BOOKWORM REVIEW: Only Sometimes by Felicia Blaedel
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Reading this book was like getting a big warm hug or sipping on your favorite warm drink on a rainy day. It is a sweet, feel-good story about two people trying to overcome grief and finding love in the most unexpected places.
Noah is trying to fix his grandfather's legacy with the nature conservation society. Without disclosing his family relations, he gets on the board to discretely push for his grandfather's ideas. Niko is trying to do the same thing with her great-grandmother's vision, and this is where the two butt heads.
These two are fantastic. Both determined to fight for their family, they are headstrong, resilient, and adorably stubborn. Despite being at odds, they eventually find support in each other, and I love that while this is overall an enemies-to-lovers, it is really enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. You travel with them as they progress through their connection, subtly getting you more and more invested.
This book is a super-slow burn, but the pacing is great that you hardly notice. Felicia gets you so engaged with Noah and Niko's individual stories and how those come together.
If you want a warm, lovely romance with a little bit of angst and whole lot of fun, Only Sometimes is a fantastic choice. It is the third book in the series, but I read it as a standalone.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
Niko is driven and ambitious, even when it's misconceived as cold and measured.
Her latest project is her great-grandmother's nature organisation. Niko is determined to see it thrive again and hopefully understand herself and her broken family better in the process. Getting a handle on her inconvenient feelings is a must too.
Noah has made a promise to set things right and honour his eccentric grandfather's hard work. Even when that means taking on an active role in a small nature organisation, while hiding his true identity.
He is busy enough as it is with university, work, and late nights of writing. Still, he can't help but care about the organisation. Or the fierce woman who always seems to make his life harder.
Only Sometimes is a steamy new adult frenemies to lovers romance set in Copenhagen, Denmark (with a getaway to a gorgeous Swedish forest).
It's book three in the Without Filter Series, but it can be read as a complete standalone.
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A SNEAK PEEK
When I hear Niko’s laugh, I stop so abruptly that an older man almost stumbles into me. It’s sweet and songful and a stark contrast to her usual sharp tone—but then again, I think she reserves that one just for me. My eyes zero in on her in no time, always so damned attuned to her every move. She’s standing next to the bar chatting, but I only notice her. My mouth is dry, and a drink would probably help, but I can’t seem to move.She’s wearing a simple pale green summer dress that shows off her trained shoulders and arms. It’s almost floor-length, and her hair is up and pinned with a fresh pink flower. It makes me think of midsummer nights and dancing under the stars. Her deep red lips form a crooked smile, and then suddenly, her eyes cut to mine. For a moment, we’re simply looking at each other, her smile still lingering. I don’t realise that I’m walking before I’m standing right in front of her.
I’m pretty much invading Niko’s personal space without planning to. Our closeness screams of an intimacy that we don’t share and never will. She’s abandoned whatever conversation she was having, waiting for me to speak. I was the one to run over here like a man on a mission, but my throat is so dry and my mind is scattered.
She’s breathing lightly, like she’s afraid to make a sound, but her eyes are all challenge and fire. A touch of pink colours her cheeks, and I notice a faint dusting of freckles on her light skin. Heat rushes over me—embarrassment that I’m standing there staring like an idiot with an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her.
Niko is fucking magnetic. Her beauty is a contrast I can’t get enough of, no matter how much it pisses me off. Her body is toned and firm, likely capable of kicking my arse, but she’s still delicate and feminine, almost like something out of a fairy tale.
My hand lifts on its own accord, but I hide the motion by clenching my fists, frustrated with myself. I’m burning, but I doubt it has anything to do with the evening sunshine.
Niko straightens ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing. The challenge in them grows stronger until it overpowers every bit of softness left. It’s my fault. I probably look like a mad man. Aggressive. She must think I’m about to pick a fight with her. I briefly close my eyes and take my first full breath since I raced over here.
“Hi,” I say hoarsely as I refocus on her.
“Hi, Noah. You clean up nicely,” Niko answers, an amused smile playing on her lips.
The compliment shocks me, but maybe it was supposed to because she looks entertained. Perhaps she’s sarcastic. I want to smack my head into something hard for overthinking. I also want to compliment her, but I have no idea what to say that won’t give too much away and make working with her even harder.
I’m too slow, as Niko rolls her eyes. “Don’t look so scared. Just because I appreciate seeing you in something other than those awful, convertible hiking shorts does not mean we’re friends. You don’t have to look so torn up.” Her voice is sugary and unaffected, but her eyes look hurt as she scans the rest of the party.
It’s as if someone turned off the mute button on the whole event as the sound of chit chat, laughter and clinking glasses overwhelms me.
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Felicia writes in English, but is Danish and lives in Denmark with her husband and son.
When Felicia isn't doing something bookish, she enjoys drawing, dancing (mostly at home with her toddler), cooking (for the most part) and travelling.
She also tends to buy anything with dinosaurs.
Felicia writes books about being true to yourself, and she is passionate about mental health and authenticity. As an adult, Felicia received professional confirmation that she is actually autistic.
Felicia hangs out (too much) on Instagram where she posts about her indie-author life, cute dresses, coffee mugs, musings about autism and anxiety, book recommendations, and much more. She would love it if you came by and said hello. @feliciablaedel
Connect with Felicia
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MEET FELICIA BLAEDEL
Felicia writes quirky and heartfelt romance with real, flawed characters. She also reads whenever she has a free minute and can't leave her house without her beloved kindle.Felicia writes in English, but is Danish and lives in Denmark with her husband and son.
When Felicia isn't doing something bookish, she enjoys drawing, dancing (mostly at home with her toddler), cooking (for the most part) and travelling.
She also tends to buy anything with dinosaurs.
Felicia writes books about being true to yourself, and she is passionate about mental health and authenticity. As an adult, Felicia received professional confirmation that she is actually autistic.
Felicia hangs out (too much) on Instagram where she posts about her indie-author life, cute dresses, coffee mugs, musings about autism and anxiety, book recommendations, and much more. She would love it if you came by and said hello. @feliciablaedel
Connect with Felicia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Felicia-Blaedel-110833807147264
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/220388023551287
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feliciablaedel
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorfeliciablaedel
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/feliciablaedel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomfeliciablaedel
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/felicia-blaedel