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The Harrisons #4

Between You and Me

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As the only daughter of the wealthy Harrison clan, Tess Harrison has everything—except the baby she longs for. With no husband in sight, she escapes to her family’s retreat in Aspen, Colorado, visions of sperm donors dancing in her head. Instead, she finds Logan Carter. When the ruggedly handsome manager of the Harrison ski house offers to be her baby daddy in exchange for her playing his girlfriend, Tess is breathless to begin the charade. After all, the brokenhearted heiress knows better than to fall in love . . .

She would be Logan’s dream girl, if his dark past had left him with any dreams. Now the brooding bachelor’s only hope is to satisfy his mother’s dying wish to see him happily paired off—and give lovely Tess the baby she longs for. But when he and Tess opt to make a baby the old-fashioned way, he’s fighting hard against the longing to hold on to the elusive Harrison beauty forever . . .

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 28, 2017

40 people are currently reading
552 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Gracen

21 books257 followers
Jennifer Gracen was born, raised, and still lives on Long Island, New York, and is a proud mom of two grown sons. She loves to write for readers who look for authentic characters, some humor, some passion, and warmth. A medical copy editor by day, Jennifer also does copy editing and proofreading for novelists. She's also been known to give lively concerts in her car (she's an alto).

The Harrisons Series:
Book 1: More Than You Know
Book 2: Someone Like You
Book 3: 'Tis The Season
Book 3.5: Happily Ever After (novella)
Book 4: Between You And Me
Book 5: It Might Be You

The McKinnon Brothers Series:
Book 1: All I Want For Christmas
Book 2: The Doctor's Love
Book 3: Marrying His Best Friend
Book 4: Love In Dublin

Her short story A DOSE OF GELT was featured in a Chanukah anthology, BURNING BRIGHT: Four Chanukah Love Stories, published by Avon Impulse/HarperCollins in December 2015.

The Seasons Of Love Series:
Book 1: Autumn Getaway
Book 2: Winter Hopes
Book 3: Spring Shadows
Book 4: Summer Champagne

More to come...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola.
1,390 reviews287 followers
November 24, 2017
4.25 Stars.

One thing you can always be certain of when you pick up a book by Jennifer Gracen is that she will bring you a strong, independent, smart lady and that’s why her books always work well for me. Book four in The Harrison’s series does just that, turning the spotlight on Tess—the girl amongst boys, the sister, confidante and cheerleader—and her HEA plan is a little less conventional.

”She didn’t want to spend another Christmas aching and wishing for a child of her own.”

Seeing her brothers settled and their families expanding brings home to Tess the fact that her biological clock is ticking. And with the means to make her dreams come true, she heads off to Aspen to relax and focus on herself and a list of possible sperm donors. She hasn’t always seen eye to eye with the gorgeous manager of her second home and her privileged upbringing and wealth has played its part, but when she and Logan Carter settle their differences and start spending time together, it’s not long before they both realise their new friendship could be mutually beneficial.

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Tess was a nice balance of fiercely independent and determined, kindhearted and grounded, supporting Logan through his own personal hell whilst making decisions that will change her life forever. And I loved Logan’s quieter, brooding nature—his past has resulted in a man with no intention of opening his heart to another, yet deep down he’s selfless and although he guards it well, he has a huge heart.

”All he knew was he was a lucky man, having fallen somehow into an ideal situation. He could help make this incredible woman’s biggest dream come true.”

Logan and Tess may have had a bit of a shaky start, but as they take the leap from friends to lovers, they bring everything from humour to heartache. And although at times they were a little frustrating and some of their liaisons came with a clinical feel, even that aspect played its part amongst the passion and crescendoing feelings.

”I’m here for you, Tess, however you need me.”

With many of the smiles created along the way by Tess’ brothers (Charles still remains my #1), I devoured Between You and Me pretty much in one sitting. But the cherry on top of this friends-to lovers-treat was discovering that this isn’t the end of the series and with a sneaky peek of the opening chapter of the next book, I have a feeling it may be an emotional one. In the meantime, if you’re fancying an easygoing, sexy romance to warm you up this winter, then this hits the spot.

“We found each other.”


Copy generously provided by the author.

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Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 29, 2017

4.5 stars

I was curious to see what author Jennifer Gracen had in store for the only female Harrison sibling; the “mother hen” of the group, the one who tries to maintain the peace in the family, and the one who put everyone else and their needs before her own. I love that this story took place largely away from her brothers and overbearing father and gave readers a chance to really get to know her as she worked to make her dreams come true. From acquaintances, to friends, to lovers, to so much more, two people with very different outlooks on life find a love neither one expected in this alluring and captivating story.

All of her life Tess Harrison has wanted her own family; a husband who adores her and children who know they come first in their parent’s lives. Watching her parent’s marriage implode and the damage it did to her and her siblings, she wanted the complete opposite for herself, but an engagement blown to bits by her fiancé’s cheating and another relationship that didn’t pan out and Tess is beginning think after watching all her brother’s fall in love that it isn’t in the cards for her. My heart hurt for Tess because she had given up on love something she so desperately wanted in her life, but I could also understand why she decided to pursue having a baby given her age and the fact that financially she could handle it on her own. I admired Tess greatly for making the decision to become a single parent and I know it wasn’t one she made lightly. I also understood her need to leave New York and go to Aspen so she could do it without the questions and influence of her brothers and her father.

Being a property manager for the rich in Aspen was never Logan Carter’s dream, but after his life imploded it is where he ended up and he is happy to be back near where he grew up and even happier that his mother is nearby especially as she is fighting cancer. Life has knocked Logan around, but he is happy where he is and enjoys his work and being able to enjoy everything the Aspen area has to offer. He always enjoyed the Harrison family because despite their wealth, they weren’t demanding and demeaning like some of his other clients until last year when a conversation with Tess made him realize she was just like the others. Logan had a pretty big chip on his shoulder and it took me a while to warm up to him, I understood where he was coming from, but it was also obvious that he took a conversation and blew it way out of proportion. However, it was easy to see he was a man who loved his mother, was thankful for the life he now had, but was also cautious so as to not repeat the mistakes he made in the past.

Given that the last time Tess was in Aspen she and Logan had a conversation that made her look a bit haughty and him putting her firmly in the “blue blood” category, it took awhile for them to come to terms with that and move forward. I liked that he discovered otherwise organically, that as he observed her actions he began to realize she was a genuine person and he developed a healthy respect for her. I loved that Tess never once thought Logan was beneath her, that she enjoyed his company, recognized his intelligence, and was thankful for his friendship. The fact that she opened up so easily to him about why she was in Aspen was a testament of how much she trusted him and while it did take Logan a bit longer to open up about his past, once he did I think it not only helped him to unload, but made him realize that despite Tess’s upbringing she wasn’t a judgmental person. There were a lot of trials and tribulations to their relationship and while the made some mistakes, it was obvious that the respect and love between them never wavered.

I loved the depth of this story, that these were two people who have suffered hurt and thought they had their lives figured out and love struck them when they didn’t expect it. Their actions and reactions were spot on and the emotion that poured from them was believable. I like that they were in a strange and somewhat difficult situation, that it took some time for them to figure out how to make it work and most of all that despite everything they were there to support each other. Between You and Me was a masterful romance, expertly crafted, and one I won’t soon forget.


Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,327 reviews46 followers
July 10, 2018
Between You and Me is a mix of the “fake relationship” and “relationship with an expiration date” tropes, which generally are ones I don’t enjoy. However, I sorta really liked this story.

Tess Harrison is quickly approaching her 40s. In the past couple of years she’s watched all three of her brothers find love, settle down, and start families - which is what she’s always wanted. But at this point in her life she’s afraid that ship has sailed, and so she’s decided to take matters into her own hands. She’s healthy, she’s financially stable, she has a (sort of) loving family. There’s no reason why she can’t have a child on her own. So she heads to the family home in Aspen for a couple months to take some time away from her busy life to prepare, and hopefully return home in a couple months pregnant.

Logan Carter is property-manager to the rich and famous in Aspen, Colorado. When Tess calls and lets him know she’s going to be visiting her house, he jumps into gear to make sure everything is ready for her arrival. He also goes that extra mile to make sure she has what she needs while she’s staying there alone. One thing leads to another, and suddenly Tess and Carter are spending social time together, getting to know each other better, discovering each other’s deepest wants.

And that leads to a mutually beneficial arrangement: Logan will be the known-donor for the sperm Tess needs to get pregnant, and Tess will pretend to be Logan’s girlfriend so his mom will stop worrying about him being alone after she dies. It’s the perfect solution to what they both want because Logan has no interest in being in a relationship or having a family, which suits Tess just fine. So once Tess is pregnant, she can go back home, their “relationship” will slowly die a long-distance death (for the sake of appearances with his mother), and Tess can go along her merry life with child-in-tow, never to bother Logan again.

Except we all know that isn’t how things work out…

And while there isn’t anything earth-shattering, plot-wise, in this story, it was a sweet story of two people who had given up on their most fervent dreams and ended up getting what they deeply wanted after all. Whereas the other stories in this series had annoyed me greatly (due to immature character behavior and repetitive writing about pecs and other body parts), this one stayed focused on the actual plot, with a naturally progressing relationship from friends to lovers. Yes, there was a silly scene where Tess runs into her former fiancé and things turn ridiculous and high-schoolish and made me roll my eyes, but for the most part, Ms. Gracen stuck to the plot and avoided all the things that make me cringe.

I’m still not sure what the deal is with Ms. Gracen’s writing. The other books I’ve read of hers have been great - heartfelt, emotional, stories that pull on your heart strings. But this series hasn’t been any of those things. Between You and Me was the best of The Harrisons series, but that’s not saying much since the other two I read were total flops for me. Which begs the question why I even decided to give this one a try. I’m still trying to answer that question. At least it went better than I was expecting!
Profile Image for Shari.
1,862 reviews24 followers
December 4, 2017
An awesome read. Love the Harrisons, and to finally get Tess's story, it so worth the wait. As the only daughter in the family, she has always played mother hen, now it is her turn. Tess has one thing on her mind, to have a baby of her own. She doesn't want a husband. She goes out to the family home in Aspen to get this accomplished when she meets up with Logan Carter, the manger of their home. They soon strike up a friendship, when Tess decides he would be the perfect donor. Logan is not into relationships and the last thing he wants is a child but he is willing to help Tess in her project.

It soon becomes apparent that this plan brings in more than baby making as the friendship develops into so much more. Logan is also dealing with a sick mother.

This is a book that I could not put down. I will admit that I did shed a few tears while reading. Loved Tess, a strong willed independent woman. Logan just makes your heart melt. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,708 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....

I'm so glad that I found this series. I've been enjoying each book as its come out. We've been waiting for Tess to find love. From the past books I wondered how her story would go and I'm glad to say that it met with my expectations.

I really enjoyed Between You and Me. I admit that story line isn't anything original but I liked it all the same.

Logan has many issues that he needed to deal with. The main one was believing in himself. I liked him as a character and thought he was the perfect hero for Tess. She needed someone like him.

Right away you know these two have their own plans for living their lives, of course neither one thought they wanted happy ever after but we soon see how things change. I get why Tess wants the family (baby) without tying herself to a husband. Of course we know thing seldom go as you want them to.

I'm so glad that I got to enjoy another installment of the Harrison clan. They all have issues but at their core they are really good people. I'm sure Between You and Me is said to be a standalone within the series but I really believe you should read the whole series. You'll really get to understand why Tess's thoughts are the way they are.

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Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
November 28, 2017
Tess Harrison needs time away and heading to the family retreat in Aspen is perfect, especially when it will get her closer to her goal of having a family. However, Tess never imagined she'd fall in love with the man she asks to be the father of her baby. Will Tess be able to convince Logan to take a chance, so they can achieve their happy ever after; or will Logan's past keep him from ever taking another chance on love, family and happiness?

The previous books of this series are absolutely fantastic, and this story is no different. Really, Ms. Gracen proves again that she has such amazing talent when it comes to writing contemporary romance with characters that are captivating due to their back stories and all they go through on their journey to happy ever after. The way this story started had me hooked, as Tess is close with her family and she totally takes them by surprise with her plan to take time out from her busy life. She's so secretive and I could understand why she wasn't ready to tell her brothers why she needs time away. Will she eventually open up to her siblings? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that was extremely intriguing, as they're complete opposites in every way.

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, completely enthralling and I loved everything this couple go through on their journey to happy ever after. However, in saying that, it took me a while to warm up to the heroine, as what she asks of Logan is a tad selfish, knowing how he feels about kids and relationships. What did she expect when she takes him by surprise with her request? That he was just going to say yes and everything would be bright and rosy. Really, his reaction was perfectly understandable and I liked the decision he did make in the end, as Tess has become important to him and he wants her to have the one thing she wants most.

Both the main characters make this story a highly entertaining read with their incredible chemistry and growing relationship, but it was Logan that made this story extra special for me. Really, I couldn't get enough of him. He's had a tough past in losing everything that was important to him, but he finally got his life back on the right track. Then there's what he goes through in this story with his mom being sick, which wasn't easy for him to deal with and I couldn't help but empathize with him, especially when it comes to the decision his mom makes. Will his mom be all right? Will Logan listen to his mom and take a chance on love, family and happiness?

While Tess, she may be an heiress and never had to worry about money, but her life hasn't been easy. Her father is overbearing and has made some terrible decisions when it comes to Tess's life, but it's palpable the man loves his daughter. Furthermore, Tess is smart; hard-working with all she's done for the family charity foundation; and I liked how determined she was to have a family, even if it means possibly losing the man she's falling in love with. I also liked the obstacles these two face on their journey to happy ever after such as a jealous woman reminding them how different they are and interfering brothers that are determined to do the same. Yet, what I liked most of all about Tess is that she finally showed her brothers that she knows how to make a scene when it comes to them being judgmental jerks that have no right to do what they do at a crucial moment in this book.

Overall, Ms. Gracen has delivered another incredible read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts and instantaneous from the moment they came face-to-face; the sizzling romance heats up the pages and shows how amazingly opposites attract; and the ending had me empathizing with what the hero is going through and I liked that Tess was there for him and that they finally got everything out in the open when it came to their feelings. No way could they walk away from something so right. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of Logan's love for Tess and their child as well the surprise the heroine has for the hero. I would recommend Between You and Me by Jennifer Gracen, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Samantha Chase, Melody Grace, Bella Andre and Barbara Freethy.
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,683 reviews281 followers
November 22, 2017
It's not that this book was bad. But it was very, very slow (uneven pacing). I felt like the story execution was weak, which is extra disappointing since I so adored my first Gracen novel last month (Love in Dublin).


~ * ~ * ~ * ~


I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast which will go up on TBQ's Book Palace Saturday (11/25).
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
November 28, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

It’s very easy to slip into a mindset of believing that the wealthy have an easy life. Certainly financial security can ease a lot of worries and burdens, but money isn’t everything. Tess may belong to a very wealthy family, who are, for the most part, happy and secure within themselves. She’s watched her brothers find love and welcomed their loves into her own heart as part of her family. But Tess hasn’t found her happy every after man and the time to fulfill her greatest, most important wish for herself is quickly fading away… at least in her mind. Tess wants a child, even children if life was very good to her. She’s well aware that the traditional way of love, relationship, family doesn’t happen for everyone, and she’s no longer willing to wait for that elusive happy ending to happen for her. She’s made her decision, her plan is well in place… now comes the complication in the form of one handsome man who sets off alarms and wishes for something different. The forever kind of different.

Between You and Me was a story that captured my emotions pretty much from the opening onward. Tess is a strong, kind woman who has always had her family’s back and now she’s looking for something for herself, something that she has the means to accomplish in a non-traditional manner. It’s her dream and she should be the driver of that dream. I appreciated that the misconceptions that Logan had about Tess didn’t last long. When two people can honestly talk about issues and resolve them they have a much better chance of engaging my empathy instead of dragging out something that could easily be resolved. That doesn’t mean that this couple didn’t give me some frustrating moments, but I “got” their reasons, even if I didn’t agree with them.

For me, Logan and Tess simply worked as a couple. I could believe in their situation, their reasons to stay apart and especially the moments when they allowed their hearts to rule their minds. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance then Between You and Me has you covered on that. Heartwarming and romantic, and at times a bit formal because of their initial decisions… no matter the emotions they were giving to me I understood them and waited impatiently for them to discover the truth behind the actions they did for each other. If you’ve followed The Harrisons series then you’ll be glad to see Tess finally join her brothers in that elusive happy ever after ending — and if this is your first glimpse into the world of the Harrison clan then you’ll be looking for the earlier books to get caught up for we aren’t quite finished with this series yet. I’d recommend this story or series to any Romance reader who believes that love matters most no matter the circumstances. It’s just that simple. I enjoyed this one, and I believe you will, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
November 27, 2017
Between You and Me is the fourth book of a series, but can be read as a standalone just fine. This was my introduction to the Harrison’s and I can’t wait to go back to read the previous books.

Tess Harrison, wealthy, intelligent, and single, heads to Aspen for some soul searching and to work on a project. A project that gets much more hands on when Logan gets involved. Tess is so much fun to read. She’s perceptive and cuts to the chase.

Logan Carter is a gruff Mountain Man. He cares for properties around Aspen. He’s there fighting demons, of his past and the inevitable. I had a bit of trouble warming up to him. He’s a bit of a jerk, but he slowly comes out of his shell.

Overall, I really enjoyed Between Me and You. I loved watching Tess stand up for herself. She held her own among an overbearing family. The story was fun, but had its moments where it got emotional. It’s well written and paced very evenly. It certainly held my attention. I would recommend to the reader looking for an engaging story, mature characters, and an unexpected emotional tale.

*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*

“ARC
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,345 reviews119 followers
November 28, 2017
Between You and Me by Jennifer Gracen
The Harrisons #4

Tess really wants a child and at 37 feels her time to fall in love and have one with a husband may be running out SO she decides to head to the family ski resort where she will resort to a sperm bank for insemination. Well, the house manager for the family home just happens to be a hunk and a half named Logan Carter and after spending a bit of time with him she decides he might be the perfect person to ask to donate to her project. It seems perfect to both of them because he doesn’t want a family and she doesn’t want a husband so getting together a few times in a month during her fertile period should be a piece of cake, right? And, making a baby without test tubes and such just doing what comes naturally should not impact things at all…

As the two get to know one another better, share their pasts, explore the ski slopes together, spend those fertile nights together and become friends they find that perhaps things are not as easy as they had hoped they would be but as neither wants to renege on the bargain they made…it becomes dicey.

I enjoyed the story and the interactions between Tess and Logan BUT from personal knowledge know that sex can lead to feelings even if you don’t think it will happen…they were setting themselves up for trouble and trouble they did get…true…it was trouble they overcame and a HEA was achieved once they communicated with one another but still…

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing-Zebra Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,088 reviews24 followers
March 3, 2018
Tess has it all or so it seems but there is something missing from her life. She decides that the only thing she can do is escape to the family ski lodge in Aspen. There she meets Logan, who due to various circumstances is working as the lodge’s manager for the whole complex.
As the two of them get to know each other, they both realise that they can help each other. As their story unfolds, we as readers get to know them better and see that there’s more to life than money. Money is a commodity that everyone wants but can it buy you everything you want? People are important and how you treat them is very important and you may get more than you ever thought you would.
I liked the interplay between Tess and Logan, also the way that Tess’s brothers kept phoning her as it is so unlike her to go away for so long by herself. I liked the loving feel to these relationships.
Although this book is a couple of books into a series I would recommend it and would like to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,378 reviews91 followers
September 27, 2020
First 110 pages were good, but then I skimmed throughout towards the end. The conversations between the couple were becoming kind of cheesy. Its just something that Tess was just taking all the things she need to do to get pregnant were to the extreme, even though everything came back clear health wise. I just didn't need to keep on reading how Tess needed to prop her legs up on the headboard lol!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,969 reviews173 followers
November 28, 2017
Between You and Me (The Harrisons) by Jennifer Gracen  
Blessings are not found in the possessions we have, but in the people we love and the memories we make. Tess has wealth and family, but is finding it hard to obtain the one thing she wants. To be a mother. Can a rash decision and a brooding loner be the answer to her long waiting dreams? Between You and Me paves a sentimental, yet realistic road to the center of the heart with angsty romance and emotional fulfilling characters.
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2017
This was first book I've read by this author and in this series. It was predictable but not in such a way that you didn't want to finish the book. This was a very different story that I enjoyed reading. It was great reading the brothers bonds with their sister despite the tension with the father. I definitely want to finish reading this series.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lynn.
2,234 reviews63 followers
November 27, 2017
Between You and Me is my first Harrison Family book. I am now in a must-read state of mind about the rest of the series. I cannot wait to go back and read the others and learn more about their family and relationships.

I was not sure what I was going to find within the story when it starts explaining that Tess is the only daughter in an extremely wealthy family. Would I be able to relate to her? Would her lifestyle be so far out of my realm of life that I wouldn’t be able to understand her? While her lifestyle was not quite the same as mine (I’d never be able to take months off and go hang out in the family home in Colorado) I was easily able to relate to Tess. She was real, with feelings, with expectations, and with a family that loved her completely. I liked that she knew what she wanted and was determined to make it happen. No one was going to stand in her way and she never wavered from her chosen path.

The family dynamic was great. I liked that she had brothers who protected her and questioned what Logan’s intentions were. They didn’t just lie back and let her change her life without calling her out on it and making sure she was doing what was best for her. They didn’t give her grief when she finally explained what she was doing and gave her support 100%. I love these big brothers. Now her parents, they left so much to be desired. It always amazes me how someone who has such bad role model parents can turn out to be so amazing a person. By doing this Tess proves how wonderful and strong she truly is.

Between You and Me was wonderful. There is so much love and respect within the story. Add to that some hot steamy love and this is the perfect story. I’d recommend picking up your own copy asap.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,215 reviews219 followers
November 28, 2017
4.5 star review of Between You and Me (The Harrisons #4) by Jennifer Gracen
Jennifer Gracen is a relatively new author to me and although I have not read the previous books in The Harrison series, I had no trouble diving in to Between You and Me.
Being the only girl, Tess tends to be a tad spoilt, never seeking the limelight, she is content to be in her brother’s shadows. Tess desperately wants a baby and with this in mind, turns to the man who has agreed to make her dream come true. Logan Carter is the manager of the Harrison ski house and he offers his services in exchange for her playing his girlfriend so that his dying mother is secure in the knowledge that he will not be alone when she dies. It’s a win/win for both of them ? Or is it?
Complications arise when the purely physical relationship evolves into so much more when intense feelings develop. Will Logan and Tess decide to take a chance on love or will they ignore their feelings? One click to find out as this book had me drawn in from the very first page.
This was a really enjoyable read, so much so that I am going to go and get the previous books in the series to read.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Kristy.
41 reviews
December 4, 2017
I stayed up really late to finish this book because I couldn't put it down! This story felt so real and had a natural progression - didn't feel rushed at all. I loved both the hero and the heroine. I love books with large families like the Harrisons. I'm so glad there are more books in the series to devour!

One of my top favorite reads for the year.
Profile Image for SynergyQuest.
2,029 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2017
Really, really good - that's my take on Jennifer Gracen's Between Me and You. I loved all the characters - the loving, albeit nosey, brothers and the spitfire mom (who is feisty and vocal in spite of her illness). But most of all, I really loved the hero and heroine! They've both been burned by love and have devised very different methods for coping and moving forward. While initially ignoring their physical attraction for one another, proximity and chemistry are tough foes to battle when you don't really feel like fighting. Once they give in, they find in each other comfort, caring, passion, acceptance and ultimately love. What more can you ask for?

Regardless of the type of romance you usually prefer, this one is so good, I know you’ll love it.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Amelia Autin.
Author 43 books56 followers
October 26, 2017
4.5 STARS

I’ve been waiting impatiently for Tess’s story (aka “Tesstastic”) since I first met her back in 2015 in MORE THAN YOU KNOW (The Harrisons #1), and met her again in SOMEONE LIKE YOU and ‘TIS THE SEASON (The Harrisons #2 and #3).

But…I saved BETWEEN YOU AND ME (The Harrisons #4) for a long drive to and from Phoenix yesterday, and what I knew would be a highly stressful day, specifically because I was confident Jennifer Gracen would take me away to the world she created. I wasn’t disappointed.

The hours slipped by as I eagerly turned the pages, and I hated having to put the book aside from time to time as I dealt with what I had to deal with. But as soon as I finished each task, I dove right back into the book.

I loved Tess’s determination to create the family she longed for, and the way she went about it. I adored the relationship between Tess and Logan, between Logan and his mom, Annmarie, as well as the relationship between Tess and Annmarie. And I couldn’t help but chuckle over Tess’s relationship with her brothers, and how she dealt with their overprotectiveness.

There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, but it’s not a slapstick comedy. There were a few emotionally wrenching moments, but thankfully the book didn’t dwell on them and drag me into depression. BETWEEN YOU AND ME is filled with humor and heart—my favorite kind of romance.

The best thing about this book is its characters’ imperfections. These could be people I know, and I shared their joys and sorrows from the get go. The twists and turns the story took were enough so I was never confident what would happen next, and yet there was a warm and fuzzy overall feel, a likeability quotient that kept me hopeful. I needed an enjoyable escape yesterday, and in BETWEEN YOU AND ME Jennifer Gracen delivered in spades.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for LadyTechie.
784 reviews52 followers
November 30, 2017
Between You and Me is the fourth story about the Harrisons family and how each of them finds love. I received an eArc in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley and Barclay Publicity. Tess, the sister of the three Harrison brothers is still single. She has had some bad luck with relationships. She is the only one of her siblings without children or the prospect for children despite it being a desire very close to her heart. She is used to being an amazing aunt and sister. Despite her father's behavior over the years, she is also a pretty good daughter. She is ready for a baby of her own, even if it means being a single mom. She knows that once she confides in her brothers they will be there for her and be the male role model that her child would need. Unfortunately, she is not ready to share this information with her family and decides to take off for their home in Aspen to investigate and hopefully get her wish at a very well renowned fertility clinic.

Logan is their house manager in Aspen and has known Tess for years, in a cursory fashion. Both have felt an attraction for the other, but, neither has pursued it. Tess is there to get herself mentally and physically prepared to become a mom. Logan is trying to keep his life drama free and only wants to take care of his mom while she is ill. They begin a friendship that could actually become much more if they would each get out of their own way. Their flirting is fun and a great catalyst for what could be a wonderful romance. Logan might be the answer to Tess' prayers as she tries to choose a great father for her child. It is great reading about how Tess and Logan grow in their relationship and fun to see her interact with her brothers, not so much with her father as she recounts some of the run-ins they have had over the years. If you want to read a warm, fun romance based in Aspen, this is your story.
Profile Image for Jackie (Jackie's Book World) .
929 reviews60 followers
December 7, 2017
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World.***

Not having read other books by the author before, I didn’t know what to expect before reading Between You and Me, needless to say I was very impressed with how well the author executed the story from start to finish. At the beginning of the book we get to meet Tess Harrison, a workaholic who hasn’t really had good luck in the romance department. When she sees that the rest of her siblings are getting married and having children, Tess becomes fixated on the idea of having her own little family without having a husband/partner. So after telling her family that she is taking some time off everyone is shocked and worried about her, but all she tells them is that she going to finally take a vacation and she selects Aspen to spend a couple months in. This will give her time to think about what she is about to do and find a good sperm facility to start the process. But when arrives and sees her house manager, Logan Carter things start to take a different turn in her plans. They soon realize that they have a lot in common and that they have chemistry, but Tess knows that what they have will need to end soon. That does not stop her from asking him to be her donor and after a lot of thinking he agrees.

Logan Carter has always has a crush on Tess, ever since he got the job as the Harrison’s house manager. Over the years, he saw less of her but when she shows up again he takes the opportunity to spend time with her. As their friendship starts to grow so does her feelings for her, but he doesn’t want relationship or children and he makes sure she knows that. But as her friend he wants to help her and that’s exactly why he agrees to be her sperm donor while taking things the old- fashioned way. Soon he starts to see that being with Tess might just be what he has been looking for all along.

I absolutely loved reading this book, it was sweet and full of possibilities that had me reading until the very end. The characters were refreshing and relatable. Tess has been so focused on her career that she longs to have a family of her own. Yet, she doesn’t have a partner and she decides that she doesn’t need one. She takes charge of her life by making bold decisions, but the universe had other plans for her. Now she has to decide if she wants to be in a relationship with Logan or not. On the other hand, Logan is kind and caring. He wants to make Tess happy no matter what and if she needs him to be her sperm donor he’ll do it. He is totally swoon worthy, you will not want the story to end! Although the story focuses on Tess and Logan, we also get to see them interact with each others’ families. Tess’s brothers care for her and we get to see the playfulness in them, while Logan’s mom is funny and kind. In the end we get a well developed story from beginning to end. Jennifer Gracen has definitely delivered a great story, perfect for the holidays. I would highly recommend reading this book, you will not regret. :)

***ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
November 30, 2017
Tess Harrison is the only girl in the wealthy Harrison clan, and the one who isn't settled down with a family. She has everything she could ever want except a baby, & since she doesn't have a husband, she's decided to do it on her own. But one thing she knows is that she needs to go off by herself. So off she goes to her family's retreat in Aspen, Colorado to spend some time by herself while picking a sperm donor. What she doesn't count on is Logan Carter, the hot manager of their ski house, & that's when she comes up with the idea of him being her baby daddy. At first, he's not down with it, but he finally agrees, but asking her to play his pretend girlfriend. However, when Logan & Tess decide to make said baby the old fashioned way, he never believed that she would get past his demons, but will he let himself finally be happy before she goes home? Between You and Me was a sweet story that I really enjoyed. It did take me a bit to get into it, but I believe that's because I didn't read the previous books, and yes, I know that I didn't have to, but seriously, I think that everyone should, including me. Jennifer Gracen's talented writing style really got me in the emotions by the middle of her story, and then, I couldn't put it down. Tess was a fabulous heroine, as she really had a bit heart, didn't come off as a spoiled rich girl at all, while Logan was drool worthy, but needed to be shaken more than once. And the cast of secondaries were highly entertaining, which had me laughing a time or two. I'm definitely going to read all the previous books in this series asap, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,692 reviews
November 23, 2017
WOW!!! Words cannot describe how much I loved Between You and Me by Jennifer Gracen, book four in her Harrison series. This is a story of two people who have chosen to live life by themselves, but for different reasons. Tess Harrison has everything but the baby she longs for. After not finding the perfect man for her, she escapes New York for the family retreat in Aspen, Colorado to research sperm banks and doctors. Logan Carter has been through hell and back after Katrina hit New Orleans. Leaving behind his social work career and his alcoholism he returned to Aspen to help his widowed mom and a new career as manager of homes for the rich and famous in the mountains around Aspen. In exchange for Logan agreeing to be her baby daddy, the old fashioned way, Tess will play his girlfriend to appease Mama Carter who is dying of cancer. The more time Logan and Tess spend together practicing their roles, the closer they get, becoming best friends and more. However, neither was looking for love or a soul mate. Could Tess and Logan get beyond the hurt and fears from their pasts?


I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Gracen is a wonderful story teller drawing me into her books, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,530 reviews136 followers
November 27, 2017
I have only read one other book by Jennifer Gracen and it wasn’t in this series so when I say this book can be read as a standalone I’m speaking from experience. I’m struggling to understand why I have not come across Jennifer Gracen before because now I need to go on a marathon read of The Harrison’s. Tess is the only girl of the family and yes she is spoiled but in a good way, she has always supported the family and taken a backseat so her brothers could have the life’s they wanted, it’s now her turn to get her life in order and with that order comes the baby she so desperately wants but with no man in her life she needs to look into other ways of conceiving. Logan has known Tess and her brothers for a few years as he is the property manager for the holiday home they own in partnership, he has always held Tess at arms length because he doesn’t do relationships but when Tess arrives at the house for an extended stay on her own they become friends, maybe Logan is the perfect man to help make Tess’s dreams come true...
This book captivated me and I was hooked from the first page, it’s a beautifully written love story that I couldn’t put down. I really recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and with that I’m mind I’m off to one click the rest of this series, great read, loved it.
981 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2017
I haven’t read the earlier books in Jennifer Gracen’s series on the Harrisons, but after reading Tess’s story, I’ll certainly search out the earlier books about this wealthy family. Tess is the oldest daughter and she’s facing the fact that she is not going to find the happily-ever-after that her siblings have found, yet she still would like a baby. She decides that she is going to get a sperm donor and have a baby on her own. She travels to the family’s Aspen lodge to ponder her decision and undergo treatment out there away from what she is certain will be the criticisms of her loving siblings.

While there she is attracted to the good-looking manager of her home, Logan Carter. The question becomes whether she can have a sexual arrangement with Logan to father her baby without Logan having any legal or emotional connection to the baby. Logan has his own personal demons that have convinced him that he can’t be a family man, but he’s attracted to Tess and is willing to help her out.

We all know how this is going to end, but it was still an enjoyable read to follow along as they get there.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,027 reviews96 followers
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars: Between You and Me is the fourth book in the Harrison Family series. It's the first one I have read. This is Tess's story. For the most part, it held up well as a stand alone. The story mainly involves Tess and Logan, so I didn't really feel lost on the family dynamics. The author did a good job of cluing me into who was who and why they did or didn't get along. In the story, Tess is fast approaching forty and has decided to have a baby on her own. She retreats to her family home in Aspen to prepare. All she needs is a suitable sperm donor.

I had a little bit of trouble loving this one in the beginning. It did initially drag a bit for me. I wasn't sold on the attraction between Logan and Tess at first. It felt a bit forced. I also had issues with Tess asking Logan to agree to be her baby daddy and then getting upset when he is shocked and reacts badly. I personally thought his reaction was spot on. What did she expect? As the story kept going, I grew to really love this couple and their friendship. So much that I really bought their HEA in the end.

I am intrigued enough by Tess's brothers to go back and check out their stories. If you haven't' read any of the series, Between You and Me is a good one to start.
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
November 16, 2017
Tess Harrison is the oldest child with 3 brothers & a stern, cold father. When their mother left, Tess stepped up & took over mothering all 3 boys as they grew up. Now, 2 out of the 3 have their own families & she's left with no significant other in her life. She's bored & tired of worrying about everyone else. She wants a child & is determined to have it by herself so she decided to head to the ski house for several months.

Logan Carter is the property manager for the Harrison's ski house. He's had a crush on Tess since he'd met her. She did manage to hurt him with a comment a year ago & he hasn't seen her in the same light since. Now she's in Colorado for several months. Will things change?

This story is one of learning to trust & let someone into your life. Tess has been hurt in the past & doesn't want to let any man into her life. Logan was hurt by a rich, selfish woman & he can't help putting some of that on Tess. It was interesting reading about the journey they each must take to get to each other & how they grow & develop from it. The banter is witty & sarcastic. You'll find yourself falling in love with them.
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,302 reviews79 followers
October 28, 2017
Tess is happy her brothers have found the loves of their lives and that she is surrounded by her nieces and nephews. She can't shake the feeling, though, of wanting a child of her own.

Tess puts her plan into action by going to the family house in Aspen. There she reconnects with Logan their house manager. As they get to know each other better as friends she asks for his help. Even before he agrees, sparks are flying between them but could they make a real relationship work?

Logan is not perfect and that's refreshing. He feels relatable as his past is revealed throughout the book. Tess is smart and capable and she doesn't let anyone walk all over her. I appreciated the author writing such a strong female protagonist.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
November 6, 2017
This was a really great read. I love how independent Tess is. She's not afraid to stand up to her overbearing father and brothers no matter what her age is. It is amazing to have a such a strong character not being afraid to take on starting a family on their own. Logan is strong in his own way and way sexy. He has a lot of growth in this when it comes to opening up and leaning on someone else other then his mom. This one pulls at the heart strings and is an amazing friend to lover read. I love how Tess and Logan come together. The chemistry is so strong. Between You and Me may be book number 4 in this series but can really be read as a stand alone. I will defiantly be going back for more books by Jennifer Gracen.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
November 27, 2017
I hate to see this series end but Tess Harrison's story was a fabulous way to wrapped it up. Being the only daughter of the Harrison Family has always made relationships for Tess difficult. While it makes for a lonely life what she really yearns for is a baby of her own. After making the decision to go the sperm donor route she heads to her family's Aspen villa to get away from everything and everyone so nothing can cause her any stress. Meeting Logan Carter was never part of the plan and she's determined to resist him and not let him derail her plans. When she explains why to him she's shocked when he agrees to a plan. A plan that will give them both pleasure and her the baby she so desperately wants.

Grab a copy of this one!! I think you'll really enjoy it.
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