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The Callaways #8
Somewhere Only We Know
#1 NY Times Bestselling Author delivers a romantic, emotional and suspenseful novel in SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW.
Firefighter Burke Callaway has been living in the shadows since the tragic death of his fiancée. He had no interest in coming out of the dark, until the beautiful and unpredictable Maddie came back to town.
Maddie Heller is the ultimate free spirit, her love of life and cooking taking her all over the globe, and only a few people know that her easy smile covers a personal tragedy. With a new job offer in San Francisco, Maddie thinks it might be time to stay in one place, especially when she runs into Burke again.
Burke was the handsome, sexy hero of her youth, who could do no wrong. Maddie was the pretty, fun-loving girl of his youth, who loved to break the rules. They were opposites in every way, but there was always a connection. It was just never the right time or the right place—until maybe now.
But their budding love story suddenly takes a dangerous turn, and a series of escalating incidents makes them realize that falling in love might not just be scary but also deadly.
Don't miss any of the titles in Barbara's NYT Bestselling Series: The Callaways!
On A Night Like This (#1)
So This Is Love (#2)
Falling For A Stranger (#3)
Between Now And Forever (#4)
Nobody But You (A Callaway Wedding Novella)
All A Heart Needs (#5)
That Summer Night (#6)
When Shadows Fall (#7)
Somewhere Only We Know (#8)
Firefighter Burke Callaway has been living in the shadows since the tragic death of his fiancée. He had no interest in coming out of the dark, until the beautiful and unpredictable Maddie came back to town.
Maddie Heller is the ultimate free spirit, her love of life and cooking taking her all over the globe, and only a few people know that her easy smile covers a personal tragedy. With a new job offer in San Francisco, Maddie thinks it might be time to stay in one place, especially when she runs into Burke again.
Burke was the handsome, sexy hero of her youth, who could do no wrong. Maddie was the pretty, fun-loving girl of his youth, who loved to break the rules. They were opposites in every way, but there was always a connection. It was just never the right time or the right place—until maybe now.
But their budding love story suddenly takes a dangerous turn, and a series of escalating incidents makes them realize that falling in love might not just be scary but also deadly.
Don't miss any of the titles in Barbara's NYT Bestselling Series: The Callaways!
On A Night Like This (#1)
So This Is Love (#2)
Falling For A Stranger (#3)
Between Now And Forever (#4)
Nobody But You (A Callaway Wedding Novella)
All A Heart Needs (#5)
That Summer Night (#6)
When Shadows Fall (#7)
Somewhere Only We Know (#8)
275 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
599 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
152 books2,688 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 10, 2015
Burke is the eldest Callaway sibling and we have seen and heard bit and pieces about his history in the previous books. It is finally time to get to know his story.
Burke Callaway has been living in the shadows ever since his fiancé died in a car crash. He has since put himself into his work and his family. He is one of the most respected firefighters in town. His family may think that they know what happened, but he has a secret about his relationship with his ex-fiancé, Leanne. Maddie, Leanne’s twin sister has been living in the shadows too. She too has kept herself busy with work and doing things off her bucket list. But a job offer brings her back to San Francisco. Once she is back, Burke and Maddie have to not only face each other, but also their own grief and confusion.
Burke has always come off as this reserved elder brother of the family, one on whom everyone can count on. But he has been facing his own demons for far too long. Maddie on the other hand feels much brighter even though she has been struggling with guilt and confusion. While Burke is developed as the matured, self-contained and reserved personality, Maddie is more of an outgoing and carefree personality. Their contrast in personality actually balances each other out and they make a good couple. Of course there is some mystery in this instalment too. Someone is after Maddie and there are a number of attacks on her where Burke comes to the rescue. I have only one bone to pick regarding the novel… The information provided, could have been done in a better manner. While the information is provided through conversations between Maddie and Burke, they felt more like a debate competition than a conversation.
Overall an, interesting conclusion to the series with all the questions finally answered.
Burke Callaway has been living in the shadows ever since his fiancé died in a car crash. He has since put himself into his work and his family. He is one of the most respected firefighters in town. His family may think that they know what happened, but he has a secret about his relationship with his ex-fiancé, Leanne. Maddie, Leanne’s twin sister has been living in the shadows too. She too has kept herself busy with work and doing things off her bucket list. But a job offer brings her back to San Francisco. Once she is back, Burke and Maddie have to not only face each other, but also their own grief and confusion.
Burke has always come off as this reserved elder brother of the family, one on whom everyone can count on. But he has been facing his own demons for far too long. Maddie on the other hand feels much brighter even though she has been struggling with guilt and confusion. While Burke is developed as the matured, self-contained and reserved personality, Maddie is more of an outgoing and carefree personality. Their contrast in personality actually balances each other out and they make a good couple. Of course there is some mystery in this instalment too. Someone is after Maddie and there are a number of attacks on her where Burke comes to the rescue. I have only one bone to pick regarding the novel… The information provided, could have been done in a better manner. While the information is provided through conversations between Maddie and Burke, they felt more like a debate competition than a conversation.
Overall an, interesting conclusion to the series with all the questions finally answered.
March 17, 2015
This story gets four stars instead of five because of the writing. I love dialogue and this was dialogue heavy, but it didn't flow in certain areas. The author keeps giving us information in the form of questions and answers between the characters - rapid fire, one after the other. Like they're quizzing each other in preparation for an exam and they're quickly flipping through index cards. It was very unnatural and disconcerting. There has to be a more organic and smooth way to give the reader this information than to have the characters give each other the third degree. Especially about things like... the career choices of all 8 cousins from that one side of the family that you met 3/10ths of at the party last week, you remember them? Dear god, that is more information than I need at all, but to have Maddie and Burke question each other and give essay answers to everything makes their little walk up the stairs take five minutes.
Still, the information was interesting and entertaining. I can't hate on it too badly. But I did find myself thinking "Really now? This is not debate team. Shut up."
Characters... For such a free spirit optimist that only sees the best in people, Maddie is a bit of a judgmental pessimist when it comes to Burke. Other than that, I really enjoyed both of them. I liked their opposites attract thing going on, which usually doesn't work for me because the characters are rarely as opposite as they think. But it worked here.
I thought the plot was pretty entertaining - I definitely wasn't expecting the big reveal at the end. Though I'm kind of annoyed by the fact that one plot thread about Vegas was left dangling. We aren't informed as to how all that turns out and I would have appreciated knowing because it was built up so much as a viable threat. For it to be something you're running from the entire book, it damn well should be wrapped up. So maybe I'd have given this 4.5 stars, but with the weird writing and the dangling plot thread of frustration, it's only a solid 4 stars.
I'll probably check out the other books in this series when I come across them.
Still, the information was interesting and entertaining. I can't hate on it too badly. But I did find myself thinking "Really now? This is not debate team. Shut up."
Characters... For such a free spirit optimist that only sees the best in people, Maddie is a bit of a judgmental pessimist when it comes to Burke. Other than that, I really enjoyed both of them. I liked their opposites attract thing going on, which usually doesn't work for me because the characters are rarely as opposite as they think. But it worked here.
I thought the plot was pretty entertaining - I definitely wasn't expecting the big reveal at the end. Though I'm kind of annoyed by the fact that one plot thread about Vegas was left dangling. We aren't informed as to how all that turns out and I would have appreciated knowing because it was built up so much as a viable threat. For it to be something you're running from the entire book, it damn well should be wrapped up. So maybe I'd have given this 4.5 stars, but with the weird writing and the dangling plot thread of frustration, it's only a solid 4 stars.
I'll probably check out the other books in this series when I come across them.
March 27, 2015
Burke is the responsible older brother. He adores his family and loves his job. However, he has never gotten over the tragic lost of his fiancee. Feeling responsible and brokenhearted, he refuses to give his heart. Maddie feels guilt for her twin sister's death. Why her sister and not her? She lives her life to the fullest for the sister who died so young. Burke and Maddie are both existing, not living when they cross paths. Maddie, down on her luck needs a helping hand and Burke is right there for her. Can these two grieving people find a second chance with each other? Or will a hidden enemy tragically end their second chance before it's even began? Barbara Freethy had me on the edge of my seat with this story. There were twists and turns I never saw coming. A MUST READ!!
October 9, 2019
Somewhere Only We Know: Callaway Family Book 8 is by Barbara Freethy. This book is a quick one to read but it is full of suspense. The Callaways and their friends and relatives are all very realistic and come into your home as you are reading. You are never sure who will come in next.
Burke is the only unattached Callaway child and he is the oldest. However, he had been engaged to Leanne parker before her death in a car accident. A fellow fireman, Mitch Warren, was also in love with Leanne and has blamed Burke for her death even though Burke was on duty that night. Mitch has hired a PI to look into it. Mitch is even more obsessed with this idea three years after Leanne’s death. It is at a memorial for Leanne that Mitch brings this out into the open again by attacking Burke. He hit Burke and knocked him into a waitress and Burke hit the floor along with her. When Burke looks up, he realizes he knows her, Maddie Heller.
Maddie is a free spirit who has traveled fulfilling a bucket list her twin sister had made before her death as a young girl. Maddie has only a few things left on her list; but she has ended up back near home. She is looking for a job and has sublet an apartment. When Burke came back to the party to talk to Leanne’s parents, he ends up taking Maddie home only to find she has been locked out of the apartment and evicted. Having no place to go, she ends up at Burke’s apartment. He offers her a place to stay until she gets situated. Since Maddie has been in love with him since high school, she hesitates but having no choice, accepts.
Can things get any more messed up in Burke’s life? With Maddie in the picture, yes it can.
Burke is the only unattached Callaway child and he is the oldest. However, he had been engaged to Leanne parker before her death in a car accident. A fellow fireman, Mitch Warren, was also in love with Leanne and has blamed Burke for her death even though Burke was on duty that night. Mitch has hired a PI to look into it. Mitch is even more obsessed with this idea three years after Leanne’s death. It is at a memorial for Leanne that Mitch brings this out into the open again by attacking Burke. He hit Burke and knocked him into a waitress and Burke hit the floor along with her. When Burke looks up, he realizes he knows her, Maddie Heller.
Maddie is a free spirit who has traveled fulfilling a bucket list her twin sister had made before her death as a young girl. Maddie has only a few things left on her list; but she has ended up back near home. She is looking for a job and has sublet an apartment. When Burke came back to the party to talk to Leanne’s parents, he ends up taking Maddie home only to find she has been locked out of the apartment and evicted. Having no place to go, she ends up at Burke’s apartment. He offers her a place to stay until she gets situated. Since Maddie has been in love with him since high school, she hesitates but having no choice, accepts.
Can things get any more messed up in Burke’s life? With Maddie in the picture, yes it can.
May 27, 2017
Long time coming...& worth the wait
Burke is the oldest sibling in the Jack & Lynda Callaway family. Throughout this series he has been the elusive, stoic and over achieving brother. The mysterious tragedy of losing his fiancee three years prior is the keystone to this novel. How he is thrust into facing his past, the truth about his life and his need to move on makes the story intriguingly fascinating. When Maddie crashes back into his life everything becomes choatic, spontaneous and unplanned. None of which Burke is prepared to embrace. Maddie is a major reason his life is in upheaval, but not the only reason. Solving the mystery brings Burke & Maddie joy, danger, love & betrayal. It also allows them to develop their relationship from opposites attracting to well fitted puzzle pieces. Truly this Callaway novel is the best of many. Burke & Maddie's story was worth the wait.
Burke is the oldest sibling in the Jack & Lynda Callaway family. Throughout this series he has been the elusive, stoic and over achieving brother. The mysterious tragedy of losing his fiancee three years prior is the keystone to this novel. How he is thrust into facing his past, the truth about his life and his need to move on makes the story intriguingly fascinating. When Maddie crashes back into his life everything becomes choatic, spontaneous and unplanned. None of which Burke is prepared to embrace. Maddie is a major reason his life is in upheaval, but not the only reason. Solving the mystery brings Burke & Maddie joy, danger, love & betrayal. It also allows them to develop their relationship from opposites attracting to well fitted puzzle pieces. Truly this Callaway novel is the best of many. Burke & Maddie's story was worth the wait.
July 13, 2018
Another in the Callaway Family series, in which we focus on oldest brother, Burke, a firefighter, and Maddie Heller, a woman who's known Burke since they were in high school. He's the planner, the thinker, while she is described as a free spirit. In fact, her too-quick decisions about others could be viewed as "always looking for the good" even though the actions of certain people (like her ex-fiance) belie her trust in them/him.
When Maddie is locked out of the sublet she's moved into, Burke takes her home to sleep on his couch while she seeks another apartment. Then things develop that ensnare them in each other's lives: someone is after her to pay off her ex-fiance's bills. And a fellow firefighter blames Burke for the death of his late wife, even though Burke was working on the night when she was in that car accident. How both of these difficult issues are resolved is wound among several romantic encounters that cement their relationship.
When Maddie is locked out of the sublet she's moved into, Burke takes her home to sleep on his couch while she seeks another apartment. Then things develop that ensnare them in each other's lives: someone is after her to pay off her ex-fiance's bills. And a fellow firefighter blames Burke for the death of his late wife, even though Burke was working on the night when she was in that car accident. How both of these difficult issues are resolved is wound among several romantic encounters that cement their relationship.
December 11, 2019
Blending suspense, action and romance is one of my favorite combination in a book. Burke has been part of or discussed in all the books of this series and now we get to focus more on him. He is a strong leader and protector and he re-meets Maggie who is strong and free-spirited. Both realize they have different types of baggage from ex fiancés and the story is a go.
The question of why Mitch dislikes Burke is finally answered and While I felt for what happened, I still am not a fan for how he treated everyone associated with Callaway. Nicole and Ryan are doing great and their news was so fantastic. We saw Jack as dad and the Deputy Fire in this story so it was interesting to see how the two blended.
As always this book is well written and the characters are vivid and a delight to spend time with. This would be an enjoyable stand alone but I would recommend reading in order to get the full emotion and depth of stories.
The question of why Mitch dislikes Burke is finally answered and While I felt for what happened, I still am not a fan for how he treated everyone associated with Callaway. Nicole and Ryan are doing great and their news was so fantastic. We saw Jack as dad and the Deputy Fire in this story so it was interesting to see how the two blended.
As always this book is well written and the characters are vivid and a delight to spend time with. This would be an enjoyable stand alone but I would recommend reading in order to get the full emotion and depth of stories.
February 6, 2018
Maddie and Burke’s Death Battle! 4.5*****
Maddie, wild and free-spirited returned to San Francisco, after experiencing her boyfriend’s betrayal and gambling addiction in Las Vegas, to pursue her love of cooking. There she rekindled her admiration, which morphed in love for Burke Callaway, her childhood Algebra tutor, now a grieving and depressed Fire Chief, three years post the death of his fiancée, Leanne. He slowly begins to smile and enjoy life with crazy, spontaneous Maddie. The past, which involved Leanne’s death, heart broken Mitch, and Shelby converge upon Maddie, to reveal the truth about the past.
Great plot with pyromaniac, psychotic, jealous Shelby deceiving all involved. I loved Maddie’s witty character and her ‘never say die’ attitude, along with the Callaway family unity. A MUST READ for those romantic suspense, ‘who done it’ readers.
Maddie, wild and free-spirited returned to San Francisco, after experiencing her boyfriend’s betrayal and gambling addiction in Las Vegas, to pursue her love of cooking. There she rekindled her admiration, which morphed in love for Burke Callaway, her childhood Algebra tutor, now a grieving and depressed Fire Chief, three years post the death of his fiancée, Leanne. He slowly begins to smile and enjoy life with crazy, spontaneous Maddie. The past, which involved Leanne’s death, heart broken Mitch, and Shelby converge upon Maddie, to reveal the truth about the past.
Great plot with pyromaniac, psychotic, jealous Shelby deceiving all involved. I loved Maddie’s witty character and her ‘never say die’ attitude, along with the Callaway family unity. A MUST READ for those romantic suspense, ‘who done it’ readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
I’ve really been looking forward to Burke’s book, the last one in the main Callaways series. His fiancée was killed three years ago in a car accident and some people blame Burke because of texts she sent just before the crash saying she was upset and needed to talk to him. Burke has been emotionally devastated since her death and unable to move on, understandably. At least until now. The way the mystery unfolded was well done. Maddie is a girl Burke knew from his childhood and they have a romance. Maddie didn’t really stick out in my mind to be honest, unlike some of the other heroines in previous books. After how devastated Burke is shown to be in the previous books I was kind of hoping it would take them a little longer to get together. I found the suspense plotline to be my favorite part of this book. 5/5 stars.
February 19, 2024
Burke Callaway kann nicht darüber hinwegkommen, dass seine Verlobte verstorben ist. Als er auf Maddie Heller trifft. Kommt vielleicht sein Lebensgeist wieder zurück. Obwohl hinter ihrem Lächeln viel mehr steckt. Beide kennen sich aus der Kindheit und das Knistern ist groß. Eine schöne Geschichte über die erste Liebe und vieles mehr. Natürlich tauchen die Callaways hier häufiger auf. Der Zwist am Ende war schockierend und hat mich etwas geschockt. Man glaubte zu wissen, wer hier der Böse ist. Maddie habe ich geliebt, wie sie das Leben annimmt. Egal was für Tiefschläge sie erlebt, sie versucht immer das Beste daraus zu machen. Burke scheint am Anfang immer noch in der Vergangenheit zu leben. Oder nicht wirklich verarbeitet zu haben. Doch mit jeder Seite scheint er mehr ins Leben zurückzukommen und das erlebte zu verarbeiten.
June 1, 2017
Burke Callaway is a well respected Firefighter in town, but he is only going thru the motions in life. He has tremendous guilt from the death of his fiancé. Maddie is living life to the fullest to honor the sister who died too young. Maddie returns to town and encounters Burke, a hero of her youth.
Maddie and Burke are total opposites but somehow they work as a couple. Both have issues with their pasts they have to work thru. This book has both romance and a mystery that will keep you reading. I didn't guess who the bad guy was, the author had you looking in several directions. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I have enjoyed reading it as I have every other book by this author
Maddie and Burke are total opposites but somehow they work as a couple. Both have issues with their pasts they have to work thru. This book has both romance and a mystery that will keep you reading. I didn't guess who the bad guy was, the author had you looking in several directions. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I have enjoyed reading it as I have every other book by this author
July 29, 2019
Saving the best for last
This is the final Callaway brother to find his match made in heaven! I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot, and every side story played a part in the total story! Each book is a continuous of the storyline! The plots were all pretty similar, but there was enough funk in each personality of each featured Callaway family member to keep the storyline going! Fell in love with this family... and the way Barbara Freethy spun the tales!
This is the final Callaway brother to find his match made in heaven! I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot, and every side story played a part in the total story! Each book is a continuous of the storyline! The plots were all pretty similar, but there was enough funk in each personality of each featured Callaway family member to keep the storyline going! Fell in love with this family... and the way Barbara Freethy spun the tales!
September 23, 2022
This was a meeting of opposites with a twist in the storyline unexpected in a romance. Burke is closed off emotionally after the tragic death of his fiancée. Maddie is determined to live life to the fullest, she’s living for two after her twin sister died so young. Maddie falls into situations by trusting too easily, Burke sets himself up as her protector. They fall in love but there is lots of suspense and drama before the happy ending. Really enjoyed this one.
June 13, 2017
Great finish to the Callaway siblings. A little predictable but yet enough confusion to keep it interesting. All of the curiosities of the series are laid to rest. Some nice ties to the a few of the previous stories as well.
Great introduction to the Callaway cousins.
Great introduction to the Callaway cousins.
September 7, 2017
Best for last?
The last of the Callaway family ends with the eldest son Burke. His story is sad but ends well as he finds real love while learning life can be messy even if you commit to order. A great book and series.
The last of the Callaway family ends with the eldest son Burke. His story is sad but ends well as he finds real love while learning life can be messy even if you commit to order. A great book and series.
March 16, 2018
I've read all the books in this series and some of the authors stand alone books and loved them all this was my least favourite by far was a slow build up for me and it all happened towards the end of the book also though one part of Maddie's story was concluded.
July 30, 2019
Loved it
Finally Burke's story!! Can't believe I let this one get lost in my kindle its the best of the series in my opinion! It's a great story that is tragic, heartwarming, and full of hope. Don't miss it.
Finally Burke's story!! Can't believe I let this one get lost in my kindle its the best of the series in my opinion! It's a great story that is tragic, heartwarming, and full of hope. Don't miss it.
January 2, 2020
Great!!!!!!!
I love the characters in this series. This is Burke and Maddie's story. It is full of family, suspense, mystery, excitement, and a developing love story. It is a fantastic story and so well told!!!
I love the characters in this series. This is Burke and Maddie's story. It is full of family, suspense, mystery, excitement, and a developing love story. It is a fantastic story and so well told!!!
January 8, 2020
My Favorite Family
I've read and enjoyed all the Callaway series. I like how all the characters are interwoven in later books. It's hard when each book ends, because I feel like a part of the fami!t and don't want to let go!
I've read and enjoyed all the Callaway series. I like how all the characters are interwoven in later books. It's hard when each book ends, because I feel like a part of the fami!t and don't want to let go!
March 2, 2017
love this author
The story had human interest, a love story, and some drama. it was a good mix. I like Ms Freethy's character's because they are like people i know.
The story had human interest, a love story, and some drama. it was a good mix. I like Ms Freethy's character's because they are like people i know.
May 10, 2017
Maddie
I really enjoyed all of the books in this series can wait until to next one is out.
I will read all of her books
I really enjoyed all of the books in this series can wait until to next one is out.
I will read all of her books
May 18, 2017
I love this author. Need to read her more often.
August 20, 2017
Loved Burke's story!!
August 22, 2017
Burke's story has been my favorite so far! So, so good :)
October 2, 2017
Another good Callaway adventure. These books have a little mystery in them and are just feel-good stories!
November 16, 2017
This was a nice finish to the Calloway siblings romances although a few cousins were introduced to keep the series going but I think I am done for now.
December 6, 2017
Love the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
Surprising reconnection between former school mates eventually leads to the embers being fanned into flames. Action, suspense, and family involvement. Enjoyable read.
July 31, 2018
She needs to learn a new word for "dryly". I had forgotten about that. Books are quick reads. Not great but not bad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews