Between The Pages - Island Heat

Island Heat 

Debby Grahl 

May 2023 

When bookstore owner Suzanna Shay and writer Austen Kincade meet on a Who Done It mystery cruise, their instant attraction has them more interested in romance than searching for clues. But when the leading actress in the shipboard murder skit, Austen’s publisher’s wife, throws herself at Austen, she’s furious when he rejects her advances and vows to have Austen no matter what it takes. 

After the ship docks, with plans for a future together, Suzanna and Austen part, unaware vindictive lies will soon test their newfound love and entangle them in a real mystery that proves deadly. 

Between The Pages 

This romantic suspense had a good mystery edge. A cruise containing a murder play similar to the game Clue traveled from the ocean and onto land. The main characters had an immediate physical attraction and spent more time in their room than collecting clues. Their romance off-ship had a surprising twist, but a publishing event brought them together again. The plot and cast are both well-developed. The storyline leading up to the murder was interesting and the who-done-it kept you guessing. There are a few different points of view in the story and while they give more insight to the story, in many spots a voice will change quite suddenly without a scene break. The ending wrapped up nicely with Suzanna and Austen meeting each other’s families. However, Suzanna’s rocky relationship with her mother was left hanging even though it was mentioned often throughout the story. This was an enjoyable weekend read. 

Rating 

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Sundae My Love

Sundae My Love 

Debby Grahl 

June 2021 

Samantha Murray is the manager of her family's ice-cream business. When her former love comes back to town—he almost drowns her. And his idea to build a rival ice-cream shop right next door to the Dairy Delight is totally unacceptable. 

Architect Zack Hunter returns to Sand Lake to win back the woman he loves and fulfill his grandfather's dream of restoring Frontier Town—by adding an old-fashioned ice cream shop. He doesn't count on Samantha having a stubborn streak. 

Samantha is heartbroken over Zack's past betrayal, conflicted over the love she can't deny, and resolved to stop his plan. Zack is torn between his love for Samantha and fulfilling his grandfather's legacy. 

When the situation escalates, ghosts from both Sam and Zack's families decide to intervene-—but will their plot smooth the course of true love or make everything worse? 

Between The Pages 

The cover will draw you in immediately, and the book can be read in a day. Such a sweet storyline. Samantha and Zach get a second chance at love, and while their reconnection is quick, the author does a good job not leaving out any details or rushing their reunion. The highlight of this story was the ghostly relatives, adding a paranormal element. They lurk in the background but are stars on the stage. This book is a wonderful addition to the One Scoop Or Two themed stories and is not only a perfect summer read, but also anytime of the year. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mountain Blaze

Mountain Blaze

Debby Grahl 

November 2020 

Disillusioned by his wife’s betrayal, rodeo star Dillon McCoy comes home to the mountains of North Carolina to lick his wounds. When he agrees to take over the family ranch, the Lazy M, he’s unaware danger waits. 

Diana Thompson is having doubts about her engagement to Trent Sawyer. She agrees to leave Chapel Hill and spend Thanksgiving with her friend Jenn at the Lazy M. When Diana and Dillon meet, neither can deny their attraction, but both must resolve past relationships while fighting their growing desire. 

After Dillon turns down an anonymous offer to purchase the ranch, attempts are made on his life. When a body is found, Dillon sets out to discover who wants the McCoy land enough to commit murder. 

Between The Pages 

This book grabs you with its beautiful cover and the steamy romance has the pages turning with ease. Diana and Dillon have instant chemistry and a growing bond leading to forever, once they get past the hurdles standing in the way. The plot is an engaging mystery with twists and turns that has you guessing who is up to no good. A captivating read from beginning to end. 

Rating 

5 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