Between The Pages - Murder Under The Mistletoe

Murder Under The Mistletoe

Liz Fielding 

November 2023 

Abby Finch arrives at the old church hall armed with festive mistletoe and holly, ready to decorate. But within moments of her walking through the door, tragedy strikes . . . 

Edward Marsh reaches to test the antique star at the top of the tree. There’s a fizz and the lights go out. Abby hears the sickening thud of a body hitting the floor. When the lights turn back on, Edward is dead. It soon becomes clear it was no accident. 

The real victim should have been Gregory Tatton. Dapper silver fox. Popular with the ladies of the seniors’ lunch club. A known blackmailer . . . 

Abby is desperate to find out the truth, but putting herself in danger isn’t on her Christmas wish list. 

Who’s been naughty? Who’s been nice? Who’s hiding the fact they’re a murderer?

Between The Pages 

This cozy mystery was an engaging read, a page-turner, and a great who-done-it murder. There is a large cast of characters to keep track of, but reading the first book in the Maybridge Murder Mysteries series is helpful to get to know everyone. This book added a little more romance between Abby and Jake. Jake is one of my favorite characters. He provided a bit of humor to the story and emotion as he bonded with Abby’s children. The well-developed plot holds your interest from beginning to end.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Murder Among The Roses

Murder Among The Roses 

Liz Fielding 

April 2023 

In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two. 

Abby is horrified to discover the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. It’s in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home. 

She immediately calls the police. But she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the woman he’s got pregnant. 

And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself. Lying dead in the very same rose garden. Throat slashed with her own garden spade. 

Now Abby is the prime suspect. 

Between The Pages 

This was a compelling cozy murder mystery. The plot was well-developed with twists that upped the suspense. There was a large cast, leading to forgetting what role some of them played, but the main characters of Abby, her family, friends, and the police were interesting. The author pulls you into the storyline, leaving clues of who the murderer is along the way. However, with many possible suspects, you’re still guessing, which added to the enjoyment of the read. The ending was engaging and makes you anxious to read the next book in the Maybridge Murder Mysteries Series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Secret, A Safari, A Second Chance

A Secret, A Safari, A Second Chance
Liz Fielding
September 2019

A luxury escape… 

A chance to reveal her baby bombshell! 

In this Destination Brides story, a bid at a charity auction wins Eve Bliss a dream holiday on safari! As a penniless single mom, she’d be mad not to go, but she’s not expecting Kit Merchant to be there on business. She and Kit once shared a passionate moment. Now, together in beautiful Africa, how long can she keep her four-year-old secret… Kit has a daughter! 

Between The Pages 
Liz Fielding has once again picked me up and placed me in the setting of her story. The visual storytelling is breathtaking. I felt like I was part of the setting, staying at the Nymba Safari Lodge. A balloon ride, a canoe trip, star gazing, and animals from birds, monkeys, giraffes, lions, and elephants, there was beauty on every page. The story opens with a peek at Eve and Kit meeting for the first time four years ago and continues to the present at a charity auction. Eve and Kit are perfect lead characters. Their connection is captivating. When Kit learns he has a daughter and meets Hannah for the first time, the emotion is packed with a punch. The scene where Eve sends Kit a video of Hannah and says “Go to Daddy” and Kit’s response is “I’m in love” is such a heartwarming moment. And there are so many that follow...wow! I loved this romance story and exquisite setting. This is book four in the Destination Brides, and while I haven’t read the other three books, I can’t imagine a better reading ride than this one.

Rating 
5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Billionaire’s Convenient Bride

The Billionaire’s Convenient Bride
Liz Fielding
April 2019

The tycoon returns… …

with a convenient proposal! 

Since Kam Faulkner’s mother unjustly lost her job at Priddy Castle after his stolen moment with the owner’s granddaughter, Agnés Prideaux, Kam has dreamed of revenge. Years later, billionaire Kam is back to buy the castle—but finds Agnés has inherited the crumbling estate! A convenient marriage could solve both their problems, but their rekindling attraction is anything but convenient… Could this be Kam’s second chance with his first love? 

Between The Pages 
A sweet story of revenge turning to a second chance. Agnes and Kam are great leading characters, having a strong childhood friendship that turns to more before they are torn apart. Kam is now very wealthy and Agnes owns a castle filled with debt. The author does a wonderful job placing you in the setting of the castle and its grounds. Learning of the castle’s history and its heritage of characters was very interesting. So many twists make this story an attention grabber from the bitter connection between Agnes’ grandfather and Kam’s mother as well as the inheritance clause of the castle. Reading the snippets of Agnes Prideaux’s journal at the beginning of the chapters was a favourite and a fun addition to the story. A strong and determined heroine, a billionaire hero, a solid plot, an emotional ride, and a couple of dogs had me immersed in the pages of this story.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

The Bridesmaid’s Royal Bodyguard

The Bridesmaid’s Royal Bodyguard 
Liz Fielding
October 2017

After being sacked from her job on the gossip magazine Celebrity, Ally Parker is forced to return home to Combe St. Philip with her tail between her legs. She is given a fresh start when her childhood friend, Hope, asks her to work PR for Hope’s marriage to Prince Jonas of San Michele. 

When Count Fredrik Jensson, head of security for the royal family, arrives to check out the village, he makes it clear that her past employment makes her unfit for the role. The fact that there’s a sizzle between them from the moment they meet only makes everything worse. 

Forced together on a trip to San Michele for the official announcement of the wedding, Fredrik and Ally find themselves stranded overnight in his mountain retreat. Their sizzle flares into an inferno. However, their night of passion sours when he sees her with her ex-boss. Believing that Ally is about to buy back her job with wedding secrets, Fredrik turns back to ice. What will it take to see the person she truly is and a thaw to set in? 

Between The Pages 
The Bridesmaid's Royal Bodyguard is the third book in the Royal Wedding Invitations series, but is a stand-alone story. The series starts with two characters who meet, fall in love, and plan a wedding. The following books continue with characters involved with the wedding. The beautiful cover leads you into a story that is a smooth and quick read. The characters have interesting backgrounds and they connect with an unexpected kiss in the first chapter. Their romance has twists and turns, and lots of spice.

Rating 
4 Stars

Trouble in Paradise

Trouble in Paradise
Liz Fielding
August 2017

Maddy Osbourne's first encounter with Hugo Griffin could not have been more embarrassing. It got worse when he was flying her to her godmother's house on St Vincent and engine trouble forced him to bring his sea-plane down in the lagoon of the uninhabited Paradise Island. 

With no radio they are forced to fend for themselves until someone sends out a search party to rescue them. Meanwhile, Griff isn't a man to do all the work while a woman he'd decided is a pampered and ill-manner rich girl sits back and waits for him to wait on her. 

He had her so wrong! Maddy knew what it was to be poor and she'd worked hard to build up her own business, but she'd never fished for her own supper and the bivouac she'd built for herself collapses in the middle of the night. 

She gradually wins Griff round with her determination not to rely on him for anything but, just as paradise seems within reach, she discovers that he's been lying to her. 

Maddy has been lied to before and once she realises she has a way off the island she makes a bid for freedom. Will her escape bid end in disaster? 

Will her heart be broken all over again or can Griff persuade her to return to paradise?

Between The Pages 
Chemistry sparks in the first chapter. This book is an updated version of a previous release by the author. A solid plot and likable characters. This quick read takes you on an enjoyable journey with a tropical island setting. A great read to warm you up on a cold night.

Rating 
4 Stars

Her Pregnancy Bombshell

Her Pregnancy Bombshell
Liz Fielding
June 2017

Expecting her boss's baby! 

Pilot Miranda Marlowe is too sick to fly her plane, and she must face the truth: she's pregnant! She knows well enough that her boss, Cleve Finch, is still grieving for his late wife, so to think, she heads to her sister's new inheritance, Villa Rosa. 

Despite the spiders and dust, the Mediterranean palazzo is as gorgeous as ever. Until Cleve turns up with a dramatic offer: a convenient marriage as soon as it can be arranged! It may be the sensible answer…but is it enough for Miranda?

Between The Pages 
An entertaining read of romance, wit, and a fun cast. The plot was captivating and has interesting twists of Cleve’s late wife, and Miranda’s father. The setting of Summer at Villa Rosa is picturesque, making you want to take a leisurely stroll through each room of the house and the streets of the quaint town. The secondary cast is delightful, and I hope we get to see more of Miranda’s sisters in future stories. A perfect weekend read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

The Sheikh's Convenient Princess

The Sheikh’s Convenient Princess
Liz Fielding
February 2017

From secretary…to the sheikh's wife! 

Sheikh Ibrahim al-Ansari knows a reconciliation with his estranged father means accepting his father's choice of bride…unless he gets there first! Luckily he has the perfect princess in mind—his new assistant Ruby Dance. 

After her last cheating boyfriend, Ruby is avoiding all commitments, but this promotion could help her family, so she agrees to a temporary marriage. She should be craving her next assistant role, not the devastating beauty of the desert and the man who rules it all… 

Between The Pages 
This marriage of convenience creates sparks the very first time Ruby sees Bram. Both having issues in their pasts, their connection is instant and fun. The author sets a beautiful scenery. The plot pulls you in and keeps your attention on every page these characters interact. Charming and emotional makes this story quite enjoyable.

Rating 
4 Stars

Vettori's Damsel in Distress

Vettori's Damsel in Distress 

Liz Fielding
July 2015

Her Italian knight… 

Angelica Amery has come to Milan for a fresh start, only to find that the bijou apartment she'd rented doesn't exist! Taking refuge in a nearby café, she meets enigmatic but darkly handsome Dante Vettori, who comes to her rescue… 

What else could Dante do? He feels responsible for Geli, and that's before he kisses her! But soon this unconventional English girl is playing havoc with his complicated life and emotions, throwing into stark relief just how much Dante needs rescuing right back! 

Between The Pages 
A beautifully written romance story filled with Rosie’s Little Book of Ice Cream quotes. Though it had been some time since reading about Geli’s sisters in previous books, as this story progressed, I soon recalled their stories, which added a nice connection. The Italian winter setting is vivid and the main characters are charming. A twist near the end regarding Dante’s past causes conflict yet shows his compassion. The addition of the kittens is a bonus to the plot and provides the story with a sprinkle of fun on top of a delicious scoop of ice cream.

Rating 
4 Stars

The Bride, The Baby, and the Best Man

The Bride, The Baby, and the Best Man
By Liz Fielding
October 2014 

What do you when, three weeks from your wedding, a blackmailing aunt leaves you holding the baby?  

Faith Bridges should be wedding dress shopping with her bridesmaids, finalising the menu for the reception, house hunting. Instead she's up close and personal with Harry March - the last man on earth she’d trust with her heart - a fractious baby and a four year old diva. She and Julian may not have had the most conventional of courtships but he’s wise, responsible and utterly dependable. The exact opposite of Harry, who thinks that all he has to do to get her to stay and take care of his sister's children is to tease her, charm her and, when that doesn’t work, make love to her.  

It won't work; Faith knows that love is like meringue — all sugar and air, and about as substantial. And she has made a promise that she isn’t about to break. So why does she find it so hard to walk away?

Between The Pages 
The title and cover had me anxious to read this captivating story that’s beautifully written. The author gives you endearing characters and a page-turning plot. A perfect balance of humor and emotion, this story will have you reading until the wee hours of the morning because you won’t want to put it down. A must read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - For His Eyes Only

For His Eyes Only 
By Liz Fielding
March 2014

"It's your body that I want to draw, not your clothes." 

Well, that's what she was afraid of! Hardworking estate agent Natasha Gordon finds her reputation in tatters when an ad she created gets bungled. She'll do anything to restore her good name—even beg seriously sexy artist Darius Hadley to give her another chance to sell his ancestral home. Only, he drives a hard bargain: Natasha must pose naked, for his eyes only…! 

He's asking Natasha to take him on trust. But she's learned the hard way not to trust men—particularly those she's working with…and let alone men she's taking her clothes off for! 

Darius's next outrageous statement? "I will, too—if it will make it easier for you.…" 

Between The Pages 
A must read romance with sizzling heat. The attraction between Natasha and Darius is sexy and passionate. The author’s descriptive voice has you seeing the hero’s sculptures, drawings, and his ancestral home. Natasha and Darius both have complex pasts, which unleashes the emotional and engaging story line.

Rating
4 Stars

Between The Pages - Dangerous Flirtation

Dangerous Flirtation
By Liz Fielding
November 2012

Rose has her life all mapped out. A job she loves, a thoughtful, reliable fiancé. Everything is just perfect until a stranger with laughing blue eyes and a roguish grin bursts into her life and turns her life upside down with a birthday kiss. Jack Drayton offers romance, excitement and passion – and he challenges her to accept. Dare she? 

Between The Pages 
A witty and fun romantic comedy. Endearing characters and a page-turning plot. The humor and emotion are irresistible, begging to be read in one sitting. Get ready to be totally engrossed in this story.

Rating
4 Stars

Between the Pages - Anything But Vanilla

Anything But Vanilla

By Liz Fielding

May 2013

Even more tempting than ice cream!

Sorrel Amery is determined to make her summer event the talk of the town, and she knows just the way into people's hearts—champagne sorbet! It's the perfect strategy… Until the ice cream parlor's owner runs off, leaving Sorrel's plans melting faster than a sundae in the summer sun.

All Sorrel wants is to get back into her comfort zone, but when the gorgeous Alexander West arrives to help pick up the pieces her life gets shaken up more than ever before! Especially as this globe-trotting adventurer is determined that nothing in Sorrel's life should ever be boring old vanilla again…

Between the Pages of this story is a mouthwatering read that will have you running to the freezer for a bowl of flavoured ice cream! This title is the second in the Amery sisters series. As in the first title, the second includes enjoyable quotes from Rosie’s Little Book of Ice Cream at the beginning of each chapter. The only downside to this story was, I found the    initial scene seemed to continue through the first   several chapters. I wanted Sorrel and Alexander to get out of the shop and start interacting. The scene at the catering event was humorous and fun to read. The ending was priceless, filled with so much emotion that will bring a tear to your eye. I can’t wait to read the next sister’s story!

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - Eloping with Emmy

Eloping with Emmy

By Liz Fielding

May 2012

Hot shot legal eagle, Tom Brodie, has been landed with an assignment to test any man to his limits - do whatever it takes to prevent headstrong heiress Emerald Carlisle from marrying a fortune-hunter. He is not happy about it, and when Emmy stows away in his car, his day goes from bad to worse, but since she's the only one who knows where to find the man in question he has no choice but take her along for the ride.

It's a bumpy one!

Emmy is not a woman to sit back and let things fall as they will. She has a plan and she keeps Brodie on his toes in a rollercoaster chase across the UK and France. He's more than up to the challenge, but falling in love with Emmy along the way is always going to end with his heart in pieces.

Between the Pages of this story proves that opposites attract. The well-developed characters, the seamless plot that places you in the story, and the humor make this story a delightful read. There are twists you don’t expect, but enjoy as you read along. I knew as soon as Emmy hid in Brodie’s car this story was going to be a wild ride! A perfect weekend read!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Last Woman He'd Ever Date

The Last Woman He’d Ever Date

By Liz Fielding
Harlequin
July 2012

     Claire Thackeray: Hardworking single mom and gossip columnist. Hoping for the inside scoop on sexy billionaire Hal North, aka her teen crush Most wary of: Gorgeous men who set her heart racing. (Been there, got the T-shirt--and the baby )
     Hal North: Bad boy made good. Back in his hometown as new owner of the Cranbrook Park estate. Determined to put his troubled past behind him.
     Most wary of: Journalists--especially pretty ones, like new neighbor and tenant Claire Thackeray.

Between The Pages of this story is a beautiful love story with a splash of humor. A smooth plot and charming characters with wit and sizzle that have you wanting more. A perfect summer read that will draw you in from the first page.

Review Rating: 4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Flirting with Italian

Flirting With Italian
By Liz Fielding
Harlequin
November 2011

     Bag: packed. Flight: booked. Soon I'll be in Rome and experiencing life in a foreign language! Watch this space…
     Newly single Sarah Gratton is determined to enjoy her holiday—could a just-for-fun romance with dark-eyed Matteo di Serrone be the answer? This Italian count is ideal flirting material—if Sarah's brave enough to make a move!
     Well, she might not be—but luckily Matteo is! Matteo decides to keep this mysterious woman close—no hardship at all, given their spine-tingling awareness of each other…
     It's like something out of a fairy tale—until Sarah realizes she's made the most rookie mistake of all: falling in love with her holiday fling….

Between The Pages of this story is a sexy romance, with an engaging plot. This emotional rollercoaster also contained a sub-plot about Sarah’s great grandfather. I found the ending a bit quick and the heroine’s blog notes were sometimes an intrusion to the read. Overall, I enjoyed the story’s twists and turns that kept me guessing along the way.

Review Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - Little Book of Writing Romance

Little Book of Writing Romance
By Liz Fielding
Classic Romance Publishing
February 2012

This little book is a primer, an entry level aid for the writer who has a story to tell, but is struggling to get it out of her head and onto paper. To quote the theme song for the movie of Erich Segal’s bestselling book Love Story, “How do you begin…”

Between The Pages of this book, multi-published and award winning author, Liz Fielding, shares her expertise on ‘how to write a compelling opening, deepen conflict, write honest emotion, crisp dialogue, develop the romance, and add a little sizzle’.

Liz’s Little Book of Writing Romance starts with a detailed writing element and then provides examples that clearly illustrate how to master the craft. (I really enjoyed the snippets of stories, which included several of my favourite reads.) Liz then follows up each chapter with summary notes.
This little book covers the basics of writing a romance novel. Chapter one starts the book off perfectly with ‘Grab the reader on the first page’. (This is biggie for me, because if you don’t grab my attention after that first page, you may lose me.) The chapters continue with characterization, conflict, emotion, and viewpoint. All must have’s for a great romance read. Chapter ten was one of my favourites with The Basics...Grammar, Editing, and Submissions. (As a publisher, I’m surprised with how many submissions I receive that have not followed the submissions guidelines and how badly the author’s grammar and punctuation is.)

The Little Book of Writing Romance isn’t bogged down with page after page of information that over-loads the reader’s head. The detailed points and summary notes are easy to follow and great for quick reference. The book states it’s a ‘primer, an entry level aid’, but this Little Book of Writing Romance is also a handy guide for established writers too. I highly recommend this book be on the desk of every romance writer! And as a publisher, I intend to endorse this book when responding to submissions.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Wild Justice

Wild Justice
By Liz Fielding Riva
April 2011

Betrayed by a lover, her career in ruins, Fizz Beaumont devotes all her energy to restoring Broomhill Bay pier, using the old theatre as the home for the radio station that is her life.

The arrival of tycoon Luke Devlin, who has taken over her major sponsor, threatens not just her radio station but offers her a lesson in passion which promises to set the skies ablaze.

Between The Pages of this story is a romance filled with a good plot of revenge. The characters are real and the storyline is engaging. Liz Fielding has a unique writing talent of transporting her readers into the setting of her novels. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this trilogy, Wild Lady and Wild Fire.

Review Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - Tempted By Trouble

Tempted By Trouble

By Liz Fielding
Harlequin
June 2011

T is for ...Trouble?
Elle Amery has grown up a fighter—her late mother's bad-boy-loving reputation was not the best inheritance….
Tempted?
So when smooth-talking Sean McElroy turns up with a pink-and-white ice cream van called Rosie that's apparently hers, Elle tries to ignore the traitorous flicker of attraction!
Or the Time of their lives?
Family-oriented Elle is the last girl Sean should want, but as they embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists, these two misfits may discover they are the perfect fit for each other!

Liz Fielding is one of my top five favourite authors, so I've come to expect a lot from her stories. Did Tempted By Trouble meet my expectations? It did, and then some.

This novel draws you in with it’s striking (UK Riva) cover, and keeps you turning the pages, enjoying every new chapter heading with a delicious quote from ‘Rosie’s Diary’. Elle is an independent heroine, taking care of her family, and Sean is an irresistible hero. They aren’t looking for love, but Rosie, brings Elle and Sean together. There’s a line in the story I think says it all. “They’d been good for each other. Each challenging the other’s fear and bring out something shining and new.” The only thing I felt was missing from the story, was a reunion scene between Elle and her uncle.

Between The Pages of this story you’ll find a tender romance filled with emotion and temptation. And by the end of the story you’re sure to be craving a big bowl of ice cream!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto

Mistletoe and the Lost StilettoBy: Liz Fielding
Harlequin Romance
November 2010

Back Cover: Lucy Bright can’t believe it when she’s plucked from secretarial obscurity and transformed into the pampered fiancée of a slick retail guru. But then she discovers it was all a publicity stunt! Rushing away from the media frenzy, she bumps – literally – into the arms of delicious tycoon, Nathaniel Hart…

Review: There’s a line in this story that I want to quote: Just one look… That’s all it took when this book arrived. I knew with just one look that I was going to enjoy this story. The cover is beautiful and the story is a tender Christmas romance. I thought it was sweet when Lucy opted to call Nat by his full name, Nathaniel. And their chemistry jumps from the pages.

Between the Pages of this story is a fun romp in the snow, tender characters, a believable romance, a cute little elf, and a hero that no woman could resist.

Rating: 5 Stars