Between The Pages - Shadow Of The Eclipse

Shadow Of The Eclipse 
L.A. Kelley
May 2020

Excitement brews in Crossroads for everyone but Callum Macgregor. The harvest festival coincides with a total eclipse, but a broken engagement leaves Cal with no desire for fun. Then a surprise visit from his old law partner, Isaac Bingham, drops a bombshell. Cal must attend the festival or the world faces unparalleled disaster. 

Why did accountant Meg Adler's career and romances fizzle? Jobless again, she receives a mysterious offer from a man named Bingham, but they must meet at the Crossroads Harvest Festival. Meg is leery, but it's not the end of the world if this doesn't pan out. Right? Ancient evil prowls the shadow of the eclipse, and the key to saving the present lies in the past.

In a time-traveling adventure, Cal and Meg enter a mystic maze hot on the trail of two magic artifacts. Can they fulfill a dead man's mission and discover a new future with each other? 

Between The Pages
This time-travel adventure story was very enjoyable. The two main characters don’t have a minute to catch a breath and neither does the reader. Just when I thought they’d returned home for the last time, they are off on another journey in a different year to find the two relic objects. The author paired two solid main characters who form an instant connection. Trust and chemistry bond Cal and Meg. The seamless plot jumps from the present to a time in history with ease. The twists and turns held my attention and there’s plenty of action and drama. This book not only has two great leading characters, but an equally good cast. There’s many surprising links to current characters to people in the past. The scene when Cal and Meg stand together with their identities from history is totally engaging. I can see this book developed into a movie…it’s that good. A must read.

Rating
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Devil’s Food Ripple With A Cherry On Top

Devil’s Food Ripple With A Cherry On Top 
Laura Strickland
April 2020

Fenady Clark's dream of owning an ice cream parlor has inspired her through some of life's hardest challenges. Just when the grand opening's within reach, that wicked rogue, Sebastian Bane, opens shop and starts serving Fenady's designer flavors, all renamed. She suspects he's using black magic to poach her recipes, and if she weren't a good witch instead of a bad witch, she'd whip up a spell and retaliate. 

Sebastian's come all the way from England to establish his family's business near Salem. He can't explain how he and the lovely Fenady keep creating the same ice cream confections, unless it's enchantment, or fate. Is there room in town for both their dreams? And what will it take to convince an angry white witch she needs him in her life? 

Between The Pages 
With such a cute cover, this book is perfect for a lazy afternoon read. The setting is relaxing and the characters are magical. Sebastian is a wickedly good hero. The interaction and chemistry between him and Fenady is enjoyable to read. The storyline is fun with a twist on two witches destined to be together. There’s even a connection between their employees. Not sure if it was black magic or the recipe flavour titles being whipped up, but this story will definitely have you craving a big bowl of ice cream.

Rating 
4.5 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

Between The Pages - Dragon Knight's Shield

Dragon Knight's Shield
Mary Morgan
January 8, 2016

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and he takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him. 

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight. 

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes? 

Between The Pages 
This is the fourth book in the Order of the Dragon Knights Series. The author continues to capture my interest with each time travel adventure. With a strong heroine and a stronger hero, the plot has edge-of-your-seat action. Angus and Deirdre take you on their journey through a picturesque setting, leading to a reunion that is long overdue. The brothers’ reconnection is engaging, as is their battle with the evil druid. The author then ups the excitement with a surprising twist near the end, giving you yet another reason to grab the next book!

Rating 
4 Stars

Portence

Portence 
Gini Rifkin
September 2017

In the final battle to save the Earth, Fae Warrior, Portence Goodeve stands ready to serve Mother Nature. But as she fights for the future of the planet, she’s haunted by her past. One near-death experience and a betrayal that goes deep become weapons that could get her killed. 

Malachi, a cross/breed, half-sorcerer and half-Fae, is back to help fight the Reptile invaders. Once upon a time, his sexy Fae-half stole Portence's heart, breath, and good sense. Then he abandoned her—what if it happens again? Should she surrender to desire, giving both Malachi and love another chance? Or seek retribution and be done with him forever? 

Portence and her sisters, as well as their Earth partners, are in a fight for their lives. When Malachi's magic is stolen and his life is in danger, will she discover the path to her future is bound by both love and duty? 

Between The Pages 
This fantasy romance is filled with plenty of action and drama. The third book in the Fae Warriors trilogy has the sisters battling the evil Reps and many more villains. Portence’s adventure holds a good pace and holds your attention with mystifying creatures. The opening chapter starts the action and even when the drama settles there’s more just around the corner. Portence and Malachi have an undeniable chemistry. One of my favourite scenes in the story is when the sisters are together near the end. You can feel their strength and sisterly bond. It’s been enjoyable reading the sisters’ adventure and sad to see it end. Maybe the author will treat us in the future with a look into the mysterious Mother Nature.

Rating 
4 Stars

Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones

Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones 
Sorchia DuBois
October 28, 2016

Granny’s dying, but Zoraida can save her with a magic crystal of smoky quartz. Too bad the crystal is in Scotland—in a haunted castle—guarded by mind-reading, psychopathic sorcerers. 

Getting inside Castle Logan is easy. Getting out––not so much. Before she can snatch the stone, Zoraida stumbles into a family feud, uncovers a wicked ancient curse, and finds herself ensorcelled by not one but two handsome Scottish witches. 

Up to their necks in family intrigue and smack-dab in the middle of a simmering clan war, Zoraida and her best friend Zhu discover Granny hasn’t told them everything. Not by a long shot. 

Between The Pages 
This book is packed with action and adventure, capturing your attention with mystery and suspense. The romance level is low, and the reader is left guessing for quite some time as to the story’s real hero. Zoraida has a love interest at home and there are two brothers she meets during her adventure. She has an attraction to all three men until later in the story when she develops a stronger connection with one. The cast of characters are well-developed and interesting, especially the feisty Granny. The author’s descriptive voice places you into a story of intrigue and a setting of magic and castles. The ending is surprising where the story doesn’t quite have a happy-ever-after, but more of a happy-for-now, and leaves you in suspense for book two.

Rating 
4 Stars

Dragon Knight's Axe

Dragon Knight’s Axe
Mary Morgan
June 2015

Alastair MacKay, a battled-scarred Dragon Knight flees to the sea to separate himself from his fae-given power connecting him to the land. But it is on land that he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland. It is through Fiona he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and at the same time leading him on a journey to confront his greatest regret and fears. 

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay. 

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity? 

Between The Pages 
This is the third book in the Order of the Dragon Knights series and continues the journey with the MacKay brothers. The author once again weaves a spell-binding tale with a wonderful blend of fantasy, drama, action, and romance. The development of Alastair’s character is strong and emotional through scars of his battle wounds. Fiona’s entrance into the past has its own interesting twist to a family connection. The Dragon Knights series is a must read adventure. I look forward to the fourth book, Dragon Knight’s Shield, which tells the tale of Angus MacKay, and I hope the cliff hanger of the missing druid, Lachlan, continues in this story.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Bliss

Bliss
Gini Rifkin
December 2016

Fae Warrior, Bliss Goodeve, fires up her empath skills to battle the Reptiles invading Earth. But when it comes to her new human partner, Nathaniel Calhoun, Bliss would rather make love than wage war. A man of mystery, she wonders what he's hiding behind the horn-rimmed glasses and white lab coat. 

Nate admits to being a brainiac, at least that’s the persona he shows the outside world. If his boss discovers his troubled past, life could get complicated. The bad boy in Nate wants the beguiling Bliss in the worst way. Yet, the scientist inside him calculates high odds of being left broken-hearted. 

After one Reptile goes rogue, it’s up to Bliss, Nate, and an alien critter named Noodge to bring him down. But time is running out, and things are heating up—especially romantically. Bliss is all for living in the moment. But will that be enough for Nate? 

Between The Pages 
Filled with action, drama, Fae warriors, and evil reps, this story captivates the attention. Nate is the perfect addition to the group with his multiple jobs as the nerdy scientist, the irresistible cowboy, the rep fighter, and the handsome hero. Bliss’ devoted alien ‘dog’ Noodge is an adorable and fun scene stealer. There’s an intriguing twist involving Bliss’ sister Portence, which hints at a piece of her past, and makes the reader anxious for her story.

Rating
4 Stars

Love For Sale

Love For Sale 
Linda Nightingale
June 2015

March Morgan still believes in true love, but her faith in finding her soul mate is slowly vanishing.She’s been married but never in love. So, it is a miracle to find that fantasy exists on the last page of a glossy women’s journal. Mayfair Electronics, Ltd., in black and white, offers Love for Sale. The London firm has engineered sentient androids indistinguishable from humans. She flies to England and meets the man she has been searching for her entire life. 

Christian requires no programming to love March at first sight. He’s handsome, cultured…absolutely perfect…and a little different from the other androids. He has an unexpected independent streak. March signs on the dotted line, buying her dream man. They return to Houston, but soon her past and his future threaten their Happily Ever After—indeed their lives. 

Between the Pages 
This story has a unique twist on finding love. The plot line of the heroine falling for an android reminded me of a sci-fi movie. I was curious to read how the author brought the story to life in words. The characters are interesting, and the author does a good job on the background of the android development. The addition of a suspenseful twist made this story an enjoyable read.

Rating 
3 Stars

Dragon Knight's Medallion

Dragon Knight’s Medallion 
Mary Morgan
November 2014

To right a wrong, two souls are brought together only to shatter when they are torn apart by the deeds of an evil druid. Dragon Knight, Stephen MacKay’s powers are altered after the death of his sister. Now he is plagued with visions that threaten to destroy his soul. When Aileen Kerrigan falls through a time tunnel, he vows to keep her safe, despite the fact the beautiful but head-strong half-blooded fae could be the death of him. When Aileen finds out her dad is a Fenian Warrior, she flees to a nearby ruin. Armed with the medallion her mother gave her, and a matching one belonging to a long dead knight, she is flung into the past and finds a handsome but surly warrior who is on a quest. Now it seems her future could be entwined with his, if she doesn’t kill him first. 

Between The Pages 
A fascinating story of warriors, fae, druids, and dragon knights. The author creates a picturesque fantasy setting of magic and adventure. Emotional family bonds and the interesting plot line will have you turning the pages of this story. Being the second book of the Order of the Dragon Knights series, the introduction of new characters was exciting, as well as revisiting characters from the first book. As the cast of characters grow, so does an enticement to continue into the lives of the MacKay brothers.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Shadows Across Time

Shadows Across Time 
Mariah Lynne
October 2015

Imagine being kidnapped and transported back in time to a 16th century French castle. 

Danielle deForet, a beautiful rare antiques dealer, is tricked into completing an appraisal on a rare French piece, when to her surprise its owner casts a spell sending them both back to 1559. Danielle learns she is the crucial link for a royal spell and finds herself guarded by a handsome knight, Aidan. They soon fall in love, and he plans a risky escape. 

Georgina, once a seer, now a mannequin in Danielle’s shop, was turned to wood by that same wizard. Her body stilled, her mind sharp, she is the lovers’ only hope to escape. If she intervenes, and the wizard finds out, he will stop at nothing to make his spell succeed, even if it means destroying Georgina, Danielle, and Aidan. 

Between The Pages 
A good fantasy/time travel romance of spells and suspense. The main characters, Danielle and Aidan, have instant attraction and lead the story with their adventurous escape. The introduction of Georgina, the wizard/gypsy fortune teller was a great addition to the plot.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Second Chance City

Second Chance City 
L.A. Kelley
August 2015

Police officer Nate Hammond led a well-ordered life in Coldwater Bay until a chance meeting with a girl from his past drags him into an extraordinary adventure. 

Libby Parish never intended to visit her hometown again. Is the strange obsession to return related to a mysterious comic book? Or someone she left behind? 

Sucked into a deadly comic book universe Nate and Libby find themselves in Second Chance City, home of Refractor and a league of murderous adversaries. Can a knowledge of comic books, a half-hearted super-hero, misunderstood villains, science gone horribly awry, and a magical flashlight help them find a way home or will their second chance at happily-ever-after only end in in death?

Between The Pages
Second Chance City is a fantasy, sci-fi, sweet romance. The pages of this story are perfectly written to keep your attention with one adventurous scene after another. The main characters are enjoyable as is the rest of the cast of comic book heroes. Even a few villains will capture your interest. The story is told in the point of view of the hero, Nate, but I would have liked Libby’s thoughts to be included to add more emotion. However, the plot line is fast-paced and exciting, making this story a recommended read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Solace

Solace 
Gini Rifkin
August 2015

Solace Goodeve, one of Mother Nature’s favorite Fae Warriors, is assigned to Earth to help save the planet. Reptile invaders, disguising themselves as humans, are waging a takeover—and Mother is mad enough to eat asteroids. Solace is ready to prove herself as a warrior, but having a human for a partner is not in her battle plan—even if the man is rugged, ripped, and ready for action. 

Army Ranger, Tanner Jackson, has seen his share of black op missions. The last one took a toll on both body and soul. Tanner isn’t looking for love, even though his new partner is six-foot-tall and drop dead gorgeous. However, after Solace shows him a new meaning to working undercover, he may have to reconsider that possibility. 

As the Reps plan to sabotage NOAA, Tanner and Solace must learn to trust one another. But as they're trying to save the world, Solace and Tanner might just lose their hearts—and that takes the most courage of all.

Between The Pages
The beautiful cover will have you anticipating this read, and the story-line doesn’t disappoint. This fantasy, sci-fi, romance is an entertaining read. The characters are well-written and the plot is seamless. I got lost in some of the technical lingo, but the story holds its own with lots of action and a few steamy scenes. The interactions between the sisters were my favourite parts of the story. Solace is book one of the Fae Warriors. I look forward to reading book two which highlights Bliss’ story.

Rating 
4 Stars

Dragon Knight's Sword

Dragon Knight's Sword 
By Mary Morgan
May 2014

Duncan Mackay will do anything to lift the curse from his family — even forfeit his own life. But his plans change when he encounters the woman from his dreams, literally. She is from the future, somehow has his lost sword, and can talk to the Dragon that is able to lift his family’s curse. Brigid O'Neill has spent her life listening to the mythological legends from Ireland and Scotland. So, when an ancient sword lands at her doorstep and she starts dreaming of a rugged Highlander, she drops everything and takes on a quest that will alter everything she believes. Before their journey ends, not only will Duncan and Brigid battle an ancient curse, they must also find the courage to believe in the destiny that brought them together. 

Between The Pages 
Ms. Morgan does a seamless job of mixing historical, paranormal, fantasy, and time travel. The setting drops you into 1204 Scotland where knights, faes, druids, and a dragon rule the pages. The historical details are interesting. The main characters are engaging and a large cast of secondary characters keep the reader entertained. There are several points of view throughout the story, which were slightly distracting. Pacing is good in the beginning, but slows in the middle; making the reader anxious for the action they know is coming. When the action does arrive, the story moves along at a great pace, leaving the reader satisfied to the end. This is book one in the Order of the Dragon Knights Series. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Rating 
4 Stars