Between The Pages - Somebody's Baby

Somebody’s Baby 

Leigh Riker 

October 2024 

The Bull Rider and the Bookworm… but don’t opposites attract? 

With her PhD degree almost in hand, Dakota Farrell never expected to have temporary guardianship of her newborn niece—and, sadly, she can’t care for the adorable preemie much longer. But how to find the baby’s father? When her now-dead sister’s diary leads to the man who abandoned her, Dakota despises him on sight. Is he really who she thought he was? Or the surprising love of her own life? 

Bull rider T.J. Sinclair insists he never met Dakota’s wayward sister, never mind his becoming a surprise daddy. As part of a dynasty of rodeo stars, he’s headed this season for a first world championship, not a readymade family. But suddenly that shiny gold buckle isn’t all that’s on his mind. The sweet baby is hard to resist, and so is Dakota. Still, she must be wrong about him… Only what if she’s not? 

Finding the truth may mean risking more than T.J.’s best rodeo season; at exactly the wrong time, he just might lose his heart. And could Dakota really give up the child she already loves to someone else? Or are they both looking for the wrong thing? 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary western romance was a captivating read. Several years following Danny Boy with Erin and Danny Sinclair, Somebody’s Baby is about their son T.J. T.J. and Dakota stole the pages with their undeniable attraction and infinite love for sweet Lily. The author provided a closer look into the family drama of the Sinclairs, including a side story about T.J.’s uncle’s troubled marriage. Filled with likable characters, emotional pulls, a seamless plot, and smooth dialogue, this story was an enjoyable page-turner. The added mystery over who Lily’s father might be was an interesting spin and a fun bonus. Looking forward to more from the Sinclair Cowboys. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Lincoln

Lincoln

Alisa Jean 

January 2024

L.A. Quakes’ fans stomped their feet to cheers of “Caveman!” when I made incredible saves in the crease, leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories. I thought I could go on forever, but at thirty-six, the clock’s counting down even for Lincoln Cavanaugh. Social media and fan sites are filled with rumors of me being traded. Or worse. My future looks as uncertain as a loose puck on the ice. 

My fate rests in the hands of Catherine Bishop, daughter of the team’s owner and a power to be reckoned with. And what fine hands they are, along with everything else about her. A chance encounter leads to sparks between us, but is falling in love with this incredible woman worth the risk? 

Because with her by my side, I’m once again an unstoppable force between the pipes, and victories pile up like never before. However, our love is a ticking time bomb because Catherine has dreams of making history as the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. Sleeping with a player would make that all go up in smoke. I fear when the truth comes out, it will be the final buzzer for us. 

Between The Pages 

As a fan of hockey, this book was a must-read. The dual authors wrote a captivating story, starting the Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series. An engaging and dramatic plot holds your attention from beginning to end. Lincoln and Catherine were a perfect match. Their attraction was undeniable and steamed heat off the pages. There was also a great supporting cast with my favorite part being the genuine friendship between the players. The behind-the-scenes of the game of hockey was interesting and provided a good visual. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Danny Boy

Danny Boy 

Leigh Riker 

October 2023 

She wants him to stay. He wants the world. Erin Sinclair has loved her bull rider husband Danny all her life. She just can’t live with him. Or watch him one more time try to kill himself on a one-ton bull. All pragmatic Erin ever wanted was for him to be there for her and their seven-year-old son, to build a life together. Was that too much to ask? Apparently, it was, and she and Danny are now separated. Will he ever come home to Paradise Valley? To stay? Or has he chosen his dreams of a gold buckle over their family, their marriage? And Erin’s love? 

His estranged family means everything to Danny Sinclair. His love for Erin is forever. But the memories of a long-ago tragedy on the Montana ranch where he grew up are too painful to face. And Danny still carries the blame. The rodeo circuit was to be his lifeline—except that along the way he seems to have lost Erin and their son. What if he could go home again? Yet an eight-second, heart-stopping ride and the promise of a championship seem far safer. Because first, Danny would have to forgive himself. 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary, western romance was a great read. Following the novella, Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas, this book continued Erin and Danny’s love story, which involved a lot of push and pull. Past loss, the hunger for a championship buckle, and family drama fueled this story from start to finish. With a solid cast, including Timmy, who stole many scenes, the author added two equally enjoyable side romances, as well as a visual voice that places you in the small town of Paradise Valley. Looking forward to the next book in The Sinclair Cowboy Series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas

Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas 

Leigh Riker 

November 2022 

Erin Brodey has loved Danny Sinclair for most of her life. As kids their close friendship sustained them in difficult times, even tragedy, but their feelings for each other have since become much more than friendship, and this Christmas a starry-eyed Erin is hoping for a ring. The commitment from Danny that he doesn’t seem willing to make. Will the happy Christmas she wants with all her heart come true? Or will Danny choose rodeo over her, over them, and a loving future together? 

Between The Pages 

This short story is the prequel/back story to Danny Boy, and the cover is captivating. The author introduces readers to Erin and Danny, their relationship, and their family history. The story has a lot of heart and drama. While the story is short, the author provides a seamless read with a solid plot and a good cast of characters. After reading this book, you’ll want to know what happens next. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Princess Shoppe

The Princess Shoppe 

Kerry Blaisdell 

October 2024 

Once upon a time in La-La-Land... When theme park princesses start vanishing, a free-spirited P.I. goes undercover and finds her prince - a cautious ex-military spy who'd rather be left alone. 

Fired from her job, Allie Kincade has a house in escrow, an eviction notice from her landlord, and nothing in the bank. So when she’s offered an insanely large paycheck to dress up as a princess and find three women who’ve gone missing from their jobs as costume characters at GrimmLand, she jumps at the chance. But the park isn’t all it seems: Deep in the SoCal desert, it’s owned by the king of an obscure European country, and the attractions are based on the Grimm brothers’ goriest folktales. Plus, Allie’s new boss clearly wishes she’d never been hired. 

As head of GrimmLand security, buttoned-down Matt Wilcox is convinced the princesses - all out-of-work actresses - simply found better gigs and "forgot" to quit. But he owes his life to King Roland, and he can’t retire and pursue his own dreams until the women are found. Then the king’s adult daughter - a real princess - also goes missing, and Matt must work with Allie to uncover the truth. Will their fairy-tale ending be a happy one…or more Grimm? 

Between The Pages 

This story had an appealing spin on a fairly land amusement park. The main characters were fun and had an immediate connection. There were a few side stories, which were equally enjoyable and all interlocked together with a colorful supporting cast. The mystery of who kidnapped the princesses was well-written, but as a hired PI, Allie's investigating skills were lacking. With such an interesting setting, readers would enjoy reading more mysterious stories from GrimmLand. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Scandalous in Huntington Beach

Scandalous in Huntington Beach 

Melody DeBlois 

January 2025 

Politician and senate hopeful Bennett Browning knows nothing about babies. When his former girlfriend dies and leaves him with a daughter he knew nothing about, he’s left scrambling until he meets Emma Kuan, his daughter’s aunt, who volunteers to be the nanny. 

Emma is used to keeping secrets. She and her sister have always hidden their tragic past, but she’s stunned her sister hid the baby even from her. Meeting her niece captures her heart, and she would do anything to be with her, even living with a stranger. 

Worried about potential scandal, Bennett and Emma juggle jobs, living arrangements, and parenting until a doctor gives them bad news about their baby girl. Then their priorities change drastically. 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary romance was an emotional read. The main characters, Bennett and Emma, were both likable and fun to get to know. Bennett comes from a political family, while Emma’s background is where ‘pull the heartstrings’ kicks in. She has suffered loss, abandonment, and homelessness, but her character is resilient and grows into an independent woman. The secondary cast is enjoyable, especially little Madelynn, who stole every scene. The author upped the emotional impact of a health issue with Madelynn and a letter from Emma’s sister. The plot was well-written and interesting. First time reading this author and would recommend more.

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Getting Organized This Fall

Quick Tips for Getting Organized This Fall

By Kelli A. Wilkins 

Hi everyone, 

It’s been said that “You don’t know what you own until you move.” Well, one of my friends just bought a house and she was faced with the daunting task of sorting, purging, and packing decades of belongings. 

She said the process was overwhelming and she wanted some tips or advice on where (and how) to start. I told her my neighbor was organizing his attic and basement and had recently asked me for similar advice. (I guess I’m an unofficial expert!)

Over the years I’ve helped many friends and relatives purge/sort their possessions so they can free-up their living space, have a garage sale, or move. And I always seem to be sorting through my own stuff. (No matter how much I get rid of, the house never seems empty.) 

I put together some tips/advice for my friend. It’s mostly common sense, but if you’re getting ready to move or just want to get organized ahead of the upcoming holidays, you may find it helpful. 

* First, put on some music! I find that cleaning/organizing is more fun if I play music. It keeps me motivated and time seems to fly by. 

* Next, decide which room/area you’re going to organize. Pick one wall and start sorting/going through everything on/against that wall. For instance, if a dresser is against that wall, sort through the clothes in the dresser, then move on to whatever else is on the wall (shelves, decorations, paintings etc.). Keep going wall by wall until you’ve made your way all around the room. Sort everything into three categories: keep, toss, and donate. 

* If you have sentimental “treasures” you think your relatives or children would like to have, put them in a box with their name on it, and ask them about it right away. If they want it, arrange a date for them to pick up the box. But beware of letting your house become a storage unit for relatives. My neighbor’s sister said she wanted several things from the attic, but she never seemed interested in actually taking them. After waiting for months, my neighbor dropped the stuff off at her house. Now she has the items and can decide for herself if she really wants them. 

* Don’t try to do too much in one setting. If you have a particularly overwhelming task (if you’re sorting an entire basement, for example), work in fifteen or thirty minute sessions and take a break when you need to. 

* As you sort, ask yourself: 

• If you didn’t own it, would you buy it for yourself today? 

• Do you love it? 

• Do you use it? 

• If it vanished would you miss it? 

• If you’re moving, do you want to bring this with you into the future? Does this fit the new life you’re making for yourself? 

If the answers are no, then get rid of it. 

* Be ruthless. 95% of what you get rid of you won’t miss or even remember you had. 

Now that we’ve moved into autumn (my favorite season) I do my second sort/purge of the year. Most people follow a routine of spring cleaning/organizing; I do one in spring and fall. (I like going through my possessions at each transition point of the year.) I also change out my summer decorations for Halloween ones, so it’s a great time to sort what I have. 

I start with the leftover summer stuff and go through the beach/pool towels, suntan lotion, flip-flops, umbrellas, candles, flower pots, gardening tools etc. If there’s only a little bit of suntan lotion left in a tube, it can go. Ripped/faded towels can be donated to local animal shelters or cut up into cleaning rags. Cracked/broken flower pots and planters might as well be thrown out/recycled now. And I take all those books and magazines I’ve accumulated all summer and put them in a basket for my winter “to-read” pile. 

 As the season changes, I swap out my summer décor for Autumn/Halloween. I bring out the bins of Halloween decorations (I have 9 bins), and sort through everything. Each year I find a few items I can let go of: decorations I’m not in love with anymore, things given to me last Halloween that aren’t my style, outdoor inflatables that leak air and cannot be saved, etc. (I have a friend who also loves Halloween and is thrilled to take any leftovers I have.)

Getting organized and sorting through accumulated stuff isn’t always fun or an exciting way to spend a day. But after you’ve let go of what you no longer need, want, or use, you’ll feel a sense of freedom and liberation. When we’re not weighed down by what we own (and most of the time never use) life can get easier and less complicated… and don’t we all long for that? 

Happy Halloween! Until next time, Kelli. 

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 8 horror/mystery ebooks and 7 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. Her newest release Surreal Escapes (a collection of 7 speculative stories) was published in August 2024. Visit her website/blog for a full title list and social media links: www.KelliWilkins.com

Between The Pages - A Cowgirl Never Forgets

A Cowgirl Never Forgets 

Melinda Curtis 

July 2024 

Even the best cowgirl falls… 

When it’s the right cowboy.

Rodeo cowgirl Maggie Blackwell doesn’t need her estranged family. She’s got Clem Coogan—her best friend, rodeo buddy and absolute rock. But when a rodeo accident leaves Clem with a terrible concussion, he’s convinced they’re a romantic item…and proposes to her. Now until his memory comes back, Maggie’s playing along. But can she keep this headache from turning into heartache for both of them? 

Between The Pages 

The first book in the Blackwell Belles series sets a high bar for the rest. This is a sweet and fun story. Maggie and her best friend Clem are adorable together. They know each other so well, except for feelings they’ve kept hidden. Stuck in an RV with Big E, Denny, Maggie’s mother, and an adorable pup, could be a recipe for disaster for Maggie and Clem, but there are many laugh-out-loud moments as well as heartfelt conversations. The addition of Clem’s family (adopted and real) adds to the reading enjoyment. Highly recommended, and looking forward to reading how Big E and Denny bring the Blackwell Belles together. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Christmas Storm

A Christmas Storm 

D.V. Stone 

December 2024 

An early storm is brewing in Upstate New York, and military wife Lacey Prescott is caught unprepared when it turns into a blizzard. Defeated by her own lack of preparation and the recall of her husband’s Christmas holiday leave, her joy in the season is replaced by bitterness and anger. 

In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Matthew Prescott’s leave is reinstated. But the journey home is not an easy one since a Nor’easter stands between him and his family.

Amidst the storm’s fury, Lacey gets a glimpse of the past, present, and possible future, while Matt gets assistance from a mysterious stranger. 

In a heartwarming story of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, the possibility of a Christmas reunion brings a sense of hope with a message of love and support from friends and family that embodies the true spirit of Christmas. 

Between The Pages 

This holiday story set during a winter storm was a feel-good read. The Scrooge-like premise gave Lacey a glimpse into her past, present, and future, and (like Scrooge) allowed her to grow from the experience. On his way home, Matt met a quirky, angelic character that added a bit of fun. The put-a-smile-on-your-face story was well-written and was filled with heart and faith. This book can be read in one sitting and was an enjoyable dickens of a read.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Caught By The Cowgirl

Caught By The Cowgirl 

Tanya Agler 

April 2023 

She’s got a knack… 

For roping in hearts.

For rancher Will Sullivan, nothing is more beautiful than a Colorado sunrise…until Kelsea Carruthers shows up at his ranch, wanting to lease his land. But Will has plans for his struggling ranch that don’t include the gorgeous, quirky Southern belle. Now Kelsea is quickly learning how to be a true cowgirl—even as she steals everyone’s hearts. And this gruff, set-in-his-ways cowboy might just be falling the hardest. 

Between The Pages 

This story was sweet and heartwarming. The character development of Will and Kelsea was masterfully written. They were likable and had undeniable chemistry. The author added notes of humor to the story and created a visual tour of the ranch with a picturesque setting. A secondary cast of interesting and enjoyable characters made this book a must-read. I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Summer’s Not Over Yet!

Don’t Panic - Summer’s Not Over Yet! 

By Kelli A. Wilkins 

Ah, summer. The long, hot days seem like they’ll last forever. But every year, summer flies by in the blink of an eye. How did August get here so fast? 

But don’t worry, there’s still time to make the most of the sunny days ahead. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the remaining summer season… 

* Did you start the season with a “bucket list” of things to do? Were you planning on visiting friends, hitting the beach, lake, or pool? 

If so, there’s still time to get in some last-minute summer fun. Call up a friend (or two) and schedule a weekend visit, plan an outdoor lunch (or maybe a family picnic), or make plans for friends and/or family to spend a day at the beach or lake. 

You can also host an “end of summer” party. Invite everyone you haven’t seen all summer (or all year) to your house (or a public park) for an end-of-season get-together. Ask people to bring their favorite dishes and desserts, fun games and music, and enjoy! 

If you have a specific celebration coming up, you can use that as an “excuse” to have the party. In my family, we have an August birthday, so everyone is gathering to celebrate and have a BBQ. 

* Have a random adventure! Get off the couch and go somewhere different. 

Summer is a time for relaxing and taking it easy, but you can lounge on the couch and binge-watch your favorite show year-round. Don’t waste a beautiful summer day indoors. Your show (or 500th rerun of Law & Order) will still be there in the cold days of January. 

Take a day trip to a local park or historical site. Visit the zoo or an amusement park. Find a fireworks display. Go to the county fair. If you can’t find something fun in your area, go online and see what activities you can find an hour or so away. 

Most people still have to work in the summer (unless you’re employed by a school or are retired) so how do you incorporate summer fun after work? Here are a few suggestions: 

* Do outdoor hobbies until it gets dark: Ride your bike or walk around your neighborhood or local park. Garden, go fishing, or play sports. 

* Find a free outdoor concert or play (most start around 7 or 7:30pm). Or make your own concert: sit in the back yard with food or drinks and listen to your favorite music. 

* Fire up the grill and cook dinner outside, or pack a picnic dinner and take it to a park, the beach, or a lake. Or, visit a restaurant you’ve never been to before and eat dinner outside. 

Right now you might be asking: “But what if the temperatures are soaring and it’s horribly humid? Who wants to visit a zoo if it’s really hot out?” I understand. Nobody wants to be outside when it’s so hot you’ll catch fire. 

On a sweltering day (or when it’s raining), it’s perfectly fine to hide in the house, but see if you can make the day different. Watch a movie you’ve heard about but have never seen, or try a few episodes of a show a friend recommended. Have an indoor lunch with a friend. Take an in-person class or workshop, experiment with a new dinner recipe, or learn how to make ice cream. 

And really, despite what the calendar says, “summer” doesn’t end on Labor Day Weekend. Depending on where you live (and how early it gets dark) you may be able to enjoy “summer” activities well into September.

No matter what you do, make these last days of summer count. Enjoy! 

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 8 horror/mystery ebooks and 7 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. Her newest release Surreal Escapes (a collection of 7 speculative stories) was published in August 2024. Visit her website/blog for a full title list and social media links: www.KelliWilkins.com

Between The Pages - A Baby on His Doorstep

A Baby on His Doorstep 

Leigh Riker 

March 2023 

His surprise baby… 

Could be her saving grace. 

Workaholic veterinarian Max Crane has sworn off entanglements. Then he wakes up to an infant on his doorstep—and a note saying the tiny girl is his. With his ex MIA, Max hires Rachel Whittaker as his live-in nanny. The grieving widow has her own reasons to keep their relationship professional, but when tongues start wagging, a fake engagement seems the perfect solution. Until they both start falling for the baby…and each other. 

Between The Pages 

Book eleven is the end of the Kansas Cowboys series and leaves you wanting more. Max and Rachel front the finale on a sweet yet sad note. Their romance is endearing, and little Zoey is adorable. The plot not only takes you on their journey together but also provides an update to past characters and introduces lots of little cowboys and cowgirls. There was even a blossoming romance on the side. The Kansas Cowboys was an entertaining series I highly recommend. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Falling For the Cowboy Doc

Falling For the Cowboy Doc 

Cari Lynn Webb 

June 2023 

Can the rodeo cowgirl… 

Win his love? 

Professional roper Maggie Orr needs to secure a national sponsorship. And orthopedic surgeon Grant Sloan could derail her plans. Falling for the cowboy doctor is a distraction she can’t afford… Plus their careers are taking them in opposite directions. But from picnics to stargazing, Grant is reminding Maggie that there’s more to life than winning in the arena. Can they rewrite their dreams to include each other? 

Between The Pages 

This small-town, contemporary romance was a delightful read. The author invites you to Three Spring, Texas, and makes you an honorary resident. The story was visual, emotional, and uplifting. You’ll root for Maggie and Grant from the moment they meet. The complete cast was equally enjoyable, from Maggie’s sister to Grant’s brothers and grandfather. This story had a strong sense of family connections with a little drama and lots of fun. There was even a secondary romance. This is book four in the series, which like a lasso, will rope you in from beginning to end. Looking forward to reading book five. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Lillie By Any Other Name

A Lillie By Any Other Name 

Virginia Barlow 

August 2024 

Disguised as a boy to escape her uncle and his assassins, Rebecca Lillian Van Rassner runs a trapline with her father in the Canadian northwest. Yearning for her old life in New York, love, and a husband, she gives up all hope, until a handsome mounted police officer stumbles upon their cabin. And captures her heart with his mesmerizing blue eyes and heated kisses. 

Officer Max Calhan patrols the extreme north to bring villains to justice and discovers a wispy boy who transforms into a beautiful woman filled with surprises, secrets, and dangerous relatives. Determined to find the truth, Max discovers there’s more to Lilli than just a name. 

Between The Pages 

This historical romance is a page-turner. The engaging story has a well-developed plot with lots of emotion, drama, action, strong characters, and a visual setting. Lillie and Max have a sizzling connection, leading to some steamy scenes. The author holds the readers’ attention from start to finish, adding a surprising twist near the end. For fans of historical romance, this book is a must-read. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Murder Under The Mistletoe

Murder Under The Mistletoe

Liz Fielding 

November 2023 

Abby Finch arrives at the old church hall armed with festive mistletoe and holly, ready to decorate. But within moments of her walking through the door, tragedy strikes . . . 

Edward Marsh reaches to test the antique star at the top of the tree. There’s a fizz and the lights go out. Abby hears the sickening thud of a body hitting the floor. When the lights turn back on, Edward is dead. It soon becomes clear it was no accident. 

The real victim should have been Gregory Tatton. Dapper silver fox. Popular with the ladies of the seniors’ lunch club. A known blackmailer . . . 

Abby is desperate to find out the truth, but putting herself in danger isn’t on her Christmas wish list. 

Who’s been naughty? Who’s been nice? Who’s hiding the fact they’re a murderer?

Between The Pages 

This cozy mystery was an engaging read, a page-turner, and a great who-done-it murder. There is a large cast of characters to keep track of, but reading the first book in the Maybridge Murder Mysteries series is helpful to get to know everyone. This book added a little more romance between Abby and Jake. Jake is one of my favorite characters. He provided a bit of humor to the story and emotion as he bonded with Abby’s children. The well-developed plot holds your interest from beginning to end.

Rating 

5 Stars

Black Bean and Rice Salad

Black Bean and Rice Salad 

From Kelli A. Wilkins' Kitchen

A friend of mine served this at a picnic and got dozens of requests for the recipe. This simple and delicious dish is perfect for a hot summer day, travels easily, and works with chicken, fish, hot dogs, and burgers – or it can stand alone as a quick summer lunch. Perfect for Summer!

Ingredients: 

2 15-oz cans of black beans, rinsed and drained 

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) 

2 scallions, chopped 

2 medium tomatoes, diced 

1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced 

1 jalapeno or other chili pepper, seeded and minced (optional) 

1 can of corn (optional)

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil 

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 

2 teaspoons dried oregano 

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional) 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

Juice from 1 lime 

Directions: 

    Cook and drain the rice, then let it cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, rice, scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, corn (drained) and jalapeno. 

    Blend in the oil, lime juice, cilantro, and seasonings. Be sure to mix everything well. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serves about 6. 

    Want to spice it up even more? Add a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and/or dark chili powder to the mix. (Or use this instead of cumin.) 

If you’re having lots of people over, make two batches or double the recipe. 

Enjoy! Kelli 

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories. Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance. She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in early 2023. www.KelliWilkins.com

Five Interesting Phobias that I Didn't Make Up

Five Interesting Phobias that I Didn't Make Up

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Part of the joy I find in writing paranormal and fantasy fiction is the freedom to explore creatures and places not of this world. This opens up the ability to stretch the imagination a bit and do what I love the most—make stuff up! But in my research for my stories, I’ve discovered that often reality is stranger than fiction. 

What Makes a Good Villain? 

When I’m crafting a villain who plays upon the deepest fears of my characters, I strive to make one who is more than skin deep. I want the reader to be just a little sympathetic to my villain while he strikes terror into the heart of my heroine and/or hero. The process is often referred to as avoiding making cardboard characters. I like to think of it as the whole villain you love to hate.

Phobias Can Be Stranger than Paranormal and Science Fiction 

Since my stories are often laced with laughter, I often like to find emotional and/or quirky methods of combat outside of blood and gore for my hero and/or heroine. In researching one of my stories, I stumbled across phobias. I realized that there were a multitude of them that I never heard of, some so unusual that it sounded as if someone made them up in a fictional story. 

No Laughing Matter

Phobias are defined as an irrational fear or aversion to something, and as ridiculous as some of them may sound, they can cause true distress to the person affected by the phobia. Therefore, I don’t intend to make fun of anyone who might suffer from one of these unusual phobias, but I might occasionally utilize one or two in a story. 

In fact, I used an angle on one of these phobias I listed below for a villain in a manuscript I’m working on. I’m not going to tell which one it is and ruin the surprise. I’ll let your imagination run wild with how I incorporated it into my character. 

Five Interesting Phobias 

 1. Ancraophobia- also known as anemophobia is an extreme fear of wind or drafts. Apparently telling someone to not get blown away is more of a concern to some than I realized. 

 2. Aulophobia- an unknown, persistent fear of flutes. Luckily my daughter plays so if we’re ever faced with a villain with this phobia we already have the non-violent weapon of choice. 

 3. Arachibutyrophobia- the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. As an avid lover of peanut butter, I’d be in trouble with this phobia. With National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day this month (March 1st), it seems that there would be a lot of unhappy people if they couldn’t indulge in this tasty treat. 

 4. Pteronophobia-the fear of being tickled by feathers. Seems that those old cartoons had it right all along when they pulled out a feather to battle their enemy. 

 5. Asymmetriphobia- the fear of mismatched or asymmetrical objects. I’d never be out of ammunition for this phobia. All I need to do is pull out the mismatched sock drawer in my laundry room to strike terror into the heart of the villain who suffers from this. 

These are only a few of the odd phobias I ran across in my cyberspace searches. It seems that there is a phobia for just about everything. 

What’s the Most Unusual Phobia You’ve Heard Of? 

© 2024 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Between The Pages - Murder Among The Roses

Murder Among The Roses 

Liz Fielding 

April 2023 

In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two. 

Abby is horrified to discover the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. It’s in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home. 

She immediately calls the police. But she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the woman he’s got pregnant. 

And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself. Lying dead in the very same rose garden. Throat slashed with her own garden spade. 

Now Abby is the prime suspect. 

Between The Pages 

This was a compelling cozy murder mystery. The plot was well-developed with twists that upped the suspense. There was a large cast, leading to forgetting what role some of them played, but the main characters of Abby, her family, friends, and the police were interesting. The author pulls you into the storyline, leaving clues of who the murderer is along the way. However, with many possible suspects, you’re still guessing, which added to the enjoyment of the read. The ending was engaging and makes you anxious to read the next book in the Maybridge Murder Mysteries Series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Cowboy Thanksgiving

A Cowboy Thanksgiving 

Melinda Curtis 

August 2022 

A holiday visit… Or a season for love? 

As an orphan, Maxine Holloway has never known what “family” truly feels like. That is, until Max and her daughter spend Thanksgiving in Second Chance, Idaho, with the boisterous and prominent Monroes—including ridiculously handsome cowboy Bo Monroe. For the first time ever, Max doesn’t feel like an outsider. But can she let down her guard enough to let the Monroes—and especially Bo—be her home beyond the holidays? 

Between The Pages 

Writing this review comes with mixed feelings…thrilled to have read such an enjoyable book and sad it’s the end of a series. This book was such a fun read, riddled with humor, family drama, emotional scenes, and the best family reunion ever. Bo was the final Monroe to find his happy-ever-after, and Maxine and her daughter were the perfect match for the handsome bachelor cowboy. Engaging scenes capture the reader from beginning to end, putting a smile on your face and a tear in your eye. The challenge of games was fun, bringing out the whole family of Monroes. You reminisce with all your friends from past books and make some new ones because the author invites the reader into Second Chance. I highly recommend A Cowboy Thanksgiving as well as the complete Mountain Munroe series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

In The Spotlight - The Witch of the Breton Woods

Can true love triumph against all odds under the oppressive Third Reich?

Traumatized by horrors witnessed during the Nazi invasion of France, a young woman retreats to the dense Breton woods where she becomes a member of the clandestine French Resistance. When she finds a critically injured American paratrooper whose plane was shot down, she shelters the wounded soldier in her secluded cottage, determined to heal him despite the enormous risk. 

Ostracized by villagers who have labeled her a witch, she is betrayed by an informant who reports to the Butcher—the monstrous leader of the local paramilitary organization that collaborates with the Germans. As the enemy closes in, she must elude the Gestapo while helping the Resistance reunite the American with his regiment and join the Allied Forces in the Battle of Brittany. 

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Historical Romance, WWII Romance. 

Keywords: romantic suspense, historical romance, wounded hero, heroine in peril, forbidden love, woodland cottage, French Resistance, reclusive healer, D Day, WWII, France, collaborators 

Jennifer Ivy Walker has an MA in French literature and is a a former high school teacher and professor of French at a state college in Florida. Her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, incorporating her lifelong study and many trips to France. The Witch of the Breton Woods is heart-pounding suspense set during WWII in Nazi-occupied France, where a young woman in the French Resistance shelters and heals a wounded American soldier, hiding him from the Gestapo and the monstrous Butcher who are relentlessly hunting him. 

Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/

Five stars from Still Moments Magazine