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Between the Flags
114 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2026
About the author
Lisa Stanbridge
14 books35 followersEver since she could string sentences together, Lisa has been writing. As a child, it started off with princesses in castles being rescued by Prince Charming. As a teenager she moved on to angsty teens struggling through life with raging hormones. Now, as a semi-mature adult, she writes sweet contemporary romances about real people going through real struggles who want their HEA.
In 2020, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Sweet Treats short story contest. Her short story, The Cupcake Catastrophe, was published in the Sweet Treats anthology. She also had her first novel, Abandoned Hearts, published.
In 2019, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Little Gems short story contest where she came joint first place with two other authors. Her short story, Clarity, was published in the Little Gems anthology. She came second place in RWAus' Emerald contest. This is the same story that is now published.
When she’s not writing, she works full time as a Software Tester. She reads anything she can sink her teeth into, and occasionally binges on the latest Netflix series. She loves lazy days at the beach reading or writing, but rarely swimming, and loves spending time with her husband and her friends.
In 2020, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Sweet Treats short story contest. Her short story, The Cupcake Catastrophe, was published in the Sweet Treats anthology. She also had her first novel, Abandoned Hearts, published.
In 2019, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Little Gems short story contest where she came joint first place with two other authors. Her short story, Clarity, was published in the Little Gems anthology. She came second place in RWAus' Emerald contest. This is the same story that is now published.
When she’s not writing, she works full time as a Software Tester. She reads anything she can sink her teeth into, and occasionally binges on the latest Netflix series. She loves lazy days at the beach reading or writing, but rarely swimming, and loves spending time with her husband and her friends.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 31, 2026
I picked up Between the Flags expecting a cute holiday romance, and it delivered exactly what I wanted and then some.
This book feels like sunshine in story form. The Bali setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I could practically feel the heat, hear the waves, and smell the ocean while reading. It made me want to book a flight immediately.
Lila and Tom were such an enjoyable couple to follow. I loved the contrast between Lila’s optimistic, slightly chaotic energy and Tom’s grumpy, guarded personality. Their banter felt natural, and their chemistry built in a way that had me smiling every time they were together. The age-gap dynamic was handled really well too. It never felt forced or uncomfortable—just two people at very different stages of life finding common ground.
What surprised me most was how much heart the story had beneath the romance. Tom’s emotional baggage and fear of letting people in felt genuine, while Lila’s determination to live life fully made her impossible not to root for. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was incredibly satisfying.
I also appreciated that the story didn’t rely on over-the-top drama. The conflicts felt believable and character-driven, which made the emotional moments hit harder. Sometimes you just want a romance that lets you fall in love with the characters and cheer for their happiness, and this book delivers that.
By the end, I was completely invested in their future and finished the final chapter with the biggest smile on my face.
If you're looking for a sweet, heartfelt romance with tropical vibes, a grumpy lifeguard, a sunshine heroine, plenty of chemistry, and all the warm fuzzy feelings, Between the Flags is such a fun escape. It’s the kind of book that leaves you happier than when you started it.
This book feels like sunshine in story form. The Bali setting is absolutely gorgeous, and I could practically feel the heat, hear the waves, and smell the ocean while reading. It made me want to book a flight immediately.
Lila and Tom were such an enjoyable couple to follow. I loved the contrast between Lila’s optimistic, slightly chaotic energy and Tom’s grumpy, guarded personality. Their banter felt natural, and their chemistry built in a way that had me smiling every time they were together. The age-gap dynamic was handled really well too. It never felt forced or uncomfortable—just two people at very different stages of life finding common ground.
What surprised me most was how much heart the story had beneath the romance. Tom’s emotional baggage and fear of letting people in felt genuine, while Lila’s determination to live life fully made her impossible not to root for. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was incredibly satisfying.
I also appreciated that the story didn’t rely on over-the-top drama. The conflicts felt believable and character-driven, which made the emotional moments hit harder. Sometimes you just want a romance that lets you fall in love with the characters and cheer for their happiness, and this book delivers that.
By the end, I was completely invested in their future and finished the final chapter with the biggest smile on my face.
If you're looking for a sweet, heartfelt romance with tropical vibes, a grumpy lifeguard, a sunshine heroine, plenty of chemistry, and all the warm fuzzy feelings, Between the Flags is such a fun escape. It’s the kind of book that leaves you happier than when you started it.
May 31, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between the Flags was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Set in beautiful Seminyak, Bali, this age-gap romance delivers a wonderful grumpy/sunshine dynamic that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Lila is such a lovable heroine. Her optimism and sunny outlook on life made her impossible not to root for, especially when paired with the extremely grumpy lifeguard, Tom. Their first meeting had me laughing out loud, and the chemistry between them only grew stronger from there.
One of my favourite things about this book was how well the age-gap romance was handled. Tom is very aware of the fourteen-year age difference and has genuine concerns about pursuing a relationship with Lila, which made the romance feel believable and respectful. The concerns from Lila's family also felt realistic, even when they occasionally frustrated me.
The romance developed naturally and never felt rushed. Lila's determination to break through Tom's walls was both sweet and heartwarming, while Tom's reluctance came from genuine emotional wounds rather than unnecessary drama. Their relationship was romantic without becoming overly sugary, and it gave me all the feels.
There were several emotional moments that really resonated with me, particularly when Tom is forced to confront the reality that Lila's holiday is coming to an end. His vulnerability and fear were beautifully written and completely broke my heart.
I also loved Tom's personal journey. Watching him reconnect with parts of himself he had lost after past betrayals was incredibly satisfying, and the ending was the perfect reward after everything the characters had been through.
If you enjoy age-gap romances, grumpy/sunshine pairings, holiday romance settings, and emotionally satisfying love stories, I highly recommend Between the Flags.
Between the Flags was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Set in beautiful Seminyak, Bali, this age-gap romance delivers a wonderful grumpy/sunshine dynamic that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Lila is such a lovable heroine. Her optimism and sunny outlook on life made her impossible not to root for, especially when paired with the extremely grumpy lifeguard, Tom. Their first meeting had me laughing out loud, and the chemistry between them only grew stronger from there.
One of my favourite things about this book was how well the age-gap romance was handled. Tom is very aware of the fourteen-year age difference and has genuine concerns about pursuing a relationship with Lila, which made the romance feel believable and respectful. The concerns from Lila's family also felt realistic, even when they occasionally frustrated me.
The romance developed naturally and never felt rushed. Lila's determination to break through Tom's walls was both sweet and heartwarming, while Tom's reluctance came from genuine emotional wounds rather than unnecessary drama. Their relationship was romantic without becoming overly sugary, and it gave me all the feels.
There were several emotional moments that really resonated with me, particularly when Tom is forced to confront the reality that Lila's holiday is coming to an end. His vulnerability and fear were beautifully written and completely broke my heart.
I also loved Tom's personal journey. Watching him reconnect with parts of himself he had lost after past betrayals was incredibly satisfying, and the ending was the perfect reward after everything the characters had been through.
If you enjoy age-gap romances, grumpy/sunshine pairings, holiday romance settings, and emotionally satisfying love stories, I highly recommend Between the Flags.
May 31, 2026
I absolutely loved Between the Flags by Lisa Stanbridge.
Honestly, this book completely pulled me in from the first chapter and never let go. What started as a fun holiday romance quickly turned into a story I couldn't stop thinking about. The chemistry between Lila and Tom was incredible, and I found myself smiling, laughing, swooning, and occasionally wanting to shake both of them because I was so invested in what happened next.
One of the things I loved most was how real the characters felt. Lila was funny, relatable, and easy to connect with, while Tom's gruff exterior hiding a much deeper story made him impossible not to fall for. Their banter was fantastic, and every interaction between them felt genuine and meaningful.
The setting was also beautifully written. I felt like I was right there on the beach, soaking up the atmosphere, sunshine, and ocean views. It added so much to the story and made it even more immersive.
For a shorter book, it packed so much heart, emotion, romance, and character development into every chapter. I flew through it and was genuinely sad when it ended. That's always the sign of a great read for me.
This is one of those books that reminds me why I love reading romance. It was sweet, heartfelt, entertaining, and left me with that happy book glow when I turned the final page. I already know I'll be rereading it soon because I enjoyed it that much.
Lisa Stanbridge has written something really special here, and I can't recommend Between the Flags highly enough. If you're looking for a romance with heart, humour, fantastic chemistry, and characters you'll be thinking about long after you've finished reading, this is definitely one to pick up.
Honestly, this book completely pulled me in from the first chapter and never let go. What started as a fun holiday romance quickly turned into a story I couldn't stop thinking about. The chemistry between Lila and Tom was incredible, and I found myself smiling, laughing, swooning, and occasionally wanting to shake both of them because I was so invested in what happened next.
One of the things I loved most was how real the characters felt. Lila was funny, relatable, and easy to connect with, while Tom's gruff exterior hiding a much deeper story made him impossible not to fall for. Their banter was fantastic, and every interaction between them felt genuine and meaningful.
The setting was also beautifully written. I felt like I was right there on the beach, soaking up the atmosphere, sunshine, and ocean views. It added so much to the story and made it even more immersive.
For a shorter book, it packed so much heart, emotion, romance, and character development into every chapter. I flew through it and was genuinely sad when it ended. That's always the sign of a great read for me.
This is one of those books that reminds me why I love reading romance. It was sweet, heartfelt, entertaining, and left me with that happy book glow when I turned the final page. I already know I'll be rereading it soon because I enjoyed it that much.
Lisa Stanbridge has written something really special here, and I can't recommend Between the Flags highly enough. If you're looking for a romance with heart, humour, fantastic chemistry, and characters you'll be thinking about long after you've finished reading, this is definitely one to pick up.
June 2, 2026
'Between the Flags is a heartfelt age-gap romance novella about taking chances, healing old wounds, and learning that sometimes the biggest risk is opening your heart.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 10, 2026Great summer read! This book is perfect for a summer day. It's a cute romantic comedy that can be read in one sitting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews