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Between Time Zones #1
Between Time Zones:
Two childhood friends, two countries and two secrets.
Fresh off her success with her first feature, "Moonlight Dancing", producer Mia Hunter has Hollywood knocking on her door. But so is her past that threatens to wreak havoc on everything she's built.
Alex Grayson, her ex best friend's brother, is now a hot shot lawyer living in Los Angeles and working at his father's law firm. He's about to defend, top movie producer, Noah Becker accused of murdering his wife and has the world watching and waiting for "the trial of the century".
But, when his little sister Sandra runs away several months before her wedding and in Mia's arms all three are reunited for the first time in a decade. Suddenly, for the first time Alex is confronted with feelings for his childhood acquaintance.
Will this lawyer and filmmaker find something in common? Or will they both struggle to realise some harsh truths that stand in the way of something real?
Fresh off her success with her first feature, "Moonlight Dancing", producer Mia Hunter has Hollywood knocking on her door. But so is her past that threatens to wreak havoc on everything she's built.
Alex Grayson, her ex best friend's brother, is now a hot shot lawyer living in Los Angeles and working at his father's law firm. He's about to defend, top movie producer, Noah Becker accused of murdering his wife and has the world watching and waiting for "the trial of the century".
But, when his little sister Sandra runs away several months before her wedding and in Mia's arms all three are reunited for the first time in a decade. Suddenly, for the first time Alex is confronted with feelings for his childhood acquaintance.
Will this lawyer and filmmaker find something in common? Or will they both struggle to realise some harsh truths that stand in the way of something real?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
3 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Kate Buck
9 books14 followersJordan Kate Buck lives in Perth, but originally from Far North Queensland. She studied filmmaking and worked in the Australian film industry, before becoming an author.
She writes mildly spicy books with sweet couples, a dash of drama and behind a Hollywood backdrop.
Her favourite tropes are friends to lovers, best friend's brother and second chance.
When not writing she can be found going for a relaxing walk while listening to some spice.
Insta: @jordankatebuckwriter
She writes mildly spicy books with sweet couples, a dash of drama and behind a Hollywood backdrop.
Her favourite tropes are friends to lovers, best friend's brother and second chance.
When not writing she can be found going for a relaxing walk while listening to some spice.
Insta: @jordankatebuckwriter
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 18, 2022
“I know you’re used to doing everything alone, but I’m standing here now, telling you, you don’t always have to.”
This book was a sweet second chance/best friend’s brother romance. The plot centered on topics like sexual assault, panic attacks, and domestic abuse. While I enjoy reading to “escape” from the realities of life, sometimes it’s nice to see that the hard roads taken can lead to a better place. While it wasn’t 100% what I expected - it was 100% what it needed to be.
Mia suffers from panic attacks as a consequence of trauma. She has trouble trusting new people and letting them in. She hasn’t felt safe in a long time. Meanwhile, Alex has had everything handed to him on a silver plater and he is oblivious to the struggles of those around him. You can see how this might be a problem!!
I think the unsung heroes of the book are definitely Robbie and Peter. I would LOVE to read books about their lives. They both fiercely defended Mia and were on her side from the beginning - and Mia needed those people in her life. Once Alex figured out his priorities, you really know where you want the story to go, as a reader, and you start rooting for the happy ending.
Mia’s relationship with her childhood best friend really made me sad. It highlighted the importance of listening to those you have placed in your inner circle of trust, they almost always have your best interest in mind.
There were two secrets in this book. The first was very obvious to the reader but not to the characters. The second secret was not revealed until the final chapters BUT it was written so cleverly that I “figured it out” 1/4
of my way through the book. However, the author kept me second guessing my theory throughout the book since she could have taken the story a few different directions. So, I thought that was fun!
All in all, if you don’t mind some heavy, emotional topics combined with a sweet second chance romance and a group of friends who has been through it all together - then this book is for you! A very enjoyable read!!
Thank you Jordan Kate Buck for the ARC! I am looking forward to future novels - hopefully within this series!!
This book was a sweet second chance/best friend’s brother romance. The plot centered on topics like sexual assault, panic attacks, and domestic abuse. While I enjoy reading to “escape” from the realities of life, sometimes it’s nice to see that the hard roads taken can lead to a better place. While it wasn’t 100% what I expected - it was 100% what it needed to be.
Mia suffers from panic attacks as a consequence of trauma. She has trouble trusting new people and letting them in. She hasn’t felt safe in a long time. Meanwhile, Alex has had everything handed to him on a silver plater and he is oblivious to the struggles of those around him. You can see how this might be a problem!!
I think the unsung heroes of the book are definitely Robbie and Peter. I would LOVE to read books about their lives. They both fiercely defended Mia and were on her side from the beginning - and Mia needed those people in her life. Once Alex figured out his priorities, you really know where you want the story to go, as a reader, and you start rooting for the happy ending.
Mia’s relationship with her childhood best friend really made me sad. It highlighted the importance of listening to those you have placed in your inner circle of trust, they almost always have your best interest in mind.
There were two secrets in this book. The first was very obvious to the reader but not to the characters. The second secret was not revealed until the final chapters BUT it was written so cleverly that I “figured it out” 1/4
of my way through the book. However, the author kept me second guessing my theory throughout the book since she could have taken the story a few different directions. So, I thought that was fun!
All in all, if you don’t mind some heavy, emotional topics combined with a sweet second chance romance and a group of friends who has been through it all together - then this book is for you! A very enjoyable read!!
Thank you Jordan Kate Buck for the ARC! I am looking forward to future novels - hopefully within this series!!
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June 30, 2022Edit: My book is now live on KU and paperback!!! The ebook contains a bonus Chapter for the second book in the series.
I am so excited for you all to read this soon. This has been three years in the making, and was well worth it. My background is screenwriting, for most of my twenties I worked in the indie film industry and got to meet some amazing people. This was inspired by the #metoo and #timesup movements that have raised very important conversations about the mistreatment of women in the film industry.
Some of my own experiences went into this novel.
Looking forward to you all meeting Alex Grayson and Mia Hunter!
June 30th can't get here fast enough. :D
Tropes
🔥Best Friend's Brother
😊 Childhood Acquaintance
✈️Long Distance Relationship
👩❤️👨 Second Chance Romance
❤️🩹Helping through Trauma
⚠️Trigger warnings: Discussions of sexual assault, abuse, homophobia and domestic violence. Though not graphically detailed.
I am so excited for you all to read this soon. This has been three years in the making, and was well worth it. My background is screenwriting, for most of my twenties I worked in the indie film industry and got to meet some amazing people. This was inspired by the #metoo and #timesup movements that have raised very important conversations about the mistreatment of women in the film industry.
Some of my own experiences went into this novel.
Looking forward to you all meeting Alex Grayson and Mia Hunter!
June 30th can't get here fast enough. :D
Tropes
🔥Best Friend's Brother
😊 Childhood Acquaintance
✈️Long Distance Relationship
👩❤️👨 Second Chance Romance
❤️🩹Helping through Trauma
⚠️Trigger warnings: Discussions of sexual assault, abuse, homophobia and domestic violence. Though not graphically detailed.
July 22, 2022
I really loved this book!! I can wait to see what come next!
May 16, 2022
I read this book in one sitting. It started out a little rough, there were things that were unspoken and I just wanted to know what I was missing. I think Mia’s story was really well written. She was someone who seemed to have it all, she was accomplishing her dreams, she spoke up for herself, but like a lot of people she had things she kept bottled up for a long time that she wasn’t ready to take care of.
Everything was fine until her ex friend, Sandra, shows up back in her life after a falling out and almost ten years. Sandra’s brother, Alex, closely follows behind. They all quickly reconnect, even though the hard feelings are far from gone. As these relationships start to reform a lot of things come to the surface whether they are ready for it or not.
Mia works in the film industry and throughout the book it is highlighted how toxic it can be. Alex is a lawyer who defends the worst kind of people. He hates his job but does it anyway to please his father. They both have feelings that are resurfacing and things they are keeping from the other. Of course, their feelings for the other come out and they act on them. Despite the fact they are both extremely busy, aren’t totally open and honest with each other, and live on literal opposite sides of the earth.
I did like Alex’s commitment to Mia (after he came to his senses and realized what he really wanted and what was truly important, of course. There was a rough patch where I was very much not rooting for Alex, but that’s what character development is for!). She was clearly having a hard time and even though he didn’t know why he was willing to stick it out because he knew she was worth it for him. I also appreciate that Mia knows that she wants Alex in her life, but she needs to do a lot of work personally to make sure their relationship is successful.
There was a lot of heavy topics in this book and I think each part of the story was written very well. It felt very truthful and honest. The film industry can be a toxic place for a lot of people and this highlighted that very well.
There was some time jumping that was a little confusing, but it didn’t impact the story telling too much. I think all the characters where pretty well rounded and fleshed out. Even the awkward tension and miscommunications between Mia and Alex (that I didn’t love and never do in any book!!) as they were figuring out what they wanted their relationship to become made total sense for the two of them and the story. And finally, all the antagonists of the story were written so well that even before you knew they were the ‘bad guys’ they weren’t likable at all. It was hard to read Mia trying to deal with all of those people in her life. There are plenty of unlikeable characters and I just wanted the best for Mia. I wanted everyone to be on her side, which doesn’t always happen in real life, so again it made sense, I just wanted it to be different for Mia! Especially Sandra, you eventually find out why she is the way she is, but for most of the book she is so unlikeable. She does just want her friend back but she is seemingly so unwilling to listen to Mia and her needs.
Thank you to Jordan Kate Buck for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Everything was fine until her ex friend, Sandra, shows up back in her life after a falling out and almost ten years. Sandra’s brother, Alex, closely follows behind. They all quickly reconnect, even though the hard feelings are far from gone. As these relationships start to reform a lot of things come to the surface whether they are ready for it or not.
Mia works in the film industry and throughout the book it is highlighted how toxic it can be. Alex is a lawyer who defends the worst kind of people. He hates his job but does it anyway to please his father. They both have feelings that are resurfacing and things they are keeping from the other. Of course, their feelings for the other come out and they act on them. Despite the fact they are both extremely busy, aren’t totally open and honest with each other, and live on literal opposite sides of the earth.
I did like Alex’s commitment to Mia (after he came to his senses and realized what he really wanted and what was truly important, of course. There was a rough patch where I was very much not rooting for Alex, but that’s what character development is for!). She was clearly having a hard time and even though he didn’t know why he was willing to stick it out because he knew she was worth it for him. I also appreciate that Mia knows that she wants Alex in her life, but she needs to do a lot of work personally to make sure their relationship is successful.
There was a lot of heavy topics in this book and I think each part of the story was written very well. It felt very truthful and honest. The film industry can be a toxic place for a lot of people and this highlighted that very well.
There was some time jumping that was a little confusing, but it didn’t impact the story telling too much. I think all the characters where pretty well rounded and fleshed out. Even the awkward tension and miscommunications between Mia and Alex (that I didn’t love and never do in any book!!) as they were figuring out what they wanted their relationship to become made total sense for the two of them and the story. And finally, all the antagonists of the story were written so well that even before you knew they were the ‘bad guys’ they weren’t likable at all. It was hard to read Mia trying to deal with all of those people in her life. There are plenty of unlikeable characters and I just wanted the best for Mia. I wanted everyone to be on her side, which doesn’t always happen in real life, so again it made sense, I just wanted it to be different for Mia! Especially Sandra, you eventually find out why she is the way she is, but for most of the book she is so unlikeable. She does just want her friend back but she is seemingly so unwilling to listen to Mia and her needs.
Thank you to Jordan Kate Buck for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
May 8, 2022
Thanks to Jordan Kate Buck for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book follows the two childhood friends across two different continents. Successful producer Mia Hunter is reunited with her ex best friends brother Alex Grayson (an equally successful lawyer living in LA). The pair are reunited as secrets between to unravel over their decade long separation.
I loved reading about Mia's success, the way she managed to live out her dream within the film industry. I loved the way in which the novel touches on incredibly tough topics without sweeping them under the rug, a very timely issue and extremely important in this current era! Similarly, Alex's commitment to Mia is unwavering, the way in which the reader encounters his moral struggle with his job as well as balancing his family and navigating his feeling for Mia is super interesting to see. I think the characters are well rounded and well developed.
The only element which was slightly difficult to follow were the way in which the past unfolded throughout the novel, I found the time jumps quite confusing. Equally the time in terms of separation between the characters were quite long, although it is made super clear that this is required as part of each characters development. Another element I disliked is Sandra's (Alex's sister) fiance, which means the author did an incredible job of portraying him as a terrible individual who deserves his punishments (I won't share any spoilers!)
Overall, I think this novel is an excellent read, set between two continents and building on the beginnings of a childhood love story, I absolutely loved the fact that the characters are both successful in their own right. The novel touches on sensitive topics and I felt they were handled appropriately (although I was slightly disappointed by Sandra's initial reaction, which ultimately led to the original separation between the two main characters). Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to those after a delightful and interesting read!
This book follows the two childhood friends across two different continents. Successful producer Mia Hunter is reunited with her ex best friends brother Alex Grayson (an equally successful lawyer living in LA). The pair are reunited as secrets between to unravel over their decade long separation.
I loved reading about Mia's success, the way she managed to live out her dream within the film industry. I loved the way in which the novel touches on incredibly tough topics without sweeping them under the rug, a very timely issue and extremely important in this current era! Similarly, Alex's commitment to Mia is unwavering, the way in which the reader encounters his moral struggle with his job as well as balancing his family and navigating his feeling for Mia is super interesting to see. I think the characters are well rounded and well developed.
The only element which was slightly difficult to follow were the way in which the past unfolded throughout the novel, I found the time jumps quite confusing. Equally the time in terms of separation between the characters were quite long, although it is made super clear that this is required as part of each characters development. Another element I disliked is Sandra's (Alex's sister) fiance, which means the author did an incredible job of portraying him as a terrible individual who deserves his punishments (I won't share any spoilers!)
Overall, I think this novel is an excellent read, set between two continents and building on the beginnings of a childhood love story, I absolutely loved the fact that the characters are both successful in their own right. The novel touches on sensitive topics and I felt they were handled appropriately (although I was slightly disappointed by Sandra's initial reaction, which ultimately led to the original separation between the two main characters). Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to those after a delightful and interesting read!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews