Review: Between (Between, #1) by Cyndi Tefft

Between (Between, #1) by Cyndi Tefft
Publisher: Createspace
Released: April 5th 2011
Format: Kindle ebook (owned); paperback (244 pages)
Source: Amazon.com (US) and my local library

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates. 

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.

(I put both formats and two sources because I first borrowed Between from the library in paperback, then proceeded to buy my own ecopy.)

Between sucked me in from the very first page, twisted me up into a riot of emotions and then spat me out, leaving me with one of the best book hangovers I ever had. This book is seriously a must-read.

I loved the writing style; Lindsey's voice was very distinct. I found her instantly likeable and that had me rooting for her at the beginning of the story. Then she dies, which is like, the best thing that's ever happened to her. I mean, how often do you get a grim reaper who is as sexy, handsome and caring as Aiden MacRae?

The pacing of Lindsey and Aiden's relationship was a little fast, but was also believable at the same time (I'm one of those hopeless romantics). What both of them shared soon grew into a love so strong. Aiden's backstory was extremely well set up. Cyndi Tefft has such talent in conveying a moving story that leaves you reeling in shock at the end of it - an awesome story within an even more awesome story! It's that good. As Lindsey spends time with Aiden, we learn things about them that will break your heart and make you want to laugh along with them. I especially adore the moments when Aiden asks Lindsey about the things she mentions in the modern world which he doesn't understand. "What's cardboard?" had me suddenly bursting out loud with laughter, earning me weird looks from people around me. Totally worth it. And Marie Hélène de Saint-Simon? I won't spoil it for you, but you need to know that Lindsey is just freakishly funny when talking about her to Aiden!

'Casting' is also freakin' amazing. It is such a unique concept and is one of the things I love most about Between, not to mention the amount of French being spoken by Aiden.

Between has religious aspects weaved into a considerable part of the story. I am a relatively spiritual freethinker. I'm not an atheist, nor an omnist. What I want to say is that I had no problems whatsoever about the mentioning of God and faith in this book. Nothing was preachy. If anything at all, this aspect is what makes Between a beautiful story, and I completely respect and admire that.

Halfway into the story, Tefft throws a mega-twist into the plot and basically blows your mind. When that happened, I read the rest of Between twice as fast as I had and nothing could distract me. Those who have read Between will know what I am talking about.

As for the ending, it was completely perfect and it left me satisfied for what seemed like the first time in months after reading a book. I distinctly remember finishing it on the bus while on the way home from school and nearly missed my stop. This review is at least a year and a half late; I'm so glad I could finally find time to gather my thoughts properly, re-read the book and piece all the wonderful things about Between together for all to read.

Two great sequels, Hell Transporter and Even In Darkness, are already out, so go grab them if you haven't! You won't regret starting this series. Scotland is now officially on my bucket list. Maybe I'll meet my own hot Scot one day (;

RATING
Between fully deserves five starfish!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cyndi Tefft lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest where the weather is overcast and rainy, much like the Highlands of Scotland. So she was right at home when she got the chance to visit Eilean Donan Castle.

A self-proclaimed Scot freak, she loved every bit about the trip to Scotland: the people, the kilts, the accents, the fish & chips, the haggis...well okay, not the haggis.

Get your copy of Between! 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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