Between The Pages - Desert Rose

Desert Rose
J. Arlene Culiner
November 2018

A secret life is the best protection against love… Men love Rose Badger, and if the other inhabitants of dead-end Blake’s Folly, Nevada, don’t approve, she couldn’t care less. With a disastrous marriage far behind her, settling down is the last thing she intends to do. Isn’t life for fun? Doesn’t a stable relationship always mean predictability and boredom? Well… perhaps things might be different with Jonah Livingstone, but he is off limits for anything other than friendship. Even though he’s started a slow burning fire inside her, he’s still entangled in a complicated past relationship. And Rose has another secret life—one that she’ll never give up for any man. The last person geologist Jonah Livingstone expected to meet in a semi-ghost town is Rose Badger. She’s easy-going, delightfully spontaneous, and Jonah is certain their attraction is mutual. But Rose is always surrounded by a crowd of admirers and doesn’t seem inclined to choose a favorite. Though Jonah has also suffered a failed marriage, he can’t help being drawn to Rose—and he dares to hope she may feel the same for him. But is Jonah too independent to settle into a permanent relationship again? He’s leading his own very private life, as well…and secrets are an excellent protection against love. Will he do what it takes to hold on to his Desert Rose?

Between The Pages 
A fun story with a small town setting. Rose and Jonah have an immediate connection and it’s interesting to watch them through their journey to discover their love for each other. At times, I found Rose a bit too carefree with enjoying the attention of too many men. Even after wanting more of a relationship with Jonah, she tries to entice Lance. Thankfully, Lance was a gentleman and ignored her advances. Rose and Jonah have secrets and when they reveal them to each other is where the story gets stronger and ups the emotion and tension. The addition of Noodle, the dog, was enjoyable. The cast of secondary characters were interesting and living in the quaint town of Blake’s Folly, many of them could hold a story of their own, especially Lance, the veterinarian. The cover is beautiful with the mountains, the dog, and Rose, giving a peek at the setting of a good weekend read.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Redeeming the Rogue Knight

Redeeming the Rogue Knight
Elisabeth Hobbes
September 1, 2017

The spy who sought refuge… 

When injured spy Sir Roger Danby comes asking for shelter at her inn, Lucy Carew is wary. He may be strikingly handsome, but the disgraced single mother has learned the hard way with men like him. Against her better judgment, she gives him refuge. 

Sir Roger has never been at the mercy of a woman before, and he's never met one as mysterious and bewitching as Lucy. He hasn't come looking for redemption, but Lucy is a woman who could reach in and touch his closely guarded heart… 

Between The Pages
This is the second book in The Danby Brother series. Interesting characters and a bit of suspense with a smooth plot makes this story an enjoyable historical romance.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Web of Deceit

Web of Deceit 
Lauren Reign
March 9, 2016

FBI Special Agent Colton Brady is an important person in Kalliope Winters’s life. He’s been her savior, pulling her out of the darkest of days and rescuing her from herself on more than one occasion. She trusts him implicitly, but he’s hiding something, and it may cost them their lives. A cracked serial killer obsessed with Kalli is stalking her. She’s completely unaware of this until she wakes up painfully zip-tied to a chair, severely beaten, and close to death. 

Now she has to rely on Jaxxon, Colton’s twin brother, a man she’s craved since adolescence, to keep her safe. Jaxxon is moody, arrogant, and bossy as all hell. His demeanor is as lethal as his sinfully good looks and he will stop at nothing to keep his current assignment, Kalli, alive. But Jaxxon is also lying to her. 

Between The Pages 
A suspenseful romance with a few twists. A good cast characters. The action propels this story right to the end.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor
Hebby Roman
March 12, 2016

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance. 

Between The Pages
This romance has a different twist with mature lead characters in their 40’s and 50’s. The plot is interesting, and the characters are well-developed as they overcome the challenges to be together. An enjoyable read.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Clayton’s Honor

Clayton’s Honor 
MK McClintock
May 15, 2015

County Wexford, Ireland - 1892 

On the windswept shorts of Ireland, Anne Doyle lost her father to a foolish war and her mother to madness. Left with debt and an ancient family home, she struggles to keep the rest of her family together even as an enemy attempts to take them away. After witnessing a brutal murder, Anne must enlist aid from the only family she has left if she is to save those she loves. 

Devon Clayton had no intentions of leaving behind his life of adventure and danger, but when he is charged with protecting a witness and her family, he must choose between duty to the country he serves and a woman who tests his honor and willingness to change. 

Together they will discover that nothing is what it seems and that without honor, love and life are for nothing. 

Between The Pages 
The mystery and suspense turn the pages of this story. The beautiful setting and interesting characters makes this historical romance an enjoyable read. This is book three of The British Agent Series.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Border Affair

Border Affair 
Hebby Roman
April 2016

Camila Villarreal has had a crush on Rusty Douglas since she was twelve years old. And no matter what she does she can’t stop caring for him. 
Rusty, a self-made millionaire and a partner in her family’s ranch, is recovering from a messy divorce and facing a mid-life crisis. He’s not eager to become involved in a serious relationship. Despite Rusty’s doubts, their mutual attraction blazes into a sizzling affair. But when Camila is kidnapped, Rusty is desperate to rescue her. Will he get her back unharmed? And if he does, can their affair develop into a lasting relationship? 

Between The Pages
An enjoyable story where the author places you in the backdrop of a beautiful setting. The characters are interesting, and though several years separate them in age, their interaction is fun and emotional. A well-developed plot and a bit of suspense. A good book to read on a lazy afternoon.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Hometown Heartache

Hometown Heartache 
M.J. Schiller
January 2016

     Nash is trying to make a name for himself in the art world… But when he meets a realtor to buy a gallery, he is stunned to find Chloe sitting at the table with the man. He has never stopped thinking about her since she disappeared from his life without a trace. Is it too late to win back her love?
     Chloe has finally found a way to leave her past behind her… But her heart leaps out of her chest when she sees Nash. How can he be here? Now…after all this time? On the surface, she pulls herself back together. But underneath she feels she is about to shatter. After remaking herself, how can she deal with being faced with Nash and the life she knew before? 
     If this chance meeting doesn’t rip Chloe and Nash apart, he will. 
     Little do they know, someone has been lurking in the shadows, manipulating them all along. If he has his way, the two will never be reunited. Even if he has to take one of them out to ensure it. 

Between The Pages 
A story packed with family drama and emotion. The development of the plot was well done with friendship, love, forgiveness, and healing. The story flips from present to past, which are distracting at first, but soon has you following the characters through their connection made in the past and the struggle to reconnect. Focusing on dramatic events throughout the heroine’s past, and her healing journey, this story will have you rooting for Chloe and Nash from page one.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

A Season for Killing Blondes

A Season for Killing Blondes
Joanne Guidoccio
June 2015

Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the body of golden girl, Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside Gilda’s office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation. When three more dead blondes turn up, all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. 

Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends. 

As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked. 

Between The Pages 
A cozy murder mystery story with an interesting cast of characters and an entertaining plot. The author does a good job on keeping the reader’s attention with a suspenseful ‘who-done-it’ theme. While the mystery is enjoyable, the story lacks in romance. I would have like to see a deeper relationship develop throughout the plot between Gilda and Carlo. A few tasty recipes are included at the end.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Where Lemons Bloom

Where Lemons Bloom 
Blair McDowell
December 2015

When Eve Anderson meets Adamo de Leone on a ship bound for Europe, she has no idea of the dark secret that will endanger both their lives. She accompanies him to his home on Italy’s Amalfi Coast to open an inn left to him by his grandfather. But then she learns he spent five years in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit. Could the man she loves be responsible for embezzling eighty million dollars from the investment firm he once owned? Adamo wants to hold Eve at arm’s length until he can clear his proud family name. But when there is an attempt on his life and Eve is terrorized by a gun-bearing thug, he realizes how much he wants her, and he must accept whatever help he can get to uncover the well-hidden trail of a six-year-old crime. 

Between The Pages 
An interesting romance story with a good suspenseful plot. The beginning of the story grabs the reader, but then the plot slows with too many inserts of description of events and places. For me, this caused the story to lose the intensity of the romance, and I found myself skipping over the pages until the half-way point. But near the middle of the story, the suspense and action kick in and holds your attention. The main characters are developed well, and the secondary characters are equally enjoyable. If you like a lot of detailing, then you’ll enjoy the early chapters. The second half of the story captures the attention and gains in intensity, well-worth waiting for.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Shadows Across Time

Shadows Across Time 
Mariah Lynne
October 2015

Imagine being kidnapped and transported back in time to a 16th century French castle. 

Danielle deForet, a beautiful rare antiques dealer, is tricked into completing an appraisal on a rare French piece, when to her surprise its owner casts a spell sending them both back to 1559. Danielle learns she is the crucial link for a royal spell and finds herself guarded by a handsome knight, Aidan. They soon fall in love, and he plans a risky escape. 

Georgina, once a seer, now a mannequin in Danielle’s shop, was turned to wood by that same wizard. Her body stilled, her mind sharp, she is the lovers’ only hope to escape. If she intervenes, and the wizard finds out, he will stop at nothing to make his spell succeed, even if it means destroying Georgina, Danielle, and Aidan. 

Between The Pages 
A good fantasy/time travel romance of spells and suspense. The main characters, Danielle and Aidan, have instant attraction and lead the story with their adventurous escape. The introduction of Georgina, the wizard/gypsy fortune teller was a great addition to the plot.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Catalina and the Winter Texan

Catalina and the Winter Texan
By Hebby Roman
June 2015

Catalina Reyes has sacrificed everything to own a beach-front recreational vehicle Park. Widowed and struggling, her Park falls on hard times and needs extensive renovations to stay open. 

When Manuel Batista, a widowed and successful contractor rents a slot at the Park, he's immediately attracted to Catalina and captivated by her fiery spirit and determination. Manuel helps Catalina to renovate her Park. Working together, their relationship sizzles, but Catalina realizes Manuel will return north after the winter. Unwilling to start a long-distance relationship after a painful breakup in her previous marriage, she must learn to trust again.

Can they overcome Catalina's fears and bridge the gap of hundreds of miles between their homes and families to find a second chance at love?

Between The Pages 
This story highlights the importance of family, following your dreams, and second chances at love regardless of age. Charming characters, smooth plot, and good writing. The story has some Spanish that is slightly distracting if the reader is not familiar with the language.

Rating
3.5 Stars

Mystic Hearts

Mystic Hearts
By Cait Jarrod
December 2014

Nothing is as it seems… 

Temptation landed at Special Agent Larry Newman’s feet—literally. Charlene Smith captured his heart after he rescued her from terrorists two months ago. A failed relationship and abusive childhood have turned him into a loner and workaholic. The scars weigh heavily on him and keep him from pursuing her. So what’s a guy to do when the woman he pines for passes out in front of him while working a case? 

Battling psychological wounds from abduction is easier than coming face to face with the sexy FBI agent she’s fantasized about for months. As a single mother, she chooses to avoid the drama that dating would bring to her son’s life. So she only allows Larry close in her dreams. Now she's second-guessing her decision. Should she have a relationship with this man who makes her feel alive just by being close? 

Between The Pages 
A suspense packed romance with sizzling chemistry between the main characters, Larry and Charlene. Scenes with Charlene’s son, Henry, and Larry were filled with emotion. The additional point of view of Mathews interrupted the pace just a bit, but otherwise the story line was smooth and interesting. The non-stop action will hold your attention to the end. Before reading Mystic Hearts, I would recommend reading book one in this series, Kidnapped Hearts, to get familiarized with the cast of characters.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Kidnapped Hearts

Kidnapped Hearts
By Cait Jarrod
April 2013

Small town girl and owner of The Memory Café, Pamela Young, regales in her life with her friends, aptly named the Band of Friends until her life is turned upside down with stolen bearer bonds mysteriously coming into her possession. After a five-year disappearing act, Jake Gibson returns home retired from the FBI and ready to make amends with his estranged family. A freelance case falls into his lap, involving the woman he’d resisted years ago. Jake will do anything to protect Pamela, even put his life in jeopardy along with his heart. 

Between The Pages 
An action-paced romance that starts right at the beginning. The main characters are interesting and their chemistry is sizzling hot. The plot is captivating with its unexpected twists and turns. There is a large cast of characters in the story, which for me as a reader, I couldn’t remember who some of them were. However, the suspense is riveting and keeps you reading to the very end.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Always A Bridesmaid

Always a Bridesmaid
By Jana Richards
January 2014

Dani Dipietro has always considered herself an ugly duckling in a family of swans. She's the bridesmaid her friends count on, but never the woman any man wants for his bride. So she plays the funny girl and guards her emotions, and her secrets, closely. When Zach Morrison was dumped at his wedding, Dani was there to help him through the humiliation. A year later they meet again and once more Zach needs her help. To fend off the unwanted attentions of his former fiancé, he asks Dani to pretend to be his girlfriend. They play their roles a little too well, and make believe turns into reality. But their relationship comes crashing down around them when Zach's trust issues cause him to accuse Dani of cheating. Telling the truth means Dani will betray a friend, something she will never do. But keeping her secrets means she may be destined to remain a bridesmaid forever.

Between The Pages
A sensitive plot line well-crafted by the author. Entertaining characters packed with humor and emotion. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable. The cover doesn’t do the story justice. This is the third book in the Left at the Altar Series.

Rating
3.5 stars

There Goes The Groom

There Goes the Groom
By Jana Richards
May 2013

Eight years ago Tony left Olivia at the altar. He was sure she didn't really want to marry him. Now he's back, and they're forced to work together.  Coming home isn't easy for Tony, because his father wanted him to work at a trade instead of going off to college. Their relationship is still unsteady. Even before Tony's return, Olivia began questioning the depth of her love for her fiancé, a man she chose because he was safe and reliable. Yet the last thing she wants is a loveless, faithless marriage like the one her parents suffered through.  

When Tony, who never stopped loving her, insists her fiancé is the wrong man for her, Olivia sets out to prove him wrong. But the sexual chemistry between them is still strong, and so are her feelings for him. Even so, how can she break her engagement, hurt her fiancé as she was once hurt? And how can she trust Tony not to abandon her as he did before?  

If anyone does the jilting this time, she will.

Between The Pages 
An entertaining romance about second chances. The characters are engaging and the storyline is well-written. The author does a great job of leaving you guessing ‘who will be left waiting at the altar this time?’ This is the second book in the Left at the Altar Series.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Unchained Memories

Unchained Memories
By Maria Imbalzano
September 2013

As a rising medical malpractice attorney, Charlotte Taylor believes in standing up for the injured, giving them a voice, and advocating for their rights. She couldn't do it for her mother, so she does it for others, even if it means losing the love of her life.  Dr. Clayton Montgomery believes in working hard and playing even harder, until he reconnects with Charlotte. Barely noticing her crush when he tutored her ten years ago, Clay has a chance to make up for lost time when the beautiful lawyer comes back into town...until he discovers her chosen career path.  Now, philosophical differences soon become a reality and Charlotte is faced with the choice of representing a client against the hospital and against Clay. Will Charlotte give up her career and her tribute to her mother for a second chance with the man who got away? 

Between The Pages
An emotional romance story with complications of family and legal medical situations. The beginning was slow to start, but the storyline soon grabs the reader’s attention. The characters are interesting and while their connection unmistakable, the author keeps you wondering if Charlotte and Clay will overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their happiness together. An enjoyable read.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

The Bull Rider and the Bare Boycotter

The Bullrider and the Bare Boycotter
By Jeanine McAdam
August 2013

Animal right activist Rachel Fox is a woman with a mission. The plan is to step into bull rider Logan Cooper’s ring wearing nothing but a poster calling the rodeo a ‘blood sport’. While rescuing this passionate protester from a nineteen hundred pound charging bull Logan decides he likes what he sees. Only problem, he’s got to direct Rachel’s love away from the livestock and onto him. With the press hot on their heels, because who isn’t interested in a story about a bull rider and a naked protester, Logan brings the dark haired, curvy figured Brooklynite to his Montana ranch. Except, now that he’s got Rachel in his bed he’s nervous his annoying, problematic brothers and surly preteen nephew will scare her off. But when Rachel meets Logan’s deeply flawed family she realizes the bulls aren’t the only ones who need saving, the Cooper brothers need her help too. The only problem is Rachel has a secret, after believing she was infertile, it turns out that this sexy bull rider may have changed her childless fate forever. 

Between The Pages 
An enjoyable western romance with dysfunctional characters and amusing scenes. The story had a few bumps with pacing and point of view, but the overall plot is fun and entertaining.

Rating
3.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Perfect Partners

Perfect Partners
By Stephanie Cage
July 2013

"What's he doing back in London after all this time?" 
Eight years ago, Lisa Darby's dancing partner and first love, Redmond Carrington, left London for a fun summer on the cruise ships - and never came back. Lisa's grown up a bit since then, and she'd like to think she's prepared for anything, but when Red comes back from America with a proposal for her, she's not sure she's ready for what he's suggesting. A T.V. studio is filming a knockout competition of six of the world's best couples - each of them partners both on and off the dance floor. Redmond wants Lisa to pose as his girlfriend so that they can compete. It's an unbelievable opportunity for an aspiring professional dancer, and the spectacular prize money would help save Lisa's beloved dance studio, which is in need of major renovation. Scooping the prize is going to take the performance of a lifetime from Lisa and Redmond, but with the sizzling tension between them, they might just pull it off. It turns out that putting on an act for the cameras is the least of Lisa's worries. As time goes on and she rediscovers her feelings for Redmond, she's left questioning what's really behind his offer, and where their partnership is heading this time. 

Between The Pages 
The beginning might not pull you in right away, but as you continued to read, it will capture the inner dancer in you and bring out your competitive side as you root for the hero and heroine to win.

Rating
3.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Tattoos, Leather & Studs

Tattoos, Leather & Studs
By Brenda Whiteside
Melange Books
December 2011

Rachael suspects her date, Jason, is a drug dealer, and she’s torn between her attraction for this hot bad boy and running for safety. But a famous rock star vying for her attention and spiked champagne pose far more trouble. On a blind date she’ll never forget, Rachael learns first impressions can lead her down a dangerous path and straight into the arms of love.

Between The Pages of this story is a short story filled with humour and temptation. A blind date and a party Rachael will never forget. The middle of the story is fun with many misunderstandings, but the initial scene where Rachael and Jason are heading to go out and their intimate connection at the end is where these characters really grow. A short, but well written story.

Review Rating: 3.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Proud Rancher, Precious Bundle

Proud Rancher, Precious Bundle
By: Donna Alward
Harlequin Romance
February 2011

Back Cover: After a hard day's ranching, Wyatt Black wants to kick back with a cold beer. But when he steps onto his porch, he has unexpected company—his tiny abandoned niece! Against her better judgment, Wyatt's neighbor Elli Marchuk agrees to help him for a few days. Elli soon falls in love with baby Darcy, but it's the child's grouchy, gorgeous protector who's got her head over heels...

This emotional story is about two people trying to heal from issues in their pasts, who are brought together by a baby. The baby plays a huge role in this story, and while some may not prefer this, I found the baby a touching part of the scenes. Donna’s wonderful descriptive voice had me ‘seeing’ the baby abandoned on the porch and in Wyatt’s strong arms.

Between The Pages of this book is a traditional love story…a warm and tender romance.

Rating: 3.5 Stars