Between The Pages - What Happens In Denver

What Happens In Denver

Liz Crowe 

September 2021 

Meet Andi Rigby. She and her husband own a famous bar. Andi can mix a cocktail, change a beer keg, soothe ruffled customers, and drink you under the table. Life is good until the day she finds herself divorced and unemployed. After a suitable period of ice-cream and whiskey infused mourning, she heads to a beer conference in Denver on a mission to rediscover her joy and find a new job. 

Between fielding gossip, saving a drunk woman from herself, and dodging a hot but ill-advised boozy hookup, the weekend leads to a few surprises. She ends up employed with an unexpected bonus—a new friend. Oh, and the guy she kissed? Turns out her new job includes selling his brewery's beer. No big deal. Except the bit about him being practically perfect for her at a moment she's determined to focus on her own success. 

A story of new friends, fresh starts, and a side order of romance served up with a nice cold pint. 

Between The Pages 

This story was fun to read. The author has a talented writing voice filled with emotion and wit. I really enjoyed the humourous banter between Andi and James. Andi’s journey to rebuild her life is interesting to watch, and I do mean ‘watch’ because the author pulls you into the scenes. James is a great hero and a perfect match for Andi. There’s even a side romance between James’ brother, Michael, and Andi’s new friend, Sloane. The bond of friendship is a highpoint in this story, mixed in with some family drama and health issues. The only thing I found missing from this story were scenes in James’ point of view. There is a lot of beer brewing information that sometimes lost me, but after reading the author’s bio, I discovered she really knows the craft. A solid punch of emotion propels this story from beginning to end. I would definitely read more from this author. 

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Arresting Jeremiah

Arresting Jeremiah 

Amber Daulton 

October 2020 

Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah "Jim" Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he's craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he's obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life. 

Calista doesn't trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim's arms. 

Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?

Between The Pages 

This is the second book in the Arresting Onyx Series. The story is fast paced and filled with action. Mix a hot bad boy parole officer and strong female lead and you get plenty of page-sizzling chemistry. It was nice to revisit Mia and Mason from book 1 (Jeremiah is Mia’s brother). This story is non-stop suspense with gangs, kidnapping, murder, and a stalker. Twists and turns to the very end. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Dream A Little Dream

Dream A Little Dream 

Melinda Curtis 

February 2021 

A small-town judge meets her match in a rodeo star troublemaker, but soon they may both end up targets of the town's matchmakers in this delightful and heartwarming tale of romance. 

Darcy Jones Harper is thrilled to have finally shed her reputation as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The people of Sunshine Valley have to respect her now that she’s the new town judge. But when the bad boy who broke her heart back in high school shows up in her courtroom, she realizes maybe things haven’t changed so much after all . . . because her pulse still races at the sight of him.

Jason Petrie wants to make amends for the mistakes of his youth—starting with the woman he never stopped loving. Darcy may not believe that he really intends to quit the bull riding circuit and stick around this time but Jason vows—with the help of the matchmaking Widows Club—to pull out all the stops to convince her that they both deserve a second chance. 

Between The Pages 

Another fun trip to Sunshine Valley. The plot is engaging from beginning to end. Darcy and Jason are great together. The author brings a lot of humour to the story with so many scenes that make you smile and laugh. Stogey is a stinky little star in every scene. The widows rule, and one of the ladies has an itch to scratch. But it is the deceased judge’s voice that sends the laughter off the chart. Another great match made in Sunshine Valley. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Very Merry Match

A Very Merry Match 

Melinda Curtis 

September 2020 

The holidays are served up with some spice in this small-town romance featuring a woman who must maintain a secret identity and the man who begins falling for her. 

This Christmas, all Mayor Kevin Hadley wants is to give his five-year-old son whatever his heart desires. Only Tad has fallen head over holly for his pretty, sweet-as-sugarplum teacher. When attraction sparks between Kevin and Mary Margaret, the single dad thinks she may be the answer to his and his son's dreams. But after Mary Margaret reluctantly turns him down, Kevin decides it's time to embark on a new campaign -- one for Mary Margaret's heart. 

Mary Margaret Sneed usually spends her holiday baking and caroling with her students. Yet this year, she's swapped shortbread and sleigh bells for a second job to pay off her late husband's debts. Mary Margaret would love to go tree trimming with Kevin and his son, but she won't risk his political future with her controversial side gig. Only the town's meddling matchmakers have determined there's nothing a little mistletoe can't fix . . . and if the Widows Club has their way, Mary Margaret and Kevin may just get the best Christmas gift of all this year. 

Between The Pages 

Once the Widows Club sets their sights on a couple, there is no turning back. Reading this book will make you smile. The author does a great job of mixing witty dialogue with touching moments. Mary Margaret and Kevin are such a cute couple. Their banter is masterfully written, as is the conflict both characters suffer. Kevin’s decision over the type of wife best suited for his political career made me want to slug him, but he won me over with his dancing and declaration to Mary Margaret. Two of the women in the widows club fighting for the attention of a man was an interesting and fun twist, as were the men following Mary Margaret, and her part-time job. The story takes place during Christmas but can be an enjoyable read any time. Looking forward to revisiting Sunshine Valley. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Spirit In Time

Spirit In Time

Julie Howard 

February10, 2021 

Time travel isn't real. It can't be real. But ghost-blogger Jillian Winchester discovers otherwise when an enigmatic spirit conveys her to 1872 to do his bidding. Jillian finds herself employed as a maid in Sacramento, in an elegant mansion with a famous painting. 

The artwork reveals another mystery: Why does the man within look exactly like her boyfriend, Mason Chandler? 

Morality and sin live side by side, not only in the picture, but also within her. As her transgressions escalate, she races the clock to find the man in the painting, and hunt down a spirit with a disconcerting gift. 

But will time be her friend or foe? 

Between The Pages 

This book is part of the Spirited Quest Mysteries, and while I would have liked to have read the first book to learn more about Jillian’s and Mason’s early relationship, the story line runs well on its own. The time travel aspect was well-done with mystery and drama. The characters were entertaining. The historical setting was written masterfully to place you in the story as the author does a superb job with every detail of history. A couple of twists and turns has you anxious for Jillian and Mason to find a way home. An entertaining time travel journey.

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Family Christmas

An Alaskan Family Christmas

Beth Carpenter 

November 2020 

A little mix-up… 

Could make her Christmas wonderful! 

Natalie Weiss is mortified. After mistaking handsome Tanner Rockford for his cousin, she’s followed him to rural Alaska. Now she’s stranded—until Tanner invites her to spend Christmas with his family in their rustic, cozy cabin. But in this idyllic winter wonderland, Natalie discovers the family she’s never had…and the love she never knew she needed. But what happens when they all discover why she’s really there? 

Between The Pages 

Another great read in the Northern Lights series. Book seven wraps up Christmas with a sweet romance. Again, the author gives us a dreamy hero. Tanner is charming. Not only does he give Natalie a place to stay after she follows him off the train, but he also welcomes her into his family and helps her find his cousin. The story is beautiful written, and the setting is magical. With a secondary cast of Tanner’s relatives and Natalie’s friend, the story moves effortlessly from page to page. There’s a lot of fun in this book with playing in the snow, decorating the Christmas tree, and staring at the colours in the sky. This story makes you want to spend Christmas in Alaska in a warm cabin in the woods. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mishandled Conviction

Mishandled Conviction

J.S. Marlo 

November 2020 

While Violette remodels an escape room, the lines between illusion and reality blur. The escape room is based on the legend of a dead inmate who haunts a condemned penitentiary, but the fake prison cell she recreates transports her into the past. 

As she relives the tumultuous events surrounding her life and the inmate’s death, Violette glimpses clues regarding the disappearance of her son-in-law and loss of her precious heirloom. 

The past and the present collide, threatening the lives of Violette’s loved ones and unleashing conflicting emotions toward the men haunting her heart. Can she unravel the truth and save her family without losing her future? 

Between The Pages 

A gripping and entertaining read. You will want to stay focused while reading this book because there is a lot going on, but the author does a wonderful job with the plot and its details as she weaves you through another twist and turn you won’t see coming. The main characters are interesting, and the secondary cast is equally enjoyable. It’s fun watching Violette fall into the past and then unravel her discoveries into the present mystery. I was hoping one of Violette’s encounters would have been an actual ghost, yet every question and mystery is neatly answered in this must read time travel, suspense story. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Christmas Promise

The Christmas Promise 

Janice Carter

January 2021 

The Christmas season... 

Is perfect for new beginnings 

After a tragedy seventeen years ago, author Ella Jacobs never wanted to come back to Lighthouse Cove. Not to the whispered rumors, the judgment or even to Ben Winters, the boy she loved. Now she's returned in time for Christmas--and some much-needed closure. But old flames burn bright. Can Ella find her way back to Ben...or will the secrets of their past extinguish their love for good? 

Between The Pages 

An emotional second chance journey. I anxiously awaited a return to Lighthouse Cove, especially to read more about Ella and Ben. Ella took the brunt of the blame for the accident that happened seventeen years ago, which made for an emotional read. Ben is such a likable character and he deserves a happy-ever-after. A surprising bonus was the reveal of the person leaving flowers near the lighthouse. The writing is smooth and the plot is enjoyable. It was fun to revisit this quaint town and to see how the characters have grown as well as the town. Walking through Lighthouse Cove with the snow on the ground and the magical season of Christmas is a walk/read worth taking. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mistletoe Cowboy

Mistletoe Cowboy 

Leigh Riker 

November 2020 

The best Christmas gift… 

is a second chance with her! 

Cody Jones is a good cowboy with a bad past. But he’s paid for his mistakes and is finally coming home to Barren, Kansas. Only this time, ranch princess Willow Bodine won’t be waiting. She’s gotten engaged to another man: Cody’s enemy. Now Cody must prove that a bad boy cowboy can change his spurs…and become the man Willow truly deserves by Christmas. 

Between The Pages. 

Book 8 in the Kansas Cowboys is another hit in this series. Cody’s character made this story come alive. The handsome and sweet cowboy is making amends and deserves a second chance. I was rooting for him as soon as he stepped onto the pages. His attempt to rescue a horse was a perfect plot twist, which hooked me immediately. Willow is a good heroine. I just wished she would have followed her heart and instincts a bit sooner. It was fun to revisit this town and its secondary cast. An emotional story with a little drama. Will Cody get his horse? You’ll have to read to find out! 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Stranger In The Storm

Stranger In The Storm 

Patricia McAlexander 

June 2020 

After she discovers the abusive side of his personality, Janet Mitchell leaves Jack Dexter, the professor who swept her off her feet. Will she discover the same darkness in Wes, the handsome young man who rescues her during a hurricane? 

Years ago, Wes Corbett vowed not to get romantically involved again, fearing anyone close to him might be harmed by his brother William, a born criminal. Now, as he weathers the storm with Janet, their mutual attraction becomes clear. Can he keep that vow—even though he knows William is on the loose and may be headed directly for them? 

Between The Pages 

A wonderful romance thriller. This story is filled with twists, turns, and suspense. The author presents a well-developed plot with interesting characters and action. While you’ll want to dislike the villain, he’s a vital character in this story, adding family drama and growth for the main characters. The budding relationship between Janet and Wes is sweet and their trust in each other is touching. This book is perfect for a lazy day read when you want to get lost in a story of romance and suspenseful action. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Shot Through The Heart

Shot Through The Heart
Andrea Downing 

August 2020 

Gunslinger Shiloh Coltrane has returned home to work the family's Wyoming ranch, only to find there's still violence ahead. His sister and nephew have been murdered, and the killers are at large. 

Dr. Sydney Cantrell has come west to start her medical practice, aiming to treat the people of a small town. As she tries to help and heal, she finds disapproval and cruelty the payment in kind. When the two meet, it's an attraction of opposites. As Shiloh seeks revenge, Sydney seeks to do what's right. Each wants a new life, but will trouble or love find them first? 

Between The Pages 

This historical western romance couldn’t have started any better. On the very first page the hero goes flying through the glass window of the Painted Lady Saloon. There’s an instant pull into the story with the action and the chemistry from the main characters. Shiloh, the hired gunman, is the perfect wild-west cowboy, and Sydney, the doctor, is a determined and strong woman. The author places the reader in the setting with every action scene and there are several that have the pages turning with anticipation. The ending is quick, and I wanted a bit more, but the read was absolutely enjoyable. 

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Doctor’s Recovery

 

The Doctor's Recovery

Cari Lynn Webb 

May 2018 

When a doctor and a filmmaker reconnect… 

Just who is healing whom? 

Two years ago, Dr. Wyatt Reid shared an unforgettable goodbye kiss with Mia Fiore. Now a scuba diving accident brings the daredevil documentary filmmaker into his San Francisco ER. Could this be their shot at a real relationship? But Wyatt, haunted by family tragedy, saves lives, and Mia risks hers every day. Can they find the way to a future on both their terms? 

Between The Pages 

He saves lives and she risks hers - the beginning of a complex relationship. This sweet romance is a delightful read. The main characters are interesting, both with complicated family history. The story stalled slightly for me while Mia was in the hospital, but the introduction of Wyatt’s mother maintained the read as the plot grows with solid emotional scenes from the main characters feeling the pressure of their pasts – Mia over her father – and Wyatt with the death of his brother and his relationship with his mother. The ending is heartwarming and touching. The cast in this series is growing and makes each new book an adventure with old and new characters. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Can't Hurry Love

Can’t Hurry Love 

Melinda Curtis 

March 2020 

Head-over-heels in love, Lola Williams gave up everything to marry Randy, including a promising career in New York City. Now, after one year of marriage and one year of widowhood, Lola finds herself stranded in Sunshine, Colorado, reeling from the revelation that Randy had secrets she never could have imagined. She swears she's done with love forever but the matchmaking ladies of the Sunshine Valley Widows Club have different plans...

Sheriff Drew Taylor also knows what it feels like to be unlucky in love. So when Lola comes to him for help uncovering Randy's hidden life, Drew finds himself saying yes against his better judgment - especially with the Widows Club eyeing them both. Soon enough, Lola is upending Drew's peaceful, predictable world...and he kind of likes it! But will this big-city girl ever give her heart to a small-town guy again?

Between The Pages
If you like a romance with a good sense of humour, then this is the book for you. There are so many laugh-out-loud and adorable moments in this story. Lola with the blow-up dolls, the whip cream beards, and Rosie the pig to highlight just a few. The main characters are delightful and the rest of the cast are entertaining. The story is packed with emotion as Lola uncovers secrets about her deceased husband. There is even a side story about two of the older widows. Lots of drama and fun. I’m anxious to know who the Sunshine Valley Widows Club will pick next on their matchmaking list.

Rating
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Cowboy’s Secret Baby

The Cowboy’s Secret Baby
Leigh Riker
July 2020

He’s a temporary neighbor… 

But will her surprise make him stay? 

Single mom of three Elizabeth Barnes has reason to avoid her rodeo star neighbor. She needs to protect her family after her ex’s public scandal, and charismatic Dallas Maguire is only passing through. Turning to him for comfort was a onetime lapse—with unexpected consequences! Though Elizabeth can’t keep hiding the truth—or her feelings—can a bachelor cowboy transform into a family man? 

Between The Pages 
The Kansas Cowboys have such a compelling cast, with Lizzie and Dallas adding even more enjoyment to the series. They try to fight an undeniable attraction, which strengthens their characters as their friendship turns to more. Heartbreaking emotion and a heartwarming romance will keep you captivated in this story. The upcoming rodeo brings previous favourite characters into many scenes with some added twists and heartache for Dallas’ sister-in-law. Another hit for the Kansas Cowboys.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Two Hearts In Time

Two Hearts in Time
Raymona Marie Anderson
September 2015

Rescued by tomb looter, Miguel Zamora, Sonrisa Lyons struggles between her contempt for Miguel's thievery and her need for his help in returning to civilization. 

Miguel, haunted by the loss of his wife and son would like to abandon the troublesome trouser-wearing woman from the future, but his cultured upbringing and compassionate heart rule. 

Forced companionship on the trail through Yucatan's steamy jungle blazes into mutual passion, and in spite of herself, Sonrisa is drawn into Miguel's true mission. At journey's end, she finds a possible way to return to her time. Will she try to open the portal or choose life with Miguel? 

Between The Pages 
An interesting time travel, historical romance. This book was an enjoyable read with a plot that draws you in as soon as Sonrisa mysteriously travels back in time and is found by Miguel. The main characters have instant chemistry. There’s a good blend of dialogue and description, which sets a steady pace. The author crafted a well-developed story of research with historical facts of brutality in the past as well as archeology artifacts. An entertaining read filled with romance, action, a bit of mystery, and a lot of spice.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Bitter Pills and Deadly Potions

Bitter Pills and Deadly Potions 
Raymona Marie Anderson
November 2019

After nineteen years and a career in Hollywood, Maggie Simpson sheds her stage name and returns to her home town to reconcile with her sister and uncover the truth about why she abandoned Maggie with the traveling medicine show in 1946. 

Her quest stirs guilty secrets, and when a favorite son of the town is murdered, she becomes a suspect. Townspeople roiled by President Kennedy's recent assassination threaten vigilante justice. Only a deputy who seeks anonymity beyond the city limits believes in her innocence, but he fears publicity she might bring. 

Can she escape yet another predator and prove her innocence? 

Between The Pages 
A who-done-it book that leaves you guessing until the very end. It took me a chapter or two to get into the story, but it soon grabs the attention and holds it. The main characters, Maggie and Guy are well-developed and there’s a good cast of secondary characters. The plot moves this story easily from page to page with a steady pace. The dialogue is smooth and the descriptive voice shows every scene. The suspense is key to this story…every time you think you know who the villain is, there’s another suspect to watch. A good read blended with mystery, action, and drama.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Alaskan Hideaway

Alaskan Hideaway 
Beth Carpenter
July 2018

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants? 

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself? 

Between The Pages 
This heartwarming story is an emotional ride. Ursula raising her granddaughter, Rory, who has lost her parents, and Mac who is suffering his own traumatic grief. A slightly older couple, Ursula and Mac have great chemistry and their interaction steals every scene. The wintry visual draws you into the setting with added glimpses of the Northern Lights. There are several twists, making this book a page-turner. Will Ursula lose Rory and will Mac get justice? The story-line is so interesting; you won’t want to put the book down. The Northern Lights Series is fast becoming one of my favourites.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Letters And Lies

Letters And Lies 
Colleen L. Donnelly
May 2020

Louise Archer boards a westbound train in St. Louis to find the Kansas homesteader who wooed and proposed to her by correspondence, then jilted her by telegram - Don't come, I can't marry you. Giving a false name to hide her humiliation, her lie backfires when a marshal interferes and offers her his seat. Marshal Everett McCloud intends to verify the woman coming to marry his homesteading friend is suitable. At the St. Louis train station, his plan detours when he offers his seat to a captivating woman whose name thankfully isn't Louise Archer. Everett's plans thwart hers, until he begins to resemble the man she came west to find, and she the woman meant to marry his friend. 

Between The Pages 
This western historical book is an interesting read. I wouldn’t call it romance, but more of having a romance element. The heroine, Louise, doesn’t actually find a romantic connection and happy-ever-after until the last few pages, but a few other characters find their match. The story is only in Louise’s point of view, and in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book, but it quickly grabs the attention and holds it. The story-line is exceptional with a strong leading lady. While Louise (aka Penelope) tells a web of untruths, she grows into an independent and fierce woman. She’s kind and compassionate, and although her character is the spotlight in the story, there’s an equally enjoyable cast. So many characters become fast favourites, especially Cook and Everett. I would have liked to have read Everett’s point of view sprinkled throughout the book, however, the story-telling is entertaining with humour, drama, and grief. This well-developed plot holds you to the very end.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Root Brew Float

Root Brew Float 
Sidney Winward
May 2020

Josephine Brevil has lived hundreds of years haunted by the horrors she experienced during the Salem Witch Trials. She takes great care to hide her powers, though serving a Root Brew Float laced with a magic potion now and again never hurt anybody. The Order sends her to Massachusetts to deal with a paranormal threat, and she meets the young and handsome widower, Clarence Watts. However, being with him comes with a choice. How can she choose between the man she loves and the magic she holds dear? 

Between The Pages 
This is a short novella, but so well written that the flow is smooth and doesn’t leave any holes in the story. The plot revolves around a witch who falls for a mortal, while spiking ice cream with a little magic. The main characters are perfectly matched. Clarence needs Josephine’s help to rid his house of haunting as well as himself. There’s an interesting twist, linking Clarence and Josephine. This story is a sweet and fun paranormal romance with lots of magic. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Gift For Santa

A Gift For Santa 
Beth Carpenter
December 2017

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

A reindeer farm without Santa wouldn’t be Christmas in Marissa Gray’s Alaskan hometown. Luckily Chris Allen’s there to pinch-hit, although for Marissa, seeing her ex-fiancé again brings back memories of what might have been. 

Ten years after their breakup, the feelings between the wildlife biologist and blue-eyed fisherman are stronger than ever. Only now there’s a foster kid in the mix, as well as the shocking crime that cost Marissa her job and her family’s security. She and Chris need to find their way to a meeting of minds and hearts to make this truly a season for second chances… 

Between The Pages 
This story not only takes place in the beautiful setting of Alaska, but even better on a reindeer farm. The author’s story-telling places you in the pages with a real visual picture that you’ll want to pat the reindeer. It was fun getting to know more about Chris, who was introduced in the first book in the Northern Lights Series. He took the lead in this story. His character is kind and forgiving, and he played the role of Santa with ease. When he connects with a foster child, the emotion packs a punch. Marissa has a lot going on with accusations of being part of a fraud scam, a missing ex, an ailing uncle, and running the family farm. This sweet story is filled with family, drama, some twists, and a bit of action, leading to a second chance for love and the beginning of new family.

Rating
4.5 Stars