Between The Pages - If Ever In Love

If Ever In Love Ann Trader 

January 2023 

Camden, South Carolina 1783 

Colonial Captain Harry Fleming wears his passions like badges of honor, a man considered by most as smart, decisive…even impulsive. With the Patriot victory and his fighting days behind him, his homecoming sours when he discovers his homestead in shambles and childhood sweetheart married to his cousin. 

Most comfortable in breeches and with her trusty hound by her side, Olivia Parr is a half-white/half-native healer…a resourceful woman and no man’s puppet. Yet when her path collides with the dashing captain, his charm makes her dream of a life and home like none she has ever known.

Loathe to become a hermit, Harry proposes a marriage to Olivia based on devotion. Will she wager her heart to a man hardened to love? As unresolved feelings linger and enemies plot against them for greed and gain, will they risk all and unveil the truth of what lovers must do…if ever in love? 

Between The Pages 

This historical story captures the attention in the first chapter. The storyline is exceptional with the author scripting a well-developed plot from beginning to end. At over three-hundred pages, this book is long, but the read is smooth and has no dragging scenes. Olivia and Harry are great lead characters, but there is also a huge cast with so many likable characters and a few villains. The author gives each character a uniqueness, so you don’t get confused by who-is-who in the large cast. The settings are well described to place the reader in the story. If you like to get lost in historical romances, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. I look forward to the second book in The Carolina Patriots 1783 Series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Last Stop, Wylder

Last Stop, Wylder 

Barbara Bettis 

October 2022 

Gunman Morgan Dodd is headed to a new life in California, where no one knows his name. Or his reputation. Just one last job to raise money for his fresh start—gunhand for a railroad agent in Wyoming. Easy enough. Until he meets the woman who could change everything. 

After ending her engagement, Emily Martin longs for independence. She sets out for Wylder, Wyoming, to help her brother with his newspaper. But when she arrives, she finds he’s off investigating a story. Well, then. She’ll simply publish the paper herself until he returns. Emily’s prepared to face challenges, but not the dangerous stranger who ambushes her heart. The same man hired to destroy her livelihood. 

When a common enemy threatens, Morgan and Emily must find a way to defeat danger and save their budding love. But a gunman’s word is his bond, and a lady’s trust can shatter. 

Between The Pages 

This is a charming story. The heartwarming chemistry between Morgan and Emily is wonderfully written. Their slow but steady romance has you rooting for this couple to get their happy-ever-after. The setting is pictured very well. A secondary cast adds to the enjoyment of the story. This historical western even has a bit of mystery tied into the storyline, making it an interesting page-turner. The plot includes the liberation of women voting and how it’s received in a small town. This is a great book to spend an afternoon reading on the sofa. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sound of a Wylder Silence

Sound of a Wylder Silence 

Marilyn Barr 

October 2022

Ikshu Sagebrush lives in the shadows of his mystical brother, loudmouth sister-in-law, and the trauma he endured. When a chance meeting with a Christmas angel makes him consider stepping into the light, Ikshu calls to the spirits of his ancestors to help restore his voice.

Ava Wylder is no angel, but her wicked ways are the catalyst Ikshu needs to face his inner demons and build a life. She would gladly trade her family’s wish for her to become a lady of a manor house in New York for the natural beauty of Wylder and a simple existence with Ikshu. When their families and community status step between them, she cannot fight for their love alone. 

Will Ikshu find his voice to make his intentions known, or let true love slip through his fingers?

Between The Pages 

I absolutely adored this book. As a fan of Ikshu in Dance to a Wyler Beat, I was excited to see him get a story of his own, and the author did not disappoint with Ikshu’s captivating story. Ikshu is a quiet soul and an artist but haunted by his childhood. Ava is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong and determined yet afraid to stand up for her future. Ikshu and Ava are the perfect match, and their romance is endearing. The author’s voice provides a stunning visual of the landscape, placing the reader within the pages of the story. There were so many scenes filled with humour and fun, leaving you laughing out loud. There is also a deep emotional tug as Ikshu faces his demons. As in the first book, the spirit guides, teachers, Nartan, and Olive were greatly entertaining. This historical western, with a touch of paranormal, deserves more than five stars. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Break Heart Canyon

Break Heart Canyon 

Gini Rifkin 

September 2022 

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

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

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

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

Between The Pages 

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

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Return To Wylder

Return To Wylder 

Maria Imbalzano 

June 2022 

The untimely death of EJ Hampton’s father kills her dream of practicing law with him in her hometown of Wylder. Heartbroken, she now has two weeks to organize the practice for sale. When she meets her father’s millionaire client Dylan Addison, he is demanding and entitled—yet his charisma captivates her. 

Dylan is under pressure to renovate the Wylder Hotel before his father pulls the plug on his project. He needs EJ’s expertise, but she is bent on returning to her life in San Francisco despite the fireworks between them. 

EJ walks a tightrope trying to balance Dylan’s needs against her own, but doing so is far more complicated when emotions get in the way. 

Between The Pages 

With a gorgeous cover, this modern-day western was a beautiful romance story. The storyline is interesting, and the characters are captivating. EJ and Dylan light up the pages with their chemistry. The plot has a good punch of emotion that pulls you in and holds your attention. The secondary cast is equally enjoyable. I’ve read other Wylder books, but this one stands out with a modern-day spin on the town, which was refreshing and entertaining to read. The author writes engaging books that you won’t want to put down until the happy ending. I look forward to her next book and highly recommend this one. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Texas Cowboy

The Texas Cowboy 

Linda Nightingale 

January 2022 

When Ash Colter was twelve, his mother divorced his cattle baron father and whisked him away to raise in her native England. Sixteen years later, when his father dies, he inherits Marathon Ranch. Running a 1,000-acre spread famous for the best Black Angus cattle in the great state of Texas is the biggest challenge he’s ever faced…until he meets a pert, pretty, and sassy ranch hand who seems to have her own agenda for his ranch. Unfortunately, she makes his spurs go jingle-jangle-jingle like no one else ever has! 

Trish Owens is a real cowgirl, a loner, and, though she’d never admit it, a little lonely. When the “English Cowboy” appears on the scene, her entire way of life is threatened, not only her job, but her beloved Quarter horses. She’s sure he plans to import his thoroughbred horses from England. Worst of all is the chemistry sizzling between them. He makes feelings she thought long dead awaken. 

Can these two unwilling allies set aside their differences to put Marathon Ranch in the Winner’s Circle…and to fall in love? 

Between The Pages 

This book is a contemporary western and has plenty of cowboys and horses, which are shown on the beautiful cover. The author has a good writing voice and visually shows you the horses and setting as though you were standing right there in the barn. Ash and Trish were well-developed characters who are meant to be together. The read is smooth, and the plot has a few twists involving a sick horse, an ex-girlfriend, and rustlers. While the story is told in Ash’s point of view, I would have liked some scenes from Trish, but I really enjoyed this story and will watch for the second book in the Return to Folly series. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Wylder Rose

The Wylder Rose 

Jane Lewis 

April 2022 

Rose O'Brien is a stage actress masquerading as a Saloon Singer in Wylder, Wyoming. With an abusive lover hot on her tail and a handsome Scotsman proposing marriage Rose decides to flee to California before her secret can break Callum's heart –and hers. 

Callum MacPhilip has loved the Irish lass since he saw her enter a carriage on a street corner in Cheyenne. When a snowstorm and a turn of fate brings them together, Callum vows to protect her --and convince her to take a chance on love. 

Between The Pages 

The cover is enticing, and the story has the same descriptive word with a powerful first chapter. A good punch of emotion pulls the reader into the well-developed historical, western plot. The author enhances the story with a picturesque setting and interesting characters. With a hunky Scotsman and a spunky Irish lass, not only are Callum and Rose perfect leading characters, but the secondary cast members are also highlights. The town coming together to help Rose is a touching scene. Add in a bit of action to take-down the bad guys and this story is a hit. If you enjoy reading about cowboys in the wild west, then I highly recommend this book. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Angel's Wylder Assignment

An Angel's Wylder Assignment 

Tena Stetler 

March 2022 

Angel Killian Dugan’s annual trip to the family castle in Scotland is shattered by the arrival of Legion Commander North. Killian’s skills are needed for an urgent time travel assignment. A rogue demon has escaped back in time. He must discover the why and where then stop the demon before it can damage the past and change the future. 

Killian’s girlfriend Chinoah Grace, a Native American shapeshifter is included in the mission, which takes them to the wild west town of Wylder, Wyoming in 1878. She will have her hands full fitting in and making friends. Nothing is as it seems. They encounter visions, spirit quests, and a mysterious shaman. On top of it all, blending in as a blacksmith is more physically difficult than he imagined. But not as challenging as keeping his hands off his undercover wife. Will they complete their assignment or run out of time? 

Between The Pages 

The cover is beautiful, and the story is engaging with a beautiful setting in Wylder, Wyoming, but it’s the characters that make this story fun to read. Killian and Chinoah are the stars, but their interaction with their friends and the town’s folk is so appealing. The plot of an angel and a Native shapeshifter traveling back in time was well-developed, having them adjust to the lacking accommodations. Their chemistry is undeniable, but already established. I felt a bit lost as they are already a couple and I’ve missed out on how they got together. Their mission was a slow build but wraps up nicely. This western, paranormal book was an enjoyable read. 

Rating 

4 Stars