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 - 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

Between The Pages - Framed For Murder

Framed For Murder

Marla A. White

June 2024 

After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy's innocence. 

The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder? 

Between The Pages 

The reader is introduced to Mel in The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder novella but in this book, Mel has settled into Pine Cove. The first chapter pulls the reader in with a blast from Mel’s past. A body is found, and the mystery begins. Poppy and Mel’s grandmother highlight the story, adding fun and mischief. In this book, the growth of Mel’s character is well written as she tries new hobbies. The author sets up a good mystery and introduces several possible suspects. This cozy mystery was a fun read and had a great ending hook. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder

The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder 

Marla A. White 

November 2021 

After injuring herself on the job as a Los Angeles cop, Mel O'Rourke leaves the force battered both physically and mentally. Looking for a fresh start, she moves to a quiet mountain town and opens the Babbling Brook Inn. Excited for her new life, Mel decides to participate in the town's holiday cookie contest, but her newfound joy crashes when one of her guests turns up dead in her lobby. 

Mel is tempted to attribute the death to natural causes, but when another guest dies, her cop sense kicks in. The local Sheriff tells her to stand down, but with her own life in danger, Mel won't back off. With everything on the line, she has to push through her own fears to catch the killer before more bodies drop, perhaps even her own. 

Between The Pages 

This cozy mystery is a suspenseful who-done-it. The author wrote a strong and likable leading character. Mel is an ex-cop who must solve two murders while suffering from an injury, emotional fears, and running an Inn. The engaging storyline has moments of humor and plenty of drama. The author takes you on a fun ride with a list of suspects, leading to an explosive ending. An enjoyable weekend read.

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Catching Rose

Catching Rose 

Virginia Barlow 

February 2024

Rose Tanner dreamed of a fairytale wedding her whole life. But when her prince leaves her at the altar, she wants to know why. Traveling to Texas for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Captured by a human trafficking ring, she fights for freedom. Risking her life to help the other women with her, she discovers there’s more to happy ever after than she thought. 

Texas Ranger Chase Calhan wants one thing, to capture El Diablo’s men so he can marry Rose. When they get to her first, he races against time to catch Rose before it’s too late. 

Between The Pages 

This historical western was an enjoyable read. Rose and Chase were great lead characters, strong and determined, and their chemistry sizzled. The author wrote a plot that was not only interesting but also contained lots of twists that grabbed the attention from beginning to end. With bullets and knives flying and a few villains, the author created plenty of action and made this story an engaging read. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Stone of Love

Stone of Love 

Margaret Izard 

March 2024 

After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again? 

Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae. 

Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love. 

Between The Pages 

This fantasy romance was a page-turner from the beginning. The author developed characters that were appealing to get to know, and a visually picturesque setting. The plot put you under the spell of the Fae and kept you spellbound through every chapter. Filled with plenty of drama and a mystery to find the evil Fae, this book was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one. 

Rating

4.5 Stars