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Something Between Us

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In the waning days of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Quinn Prescott and Kirby Davis met during military training. Despite different backgrounds, services, and plans, they fell hard and fast. However, it wasn’t long before distance and the pressures of serving in silence drove them apart.
Ten years later, Kirby literally runs into Quinn at Chicago Pride. Although she lives in a city of three million, she continues to see Quinn everywhere, and she can’t seem to ignore the pounding in her chest that isn’t always frustration no matter how much she tells herself it is.
Quinn knows she made the biggest mistake of her life when she chose her career over Kirby. She’s desperate to make amends, and perhaps even turn their chance meetings into a second chance for romance.
Kirby’s definitely not giving Quinn a second chance. But how long can she ignore the truth that there's something between them?

Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Reunion Romance, Animals, Military, Big City
Words: 88,500

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2022

18 people are currently reading
286 people want to read

About the author

Krystina Rivers

7 books49 followers
Krystina Rivers has been a lover of romance novels since she was probably too young to read them and developed an affinity for lesbian romance novels after she found her first lesbian romance on a shelf in a used bookstore in 2001. Despite a lifelong desire to write romances, she never had the time to write her own until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and she no longer had to commute to the office or travel regularly for work.
Krystina grew up in Florida but, after spending six years in the military, now calls Chicago home. She works in commercial real estate and lives with her wife and their two dogs and three cats. When not working or writing, Krystina can be found reading with a glass of wine in hand, doing yoga (occasionally with a glass of wine in hand), snuggling with her fur-babies, or trying to convince herself that it is not too cold to go for a jog outside.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,448 reviews169 followers
April 1, 2022
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bold Strokes Books) in exchange for an unbiased review'

**'There are certain sentence, dialogue, quote, paragraph or chapter in a story that when read over and over, sounds just right. There's no objective reason why they end up being right. They just sounds right for that particular story...'

3.5stars!
'SOMETHING BETWEEN US' may read like a sound debut to some readers but when i got done, it felt like an okay story. It's populated with an array of very good supporting characters; from Kirby's entire family and best friends to Quinn's past military colleagues plus thought-provoking at minimal times but Ms.Rivers never swayed from putting words to sentences to each paragraphs then to the many chapters of this story.
During the storyline progression, i'm aware that Ms.Rivers writes with wry but genuine care about past military life and the policies every officer had to follow -- like D.A.D.T. for one.
The story does drags a bit, as too much of the pace is lost in the descriptions of both Quinn & Kirby's daily routines, inundated inner thoughts of why they broke up and being angry. Ms.Rivers did manage to then swing the other way by including nuggets of their careers choices & achievements then that friendly reminder of what they meant to each other in the past even overcoming Quinn's family issues and that wholesome desire to be back together after being apart for so many years.
Their chemistry, fondness for drinking good wine, their portrayals of & journey towards cordiality, their spirited and sometimes intense bantering and the love of family is what kept me reading.
Despite my nonchalant okay vibe, 'SOMETHING BETWEEN US' still deserve to be read.

Profile Image for pipsqueakreviews.
588 reviews505 followers
April 7, 2022
After D.A.D.T.

I'm more skeptical about new authors nowadays so I adopted a wait-and-see approach for this and got the ARC only after the early reviews turned out to be good.

This book isn't completely smooth but it's a pretty decent debut. It's a second chance romance involving former military officers, something that piqued my interest, and both the Don't Ask Don't Tell and coming out later in life are major themes here. I like this story because it's simple and straightforward. The characters aren't overly complicated and the storyline is pretty low angst. Quinn and Kirby were in a different time and place when their relationship failed the first time round and the second chance part of the book is about rebuilding the trust lost between them. The chapters alternate between the past and present, a common style for second chance romances, but I know some people wouldn't like that, though I personally don't mind.

Not bad for a debut, really. Krystina Rivers will be an author I'll definitely keep my eye out for in future.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud.
Author 2 books757 followers
April 12, 2022
3.5⭐️ – Nine years after Quinn chose the Navy over their relationship, Kirby literally stumbles onto her ex and all the feelings she thought she had dealt with come rushing back. It doesn’t help that she keeps meeting Quinn in all her favourite places, nor that Quinn is as beautiful as she ever was. After what she now knows was the biggest mistake of her life, Quinn has resigned herself to a solitary life but what if all these chance meetings was fate pushing them back together?

As with many debuts, the writing in Something Between Us has room to grow and it could have benefited from tighter editing. The characters, however, are solid. Not always likeable but relatable. The reason for the 80% breakup is so flimsy, I was glad to see the character’s friend call her out on it. It’s not flimsy because the author lacks imagination, it’s flimsy because the character is hurting and scared. It gave both women the opportunity to empathize with each other and strengthen their relationship.

The fact that said relationship started while they were both in the military, had to hide because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and reconnect after the policy has been repealed and they’re both civilians gives this second-chance romance a special flavour, all the more so as the characters’ motivations to join the military in the first place are very different.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read and I’ll check out the author’s next book. And bonus point for the characters drinking my favourite wine, Brunello di Montalcino.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for khi.
237 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2022
This is so good for a debut! Highly recommend if you’re looking for something chill to read.

The book is a second chance novel that follows the reconnection of Kirby and Quinn who had a secret relationship during the “Don’t Ask Don’t tell” military era. After breaking Kirby’s heart, neither of them thought Quinn would weasel herself back in.

When it came to the writing it was pretty solid for a debut, not much specialization but that’s not shocking since authors tend to play it safe for debuts. It was just a tiny bit stiff in the beginning and had a handful of repeated lines but that virtually disappears as the book goes on.

The characters are all entirely lovable, not too complexly written but enough to make them realistic and stand on their own. Some more appearances from their friends would’ve been nice, especially with Quinn who’s POV comes second to Kirby’s in this book which makes it just a little hard to grasp how she’s feeling, maybe more involvement with Jillian as a sounding board for her thoughts like Kirby had with her friends would’ve helped with this.

But overall I really liked this book. There’s like 2-3 spicy moments so safe to say anyone can read this book.

Will definitely keep my eye out for this author!

4.5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jamie.
213 reviews82 followers
May 9, 2022
This is a really enjoyable second chance romance for a new author. I love second chance romances so I was excited to dive into this one.

Something Between Us follows Kirby Davis and Quinn Prescott who secretly dated for years while in the military under DADT. When circumstances forced them apart, both were broken up about it. Fast forward 10 years and now both are discharged and living in the same part of Chicago and keep running in together, and they can't help but remember the feelings they used to have- but remember the heartbreak too.

I liked this! As a second chance romance fan this hits all the buttons you want it too. The yearning mixed with hesitation is all there. Also the reasons the two keep running in together felt very organic to me and well thought out.

I loved both Quinn and Kirby, but I felt particularly close to Kirby. Both characters were fleshed out well and didn't feel shallow but I definitely loved Kirby most.

There were definitely some pacing issues, but I think I'm going to chalk those up to Rivers being a new author.

This was an enjoyable book even if some pacing issues, and I'm definitely looking forward to future releases by Rivers. 4.25/5

Thank you to BSB and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Allem21.
46 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2022
Featured presentation: Something between us by Krystina Rivers

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell tore them apart once. Will they be able to overcome the past or continue the habit of “not asking” and “not telling”?

Cast: Quinn Prescott escaped from her past and found solace in the military. Kirby Davis entered the military during economic hardship to enable her to further her studies to obtain an MBA.

The Plot: Quinn and Kirby’s relationship was destroyed when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell forced Quinn’s hand ten years ago. Now both are retired from the military, living in Chicago and the universe keeps bringing them together. Soon Quinn and Kirby start to wonder whether there is still something between them…

The blazing: The story is told both in the present and the past. The flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the narrative by setting the stage in the present after which the flashback reads like a memory. It connects what happened in the past to the now and never feels out of place or overdone. The flashbacks are non-chronological as different events in the present trigger different memories. This gives us a slow unraveling of what transpired during their relationship.

Ms Rivers used a few clichés and every time my stomach dropped. Then she resolved it in such a mature way, it actually felt right. Instead of dragging the plot down, it strengthened the storyline and contributed to character development.

I loved the “Acquaintance Rules” Kirby and Quinn established to navigate their encounters. They had an honest conversation about things that makes them uncomfortable and what the other can do to lessen the effect. And they respected the rules.

The bright: I liked how they slowly rebuilt trust. A lot of this happens through seemingly insignificant encounters early on. The effect of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is still clear in their present encounters. Not only in the way it affected their relationship ten years earlier, but also in how they approach communication in the present day.

The bleak: The secondary characters we’re introduced to early on fade away for a big part of the book. They are only reintroduced towards the end. I would’ve liked to see more of them as they were each fascinating in their own right and had a lot to offer the MCs, as well as the story.

The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.

And then The Plot Thickens and we are faced with the current heartbreak caused by a military policy ten years ago. Ms Rivers approached a heavy subject with subtlety and her writing has depth without ever feeling weighed down. The lack of communication between Quinn and Kirby feels like an extension of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell combined with their assumed knowledge of each other.

Ms Rivers applied her intimate knowledge of the military and the far-reaching effects of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to give us a look at the damage that can be inflicted if one is forced to constantly hide their true selves. The road back from that is not an easy one and I think many people will be able to relate to especially Quinn, even without the direct effect of DADT. Hiding/lying is a necessity or even a coping mechanism for many in the queer community and though things are slowly changing, the scars cannot be erased overnight…

Studio: Bold Strokes Books

Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
Profile Image for Sam.
837 reviews114 followers
March 23, 2022
This is a debut and I am happy to report its a strong one. First things first, this cover is great, beautiful picture and so fitting to the story.

This is a second chance romance and I need them written in a certain way. While not entirely how I like it, as there isn’t a lot of communication some but not a lot, it’s still great especially for a debut. Quinn broke Kirby’s heart over the phone a decade ago as a result of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Both have been looking for something, or not really looking, that special thing they had together. Needless to say they never found it. I like how Quinn finds her way back into Kirby’s life. Kirby’s hesitancy and general feelings towards her seem pretty well done too.
Their time together under DADT is told with some flashback, if you’ve read some of my reviews you’ll ow I am not a fan of those.I didn’t mind them in this book. I like how we get to experience their first love and break up story. I would have liked to know a little more about these characters, they are written fairly simple and the story unfolds pretty simply as well. Just some more depth, more talk about feelings maybe? More interaction with friends or coworkers, that would have been a good addition.

I think this is a pretty strong debut and a fun and light second chance romance.

*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Profile Image for Ashlee.
309 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2022
This was a wonderful debut by Kristina Rivers. I loved Quinn and Kirby and they had amazing chemistry together. Their story starts in 2008 when they are both serving in the military under DADT. They have a great two years together but it’s followed by a terrible end to their relationship. When they meet by accident in Chicago 10 years later Kirby is less than excited but Quinn sees a chance for her to right her past wrongs. Their story is told in flash backs that are very well written, include dates for each, and seem genuine to the attitudes of that time. Together with their present day timeline where they keep running into each other unexpectedly it was an entertaining story. This was a second chance romance trope but definitely unique to others with the military theme. I’ll for sure be on the lookout for future books by Krystina! Pick this one up, I absolutely recommend it!
Profile Image for MaxDisaster.
677 reviews89 followers
July 9, 2022
2,5 stars
Ehh not bad, I guess.
The MCs were decent, even though their behaviour set my teeth on edge sometimes.
But I was way more invested in their investigation into the condo-board-money-shenanigans than in their romance, which means it hasn't really impressed me much.
Because the investigation was resolved really lazily. Just poof and we know everything.

But my issues with this second-chance romance might be just because of my own viewpoint. I think this book has the potential to be liked by other people.
Just not by me.
Profile Image for Jo reece.
551 reviews60 followers
April 21, 2022
I enjoyed ‘something between us’ it is a cute, wholehearted read about second chances. Even tho the story has been ‘done’ before I always find myself content where second chances are involved, and become more involved with the storyline.
The main characters both had sparks from the onset, at the beginning of the story I was feeling sorry for Kirby, but if I'm honest, she started to get on my nerves with her whining by the end of the book and it seemed to be dragged.
All in all ‘ something between us’ is a heartwarming story, that includes finding heartbreak, finding love, and family.

I'll be watching out for further realise’s by this new author.

I've given ‘something between us’ a 3.8/5
Profile Image for Sarah.
186 reviews16 followers
April 3, 2022
I can’t wait to see what comes out of Rivers in the future! She did such a great job capturing the raw feelings and pain of the main characters. It was real and I found it easy to empathize. On the flip side the love almost felt tangible. There was a bit of reputation when it came to the description of the emotions, but I was very impressed and can’t wait to see more. This was a solid book that wasn’t too angsty nor was it too slow.
Profile Image for Lauren.
Author 5 books113 followers
April 4, 2022
I still cannot believe that ‘Something Between Us’ is a debut novel, because it is such a stunning depiction of a complicated romance. The characters that Rivers creates are tangible and heartachingly lovable in their own ways.
Quinn and Kirby have spent nine years apart, after the end of an intense two year love, when they literally bump into one another. Their story is written under the shade of the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ military policy; a policy that drove Quinn to choose her career over the love of her life. It seems as though fate keeps pushing the two women back into each other’s lives; but where Quinn contemplates hope of getting to know Kirby again, Kirby only sees a series of awkward interactions.
Personally I love a second chance romance and this is one of the best. The way that Rivers writes these women is stunning; Kirby has built a successful career in finance after her time in the military. She has built up thick walls around her heart since her last interaction with Quinn, and she isn’t about to open up her heart to more pain. Now retired from duty, Quinn holds deep regrets for her actions but has been ruled by fear and anxiety since she was young. I really related to Quinn in this respect and felt her constant internal battle between head and heart.
Rivers ties in the flashbacks of their romance beautifully throughout; I loved how their shared memories are summoned by a setting or tasting a particular wine. The evocation of senses gives their relationship a far more complex and realistic level of interaction, making it so easy to become invested in Quinn and Kirby’s story.
I really enjoyed this book and am so excited for what is next from Rivers because ‘Something Between Us’ is an outstanding starting point!
Profile Image for Silvia.
366 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2022
A solid debut by Rivers, Something Between Us is the the love story between Army veteran Kirby and recent Navy retiree, Quinn. The story starts in the present time when former lovers Kirby and Quinn literally run into eachother at Pride and it weaves in and out into their past relashionship in the weaning times of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I think the biggest kudos for Rivers is that she makes the story believable, something I can definetely see happening, from the way the meet, to the steamy parts and the anguish that both MCs go though as a result of their past and the fear for the future. Definetely worh a read.

Free ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews50 followers
April 2, 2022
• Something Between Us
• Author Krystina Rivers
• MC Quinn Prescott & Kirby Davis



It has been 9 years since Kirby and Quinn have seen each other. Quinn wants to tell Kirby that she made a mistake. The story has flash backs to explain the relationship between the two main characters. They run into each other three times in four weeks

Quinn is 37 years old. She has a new start after she has retired from the Navy after 20 years. As a sailor, she will begin a new career. Kirby was on her mind and she hoped they would run into each other.

Kirby is 36 years old. She loves Chicago, her friends and working out.Her morning runs help clear her mind. She went to Georgetown and got her MBA in finance.

Quinn wants to spend more time with Kirby.
Kirby is done with the past. Fate definitely intervenes in this relationship. Quinn works hard to make up for the past, and Kirby slowly melts over time. This was a very good second chance romance. I also like learning more about Quinn’s back story.

If you like second chance romance, this isn’t one you will want to skip.


This book was a wonderful debut by the author. I received an ARC from Bold strokes books through NetGalley! Thank you to Bold Strokes Books!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cherie.
705 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2022
This was a great start for a debut author. Her military background brought good descriptions of military life and the anguish for gays during DADT. There are several flashbacks going back to when the two MCs meet and the reason for their breakup. I actually liked the flashback story the best. The MCs had an instant connection that seemed very real. But the majority of the booked dragged for me with both Kirby and Quinn trying to figure out their heads and their hearts.

Overall a great first book and would recommend it.

ARC revived for a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
199 reviews54 followers
March 30, 2022
Kirby never expects or wants to see Quinn again. So, when they run into each other at Pride, nine years after Quinn stomped on her heart, Kirby is less than thrilled. In a city as big as Chicago, they start running into each other a lot. Fate seems to be trying to give them another chance if Kirby can open her heart again to Quinn.

This is a very good debut novel. Krystina Rivers uses her personal experience of being in the military during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to bring us a captivating, second chance romance. I was invested almost immediately. I felt for Quinn, who wanted nothing more than to make amends for the decision she made to break up with Kirby to protect her career. And I felt for Kirby, who wanted to protect her heart from Quinn, the only woman who she ever allowed herself to love.

The two meet in 2008 and that time frame is told in flashbacks. Their relationship is idyllic and the two are truly soulmates. Flashbacks are hit or miss for me but they were really well done in this story. Without them, I wouldn’t have had such a sense of how much love the two shared and how truly devastated Kirby was by Quinn’s decision. Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes when done well. And Something Between Us was done very well. I look forward to reading more from Krystina Rivers. She is an new author to keep your eyes on.

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for currentlyreadingbynat.
871 reviews103 followers
May 16, 2022
I loved getting to know both Quinn and Kirby, who felt like such realistic characters. It was as if I knew them both intrinsically and it made me completely invested in their romance. The chemistry between both characters was fantastic and I can't thought the novel from this point.

Although I really enjoyed this novel, I think the first half drove my engagement with it. The second half of the novel slowed in pace, which was a shame as I think this overall this was a really strong debut.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,328 reviews100 followers
July 28, 2022
Hmmm, I gave this 5*s, but it was close. Means I'd be happy to re-read. On the fence with that, good story, followed the prescribed LesRom formula, sagged a bit in the middle but made it to the finishing line.
Profile Image for MJSam.
477 reviews40 followers
March 27, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was another new author for me this month, and I found this ok, but ultimately, too repetitive.

This features MCs Kirby and Quinn, who both served in the military, Kirby in the Army and Quinn in the Navy. The two were in a relationship for two years 9 years prior to the book starting and then literally bump into each other at a pride event.

Kirby is far less thrilled about this than Quinn is and the reason why is revealed in flashbacks. Quinn broke Kirby’s heart (and her own) by breaking up with Kirby under the pressure of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Kirby is still hurt by this and is less and less thrilled each time she runs into Quinn, which happens a lot due to a convenience I also found hard to swallow. Anyway, they end up spending a fair bit of time together and Kirby eventually thaws. This section takes up approx 50% of the book and is filled with repetition involving Quinn apologising and Kirby pushing her away, backed up by flashbacks about what happens. Honestly, I found the flashbacks added nothing to the story, we already knew what happened and spelling this out didn’t add anything for me.

They then embark on another relationship, but the wheels of this one also fall off due to Quinn not being out to her homophobic parents. Kirby won’t stand for this, and we have the requisite break up, followed by a dramatic event that then allows them to reconcile. This is pretty much follows the BSB formula to a T.

Despite Quinn being portrayed as the one who did Kirby wrong, I preferred her character. She owned her mistake and wanted to make amends, but Kirby was annoying stubborn and also judgemental about Quinn’s situation with her parents. By the end I didn’t care if they got together, and thought it would be healthier for them both if they didn’t.

This is a debut book, and those are hardly ever perfect, and I found some of the writing a bit too formal in places and had some issues with the pacing. Overall, it’s an ok debut, and I’d read more from this author. 3 stars.
Profile Image for Domi.
358 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2022
For a debut this was actually a pretty solid book and one that will lead to me reading more books by this author if she decides to continue writing. Kirby and Quinn were in the Army / Navy 9 years ago and had a relationship through the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era until Quinn unceremoniously broke it off breaking two hearts in the progress.
After a chance meeting at Chicago Pride and a lot of subsequent chance meetings Quinn and Kirby start the process of working through the past and maybe start an even better future.
The plot follows the standard push/pull, getting together, break-up, drama and getting together again to perfection, but even though you know how it's going to go, the story still managed to keep my attention.
The characters were nicely done and the relationship developed in a realistic pace. I could have used more background on Quinn, but that's also fueled by the fact that I found her to be the more interesting one of the pair. Yet considering her family and upbringing, it would have made sense for her background to make it into the story more.

*** Thank you Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book***
51 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2022
Something between us

This debut novel by Krystina Rivers was a really good read. It is a second chance romance where army politics and childhood trauma came in the way of true love.

Quinn broke Kirby’s heart a decade ago and has regretted it ever since, neither has been able to truly move passed it and then faith throws them together, over and over again. Unable to ignore the signs of the universe, we embark in a journey of growth and forgiveness. We go through various stages of anger and sadness to lust and contentment. It was nice to see Quinn unwavering in her desire to fix things and watch Kirby evolve slowly. I really enjoyed how the story was laced with pieces from their passed as certain events were mentioned, it didn’t feel like whiplash like flashbacks sometimes do.

The chemistry ans love between the characters is obvious and it was really beautiful to watch them get back to each other. The book also has 2 sort of side stories to help moving us along, however I did feel like the building story line was a bit rushed.

All in all I would definitely recommend this book and will be watching for future releases from this author.

**ARC provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,339 reviews71 followers
March 28, 2022
An easy formula second chance book. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. Quinn Prescott is career Navy and Kirby Davis is an Army specialist when they meet in 2008 in Monterey, CA for military training. They spend a wonderful almost two years together, although being careful because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Fast forward to modern day and the two meet up again in Chicago. Quinn is newly retired and starting a new second career. Kirby stayed in the Army long enough to get the higher education she wanted and is now very successful in the financial field. Their paths keep crossing wether on morning runs, at a wine bar and even where they live.

Kirby has a hard time understanding how Quinn gave up on their relationship and broke her heart. She doesn’t want to trust her again. Quinn knows she was wrong but is trying to keep Kirby back in her life even if it is just as friends. They were the loves of each others lives and they are still drawn to each other. I enjoy how naturally they fall back into each others lives. The couple of flash back chapters are nice getting the moment the two meet. Who knew throwing darts could feel so intimate. Of course things can’t go smoothly and Kirby is looking for a reason to not trust. And I felt some of that got a little repetitive.

I thought this was a good solid debut novel and I will look forward to what the author writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
Profile Image for Bookista.
119 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2022
In the mood for an easy breezy second chance romance? Something between us is the debut offering by Krystina Rivers.
Quinn and Kirby met during the tumultuous times of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and had to break it off because secreting their relationship proved to be too challenging for Quinn. Ten years later, they keep bumping into each other in Chicago and opportunities for a second chance at love is on the horizon.

Okay I really liked the coincidental meetups part of this story. Kirby’s justifiable anger at Quinn almost gives this an enemies to lovers (which I love) trope-ish feel. I also liked the the angry / flirty banter between them it kept the story moving and interesting. Rivers does a good job progressing the relationship reconnection at a good pace almost slow-burnish and between the romantic flashbacks with Napa and plenty of wine thrown in for good measure, it got me rooting for them.

This is a low angst story and so the heart wrenching is not so bad. My only gripe would be around how little backstory there was for both characters. I think Kirby’s character faired better, I got an okay sense for who she was. But Quinn’s backstory was just mentioned only towards the end, not sure whether that was to just preserve the mystery, but it was quite the bomb and I felt it was sort of rushed.

Overall this was a light enjoyable read and great debut for a new author. 4🌟s

Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Aris Duarte.
288 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2022
For a debut novel, I think it was a very good book. It's a second chance romance between military women that reconnect after Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Kirby and Quinn were in a different place while there together the first time and the second time around, they are on a better place but still working on personal issues to be able to make it work.

I feel Krystina Rivers did a really good job with her debut novel, she has military background and this book is worth your time.
Profile Image for Teddy.
335 reviews53 followers
March 27, 2022
This second chance romance is a classic what if I get hurt again/worse vs. what if it turns out to be the best thing ever? I liked the concept overall and the insight into the military as well as the touches we got of Quinn’s religious family. However, the dialogue was clunky, there’s was too much “telling,” and some things were very repetitive, for example the emphasis on “the Fates.” There were a few flashbacks which strengthened the story- I almost wished there were more. Kirby is the protagonist but her character fet kind of forced. I understood her reticence to take Quinn back, but I preferred Quinn as a character since she showed a lot of growth, remorse and consistency. I gave this 3 stars but it’s a debut novel and I would be interested in reading the author’s second book if she continues writing.

Short Summary: After 2 magical years together, Quinn breaks Kirby’s heart by choosing her career in the Navy over their relationship. Now after almost 9 years apart, they spontaneously reunite and Kirby must decide whether her heart can weather Quinn again, but can she live without her?

Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
917 reviews46 followers
May 28, 2024
I had this on my TBR shelf for 2 years. I'm sick about it. Why did I deny myself such a great book. Quinn (Navy) and Kirby (Army) first met at a gay bar in 2008. They fall for each other and are together until 2010. Thanks to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Now ten years later they run into each other. This is a rich and wonderful second chance love story! 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Jeet Kansagara.
6 reviews
March 22, 2022
I like to read romance novels. The books with some reality are my to go books.

In this book the same was depicted that it is not easy to take back a person in your life once he/she have broken your trust. The writer did an amazing job at that showing us that though we love a person to the worlds end once we break trust in him/her it takes whole lot of time and efforts to gain that back.

I would say that the scenes were perfectly described the plot went on smooth the solving of the money problem was also greatly handled it gave the non romance lover a gist of mystery which you keep them on the hook.

The book was worth the time I invested in it I guess all the people should read it once it will give a gist or a glance at how easily the things get fucked up and once you lose a person you love and break there trust it is an uphill battle to gain that trust back.

I still think that Quinn should have talked and cleared the air nine years ago it is most logical thing to do and I do recommend people to talk and clear all the misunderstanding but then how would the writer could have written the novel.

I would definitely recommend this book.

If possible I would have gave 3.5 rating since it is not possible I am giving 3 because I think writer could have thrown some more stones into the mixer to shaken the relationship.
Profile Image for Diana Nolen.
141 reviews
May 13, 2022
I had this one on my TBR list for too long. I really enjoyed it and for a debut novel, it’s pretty good. I may have to read it again to fully appreciate it as I kept getting interrupted, but, again it was a really good book for a debut.

I, unlike others, enjoyed the flashbacks. They were used very effectively to illustrate the instant connection the MCs had from the beginning, & they also begin to illustrate the hardships of the DADT era, although it’s later explained in much more harrowing detail how homophobic the military still was and how vicious it was.

I also enjoyed that it took place in Chicago. I love this city and the author captured its most beautiful areas.

I enjoyed Quinn the most because it just always seemed there was so much more to her than you originally think..and as you get through the book you realize many of those things, slowly, but surely.

I will definitely read Krystina Rivers second book and definitely recommend this one. The chemistry between them is really hot and sexy, so you won’t be disappointed in that regard, nor will you be with the overall story. Added plus for adding the condo associations mystery! AND, if you’re a Katherine Forrest fan there is a slight homage paid to Curious Wine (my first wlw book).

I recommend this book. It’s a solid debut and I think the authors 2nd book will be even better.
13 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2022
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Life can be defined in moments. Sometimes you make all the right choices until that one moment in which you make one wrong choice and your life is never the same again. Quinn and Kirby know that better than anyone. The lives of these two ex-military women were changed by one moment in time, one bad decision. That is, until now. Fate keeps throwing these strong and caring women into each other's paths, giving them the opportunity to heal and find their happy endings. Will they be able to forgive and trust again?
A book that makes you keep turning the page, with characters you can connect with and root for, "Something Between Us" is a book that will make you fall in love with the characters and cherish second chances.
Profile Image for Nathalie.
356 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2022
Very solid debut novel by Krystina Rivers. A second chance romance with very relatable MC's who make mistakes. I enjoyed the back an forth between present day and the past as it gave me an insight in the dynamic between them then and also how both of them have changed in the past decade.

There is no denying that Quinn and Kirby are soulmates and I love how they are around each other. Despite their rough past, the universe keeps throwing them together and I liked how different they both handled that.

If you like second chance romancces, this is definitely one to pick up.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
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