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Between: A Found Family Fantasy Romance Exploring the Afterlife

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Stuck in a meaningless job, Eight is treading water in life until a car accident leaves her in a coma. Suddenly, she finds herself in the “Between” with a small group of strangers and an enigmatic immortal being named Sintra. Eight and the others have the opportunity to return to their lives—as long as they survive a series of tribulations devised by Sintra. Untrusting of the mysterious immortal, their resolve will be tested as they grapple with the tribulations while balanced on the precipice of life and death. Failure to survive means being ushered to the “After”—a place of peace…supposedly.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2025

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Cayenne Sirois

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for GCR | Book Realm.
293 reviews70 followers
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June 2, 2026
Between was a good read with a really interesting setup. The whole idea of being stuck in this in-between place had me curious right away because I wanted to know what was actually going on and what this place really was.

It reminded me of Alice in Borderland (manga and TV show), not because there are games, but because of the premise , the trials, the survival feel, the strange setting, and the way people are thrown together and have to figure things out. The trials kept the story moving, and the connections between the characters also gave it more heart.

This was definitely unique, and I liked that it had survival, mystery, and emotional moments all mixed together. It was strange without being confusing. I really wanted to see how everything would come together.

Overall, Between was an intriguing read with a cool concept. I’d recommend it to readers who like strange worlds, survival trials, found connections, emotional stakes, and stories that make you question what is really happening without giving everything away too soon.
Profile Image for Katie.
798 reviews43 followers
May 11, 2026
Oh, my heart!! This book completely wrecked me in the best possible way. I devoured it in a single day because I simply could not put it down. From the very first page, I was captivated by its beautifully unique premise and the emotional depth woven throughout the story.

This book is so much more than a fantasy romance. It’s a moving exploration of life, death, the afterlife, and the fragile space in between. The themes of found family, cherishing every moment of life, and learning through pain and love hit me so deeply. The “Tribulations” were such a brilliant and compelling part of the plot, adding tension, suspense, thrill, emotion, and meaning to every step of the journey.

The storytelling felt incredibly immersive and heartfelt, and I’m honestly stunned that this is the author’s debut novel. The talent, imagination, and emotional resonance in these pages feel like the work of a long time writer. I have absolutely found a new auto-buy author.

This is one of those rare books that lingers in your heart long after the final page. I know I’ll be thinking about this story and these characters for a very long time.
Profile Image for HolleeJane.
474 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Star Review

Between: A Found Family Fantasy by Cayenne Sirois

Going into this book, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I met this fabulous author on TikTok and decided to give the book a chance, even though it’s not something I normally gravitate toward. To be completely honest, it’s probably a book I would have never picked up on my own but I am so glad I did.

This story completely surprised me.

While reading, I actually found myself questioning whether I liked it at first but in the best way possible. The deeper I got into the story, the more I realized the book was intentionally making me think and feel alongside the characters. You follow a group of people who find themselves stuck in “The Between,” essentially a purgatory like realm where they must face a series of trials/tribulations for a chance to return to their lives.

If they succeed, they get a second chance at life.
If they fail, that choice is gone and they move on to the After.

The premise alone creates an incredible amount of tension, mystery, and suspense, but what really makes this story shine is the emotional depth. These strangers slowly form connections and create a found family while navigating impossible decisions and learning who they truly are.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is that none of them remember their lives before. It raises such powerful questions:

Are you truly worthy of a second chance if you don’t remember who you used to be?
What kind of person would you choose to become?
Would you live your life the same way or completely differently?

As you get deeper into the book, it becomes incredibly thought-provoking. By the end, I found myself sitting there thinking, “What did I just read?”not because it was confusing, but because it makes you reflect on your own life.

If you were given a second chance, what would you do with it?
Would you sacrifice yourself for someone else?
Would you live for your children, your family, or simply try to live a fuller life day by day?

This book left me with so many thoughts and emotions long after finishing it, and that’s something truly special. It’s a story about choices, redemption, sacrifice, and what it really means to deserve another chance.

⭐️ Five stars, hands down.
This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Katherine.
Author 4 books8 followers
October 31, 2025
Finished it in two days! It’s a tear jerker for sure. It gave me Stephen Kings The Stand vibes or the tv series From in an alternate (slightly creepy) reality type of way. There’s so much going on but the writer does a great job of keeping you invested for the characters more so than the action so even when there are “rest days” you’re still eager to keep going. Also love the cover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kassie Jones.
173 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2026
Holy CRAP!

Between is nothing like I've ever read before. It tackles big ideas of life, death, love, sacrifice, and everything in between.

This one is going to stick with me.

Our main character, Diane/Eight, and a group of others who have had near death/coma situations have a choice to make: move peacefully into the After or fight with everything they have to go back to their lives Before.

The epilogue is absolutely EVERYTHING!
Profile Image for Julia Lovering Killian.
39 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2026
Wowow what a creative story!!! A group of strangers fighting for their lives in a number of tribulations for a chance to return back to their body and life on earth in the “before” or die and go straight to the “after”. This book had it all - sci-fi/fantasy elements, romance, action and adventure, found family 🫶🏼 and it was the authors first book! I’m seriously impressed. I’m gonna need a book 2 ASAP! Really need to learn more about Sintra’s back story.. highly recommend this book to all types of readers!
Profile Image for Sarah Southgate.
30 reviews
August 17, 2026
I finished this book with tears streaming down my face.
It was so sad yet so beautiful.
I will be recommending this book to everyone

I really need Cayenne to write more books like right now!
I would love a book that explores the life that Eight and B could have in the After - and in the very very distant future when Rain comes to join them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate Pace.
209 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2026
Incredibly thought provoking and emotional. But also I’ll never look at marble statues again without thinking of Sintra.
Profile Image for T.
238 reviews
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May 3, 2026
Sintra jumpscares actually made me go 🫨 Sintra is also actually my sleep paralysis demon
Profile Image for Linda Roberts miller.
1 review
December 3, 2025
I absolutely love this book. I got it the day it was released and it came three days later. I started reading it that night that it came and finished at 5:04 in the morning. When I got a phone call from my sister telling me she was almost finished with her copy, I was so into the book that the phone ringing scared the heck out of me and I jumped. Wow! Super good book.
Profile Image for Seth.
19 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2026
I thought the premise and plot of this book was really strong. Personally, I didn't really identify with the characters, but I think it might resonate with you if you are a romance reader looking for a switch up to their normal genre!
Profile Image for Candy.
226 reviews14 followers
January 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Between' Review

I actually thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was not something I've read like it. Was quite a refreshing change. The concept of between; in-between living and afterlife/death.
This story flowed nicely and was written very well, was easy to understand. I loved the liminal space concept of the story. Makes you think what would you do in this scenario.
The trial/tribulations was a thrilling edge to the story, which I greatly enjoyed. And of course, the love story aspect. I was betting on these two🥲 It grabbed me emotionally on subjects and I was itching to turn the next page. I couldn't put it down, really wanted to find out what happened in the end.
Thankyou to Cayenne for sending me out a copy. I appreciate it. I really enjoyed your story, and can't wait to see more from you 💜🧡 xx

Our main character was going about her day, on a run, when struck by a car. She wakes and finds herself in front a group of other people and a what appears to be a 'being'.
Surrounded by purple wisps, that looks to be made of marble with golden eyes, though it's breathing, talking. The being gives her and the group a chance to survive to go back to their lives and live, a second chance. But only if they survive these trials called Tribulations. Or go to the afterlife ultimately passing on.
She and a few others choose to take on these Tribulations and fight to go back and live. These characters do not have the memories of their old life, they don't know who they are or even their own names. These characters start to confide themselves in each other and form special relationships. Trying to understand the meaning to what their going through.
They suffer heartache in these high stake trials, they fight to the death for themselves and each other, but some sacrifice the ultimate.

💜 Found Family
🧡 Second Chances
💜 Survival and Tribulations
🧡 Slow Burn Romance
💜 Forced Proximity
🧡 Liminal Space - 'Between' life & death
15 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2026
Okay. So this book? The CONCEPT alone had me.

Woman is stuck in a painfully blah life, gets into a car accident, and wakes up in the Between with a small group of strangers and this immortal being, Sintra, who’s basically like, “Survive my tribulations and you can go back to your life.” I mean?? I was there for all of it.

And when I say tribulations, I don’t mean cute little symbolic growth moments. I mean intense. Stressful. High-stakes. The kind where you’re reading and physically tensing because you’re like, “Oh she is NOT going to make it through this.” I would’ve folded immediately. Immediately.

Honestly, I was more obsessed with the structure and the whole existential setup than I was with Eight (our FMC) specifically. The idea of being forced to confront your life while hovering between life and death? That’s such a juicy premise. It kept me turning pages because I needed to see how it would all play out.

And Sintra? Full mystery the entire time. You never quite know what their angle is. Are they helping? Testing? Quietly enjoying the chaos? And the way they keep singling Eight out adds this extra layer of tension that makes everything feel personal.

It’s intense. It’s uncomfortable in that “hmm, what would I do?” kind of way. And it absolutely kept me locked in.

Would I survive the Between? No.
Would I read about someone else trying at midnight instead of going to bed like a responsible adult? Yes. 100&

If you're looking for a great story having to do with the "after" life, the "before" life and the "between" life, snag a copy of this book. You will definitely not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
390 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2026
I went into this one super intrigued with the concept because it is different, and I like different. This isn't something I probably would have normally picked up, but I am really glad that I did. It definitely grabbed me from the very beginning. It kept me interested and also kept me thinking.

The concept of the "Between" was very interesting and really can make you think. This is essentially the area between life and death. When somebody is fighting for their life in a coma, then they are in the Between. They can choose whether to go to the After (death) or stay and fight through tribulations to return to the Before (life). One of the kickers? They have no memories of the Before except for their last moments before they got to the Between which for some, raises questions as to whether they really want to return and what kind of person and life they had. Are they worthy?

As we go through the journey with this group as they journey through the Between and the tribulations, it is packed full of emotion. We have love, fear, heartbreak, hope, and so much more. They really build a strong bond, and the found family component is definitely strong. There's also some suspense with the tribulations as you are worrying and wondering what is going to happen.

I felt like the story flowed so well and was definitely easy to read and understand. The author did a fantastic job. That ending? Heartbreaking, but so good at the same time. The epilogue? Perfect! I definitely recommend you check this story out!

Profile Image for Lindsayrosereads .
117 reviews13 followers
March 31, 2026
I went into Between by Cayenne Sirois not really knowing what to expect, and wow… this ended up being one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time.

The premise alone hooked me. A group of people stuck in this in-between state of life and death, forced to face trials to earn their way back, all while questioning if they even should go back. The twist? They don’t remember their lives, just the moments before they got there. That layer of uncertainty adds so much tension and makes you constantly wonder who these characters really were in their former lives.

The writing style was a huge win for me. It felt conversational and easy to read, but still carried real emotional weight. It didn't feel overdone or heavy-handed. The characters had depth without being overwhelming, and their motivations came through in a really natural way.

Even though this isn’t my usual genre, I was completely pulled in. The story flows so well and keeps you engaged the whole time. And the ending? It was exactly what it needed to be. Satisfying, fitting, and impactful without trying too hard.

This book was definitely done with me before I was done with it, and I mean that in the best way.

I’m so grateful to the author for sending me a copy because I honestly don’t know if I would have found it on my own. If you’re looking for something different that makes you question life, death, and what comes after, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Profile Image for A. Paige.
Author 6 books34 followers
August 15, 2026
Haunting, Original, and Impossible to Put Down

Between by Cayenne Sirois completely pulled me in. The concept of waking up somewhere between life and death and having to survive a series of tribulations for the chance to return to your life was fascinating—and the deeper I got into the story, the more invested I became.

Eight is such an intriguing character, especially as she tries to understand the mysterious world she’s been thrown into while deciding who—and what—she can trust. Sintra adds another layer of mystery because I was constantly questioning his intentions. Is he helping them? Testing them? Or is there something much bigger happening?

I loved the tension created by bringing a group of strangers together and forcing them to face the unknown. The idea that failure means being sent to the “After”—a supposedly peaceful place—adds this wonderfully unsettling feeling throughout the story. It makes you question what survival really means when you’re standing on the boundary between life and death.

Between is imaginative, suspenseful, emotional, and refreshingly different. It kept me wondering what was coming next and had me thinking about the story long after I stopped reading.

If you enjoy mysterious worlds, supernatural elements, high-stakes trials, and stories that make you question what might exist beyond the life we know, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Lb.
293 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2026
This was different from the usual books I read but it pulled me in from the very first chapter I was invested in Eight and the other's journey and wanted to see them get through all of these trials and make it back to the Before. The writer does a good job with pacing the tribulations out so even when they have more "rest" days it never feels like that since there is always an element of creepy movie vibes with no one remembering their life from before and never knowing if any of them will make it through the next tribulation or when it will be haven't they been through enough already!

There is a side of romance between Eight and one of the other characters and our MMC is very sweet and protective over the whole group especially the young child that is unfortunately on this adventure with them.

If you are looking for something different that will have you turning pages and wondering what will come next be sure to add this to your TBR!

Book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...

*Indie Author *First book *Fierce FMC *protective MMC *close proximity *found family

*second chances *trials/tribulations *spooky vibes *slow burn *between life & death
Profile Image for Kortni Driver.
95 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2026
I’m honestly at a complete loss of words. This book was absolutely incredible. Although it completely and utterly wrecked me, I wish I could erase it from my mind and read it for the first time over and over again.

I was fully immersed in the unique plot and colorful characters from the very start. Ughhh. This book is just so much more than a fantasy romance. It’s full of pain, love, pure devastation, hope, raw emotion (both on the page and in your soul), tension (the best kind and the worst kind), suspense, mystery….. I mean, I could go on forever.

The fact that this is the author’s debut novel is actually mindblowingly wild. The writing style, storytelling, and character development are near perfection. This story was just so beautiful.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this book will stay with me for a very long time, if not forever. It holds a very special place in my heart.

I would freaking loveee to see this made into a movie! It’d be incredible.
Profile Image for Chad McCoskey.
Author 2 books7 followers
December 17, 2025
Between is a tense and emotionally engaging story that explores life, mortality, and the choices we make when pushed to the edge. The protagonist navigates a mysterious liminal world, facing high-stakes trials alongside other characters, where survival is never guaranteed.

The novel excels at blending suspense with emotional depth, showing how relationships, loyalty, and personal motivation influence outcomes in unexpected ways. The writing is generally strong, with clear prose and only minor stylistic quirks. Dialogue and pacing are handled well, and the story encourages readers to notice connections and patterns on their own.

Overall, Between is a compelling, thoughtful read that balances psychological insight with thrilling stakes. It’s immersive, thought-provoking, and keeps you turning pages.
Profile Image for Samantha Vargas.
Author 2 books70 followers
January 2, 2026
"Thank you, fear, for protecting me."

At first I was slightly hesitant between a four star and a five star, but the ending solidified it for me.

I thought this book was unique in the way that it handles what happens in the Between. Before you either wake up from a coma or die and go into the After. I loved the idea of a trial to fight for your life. It was very well thought in that aspect.

I did have some lags where I felt the tension wasn't quite as high, so I skimmed a little, but even with the skimming, I was emotionally wrecked by the end. It was a satisfying ending, but one that also completely made me want to cry. It's such a real experience these characters go through, and seeing how they connected in the end was WILD.

Great job to Sirois on this novel. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Riva.
2 reviews
March 16, 2026
I loved this one. The longer I spent with these characters, the more attached I became, and every loss hit harder than the last. By the end, some moments were genuinely devastating.
The overall vibe felt a bit like The Hunger Games — but as a team, everyone fighting together instead of against each other. There were also moments that leaned into creepy, unsettling territory that gave me definite It vibes.
I also appreciated the balance between the intense moments and the quieter ones that let the characters connect. The relationships, especially the romance building in the background, added a nice emotional layer.
The ending wasn’t exactly what my heart wanted, but it still felt satisfying and true to the journey.
Overall, this was an emotional, high-stakes story that kept me invested the entire time.
Profile Image for Heather Shower.
401 reviews29 followers
January 2, 2026
Between grabbed my attention immediately and kept it until the very last page. After a sudden accident, the main character awakens in a strange in-between realm where a mysterious being offers her a choice: face lethal trials for a chance to live again, or pass on for good.
With their memories erased, the characters must define themselves through survival, loyalty, and sacrifice. The trials are intense, the relationships feel genuine, and the emotional moments hit hard.
The world-building is imaginative and impressive, especially for a debut, and the story balances suspense with meaningful reflection on life and mortality. I loved the ending left me emotional in the best way. An unforgettable read I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Ella (DearFuturePublisher).
65 reviews
January 9, 2026
Between grabbed me from the very first sentence and didn’t let go. The whole story takes place in this erie in between space where real life and death blur, and it’s packed with emotion; love, fear, heartbreak, hope, all of it. I was attached to several characters and following eight and the others through their trials had me fully invested and flipping pages way too fast.

And that ending.. Yeah, one tear definitely escaped. I closed the book just thinking about life, choices, and the people we keep close. There’s even one super creepy scene that might haunt me later. This book really gives you the full emotional spectrum with a heartbreakingly perfect ending. If you’re drawn to afterlife adventures found family bonds, and a hint of romance, this one’s going to hit the spot.
Profile Image for Jessica Wilczynski.
680 reviews16 followers
May 5, 2026
A woman is treading water in life and when she is struck by a car while out on a run she wakes up in an unfamiliar place with other strangers. She is informed that she is in the between and she has a choice if she wants to go straight to the after or if she wants to stay in the between and fight go get back to her life. She along with five others decide they want to fight, they have no recollections of who they were or who they are but they decide they want a second chance. They have no idea the tribulations they are in for.

This was unlike any book I have ever read but I really enjoyed it. I was instantly invested in the characters and the story. This really gets you thinking about how you are living your life and if you are living it to the fullest. The ending was so so good!
Profile Image for Mari Rose.
85 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2026
This book remains in my mind long after I finished!

It's a great combination of speculative fiction, dystopian, and sci-fi. These genres and tropes like found family, second chance, forced proximity, and so much more instantly invested me in the story! I just absolutely adore the unique and special plot, great world-building, and impactful character development. This story was so thought provoking and took me on an emotional rollercoaster from the romance, bonds, and more. Moreover, I love the messages and themes in this book, such as life and death! It really made me think about the purpose of life and what standards and morals I need to implement. To conclude, you should read this book if you like vibes like Hunger Games and want dystopian suspense!
Profile Image for Skye Daniels.
Author 4 books40 followers
January 2, 2026
What happens in the time between the possible end of your life and death. This book has it all!

Love, heartache, pain, hope, and acceptance.The emotions were deep and I felt them with every page. You come to care about every single character and you want them to succeed.

This might not be what one might consider a traditional HEA but it was a HEA and it leaves you thinking about the choices we make in life and the people we surround ourselves with.
I don't want to give any spoilers away but I highly recommend reading this book and I can't wait to read future books from this author.

This was a solid 5 star read and like nothing I've read before.
Profile Image for Jessica Hockaday.
197 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2026
Did this book destroy me in the most beautiful way possible? YES! Am I sobbing while writing this review? Also yes.

Eight, B, Rain, Lily and Harley will live in my heart forever.

If you love a beautiful found family, characters who are broken but still have love to give, trials that will rip your heart out and a villian who is deeper than they appear .. you will love Between. I love an imperfect character and all of them (minus rain) fit the bill. Watching strangers with no memories fight for each other, love one another and support one another was truly beautiful.

I just adored this book.
Profile Image for JB Harris.
76 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The concept was interesting right from the start. The world was well developed and believable. There were parts of the story that felt a bit like a D&D game but with people instead of D&D characters for better or worse. I’ve sat with the book for a day or two and I’m still unsure of how I feel about the ending. I won’t give anything away except to say, I’m trying to decide if it was the ending I wanted or was a bit too buttoned up. Maybe time will tell. Either way this is a great debut and I am inviting the author to be a future famous author book club pick
Profile Image for J.E. Larson.
Author 4 books194 followers
December 22, 2025
I absolutely loved the idea for this book, and from the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into the story. The way the author creates the Between world, along with the After and Before, was so creative, especially for a debut novel. I also really loved that it’s a standalone <3.
This is such a great read to slip into your TBR, and trust me… be ready for the ending, it had me tearing up a little in the best way.
Profile Image for Ariel.
1 review
July 31, 2026
This book wrecked me in the most perfect way. This has made it onto my ‘God Tier’ list and may be one of my favorite ever books.
I found myself stopping my read to savor the moments of joy to ensure they lasted longer and sat with me, afraid of what the next chapter would hold. I cried through the book and sobbed through the final chapters.
This may replace those movies I rewatch again and again when I want to cuddle up with ice cream and spirit away into another world
1000/10 recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews