New author, Krystina Rivers, introduces the readers to Kirby Davis, former Army, and Quinn Prescott, former Navy, who met during military training in California during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Their chemistry, during their first meeting in a bar during off hours, was immediate and intense. We find out through a series of backstory chapters intermixed with present day in Chicago, that Kirby and Quinn were together two years until Quinn is shipped to the Middle East and meets with a difficult roommate, crew members, and leadership, who apply pressure during DADT. Kirby and Quinn eventually breakup, however, they never forget each other. But to this day, Kirby has residual anger about how everything ended while Quinn has regret.

In present day Chicago, Kirby and Quinn literally run into each other at Chicago Pride. Over the course of a couple of months they see each other in the grocery store, in Kirby's favorite wine bar, on a street in Chicago, and eventually find out that they live in the same Chicago high rise, although on different floors. Quinn has always wanted to resume the relationship with Kirby, but Kirby's lingering anger prevents this from happening for some time. But their chemistry and attraction are too strong and they eventually discuss what happened and reconnect. While Quinn is fully on board, Kirby is still protecting her heart.

Without telling too much more of the story, I truly enjoyed this new author's offering. I thought the relationship between Quinn and Kirby was realistic given the circumstances that they were faced with during DADT. Their chemistry was off the charts. Some of the latter parts of the book were a little repetitive, but overall I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from Krystina Rivers. 4 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Krystina Rivers book and it certainly won't be my last. This book gave off major Radclyffe vibes and was written so well and so authentically. I loved the entire storyline and read this book in a few hours.

Thlis was a quick, easy and cute read that was well written with an engaging storyline and well developed characters that were believeable and likeable. I really enjoyed it.

Something Between Us is a story of rekindling love. The two main characters Kirby and Quinn first met during the military days of don't ask don't tell and their timing was off for anything long term. Now years later they've come face to face again. Is their timing still off or is there a chance. The sparks are flying but Kirby isn't sure she can trust Quinn.
Will they get a second chance at love? Quinn's going to have to prove she's worth the risk.
This is a fast moving, sweet story that I did enjoy and looking forward to what this author has coming next.

Thank you #NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks #SomethingBetweenUs for this ARC.

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.

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 NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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!

interesting read I did not expect much when I requested the book so that was pleasant surprise, there is not much drama and I liked that it was slow in away. even character was likable.

Highly recommended. thank you for the author and her team for the opportunity.

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!

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