Between The Pages - Promise Me Christmas

Promise Me Christmas 

Gini Rifkin 

November 2023 

The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege. 

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress. 

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

Between The Pages

This medieval historical romance was a captivating read. I enjoyed the twist of having the main characters married. Their lives were already intertwined, but during war-filled times, they had to always be prepared to defend their home and livelihood, which created a distance they longed to fill. The plot and characters were well-developed, giving the story a smooth reading flow. The author has a great descriptive voice that places you in the scenes. Guy listening and taking Vespa’s ideas into consideration on how to help defeat the enemy shows his love, devotion, and respect for his wife, which strengthens their relationship, and makes this story a perfect holiday read. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Break Heart Canyon

Break Heart Canyon 

Gini Rifkin 

September 2022 

Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land. 

Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about. 

Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts? 

When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Only daring and blind trust can save them. 

Between The Pages 

Love the cover and the story! Ms. Rifkin immediately draws you into the pages of this book. The storyline is so masterfully written, you’ll want to continue reading until the very end. Una and Ryker are captivating, as is the whole cast. Whiskey Jim and Una’s assortment of animals are stars as secondary characters. The legend of the tribes and Heart Break Canyon is fascinating. With a punch of drama, a hint of mystery, a little action, and a surprising twist, this book is a must read. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Fatal Recall

Fatal Recall

Gini Rifkin 

August 2021 

Hudson Kincaid prefers the wide-open spaces. But tracking down a serial killer means hanging out in Denver as he investigates neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose. So far, he can't figure out if she's a city kitty in high heels or a country kitten in cowgirl boots. 

Marilyn's experiment in ramped-up virtual reality captures the final moments of each murder victim's life, a chilling discovery she's trying to keep secret. The last interruption she needs is a determined private detective barging into her lab—no matter how sexy he looks wearing his Stetson hat. 

When word of her research gets leaked to the press, Marilyn becomes the killer's next target. Now the woman Hudson races to save is the one who has stolen his heart. 

Between The Pages 

The well-developed plot had me engrossed in this story immediately. I’ve read other genres from this author, but not a suspense, so I was eager to read this one, and I was not disappointed. The author pulls you into the intriguing story. The characters are captivating. Hudson is charming with his farm animals and Stetson hat, and Marilyn has a unique name and an interesting profession. The story line is very visual, especially the scenes inside Marilyn’s head. There is a totally creepy and sinister villain, edge-of-your seat suspense, and a good cast of secondary character. I would definitely read a sequel to this gripping crime novel. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Undercover Outlaw

Undercover Outlaw 

Gini Rifkin

October 2020 

Jesse is determined to track down the man who killed his brother in cold blood. Impersonating an outlaw, his quest for justice becomes a living, breathing, part of his soul. 

Trinity is heading to Denver to escape her vicious guardians. When her stagecoach is robbed, Jesse kidnaps her, and all her well-laid plans collide with his, leaving them both in danger. 

Trapped in Prairie Ridge by a flood, Jesse and Trinity's feelings soon run as high and wild as the river. When Jesse is accused of murder, Trinity stands by his side, and they take on the town's tyrannical leader. As the city cowers in fear, help comes from an unexpected source, but can it save Jesse from a hangman's noose.

Between The Pages 

Once again, the author masterfully captured my attention within the opening pages. Jesse portrays an outlaw, but he’s a gentleman of a cowboy. Trinity is striving for independence and finds it Prairie Ridge. Though not the destination she had in mind, she finds friendship, family, and love. This story grabbed my interest and held steadfast. There’s a bit of suspense with Jesse undercover in a group of outlaws, as well as plenty of action. So many scenes will make you smile – Trinity standing by her man, Trinity befriending the “ladies”, Jesse with his uncle Sol, and Trinity with Sol. The story peaks when the “ladies” help Trinity save Jesse. Seeing the women riding in to save the day was perfect. I also hoped for a connection between two other characters and the author didn’t disappoint with a ‘shy smile’ at the end. Get comfy in your chair because you won’t want to put this book down. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Trapper's Moon

Trapper’s Moon
Gini Rifkin
December 6, 2019

As a free trapper, mountain man Kade McCauley is wary of the Hudson Bay Company. Their form of vengeance against those who are not part of the company can be deadly. When he and his partner are attacked, he fights back, only to discover one of his shots struck an innocent. A woman who touches his soul, and he will do anything to keep her safe. 

While searching for her Native American tribe, Blind Deer crosses paths with Kade—with near fatal results. Once she is patched up, she decides it is safer to travel with him than alone Their uneasy alliance turns to genuine caring, but Blind Deer's past gets in the way, and she must choose between love or old obligations. 

But nothing in life is carved in stone except the mountains, and those formidable peaks have been known to change the course of a man's life or a woman's. 

Between The Pages 
First, I want to say how beautiful this cover is. Blue is my favourite colour, so this book won me over right away. If I saw this book on a store shelf, I would pick it up to learn more about the story. And the story is truly an enjoyable read. Kade and Blind Deer are the perfect match. Their chemistry is sweet and emotional. Blind Deer’s background is filled with sadness that will pull at your heartstrings. You’ll want her to find her happy-ever-after and Kade fits the role as the endearing rugged hero. The secondary cast is outstanding with Tucket, Maggie, Nikota, and the mischievous Kinnapa and Kintama. Blind Deer’s bother, Nikota could definitely lead a story of his own. The historical aspect is very interesting. The added romance, bits of humour, drama, and tension makes this story a page-turning hit.

Rating 
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Cowboys, Cattle, and Cutthroats

Cowboys, Cattle, and Cutthroats
Gini Rifkin
October 2018

Ochessa is heartbroken when she finds her brother fatally wounded. His dying words are about a childhood puzzle box, missing legal documents, and a drifter named Nicodemus Breedlove. Ochessa vows to find Will’s murderer—and the man Will described. 

No stranger to trouble, Nic’s only concerns are his Stetson, his mule Sadie, and a long awaited chance at retribution. After gaining Ochessa’s trust, and taking the job she offers, life gets more complicated. 

Back on the ranch in Colorado, Ochessa works as hard as any man. Then Nick tempts her into playing even harder as a woman—both are consumed by their growing love for one another. 

Weathering a stampede, a gully washer, and a pack of outlaws, they locate the killer. As Nic’s quest for justice, and Ochessa’s vendetta for Will playout, bullets fly... 

Not everybody’s gonna make it out alive. 

Between The Pages 
Ochessa, the heroine is strong and independent and Nic, the hero, is charming and witty. Filled with touching scenes and a few humorous ones, a couple of my favourites were 1. Lame Bear’s warning to Nic. 2. Ochessa’s attempt at making a pie. The author does a good job combining wit with action and romance. The story moves along at a steady pace, adding suspense, villainous dark horsemen, and gun fights. A few interesting secondary characters were Lame Bear, Ochessa’s neighbor - Eustace, and the villain - Reno. I was a bit disappointed that Eustace didn’t get to reveal his family connection to Ochessa, but the ending was enjoyable where Ochessa transformed her ranch. With a few steamy scenes, this historical western was an entertaining read.

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

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

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

Lady Gallant

Lady Gallant
By Gini Rifkin
March 2010 

Disowned by her father and still mourning the death of her fiancé, Josephine Posey joins Florence Nightingale's brigade of nurses bound for the Black Sea. Thousands of British soldiers desperately await these angels of mercy and a new life awaits Josie. Amidst the chaos of death and despair, she finds a spark of hope, lighting the flame once more inside her soul. In search of the truth, Garrick Allen, one of Britain's first war correspondents also journeys to the Crimean Peninsula. To him the soldiers seem all but abandoned by Queen and country, and as he smokes his cheroots and makes friends with a bottle, he writes his bold but honest dispatches for The Times. Not wanting anything more than to finish his job and go home, Garrick is blindsided by a nurse with attitude who offers him a new slant on life and a reason to love.

Between The Pages
Set during the Crimean War, Lady Gallant provides an interesting look into history during the time of Florence Nightingale and the war itself. The setting is gripping as each scene shows the sadness and horrific side of battle and loss. The characters are sweet, compelling, and caring. Their relationship shines through the story. If you want to get lost in history with a good romance, this is the book for you!

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - A Cowboy's Fate

A Cowboy's Fate
By Gini Rifkin
June 2014

Kicked out of England for offending the Royal Family, Britania Rule heads for Leadville, in the Colorado backcountry. Passing herself off as a highborn lady, she pursues her dream of opening a parlor of spiritual enlightenment. 

Cody James, her guide, thinks he must be half-crazy to hire-out to a female. But his luck at the gaming tables has run dry, and she’s his meal-ticket out of town. Betrayed by the only woman he ever loved, and shot and left for dead by a man he once called friend, Cody declares himself a loner. 

Traveling side by side, they deny their desire for one another, but the Tarot cards say otherwise. Their hot night of passion confirms the prediction. Will love be waiting at the end of the trail? Or could Cody’s past destroy their future?

Between The Pages 
A fun and entertaining story with a picturesque setting. You’ll bounce around the wagon with the charming main characters as they travel the bumpy terrain. Romance, drama, and adventure rolled into one. I was disappointed when the story ended because I wanted the journey to continue. A must read.

Rating 
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Victorian Dream

Victorian Dream
By Gini Rifkin
March 2013

Trelayne St.Christopher, a cosseted young English woman, dreams of falling madly in love, just like the daring women in her purloined novels. Now faced with adult responsibilities for the first time in her life, she leaps at the opportunity to manage her father's shipping business. But when Trelayne ignores her prophetic nightmares in favor of passionate daydreams, her best-laid plans go dangerously awry. Emotionally scarred after the death of his wife, Yankee sea captain Walker Garrison bans romance from his personal manifest--shipbuilding is his only passion. The transatlantic partnership between Walker and Trelayne's father seems a grand idea until her parents are critically injured and one of Walker's crew turns up dead. On the trail of the man responsible, Walker sets sail for England. After meeting his new partner's daughter, protecting Trelayne and not falling in love with her may prove impossible. Will he find the murderer but lose his heart? 

Between The Pages
A beautifully written story with an exquisite detailed setting for each scene and the enchanting landscape. The unexpected suspense with its twists and turns will keep your attention to the very end. This charming and emotion packed story is a must read.

Rating
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Special Delivery

Special Delivery
By Gini Rifkin
Wild Rose Press
May 2012

Clover City, Colorado--1888
A mysterious letter and the drop-dead handsome town marshal, are the last things Mariah expects to find making rounds as a midwife.
Mariah McAllister plans to be married before her next birthday. Too bad Marshal Virgil Kincaid barely knows she's alive. Not one to give up easily, she's determined to show him she has an abiding passion for more than her work.
Virgil Kincaid loved a woman once--after she broke his heart, he spent three years in prison. Women can't be trusted, no matter how good they look. He's sworn off relationships in favor of Saturday night poker games. Life is simple--the way he wants it…until a stranger turns up dead in the road.
Forced to work side by side with Mariah, Virgil begins to wonder if she might be his second chance at love. As they trade kisses and oh so much more, he's willing to take the gamble. But when a killer threatens their once peaceful town, all bets are off.

Between The Pages

I love cowboy stories no matter what time period they are set in. There’s just something about a cowboy…sexiness, handsome good looks or even his natural, go with the flow attitude maybe? Well whatever it is, Virgil Kincaid, the cowboy in Special Delivery was one of those. 

In this story set in Colorado in 1888, we meet the hero Virgil Kincaid who after a few too many years brushing with the law and paying his dues, is now the town Marshall of Clover City Colorado.
A quiet place where hardly anything ever happens unless it’s a brawl at the saloon over a game of cards.
Over an apparent murder on the outskirts of town, the Marshall is thrown into an investigation in which the heroine is right in the dead middle of. (No pun intended).
Here is where our heroine Miss Mariah McAllister enters. She is the daughter of Doc McAllister, the only doctor in town and she unnerves the Marshall at every turn. 
She’s extremely independent, self-sufficient and don’t forget head strong. She’s very focused on her soon-to-be expecting patient but just can’t stay out of the murder investigation for the British man she found outside of town.
The chemistry between these two excellent characters is riveting and has the perfect makings for a romance. Trust me I could go on and on but what fun would that be for you? Believe me when I say you won’t want to miss finding out what happens to these two in this once sleepy, little 1888 Colorado town.  I’m sure glad I did !!

Review Rating: 5 Stars