Between The Pages - The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes 

Marilyn Barr 

November 2021 

Reiki Practitioner Cassie Morgan is the black sheep of her family. She would rather work over the Christmas holidays than answer her family's interrogation about her non-existent love life and career choices. She assures herself it has nothing to do with the handsome coma patient, Sergei Chekov who stars in her dreams. 

Sergei wakes from blackness and dreams of a siren's call. He isn't sure who he can trust when the woman from his dreams walks into his room with his favorite childhood treat to jog his memory. Despite his attraction to her, he must escape to safety. 

Cassie is heartbroken and left with nothing but questions. Who was the woman who convinced her to wake Sergei? Why is the FBI involved? And will she ever see Sergei again or will she be left to pine over the spy who loved Russian tea cakes? 

Between The Pages 

The author pulls you into the practice of reiki and spiritual healing, which is quite interesting. While first person and present tense narration is not my preferred reading, the author has a unique voice, mixing drama and wit in a good combination. Cassie and Sergei have an immediate attraction and most of their interaction is viewed from within their dreams, which steams the pages. In addition to their dreams, I would have liked to see them connect more to each other on a deeper level while playing games in the hospital. Sergei’s background and his mother’s appearance are great plot points. The dinner scene with her family is a touching and entertaining moment. A cookie recipe at the end is a bonus. This fun holiday read is fast paced and enjoyable. 

Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking

Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking 

Linda Griffin 

August 2021 

Software engineer Reid Lucas loves to cook and has a history of falling in love with married women. When he leaves his complicated past in Chicago for a job in California, he runs into trouble and must call a virtual stranger to bail him out of jail. 

Alyssa Knight, a tough street cop waiting for a church annulment from her passive-aggressive husband, is the roommate of the woman Reid calls for help, and she reluctantly provides bail for Reid. 

He falls for her immediately, and cooking for her is an act of love. She just wants to be friends, but they keep ending up in bed together. When his boss is murdered, Reid is a suspect…or is he the intended target? 

Between The Pages 

This story will make you hungry. Reid is a master cook and dishes up lots of food that will have the fussiest of eaters want to take a bite. The opening grabs your attention with Reid being arrested. The twist of a mysterious murder is interesting, and while I felt the suspense could have been highlighted more, the author ties up the loose ends nicely. Reid and Alyssa make a cute couple, but there were times I felt Alyssa was a bit rough on Reid. Food is definitely an art in this book, and it will make you want to join the author for a delicious dinner meal. 

Rating 

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Hidden Gypsy Magic

Hidden Gypsy Magic 

Tena Stetler 

September 2020 

The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor's life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can't help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care. 

The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen's sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter's lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide. 

Touring the only "non-haunted" house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family's cabin uncovers a heritage he didn't know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs. 

Between The Pages 

Romance, animals, magic, and friendship draw you into this story. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed the strong bond between the main characters and their family and friends. While the story and romance are a bit slow in the beginning with Gwen and Brock already having a connection from a previous book, the magic keeps the story moving. The mystery surrounding Brock’s house was interesting, and I really enjoyed every scene at the Wildlife Sanctuary…turtles, an owl, and an adorable pup! 

Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Holidays Inc.

Holidays Inc. 

Rachelle Paige Campbell 

November 2020 

Former child actress, Danielle "Dani" Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan. 

After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He's shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani's next musical. 

Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani's former best friend and America's sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.

Between The Pages 

This sweet romance, based in a small town, was enjoyable to read. The main characters are well-developed. Both have experienced difficulties in their careers, but together they form a bond and chemistry soon grows on and off the stage. The setting is so visual you can hear the music and watch the plays happening in the theater. The cast is a bonus of enjoyment with lots of extra characters you want to get to know. There’s even a secondary budding romance going on. I look forward to another stroll down the streets of this small town in the Finding New Hope series. 

Rating 

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Sinners' Opera

Sinners’ Opera
Linda Nightingale
October 2019

Morgan D'Arcy is an English lord, a classical pianist, and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. As the Angel Gabriel he's steered her life and career choice, preparing her to become Lady D'Arcy. 

Many forces oppose Morgan's daring plan—not the least of which is Vampyre law. 

Isabeau Gervase is a brilliant geneticist. Though she no longer believes in angels, she sees a ticket to a Nobel Prize in Gabriel's secrets—secrets that have led her to a startling conclusion. Gabriel isn't human, and she fully intends to identify the species she named the Angel Genome. Morgan is ready to come back into Isabeau's life, but this time as a man not an angel. Will he outsmart his enemies, protect his beloved and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.

Between The Pages 
This paranormal romance is filled with drama, action, and plenty of blood. I haven’t read a vampire book in a while, but the main character, Morgan, with his charm and elegance, made the transition an enjoyable one. This book is long, so don’t expect to read it in one sitting. However, there is something always going on as you turn to the next page. The author places you in the dark scenes filled with intensity. Added twists will have you anticipating what will happen next. The cast of characters are interesting and one of my favourite characters was Isabeau’s friend, Kirsty. When she barrelled into a room with a gun in hand, I was smiling. I hope she gets a story of her own because she would make a good lead heroine. The plot was well done and the dialogue was a good mixture of emotion and wit. The ending was surprising. Not the happy-ever-after I expected. Not even a happy-for-now. The ending leaves you asking questions like...What will happen to Isabeau? What will happen to the baby? What is Morgan’s next step? The epilogue, told in Morgan’s voice, was fun and hinted to a sequel, which I would look forward to reading.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - A Bean, a Pea, and a Mammoth Tusk

A Bean, a Pea, and a Mammoth Tusk
Eve Dew Crook
July 2019

They would never have met without the mammoth tusk. 

Middle school principal Stephen Lathrop loves winning marathons. Rookie deputy Megan Snow delights in her Criminal Justice certificate. But when the 12,000-year-old tusk is found buried in Vermont, everything changes. Reporters and TV crews take over the town. 

To celebrate, the Deerbourne Inn plans a Twelfth Night feast and festival. Included in the events are slicing the fabulous King cake and crowning the King and Queen of Mischief. Though mischief does follow, romance, too, is in the air. 

Rookie Megan is added to the sheriff’s crew. Principal Stephen gets involved at the Inn. Notorious TV chef Pierre Chasse arrives with Celine, his “hostess.” She and Megan form an unusual friendship. Then, mysterious strangers appear. A child goes missing. Teens try to steal the tusk. Clamor and mischief ensue. 

Is this the time to plan a wedding? 

Between The Pages 
A sweet novella with an interesting plot and characters. I would have liked Stephen and Megan to connect earlier in the story and for their romance to develop within the pages of the story other than at the end with a wedding announcement, but their relationship is fun to watch as it grows into more than friendship. There is another side romance unfolding with Pierre and Celine, and the bond between Megan and Celine is endearing. The two women’s notes near the end give a nice wrap up of both couples, and the newspaper wedding piece was a nice bonus as well as two recipes. The cover is beautiful with the snowy setting and mammoth. This is the first book I’ve read in the Deerbourne Inn series (all written by a variety of authors) and it was nice to get a peek into the town of Willow Springs.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Her Cowboy Sheriff

Her Cowboy Sheriff
Leigh Riker
January 2019

Will a lawman and a little girl… 

Give her a reason to stay? 

Annabelle Foster has big plans to leave Barren, Kansas, until an accident makes her guardian to a little girl. Annabelle has zero experience with children and turns to Finn Donovan for help. But while both Annabelle and Emmie start falling for the strong, guarded sheriff, Finn is haunted by his own tragedy. Can one little girl make them believe in their future…as a family? 

Between The Pages 
A sweet heartwarming romance. A solid plot with the main characters both having tragic pasts. Annabelle can’t wait to leave town after a troubling childhood, and Finn hasn’t recovered from a death in his family and determined to get revenge. The author crafted two well developed characters, which will have you wanting to know what happens next. The story includes two interesting mystery sub-plots. Will Annabelle find Emmie’s father? Will Finn get his revenge? These questions have you turning the pages to know the answers. The author draws you in with a punch of emotion. Her Cowboy Sheriff is book four in the Kansas Cowboys and I look forward to reading book five, The Rancher’s Second Chance, which is Cooper’s and Nell’s story who both appeared in Her Cowboy Sheriff.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Christmas Once Again

Christmas Once Again
D.K. Deters
November 2018

She's dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison's company purchased his grandmother's beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return. 

Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she's stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time? 

Zach's the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran's painting. It's up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he's not cut out to be a hero. 

Between The Pages 
A sweet romance story. With this book being a novella, I wasn’t sure how well time travel would fit in a small amount of pages, but the author did a fabulous job picking the right moment to place Madison into 1875. Packed with lots of interesting twists with a painting, Zach’s grandmother and his childhood, made this story a fun read. I enjoyed the plot, which kept me turning the pages, and Zach’s grandmother’s explanation tied all the pieces neatly together. If you are looking for a Christmas story with a snowy setting and a time travel trip this short story is definitely worth the read.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Blind Date Bet

Blind Date Bet
Nicole Flockton
January 2019

Never say never… 

After loving and losing a soldier once, Isabella Knowles made a vow: No more military men. She’s rebuilt her life and has a classroom full of fifth graders to love, which is more than enough even though her father doesn’t agree. When he sets her up on a blind date, she only goes to humor him -- never dreaming that the man she meets will tempt her to break her one rule. 

In theory, Ethan Masters is not opposed to the wife, kids and house with a white picket fence. But he loves his career as a K-9 handler in the air force, and a dream promotion dangles before him like dog tags. While contemplating his future, he accepts a drunken bet for a blind date, never dreaming that the captivating woman fits perfectly into his ideal, all-American dream. Only one problem. She's gun-shy about all things military. 

Can Ethan prove to Isabella love is worth the risk? 

Between The Pages 
I saw the cover of this book and immediately wanted to read it. Without seeing his face, the guy on the cover reminded me of Jason, the hunky guy from General Hospital. The story line is written well with Isabella afraid to get involved with a military man, but upon meeting Ethan their attraction is instant. Their chemistry heats up the pages and leads to a sensual rendezvous. There are several interesting plot aspects within this story with Ethan’s promotion offer and Isabella’s relationship with her father. I wanted Isabella to stop flipping the switch on and off with Ethan and for him to not give up so easily. I also wanted more of Sam, the K-9 dog, to be further involved in the story. But the story had an easy flow and had a nice surprise at the end. Blind Date Bet was an enjoyable weekend read and the first book I’ve read by this author. I look forward to Next Door Knight which is book two in the Man’s Best Friend series and stars Ethan’s roommate, Caleb who the author did good job leaving subtle hints and making me curious about this secondary character.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Arresting Mason

Arresting Mason
Amber Daulton
April 2018

Once you're in a prison gang, you're in it for life. 

That's what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother--his parole officer--catches them together and doesn't approve. 

Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life. 

When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason's return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?

Between The Pages 
A steamy romance with plenty of action. This story is book one in the Arresting Onyx series and stars rough-around-the-edges hero, Mason who is trying his best to lead a clean life after a stint in prison from a robbery gone bad. The opening pages of the story grab the attention when Mia hits Mason with her car. Their chemistry is instant and many steamy scenes soon follow. After a good opening scene, I found the story slowed its pace with Mason and Mia trying to make their relationship work while avoiding members of organized crime. But the action soon returned with plenty of drama. The kidnapping scene is edge-of-your-seat with action and suspense and includes an interesting ending. An enjoyable weekend read.

Rating
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cherokee Summer

Cherokee Summer
Susan Antony
January 2019

When Ace leaves home to spend the summer in Cherokee, North Carolina the last thing she expects to find is a boyfriend—until she meets Cherokee Tribe member John Spears. As Ace and John's friendship blossoms, they find their life experiences mirror each other and they fall in love. Despite hurdles thrown by well-meaning family members and jealous frenemies, the star-crossed lovers remain committed to their mutual belief that the universe has drawn them together. However, when Ace sends John a strange text and then suddenly disappears, the two must rely on their trust in each other to save both their lives and their love. 

Between The Pages 
A sweet young adult romance. In the beginning I didn’t know this was a young adult story or the age of the main characters, however, the author draws you in with a skilled craft of scene visualization. A well-written descriptive voice places the reader in every emotional scene. Ace and John are strong leading characters. They both have a huge amount of family drama, but they still maintain bonded to their families. There is also an interesting cast of secondary characters. The author taps into the native culture which provides the reader a nice look into historical rituals. This book is packed with emotion and includes a dramatic action scene near the ending. An enjoyable story.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cupid Comes to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch

Cupid Comes to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch
Hebby Roman
February 2019

Les Springer, a widowed rancher, hasn’t stopped grieving for his wife. When three of his friends cook up a Valentine’s Day weekend at his B&B, chaos ensues. The three cowboys go to an online dating site to find matches. The only problem is, no one ends up with who they pick… almost. 

Jackson Coleridge, Les’ best buddy, kisses the wrong woman at the wrong time… in front of the wrong woman. 

Jiggs Davis, Les’ ranch foreman, gets drafted at the last minute to squire one of the matched ladies… but she’s no lady. 

Jayce Fulton, Les’ rodeo champion friend, tries to corral the lady no one wants… until she turns on him. 

Harper Lewis, a social media guru, is divorced and thinks she’s looking for a husband… until she realizes she wants more. Can the cowboy she’s chosen meet her expectations? 

Lillian Mayfield, a widowed accountant turned florist, comes across as stiff and formal and still… grieving. Is she ready to open her heart and discover a new love? 

Cheyenne MacPherson, part Navajo and a sculptor, is dedicated to her work and feels the weekend is… one big mistake. Can a handsome cowboy change her mind? 

Eva González, Les’ widowed cook and housekeeper, misses her children and longs for a sense of… family. Is she ready to start a new family with the man she loves? 

Between The Pages 
An interesting story with a twist of more than one romance happening at the same time. There are several points of view in this book and in the beginning - as new characters are introduced - I found myself getting a bit mixed up with who was who, but the author does a great job by writing each character with their own personality which quickly clarifies each character. The chapter and scene breaks also help with introducing a new POV, making the transition of indentifying the speaker much easier. The plot is done well with a Valentine’s weekend match up. Cupid’s arrow has some fun with the characters and mixes up the original pairing. Watching each romance develop was enjoyable, and the author added a nice touch of humour and drama to up the fun and tension. The beautiful cover will have you picking up this book and you won’t be disappointed.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - His Magic Touch

His Magic Touch
Debby Grahl
December 2018

The night before Jared Dupre's wedding, a specter warns him the demonic witch, Adam Montief, has kidnapped his brother in a centuries-old vendetta unknown to Jared. A powerful witch himself, Jared tracks Adam from New Orleans to a remote island off the coast of Connecticut, where he's given no choice. He must rescue his brother and break his engagement to Kendra O'Connell, or they both die. After complying, Jared engages in a sword fight and believes he has vanquished his foe, but when he returns to New Orleans, he finds evil still threatens all he loves. Kendra, not knowing why Jared broke their engagement, devastated, finds solace in another's arms. With help from an ancestor's spirit, can Jared defeat the dark magic descending over the Big Easy while winning back the woman he loves? 

Between The Pages 
I was looking for something different to read and His Magic Touch was just the right book to choose. A fun paranormal romance with lots of magic. The author weaves a compelling story line with revenge as its focus. A great cast of characters, alive and dead. Angelique was a spotlight in every scene she appeared in. The author scripted the perfect villain. I disliked him immediately and waited for his demise. While I enjoyed the main two characters, there were a few times I felt Jared was a bit smug with his comments to Kendra. After dumping her and being away so long, he should have been more sympathetic to her feelings. And Kendra trying to start a new relationship too soon after the breakup, but she was under the influence of a ‘scent’ so I guess she gets a pass. Filled with ghosts, witches, magic, mystery, and action this story kept me spellbound to the end.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Rescued by the Firefighter

Rescued by the Firefighter
Catherine Lanigan
November 2018

He saved her life… 

But will he destroy her dreams? 

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.

Between The Pages 
Rescued by the Firefighter is book ten in the Shores of Indian Lake series, and I’ve read all but the first to books, so I was anxiously awaiting a return visit. The author draws you into the story immediately with a fire in the woods near the camp Beatrice owns. Upping the already intense action, two children are missing and Beatrice runs into the fire to rescue them only to be rescued by Rand. Rand and Beatrice have an instant connection, and Rand’s interaction with the two boys from the fire is captivating as he grows attached to them. This story introduces a new set of characters – workers at the camp and the children attending, which are all enjoyable to get to know. Beatrice and Rand continue to push away from each other adding tension to their relationship. The scene where Beatrice and the boys attend Rand’s family barbeque was touching. The ending was perfect with a Labor Day dinner at Mrs. Beabots where past characters from the previous books gathered, and Rand and Beatrice make an announcement to the group. A heartwarming story you won’t want to put down.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cowboys, Cattle, and Cutthroats

Cowboys, Cattle, and Cutthroats
Gini Rifkin
October 2018

Ochessa is heartbroken when she finds her brother fatally wounded. His dying words are about a childhood puzzle box, missing legal documents, and a drifter named Nicodemus Breedlove. Ochessa vows to find Will’s murderer—and the man Will described. 

No stranger to trouble, Nic’s only concerns are his Stetson, his mule Sadie, and a long awaited chance at retribution. After gaining Ochessa’s trust, and taking the job she offers, life gets more complicated. 

Back on the ranch in Colorado, Ochessa works as hard as any man. Then Nick tempts her into playing even harder as a woman—both are consumed by their growing love for one another. 

Weathering a stampede, a gully washer, and a pack of outlaws, they locate the killer. As Nic’s quest for justice, and Ochessa’s vendetta for Will playout, bullets fly... 

Not everybody’s gonna make it out alive. 

Between The Pages 
Ochessa, the heroine is strong and independent and Nic, the hero, is charming and witty. Filled with touching scenes and a few humorous ones, a couple of my favourites were 1. Lame Bear’s warning to Nic. 2. Ochessa’s attempt at making a pie. The author does a good job combining wit with action and romance. The story moves along at a steady pace, adding suspense, villainous dark horsemen, and gun fights. A few interesting secondary characters were Lame Bear, Ochessa’s neighbor - Eustace, and the villain - Reno. I was a bit disappointed that Eustace didn’t get to reveal his family connection to Ochessa, but the ending was enjoyable where Ochessa transformed her ranch. With a few steamy scenes, this historical western was an entertaining read.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cristabelle: The Christmas Bride

Cristabelle: The Christmas Bride
Hebby Roman
June 2018

Cristabelle Shannon is struggling to support her ailing mother as a laundress at Fort Clark. Pious and serious, Crissy safeguards a family secret. If her secret gets out, she could lose her position, the only decent job she can find. Crissy dreams of a day when she can put her shameful secret behind—a place where no man can trouble her. 

Sergeant David Donovan is a fun-loving prankster, who has made the United States cavalry his home. He joined the Army for adventure and to guard the frontier. His outlandish jokes have cost him his stripes, several times, only to be won back by his bravery. Davie is an Army lifer, committed to his free-wheeling ways and with no thought of settling down. 

When Davie meets Crissy, he’s drawn to her. The rules of the fort’s commander forbid their relationship. Not wanting to lose her job or encourage him, Crissy resists Davie’s attentions. But when he discovers a plot to steal the fort’s payroll and is plunged into danger, Crissy realizes how much she cares for him. Can she face the shameful secret in her past to embrace her future and be Davie’s Christmas bride?

Between The Pages 
This story is masterfully crafted with an historical outline. The author sends you to 1875 Fort Clark, Texas with ease and places you into the setting of the fort, its soldiers, residents, and raids. The cast is interesting with characters of strength, kindness, and a few not so nice. Cristabelle and David are strong leading characters built on faith and family and they have an instant chemistry that leads them from a bumpy road to an everlasting romance. The Christmas aspect comes near the end chapters with beautiful symbols for the season. The author adds a few twists to the enjoyable plot. Cristabelle is book two of A West Texas Frontier Trilogy. Mallory: The Mail Order Bride is book three and already in my reading schedule.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen

Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen
Sorchia DuBois
August 2018

Zoraida Grey needs help. With the witchy Logan clan holding her best friend hostage in a haunted Scottish castle, she can’t trust anyone—certainly not beguiling but dangerous Shea Logan. And Al, her overprotective boyfriend, doesn’t believe in magic. 

Only one creature strikes fear in the blackened hearts of the Logan witches. Trouble is Jock disappeared five centuries ago leaving a trail of destruction across the Gulf of Mexico. Now he’s stepped into a steaming pile of Voodoo. 

Can Zoraida drag wayward Jock back to Scotland? And what’s she supposed to do with two men who promise completely different futures? A Scottish wizard, stripped naked and painted blue—a Voodoo priestess bent on immortality—a yacht-load of Caribbean pirates. What can possibly go wrong? 

Between The Pages 
This story starts where book one left us hanging. Granny, who was a favourite of mine in the first book, with the help of her sister (also Shea’s mother) Skulja (who was disguised as Grimalkin the cat) gives Zoraida a new task. The author does a superb job creating interesting characters. A few to watch for are Azili, who is an enjoyable, mysterious character, and Jock, who jumps from the pages running around naked and painted blue. The cast of characters are the driving point in this book, which also has plenty of action and adventure. This paranormal story has fun twists and turns. With a touch of romance, Zoraida finally chooses her mate. This story (like the first one) ends on an edge with a return to Scotland and Castle Logan, leaving the reader wanting to find out what happens next.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Don't Let Him Go

Don't Let Him Go

Kay Harris
February 14, 2018

Candace Gleason passed the bar, landed a great job, and is making a killer salary—basically, all of her dreams are coming true. Until she’s assigned to keep the boss’s petulant son out of trouble. 

Jack Morrison is the rebellious black sheep of a mighty real estate family. He runs a nonprofit whose mission is to save poor people from evil corporations, like the one his own family owns. He is obnoxious, ridiculously charming, and insanely hot. He is the bane of Candace’s very existence. 

Sparks fly from the moment they meet. Candace suddenly has more to worry about than keeping Jack out of jail. She has to keep him out of her heart. 

Between The Pages 
With a well written story line, this story pulls you in as soon as the heroine and hero meet. Jack is a fun character and holds the spotlight in the story. The dynamics with both characters are interesting, adding to the plot as the reader learns more about their family history and conflicts. The author’s writing style is smooth with an enjoyable twist of humour. An entertaining book you can read in one sitting. Don't Let Him Go is book one of ‘I Want Morrison’ series.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Stranger in the Cove

Stranger in the Cove
Rachel Brimble
January 2018

He came for answers… He never expected to find her 

Mac Orman is on a mission. When he discovers his recently deceased father had been searching for his birth mother, Mac aims to finish the job by finding the grandmother he never knew. His quest leads him to Templeton Cove—and a firecracker of a woman who instantly jump-starts his tortured heart. 

For Mac, Kate Harrington is the most tempting kind of distraction. But their sizzling connection comes with a side of suspicion for Kate, who doesn’t trust this brooding stranger in her town. Mac arrived with no plans to stay, but as he falls for Kate, he wonders how he could ever possibly leave. 

Between The Pages 
An emotional story of family connections and drama. The characters are interesting and their background story lines heighten the plot. Mac’s struggle with contacting his grandmother is captivating, having the reader anticipating their meeting. The author’s writing is so smooth, you’ll want to take a seat in the Coast and listen to Mac play his guitar. This is the eighth and final book in the Templeton Cove series. Visiting this small town and getting to know its residents has been a delight. I recommend checking out each book in the series as they stand well on their own.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cowboy on Call

Cowboy on Call 
Leigh Riker
November 1, 2017

He needs to stop running from his mistakes. 

Cowboy or doctor? Sawyer McCord has been wrestling with that question since he came home to the Circle H after fleeing his remote clinic in the Himalayas. A tragedy there has him doubting his medical skills, but his reception on the ranch has been chilly at best. Sawyer can’t blame his family—or Olivia Wilson, his brother’s ex—for their anger. So why does Olivia’s opinion of him suddenly matter so much? Sawyer has unfinished business here and at his clinic. If he’s ever going to redeem himself, he needs to start by making amends to the one woman who might never forgive him. 

Between The Pages 
You can’t help but fall in love with the Kansas Cowboys. Revisiting the Circle H was filled with fun and emotion. The family dynamics are complicated for both Sawyer and Olivia, making the story grab your attention. The secondary characters are just as entertaining and enjoyable. The plot is well developed and smooth to read. The author does a great job putting you in a cowboy’s boots. You’ll want to walk through the barn to feed the horses and saddle them up for a ride in the pasture. I hope to revisit Circle H in the future.

Rating 
4 Stars