Between The Pages - Kurt

Kurt 

Hebby Roman 

July 2021 

Can Clementine, a sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, escape her abusive “manager” to find true love with a Texas cowboy? 

Kurt Armstrong, a wanna-be trick shooter, runs away to join Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. But his aspirations exceed his skill, and he fails to make the grade. Instead, he’s hired as an extra, and he meets Clementine Campbell. Kurt falls in love with the red-haired sharpshooter, and she turns his world upside down. 

Clementine is the warm-up act for Annie Oakley in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. But she’s not performing by choice; she’s been sold by her uncle to an unscrupulous and dangerous man who acts as her manager and controls her by force. Clementine doesn’t know how to break free until she learns a secret about her manager, George Byrnes. When she meets and falls in love with Kurt, she finds the courage to try to rid herself of the men who enslave her, George, and her uncle Angus. 

To retain her reputation and liberate herself, Clementine needs to prove George’s unnatural and abusive inclinations. But George is one step ahead of her, and he marries her to retain control of her wages as a sharpshooter. Forced to repudiate Kurt, so his life won’t be in danger, she’s trapped in an abusive relationship. How can she free herself and regain the love of her life, Kurt? 

Between The Pages 

This story takes place in the 1890’s and has an engaging historical visual of the Wild West and its famous entertainment show, including Annie Oakley. Clementine has a heartbreaking past, and Kurt is the son of Zach and Johanna, who we met in book 1, Zach. The plot holds a lot of drama standing in the way of Clementine and Kurt finding their happy ever after. Their romance is heartwarming. The story includes an interesting cast of characters. Flora (aka Flies Like A Bird) is a delight in every scene she appears in. The author does a great depiction of the villain by giving the reader a reason to dislike him yet doesn’t push his character too far. I highly recommend taking a weekend walk into the past with Kurt. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Cupid Returns to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch

Cupid Returns to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch

Hebby Roman 

December 2020 

Will a long-awaited wedding at the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch spark another round of unlikely romances? 

Les Springer, the owner of the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch, is a little rusty on relationships. When his new girlfriend, Lilly Mayfield, feels neglected and wonders if he’s seeing someone else, she decides two can play at that game. 

Eva González, Les’ widowed housekeeper, and Jiggs Davis, Les’ bachelor foreman, can’t wait to be married until Eva’s unconventional daughter shows up and has Jiggs bolting for the door. Cheyenne MacPherson thinks she’s in love with Jayce Fulton, but her observations of wedded bliss leave a lot to be desired. Jayce wants a forever-after-kind of love, but can he convince Cheyenne to let him put a ring on her finger?

Laney Springer, Les’ oldest daughter, hasn’t had a serious relationship since her fiancé dumped her in college. When she runs into her childhood friend, Edward Coleridge, he makes her feel desirable again. Edward has known Laney since they were children. But he’s six years younger and worries she only thinks of him as her kid brother. 

María González, Eva’s daughter, has failed at everything she’s tried. At the ranch, she’s swept off her feet by the multi-millionaire, sophisticate Nigel Lafitte. But María worries she’s not good enough for him. What does Nigel have to do to convince her to take him seriously? 

Chris Henderson, Laney’s roommate, swears off cowboys when she learns her current boyfriend is two-timing her. At the Springer ranch, she meets New Mexico’s most eligible cowboy millionaire, Connor McCullar. Connor’s trust has been shattered in the past, and he prefers to play the field. Will Chris be the woman to break down his defenses?

Brenda Thompson, Cheyenne’s best friend, is divorced and a single-mother, and after years of disappointing dates she’s almost given up on men. Chuck Hornbill is shy and awkward with women, and while Brenda fascinates him, she also scares the pants off him. How can he convince her to give him a chance? 

Between The Pages 

Cupid’s return brings another group to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch and another fun read. There are a lot of characters within the pages of this book, but the author makes the read easy to keep track of who is who so there is no confusion. With a great descriptive voice, the author places you in every scene. New characters are introduced, which are interesting to read about, and we get to revisit original characters to see what they have been up to, but my favourite remains with Les, who is the leader of the pack. I heard a third book is coming soon and I hope Les gets the nerve to walk down the aisle. There are a few sweet moments and many laugh out loud scenes. An entertaining read that will make you smile. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Zach

Zach 
Bachelors and Babies
Hebby Roman
April 2020

Will their love for an orphaned baby forge a lasting bond between a widowed sheep rancher and a battle-scarred drill sergeant? 

Sergeant Zacharias Armstrong survived the massacre of his family and the starvation of his baby brother but lost his faith. After being rescued and raised by mountain men, Zach joins the Army. Disciplined and introverted, he doesn’t form personal attachments. Instead, he makes the Army his new home and family, rising in rank to sergeant. But when he rescues a baby, his life takes an unexpected turn. 

Johanna Gunter, an immigrant from Germany, survived the murder of her husband and eldest son. Johanna clings to the ranch she and her husband carved out of the Texas wilderness, and she wants to be left in peace to raise her other two children. But her neighbors, the Jackson brothers, are determined to terrify her, making her give up her land. 

When the Army sends Zach to investigate the murder of one of Johanna’s shepherds and his wife, he finds their baby. Johanna offers to raise the child, but Zach doesn’t want to give up the baby. When he learns the murder is part of the ongoing terror Johanna faces, he joins forces with her. A bond develops between them, their mutual attraction grows, and Johanna helps Zach find his faith again. But can they forget their painful pasts and open their hearts to allow their newfound attachment to forge a lasting family? 

Between The Pages 
This story was an emotional ride. The plot was interesting and held my attention. There’s a little suspense to up the reading enjoyment. The historical setting is well-developed as is the cast of characters. Zach is such a likable hero. His unwavering love for the baby and helping Johanna is touching. Both Zach and Johanna have suffered in the past, but their connection is healing and makes them stronger. This sweet story is enjoyable from beginning to end. A perfect weekend read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Betrayed

Betrayed
Hebby Roman
September 2019

Mariel Mendoza wants to marry her beloved childhood sweetheart, Enrique Salazar. As the only child of a prosperous planter, her father is determined she marry a wealthy and respected businessman, Antonio Aguilar. She yearns to elope with Enrique, but he’s involved with the revolutionary movement against Spain. 

Stricken by the suffering the revolution brings to her island home, Mariel betrays Antonio by stealing documents that will help the revolution while planning to run away with Enrique. Their plans are foiled by Antonio, and Mariel must face the wrath of her betrayed husband. 

Mariel confronts the bleak future of an unwanted wife. She learns to run her husband’s plantation, nurses her father back to health, and saves his plantation from an unscrupulous overseer. With each accomplishment, she grows as a woman and realizes her heart lies with her estranged husband. Separated by betrayal and distrust, can they overcome their past and fashion a future together? 

Between The Pages 
I will admit, I was a bit hesitant to read this story due to the age difference between Mariel and Antonio, but I then saw that the story takes place in 1867 when arranged marriages between a younger woman and an older man was a common occurrence. I am very happy I gave this story a chance because it was well worth the read and I was sold on the beautiful cover. The author places the reader in the captivating historical settings with a skillful descriptive voice. The characters are neatly developed from the main characters to the secondary cast. Betrayal is the story’s theme, but there is a good mixture of suspense and action, which propels the plot forward and keeps you turning the pages. You’ll root for Mariel and Antonio while many obstacles are placed in their path. Will their unmistakable chemistry reunite them in the end? I recommend picking up a copy of this book to follow the emotional journey.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Cupid Comes to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch

Cupid Comes to the Lonesome Buzzard Ranch
Hebby Roman
February 2019

Les Springer, a widowed rancher, hasn’t stopped grieving for his wife. When three of his friends cook up a Valentine’s Day weekend at his B&B, chaos ensues. The three cowboys go to an online dating site to find matches. The only problem is, no one ends up with who they pick… almost. 

Jackson Coleridge, Les’ best buddy, kisses the wrong woman at the wrong time… in front of the wrong woman. 

Jiggs Davis, Les’ ranch foreman, gets drafted at the last minute to squire one of the matched ladies… but she’s no lady. 

Jayce Fulton, Les’ rodeo champion friend, tries to corral the lady no one wants… until she turns on him. 

Harper Lewis, a social media guru, is divorced and thinks she’s looking for a husband… until she realizes she wants more. Can the cowboy she’s chosen meet her expectations? 

Lillian Mayfield, a widowed accountant turned florist, comes across as stiff and formal and still… grieving. Is she ready to open her heart and discover a new love? 

Cheyenne MacPherson, part Navajo and a sculptor, is dedicated to her work and feels the weekend is… one big mistake. Can a handsome cowboy change her mind? 

Eva González, Les’ widowed cook and housekeeper, misses her children and longs for a sense of… family. Is she ready to start a new family with the man she loves? 

Between The Pages 
An interesting story with a twist of more than one romance happening at the same time. There are several points of view in this book and in the beginning - as new characters are introduced - I found myself getting a bit mixed up with who was who, but the author does a great job by writing each character with their own personality which quickly clarifies each character. The chapter and scene breaks also help with introducing a new POV, making the transition of indentifying the speaker much easier. The plot is done well with a Valentine’s weekend match up. Cupid’s arrow has some fun with the characters and mixes up the original pairing. Watching each romance develop was enjoyable, and the author added a nice touch of humour and drama to up the fun and tension. The beautiful cover will have you picking up this book and you won’t be disappointed.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cristabelle: The Christmas Bride

Cristabelle: The Christmas Bride
Hebby Roman
June 2018

Cristabelle Shannon is struggling to support her ailing mother as a laundress at Fort Clark. Pious and serious, Crissy safeguards a family secret. If her secret gets out, she could lose her position, the only decent job she can find. Crissy dreams of a day when she can put her shameful secret behind—a place where no man can trouble her. 

Sergeant David Donovan is a fun-loving prankster, who has made the United States cavalry his home. He joined the Army for adventure and to guard the frontier. His outlandish jokes have cost him his stripes, several times, only to be won back by his bravery. Davie is an Army lifer, committed to his free-wheeling ways and with no thought of settling down. 

When Davie meets Crissy, he’s drawn to her. The rules of the fort’s commander forbid their relationship. Not wanting to lose her job or encourage him, Crissy resists Davie’s attentions. But when he discovers a plot to steal the fort’s payroll and is plunged into danger, Crissy realizes how much she cares for him. Can she face the shameful secret in her past to embrace her future and be Davie’s Christmas bride?

Between The Pages 
This story is masterfully crafted with an historical outline. The author sends you to 1875 Fort Clark, Texas with ease and places you into the setting of the fort, its soldiers, residents, and raids. The cast is interesting with characters of strength, kindness, and a few not so nice. Cristabelle and David are strong leading characters built on faith and family and they have an instant chemistry that leads them from a bumpy road to an everlasting romance. The Christmas aspect comes near the end chapters with beautiful symbols for the season. The author adds a few twists to the enjoyable plot. Cristabelle is book two of A West Texas Frontier Trilogy. Mallory: The Mail Order Bride is book three and already in my reading schedule.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Ruth: The Rescued Bride

Ruth: The Rescued Bride

Hebby Roman
April 2018

Ruth MacDonald has lost all her family and been a Comanche captive for two years. Her rescue by the U.S. cavalry comes when she’s giving birth, and her joy at being set free is ruined by losing her son. Faced with the loss of all her loved ones, she turns to the only person who understands her plight, U.S. cavalry scout, Jacob Wells. 

Jacob has led a difficult life, born of a Comanche mother and a cavalry soldier. He serves as a cavalry scout with bravery and integrity, wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. But when a commission in the Army is within his grasp, he learns there is something more important than ambition—his growing love for Ruth. 

Discouraged and grieving, Ruth turns Jacob away to start a new life in the East. She has an important lesson to learn before she can love again—the lesson of forgiveness. Can Ruth forgive all the pain and sorrow she’s suffered and open her heart to Jacob and his forever-after kind of love? 

Between The Pages 
This story is filled with lots of little twists to hold your attention from the first page to the end. The emotional story line is a hit with a smooth pace of dialogue, and has just enough details to move you through the story without losing the reader’s attention. The complete cast of characters are interesting, but the author draws you into the Texas Frontier with a sweet tale of two lost souls. The added bit of action, drama, secrets, and forgiveness will have you flipping through the pages. I would have read this delightful book in one sitting, but it got late in the evening. After stopping before a big secret was reveal, I picked the book up the next morning to finish the last couple of chapters. Ruth: The Rescued Bride is the first book in the West Texas Frontier Trilogy. I look forward to reading book two.
Rating 
4.5 Stars

A Mistletoe Christmas

A Mistletoe Christmas
Hebby Roman
October 2016

Ginny Brown is a poor seamstress’ daughter who worships the ground Chad MacKillian walks on... from afar. For as long as she can remember, she’s been in love with the prominent rancher. Befriended by Chad’s sister, Ginny overcomes her shyness when Chad finally notices her. Unknown to Ginny or his sister, Chad is already engaged to the neighboring rancher’s daughter, but their engagement is a business arrangement. The more time Chad spends with Ginny, the more he questions his future plans. Torn between honoring his engagement and his growing feelings for Ginny, he avoids making a decision. 

When Chad’s fiancée catches him kissing Ginny beneath the mistletoe, she breaks their engagement. Chad is relieved to be free, but Ginny is humiliated and has had enough of his inconstancy. Faced with losing Ginny and fighting off outlaws bent on revenge, Chad begs Ginny to marry him. But can Chad convince Ginny he really loves her and is eager for her to be his wife? 

Between The Pages 
This book is the third in the West Texas Christmas Trilogy and stands well on its own. The western setting is perfect with bar brawls, gun fire, and fashion. There’s a wonderful friendship between Ginny and Lindsay which is endearing, but it doesn’t overshadow the romance between Ginny and Chad, as well as Lindsay and Bart. A smooth plot and interesting characters makes this wild west story an enjoyable read.

Rating 
4 Stars

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor
Hebby Roman
March 12, 2016

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance. 

Between The Pages
This romance has a different twist with mature lead characters in their 40’s and 50’s. The plot is interesting, and the characters are well-developed as they overcome the challenges to be together. An enjoyable read.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Border Affair

Border Affair 
Hebby Roman
April 2016

Camila Villarreal has had a crush on Rusty Douglas since she was twelve years old. And no matter what she does she can’t stop caring for him. 
Rusty, a self-made millionaire and a partner in her family’s ranch, is recovering from a messy divorce and facing a mid-life crisis. He’s not eager to become involved in a serious relationship. Despite Rusty’s doubts, their mutual attraction blazes into a sizzling affair. But when Camila is kidnapped, Rusty is desperate to rescue her. Will he get her back unharmed? And if he does, can their affair develop into a lasting relationship? 

Between The Pages
An enjoyable story where the author places you in the backdrop of a beautiful setting. The characters are interesting, and though several years separate them in age, their interaction is fun and emotional. A well-developed plot and a bit of suspense. A good book to read on a lazy afternoon.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Let It Be Christmas

Let It Be Christmas
Hebby Roman
September 2016

After losing both her parents, Lindsay MacKillian has been living with her Aunt Minerva in Boston, learning to be a lady. When her unscrupulous fiancé gets her in the family way and absconds, she escapes home to Langtry, Texas to hide her shame. 

Bart Houghton, a professional gambler, wants to quit his old profession and become a rancher, giving the MacKillian’s ranch a much needed infusion of capital. But he didn’t count on marrying Chad’s sister as part of the deal. And to make matters worse, Lindsay doesn’t approve of his former profession and believes he is unworthy as a husband. 

Lindsay and Bart, despite their differences and having a marriage in name only, can’t help but being attracted to each other. As their attraction matures, they have to face the obstacles of their pasts. Can Lindsay put aside her preconceived notions about Bart? Is Bart ready to settle down and give Lindsay the family she wants? 

Between The Pages 
A well-written story and interesting characters. The setting was beautiful, and the plot held a small twist of action. Lindsay seemed a little hard on Bart, but he handled her strong personality. This Christmas themed story can be read any time of year. The author places you into the wild-west with a short and enjoyable read.
Rating
4 Stars

Tempt Fortune

Tempt Fortune
Hebby Roman
July 2015

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Angelina Herrera flees from Cuba to Key West to start a new life and build her own business. But when her past catches up with her, she realizes the only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is to marry another … in name only.

Drawn to the fiercely independent beauty Angelina, Cuban revolutionary, Alejandro Estava marries her. Though outwardly he agrees to the platonic relationship because of his secret past, he cannot deny his powerful desire to possess her completely.

But tempestuous forces more powerful than the hurricane descending on their island home unleashes their mutual passion while threatening their yearning for a lifelong bond.

Between The Pages
A historical romance based in the setting of Key West. A good cast of characters that evolve in friendship, family, emotion, secrets, distrust, and love. I would have enjoyed the suspense to be more edge-of-your-seat, but the author throws in two romances in one story to level the pace of the read. Angelina and Alejandro are the main characters, but the romance between Destiny and Nathan is equally enjoyable. The plot and characters keep your attention throughout the whole story.

Rating
4 Stars

Catalina and the Winter Texan

Catalina and the Winter Texan
By Hebby Roman
June 2015

Catalina Reyes has sacrificed everything to own a beach-front recreational vehicle Park. Widowed and struggling, her Park falls on hard times and needs extensive renovations to stay open. 

When Manuel Batista, a widowed and successful contractor rents a slot at the Park, he's immediately attracted to Catalina and captivated by her fiery spirit and determination. Manuel helps Catalina to renovate her Park. Working together, their relationship sizzles, but Catalina realizes Manuel will return north after the winter. Unwilling to start a long-distance relationship after a painful breakup in her previous marriage, she must learn to trust again.

Can they overcome Catalina's fears and bridge the gap of hundreds of miles between their homes and families to find a second chance at love?

Between The Pages 
This story highlights the importance of family, following your dreams, and second chances at love regardless of age. Charming characters, smooth plot, and good writing. The story has some Spanish that is slightly distracting if the reader is not familiar with the language.

Rating
3.5 Stars

A Hard Candy Christmas

A Hard Candy Christmas
Hebby Roman
October 2015

Abigail Kerr Sanford is a single mother struggling to raise her child. Sheriff Clint Graham is a man scarred by his background and family tragedies. Drawn into a bitter feud between ranchers and railroaders, Abigail and Clint work together to resolve the feud, learning to respect and trust each other. And as their feelings deepen, they recognize their love is the most special Christmas gift of all. 

Between The Pages
A sweet romance in the historical timeframe of feuding railroaders and ranchers. The plot has action, emotion, and compelling characters. The scenes with Clint, Abigail, and her son are touching moments in the story. An adorable holiday read where you’ll be hooked from the first page.

Rating 
4 Stars