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 - Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking

Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking 

Linda Griffin 

August 2021 

Software engineer Reid Lucas loves to cook and has a history of falling in love with married women. When he leaves his complicated past in Chicago for a job in California, he runs into trouble and must call a virtual stranger to bail him out of jail. 

Alyssa Knight, a tough street cop waiting for a church annulment from her passive-aggressive husband, is the roommate of the woman Reid calls for help, and she reluctantly provides bail for Reid. 

He falls for her immediately, and cooking for her is an act of love. She just wants to be friends, but they keep ending up in bed together. When his boss is murdered, Reid is a suspect…or is he the intended target? 

Between The Pages 

This story will make you hungry. Reid is a master cook and dishes up lots of food that will have the fussiest of eaters want to take a bite. The opening grabs your attention with Reid being arrested. The twist of a mysterious murder is interesting, and while I felt the suspense could have been highlighted more, the author ties up the loose ends nicely. Reid and Alyssa make a cute couple, but there were times I felt Alyssa was a bit rough on Reid. Food is definitely an art in this book, and it will make you want to join the author for a delicious dinner meal. 

Rating 

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Arresting Jeremiah

Arresting Jeremiah 

Amber Daulton 

October 2020 

Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah "Jim" Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he's craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he's obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life. 

Calista doesn't trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim's arms. 

Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?

Between The Pages 

This is the second book in the Arresting Onyx Series. The story is fast paced and filled with action. Mix a hot bad boy parole officer and strong female lead and you get plenty of page-sizzling chemistry. It was nice to revisit Mia and Mason from book 1 (Jeremiah is Mia’s brother). This story is non-stop suspense with gangs, kidnapping, murder, and a stalker. Twists and turns to the very end. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Guarding His Midnight Witness

Guarding His Midnight Witness 

Anna J. Stewart 

October 2020 

She knows what she saw… 

Can he believe her? 

Detective Jack McTavish can’t afford another slipup. So when artist Greta Renault claims to have witnessed a murder without a shred of evidence, he’s tempted to walk. Jack’s gut propels him to pursue this case—and his attraction to Greta. Soon, not only is his job on the line, but Greta’s life is, too…and only Jack can keep her safe. 

Between The Pages 

I was patiently waiting for Jack’s story, and I was not disappointed. He is the star in this book from beginning to finish. His bond toward Greta is captivating. Their chemistry is captivating. The many twists and turns had me compelled to keep reading. The extended cast from previous books were an added welcome. The comradery between the characters in the Honor Bound series is perfect. You witness their friendship and the strength they provide to newcomers. I could not put this book down. A great suspense/mystery read! 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Gone In The Night

Gone In The Night 

Anna J. Stewart 

October 2017 

A childhood terror rears its ugly head... 

Psychologist Allie Hollister is still haunted by the unsolved death of her childhood best friend. She never expects her past to meet her present when a young patient is abducted and the cold case is reopened. Allie knows she shouldn't get involved, but the child's uncle, firefighter Max Kellan, needs her as much as she needs him. 

Once, Max simply wanted to put his past to rest; now he demands nothing short of justice. As he and secretive, sexy Allie track a lethal criminal, their chemistry is an undeniable adrenaline rush. Their attraction will be put to the test when they confront their most dangerous threat yet: the truth. 

Between The Pages 

Gripping edge of your seat suspense! Twists and turns you won’t see coming. The author introduces another drop-dead handsome hero. Max definitely receives my swoon-worthy award. Allie and Max are captivating together. This story pulls the continuing mystery from books one and two and takes you to the top of the cliff. The author then leaves you hanging on the edge, waiting for the cast to unravel the case of Max’s missing niece as well as the horror of Allie’s past. The complete cast is beyond enjoyable. Their friendship and trust are unwavering. Such a great story that seamlessly answers all the questions with a tight ending. Another hit from Anna J. Stewart. The books in the Honor Bound Trilogy are perfect stand-alone titles, but I recommend entering this friendship from the beginning. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Reunited With The P.I.

Reunited With The P.I. 

Anna J. Stewart 

May 2017 

In this Honor Bound romance, a perilous change of heart looms for two former lovers... 

Exactly why should P.I. Vince Sutton take his ex-wife's case? Because she, assistant district attorney Simone Armstrong, put his brother in jail? Because the ambitious spitfire still drives him crazy? No, he'll take it because "The Avenging Angel" makes him a deal he can't refuse. Sparks fly when Vince works all-too-closely with Simone to locate her missing key witness...but in the process, they are drawn into a cold case. As much as he tries, Vince can't deny that he's never gotten over beautiful Simone, but can he admit his feelings to her--and himself? And can he save her from the danger that's heading their way? 

Between The Pages 

I was hooked on the Honor Bound series after reading book one, and book two did not disappoint. There is so much to like in this story. The cast is exceptional, and Vince is a welcomed addition. His character is captivating. He grabs your attention immediately. He’s also perfect for Simone. As ex’s, they already have chemistry, but they steam the pages as they reconnect. The author is a master at story telling. The plot is suspenseful as it weaves through a current mystery while leaving breadcrumbs on a previous cold case. A page-turning read I highly recommend. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - More Than A Lawman

More Than A Lawman

Anna J. Stewart 

November 2016 

Haunted by the death of her childhood friend, journalist Eden St. Claire has dedicated her life to catching serial killers--and she's always done so alone. But when the lethal murderer Eden is tracking puts her in danger's crosshairs, she agrees to accept protection from longtime friend Detective Cole Delaney. 

Cole has secretly carried a torch for Eden for years. She might not want to let anybody in, but the thought of losing her is unbearable. Passions flare as the threats intensify. Can Cole convince Eden to break her own rule to never fall in love...before the killer snuffs out their happily-ever-after? 

Between The Pages 

This book pulled me in on the first page with an icy hand! The visual story is so well told, I felt the chill. Lots of suspense kept the pages turning at a fast pace. A great cast of characters are introduced, and I studied each one to look for signs of them being the serial killer. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing. The twists and turns had me engrossed in the story, especially the clues leading to a murder from the past. Cole is unwavering in his friendship and feelings for Eden. These two were meant to be together. Book one in the Honor Bound trilogy has me hooked. I can’t wait to read the next one!

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Mishandled Conviction

Mishandled Conviction

J.S. Marlo 

November 2020 

While Violette remodels an escape room, the lines between illusion and reality blur. The escape room is based on the legend of a dead inmate who haunts a condemned penitentiary, but the fake prison cell she recreates transports her into the past. 

As she relives the tumultuous events surrounding her life and the inmate’s death, Violette glimpses clues regarding the disappearance of her son-in-law and loss of her precious heirloom. 

The past and the present collide, threatening the lives of Violette’s loved ones and unleashing conflicting emotions toward the men haunting her heart. Can she unravel the truth and save her family without losing her future? 

Between The Pages 

A gripping and entertaining read. You will want to stay focused while reading this book because there is a lot going on, but the author does a wonderful job with the plot and its details as she weaves you through another twist and turn you won’t see coming. The main characters are interesting, and the secondary cast is equally enjoyable. It’s fun watching Violette fall into the past and then unravel her discoveries into the present mystery. I was hoping one of Violette’s encounters would have been an actual ghost, yet every question and mystery is neatly answered in this must read time travel, suspense story. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Legacy of Love and Murder

A Legacy of Love and Murder

Brenda Whiteside

March 2016

In Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, August Myer arrives to find he’s died suspiciously. As one of the heirs, her life is in danger, turning this fairytale Alpine adventure into a nightmare of veiled threats, unexplained accidents, and murder.

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between his profession and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

When August learns the handsome inspector is concealing a personal involvement, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. The outcome could be the death of both of them.

Between The Pages
This was such an enjoyable read. There’s a bit of everything – suspense, mystery, family drama, and a spicy romance. August is spunky and Wolf is incredibly charming. He is a tad older than she is, but they make a cute couple and have great chemistry. Though the person behind the murder is revealed early, the plot is engaging and keeps the pages turning with anticipating suspense. There’s a Nazi connection from World War Two linking to the castle, which was a good twist and made for an interesting read. This romance suspense is a hit.

Rating
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Bitter Pills and Deadly Potions

Bitter Pills and Deadly Potions 
Raymona Marie Anderson
November 2019

After nineteen years and a career in Hollywood, Maggie Simpson sheds her stage name and returns to her home town to reconcile with her sister and uncover the truth about why she abandoned Maggie with the traveling medicine show in 1946. 

Her quest stirs guilty secrets, and when a favorite son of the town is murdered, she becomes a suspect. Townspeople roiled by President Kennedy's recent assassination threaten vigilante justice. Only a deputy who seeks anonymity beyond the city limits believes in her innocence, but he fears publicity she might bring. 

Can she escape yet another predator and prove her innocence? 

Between The Pages 
A who-done-it book that leaves you guessing until the very end. It took me a chapter or two to get into the story, but it soon grabs the attention and holds it. The main characters, Maggie and Guy are well-developed and there’s a good cast of secondary characters. The plot moves this story easily from page to page with a steady pace. The dialogue is smooth and the descriptive voice shows every scene. The suspense is key to this story…every time you think you know who the villain is, there’s another suspect to watch. A good read blended with mystery, action, and drama.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Southwest Of Love And Murder

Southwest of Love and Murder 
Brenda Whiteside
January 2015

Mystery writer Phoebe Anderson owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now someone has actually done it. When she decides to take a few days away on the ranch of her best friend’s brother-in-law, she doesn’t expect romance to find her...or murder to follow her. 

Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years ago. When Phoebe shows up, he fights to control his emotions but soon wonders if she just might be worth the risk of opening his heart again. 

With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on his list is Mason. 

Between The Pages 
A wonderful blend of romance and mystery. Phoebe and Mason have an instant spark and their romance is sweet even though there’s definitely some steam sizzling. Their chemistry is undeniable and so is falling in love for these two. I was rooting for them as soon as they reconnected. There is a good supporting cast such as Mason’s father, Dirk, and their family friend, Margie, who have a budding relationship as well. The suspense holds the attention as The Author continues to build his story. I had hoped to be guessing who the villain was, but I picked up on his identity very early in the story. The storyline is well done and the pace is smooth, leading to the disappearance of Mason, which is a great twist. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Art of Love and Murder

The Art of Love and Murder
Brenda Whiteside
April 2014

Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn't what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life. 

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation. 

Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past...until Chance's connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them? 

Between The Pages
This book was such a great read, filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense. The story has a solid plot of mystery and never lost my attention as the pace flows as easily as the pages turned. Lacy and Chance have a connection to the past – Lacy wants to to know about her real parents and Chance wants to leave the past behind him. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I was rooting for them through each new twist. The author does a wonderful job of weaving a romance through a quest of the truth and murder. There’s a great supporting cast, so many who could rise as leaders of their own stories. I had a few questions at the end regarding Lacy’s mother, but maybe they will be answered as the series continues. This is book one in the The Love and Murder Series and I am looking forward to new twists and lots of mystery in book two: Southwest of Love and Murder.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Images

Images
Lauri Broadbent
April 2019

When Professor Michael Peterson learns he has a terminal brain tumor and is faced with no other viable options, he promises complete confidentially to undergo an experimental and highly secretive operation in brain cell grafting. 

While recuperating, he begins to have flashes of fragmented images that have no connection to his life. He soon realizes he is an unwilling participant in a murder plan initiated by his donor. 

Drawn into a maze of deceit and danger, Michael must choose between keeping his word to the person who saved his life or making an attempt to save the life of a complete stranger. 

Between The Pages
This mainstream thriller grabs your attention from the first pages. The plot is a masterpiece of suspense. There is a large cast of characters and several POVs, but the author moves the read smoothly from character to character. The author also does a great job of having you liking the main characters and despising the villains. The twists and turns are filled with mystery and the story is gripping from beginning to end. This book is all about the action and anticipation of what will happen next as Michael puts together the pieces of the images he sees. Though this story is outside my main reading genre of romance, Images was equally entertaining and even included the hint of a possible romantic connection at the end. This book is a must read.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Arresting Mason

Arresting Mason
Amber Daulton
April 2018

Once you're in a prison gang, you're in it for life. 

That's what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother--his parole officer--catches them together and doesn't approve. 

Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life. 

When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason's return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?

Between The Pages 
A steamy romance with plenty of action. This story is book one in the Arresting Onyx series and stars rough-around-the-edges hero, Mason who is trying his best to lead a clean life after a stint in prison from a robbery gone bad. The opening pages of the story grab the attention when Mia hits Mason with her car. Their chemistry is instant and many steamy scenes soon follow. After a good opening scene, I found the story slowed its pace with Mason and Mia trying to make their relationship work while avoiding members of organized crime. But the action soon returned with plenty of drama. The kidnapping scene is edge-of-your-seat with action and suspense and includes an interesting ending. An enjoyable weekend read.

Rating
4 Stars

Between The Pages - If I Want You

If I Want You 
Rachel Brimble
November 2017

When local journalist, Tori Peterson, fails to prevent a child abduction outside her niece’s school, her horror and guilt sparks a vow to do whatever it takes to get little Abby Brady home to her parents. 

While Tori battles the vile memories of her own kidnapping as a child, she accepts the help of widowed father, Mark Bolton. As he and Tori join forces with the local police, their attraction and intimacy grows…along with their fears for Abby. 

Links are uncovered between Abby’s disappearance and Tori’s kidnapping, and Tori is forced to accept the monster who held her captive is back. But this time, Tori is all grown up, and there is no way she will let him hurt another little girl. 

Between The Pages 
Packed with drama and suspense, you’ll be thrown into this story from the first few pages. The author developed a solid plot. The combination of tension throughout the action and romance are all masterfully crafted. The cast characters are interesting and you’ll want to learn more about them as you receive hints of the kidnapper’s identity. I would have liked to have read the details behind the kidnapper’s obsession through their voice instead of the police, but the overall story line was captivating. A must read for readers who like a gripping suspense!

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Good Bones

Good Bones 
L. A. Kelley
May 2017

No matter how challenging the case, psychologist Katherine Fleming never shirks from helping a patient confront a painful issue. Her keen powers of observation and compassionate nature have eased many troubled souls, but a homicide detective with a buried secret of his own stirs more than just clinical interest. 

The first time Detective Jake Sumner spied the old house, he sensed the good bones. Little did he know the purchase of the property included an unusual tenant far from resting in peace. Can the new psychologist in town help him treat a ghostly trauma case or is his growing attraction to Katherine Fleming best left buried? 

With the help of a mysterious white cat and a mystic mirror, Katherine and Jake join forces to solve a murder. Can they stop a killer from claiming the next victim or will their investigation only lead them six feet under? 

Between The Pages 
This story has a little bit of everything: action, mystery, suspense, romance, and paranormal activity. The author grabs your attention in the first chapter and keeps you gripped to the pages. Jake and Katherine have a sweet chemistry from the moment they meet at the coffee shop. There are multi characters in this story, which could create some confusion, but the author does a great job of giving each character their own unique individuality; from the missing women, to the secondary cast of friends and co-workers, to the suspected killer, to Katherine’s Grampa’s voice, and to Whiskers – the cat you’ll want to cuddle. There are several scenes that make you laugh and many more that have you sitting on the edge of your seat. As the tension rises, you won’t to put this book down. The chase is riveting even after the killer is revealed. I highly recommend putting Good Bones at the top of your reading list. This book is a must read!

Rating 
5 Stars

Web of Deceit

Web of Deceit 
Lauren Reign
March 9, 2016

FBI Special Agent Colton Brady is an important person in Kalliope Winters’s life. He’s been her savior, pulling her out of the darkest of days and rescuing her from herself on more than one occasion. She trusts him implicitly, but he’s hiding something, and it may cost them their lives. A cracked serial killer obsessed with Kalli is stalking her. She’s completely unaware of this until she wakes up painfully zip-tied to a chair, severely beaten, and close to death. 

Now she has to rely on Jaxxon, Colton’s twin brother, a man she’s craved since adolescence, to keep her safe. Jaxxon is moody, arrogant, and bossy as all hell. His demeanor is as lethal as his sinfully good looks and he will stop at nothing to keep his current assignment, Kalli, alive. But Jaxxon is also lying to her. 

Between The Pages 
A suspenseful romance with a few twists. A good cast characters. The action propels this story right to the end.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

A Year of Light and Shadows

A Year of Light and Shadows 
Helena Fairfax
October 28, 2016

A Year of Light and Shadows is a captivating set of stories covering a year of mystery, suspense and romance in the life of Scottish actress Lizzie Smith and her bodyguard, Léon. 

When Lizzie is offered the chance to play the role of the Princess of Montverrier, she little realizes her decision to accept will thrust her into a world of intrigue and danger. Alone in the Palace, Lizzie relies on her quiet bodyguard, Léon, to guide her. But who is Léon really protecting? Lizzie...or the Royal Princess? 

Back home in Scotland Lizzie begins rehearsals for Macbeth - and finds danger stalking her through the streets of Edinburgh. Lizzie turns to her former bodyguard, Léon, for help...and discovers a secret he'd do anything not to reveal. 

Between The Pages 
Even though this anthology contains two romantic suspense novellas, Palace of Deception and The Scottish Diamond, as well as a bonus story, it can be read in one sitting. The stories blend well together and the ending wrapped up nicely. The characters were interesting and the plot was well written. An enjoyable romance.

Rating 
4 Stars

The Power of Love and Murder

The Power of Love and Murder 
Brenda Whiteside
December 21, 2016

For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate. 

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world. 

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life. 

Between The Pages
A fast-paced romance packed with action and suspense. This is the fourth book in The Love and Murder series and reads well as a stand-alone, but I would have liked to know more about the past lives of the full cast of characters. An intriguing and enjoyable read.

Rating 
4 Stars

A Deep Thing

A Deep Thing 
A.K. Smith
December 19, 2016

What was her husband hiding in the jungles of Mexico? 

Rocked by her husband’s tragic death, Kendall Jackson strives to put her life back together. But Ryder, her nineteen-year-old stepson, is bitter and wants nothing to do with her. And she can’t keep the grief at bay. Sometimes, it’s so strong, she wonders if life is worth living. 

A call from a cave diver in Mexico gives her hope of mending the relationship with her stepson. Before his death, her husband arranged a diving expedition as a birthday gift for his son. Kendall persuades Ryder to honor his father’s last wish. 

From the campus of Western Maryland College to the woods of Camp David and the caves of the Yucatán, Kendall and Ryder take a journey to discover what her husband worked so hard to hide, and to protect his treasured secrets from falling into the wrong hands. The choices they make will decide their fate and the future of others. Will they risk everything for the truth? 

Between The Pages 
A journey through beautiful settings. Captivating suspense and good characters. 

Rating 
3 Stars