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The Island Between Us
Lesbian romance and adventure collide in this gripping story of survival and second chances. Georgia Hamilton is an adventurer. After a life spent exploring the most remote places on earth, she's found her way back home to Scotland, where she teaches her expert survival skills. Kelsey Campbell has spent her whole life acting, both personally and professionally, and has had it with the pressure of keeping everyone else happy. Craving somewhere far from the glaring spotlight, she signs up for a two-week team survival course. It's not just the remote island location that appeals to Kelsey. There's the fact she met the course leader years ago and always regretted how they left things. However, just as Georgia and Kelsey are renewing their long-lost connection over bushcraft, a storm hits, leaving them stranded. With the group's lives now in Georgia's hands, the race is on to find a way home. As the reality of survival kicks in, their battle becomes about more than just facing the elements. Contains mature themes.
318 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2021
16 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Hudson
11 books125 followersWendy Hudson is an award winning author based in Scotland.
Her debut novel "Four Steps" won a 2017 GCLS Debut Author Award, was a Diva Literary Award Finalist 2017.
Her second novel "Mine to Keep" was a 2018 GCLS Finalist.
All her novels are set in Scotland among the stunning landscapes that first inspired Wendy to write.
In her spare time, Wendy has a love for travel, as well as camping, skiing, football, festivals and reading.
Her debut novel "Four Steps" won a 2017 GCLS Debut Author Award, was a Diva Literary Award Finalist 2017.
Her second novel "Mine to Keep" was a 2018 GCLS Finalist.
All her novels are set in Scotland among the stunning landscapes that first inspired Wendy to write.
In her spare time, Wendy has a love for travel, as well as camping, skiing, football, festivals and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 21, 2021
3.50 Stars. I thought this was a pretty good read. I didn’t love it like I was hoping to, but it was a decent nature-adventure and romance book. I don’t know what I mixed up but I thought I was going to read a completely different book. That’s not Hudson’s fault, it’s mine, but on top of being in the wrong genre than I expected, I also thought there would be more of a thriller aspect to the story. When I think of Hudson, I immediately think thriller so I could not help but be disappointed that this wasn’t really like that.
I did really enjoy the setting of the island and how it almost became a main character in itself. Hudson was nice and descriptive, without going overboard, so you really felt like you were on an uninhabited island with all the characters.
I also really liked how the two mains bonded with a teenage girl. This teenager was pretty surly and didn’t want to be on the island to begin with, so to watch her character grow, and the friendship between her and the mains evolve, was really some of my favorite parts of the whole book. The three formed a tight bond and I thought it was really well written.
The romance was a little corny in parts. It’s not really a second chance romance, but it’s a one moment 20 years ago leading to unresolved feelings romance. That part was a little eh for me, but the way the romance actually built on the island was quite sweet and enjoyable.
There were a few things that didn’t click so well with me. One character was so unbelievably out there that he almost became a little too cartoonish bad guy for me. I also didn’t really feel the danger level like I wanted to. This is a book about a group that wants to learn survival while basically being marooned on an island. Then they actually become marooned on the island for real so…. isn’t it kind of what they all signed up for anyway? I get that certain things happened to make things worse, that I won’t go into for spoiler reasons, but it just was missing the wow danger factor I was hoping for.
In the end, not one of my favorites but it was an entertaining read. I would recommend this one for people who like island survival type stories and sweet romances. Hudson deserves to write any kind of books that she wants, but I can’t help hoping her next is back in the thriller genre.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
I did really enjoy the setting of the island and how it almost became a main character in itself. Hudson was nice and descriptive, without going overboard, so you really felt like you were on an uninhabited island with all the characters.
I also really liked how the two mains bonded with a teenage girl. This teenager was pretty surly and didn’t want to be on the island to begin with, so to watch her character grow, and the friendship between her and the mains evolve, was really some of my favorite parts of the whole book. The three formed a tight bond and I thought it was really well written.
The romance was a little corny in parts. It’s not really a second chance romance, but it’s a one moment 20 years ago leading to unresolved feelings romance. That part was a little eh for me, but the way the romance actually built on the island was quite sweet and enjoyable.
There were a few things that didn’t click so well with me. One character was so unbelievably out there that he almost became a little too cartoonish bad guy for me. I also didn’t really feel the danger level like I wanted to. This is a book about a group that wants to learn survival while basically being marooned on an island. Then they actually become marooned on the island for real so…. isn’t it kind of what they all signed up for anyway? I get that certain things happened to make things worse, that I won’t go into for spoiler reasons, but it just was missing the wow danger factor I was hoping for.
In the end, not one of my favorites but it was an entertaining read. I would recommend this one for people who like island survival type stories and sweet romances. Hudson deserves to write any kind of books that she wants, but I can’t help hoping her next is back in the thriller genre.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
August 30, 2021
“The Island Between Us” is about survival and adventure set on an abandoned remote Scottish island. I don’t read too many adventurous novels so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m happy to report I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It has a bit of a romance but I would not read this for the romantic aspect as it isn’t the main plot.
Georgia Hamilton is a survivalist and she teaches a course on how to survive in the wilderness. She’s starting a two-week class with a small group that happens to include Kelsey Campbell. Georgia and Kelsey had a memorable meeting 20 years ago and have never been able to forget the other. I really liked their chemistry and how they relied on one another. They built each other up and took turns taking control of their group when it was needed. I wasn’t convinced their initial meeting was enough to keep each other in mind for 20 years but I suspended my belief enough to not let it bother me too much if I really thought about it. The circumstances on the island allow for some drama and intense feelings to develop so even though I usually prefer more substance to my romances, I still enjoyed the little that’s here.
There are 10 people in the group. Each played an important role to the group and I liked how they were each their own character and voice, despite how much screen time they may have gotten. They all had different reasons for taking the course, from wanting Instagram likes to bonding with a family member. Each was different and brought their own baggage to the dynamic. While I didn’t always like everyone, and for good reason, I thought they made an interesting group to be stuck with. I especially liked Havana, a 16-year-old that bonds with both Georgia and Kelsey.
The outdoor adventure on the island was fun to read. The setting was interesting and added another dimension to the story. The elements are working against them and they also have to deal with terrain they’re not used to. I could never see myself willingly signing up for a course where the only place to sleep is whatever you build and the only thing you eat is whatever you hunt or catch, but to each their own, I guess. However, reading about it in regards to other people is a lot of fun. The course becomes real life when their boat and Georgia’s extra rations and locating beacon disappear in a storm. The group has to learn to work together if they want to survive and find a way off the island.
This was my first book by Hudson and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I recommend this to fans of outdoor adventure/survival stories with a side of romance.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia Hamilton is a survivalist and she teaches a course on how to survive in the wilderness. She’s starting a two-week class with a small group that happens to include Kelsey Campbell. Georgia and Kelsey had a memorable meeting 20 years ago and have never been able to forget the other. I really liked their chemistry and how they relied on one another. They built each other up and took turns taking control of their group when it was needed. I wasn’t convinced their initial meeting was enough to keep each other in mind for 20 years but I suspended my belief enough to not let it bother me too much if I really thought about it. The circumstances on the island allow for some drama and intense feelings to develop so even though I usually prefer more substance to my romances, I still enjoyed the little that’s here.
There are 10 people in the group. Each played an important role to the group and I liked how they were each their own character and voice, despite how much screen time they may have gotten. They all had different reasons for taking the course, from wanting Instagram likes to bonding with a family member. Each was different and brought their own baggage to the dynamic. While I didn’t always like everyone, and for good reason, I thought they made an interesting group to be stuck with. I especially liked Havana, a 16-year-old that bonds with both Georgia and Kelsey.
The outdoor adventure on the island was fun to read. The setting was interesting and added another dimension to the story. The elements are working against them and they also have to deal with terrain they’re not used to. I could never see myself willingly signing up for a course where the only place to sleep is whatever you build and the only thing you eat is whatever you hunt or catch, but to each their own, I guess. However, reading about it in regards to other people is a lot of fun. The course becomes real life when their boat and Georgia’s extra rations and locating beacon disappear in a storm. The group has to learn to work together if they want to survive and find a way off the island.
This was my first book by Hudson and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I recommend this to fans of outdoor adventure/survival stories with a side of romance.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2021
Surviving the outdoors.
I never thought I'd enjoy an outdoor adventure romance novel but this one drew me in from start to end. I think the insta-romance part worked because of how the story is set on an inhabited island that forces all the characters to be in close proximity. I thought that sped up the bonding and made the budding relationship between the main characters seem organic.
Georgia is the teacher of a two-week survival course and I like that she's in her element when she's outdoors because it makes her really attractive. Kelsey is a bit of a surprise. She's one of the course participants and she's a famous actress. I love how she doesn't follow the celebrity stereotypes. She's down-to-earth, good in the wild and she stepped up on multiple occasions as a leader and protector. I really like both their personalities as individuals and their chemistry when they're together. And I thought there's an added depth to their relationship to know that they had a chance encounter 20 years prior that was memorable enough for them to pick up where they left off 20 years later.
The side characters are just as important in making the story and I enjoyed the vastly different personalities that Hudson creates for the group of them. Some are likable, some are not so likable. But it works and there's a load of drama that surrounds them that eventually causes them to be stranded for real. This gives the story the dramatic boost that it needs and I really enjoyed how it all comes together.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I never thought I'd enjoy an outdoor adventure romance novel but this one drew me in from start to end. I think the insta-romance part worked because of how the story is set on an inhabited island that forces all the characters to be in close proximity. I thought that sped up the bonding and made the budding relationship between the main characters seem organic.
Georgia is the teacher of a two-week survival course and I like that she's in her element when she's outdoors because it makes her really attractive. Kelsey is a bit of a surprise. She's one of the course participants and she's a famous actress. I love how she doesn't follow the celebrity stereotypes. She's down-to-earth, good in the wild and she stepped up on multiple occasions as a leader and protector. I really like both their personalities as individuals and their chemistry when they're together. And I thought there's an added depth to their relationship to know that they had a chance encounter 20 years prior that was memorable enough for them to pick up where they left off 20 years later.
The side characters are just as important in making the story and I enjoyed the vastly different personalities that Hudson creates for the group of them. Some are likable, some are not so likable. But it works and there's a load of drama that surrounds them that eventually causes them to be stranded for real. This gives the story the dramatic boost that it needs and I really enjoyed how it all comes together.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
Scottish island? Check. Great cast of characters? Check. Two women with a whoooole lot of tension between them after having spent the night on the beach together years and years before? Check. A storm thats gonna light this all up? Aaaaand check!
Watching a group out to learn survival skills really get put to the test as reality bears down on them could be a stressful read. However, Hudson skilfully balances the gritty realism of their situation with tight pacing, descriptions that will paint the most stunning of pictures, and characters who all bounce off each other wonderfully. From the step-mum and step-son duo to the brothers who can't stop bickering, the cast of characters surrounding Georgia and Kelsey come to life and bring so much energy to the page. No one, however, beats Havana. She steals the show in that regard.
Experiencing Georgia and Kelsey reconnect, then have to start to trust each other, then fall into their roles within this group as they all struggle to survive and get off this island and go home was magical. They have amazing chemistry, and seeing how they build each other up in such a stressful situation really makes you cheer for them. Highly recommend!
Watching a group out to learn survival skills really get put to the test as reality bears down on them could be a stressful read. However, Hudson skilfully balances the gritty realism of their situation with tight pacing, descriptions that will paint the most stunning of pictures, and characters who all bounce off each other wonderfully. From the step-mum and step-son duo to the brothers who can't stop bickering, the cast of characters surrounding Georgia and Kelsey come to life and bring so much energy to the page. No one, however, beats Havana. She steals the show in that regard.
Experiencing Georgia and Kelsey reconnect, then have to start to trust each other, then fall into their roles within this group as they all struggle to survive and get off this island and go home was magical. They have amazing chemistry, and seeing how they build each other up in such a stressful situation really makes you cheer for them. Highly recommend!
August 30, 2021
Since Wendy Hudson’s excellent debut Four Steps, I’ve had this author on my radar and read all her books. It’s been a while since she has published anything so I was happy to check this one out.
Georgia Hamilton is a survival expert running a course on an inhabited island in Scotland. Kelsey Campbell is a famous actress living in LA. Tired of the limelight, she signs up for a two-week survival course, wanting to reconnect with Georgia, whom she met twenty years ago and still regrets how they left things. As both women start to reconnect, a storm leaves them stranded and they will have to fight for real survival.
This is a second chance romance mixed with adventure with the background of an inhabited island in Scotland. Ms. Hudson is Scottish herself and most of her books are set there showcasing the Scottish landscapes and nature. The Island Between Us particularly describes the outdoors with its rough topography and weather challenges. Nature plays a big part in this book and it feels like a character in itself. A complex and challenging character that affects the lives of the rest. As the story progresses, survival transforms from a leisure activity to a life or death experience.
This seems a tough book to write as there are a total of ten different characters who all play an important part in the story. They are all introduced in the initial chapters, along with the past story between the mains which happened two decades prior. For these reasons, the novel starts slow as it presents the day-to-day life of a survival camp. However, I think the plot needs this necessary step for the reader to get to know the budding relationships between the different group members and the potential of conflicts among them. It takes a while until the real action begins but once it started, it’s a complete page-turner.
Romance is hard to pull off while the main characters are struggling to survive. Ms. Hudson was clever to make this a second chance romance in which the leads have already met and had some time to bond if not much. I usually find it hard to suspend my disbelief if the characters are falling for each other while their lives are at stake but I found that, in this case, Ms. Hudson told a believable story as the struggle for survival is always in the driving seat. The intimate scenes were believable and felt authentic because the all-encompassing need for survival was always a priority. For these reasons, don’t expect a lot of romance, but a few sweet stolen moments here and there. For me, the balance was just right.
I think this book is going to be a hit for many readers who enjoy nature, adventure, and a bit of romance at the side. This is my favorite by Ms. Hudson along with her debut Four Steps. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia Hamilton is a survival expert running a course on an inhabited island in Scotland. Kelsey Campbell is a famous actress living in LA. Tired of the limelight, she signs up for a two-week survival course, wanting to reconnect with Georgia, whom she met twenty years ago and still regrets how they left things. As both women start to reconnect, a storm leaves them stranded and they will have to fight for real survival.
This is a second chance romance mixed with adventure with the background of an inhabited island in Scotland. Ms. Hudson is Scottish herself and most of her books are set there showcasing the Scottish landscapes and nature. The Island Between Us particularly describes the outdoors with its rough topography and weather challenges. Nature plays a big part in this book and it feels like a character in itself. A complex and challenging character that affects the lives of the rest. As the story progresses, survival transforms from a leisure activity to a life or death experience.
This seems a tough book to write as there are a total of ten different characters who all play an important part in the story. They are all introduced in the initial chapters, along with the past story between the mains which happened two decades prior. For these reasons, the novel starts slow as it presents the day-to-day life of a survival camp. However, I think the plot needs this necessary step for the reader to get to know the budding relationships between the different group members and the potential of conflicts among them. It takes a while until the real action begins but once it started, it’s a complete page-turner.
Romance is hard to pull off while the main characters are struggling to survive. Ms. Hudson was clever to make this a second chance romance in which the leads have already met and had some time to bond if not much. I usually find it hard to suspend my disbelief if the characters are falling for each other while their lives are at stake but I found that, in this case, Ms. Hudson told a believable story as the struggle for survival is always in the driving seat. The intimate scenes were believable and felt authentic because the all-encompassing need for survival was always a priority. For these reasons, don’t expect a lot of romance, but a few sweet stolen moments here and there. For me, the balance was just right.
I think this book is going to be a hit for many readers who enjoy nature, adventure, and a bit of romance at the side. This is my favorite by Ms. Hudson along with her debut Four Steps. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
Georgia Hamilton’s parents are ‘live off the land hippies’ with a penchant to wander the globe. It is no surprise that Georgia follows in their footsteps. She is happiest camping and watching the sun rise. Over the years Georgia becomes a survival specialist. She now conducts courses on an isolated island in northern Scotland to teach basic survival techniques.
Kelsey Campbell is the star of a long running television show. She is tired of the demands of her career and looks for some place she can disconnect from her life for a few weeks.
The survival excursion sounds perfect to her.
Facing a major storm and unexpected complications turns this educational course into pure survival mode for the group.
I am a huge fan of Hudson’s previous suspense filled novels and looked forward to reading this one. I am a little let down by The Island Between Us because to me the suspense was not a crescendo climbing to its apex. There were a number of issues that took me for a suspense ride but I missed the big ending I expect from Hudson. In fact, the romance part of the story seemed to over shadow the survival issues. What can I say. I am an adrenaline junkie. I will say the romance was sweet and evolved at a believable rate. I could not help but cheer for their happy ever after.
The secondary characters presented as stereotypes except for Havana. She added humour and perspective to the storyline. The setting in the Outer Hebrides became a character onto itself. It is not a forgiving slice of terra firma for the novice survivalist.
All in all I did enjoy the novel but it did not meet my expectations. Is that my fault or the writers? I will shoulder the blame on this one.
I was given a free ARC from Ylva Publishing for my honest review.
3.5⭐️
Kelsey Campbell is the star of a long running television show. She is tired of the demands of her career and looks for some place she can disconnect from her life for a few weeks.
The survival excursion sounds perfect to her.
Facing a major storm and unexpected complications turns this educational course into pure survival mode for the group.
I am a huge fan of Hudson’s previous suspense filled novels and looked forward to reading this one. I am a little let down by The Island Between Us because to me the suspense was not a crescendo climbing to its apex. There were a number of issues that took me for a suspense ride but I missed the big ending I expect from Hudson. In fact, the romance part of the story seemed to over shadow the survival issues. What can I say. I am an adrenaline junkie. I will say the romance was sweet and evolved at a believable rate. I could not help but cheer for their happy ever after.
The secondary characters presented as stereotypes except for Havana. She added humour and perspective to the storyline. The setting in the Outer Hebrides became a character onto itself. It is not a forgiving slice of terra firma for the novice survivalist.
All in all I did enjoy the novel but it did not meet my expectations. Is that my fault or the writers? I will shoulder the blame on this one.
I was given a free ARC from Ylva Publishing for my honest review.
3.5⭐️
August 13, 2021
Adventure, survival, danger, and romance…all on a gorgeous uninhabited Scottish island. This is what you get when you read The Island Between Us by Wendy Hudson, and believe me, this novel is well worth reading.
This is a second chance romance as well as an adventure and survivalist story because the two main characters (Georgia Hamilton and Kelsey Campbell) briefly met twenty years ago. After that brief meeting, the two don’t see each other again until Kelsey signs up for a two week survival course that Georgia is giving on a remote Scottish island. What happens on that island will change the lives of everyone who is there for the course, especially Georgia and Kelsey.
The remote Scottish island is as beautiful as it is dangerous, and is well described. You will both love and dislike the secondary characters as you read the story. They are written true-to-life with both good and bad qualities, and this definitely affects the actions they take as they face some truly life-threatening situations. I fell in love with both Georgia and Kelsey, so I have to admit I’m rather biased about their characters. Georgia makes the perfect survivalist leader, and Kelsey is a great partner for her. Their love story is tangled up in the action and adventure part of the novel, but it adds sweetness to an otherwise dangerous tale.
I had a blast reading this book, and now I want to go find an island like this to visit…hopefully with a lot less danger than this one. I recommend this novel for all the action, adventure, and romance lovers.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance as well as an adventure and survivalist story because the two main characters (Georgia Hamilton and Kelsey Campbell) briefly met twenty years ago. After that brief meeting, the two don’t see each other again until Kelsey signs up for a two week survival course that Georgia is giving on a remote Scottish island. What happens on that island will change the lives of everyone who is there for the course, especially Georgia and Kelsey.
The remote Scottish island is as beautiful as it is dangerous, and is well described. You will both love and dislike the secondary characters as you read the story. They are written true-to-life with both good and bad qualities, and this definitely affects the actions they take as they face some truly life-threatening situations. I fell in love with both Georgia and Kelsey, so I have to admit I’m rather biased about their characters. Georgia makes the perfect survivalist leader, and Kelsey is a great partner for her. Their love story is tangled up in the action and adventure part of the novel, but it adds sweetness to an otherwise dangerous tale.
I had a blast reading this book, and now I want to go find an island like this to visit…hopefully with a lot less danger than this one. I recommend this novel for all the action, adventure, and romance lovers.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
July 6, 2022
I enjoyed the audiobook very much. It‘s not so much a romance then a book about survival on an island in a group. There is much tension in the group for multiple reasons. I liked the different characters in the group and the two MCs very much.
December 20, 2021
4.5 stars
Well THIS was a hell of an adventure. Wow! It was so realistic I kept wondering, "How does she know all this stuff?!?" and then got my answer in the acknowledgements at the end.
I don't usually seek out adventure books like this as I'm more of a romance fan, but this actually has both with the focus being more on the adventure. And that worked out fine for me because it moved along at a steady pace, was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once!
There's a lot of heart in this book too and in addition to loving the two mains, I found the character of Isaac both bewildering and fascinating.
Wendy Hudson is a new author for me and I was so impressed by this I want to read the rest of her work as well.
For those that enjoy a good adventure without a heavy focus on the romantic side, I think you'll really enjoy this.
Well THIS was a hell of an adventure. Wow! It was so realistic I kept wondering, "How does she know all this stuff?!?" and then got my answer in the acknowledgements at the end.
I don't usually seek out adventure books like this as I'm more of a romance fan, but this actually has both with the focus being more on the adventure. And that worked out fine for me because it moved along at a steady pace, was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once!
There's a lot of heart in this book too and in addition to loving the two mains, I found the character of Isaac both bewildering and fascinating.
Wendy Hudson is a new author for me and I was so impressed by this I want to read the rest of her work as well.
For those that enjoy a good adventure without a heavy focus on the romantic side, I think you'll really enjoy this.
April 16, 2022
The Island Between Us follows the story of Georgia, an outdoor survivalist, who teaches a two-week survival course on a remote island in Scotland. 10 participants join her and initially the book starts off with the usual perils of being alone in the wilderness - finding shelter, building fires and sorting out food. A few days into the two weeks, disunity occurs and a real fight for survival is required. This is where the story really picks up in pace and storytelling.
I really liked this story, particularly the way Hudson paces and develops it. It doesn't feel rushed, or bogged down in detail, however the setting is described in a way that allows you to visualise the island and follow along with the characters.
I really liked this story, particularly the way Hudson paces and develops it. It doesn't feel rushed, or bogged down in detail, however the setting is described in a way that allows you to visualise the island and follow along with the characters.
August 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I would actually go as far as saying I loved this book.
It had awesome scenery, great characters and best of all it was set in Scotland.
It's a survival story on a remote island, a tension filled romance that started twenty years ago, a couple of antagonists and others trying to fix their relationships. Put all that into a pot and you've got one full packed tension filled story
Oh, and don't forget to add a storm and everyone trying to learn how to survive when it all go's wrong. It really is a survival story. A holiday in how to survive turns out to be exactly that.
If I tell you anything about the storyline i'll get carried away and you won't have to read it. What I can say it's written at a really nice pace and all the characters in the story play a part. I would recommend this book, for all those adventurous souls who want something different.
Enjoy!
It had awesome scenery, great characters and best of all it was set in Scotland.
It's a survival story on a remote island, a tension filled romance that started twenty years ago, a couple of antagonists and others trying to fix their relationships. Put all that into a pot and you've got one full packed tension filled story
Oh, and don't forget to add a storm and everyone trying to learn how to survive when it all go's wrong. It really is a survival story. A holiday in how to survive turns out to be exactly that.
If I tell you anything about the storyline i'll get carried away and you won't have to read it. What I can say it's written at a really nice pace and all the characters in the story play a part. I would recommend this book, for all those adventurous souls who want something different.
Enjoy!
September 1, 2021
Love this story!
Georgia, an adventurer is teaching expert survival skills on a remote Scottish Island. The group are a mix of characters but the last thing Georgia expected was to see a familiar face. Kelsey, a well-known actress returns to Scotland reuniting with Georgia, who she’d met years ago. When Georgia’s course ends up a little off track, Georgia and Kelsey realise what they mean to one another while battling the elements and enduring extreme levels of survival.
Such an amazing story, and quite the surprise change of pace for Wendy. I adore the unique edge that Wendy always has in her stories, and although The Island Between Us still has a touch of that, something about the style was new and exciting. I adored every minute of the story, to the point it was almost impossible to put it down because I was getting so carried away in being a part of the adventure.
The connection between Kelsey and Georgia is so good. They have past history, which really makes the story something special. When you learn of everything that has happened between them, what it all meant then and now, you really feel quite connected to them both. As much as I adored their blossoming reconnection, what I loved most about this story was the survival, adventure and team. The surrounding cast of characters, each unique in their own way just added extra depth, drama, and excitement to the story.
I highly recommend the story. It is just beautiful, from the romance between Georgia and Kelsey, to the morals, lessons, beautiful Scottish scenery that Wendy always depicts and the sense of achievement, and personal growth for everyone in the story. Although I am not an outdoors person at all, I always enjoy stories with elements of survival, so I had this urge to want to be there and because of the way Wendy has written the story, it was like I was really there!
Georgia, an adventurer is teaching expert survival skills on a remote Scottish Island. The group are a mix of characters but the last thing Georgia expected was to see a familiar face. Kelsey, a well-known actress returns to Scotland reuniting with Georgia, who she’d met years ago. When Georgia’s course ends up a little off track, Georgia and Kelsey realise what they mean to one another while battling the elements and enduring extreme levels of survival.
Such an amazing story, and quite the surprise change of pace for Wendy. I adore the unique edge that Wendy always has in her stories, and although The Island Between Us still has a touch of that, something about the style was new and exciting. I adored every minute of the story, to the point it was almost impossible to put it down because I was getting so carried away in being a part of the adventure.
The connection between Kelsey and Georgia is so good. They have past history, which really makes the story something special. When you learn of everything that has happened between them, what it all meant then and now, you really feel quite connected to them both. As much as I adored their blossoming reconnection, what I loved most about this story was the survival, adventure and team. The surrounding cast of characters, each unique in their own way just added extra depth, drama, and excitement to the story.
I highly recommend the story. It is just beautiful, from the romance between Georgia and Kelsey, to the morals, lessons, beautiful Scottish scenery that Wendy always depicts and the sense of achievement, and personal growth for everyone in the story. Although I am not an outdoors person at all, I always enjoy stories with elements of survival, so I had this urge to want to be there and because of the way Wendy has written the story, it was like I was really there!
August 10, 2021
Mix a Scottish island and a raging sea/rain with a rookie survivalist group then throw in egos, conflict, drama, a seasoned survivalist and romance and you get another doozy from Ms. Hudson. The leads in this one are Georgia who runs 2 week survivalist courses and Kelsey TV actor. The two had an impactful meeting/rescue one night 20 years ago. At a crossroads in her life, a chance sighting on the internet of Georgia's photo and business prompts Kelsey to sign up for the course. Many personalities make up the group that eventually is forced by dire circumstances to work together.
The survivalist skills needed and imparted were well written along with the tension, down and dirty descriptions of foraging, eating off the land, struggles and hope for rescue. Supporting characters were well fleshed out but young Havana stands out then Sylvia and Clara. I liked the trust the group learns to place in each other in order to survive. While the romance seemed rushed I hoped for a storybook ending and HEA. Highly recommend.
I sure learned some skills and hope never to have to put them to the test.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
The survivalist skills needed and imparted were well written along with the tension, down and dirty descriptions of foraging, eating off the land, struggles and hope for rescue. Supporting characters were well fleshed out but young Havana stands out then Sylvia and Clara. I liked the trust the group learns to place in each other in order to survive. While the romance seemed rushed I hoped for a storybook ending and HEA. Highly recommend.
I sure learned some skills and hope never to have to put them to the test.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
August 11, 2021
Well, that was quite the adventure! It came as no surprise, okay it kind of did but didn't, when I read at the end the author went of a survival course and that inspired this book.
She clearly knows her stuff. The book rang true.
It's told from both Georgia and Kelsey's' point-of-views, so the reader gets into both of their heads. There some background story on how they met, but due to this being more of a survival type story, there's barely a romance to speak of.
The driving force of a good portion of this book is finding a missing person, one of the crew, so to speak. The fact I didn't give a hoot about said missing person meant the book lacked some of the urgency I would've felt if it was a character I cared about.
With that said, this is a phenomenal adventure story I have no problem recommending to others.
ARC provide by Ylva Publishing
She clearly knows her stuff. The book rang true.
It's told from both Georgia and Kelsey's' point-of-views, so the reader gets into both of their heads. There some background story on how they met, but due to this being more of a survival type story, there's barely a romance to speak of.
The driving force of a good portion of this book is finding a missing person, one of the crew, so to speak. The fact I didn't give a hoot about said missing person meant the book lacked some of the urgency I would've felt if it was a character I cared about.
With that said, this is a phenomenal adventure story I have no problem recommending to others.
ARC provide by Ylva Publishing
August 28, 2021
3.75 Stars. I haven't read a lot of Wendy Hudson books, but the books that I read showed her to be a great thriller/ suspense writer. She does such a great job developing atmospheres and moods, which just enhances her stories. With this book, there's no mystery here, but it is about a group of people stranded together on a small island off of Scotland. It still gives her room to write tension. I do think it lags a little bit here and there, but it still is a super engaging book.
Some folks will be disappointed that she stepped out of her wheelhouse to try and do an adventure as opposed to a thriller. And that's fine! Wendy Hudson is so good at writing her thrillers, that this change might not feel right for her books. She still writes interesting, engaging characters, and has them build actual meaningful relationships with each other. Georgia and Kelsey are the stars of the show, and I love how Hudson sets up the seeds of their romance. I loved that they have this instant connection about 20 years before they meet again, and that their connection is so meaningful that they both would still want to get to know each other. This type of narrative device can feel off if not done well, but for me it worked to perfection.
I loved the other characters that get stranded, they all have their arcs and they all have their growth. No one really gets neglected here, which I think takes away from some of the urgency, that I think I should feel, but I appreciate that Hudson did take the time for those characters to have good arcs and good endings. I don't think the ending or the actions within the book would have worked as well otherwise. Also, I would not be opposed to Havana being a lead in her own story. Love that girl.
*This ARC was given to me by Ylva in exchange for my honest review.
Some folks will be disappointed that she stepped out of her wheelhouse to try and do an adventure as opposed to a thriller. And that's fine! Wendy Hudson is so good at writing her thrillers, that this change might not feel right for her books. She still writes interesting, engaging characters, and has them build actual meaningful relationships with each other. Georgia and Kelsey are the stars of the show, and I love how Hudson sets up the seeds of their romance. I loved that they have this instant connection about 20 years before they meet again, and that their connection is so meaningful that they both would still want to get to know each other. This type of narrative device can feel off if not done well, but for me it worked to perfection.
I loved the other characters that get stranded, they all have their arcs and they all have their growth. No one really gets neglected here, which I think takes away from some of the urgency, that I think I should feel, but I appreciate that Hudson did take the time for those characters to have good arcs and good endings. I don't think the ending or the actions within the book would have worked as well otherwise. Also, I would not be opposed to Havana being a lead in her own story. Love that girl.
*This ARC was given to me by Ylva in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2021
“The Island Between Us” is an interesting and sometimes gripping adventure story. Georgia is a survival guide who takes groups of people to a rugged, deserted island to learn how to survive in the wild. On this trip, she has her assistant Austin, along with eight participants who think this is a good idea for whatever reason they had – or someone else had for them.
All the participants get some time on the page, making this an ensemble book, with pretty well-developed characters, each with their own reasons for being there. Kelsey, a well-known actor, needs some time off from her job, but also had another motive – she met Georgia 20 years earlier and has some regrets about she handled things from then. Georgia, for her part, has never forgotten Kelsey, so that made an interesting first meeting and added depth to their meeting on this trip and their burgeoning attraction.
The survival training takes a turn when they’re stranded and have to make use of their new skills and work together as a team. Some scenes were tense, others amusing. I think the tension was well balanced with the humor and intimate moments. Both the circumstances and the romance kept my attention well into the night.
All the participants get some time on the page, making this an ensemble book, with pretty well-developed characters, each with their own reasons for being there. Kelsey, a well-known actor, needs some time off from her job, but also had another motive – she met Georgia 20 years earlier and has some regrets about she handled things from then. Georgia, for her part, has never forgotten Kelsey, so that made an interesting first meeting and added depth to their meeting on this trip and their burgeoning attraction.
The survival training takes a turn when they’re stranded and have to make use of their new skills and work together as a team. Some scenes were tense, others amusing. I think the tension was well balanced with the humor and intimate moments. Both the circumstances and the romance kept my attention well into the night.
August 12, 2021
3.5 stars
I mostly liked this book. there were parts that absolutely made me furious....action scenes that were terrifying....love interests so sweet....And a pleasant ending.
It was an interesting subject....a group of novices learning how to survive on a secluded island. Most of the characters were warm and interesting. But there was one that was REALLY bad. I suppose that character was necessary or many of the events would not have taken place. But that part made me very mad. And I suppose that makes for good writing...to stur up such hateful emotions.
And I had one unanswered storyline question......"who paid for the boat?"
I mostly liked this book. there were parts that absolutely made me furious....action scenes that were terrifying....love interests so sweet....And a pleasant ending.
It was an interesting subject....a group of novices learning how to survive on a secluded island. Most of the characters were warm and interesting. But there was one that was REALLY bad. I suppose that character was necessary or many of the events would not have taken place. But that part made me very mad. And I suppose that makes for good writing...to stur up such hateful emotions.
And I had one unanswered storyline question......"who paid for the boat?"
October 13, 2025
I enjoyed it and now I am going to plan a trip to the Outer Hebrides.
ps. I liked Havana a lot.
ps. I liked Havana a lot.
September 20, 2024
Georgia’s words found the hardened places within Kelsey and struck a match against them, set a flame that brightened and melted them away.
I distinctly remember thinking the last time that I read a book by this author that maybe I should give up on her, because even though her plots all seem really good, the execution is always just... fine. To be fair, I think I also did admit that there was a good chance that I would try this book anyway, because it's the only of hers I hadn't tried, and the blurb made it seem like just my thing. And now I've read it, and it was... fine. Lol. Definitely good, and maybe my favourite thing I've read from this author? But it missed the mark for me in several ways, and maybe it's her writing style or her characters, but me and this author just don't seem to click.
This is a kinda second chance (not really my thing) survival romance (very much my thing) between two women who had a chance encounter twenty years ago. Kelsey was in a vulnerable moment, and Georgia saved her life. They lose contact, but 20 years later, Kelsey signs up for a course Georgia does with a group of other people, where they go camping in the Hebrides, explore the islands, learn foraging and survival skills. But things so awry and the group ends up stranded for real, and Kelsey and Georgia rekindle the spark they had while trying to keep themselves, and all the others, alive.
I really love stranded and survival stories, so that was my favourite part of this. Especially when there's a romance involved. There's something about that particular brand of forced proximity and cooperation and dependence that can really stand out. Unfortunately, all that was undercut by the fact that this was a group stranding, not just the two main characters. I had known that going in, of course, but as we went along, I really started to realise that I would've liked this more if it had even more of an isolated feel, with just Kelsey and Georgia. Of course, the other characters has purpose, but I don't think they were always compellingly written. Sorta connected to that, the reason they get stranded turns out to be because of a human error/problem, rather than and accident or a natural disaster. And that also was kind of a bummer to me? Just because the human problems and conflicts sorta overtook the survival stuff, which is what I was really interested in. And I mean, all the survival stuff was really well written, seemed super realistic to me. I loved the moody island setting with the turbulent waters and rocky beaches and the beautiful woods.
But the other characters... eh. It's not that I disliked any of them, again. I do feel like the romance would have been better served without them.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Ruth Urquhart, and I did like it a lot. She has such an appealing voice, and I always enjoy her audiobooks. I didn't like all of the voices for the side characters, but that might be because again, I would have liked this more if the cast was sized down. Now that I've read all of this author's backlist, I really do think it should probably be the last. I've never disliked any of her books, but I always feel slightly underwhelmed, which makes me feel a little bad.
August 28, 2021
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
This book is about to reaching the limits of themself. Georgia Hamilton is leader of a group of people, who wants to test their limits and go for survival camp to test these limits and their skills. Georgia meets someone from her past in this group - Kelsey Campbell. Kelsey wants two weeks of anonymity and she wants to meet the woman, who save her life.
I really enjoyed the book, I liked the stroy line and the building of the relationship between Georgia and Kelsey. Some discribing about survival skills and things were not so exciting for me. The describing of the nature was really good and I easily could imagine to watch the sunset there.
This book is about to reaching the limits of themself. Georgia Hamilton is leader of a group of people, who wants to test their limits and go for survival camp to test these limits and their skills. Georgia meets someone from her past in this group - Kelsey Campbell. Kelsey wants two weeks of anonymity and she wants to meet the woman, who save her life.
I really enjoyed the book, I liked the stroy line and the building of the relationship between Georgia and Kelsey. Some discribing about survival skills and things were not so exciting for me. The describing of the nature was really good and I easily could imagine to watch the sunset there.
June 27, 2022
Listened to the audio in this one and really liked the Scottish accents. It totally added to the atmosphere of the book. It made you feel like you were there alongside the 10 survivalists.
This is an adventure book with a romance that is very deep and meaningful. My favorite type of book.
This is an adventure book with a romance that is very deep and meaningful. My favorite type of book.
August 20, 2021
Ever since I’d read Four Steps, I became a huge fan of Wendy Hudson’s books. This story is definitely a compelling read and it is filled with adventure, survival, romance and people versus nature scenarios and I couldn’t get enough of it because I live for stories like this literary gem! I really enjoyed the realistic and well written descriptions about foraging for food in an untamed landscape, building shelters, making camp fires and other survivalist skills. I’m a huge sucker for second chance romances and this story ticked every box on my romantic checklist because my heart melted as I watched Kelsey and Georgia reconnect and fall deeply in love with each other after twenty years of longing for a do-over of the first time they met. This author owes me two nights of solid sleep to make up for the all-night reading marathons I did when I was caught up in this awesome story!
March 28, 2022
Good one.
abandoned
October 13, 2025According to reviews, the villain suffers no repercussions from . That's certainly realistic, but I don't need it in my life.
December 20, 2021
I have to admit to usually reading straightforward romances, but I always make an exception for Hudson's books. I'm glad I do.
Hudson is a genius when it comes to setting a scene and sprinkling beautiful detail on every page. I felt like I was right there on the island with the characters, which at times, I wish I was. Because if I had been, I would've had a quiet word with Havana and it would've gone something like this: "For the love of God, quit being a Beaver Impeder and let these two women be alone together!" Havana's my favourite character BTW, but she sure did get in the way of Georgia and Kelsey going bumper to bumper, which, of course, only served to help build the smouldering tension between the love interests. Win.
The survival skills, scattered throughout, were effortless and skillful, which meant it didn't once came off as preachy, and it could have. I learned a thing or two and I like that.
In the end, the unwavering support and general camaraderie of the group was what shone through. There were some seriously good, warm-your-cockles, people on that island, and I was there for it.
Right, if anyone needs me, I'm off to read to Mine To Keep...
Wendy Hudson, everyone *claps*
Hudson is a genius when it comes to setting a scene and sprinkling beautiful detail on every page. I felt like I was right there on the island with the characters, which at times, I wish I was. Because if I had been, I would've had a quiet word with Havana and it would've gone something like this: "For the love of God, quit being a Beaver Impeder and let these two women be alone together!" Havana's my favourite character BTW, but she sure did get in the way of Georgia and Kelsey going bumper to bumper, which, of course, only served to help build the smouldering tension between the love interests. Win.
The survival skills, scattered throughout, were effortless and skillful, which meant it didn't once came off as preachy, and it could have. I learned a thing or two and I like that.
In the end, the unwavering support and general camaraderie of the group was what shone through. There were some seriously good, warm-your-cockles, people on that island, and I was there for it.
Right, if anyone needs me, I'm off to read to Mine To Keep...
Wendy Hudson, everyone *claps*
August 25, 2021
One word: wow!
September 16, 2021
Wendy Hudson has outdone herself with this novel. It was very different from her other books. It captured me from the start and kept me looking forward to what would happen next till the very end. She has put together a set of characters that were quirky, downright annoying or just flawed. The push and pull of these characters is what made for an interesting read
August 17, 2021
Three and a half stars, rounded up because any disappointment was down to my expectations, not the author’s work.
I loved Hudson’s Meant To Be Me so I was really looking forward to reading The Island Between Us. Perhaps I was expecting too much but I felt a little disappointed. Based on the former book, I think I was probably expecting this to be more of a thriller. Still, that’s my fault for making assumptions, not the author’s.
The romance between Georgia and Kelsey is lovely, and the prologue sets up their story nicely. I felt the adventure aspects of the story were a little lacking, however. I kept expecting there to be a villain trying to kill them all off, or something similar. Again, my expectations probably spoiled the story for me and if I’d just gone along for the ride that Hudson was taking me on, rather than looking for more sinister intrigue, I would undoubtedly have enjoyed the book a lot more.
The survival aspects of the book were the most interesting parts to me. One of the issues I found most thought-provoking was the necessity of hunting, killing and preparing animals for sustenance in order to survive. Like a couple of the characters in the book I’m a vegetarian (okay, to be accurate, one character was pescatarian). I’ve been asked a few times what I would do if I needed to kill an animal in order to survive. As a pragmatist, I’ve always answered that I would kill and eat animals if it were a question of survival, but since in my everyday life that’s not an issue I choose not to do so. But as I read this book, I found myself wondering: at what point would I give in and start to kill to eat? As Georgia points out in the book, you can actually go for a week or so without eating anything and it’s not like there wasn’t any plant-based food on the island. There just wasn’t much. So how hungry would I have to be before I caved? I’d like to think it would be a matter of weeks, but if I’m honest my moral convictions would probably be pushed aside in a few days. A depressing thought.
In summary, although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Hudson’s other work, it is still a good read, a lovely romance and has an interesting cast of characters. I’m sure most readers will love it.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Hudson’s Meant To Be Me so I was really looking forward to reading The Island Between Us. Perhaps I was expecting too much but I felt a little disappointed. Based on the former book, I think I was probably expecting this to be more of a thriller. Still, that’s my fault for making assumptions, not the author’s.
The romance between Georgia and Kelsey is lovely, and the prologue sets up their story nicely. I felt the adventure aspects of the story were a little lacking, however. I kept expecting there to be a villain trying to kill them all off, or something similar. Again, my expectations probably spoiled the story for me and if I’d just gone along for the ride that Hudson was taking me on, rather than looking for more sinister intrigue, I would undoubtedly have enjoyed the book a lot more.
The survival aspects of the book were the most interesting parts to me. One of the issues I found most thought-provoking was the necessity of hunting, killing and preparing animals for sustenance in order to survive. Like a couple of the characters in the book I’m a vegetarian (okay, to be accurate, one character was pescatarian). I’ve been asked a few times what I would do if I needed to kill an animal in order to survive. As a pragmatist, I’ve always answered that I would kill and eat animals if it were a question of survival, but since in my everyday life that’s not an issue I choose not to do so. But as I read this book, I found myself wondering: at what point would I give in and start to kill to eat? As Georgia points out in the book, you can actually go for a week or so without eating anything and it’s not like there wasn’t any plant-based food on the island. There just wasn’t much. So how hungry would I have to be before I caved? I’d like to think it would be a matter of weeks, but if I’m honest my moral convictions would probably be pushed aside in a few days. A depressing thought.
In summary, although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Hudson’s other work, it is still a good read, a lovely romance and has an interesting cast of characters. I’m sure most readers will love it.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2021
This book seemed right up my alley from the first time I read the summary. I love a good adventure in nature story, and I was very intrigued by this summary. I’ve not read a book by Hudson prior, but I probably would read another one by her.
Kelsey and Georgia met by chance on a beach in 1999. They meet again almost 20 years later when Kelsey signs up for a two-week survival course that Georgia is leading. She’s been acting her whole life and wants a break and Georgia wants to teach the survival skills she’s used during her life. The two reconnect on the island and try to bond but it gets difficult with a storm rolling in.
I actually really enjoyed the adventure part of this book, both when it was for actual survival and when it was just the course. It felt well-researched and handled. People actually were put in dangerous situations that actually felt dangerous, not situations where you know that they’re going to get out of it fine. The author described the scenery and action well without it feeling overbearing.
I really loved, most, of the characters in this story. Even the characters that I didn’t like still felt realistic. These people had strengths and weaknesses that were allowed to show throughout the story. They had chemistry with each other and many of the conversations felt authentic. No one felt forced into the story just to add additional bodies or drama. My personal favorite is Havana, I just adore her.
The bonding that took place during this story was one of the most fun things to read about. Learning about the survival aspects and how they handled the issues was great, but it was also great just to see the group bond during these extreme circumstances. It was fun even when it wasn’t all lighthearted. By the end of it everyone seemed to have gone through a change.
I only really had a couple of small issues while reading this book. It took me a bit to figure out who everyone was because most of them were introduced at once. I got used to it, but it did take a bit. My other issue was that I wish there had been more chapters before the epilogue to help the relationship feel fully developed.
I don't have a whole lot to say about this because I really enjoyed it. It was a well-done adventure story that kept me hooked once it hit its stride. I love adventure books, but I tend to forget about it at times. Thanks to Hudson for reminding me why I love these books.
~ Check out my other reviews on my Blog, Instagram, or Twitter. ~
Kelsey and Georgia met by chance on a beach in 1999. They meet again almost 20 years later when Kelsey signs up for a two-week survival course that Georgia is leading. She’s been acting her whole life and wants a break and Georgia wants to teach the survival skills she’s used during her life. The two reconnect on the island and try to bond but it gets difficult with a storm rolling in.
I actually really enjoyed the adventure part of this book, both when it was for actual survival and when it was just the course. It felt well-researched and handled. People actually were put in dangerous situations that actually felt dangerous, not situations where you know that they’re going to get out of it fine. The author described the scenery and action well without it feeling overbearing.
I really loved, most, of the characters in this story. Even the characters that I didn’t like still felt realistic. These people had strengths and weaknesses that were allowed to show throughout the story. They had chemistry with each other and many of the conversations felt authentic. No one felt forced into the story just to add additional bodies or drama. My personal favorite is Havana, I just adore her.
The bonding that took place during this story was one of the most fun things to read about. Learning about the survival aspects and how they handled the issues was great, but it was also great just to see the group bond during these extreme circumstances. It was fun even when it wasn’t all lighthearted. By the end of it everyone seemed to have gone through a change.
I only really had a couple of small issues while reading this book. It took me a bit to figure out who everyone was because most of them were introduced at once. I got used to it, but it did take a bit. My other issue was that I wish there had been more chapters before the epilogue to help the relationship feel fully developed.
I don't have a whole lot to say about this because I really enjoyed it. It was a well-done adventure story that kept me hooked once it hit its stride. I love adventure books, but I tend to forget about it at times. Thanks to Hudson for reminding me why I love these books.
~ Check out my other reviews on my Blog, Instagram, or Twitter. ~
July 7, 2023
I didn't really know what to expect before diving into this book but to say it delivered is an understatement! The romance between survivalist Georgia and actress Kelsey (who are both 40+ lesbians - stay still my heart) was so sweet, and refreshingly not at all focused on Kelsey's fame and the issue of her public coming out (which is usually the case in most celebrity/x romances). I especially loved the story of their past and their previous chance encounter before the main events of the book, which wasn't a one night stand! If you can believe that. The various characters all came together to form an interesting group, but my heart was stolen by Havana, a young cheeky lesbian who immediately bonds with Kelsey. Their interactions were a really strong point to me personally, and I loved the depiction of younger and older lesbians supporting each other in this trio. Just the read I was looking for lately!
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