Between The Pages - Cause For Elimination

Cause For Elimination 

Marla A. White 

October 2022 

Reclaiming her life after a devastating riding accident, equestrian Emily Conners' world shatters again when she discovers her friend and boss lying in a stall with a smashed skull. Now jobless and with a handsome cop underfoot investigating the case, she's torn between wanting the killer found and keeping her own secrets safe. 

Detective Justin Butler always gets his killer, but this victim has a stampede of enemies and few leads to go on. Stonewalled by the tight-knit equestrian world, he looks to Emily for help, but she's strangely reluctant. Is she hiding something, or is she afraid of their growing attraction? 

As the search for the murderer heats up, their hearts become entangled and their lives at risk, forcing Emily and Justin to work together to find the killer before they strike again. 

Between The Pages 

This edge-of-your-seat mystery was an interesting read. The author has a great voice for spinning twists and turns into a suspenseful story. With so many possible suspects, the reader wonders who could be the killer and when they will strike again. The plot around the equestrian world was enjoyable, and the author is very knowledgeable in this ring. Justin was a great hero and the perfect person to step into Emily’s life. The banter between Justin, and his partner, Dennis was fun. Lottie was also a great and feisty secondary character. While the author did a good job on the sensitive subject of addiction, a mention should have been added of professional help to assist and maintain the character’s sobriety. But overall, this mystery was a page-turning read. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Kingdom of Acatalec

Kingdom of Acatalec 

S.M. McCoy 

October 2022 

I work with aliens, my best friends is held hostage, and everyone wants to murder me before the Lord Prince can magically bond to share my power?

If I had known an illegal drone race would lead to murder, kidnapping, and lies, then I might have thought better about the giant prize of credits, and the dream of walking again. 

I never met my best friend in person until a drone race gone wrong had both of us vying for our lives against a secret alien society. To make matters worse... my boss was one of them, and I couldn't decide if he was trying to save my life, or the reason I was in trouble to begin with. 

Between The Pages 

This science fiction/fantasy book was such an interesting read. The heroine (Tyler) is wheelchair bound yet she has great strength and determination. Working as a drone pilot, she gets pulled into an illegal drone race and that’s when things get crazy. This story is fast paced and filled with action and twists. The author does a wonderful job blending a science fictional/futuristic setting and other worldly beings that look like humans but are aliens who have different forms of magical traits. I’m not a big reader of science fiction books, so at times I was confused as to what was going on, but the author created an intriguing page-turning plot that captivates the reader. The large cast of characters keep you guessing who the good guys are and which ones are villains. Tyler is attracted to two men, but just when you think one of them is the hero, the author spins a twist and has you thinking maybe it’s the other guy, which deepens the intrigue. Once you read book one in The Acatalec Series, you’ll want to buckle up for book two which is sure to be another action filled ride. 

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

The Wild Rose of the Sea Raven 

Jennifer Ivy Walker 

September 2022

In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom. 

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks. 

Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail? 

Between The Pages 

This medieval, Viking, historical adventure mixes a bit of Cinderella, Snow White, and fairies. The author quickly captivates the reader into magical forests and strong warriors. For the most part, the book tells the tale of a few stories from the voices of Issylte, Tristan, as well as the wicked stepmother. You’ll follow Issylte’s and Tristan’s journey, waiting anxiously for them to finally meet. Ms. Walker has a solid descriptive voice that places you into the forest as though you were walking along side the characters, seeing the view as they do. Though I was tad disappointed the story is a happy-for-now than a happy-ever-after, the plot line is well-developed. The ending leaves you wanting more and looking forward to the next book in the series where you’ll revisit characters you’ve grown to like, as well as hoping for the demise of the characters you dislike. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Curse of Wolf Falls

Curse of Wolf Falls 

Brenda Whiteside 

September 2022 

Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy. 

Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can't return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She's spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center. 

Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he's back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he'll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won't give up may be the death of them both. 

With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there's nowhere the couple can hide. 

Between The Pages 

Book three in the Mackenzie Chronicles is all about the bond of family. Elidor’s reconnection with her father and siblings is touching, as is Julien’s connection with his uncle. Elidor and Julian have a chemistry that remained strong in their hearts. Their second chance to rekindle a friendship and romance is heartwarming. The secondary cast is equally enjoyable. A bit of suspense moves the plot of this story with a secret Elidor is hiding. The reader gets a good look into the villain with his point of view. Revisiting the quaint setting of Joshua was captivating, and one of my favourite parts was learning about the legend of Wolf Falls. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Year of Firsts

A Year of Firsts 

Liz Flaherty 

February 2022 

Widow Syd Cavanaugh is beginning a “year of firsts” with the road trip she’d promised her husband she’d take after his death. An unplanned detour lands her in Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, where she meets the interesting and intelligent editor of the local paper. 

Television journalist Clay McAlister’s life took an unexpected turn when a heart attack forced him to give up his hectic lifestyle. He’s still learning how to live in a small town when meeting a pretty traveler in the local coffee shop suddenly makes it all much more interesting. 

While neither of them is interested in a romantic relationship, their serious case of being “in like” seems to push them that way. However, Clay’s heart condition doesn’t harbinger a very secure future, and Syd’s already lost one man she loved to a devastating illness—she isn’t about to lose another. Where can this relationship possibly go? 

Between The Pages 

Book one of the Second Chances series is an inspirational, sweet romance. The setting of Fallen Soldier is a place you’ll want to visit. The complete cast of characters are intriguing, especially Jason Benteen (a Vietnam veteran) who is a scene stealer. Syd and Clay have a captivating relationship. The author’s writing has you feeling the emotion on the pages. A beautiful storyline from beginning to end. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Saving Euphoria

Saving Euphoria 

C. Becker 

May 2022 

Hailey Langley and her children struggle to cope with the shocking and mysterious death of her husband Mark. Her teenaged son is rebelling, and Hailey is dealing with physical and mental challenges as well. 

Tom Parker, Hailey's former partner from the Special Crimes Agency, comes back into her life. He warns her to trust no one even as he tries to rekindle the flame that connects them. 

Everyone has secrets, even Parker, and some of those from the past threaten to destroy the present. Hailey fights to move forward after losing Mark, but she needs to figure out if she can trust Parker and risk taking another chance on love. 

Between The Pages 

This thriller romance is packed with suspense. The action starts with the opening chapter and never really stops. The author supplies a well-developed cast from the leading characters to secondary members which all have a crucial role in the plot. The story has a lot of characters and is told in a few different points of view, but they are easy to follow and doesn’t hinder the read. The suspense and action are intense and includes a few surprising twists…and a sad character loss. This book is the second in the Euphoria Series. Unfortunately, I didn’t read the first book, so I missed out on some background information, but it was still an enjoyable read. The ending chapters hint to another book in this series, which I will definitely pick up. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - It Had To Be You

It Had To be You 

Mike Owens 

May 2022 

Phil Claussen couldn’t very well leave her out there in the middle of nowhere, shoeless and barely dressed, so he offers her a ride. When he asks why she’s hitchhiking on a deserted road, she says, “Waiting for you. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” “Impossible,” he says. “I’ve never set foot in Oklahoma before.” He asks more questions, but gets very few answers. They are on the road together for three days before he learns her name, Dani. 

He soon discovers that he’s driven into a realm where events seem to be all set and waiting for his arrival, a place where his own treasured free will means very little. Falling in love with Dani becomes his favorite part of the process. But if it was all arranged so carefully before he got there, how does he wind up in jail charged with two murders and Dani as the chief witness for the prosecution? 

Between The Pages

This fantasy romance was interesting read. The author weaves a compelling storyline that has you immersed in the book. The characters are all well-developed and the setting has a good visual. Told in just Phil’s point of view, the story takes you on his RV adventure where he finds Dani on the side of the road. I thought everything Phil experienced was a dream and waited for the big reveal. The author did a great job adding twists to the plot that were unexpected and made this book an enjoyable read. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Texas Cowboy

The Texas Cowboy 

Linda Nightingale 

January 2022 

When Ash Colter was twelve, his mother divorced his cattle baron father and whisked him away to raise in her native England. Sixteen years later, when his father dies, he inherits Marathon Ranch. Running a 1,000-acre spread famous for the best Black Angus cattle in the great state of Texas is the biggest challenge he’s ever faced…until he meets a pert, pretty, and sassy ranch hand who seems to have her own agenda for his ranch. Unfortunately, she makes his spurs go jingle-jangle-jingle like no one else ever has! 

Trish Owens is a real cowgirl, a loner, and, though she’d never admit it, a little lonely. When the “English Cowboy” appears on the scene, her entire way of life is threatened, not only her job, but her beloved Quarter horses. She’s sure he plans to import his thoroughbred horses from England. Worst of all is the chemistry sizzling between them. He makes feelings she thought long dead awaken. 

Can these two unwilling allies set aside their differences to put Marathon Ranch in the Winner’s Circle…and to fall in love? 

Between The Pages 

This book is a contemporary western and has plenty of cowboys and horses, which are shown on the beautiful cover. The author has a good writing voice and visually shows you the horses and setting as though you were standing right there in the barn. Ash and Trish were well-developed characters who are meant to be together. The read is smooth, and the plot has a few twists involving a sick horse, an ex-girlfriend, and rustlers. While the story is told in Ash’s point of view, I would have liked some scenes from Trish, but I really enjoyed this story and will watch for the second book in the Return to Folly series. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Bridges

Bridges 

Linda Griffin 

April 2022 

In 1963, Neil Vincent, a middle-aged World War II veteran and "Christian atheist," is working at Westfield Court as a chauffeur. He spends most of his spare time reading. 

Mary Claire DeWinter is a young, blind, Catholic college student and reluctant heiress. To secure her inheritance, she has to marry within a year, and her aunt is pressuring her to marry a rich man who teased and bullied her when she was a child. 

Neil and Mary Claire shouldn't even be friends, but the gulf between them is bridged by a shared love of books. Can they cross the bridge to more? 

Between The Pages 

The plot in this book was very interesting. The author draws the reader in with an older hero and a blind heroine. Their friendship and budding relationship were written wonderfully. The dialogue between Neil and Mary Claire is enjoyable and places you within the pages. The story is told through the point of view of just the hero, and while it didn’t deter the enjoyment of the story, if Mary Claire’s voice had been included, the emotional level would have been raised even higher. Overall, the story was sweet, emotional, and touching as both Neil and Mary Claire overcome the bridges standing between them. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars