all my other books got put on hold for the weekend while I zoned into Arabella and Shaw's story! It was really beautiful and highly entertaining and I'm just so glad I saw this author's post on IG about her being an author so I could start to read her work. 🥰 I'm REALLY looking forward to continuing this journey with Shaw and Ara. 💗💗💗

[Courtni Boterf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this book created such an encompassing view into the life of Arabella, and gave a great glimpse into the world that came before the story. Love the heat and suspense that threw my system into a tailspin, not knowing if I should be scared or excited. Shaw and Gavrel’s tension makes for a great secondary layer to the story. Book 2 can’t come soon enough.

[Kristen Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the unique storyline here and getting the POV of both Shaw and Arabella. This is one series where I would love a prequel to learn more about how they got there! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Fun to read and kept my interest. Found myself just reading and reading.

[Tori Cosmick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had so many great twists and turns. I hardly knew where it was going until it was gone. Absolutely a great read and I can't wait for the second book to be released!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely a great read! Nicolette does well with setting up the ending and I really enjoyed it from start to finish! I highly recommend this read!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much! New to the fantasy world and I honestly couldn’t get enough of this book, only critique is the NEED for more! I need the rest of the story

[Suneater_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop thinking about that ending! I love Shaw and Arabella 🥰 Definitely enjoyed the story and look forward to book 2!

[Amanda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED the book!!! Can’t wait for book 2!!!!

[Paige Monachino Hauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five stars for Nicolette! I cannot wait for the second book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved it!! The cliffhanger at the end was so not expected!! I really hope book 2 comes soon. I’m so not ready to leave Shaw and Arabella!

[Aubrey Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, loved it. The story had me from the very beginning and Shaw and Arabella’s sorry is so compelling. Definitely must read.

[Brandy Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!
How dare she pull a cliff hanger like that. I need the second book pronto. Hopefully it will soon be out.

[Rebecca Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nicolette's writing. This is my favorite book of hers. I'll be patiently waiting for book two. 💜

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to on Audible:

Nooo!! I need closure! I need to know what’s going to happen next! The story is brilliant! I love Shah and Ara’s relationship and I definitely need more Gavral (I don’t know the spellings because - ya know - audible!) there seems like so, so many layers to Shah and Gav’s relationship that I would adore to see explored. I absolutely love that Ara isn’t just some helpless FMC, she’s actually her own person and not a clone of other FMCs out there. She’s refreshing, Shah is swoon-worthy, and Gav may or may not be my next book-boyfriend xD
I loved this book and I so hope there’s a second! Nicolette, I am fast becoming a huge fan of your work! Please keep on writing! xx

Narration: Stephanie Kay? Stephanie Kay?! You bloody wonder! I love the distinction and diversity you have! This is the second audio book I’ve listened to that you’ve narrated and I love it! You are a master of your craft. Thank you for bringing the characters to life so well and doing them amazing justification! xx

[Siarn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

Arabella & Shaw.

This had the potential to be better.
The ideas were good. The world was different and interesting, but it felt like the story started in the middle and we didn't really know what had happened before.

It's a bit dystopian. It's not fae or magical but has a few different types of people.
The air is toxic to everyone.
There is a whole city of winged people who live in the sky. And then there are the ones who live underground. And the ones who live on the land wearing masks to survive.

And in the middle of the fueding people are Arabella and Shaw... he never tells her who she really is and his people will hunt her down.

It is not a Dark Romantasy at all.. so that was disappointing.