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Wardham #0.5
Between Then and Now
Their story didn't start with a fairytale romance. Their marriage wasn't chosen for love. But they still chose each other, time and again.
Romance is the last thing on Ian's mind. He's juggling the family farm and a second job, his kids are a crazy handful and every time he gets close to his wife, she snaps at him. Their relationship started with a sizzling physical connection, and he needs to find a way to leverage that into reconnecting on a deeper level.
Carrie knows she's being too hard on her husband, but eight years ago she had a one-night stand that turned into a lifetime of diapers and dinners. She can't shake the feeling that she wants more, or the fear that her husband won't understand.
Each book in the Wardham series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance!
Romance is the last thing on Ian's mind. He's juggling the family farm and a second job, his kids are a crazy handful and every time he gets close to his wife, she snaps at him. Their relationship started with a sizzling physical connection, and he needs to find a way to leverage that into reconnecting on a deeper level.
Carrie knows she's being too hard on her husband, but eight years ago she had a one-night stand that turned into a lifetime of diapers and dinners. She can't shake the feeling that she wants more, or the fear that her husband won't understand.
Each book in the Wardham series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance!
74 pages, Audiobook
First published August 17, 2013
383 people are currently reading
1252 people want to read
About the author
Zoe York
125 books1,344 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Zoe York is a busy working mom of two young boys, wife to a very understanding soldier, and creator of modern, sexy, small town contemporary romances.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 20, 2021
A beautiful, emotional "Small town" romance novella about a married couple choosing eachother time & time again. I got this as a freebie & it became my 1st story by Zoe!
Told in 3rd Person dual POV, it tells Ian & Carrie's story, their comfortable married family life, sweet kids, rollarcoasting start, and few Misunderstandings & secrets that are plaguing them in present.
This story had its share of Suspense & steam, also sets up future books in this series. I liked when all the fears finally boiled over & Yay, Ian+Carrie talked it all. Ya, it was beyond due. I especially love how it works out. Ian's so thoughtful & I loved that Surprise at end! Carrie isn't too bad either, relatable & sorta sweet (I get why Ian loves her!). Overall, this is a good story!
Told in 3rd Person dual POV, it tells Ian & Carrie's story, their comfortable married family life, sweet kids, rollarcoasting start, and few Misunderstandings & secrets that are plaguing them in present.
This story had its share of Suspense & steam, also sets up future books in this series. I liked when all the fears finally boiled over & Yay, Ian+Carrie talked it all. Ya, it was beyond due. I especially love how it works out. Ian's so thoughtful & I loved that Surprise at end! Carrie isn't too bad either, relatable & sorta sweet (I get why Ian loves her!). Overall, this is a good story!
April 6, 2019
Este es el romance con los protagonistas más amables, confiables y emocionalmente maduros que he leído en mi vida. Se preguntaran entonces el por qué la baja calificación.
Imagínense esto: ante cualquier mínima dificultad Ian y Carrie se ven a los ojos, dicen "no quiero pelear por esto", confian el uno en el otro sin reservas y resuelven todo conversando. A la primera. Así de fácil. Nunca vemos sentimientos complejos. Lo que puede ser un sueño en la vida real pero resulta aburridisimo en un libro.
¿Cuál es la idea de escribir una historia si no hay conflicto? ¿Qué emoción tengo que sentir si todo está bien desde el comienzo?
Aparte de eso es super corto por lo que se lee rápido, la escritura no está mal, tiene unos personajes secundarios con relaciones complicadas que me hacen creer que los libros siguientes pueden ser más interesantes y los dos primeros libros (este que vendría a ser el 0.5 y el 1) están gratis en Amazon. Así que quizás luego lo intente con el próximo.
Imagínense esto: ante cualquier mínima dificultad Ian y Carrie se ven a los ojos, dicen "no quiero pelear por esto", confian el uno en el otro sin reservas y resuelven todo conversando. A la primera. Así de fácil. Nunca vemos sentimientos complejos. Lo que puede ser un sueño en la vida real pero resulta aburridisimo en un libro.
¿Cuál es la idea de escribir una historia si no hay conflicto? ¿Qué emoción tengo que sentir si todo está bien desde el comienzo?
Aparte de eso es super corto por lo que se lee rápido, la escritura no está mal, tiene unos personajes secundarios con relaciones complicadas que me hacen creer que los libros siguientes pueden ser más interesantes y los dos primeros libros (este que vendría a ser el 0.5 y el 1) están gratis en Amazon. Así que quizás luego lo intente con el próximo.
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December 11, 2025a very short read about a married couple who just didn't communicate for a while but are still very much in love with one another
Want to read
May 24, 2019💝FREE on Amazon today (12/14/2018)!💝
August 22, 2013
I’ve read What Once Was Perfect by Zoe York and I fell in love with Wardham and the characters in the book so when I heard that Zoe was giving away ARCs, I just knew I had to have one. And honestly, after reading this one too, I’m even more excited for the rest of the books in the series.
Carrie had big dreams. She wanted to go backpacking through Europe, open up a bakery or a bed and breakfast, and live a life away from her small apartment and meagre savings. But it all changed when she met country boy Ian.
“Nice farmer’s tan.”
“Let’s see yours. I bet it leads me straight to heaven.”
When Ian first laid eyes on Carrie, he was hooked. Even when he knew that Carrie’s plans didn’t include a country boy tied to a family farm, he wanted her, gone after her and ended up getting her pregnant.
“Some guys don’t know what they have. I know what I’ve got...I’m lucky to be your husband, Carrie Nixon.”
“Best mistake ever?”
They ended up getting married but their issues were never really resolved and lingered with them even after eight years of marriage. Ian lived with the guilt of knowing that their marriage put the end to Carrie’s grand adventure.
He wanted more for her than that. He wanted to give her the world.
Carrie carried with her the nagging question of what her life could have been if she didn’t have to face children and marriage before she had a chance to live her dreams.
And now their struggling to find their way back to each other after 8 years of hidden resentments and guilt finally forces them to remember what has always been true even THEN and NOW. That they’ve learned to love each other and that the only life they want to spend is with each other.
This is touching story and I finished it in one sitting! It’s short but it’s sweet and very realistic. The credible issues in their marriage makes you think of how tough marriage can be but at the same time how fulfilling it could be no matter how different it is from what you originally wanted for yourself when you’re the person you love. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance.
Carrie had big dreams. She wanted to go backpacking through Europe, open up a bakery or a bed and breakfast, and live a life away from her small apartment and meagre savings. But it all changed when she met country boy Ian.
“Nice farmer’s tan.”
“Let’s see yours. I bet it leads me straight to heaven.”
When Ian first laid eyes on Carrie, he was hooked. Even when he knew that Carrie’s plans didn’t include a country boy tied to a family farm, he wanted her, gone after her and ended up getting her pregnant.
“Some guys don’t know what they have. I know what I’ve got...I’m lucky to be your husband, Carrie Nixon.”
“Best mistake ever?”
They ended up getting married but their issues were never really resolved and lingered with them even after eight years of marriage. Ian lived with the guilt of knowing that their marriage put the end to Carrie’s grand adventure.
He wanted more for her than that. He wanted to give her the world.
Carrie carried with her the nagging question of what her life could have been if she didn’t have to face children and marriage before she had a chance to live her dreams.
And now their struggling to find their way back to each other after 8 years of hidden resentments and guilt finally forces them to remember what has always been true even THEN and NOW. That they’ve learned to love each other and that the only life they want to spend is with each other.
This is touching story and I finished it in one sitting! It’s short but it’s sweet and very realistic. The credible issues in their marriage makes you think of how tough marriage can be but at the same time how fulfilling it could be no matter how different it is from what you originally wanted for yourself when you’re the person you love. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance.
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November 20, 2019Love sexy small town stories? Join my newsletter: www.smarturl.it/ZoeYorkNewsletter
Want to know more about Wardham, a small town Canadian town set on the shores of Lake Erie? Check out my #WardhamWednesday posts on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ZoeYorkWrites
AUTHOR NOTE:
This book was was a complete, delightful accident. Carrie Nixon started out as a secondary character—already married, a friend to Karen Miller. And I got to chapter 8 in Karen’s book and wrote this bit:
Carrie’s husband had taken one look at the blushing, giggling women and pronounced none of them fit to drive, which was not a surprise. He loaded Karen and Evie into his truck, pulled his wife in tight for a kiss that bordered on indecent and left no doubt that he was comfortable with the unspeakable things. Ian Nixon was one of the good guys, and he treated his wife right. Karen knew that Carrie was speaking from experience when she suggested communication might be the key—Ian hadn’t always been that attentive.
^ And then I got the idea to write Carrie and Ian’s story. So Between Then and Now was written out of order in the series, all because of an indecent kiss. GO IAN.

CHARACTER HIGHLIGHT
Name: Carrie Nixon
Age: 38
Occupation: Baker, Mother, Wild Child For Life
Books: Between Then and Now
Favourite Outfit: Jean skirt, t-shirt, flip-flops
Falls in love with: Ian Nixon (over and over again)
BETWEEN THEN AND NOW IS FREE!

Want to know more about Wardham, a small town Canadian town set on the shores of Lake Erie? Check out my #WardhamWednesday posts on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ZoeYorkWrites
AUTHOR NOTE:
This book was was a complete, delightful accident. Carrie Nixon started out as a secondary character—already married, a friend to Karen Miller. And I got to chapter 8 in Karen’s book and wrote this bit:
Carrie’s husband had taken one look at the blushing, giggling women and pronounced none of them fit to drive, which was not a surprise. He loaded Karen and Evie into his truck, pulled his wife in tight for a kiss that bordered on indecent and left no doubt that he was comfortable with the unspeakable things. Ian Nixon was one of the good guys, and he treated his wife right. Karen knew that Carrie was speaking from experience when she suggested communication might be the key—Ian hadn’t always been that attentive.
^ And then I got the idea to write Carrie and Ian’s story. So Between Then and Now was written out of order in the series, all because of an indecent kiss. GO IAN.

CHARACTER HIGHLIGHT
Name: Carrie Nixon
Age: 38
Occupation: Baker, Mother, Wild Child For Life
Books: Between Then and Now
Favourite Outfit: Jean skirt, t-shirt, flip-flops
Falls in love with: Ian Nixon (over and over again)
BETWEEN THEN AND NOW IS FREE!

February 12, 2015
FOUR 'WE'RE CRAZY TOGETHER' STARS!!
This is the first book I've read by Zoe York, and I'm impressed. Ms. York has a natural eloquence that flows through her and onto the page giving the reader a very captivating experience. She's so descriptive, it's easy to immerse yourself in the world she had created.
Ian and Carrie have been married for 8 years and have 2 children. They married young and quickly after Carrie found out she was pregnant after a month of dating. They've had to work hard and life is busy for this farmer and his stay-at-home baker wife. They've been a bit disconnected lately and Carrie has some fears about the state of their marriage as well as Ian's feelings for her that stem from how they originally got together. Ian adores his wife, but life being what it is for them - busy, gets in the way sometimes. This story is a sweet and sexy small town love story about how a man who loves his wife 'to the moon and back' goes about showing her, and how a wife is reassured by her husband's gestures of love, both sexy and grand.
A great start to what promises to be a sweet and sexy small town romance series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
This is the first book I've read by Zoe York, and I'm impressed. Ms. York has a natural eloquence that flows through her and onto the page giving the reader a very captivating experience. She's so descriptive, it's easy to immerse yourself in the world she had created.
Ian and Carrie have been married for 8 years and have 2 children. They married young and quickly after Carrie found out she was pregnant after a month of dating. They've had to work hard and life is busy for this farmer and his stay-at-home baker wife. They've been a bit disconnected lately and Carrie has some fears about the state of their marriage as well as Ian's feelings for her that stem from how they originally got together. Ian adores his wife, but life being what it is for them - busy, gets in the way sometimes. This story is a sweet and sexy small town love story about how a man who loves his wife 'to the moon and back' goes about showing her, and how a wife is reassured by her husband's gestures of love, both sexy and grand.
A great start to what promises to be a sweet and sexy small town romance series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 18, 2014
Carrie had plans, dreams, and setting down wasn’t one of them, she wanted more. However a one-night stand eight years ago changes everything, and now she a mother, wife but still has the feeling of wanting more. Ian loves Carries and has done since the first time he saw her. But eight years later life is crazy with the farm, and two children. Carrie and Ian relationship has lost is spark, both know that they need to find a way to reconnect and bring back the romance and that spark that they once had.
I enjoyed the storyline about two people who realize that maybe they have started to take each other for granted. They know they need to communicate more; they have problems not huge ones, but ones that they have to work one if things are going to change.
Carrie and Ian are both likable characters. Carrie is sweet great mother and wife; she just needs to be honest with Ian, about her feeling and what she really wants. Ian was hardworking, and can see that Carrie is not happy and does what he can to change this; she is the love of his life. I like that they both wanted to work on their marriage.
“Carrie Nixon, You are loved for being you…you are wanted, and needed for being you”
Overall I enjoyed Between Then and Now, it was a touching short very sexy novella that was low on the drama and angst. Showing the struggles that married couple face. Having read and enjoyed the first book in the series What Once Was Perfect, I was glad that this one didn’t disappoint. I like Zoe’s writing style and I felt the story flowed well. I’m looking forward to reading about more of the secondary characters in future books from Wardham series.
I enjoyed the storyline about two people who realize that maybe they have started to take each other for granted. They know they need to communicate more; they have problems not huge ones, but ones that they have to work one if things are going to change.
Carrie and Ian are both likable characters. Carrie is sweet great mother and wife; she just needs to be honest with Ian, about her feeling and what she really wants. Ian was hardworking, and can see that Carrie is not happy and does what he can to change this; she is the love of his life. I like that they both wanted to work on their marriage.
“Carrie Nixon, You are loved for being you…you are wanted, and needed for being you”
Overall I enjoyed Between Then and Now, it was a touching short very sexy novella that was low on the drama and angst. Showing the struggles that married couple face. Having read and enjoyed the first book in the series What Once Was Perfect, I was glad that this one didn’t disappoint. I like Zoe’s writing style and I felt the story flowed well. I’m looking forward to reading about more of the secondary characters in future books from Wardham series.
February 15, 2016
Short or long story and author Zoe York delivers a good read no matter which it is. This is my first visit to Wardham, this novella for Carrie and Ian was the perfect intro to the town as well as the Nixon family members.
What I liked was the fact that after 8 years there were still surprises in store for the couple and more important than that there was still a better, stronger relationship by the end of this novella.
What I liked was the fact that after 8 years there were still surprises in store for the couple and more important than that there was still a better, stronger relationship by the end of this novella.
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August 23, 2019My background in the "marriage in trouble" trope is basically nil (like, I've read some Sherry Thomas, and I think that's mostly it), and this short and steamy novella made me appreciate a good rendition, though I still can't really say I enjoy the trope very much. York made me care about the protagonists, their chemistry, and their marriage, though.
February 1, 2022
Between Then and Now features a romance with the marriage in trouble trope.
Ian and Carrie Nixon's marriage didn't start with love but over the years they've chosen each other time and time again. With two kids and two jobs Ian is stretched thin and every time he tries to get close to Carrie, it backfires. Carrie knows she's being hard on her husband but after a one-night stand turned into a marriage, she can't help but wonder what her life could have been. Afraid her husband won't understand, Carrie keeps her distance leading to Ian having to find a new way in.
Small town romances are some of my favorites so the Wardham series drew my interest based on some reviews I've read. Unfortunately the marriage in trouble trope isn't one of my favorites so this prequel novella didn't fully work for me. I liked the bits of Wardham we got to see throughout the novella and I'm definitely interested in seeing more of the town in the other books. However Ian and Carrie's romance is where the book fell apart for me. Their romance started with a one-night stand that led to a pregnancy causing the pair to get married. When we meet them in this novella, they're both keeping things from each other and their communication is basically nonexistent. Unfortunately that doesn't really improve throughout the book and by the end their issues are just swept aside.
Overall while Between Then and Now didn't work for me, I am still interested in reading the rest of the series in the future.
Ian and Carrie Nixon's marriage didn't start with love but over the years they've chosen each other time and time again. With two kids and two jobs Ian is stretched thin and every time he tries to get close to Carrie, it backfires. Carrie knows she's being hard on her husband but after a one-night stand turned into a marriage, she can't help but wonder what her life could have been. Afraid her husband won't understand, Carrie keeps her distance leading to Ian having to find a new way in.
Small town romances are some of my favorites so the Wardham series drew my interest based on some reviews I've read. Unfortunately the marriage in trouble trope isn't one of my favorites so this prequel novella didn't fully work for me. I liked the bits of Wardham we got to see throughout the novella and I'm definitely interested in seeing more of the town in the other books. However Ian and Carrie's romance is where the book fell apart for me. Their romance started with a one-night stand that led to a pregnancy causing the pair to get married. When we meet them in this novella, they're both keeping things from each other and their communication is basically nonexistent. Unfortunately that doesn't really improve throughout the book and by the end their issues are just swept aside.
Overall while Between Then and Now didn't work for me, I am still interested in reading the rest of the series in the future.
January 15, 2024
Endearing audio novella (90 minutes) that was freebie in the author’s newsletter. Heartfelt story between a couple married for 8 years after a one night stand/accidental pregnancy/ shotgun wedding then miscarriage. This couple stuck it out while while choosing each other and having two more children. Their life is busy, as it is with juggling it all and their relationship has taken a back burner. Dreams have take a back burner.
There was a moment when I had a pit in my stomach when he was hiding something and I paused and went to read a couple reviews and triggers. Rest assured, there is NOT a cheating trope in here even if my mind went to it for a minute. The MMC is so sweet and loving and has only the purest intentions.
Beautiful love story with a second chance vibe as they chose each other again and again spite their rough start.
There was a moment when I had a pit in my stomach when he was hiding something and I paused and went to read a couple reviews and triggers. Rest assured, there is NOT a cheating trope in here even if my mind went to it for a minute. The MMC is so sweet and loving and has only the purest intentions.
Beautiful love story with a second chance vibe as they chose each other again and again spite their rough start.
November 5, 2019
This was my first book by Zoe York. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed. Whilst this book was short it was packed with emotions, most very identifiable. Relationships are hard, add small kids into that and they become harder, then add in the hidden guilt and unreached dreams that these two had and you have a great plot. I loved watching them take the time to put the others needs first while trying to sort their problems out. Their reconnection in the truck was hot and steamy and their feelings for each other were never in question for me.
It was a great start to this series, introducing lots of characters. I can’t wait to read more.
It was a great start to this series, introducing lots of characters. I can’t wait to read more.
September 14, 2019
Intro novella to Zoe York's Wardham series. This is one of her early books, and I can see the growth in her writing from this to more current works. However, she has a great feel for pulling out real, relevant relationship issues and writing those feelings, fears, hopes and dreams into meaningful stories. Canadian small town contemporary romance with a little spice.
January 1, 2019
2.75 Stars
August 16, 2021
nice short story
November 27, 2013
I just happened on this book through book one. I bought a holiday book bundle that contains book one in the Wardham series, and because I'm a teensy bit obsessive compulsive, I had to read this first. The books are standalone but because they are numbered I have to read them in order. Lol. Still, it was a great little novella.
Summary:
Ian and Carrie Nixon have a loving marriage, but it didn't start that way and lately, they seem to be growing too far apart. Ian is a hardworking man and he wants nothing more than to provide for his family and make his wife happy. Lately though, it's been hard to make the time for a couple of the big things: just relaxing with his kids, being intimate with his wife, but mostly just talking with Carrie. Carrie has spent the last eight years as just a wife and mom. She yearns for more, but is anxious at what her husband might think or maybe not feel. When they met, a sizzling sexual heat is what drew them to each other, but what was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into a lifetime of crying, screaming, diapers, dinners, and heavy responsibility. Ian grew up a country boy and was pretty much settled at the idea of working his family's farm and providing for the family he'd have one day. For eight years, he's had the love of his life but he can't help but feel that he stole everything from her. Carrie had big dreams, and a plan to get out of her poverty-laden past, and one night has caused her intense love, pain, happiness, some guilt, and feelings of not being good enough. Ian won't compromise his marriage. It is everything to him, and he has a plan to use their never flagging physical connection to jumpstart a deeper connection that's been missing for some time. There is more than just hope because after their relationship started they always chose each other. Before Ian can complete his grand plan, feelings of doubt, insecurity, anger, and fear threaten to push them into a place from which they won't be able to recover.
I loved Ian. I have a sweet spot for country boys, as evidenced by my country boy hubby, and Ian was perfect. He was hardworking, strong, loyal, and most of all would do anything for the woman who captured his heart. Carrie was awesome. It took courage to express her true feelings when she feared a bad reaction, but she did and came out better for it. She was a fantastic mother and wife, and still wanted to pursue her dreams. They were beautiful together. I liked how their love grew stronger for each other over the years, and how solidly they knew what they felt for each other. This story was a continuation of a romance and I love that. It showed struggles any marriage can have. It's inspiring to see two people in love working together to save what they built and what they want. This is my first book by Zoe York and I will definitely be reading more! <3
Summary:
Ian and Carrie Nixon have a loving marriage, but it didn't start that way and lately, they seem to be growing too far apart. Ian is a hardworking man and he wants nothing more than to provide for his family and make his wife happy. Lately though, it's been hard to make the time for a couple of the big things: just relaxing with his kids, being intimate with his wife, but mostly just talking with Carrie. Carrie has spent the last eight years as just a wife and mom. She yearns for more, but is anxious at what her husband might think or maybe not feel. When they met, a sizzling sexual heat is what drew them to each other, but what was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into a lifetime of crying, screaming, diapers, dinners, and heavy responsibility. Ian grew up a country boy and was pretty much settled at the idea of working his family's farm and providing for the family he'd have one day. For eight years, he's had the love of his life but he can't help but feel that he stole everything from her. Carrie had big dreams, and a plan to get out of her poverty-laden past, and one night has caused her intense love, pain, happiness, some guilt, and feelings of not being good enough. Ian won't compromise his marriage. It is everything to him, and he has a plan to use their never flagging physical connection to jumpstart a deeper connection that's been missing for some time. There is more than just hope because after their relationship started they always chose each other. Before Ian can complete his grand plan, feelings of doubt, insecurity, anger, and fear threaten to push them into a place from which they won't be able to recover.
I loved Ian. I have a sweet spot for country boys, as evidenced by my country boy hubby, and Ian was perfect. He was hardworking, strong, loyal, and most of all would do anything for the woman who captured his heart. Carrie was awesome. It took courage to express her true feelings when she feared a bad reaction, but she did and came out better for it. She was a fantastic mother and wife, and still wanted to pursue her dreams. They were beautiful together. I liked how their love grew stronger for each other over the years, and how solidly they knew what they felt for each other. This story was a continuation of a romance and I love that. It showed struggles any marriage can have. It's inspiring to see two people in love working together to save what they built and what they want. This is my first book by Zoe York and I will definitely be reading more! <3
November 17, 2022
I listened to the audio of this book. My personal opinion of this story: I think the author spent so much "time" having the characters have sex, that the point of the story was lost. Kerry and Ian have been married for 8 years and have 2 kids. It starts right off with them having sex and for the next 20 minutes - nothing but sex. Then the story started and Kerry was constantly complaining about something but I was not able to figure out specifically what she was complaining about. Her husband Ian, worshiped the ground she walked on yet all she did was whine about - something. I never did figure that out. Then more sex. Then something was mentioned that made Kerry remember how they met - then more sex. Then she'd remember when their first child was born, then more sex. Then when the second child was born - and more sex. It was just constant. I almost just stopped listening but the nagging feeling of WHY IS SHE COMPLAINING wouldn't let me! So I "fast-forwarded" through more sex and then she finds out something and instead of asking and trusting Ian, she whines some more, only to find out that he has been working lately to present her with a wonderful present. And even at the end when the reader thinks "wow - Ian is fantastic and I wish I had a husband like him", it is ruined by - you guessed it ... they have sex.
September 1, 2013
Between Then and Now is an emotionally intense story about Carrie and Ian Nixon, who, years earlier, married out of obligation, not love. Both struggle to balance the hand that life has dealt them with what they want for themselves, for each other, and for their family. Fortunately, what began as a less-than-ideal marriage has evolved into a bond much stronger than either of them realized.
Zoe York captures the emotion and conflict between Carrie and Ian in such a way that my heart truly ached for them. And their issues were so real and true to life that I couldn't help but cheer them on, as I might good friends. Also, in true Zoe fashion (if you haven't read What Once Was Perfect yet, you need to!), these characters really come to life with the author's witty wordsmithing. I won't give any spoilers, but this book contains possibly my favorite line EVER, on page one, to boot. It's hot as heck and I dare you not to fall immediately in love with Ian after reading it. Yeah...it's that good.
Zoe York captures the emotion and conflict between Carrie and Ian in such a way that my heart truly ached for them. And their issues were so real and true to life that I couldn't help but cheer them on, as I might good friends. Also, in true Zoe fashion (if you haven't read What Once Was Perfect yet, you need to!), these characters really come to life with the author's witty wordsmithing. I won't give any spoilers, but this book contains possibly my favorite line EVER, on page one, to boot. It's hot as heck and I dare you not to fall immediately in love with Ian after reading it. Yeah...it's that good.
September 24, 2013
This one had the better potential!!!!!
I wish the author expanded their story and started from the beginning!!! It would have been more interesting. Instead we got the short adult version. I mean, how did they fall in love? When? This book had the chance!!!!
Ian and Carrie have been married for years which didn't start as planned. Although attracted to each other, their marriage was a result of a pregnancy of a one night stand. Fast forward, several years later, Ian is working hard to provide well for his family, but can barely spend time with them. Carrie becomes the suburban housewife whose entire life is dedicated to their family.
I'm a bit disappointed with the story and I've had two misses with this author already. But never say never.
I wish the author expanded their story and started from the beginning!!! It would have been more interesting. Instead we got the short adult version. I mean, how did they fall in love? When? This book had the chance!!!!
Ian and Carrie have been married for years which didn't start as planned. Although attracted to each other, their marriage was a result of a pregnancy of a one night stand. Fast forward, several years later, Ian is working hard to provide well for his family, but can barely spend time with them. Carrie becomes the suburban housewife whose entire life is dedicated to their family.
I'm a bit disappointed with the story and I've had two misses with this author already. But never say never.
December 13, 2016
This was a somewhat interesting novella that introduces the Wardham series. I really liked the twist in this romance! Ian and Carrie are a bit of an older couple, and they hadn't fallen in love when they met. An oops! moment led to marriage for them, and when the oops! moment was no longer a factor, they chose to stay together and see about making a relationship work, rather than taking the easy way out and divorcing so that they could walk away. This is not that prevalent in romance novels and I really appreciated this quirk! I could easily identify with the characters and envision their world. In short, it was a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading the following books in the series!
October 28, 2013
A really good short and intro to a great series. I should preface this review by saying I read a lot of PNR and even though I love my immortal heroes with all their bells and whistles, Zoe York's heroes never fail to make me quiver. Her distinctly human characters, with all their flaws and challenges, are so real and well-written, and I love being in her Wardham world. This novella is no exception. Loved Ian, who is sweet and sexy and so concerned for his wife's happiness, and Carrie was no less appealing, with the sorts of grievances and worries that might plague any wife. Oh, and did I mention the hot sex? That never hurts. Thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait for more on this series.
December 7, 2016
A minha estreia com a autora Zoe York.
É apenas uma novella mas tão bem escrita e estruturada que não consigo deixar de classifica-la bem.
A escrita da autora impressionou-me de tão bem cuidada que é, cativante e que expressa sentimento. Emocionou-me a forma como descreveu a relação dos protagonistas, Carrie e Ian, casados há 8 anos mas que estão a passar por uma fase menos boa, em que as zangas e os silêncios são recorrentes e como resolveu tudo.
Já comecei o título seguinte desta série, que não sendo uma novella, é um livro pequeno. Já conheci o protagonista em "Between Then and Now", é irmão de Ian e já foi dada uma leve explicação da sua situação. Estou ansiosa!
É apenas uma novella mas tão bem escrita e estruturada que não consigo deixar de classifica-la bem.
A escrita da autora impressionou-me de tão bem cuidada que é, cativante e que expressa sentimento. Emocionou-me a forma como descreveu a relação dos protagonistas, Carrie e Ian, casados há 8 anos mas que estão a passar por uma fase menos boa, em que as zangas e os silêncios são recorrentes e como resolveu tudo.
Já comecei o título seguinte desta série, que não sendo uma novella, é um livro pequeno. Já conheci o protagonista em "Between Then and Now", é irmão de Ian e já foi dada uma leve explicação da sua situação. Estou ansiosa!
April 16, 2015
2015 PopSugar Challenge: A book with Antonyms in the title.
Quick read. Carrie struggles, even eight years later, with doubts of weather her husband, Ian, and she will survive. Though they care about each other, she fears since they "had to get married" he may have doubts. This quick read is a snap shot of a couple leaning to just speak their mind so their unfounded fears can go away & they can move on, together.
Quick read. Carrie struggles, even eight years later, with doubts of weather her husband, Ian, and she will survive. Though they care about each other, she fears since they "had to get married" he may have doubts. This quick read is a snap shot of a couple leaning to just speak their mind so their unfounded fears can go away & they can move on, together.
December 13, 2013
Sweet novella, gives you a lovely story about Ian and Carrie Nixon , a general lay out of Wardam and some of the future characters in upcoming books .
Main concentration is on Carrie nd Nixon , how they met, we're they are at in their marriage , Zoe description of Ian as seen by his wife Carrie had me drooling!
Main concentration is on Carrie nd Nixon , how they met, we're they are at in their marriage , Zoe description of Ian as seen by his wife Carrie had me drooling!
February 1, 2017
I found this in my amazon account and despite it seeming very familiar (like, I had to have read this before familiar), I had not rated it. So I reread.
It's fine. I like marriage in peril stories. It was not in any way remarkable.
It's fine. I like marriage in peril stories. It was not in any way remarkable.
February 7, 2016
Quite the emotional punch for a novella. Stories about married couples are catnip for me so this story was a real treat.
July 29, 2016
I only wish there was more to Carrie and Ian's story. :)
November 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book.
October 25, 2020
Another audiobook to listen to while I was cross-stitching. Seems like it's a novella to introduce a new series and it's an interesting way to go about it with a marriage in trouble.
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