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Pendant Series #2
Between Loves
Sidney Sinclair’s life has gone from dreamlike escapades to the reality of two men who both want her…
Her unfaithful rock star boyfriend, Ray Ryker, may have some competition in a handsome young stranger, Adrian McAllister, who she first only imagined in her dreams.
The thing is, he’s no longer a fantasy. He’s now not only involved in her thoughts but her everyday life as well.
Sidney finds herself in a romantic overload as she tries to choose between the boy she’s known since high school, or the exotic presence with shining green eyes who takes her breath away.
Until, she is attacked in her backyard, and someone’s murdered…
While trying to uncover the identity of the mysterious killer she can’t help but wonder if the handsome stranger may have had something to do with it.
It doesn't take long for Sidney to realize she doesn't trust either of the men in her life, not Ray, her adulterous boyfriend, or Adrian, the green-eyed charmer.
Now she finds herself having to weave her way through the web of lies confronting her at every turn.
Or she could be the next to die…
Her unfaithful rock star boyfriend, Ray Ryker, may have some competition in a handsome young stranger, Adrian McAllister, who she first only imagined in her dreams.
The thing is, he’s no longer a fantasy. He’s now not only involved in her thoughts but her everyday life as well.
Sidney finds herself in a romantic overload as she tries to choose between the boy she’s known since high school, or the exotic presence with shining green eyes who takes her breath away.
Until, she is attacked in her backyard, and someone’s murdered…
While trying to uncover the identity of the mysterious killer she can’t help but wonder if the handsome stranger may have had something to do with it.
It doesn't take long for Sidney to realize she doesn't trust either of the men in her life, not Ray, her adulterous boyfriend, or Adrian, the green-eyed charmer.
Now she finds herself having to weave her way through the web of lies confronting her at every turn.
Or she could be the next to die…
196 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
1 person is currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Austin
10 books299 followersCynthia Austin lives in Northern California with her
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
husband, two boys, and Olde English Bulldogge named Count
Dogula. They love all things horror, gothic, and Victorian
which prompts her friends to dub them as “The Adams
Family.”
She is an avid reader who may be slightly obsessed with
music. She hears music in a way that she believes the
artist intended it to be heard: visually, with a storyline
that follows. Listening to the songs by her favorite
artists, she was inspired to write her first series titled
“The Pendant.”
Cynthia has been published twice in The Writer’s Monthly
Magazine as well as the online news site, Yahoo!
Voices. She currently attends Diablo Valley College, in
Pleasant Hill, California, where she is working to achieve
her degree in English.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 1, 2016
Nooooo!
For Christ sakes how could this book end like this?
This was an amazing story of the past trickling into the present.
Sidney and her rockstar boyfriend have a very rocky relationship and no matter how much they try to make it better, it always ends up in a mess. After their last breakup, Sidney goes into s depression, missing Ray too much. She leans on her friend Adrian for help and soon finds herself smitten with him.
After months of not hearing one word from Ray. A box suddenly shows up from him inviting her to meet him for dinner. But Sidney is hesitant all she can think about is Adrian. She's confused. Should she finally walk away from my hand she has loved practically her whole life?
For Christ sakes how could this book end like this?
This was an amazing story of the past trickling into the present.
Sidney and her rockstar boyfriend have a very rocky relationship and no matter how much they try to make it better, it always ends up in a mess. After their last breakup, Sidney goes into s depression, missing Ray too much. She leans on her friend Adrian for help and soon finds herself smitten with him.
After months of not hearing one word from Ray. A box suddenly shows up from him inviting her to meet him for dinner. But Sidney is hesitant all she can think about is Adrian. She's confused. Should she finally walk away from my hand she has loved practically her whole life?
April 26, 2018
There are spoilers I can’t reveal here but I’ll give you my thoughts.
Book 2 picked up right after where book 1 left off, which I appreciate as a reader. There’s an accident and Sidney is left to wonder who is responsible. Ray sticks by her side, at least for awhile. Adrian shows up when no one is around, which heightens my suspicions about him.
Let’s talk about Ray. Now I know Ray is fresh out of high school but he’s such a controlling, manipulative bastard that I have a hard time rooting for him. I have to continually curb my urge to scream at Sidney to just leave him.
Adrian, on the other hand, is alluring, mysterious and we get to know him much better in the dreams Sidney has. It doesn’t take much to add it up and the retelling of the Adam and Eve story is a cool twist I didn’t see coming. Adrian reminds me a lot of Angelus from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Poor Sidney. The more time she spends with Adrian, the more she falls in love with him. They call that a love triangle, although if I was her, I’d go for door #3. Just sayin’.
OMG! Another killer cliff-hanger. Really?!?
My Rating: 3/5
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/
Book 2 picked up right after where book 1 left off, which I appreciate as a reader. There’s an accident and Sidney is left to wonder who is responsible. Ray sticks by her side, at least for awhile. Adrian shows up when no one is around, which heightens my suspicions about him.
Let’s talk about Ray. Now I know Ray is fresh out of high school but he’s such a controlling, manipulative bastard that I have a hard time rooting for him. I have to continually curb my urge to scream at Sidney to just leave him.
Adrian, on the other hand, is alluring, mysterious and we get to know him much better in the dreams Sidney has. It doesn’t take much to add it up and the retelling of the Adam and Eve story is a cool twist I didn’t see coming. Adrian reminds me a lot of Angelus from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Poor Sidney. The more time she spends with Adrian, the more she falls in love with him. They call that a love triangle, although if I was her, I’d go for door #3. Just sayin’.
OMG! Another killer cliff-hanger. Really?!?
My Rating: 3/5
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/
February 11, 2019
This book will definitely have you on an emotional roller coaster. It picks up right where the cliffhanger in book 1 leaves off. It begins with a murder mystery at the center of the love triangle that features prominently in the story. We're given more of the dreams that seem to be mirroring what's happening in real life--enough to confirm what I suspected about the characters and their ties to the dreams when I'd read book 1. Just as in the first book, Sidney's torn between her emotionally abusive, cheating boyfriend (Ray) and this dream character come to life (Adrian). One minute I'm rooting for Ray (there's something about this "other" woman he had an affair with that makes me think he's under some sort of spell--otherwise I'd be totally turned off), and in the next moment I'm hoping Adrian wins. Truthfully, I'm torn between the two. I'm not a big fan of love triangles because it always seems like the guy I'm rooting for loses, but I gotta say this one keeps me guessing!
I did have trouble with the heroine at times. She seems rather emotionally erratic and weak, and her "popping of pills" is concerning. For me, the characters are compelling enough to keep reading though, and I suspect and hope this is all part of the heroine's personal growth that will resolve in the next book in the series.
I did have trouble with the heroine at times. She seems rather emotionally erratic and weak, and her "popping of pills" is concerning. For me, the characters are compelling enough to keep reading though, and I suspect and hope this is all part of the heroine's personal growth that will resolve in the next book in the series.
June 8, 2015
Since finding The Pendant and leaving school , Sidney's life has started to fall apart and spiral down especially after she discovered that her boyfriend Ray had been unfaithful and despite in Between Loves his aimless efforts to try and win her back , he still seems to be getting a little bit of Lily on the side. Will Ray be able to prove to Sidney that he really does love and care for her ? What will happen though with Sidney's choices now that Adrian is in the picture and she is continuing to have the weird dreams about Samuael and Eve. By this time the reader has guessed that the pendant is the same one that Samuael gives Eve and tells her to continue passing it down through the bloodline as one day he will find her and be with her. This made me wonder if the time is now and that Adrian is in fact Samuael in this life and Sidney is Eve as there is a magnetic connection between them. Though life is about to get a litte harder for Sidney when someone breaks into her house and kills her Grandmother's nurse. Sidney wakes up in hospital , but is there still a death threat hanging over her head and where is the threat coming from , especially now that Ray is a bigtime music star and has adoring fans and groupies - one in particular Lily Lavelle ?
Like the first book Between Dreams , Between Loves which is second in the trilogy - also finishes on a major cliffhanger, so readers beware...
February 5, 2017
In the first book of the series Sidney was attacked with a shovel whilst she was gardening. Ray her long time boyfriend was staying with her after one of their breakups.
This part picks up with Sidney being taken to the hospital and a very frantic Ray. Nobody knows the identity of the attacker. There are various
speculations but no supportive evidence. Sidney's behaviour is quite erratic. She is in love with Ray despite everything but at the same time, she appears to be falling for the secretive Adrian who just happens to be the man in her recurring dreams. Adrian has a tendency to appear and disappear when least expected. He is also fascinated by Sidney's pendant which also features in her dreams.
Sidney decides that she is no longer the girl who runs away from difficulties but she appears to be doing just that. Then there is the mysterious and elusive red haired Lily. Samael's sister in Sidney's dreams is also a red head. The plot thickens.
"Between Loves" is full of twists and turns and I guess the final part in the series will reveal all. The heat is definitely on and I look forward to see the outcome of this intriguing paranormal romance.
I received this ARC from Indie Sage PR in exchange for an honest review.
This part picks up with Sidney being taken to the hospital and a very frantic Ray. Nobody knows the identity of the attacker. There are various
speculations but no supportive evidence. Sidney's behaviour is quite erratic. She is in love with Ray despite everything but at the same time, she appears to be falling for the secretive Adrian who just happens to be the man in her recurring dreams. Adrian has a tendency to appear and disappear when least expected. He is also fascinated by Sidney's pendant which also features in her dreams.
Sidney decides that she is no longer the girl who runs away from difficulties but she appears to be doing just that. Then there is the mysterious and elusive red haired Lily. Samael's sister in Sidney's dreams is also a red head. The plot thickens.
"Between Loves" is full of twists and turns and I guess the final part in the series will reveal all. The heat is definitely on and I look forward to see the outcome of this intriguing paranormal romance.
I received this ARC from Indie Sage PR in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2015
Cynthia Austin has done it again with her second book of the Pendant Series Between Loves!!!! I purchased the ebook version of this on August 19, 2015 and finished it in the same night! I read through 65% of the book and then set it down, I had so many other things to take care of.
After a a little bit, I had to finish it, I had to find out how Sidney was going to deal with Adrian and Ray! Her dreams were becoming more dark and disturbing and her relationship was growing with Adrian.
I want Adrian to be the 'good guy', I can't stand Ray.
I'm trying not to spoil any suspense for future readers so I'm going to leave the rest of the unfolding plot to your imagination!
This book has suspense, intrigue, love, hate, strong characters...even the ones I don't like:} and imagination. I loved it and I can't wait to read the final installment!
Thank you Cynthia Austin for transporting me, there is nothing better than sprawling out and being sucked into a book. You did it again!
After a a little bit, I had to finish it, I had to find out how Sidney was going to deal with Adrian and Ray! Her dreams were becoming more dark and disturbing and her relationship was growing with Adrian.
I want Adrian to be the 'good guy', I can't stand Ray.
I'm trying not to spoil any suspense for future readers so I'm going to leave the rest of the unfolding plot to your imagination!
This book has suspense, intrigue, love, hate, strong characters...even the ones I don't like:} and imagination. I loved it and I can't wait to read the final installment!
Thank you Cynthia Austin for transporting me, there is nothing better than sprawling out and being sucked into a book. You did it again!
June 22, 2015
This was given to me as an ARC for my honest review!
This book left me wanting more. I read the first book Between Dreams and now this book was even more exciting as the first. I am so looking forward for the next one.
Between Loves had me asking questions about Adrian. I want to know who he really is. I do not give out spoilers in any of my reviews (Sorry). I want to know what's going to happen? Now! It has me in such suspense I feel like screaming. It so awesome. I would of been finished with Between Loves earlier but I was out for almost 3 days.
Cynthia Austin is becoming one of my newest found author. I love her writing. It flows wonderfully. There wasn't a 3 month span or confusion from the first book to the next. It was a smooth read from book one and two. There was no confusion or trying to remember how the last book ended. It was perfect!!
Loved it and can't wait for the third book!!
Thank you Cynthia for another great book!!!
This book left me wanting more. I read the first book Between Dreams and now this book was even more exciting as the first. I am so looking forward for the next one.
Between Loves had me asking questions about Adrian. I want to know who he really is. I do not give out spoilers in any of my reviews (Sorry). I want to know what's going to happen? Now! It has me in such suspense I feel like screaming. It so awesome. I would of been finished with Between Loves earlier but I was out for almost 3 days.
Cynthia Austin is becoming one of my newest found author. I love her writing. It flows wonderfully. There wasn't a 3 month span or confusion from the first book to the next. It was a smooth read from book one and two. There was no confusion or trying to remember how the last book ended. It was perfect!!
Loved it and can't wait for the third book!!
Thank you Cynthia for another great book!!!
June 26, 2015
While I enjoyed the wonderful complexity of Sidney, there were definitely a couple of things that made it hard to get into Between Loves. Mainly, it was a bit slow, like the first book, and there was a lot of repetition (green eyes again.) That being said, Austin’s world is rather intriguing and the story being woven does garner a great bit of interest, making it easier to read once the suspense picks up a bit. I do think Adrian and Ray are both part of the problem for me too, as they are just not at all captivating as love interests, at least not at this point. I’m certainly interested to see where things go in the next book and would absolutely recommend you read this if you enjoy fantasy or even mystery. 3.5 stars
***free arc in exchange for honest opinion***
***free arc in exchange for honest opinion***
June 6, 2015
What do you do when your dream guy becomes reality and your reality becomes a nightmare? When Sidney is attacked and someone close to her is killed, she begins to question everything she thought was real and everyone she thought was genuine. Will she be able to figure out what is going on or will she be the next victim?
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next installment...
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next installment...
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June 14, 2019
This book continues not long after the end of book one.
Sidney wakes up in the hospital to find herself with a serious head wound and her beloved granny's nurse murdered. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Ray, is by her side, but at first is more concerned about his potential rival, Adrian, then her welfare. Sidney is devastated at the loss of the nurse, but no one seems to recognize it or care. It's an emotional situation which no one seems to know how to handle.
I would give this story a 3.8 for solid writing that keeps us hooked. It's sort of like knowing the train wreck is coming, but you can't turn your eyes away. Sidney and Ray are both tough characters to like for completely different reasons. She seems to thrive on Ray's abusive behavior and no one tries to get her any help nor does she look for it herself. Ray is just a manipulative jerk. And though Adrian is Sidney's life line and potential true love, I find him to be manipulative as well since he keeps Sidney at a distance while luring her in at the same time with his mysterious behavior. And don't get me started on Chrissy.
There is also an emotional cycle that keeps repeating itself without really moving the story forward. Ray and Sidney break up. They get back together. Wash. Repeat. There is very little mention of the pendant or clues to its importance. Her dreams stop half-way through the book with little to no explanation. I would have liked it if Sidney took a more proactive approach to discovering what her dreams mean and why she stays in an abusive relationship. Even a few more clues about the pendant would allow her to learn it's meaning on her own and would have given her more depth of character and allow her to evolve into a stronger and more independent person. Right now she's just bouncing back and forth between two guys.
I do find the series to be engaging in a guilty pleasure sort of way.
Sidney wakes up in the hospital to find herself with a serious head wound and her beloved granny's nurse murdered. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Ray, is by her side, but at first is more concerned about his potential rival, Adrian, then her welfare. Sidney is devastated at the loss of the nurse, but no one seems to recognize it or care. It's an emotional situation which no one seems to know how to handle.
I would give this story a 3.8 for solid writing that keeps us hooked. It's sort of like knowing the train wreck is coming, but you can't turn your eyes away. Sidney and Ray are both tough characters to like for completely different reasons. She seems to thrive on Ray's abusive behavior and no one tries to get her any help nor does she look for it herself. Ray is just a manipulative jerk. And though Adrian is Sidney's life line and potential true love, I find him to be manipulative as well since he keeps Sidney at a distance while luring her in at the same time with his mysterious behavior. And don't get me started on Chrissy.
There is also an emotional cycle that keeps repeating itself without really moving the story forward. Ray and Sidney break up. They get back together. Wash. Repeat. There is very little mention of the pendant or clues to its importance. Her dreams stop half-way through the book with little to no explanation. I would have liked it if Sidney took a more proactive approach to discovering what her dreams mean and why she stays in an abusive relationship. Even a few more clues about the pendant would allow her to learn it's meaning on her own and would have given her more depth of character and allow her to evolve into a stronger and more independent person. Right now she's just bouncing back and forth between two guys.
I do find the series to be engaging in a guilty pleasure sort of way.
June 22, 2017
OK, first off let me explain something. I don't have much reading time. I'm a mom of two, wife, full time 911 dispatcher, and a writer in the middle of edits and a new work in progress. The only time I have to really read is at night when I sit and rock the baby. That being said, I read this book in one sitting.
It
Was
Awesome.
I really couldn't put it down. The first book was slow, ending in a cliffhanger. But despite the slowness it grabbed me in the middle and I really wanted to find out what happened. Book two picks up right were book one leaves off, and doesn't disappoint in the frustration department when it comes to the relationship between Sidney and Ray. I wanted to throw the book, really. I hated watching her let him hurt her. All the while I am thinking about how realistic this really is. Austin does a marvelous job in crafting that co-dependent relationship where you are screaming at the woman to come to her senses and see what's right before her in the ever patient and mysterious Adrian.
Not wanting to give away spoilers, this book was gripping from page one and kept me turning the page. It ends in another cliffhanger that left me swearing under my breath and wishing I had time to start book three.
Five stars, if I could give it more, I would.
It
Was
Awesome.
I really couldn't put it down. The first book was slow, ending in a cliffhanger. But despite the slowness it grabbed me in the middle and I really wanted to find out what happened. Book two picks up right were book one leaves off, and doesn't disappoint in the frustration department when it comes to the relationship between Sidney and Ray. I wanted to throw the book, really. I hated watching her let him hurt her. All the while I am thinking about how realistic this really is. Austin does a marvelous job in crafting that co-dependent relationship where you are screaming at the woman to come to her senses and see what's right before her in the ever patient and mysterious Adrian.
Not wanting to give away spoilers, this book was gripping from page one and kept me turning the page. It ends in another cliffhanger that left me swearing under my breath and wishing I had time to start book three.
Five stars, if I could give it more, I would.
November 30, 2019
Between Loves is book two in the Pendant Series. It was great to pick up where book one left off. This was a faster read than book one. It took me some time to get into book one but this one flew by and was such a quick and easy read.
At times, I wanted to slap Sidney. I feel like we need a bit more of the back story of her and Ray to understand why she continues to go back to him. Her codependency on him is eye rolling. But that's what makes the story.
I can't wait to see what happens next with Sid, Ray, and Adrian.
At times, I wanted to slap Sidney. I feel like we need a bit more of the back story of her and Ray to understand why she continues to go back to him. Her codependency on him is eye rolling. But that's what makes the story.
I can't wait to see what happens next with Sid, Ray, and Adrian.
August 2, 2017
Between Loves is excellently written and is a great follow up to Between Dreams. The books has a little something for everyone - suspense, love, mystery, intensity, etc.. Excited to read Between Worlds!
August 12, 2015
I have to say Sidney is quite the vexing character. She reminds herself repeatedly how she "is a glutton for punishment." She has no self esteem and puts up with some pretty bad stuff. With the title calling itself a Pendant Series I had hoped to see something more happening with that aspect of the story. I think I can see where this story is going with the dreams Sidney is having. Maybe a teen would have an easier time of relating to and enjoying this series. There is more excitement and action in this book than the first. I was given this story for my honest review and this is mine.
January 25, 2018
From the first page the characters are well formed and invite you into a world that young adults will eagerly delve into. Cynthia Austin seamlessly melds religion, fantasy and real world issues that her readers can relae to. A tale of discovery and coming of age that gives a new take on a classic love theme. This three-book series is sure to keep readers spellbound and coming back for more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews