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Between Us: A Contemporary Romance Trilogy

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To make room for the present, they have to unpack the past.

It was easy for Alex and Antonio to commit to the unknown when the beautiful sand and waters of Miami surrounded them. Now that they’re back home, they’ve got to match their actions with their words. The problem is, Antonio is used to being as wide open as a bank vault, and has trouble balancing business and bliss. Then there’s Alex, who learns of a bombshell that makes her second guess everything, just when she’s resolved to keep looking forward.

Although the odds seem stacked against them, their affection for each other deepens, allowing for the vulnerability to fully embrace love.

But unbeknownst to them, danger lurks behind the anonymity of cyberspace, causing Alex and Antonio’s confidence to waver and resulting in a painful setback.

Is the promise of persistence enough to keep them together, or will old habits prove to truly die hard?


**Between Us is the second installment of a trilogy and is therefore NOT a standalone. Additionally, please note that it ends in a cliffhanger like Book 1!

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Shae Green

4 books21 followers
Shae Green writes contemporary romance that sizzles with sharp wit, heart-tugging emotion, and the perfect dash of spice. Her stories blend humor, vulnerability, and chemistry that lingers long after the final page, offering readers a place to laugh, swoon, and feel deeply seen. With a flair for crafting unforgettable banter and characters who love hard and grow harder, Shae brings a fresh, relatable voice to modern love stories.

When she’s not plotting character arcs or unspooling her next slow-burn romance, Shae is likely curled up with her loyal, four-legged sidekick and a cup of something warm. Her self-care routine includes marathon sessions of anime, a healthy obsession with overly dramatic reality TV (purely for research purposes, of course), and getting lost in stories—whether she's writing them or devouring them.

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5 stars
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13 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Bree.
476 reviews34 followers
December 1, 2024
Enjoyable but….

We pick up where the first book left off dealing with some major news.

This book is all about the development of Alex and Antonio’s relationship. It was cute and nice to watch their growth as a couple.

I will say not much else happens. There’s a side plot with an anonymous adversary but it takes up such little time and honestly the characters don’t seem to be as concerned about as one would think they should be. So if you aren’t into the characters you’re probably not going to enjoy this book as much. Also just like the first book there really should be more attention on Antonio’s work, I mean he had both legal and illegal dealings. And we rarely see Alex at Tech Me Out.

While I like the MCs so I found the story enjoyable for me, I recognize where the plot needs so work. I pretty sure I know who we see in the cliffhanger but we’ll see. 3.25 stars.
Profile Image for Tonya.
148 reviews24 followers
November 12, 2024
The way Shae Green leaves me wanting with these cliffhangers should be illegal, y’all! 😂 I finished 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼 and I need ANSWERS!

𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼 was more cutesy, more demure, more mindful than its predecessor, but I ate it up nonetheless. This time around, the focus was on Alex and Antonio’s relationships, both as a couple and individually with friends and family members. It solidified everyone’s place at the table, so to speak, and set up a LOT for what I anticipate to come from book 3 in the series. 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼 details what I consider the true foundation of Alex and Antonio as a couple. Sure, they got their start in Before Us, but 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼 finds them more established, building and growing in a ways they didn’t and couldn’t have previously. They find their weak spots and solidify them together; they open up and learn to trust each other. It’s a considerable undertaking, especially once you factor in the cliffhanger from Before Us and the major events, including a debilitating car crash, from 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼. Their love becomes utterly palpable throughout the book. And, I’d be remiss not to mention it, their banter continues to be top notch, even as a couple. I 👏 love 👏 it! 👏

Okay, now for the cliffhanger. I have theories, which, obviously, I will not disclose because I don’t want to spoil anything. But, but, but! There were little hints of foreshadowing throughout both Before Us and 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼, especially when considering the way Green interweaves the past histories with present narratives to show their lasting impact. Healing is a major moment in 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼, which means we learn more about the emotional impact of both Alex’s and Antonio’s pasts, thereby finding small niblets of potential events that relate to the cliffhanger. Side note: speaking of healing, Green’s therapy scenes are phenomenal and it’s evident she did her homework for them. But back to foreshadowing and cliffhangers… Green is the queen. I cannot wait for book 3, y’all!
Profile Image for Erin Saulpaugh.
526 reviews16 followers
November 18, 2024
I don't even know where to begin, other than I enjoyed this one as well as the first book. I highly recommend you read book 1! Book 2 picked up where book 1 left off. I can't wait for book 3! What can I say? I'm a fan! That cliffhanger hanger, though! I need book 3 now just so my questions can be answered.
This is giving very mindful, very cutesy, very demure vibes if you ask me, shae understood the assignment! This was chef's kiss. This book focuses on Alex Leo's relationship, getting more and more serious as their story progresses in each book. Just like any other relationship, they go through some shit, some drama. They are young and have a lot to learn about themselves and each other. Will they come out on the other side stronger? I highlighted a ton in this book! There are so many good inspirational quotes. I loved this book more than the first. I anticipated the 3rd book to be even better than this one. The story seems to get better as time goes by. Shae really knows how to hook her readers. That cliffhanger did exactly as the other intended. I'm hungry for more. I can't wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Momma T's Books.
575 reviews33 followers
November 20, 2024
It's November, and I finally get my 1st 6 Star read of the year.

When you mix the bubbliest woman with the grumpiest man, you get the cutest couple with Antonio and Alex.
These two continue to let their past get in the way of their relationship, but they power through. Growing in one, together. There is just the right mix of character and plot. You can't help but love the whole thing.
This is book 2 of 3. So it's not completed yet. Complete bummer. Perfect for those that want to see a real relationship. The one where you hate, love, mistrust, hate, and back to love. This is it.
Profile Image for Meaghan Elizabeth 🌙.
210 reviews10 followers
November 25, 2024
This is the second book in this series and I loved it even more than the first. The cliffhanger at the end 👀 I definitely can’t wait for the third book to this.
This story picked right back up where the last one left off and we focus more on Alex and Antonio’s relationship. We go through all the emotions that you go through in a typical relationship. They both seem to let their past get in the way of their relationship, but they get through it and grow together as a couple.
If you like a bit of drama and want to feel every emotion possible, I recommend this series as a whole🖤
Profile Image for Deirdre Megan Byrd.
531 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2024
Incredible. Kept me hooked the whole time. And the cliff hanger at the end. I’m ready for the next book. Thank you for sharing your art with the world.
Profile Image for Cynthia’s Shelf Indulgence.
145 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2024
Another great book by Shae! I don’t want to say too much and give it away.
This book was heavy on emotions also, I couldn’t put it sure I was hooked!
There’s a great music playlist in the beginning of the book and I just loved that! But dangit! We’re left with yet another cliffhanger and I can’t stand it!! Hurts so good lol
Profile Image for Ana.
506 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2024
Okay, okay, hear me out. There is no quote on my review because I speed through this book, and the story was so had me hook, and I didn't highlight anything. It was all so good I couldn't put it down (but I am a mom and need sleep to I had to), but Shae has done it again. This story was even better than book one. I absolutely loved every single thing about it. But that ending, tho, pulling my hair out because I need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
141 reviews
December 9, 2024
"Antonio folds his arms and sighs, watching until she stops after a few feet. She stands still (slight drunk swaying aside).
'Are you parked this way?' she turns and asks.
'I am not.' He holds out his hand as Alex returns to him, but she doesn’t take it, instead wrapping her arms around his waist.
'Can you fuck me in the car?' she attempts to whisper.
'Jeez, woman.' Antonio’s eyes widen, and he hears a few snickers behind them.
'Oh, shit. Was I not quiet?'
'Not even a little bit, baby.'"
This is a continuation of the story started in book 1, Before Us, & you must read that book first. When you start reading this one, it picks up right where we left off & the bulk of this story continues to build Alex & Antonio’s relationship (plus, we cover about a year’s worth of time, versus the couple of months timeline from book 1). While the mystery/suspense angle is only sprinkled throughout this story, the main focus of the narrative is relationship building. It’s refreshing to see how the MCs’ relationship develops & how the relationships between the side characters flourish, too.
"'... it could only hurt that much because I am in love with you, Alex. It’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my entire fucking life... I have learned that I will fall apart without you… Baby, we are complicated, demanding, and inexperienced. But I love you.'"
Keeping her quirky, funny writing-style, Shae gives us a book where we get to see an authentic portrayal of these characters living their lives. This book is really good, yet I have no idea how to describe it because there are so many layers to it. This story taps into several genres & sub-genres without being confusing because at its core, it's a story about these characters navigating their world together. I love the diverse representation, the strong development of our cast of characters in this book & the surprise twists were great. I’m excited to see how the story concludes in book 3!
"She stares icily at her boyfriend, who smiles obliviously. 'You will never be able to touch me again. You’re gonna have to find a new girlfriend. I don’t want your super-sperm anywhere near me, Antonio Moretti...'"
Profile Image for Sunny D.
163 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2024
Shae has done it again and this time, things are definitely getting hot! Between us is absolutely what I wanted it to be for a book 2. Shae did not disappoint at all this time. Antonia and Alex have absolutely grown and you just can’t help but root for them. I mean the character development was top tier here. I actually really enjoyed them working through things in this book because it felt like they took their time to actually get to know each other. The banter was BANTERING!!!

The drama was amazing too. I will say that Shae does a great job with keeping the ante up and not letting us forget that something crazy will be happening and we need to prepare for it. Book 1 had drama in it, but book 2 by far kicks it up a notch. And Book 3 is gonna be everything. I just know it. OMG I can’t wait. Anyway, this books though has a lot of themes around forgiveness, healing and working through a relationship. Shae really pulls on your heart with this one. I absolutely enjoyed it.

Like I mentioned, there is so much growth and I even can tell the difference in the story from book 1 to book 2. I can’t wait other read book 3 for sure! I just know it’s gonna be the icing on the cake.

Thank you again Shae for this read and Happily Booked PR! I absolutely will be reading book 3 for sure!
Profile Image for Danielle Renno.
159 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2024
Between Us is the second book for Alex and Antonio. In this story, we get to go through a few major life changes for the couple as well as a hunt for someone disturbing their life in a majorly inconvenient way.

Oh. Em. Gee. I really liked reading Before us and knew that I immediately needed to dive into Between Us due to the cliff hanger. I was not disappointed. I am so thankful to be on this wild ride and get to watch Alex and Leo grow in their next stages of life. Shae definitely kept me guessing with the "whodunnit" part of the story. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

My only dislike to this book was it seemed like there was timehops that made me struggle. The book takes place over roughly a years' time. Sometimes there would be two month time jumps in between chapters and it was just difficult for me to relate to such large jumps.

I would definitely recommend this book to people who like series, 3rd person/dual POV, interracial couple, grumpy/sunshine, and ALL the banter. Oh, and another cliffhanger!
Profile Image for LILIAN.
238 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2024
The story picks up right after Book One left off. If you haven’t read the first book I would suggest you read that one before starting the 2nd one in this series. Alex and Antonio are still trying to figure out what they mean to each other. But of course we know the vibes. We get a glimpse into their lives and family dynamic. Alex just discovers that she is not an only child but has a brother who Antonio is still on the fence about. Trust for Antonio doesn’t come easily and Alex is his to protect. But it wouldn’t be an Alex and Antonio story if we didn’t have the banter and playfulness and throw in a stalker and unexpected news. I love the dynamic between the two even though Antonio puts out that serious energy Alex is there to level it out and give him some sass. From book one to now book two seeing them develop and how they go through the challenges they face I can't wait to go ahead and read book three to find out who is making life so difficult for them also with the hope that they don’t go through anything bad.
Profile Image for Betty Wong.
379 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2024
if you like your romance wrapped up with a mystery, you will love this series! It follows Alex and Antonio and their story began in book 1 which you need to read before diving into book two.
Their story is connected to their parents. Alex’s biological parents gave her up for adoption and that impacted her throughout her life. As the two become closer and closer they start connecting the dots between his life and hers. Antonio is resistant to letting her in, based on what they discover binds them together but he can’t help the feelings evolving between the two. It was a good story and the end will leave you wanting more! The story does have a cliffhanger so brace yourself for more of Antonio and Alex - and you definitely will want more. I want to thank Shaw Green and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Profile Image for Brandy Ward.
203 reviews
December 30, 2024
Oh Em Gee!!! Okay I love the fact that Antonio got to reveal more of his past and more about Donny. I also love the fact that Laura and Alex are getting closer and she has her back when it comes to Antonio. What threw me for a loop was the unknown texter. When Alex gave her brother a chance that was something I was happy about. I connected with that part since I have been the long lost little sister. All it took was a creepy unknown guy to send texts to both Antonio and Alex to bring Antonio and Trey together. Then the twins! Oh do not get me started on how I cried and was praying she had them before the book ended and was so happy that she did. Now that cliffhanger is making me come up with suspects on who I think it is. I will not share who I think it is but I have one person in mind. I cannot wait until the 3rd book to be released!!!
Profile Image for Allison.
77 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2024
I fell in love with Alex and Antonio in book 1, and I was super excited to receive a physical ARC copy of book 2 from the author.

This book filled my heart with happiness and a couple of unanswered questions. Much like the first book, it was a fun and entertaining ride, only slip in a few extra surprises.

@shaegreenwrites is the QUEEN of cliffhangers, much to my and every other reader's chagrin. So, now I'm sitting here waiting patiently for 2025 for book 3 to come out.

I would highly recommend this series to my fellow readers. There is romance, spice, friendship, mystery, and some special family moments. Not to mention, a whole bunch of stress. There is a little something for everyone.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
238 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2024
This is book 2 of the Between Us series and you need to read Before Us to understand how Antonio and Alex got to become a couple. Between Us focuses on their relationship and each person as individuals so it’s more intimate with the family dynamic. So, to me, the mood of the book isn’t as intense as book 1. The banter and drama is still there, so don’t think I’m dismissing that. Oh no, it’s definitely there and definitely carries into this. It works with all the development that the characters grow into as things progress. I’m definitely needing book 3 to find out what happens next because there’s a cliffhanger. How dare there be one! 😂 If you read Before Us, you need Between Us and book 3 when it comes out!
Profile Image for Becca.
410 reviews10 followers
December 17, 2024
This book picks up exactly where the last ends, which makes for a really nice & easy transition if you are reading both!

This book shows the furthering development of the relationship between Alex & Antonio and I feel like that's about all that really happens. The timeline covers about a year (though there are a few gaps which can make it confusing!) and there's still a tiny bit of mystery/suspense but it's not the main goal of the plot and really not developed all that further than it was in the first book.

I really love the diverse representation in these books, as well as just the elegance of Shae Green's writing style.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for aj.
154 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2024
i was really excited for this book because i really enjoyed the first one but it just unfortunately didn’t live up to what i was expecting it to be. i did read all the TWs so it was nothing with that at all! it just seemed like there was too much but not enough going on at the same time. i felt myself getting confused often with the events happening because it just didn’t feel like the story was flowing natural like the first book did. the second half of the book just felt like it was dragging on & the time skips weren’t very clear so it felt rushed as well.
Profile Image for Karen Cory .
54 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2024
I am really enjoying this series.

This is the second book following on from Before Us.

The love story between Alex and Antonio continues to grow deeper and stronger.

So much drama and emotion with this story leaving a cliffhanger at the end. Now I want answers and to find out what happens next.

I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR for including me to be part of the ARC team.
Profile Image for Alyse P.
51 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2024
Alex and Antonio have a special relationship. I enjoyed continuing their relationship and finding out more about Alex's childhood. I'm so happy that her brother reached out and told her the truth. I also was so excited for them to start their family. At the end was a cliff hanger so there maybe another one but not sure. For me there wasn't too much suspense throughout, and took a little longer to read.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,462 reviews28 followers
December 8, 2024
Wow. This book took me on such a ride. This is a continuation from book one, and although I'm not really a fan of cliffhangers, I could appreciate it while reading this book. The reader is taken on a whirlwind of emotions when reading this book. The story was well written and so enjoyable. And I really enjoyed the Banter between Alex and Antonio. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and I can't wait for the last and final book in this series.
Profile Image for Alyse P.
62 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2024
Alex and Antonio have a special relationship. I enjoyed continuing their relationship and finding out more about Alex's childhood. I'm so happy that her brother reached out and told her the truth. I also was so excited for them to start their family. At the end was a cliff hanger so there maybe another one but not sure. For me there wasn't too much suspense throughout, and took a little longer to read.
Profile Image for Janett L.
146 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2024
Shae Green does an excellent job with the two main characters. Depicting their differences, a fight for what they want from each other. There is a mystery going on to. The characters in this story have a wonderful banter that just makes this a wonderful book to read and the romance of the main characters is what I think we all hope to find. I am very ready for Book 3.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
709 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2024
I don't even know where to begin, other than I liked this book as well as the first book.
The way Shae Green leaves us with these cliffhangers should be illegal!
The love story between Alex and Antonio continues to grow deeper and stronger.
There is so much drama and emotion with this story. The story kept me hooked the whole time.
I can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Esmeralda Cruz.
295 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2024
In terms of the story I was really focused in Alex and Antonio’s wonderful and complicated love affair. The stress test was placed on their characters and I personally cared for their dynamic throughout the entire story. In his book, the author was very successful to describe the joys and headaches of the love and relationships.
Profile Image for A.
289 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2024
This picks up where the 1st book ended, so I recommend you read that one first, and then enjoy this one.

Oh the emotion filled rollecoaster this author made me feel reading this book. Can't wait for the other one, like literally kept me on edge all the time. Loved that.

PS thanks for my ARC copy
Profile Image for Mrsz_reads13.
260 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2024
Shae Green didn't disappoint..This is my first time reading her work, and won't be my last.. After reading this Grumpy_ Sunshine Romance, I must read book 1. I can't wait to read book 3..
Profile Image for Amber.
1,037 reviews44 followers
November 15, 2024
Between Us picks up right after book one. Alex and Leo are navigating being in a more serious relationship. They still have a lot to learn about themselves and each other. Life throws some surprises and drama their way. Both good and bad. Can they navigate it together and come out stronger? Ends on a cliffhanger.
38 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2024
ARC Review
4.5 rounded to a 5⭐

Shae did it again! 

Gah, I need the rest!!! I loved the way Antonio and Alex grew both personally and as a couple. So many twists and turns and of course a cliffhanger! I love the anticipation it left me with!

Thank you to Shae Green and Happily Booked PR for this amazing opportunity and ARC copy
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