Between The Pages - Must Have Been Love

Must Have Been Love 

Leigh Riker 

November 2025 

The biggest mistake of his life—or the best thing ever?

Eight years ago, after losing the only woman he ever loved, Declan Sinclair had to leave their preemie daughter behind when he went to war. Now, combat-weary, he’s back on the Montana ranch where he grew up but doesn’t quite fit in—and instead of being a real father to his child at last, Declan may lose her forever. 

His family wants to adopt her, and how can he argue? They raised her while Declan was in the Marines, and with little to offer her except his love, maybe she’d be better off without him. So would his now-and-then friend, the attractive cowgirl who tempts him to set aside his past and love again. 

Working with the Sinclair bulls is Abby Morrow’s dream job, but the rest of her life is a never-ending nightmare. Haunted by the deaths of her parents, Abby has vowed never to marry or have kids of her own. Her safe place is on the ranch, and she has filled the void in her heart with love for Declan’s little girl. But is that fair to her? Or, for that matter, him? 

She and Declan are both damaged, a totally wrong match. But what if their love for his daughter—and each other—could be more than enough? And together they’re exactly right? 

Between The Pages

Book four in Leigh Riker’s Sinclair Cowboys series delivered the same heartfelt charm and emotional depth that made the earlier installments so engaging. Declan and Abby’s slow burn romance unfolded against a backdrop of family tension, personal healing, and the rugged beauty of Montana ranch life. Their connection was steady and believable, shaped by shared wounds and a mutual devotion to Declan’s young daughter, whose scenes added warmth and irresistible sweetness to the story. The author excelled at portraying complex family dynamics, and those interactions remained the highlight, grounding the book in authenticity and heart. Must Have Been Love is a tender, uplifting tale of two damaged souls learning where they belong and discovering love in all its imperfect forms. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Somebody's Baby

Somebody’s Baby 

Leigh Riker 

October 2024 

The Bull Rider and the Bookworm… but don’t opposites attract? 

With her PhD degree almost in hand, Dakota Farrell never expected to have temporary guardianship of her newborn niece—and, sadly, she can’t care for the adorable preemie much longer. But how to find the baby’s father? When her now-dead sister’s diary leads to the man who abandoned her, Dakota despises him on sight. Is he really who she thought he was? Or the surprising love of her own life? 

Bull rider T.J. Sinclair insists he never met Dakota’s wayward sister, never mind his becoming a surprise daddy. As part of a dynasty of rodeo stars, he’s headed this season for a first world championship, not a readymade family. But suddenly that shiny gold buckle isn’t all that’s on his mind. The sweet baby is hard to resist, and so is Dakota. Still, she must be wrong about him… Only what if she’s not? 

Finding the truth may mean risking more than T.J.’s best rodeo season; at exactly the wrong time, he just might lose his heart. And could Dakota really give up the child she already loves to someone else? Or are they both looking for the wrong thing? 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary western romance was a captivating read. Several years following Danny Boy with Erin and Danny Sinclair, Somebody’s Baby is about their son T.J. T.J. and Dakota stole the pages with their undeniable attraction and infinite love for sweet Lily. The author provided a closer look into the family drama of the Sinclairs, including a side story about T.J.’s uncle’s troubled marriage. Filled with likable characters, emotional pulls, a seamless plot, and smooth dialogue, this story was an enjoyable page-turner. The added mystery over who Lily’s father might be was an interesting spin and a fun bonus. Looking forward to more from the Sinclair Cowboys. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Danny Boy

Danny Boy 

Leigh Riker 

October 2023 

She wants him to stay. He wants the world. Erin Sinclair has loved her bull rider husband Danny all her life. She just can’t live with him. Or watch him one more time try to kill himself on a one-ton bull. All pragmatic Erin ever wanted was for him to be there for her and their seven-year-old son, to build a life together. Was that too much to ask? Apparently, it was, and she and Danny are now separated. Will he ever come home to Paradise Valley? To stay? Or has he chosen his dreams of a gold buckle over their family, their marriage? And Erin’s love? 

His estranged family means everything to Danny Sinclair. His love for Erin is forever. But the memories of a long-ago tragedy on the Montana ranch where he grew up are too painful to face. And Danny still carries the blame. The rodeo circuit was to be his lifeline—except that along the way he seems to have lost Erin and their son. What if he could go home again? Yet an eight-second, heart-stopping ride and the promise of a championship seem far safer. Because first, Danny would have to forgive himself. 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary, western romance was a great read. Following the novella, Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas, this book continued Erin and Danny’s love story, which involved a lot of push and pull. Past loss, the hunger for a championship buckle, and family drama fueled this story from start to finish. With a solid cast, including Timmy, who stole many scenes, the author added two equally enjoyable side romances, as well as a visual voice that places you in the small town of Paradise Valley. Looking forward to the next book in The Sinclair Cowboy Series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas

Wanted! One Cowboy for Christmas 

Leigh Riker 

November 2022 

Erin Brodey has loved Danny Sinclair for most of her life. As kids their close friendship sustained them in difficult times, even tragedy, but their feelings for each other have since become much more than friendship, and this Christmas a starry-eyed Erin is hoping for a ring. The commitment from Danny that he doesn’t seem willing to make. Will the happy Christmas she wants with all her heart come true? Or will Danny choose rodeo over her, over them, and a loving future together? 

Between The Pages 

This short story is the prequel/back story to Danny Boy, and the cover is captivating. The author introduces readers to Erin and Danny, their relationship, and their family history. The story has a lot of heart and drama. While the story is short, the author provides a seamless read with a solid plot and a good cast of characters. After reading this book, you’ll want to know what happens next. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Baby on His Doorstep

A Baby on His Doorstep 

Leigh Riker 

March 2023 

His surprise baby… 

Could be her saving grace. 

Workaholic veterinarian Max Crane has sworn off entanglements. Then he wakes up to an infant on his doorstep—and a note saying the tiny girl is his. With his ex MIA, Max hires Rachel Whittaker as his live-in nanny. The grieving widow has her own reasons to keep their relationship professional, but when tongues start wagging, a fake engagement seems the perfect solution. Until they both start falling for the baby…and each other. 

Between The Pages 

Book eleven is the end of the Kansas Cowboys series and leaves you wanting more. Max and Rachel front the finale on a sweet yet sad note. Their romance is endearing, and little Zoey is adorable. The plot not only takes you on their journey together but also provides an update to past characters and introduces lots of little cowboys and cowgirls. There was even a blossoming romance on the side. The Kansas Cowboys was an entertaining series I highly recommend. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Runaway Rancher

The Runaway Rancher 

Leigh Riker 

June 2022 

A new start… 

Or a place to hide?

To the townsfolk of Barren, Kansas, ranching foreman Gabe Morgan is a tall, lean and rugged Texas cowboy. No one knows who he really is. But when Gabe agrees to help stylish librarian Sophie Crane “cowgirl up,” hiding his past feels almost impossible. Because Gabe’s falling hard for Sophie. And keeping his secrets safe could mean losing everything, including the woman who’s roped his heart but good!

Between The Pages 

Book ten in the Kansas Cowboys series is all about the storyline. The characters in Ms. Riker’s books are always interesting, and Gabe and Sophie are no exception. Their interaction and budding romance were sweet. But this story is captivating and plot driven. The drama behind Gabe’s past is intriguing, grabbing your interest and keeping you absorbed in the pages until his secret is revealed. A second romance simmers in the background but soon fizzles out. Could that be a peek into book eleven? I am looking forward to finding out. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Cowboy’s Homecoming

A Cowboy’s Homecoming 

Leigh Riker 

July 2021 

Can she show him how to be a rancher…

And a family man? 

Noah Bodine is paying the price for missing his sister’s wedding by temporarily running his family’s Kansas ranch. But the corporate cowboy is way out of his element. Thankfully, neighbor Kate Lancaster is there to help, though the pretty single mom isn't pleased to spend time with Noah. She still blames Noah for her husband’s death. That is, until Kate’s little boy decides to make Noah his new best friend…and changes both Kate’s and Noah’s meaning of home. 

Between The Pages 

I hadn’t visited the Kansas Cowboys for a while and I have to say, it’s good to be back. This is such a good series and book nine hits the mark on the heartwarming factor, making you smile, laugh, and want to grab a tissue. Both Noah and Kate are perfect leading characters, and Kate’s son, Teddie, was an adorable addition to the cast. The author weaves a plot that captures the attention in the first chapter. When Noah’s brother goes on an impromptu vacation, Noah is left to manage his family’s farm. Add in a sick foal, characters healing from loss, a small background romance, and plenty of family drama, you have a story filled with emotional ups and downs. This is the ninth book in the series, and with book eleven releasing at the end of this month, I already have book ten loaded and ready to read. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Go-To Girl

The Go-To Girl

Leigh Riker 

August 2020 

Personal shopper Tess O’Neill is everybody’s Go-To Girl. Finding the right thing for a client is a no-brainer. Fixing her own life? That’s a different matter because Tess can’t seem to get over her charming ex-husband. But giving him another chance would mean risking her hard-won independence—and Tess’s heart again. 

Recovering gambler Grady O’Neill knows Tess doesn’t trust him any more than she does her poker-playing father. Grady can’t blame her. He was never an ace in life’s deck of cards, and he did break her heart. Still, he’s not the messed-up guy he used to be. How to convince his personal Go-To Girl they still belong together? 

She can’t take the gamble. He has to bet it all. Or, can they both win this game? 

Between The Pages 

A great story of second chances. The main characters are captivating as you anxiously wait for them to reunite. The cast is equally enjoyable with two additional relationship troubles with Tess’s son and another with her co-worker. Dilly, Tess’s granddaughter is adorable, as are the mischievous kittens. You can’t help but like and root for Grady. There are scenes that will make you smile and laugh, and add in plenty of drama. This women’s fiction book with a good spark of romance is a must read. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mistletoe Cowboy

Mistletoe Cowboy 

Leigh Riker 

November 2020 

The best Christmas gift… 

is a second chance with her! 

Cody Jones is a good cowboy with a bad past. But he’s paid for his mistakes and is finally coming home to Barren, Kansas. Only this time, ranch princess Willow Bodine won’t be waiting. She’s gotten engaged to another man: Cody’s enemy. Now Cody must prove that a bad boy cowboy can change his spurs…and become the man Willow truly deserves by Christmas. 

Between The Pages. 

Book 8 in the Kansas Cowboys is another hit in this series. Cody’s character made this story come alive. The handsome and sweet cowboy is making amends and deserves a second chance. I was rooting for him as soon as he stepped onto the pages. His attempt to rescue a horse was a perfect plot twist, which hooked me immediately. Willow is a good heroine. I just wished she would have followed her heart and instincts a bit sooner. It was fun to revisit this town and its secondary cast. An emotional story with a little drama. Will Cody get his horse? You’ll have to read to find out! 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Cowboy’s Secret Baby

The Cowboy’s Secret Baby
Leigh Riker
July 2020

He’s a temporary neighbor… 

But will her surprise make him stay? 

Single mom of three Elizabeth Barnes has reason to avoid her rodeo star neighbor. She needs to protect her family after her ex’s public scandal, and charismatic Dallas Maguire is only passing through. Turning to him for comfort was a onetime lapse—with unexpected consequences! Though Elizabeth can’t keep hiding the truth—or her feelings—can a bachelor cowboy transform into a family man? 

Between The Pages 
The Kansas Cowboys have such a compelling cast, with Lizzie and Dallas adding even more enjoyment to the series. They try to fight an undeniable attraction, which strengthens their characters as their friendship turns to more. Heartbreaking emotion and a heartwarming romance will keep you captivated in this story. The upcoming rodeo brings previous favourite characters into many scenes with some added twists and heartache for Dallas’ sister-in-law. Another hit for the Kansas Cowboys.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Twins Under the Tree

Twins Under the Tree
Leigh Riker
October 2019

He never stayed put… 

until she gave him a reason to 

Rebel cowboy Hadley Smith had never been one to stick around. Then he suddenly became a single father—to twins. Hadley doesn’t need Jenna Moran looking over his shoulder, but he grudgingly starts to fall for her compassion and strength. When faced with an impossible choice, can Hadley prove to Jenna he’s willing to put down roots?

Between The Pages 
This series is ramping up on the list of my favourites. Book six is another hit. We meet Hadley in The Rancher’s Second Chance (book five) as a secondary character. At first he’s not very likable, but the guy soon grows on you and we learn his wife is expecting twins. The start of this book draws you in immediately with the death of Hadley’s wife. He’s now a single dad, but receives help from Clara one of his past foster parents and Jenna. This story has an emotional punch with Hadley’s troubled past as well as Jenna’s, and both lead characters have trust issues. Watching Hadley connect with his twins is truly endearing and some of my favourite scenes in the story. He quickly becomes a bad boy hero and you’ll root for his happy ending. The plot has several interesting twists with Clara’s relationship with Hadley and him running her farm, as well as Cody aka Cory, Hadley’s brother, Dallas, and Hadley’s wife’s parents. This is a sweet and enjoyable holiday read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Rancher’s Second Chance

The Rancher’s Second Chance
Leigh Riker
May 2019

He wants his ranch back… 

She won’t give it up 

Cooper Ransom comes home for one reason: to reclaim his land. Nell Sutherland’s family owns the ranch now, and she’s determined to prove she can run it. So she surprises Cooper when she makes him foreman. Cooper reconnects with the land and Nell, but can he have both? Or will the cowboy have to choose between the ranch he loves…and the woman he loves? 

Between The Pages 
This book was such an enjoyable read. The story draws you in with a strong heroine and a handsome cowboy. Nell is determined to prove to her grandfather, and everyone else, that she is the one to take over the family ranch, and Cooper wants to buy back his family’s land. The plot is a great blend of romance, family drama, and action. There’s always something happening within every chapter. You’ll want to know what will happen when PawPaw returns, what’s the real story behind Jesse, will they find the coyotes before they take down another cow, and when will Cooper and Nell put each other first. The twists and turns in this book are fun and keeps the pages turning. Including characters from past books was also a bonus. This is book five in the Kansas Cowboys series and I am currently reading book six, Twins Under the Tree, which stars Hadley, who played a role in The Rancher’s Second Chance as a guy you won’t like at first, but then you’ll grow a soft spot for him as his wife tells a story with her own POV in this story.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Her Cowboy Sheriff

Her Cowboy Sheriff
Leigh Riker
January 2019

Will a lawman and a little girl… 

Give her a reason to stay? 

Annabelle Foster has big plans to leave Barren, Kansas, until an accident makes her guardian to a little girl. Annabelle has zero experience with children and turns to Finn Donovan for help. But while both Annabelle and Emmie start falling for the strong, guarded sheriff, Finn is haunted by his own tragedy. Can one little girl make them believe in their future…as a family? 

Between The Pages 
A sweet heartwarming romance. A solid plot with the main characters both having tragic pasts. Annabelle can’t wait to leave town after a troubling childhood, and Finn hasn’t recovered from a death in his family and determined to get revenge. The author crafted two well developed characters, which will have you wanting to know what happens next. The story includes two interesting mystery sub-plots. Will Annabelle find Emmie’s father? Will Finn get his revenge? These questions have you turning the pages to know the answers. The author draws you in with a punch of emotion. Her Cowboy Sheriff is book four in the Kansas Cowboys and I look forward to reading book five, The Rancher’s Second Chance, which is Cooper’s and Nell’s story who both appeared in Her Cowboy Sheriff.

Rating 
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Cowboy on Call

Cowboy on Call 
Leigh Riker
November 1, 2017

He needs to stop running from his mistakes. 

Cowboy or doctor? Sawyer McCord has been wrestling with that question since he came home to the Circle H after fleeing his remote clinic in the Himalayas. A tragedy there has him doubting his medical skills, but his reception on the ranch has been chilly at best. Sawyer can’t blame his family—or Olivia Wilson, his brother’s ex—for their anger. So why does Olivia’s opinion of him suddenly matter so much? Sawyer has unfinished business here and at his clinic. If he’s ever going to redeem himself, he needs to start by making amends to the one woman who might never forgive him. 

Between The Pages 
You can’t help but fall in love with the Kansas Cowboys. Revisiting the Circle H was filled with fun and emotion. The family dynamics are complicated for both Sawyer and Olivia, making the story grab your attention. The secondary characters are just as entertaining and enjoyable. The plot is well developed and smooth to read. The author does a great job putting you in a cowboy’s boots. You’ll want to walk through the barn to feed the horses and saddle them up for a ride in the pasture. I hope to revisit Circle H in the future.

Rating 
4 Stars

Last Chance Cowboy

Last Chance Cowboy 
Leigh Riker
May 2017

Why couldn't Shadow have stayed away? 

Rancher Grey Wilson has fought hard to rebuild his life in the ten years since that horrible night she left, the night their love, their families, their whole town was torn apart by tragedy. And he's almost succeeded. But now that Shadow Moran is back in Barren, everything seems to be going wrong. The family ranch his father entrusted to him is struggling. Worse, Shadow still blames him for what happened that night, and Grey's starting to have his own doubts about his innocence. Then Shadow reveals a secret that shakes him to his core… 

Between The Pages 
If you like cowboys, then this story is a must read. Grey and Shadow are captivating lead characters, and the town’s cast is equally enjoyable. The author grabs your attention with a seamless voice in dialogue and descriptive scenes. The added twists of suspense and mystery makes this book in the Kansas Cowboys series a perfect get-comfy-on-the-sofa read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

The Reluctant Rancher

The Reluctant Rancher 
Leigh Riker
October 2016

She can't stay for long 
She just needs a place to hide. Now. Pregnant and on the run, Blossom Kennedy jumps at the opportunity to work as a caregiver to an injured, elderly rancher. While she tends to the man, his handsome grandson takes over at the Circle H. Logan Hunter is tough, loyal and a wonderful father to his young son. But Blossom needs a port in a storm more than she needs love, and soon enough she'll be moving on. Unless she's somehow stumbled into the exact place she and her unborn child are supposed to be…by Logan's side. 

Between The Pages 
A heartwarming, sweet story fills the pages of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style of writing, which captured my attention immediately. Ms. Riker’s descriptive voice places you in the small town setting and the feel of ranch life. There are a lot of emotional tugs between Blossom and Logan, who you’ll root for from the beginning. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable, especially Sam, Logan’s grandfather. I hope Logan’s brother appears in an upcoming story of the Kansas Cowboys series. I highly recommend this book.

Rating 
5 Stars