Between Cases

Callaghan Green #4

by Annie Dyer

Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B07GX542QZ

He was the plot twist she hadn't planned for...

Workaholic? Check.
Poor choice in men? Check.
Debatably losing the plot? Check.

Payton Callaghan has had enough. She needs time away from her stressful job, time away from her disaster of a love life and what she really doesn’t need is a hot bookshop owner trying to verbally outwit her in the middle of his store.

Owen Anders believes in creating his own plot. Successful businessman, talented musician and book nerd, he hadn’t accounted for Payton and her wrath at the exact moment his well-constructed world was hitting an unplanned crisis. However, he needs a lawyer and he thinks she needs him.

With Payton insistent that a relationship is not in an upcoming chapter, can Owen persuade her to change her plot and ensure her happily ever after stars him?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

315 pages, ebook

First published October 12, 2018

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. There wasn't really anything that annoyed me about it. I loved the close family feels it had. It had a great cast of secondary characters. The sex (when we get to it) was hot. Both main characters were very likable (for the most part) as well. However, I just found myself bored for most of the book. I felt like nothing happened except a lot of day to day family stuff and long-winded, boring conversations. On top of that, the heroine keeps the hero friend zoned for over half the book. Then uses him for sex for one night, and strings him along some more. So yea, it wasn't a bad book by any means, but it didn't blow me away either.

[Taylor Delong · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things to love in this story: books, hot guys, funny family relations, catching up with favorite prior characters, and a bookshop owner who knows his way around the bedroom, and the way to a woman’s heart.

In true Dyer style, the sex is hot, the banter is witty, and the Callaghan Green clan is entertaining as ever.

Another 4.5 star winner!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Callaghan Green Series is about Payton and Owen. Payton, along with her twin Seph, is 2nd to the youngest of the 7 siblings in the Callaghan family. She, like 4 of her siblings is a solicitor or lawyer, if you will, and is a partner in the family firm, Callaghan Green. I really related to Payton; she is the caretaker of the family, the worrier, the fixer. She’s also very stoic and not fussy. Don’t get me wrong, she’s got balls of steel and is sassy in her own way. She meets Owen who is AMAZING, he’s slightly nerdy, but in a ripped, strong kind of way. He owns several popular bookstores. And because Payton loves reading they run into each other and develop a friendship of sorts. . He’s gentle and patiently waits for Payton to figure things out. He’s also kind of Alpha, which I really like. These two find their way and it’s such a great story. I’m just over the moon, in love with this series and this family. I’m looking forward to more series and stand alone novels from this author.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE the Callaghan Green series, though I came late to the party, as Annie Dyer is very talented in created a family that I would kill to be a part of. This is Payton Callaghan's story, and it was entertaining to say the least. She's a workaholic, and her family is starting to really worry about her, as she's not even trying to make time for relationships. However, fate decided that it's time, and she ends up meeting book store owner, Owen Anders. Their first meeting wasn't great, but it had me laughing hard at their witty banter, but it did lead to him hiring her to help him in some legal things. They start spending time together, and find themselves catching feelings no matter how hard she tries to keep him in the friend zone. Their chemistry was electric, and that witty banter that I already mentioned, carried throughout the whole story. And that cast of secondaries that was made up with both families, though lean on his side, & kept the hysterical laughter going until my sides hurt. Between Cases was a great story that never had any slow points, so I never wanted it to end. But end it did, so I will end this review with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!

[Eliza Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did edit this book but was not part of writing it. I feel obligated to point that out since Goodreads has listed it under my author page. Weird.

Annie Dyer outdid herself with this book. And that is saying something. Of all the Callaghan Green leading men, Owen is my very favorite. Too bad if you want him, I'm claiming him. Owen is patient, gentle, and really kind, all while being a musician, owning a chain of bookstores, and possessing a truly adventurous spirit. If there could ever be a perfect match for Payton, he's it. Too bad she started out the book by swearing off men. Don't worry, she figures it out in the end.

By the way, the point where this wonderful man who has been friend zoned wraps his arms around Payton during a family crisis and whispers, "I've got you," -- that part made me swoon. Screw five stars. This should be seven.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog.
I love, love, loved this book!! Yes I am a little late to the party as I haven't read anything by Annie Dyer before, and have subsequently not read the three previous books in this series. But I am definitely going to rectify that as soon as possible.
The title of this book has two meanings to it. Once you are well in to the book, it will all make sense. Payton was my favourite character in this book. She is a little bit insecure, or maybe just jaded. Her previous relationships stopping her from ever having any great hope in meeting the right man. That was until Owen crashed into her life.
Owen is also a great character. He is a mess of contradictions. Not in his personality, but how his looks are described. He's a mans man, but isn't afraid to show his softer side especially to Payton.
Loved all the secondary characters in the story also. There is definitely going to be some great books coming up in the future.
Can't recommend this book enough.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series

The Callaghan Green series is one of my most favorite book series ever. This family is something special and Between Cases is a great addition to the series. Payton came to light differently than I expected. I thought she was strong and independent, and she is, but she also has some insecurities left over from past relationships. Author, Annie Dyer, couldn’t have created a better love interest for Payton than Owen. Owen is strong, easy going and patient, which is exactly what Payton needs.

Beyond the main story, the lives of the other Callaghan siblings continue to evolve and get more interesting.

I highly recommend this book and this series.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Between Cases everything about this story drew me in to were I didn't want to put my kindle down and then once I hit the last page well after I finished silly grinning like a loon I one clicked the whole series me equals happy camper (wink) . Really liked how Payton and Owen met then how their relationship grew naturally wasn't rushed even though they both felt the connection that was pretty hard to resist until they reached a braking point and how HOT was that explosion it was cold shower with a toy HOT . Can't wait to read more by Annie Dyer she got me hooked with this one and I will be devouring the previous books in the Callaghan Green series sidenote this can be read as a standalone you might run into some spoilers like me but you they are just minor .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=10 steam=8 romance=8
humor=6 darkness level=2 action=2 mystery=2
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes

[Kimberley O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning edition of this series!! As always, I loved the family connection and hilarity that follows suit. Owen may be my favorite hero of the series thus far!!!

[V Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Cases just flows so easily. I read it in one day because I couldn’t put the story down. The Callaghan family is just so interconnected and involved. I love the relationship between the parents, siblings and especially Payton and Owen!

Owen owns a bookstore and is ready to find Ms. Perfect. Payton has dated losers who have cheated and disappointed her. Between Cases starts with a bang, the way Payton and Owen meet and it ends with a bang…celebration. I loved getting to check in on Max and Victoria, Jackson and Vanessa and Claire and Killian. Owen is a perfect fit with the Callaghan’s even thought he had a very different upbringing!

I can’t wait to see who the next couple is and their story line!!

[Allisyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Dyer can't write a bad book and this book is no exception!! I love everything about this, from the characters, main and supporting, to the setting. Payton is a truly wonderful character and she's met her match in Owen who is every book worm's fantasy, a seriously hot, ripped, book lover!! He even owns the coolest bookstore!! I fell in love with Owen and his lot right off the bat. Great chemistry and overall writing bring this hottie to life in the best way ever! I loved it!!

This is one of a series and can be read out of order as a standalone but I recommend reading in order to know who the other characters are. The series order is Engagement Rate book #1, White Knight book #2, Compromising Agreements book #3 and Between Cases book #4. This follows the Callaghan clan and there are 7 of them!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this highly likeable series. Was a bit disappointed because I thought this book was going to be about troubled brother Seph (Joseph). Instead its his twin sister, Payton's turn at an HEA. She was a bit bitchy at first (can't stand a bitchy heroine) but that settled into insecurity pretty quick, then it was all a go. I LOVED Owen! A big, muscled, book loving, glasses wearing, thoughtful, successful hot guy. What's not to love?!?No cheating, no man-whoring, no insta-love. The relationship took its time and that was just fine with me. Ahhhh...satisfying.

As always the bickering and banter between these siblings and their family is a few grins and a good time. And I loved catching up with the previous couples. Soooo...who's up next? I feel like we were set up for Ava and Eli next? Or was that just a teaser for a future story down the line?

There is one minor annoyance with this series, it needs better editing. Sure I get that British speak can be a bit different at times, but use of the wrong word, wrong tense, words left out, etc. is just lack of a good proofreader.

Also...there was an extra Payton/Owen epilogue if your able to download it. I unfortunately wasn't. You either have to download bookfunnel (No thanks, don't need another freaking app) or it can be emailed. I had mine emailed and unfortunately it wouldn't open. So good luck with that.

Looking forward to book #5 due out early next year.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup devoured this book in less than a day. Owen might just be the book boyfriend of the year. He owns bookstores and is built like a real man. He's patient and kind with Payton who is just a bit of a wreck in life after a series of bad relationships. Their sparks are literally jumping off the page, and you will burn your hands holding this book (Or your kindle) and add in the whole family again, the Callaghan's are still a family I wish I could have been a part of. This book was everything!

[Jodie Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Peyton, one of the twins and second youngest sibling loves her job but she does get caught up in work
And nothing else. When she finally decided to visit a book shop, she literally bumps into Owen. They don’t have the best of starts but he needs legal advice so goes to her.

Although they like each other, she has sworn off dating but can they only be friends?

Although I liked the book, Peyton was frustrating throughout and took it from a 3 star to a 2 star for me

Xx

[Robin Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Owen and Peyton together

I do love the characters and the fact the huge family and group of friends has a big place in all of the books. Although this book does have some steamy scenes that don't quite fog the mirrors, I was disappointed the use of toys was hinted at but not included in those scenes.

All of the books are too long and drag. There are a lot of scenes that don't contribute to the movement to the story that need to be removed to fix that.

As with the others in this series, they do break up for a bit. Peyton way overreacted to a pretty simple omission on Owen's part. I understand her being a little upset but that should have lasted a day or two at most.

Also as with most of the other books, the side story resolved itself way too easily but in this case, I guess it should have. I'd much rather angst come from an outside source than be between the couple. I do not need a couple to break up to enjoy a romance and I wish so many authors didn't use that, or at least not use it in almost every book they write.

I can't remember when I have read a book that had such a high rating with so many grammatical errors outside of this series. I've read through book 5 at this point and the author has not improved her grammar yet. I don't understand how feedback from her readers hasn't caused her or her editor to learn the proper use of pronouns. She is constantly using "me" as a subject. Such as "me and Owen are going to...." This is a pet peeve of mine but it is rarer to see me used as a subject than I as an object. While she doesn't do that nearly as often, it isn't uncommon to see that as well. The vast majority of her characters are lawyers. These are people who would know better. There are a fair number of other types of errors.

As I said, I have enjoyed the characters and the story but it was too long. At least 5 scenes could have been cut point out there is nothing casual about it. There is some minor breakup and they get back together.

This author is actually not that romantic. By the 5th book, the few proposals have been mostly low key. The epilogues all need to be about 5 times as long. As far as book boyfriends go, these guys are probably great but we don't see them doing a lot of the things we like about book boyfriends.

Also in this book, Max and Victoria are not engaged and they got engaged at the end of the previous book. Another reviewer commented that in the previous book Claire had her baby and Jackson and Vanessa were already wed. Those must have been edited out but Max had proposed. He does it again in this book but does a slightly better job, although we only know what Seph walked in on.

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an OK romance, but I did have some issues with it. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.

It features a couple that have some hot scenes. It seemed to me like they were mostly in lust. I had trouble believing their confessions of love -- they were definitely in lust, and couldn't keep their hands off each other, but I just didn't buy that they were in love.

Payton and Owen were OK, but it bothered me that almost their entire relationship seemed to be based on sex. Sexual attraction is important, but a relationship needs more than sex to be healthy -- and I just didn't really see that they had much else in common.

One thing that really bothered me about this book (and the entire series, so far) was all the drinking. It seemed to me that all of the main characters were practically alcoholics -- they drank all the time, and were constantly getting totally hammered.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you discover a series that just grips you from book one and you find yourself counting down until the next release? The Callaghan Greene Series by Annie Dyer is such a series. It revolves around the 7 Callaghan siblings. Each sibling is unique in their own way which makes you want to get to know eachof them more intimately. That being said, the entire Callaghan family and their connection and interaction with each other is really at the heart of this series. Their love and concern for each other shines through the pages of each book. Between Cases, book 4 in the series, centers around Payton Callaghan. Payton is a lawyer and works hard at her job. She is fun, sassy and always the first to lend a hand when one of her siblings is in need. That being said, this girl who gives so much to others, has yet to find someone to love and care for her. Then she meets sweet, sexy Owen. He's the swoon worthy, book store owner that she meets. Their chemistry is instant. Payton's normally strong veneer is tested by this man. Can Payton, set aside the disappoints from her past relationships and let herself be loved by Owen? Grab a copy of this book to find out....you won't be disappointed. 5+ swoony stars!

[Bex_Book_Revieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. *

In the fourth book in The Callaghan Greene series, Payton Callaghan meets Owen Anders, the owner of a bookstore named Cases, when she bumps into him while trying to take a picture of one of the shelves in his store.

Payton is awesome, a perfect mix of vulnerable and feisty, she's the softer caretaker of her family.

Owen is a little geeky, but built and "tall as a redwood tree." Strong, but quietly dominant, he decides he needs to take care of Payton.

Owen knows immediately he wants to be more than friends, but even though Payton is attracted she decides they can only be friends.

This book shows the softer, sweeter side of the Callaghan family while never losing Payton's spark. When things take a turn near the end, can Owen turn it around or will he lose Payton for good?

And we get to know a little more about Payton's twin, the loveable tigger known as Seph.

Another outstanding example of Ms. Dyer's range, moving in and out of Payton's strengths and fears, this book deserves all 5 🌟's plus some!

[Melonie Fatchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the Callaghan Green Series just keeps getting better. This story was sweet, sexy and fun. Owen is a bookish hottie who is sweet on the outside but all alpha on the inside. He is quite literally most women’s dream man. Payton appears tough on the outside, but she is kind, soft and vulnerable on the inside. After a series of bad luck with love, she has all but given up on finding her “someone”, when she stumbles into Owen. He’s not looking for a relationship either, but he realizes that he can’t let her get away. He is patient and kind, and with the help of her crazy brothers, he makes her see that they are a match made in book heaven. Reading this book made me feel so happy! The story line was awesome, and the characters keep getting better. I loved how we continue to get updates regarding Max, Victoria, Jackson, Steph and all of the others. Owen’s mom is a great addition to the story. I loved the stalk/date that Payton and Owen went on. Pair this book with a nice chai latte and your favorite slippers for the perfect night in!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Payton Callaghan
Owen Anders
----------------------------------
What happens?
Payton runs into Owen and makes a bad impression on him and him on her. She is book crazy and Owen happens to own the book store she is currently shopping in. When Owen confides in her that he needs a lawyer and Payton happens to be a lawyer he hires her to help sort out some issues between his mother and her ex boyfriend and his shop.
Payton is also nursing a broken heart, or rather a jaded one. When they eventually act on the chemistry between them its clear that they are no longer just friends.
Final thoughts
I liked this book but Payton wasn't as good as I think Seph will be and not as interesting as the other ladies. Claire seems like a massive bitch in this too which I thought was unfair.
I did enjoy the text conversation between siblings that was amusing.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Slick · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3 for Goodreads.

For the most part I've enjoyed this series, but this book just didn't work for me. I actually loved Owen, he was almost too good to be true and honestly too good for Payton. I just didn't get Payton, so she's dated some crappy guys but that doesn't give her a reason to jerk a nice guy around and she did. She only wanted to be friends or so she said, but then when she needed comfort she slept with him just to go back saying she wanted to be friends, then she sees him with a woman IN HIS PLACE OF BUSINESS out in the open conducting business and she turns into a green eyed jealous monster, he neglects to tell her something that was a blip in his life and she puts him through hell for 2 weeks while she mulls over if he's good enough for her. UGH! In all the other books she was never this insecure, immature woman she was smart and confident and in this book she was just ridiculous. If it wasn't for the scenes with all of her family members and Owen and his mom, Dot, this book would have been a big, fat DNF.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton has well and truly sworn off men after her a bad track record so when she gets told off my a hunky bookstore owner the last thing she expected was to fall for him. Owen is having a very bad day when he meets Payton but life is all about to change and she can also help him with his legal problem. I just love how they grow together and her family embrace him as well as they all know whats happening between the 2 even if Payton only wants him to be in the "friends zone". Not only do I love Payton and Owen as well as her family of course but Owens Mum is a hoot as well and they all make this such a great read, we get to see Payton and Owen grow closer whether its in disguise of following his Mum on dates to spy on her or her family getting him involved in what they do or her helping him with his store buy out. This book is not a disappointment there is plenty of laughs, forehead slapping, cringing and frustration as we see where things lead for these 2 "friends"!

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possible spoilers

I’m sorry, but why can’t the author keep track of her own timeline? I do enjoy this series but between the typos and not being able to keep track of the characters, I loose a lot of the enjoyment.
At the end of the last book, Jackson and Vanessa had gotten married and Claire had a baby girl by the time Max and Victoria moved into the house.
Now in the beginning of this book, Max and Victoria are in the house, but the wedding hasn’t happened yet and Claire is still pregnant. Did it get stuffed back in? If the author can’t keep track, she should use character and event outlines. They’re very useful tools.
Despite the errors, the stories are intelligent, interesting and engaging with complex characters. I think that people will enjoy them if they can get past the errors.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great series, with interesting, fun characters. There are lots of crossover timelines with each of the books, so I'd imagine it would be difficult to keep track of what happens, when. There are a couple of inconsistencies because of that, but nothing that is unforgivable.
As well, there are quite a few grammatical errors, missed words in a sentence, and a clear copy/paste from a previous book (which is fine, except for a sentence that was completely out of context being left in)in the series where the author has attempted to ensure that consistent interaction in a crossover scene.

The sex scenes are written well, but five books in, I'd have liked to see a little more variation on the friends w/benefits trope. I get that they're siblings, but it's a bit too much to accept that they all are trying to avoid relationships.

[Nicole Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like every time I write a review I say this one is my fav. Seriously I loved the story of Payts and Owen! Payts is another lawyer in the family business who is burning herself out. She takes care of everyone except herself. Enter Owen the bookstore owner who at first irritates her then slowly become much more.
The sex scenes between these two were on fire. I just loved how the drama was low key and it really was just about them. We get some family updates and an inside into Ava!!
And we get more Seph who is my fav sibling.
I love this series and will re read this again and again because it is so darn good. Once you start you cannot put the book down. I love this crazy family and each of their stories!!!!

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story, I could not put it down. Payton worked hard for her family's law firm, taking on hard cases & enjoying spending time with her family. I also enjoyed seeing her interact some with her twin Joseph (Seph). But Payton is starting to get burnt out & needed to relax. She loves reading books & by chance went to the store Cases, which is owned by Owen Anders. Owen was in a grumpy mood & was rude to Payton while she was shopping, however as soon as he found out she was an attorney who handled commercial law & he needs a lawyer. Payton is clear that she does not want a relationship because she has dated jerks in the past however Owen shows her how much she means to him, that he is not a jerk & truly cares about her. I fell in love with Owen & his wonderful mother.

[Susana Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't express how much I love The Callaghan Green book series! Every book Annie Dyer comes out with takes my heart away. Between Cases wasn't any different. I seriously thought Maxwell's book was my favorite, however Peyton beat it by a little. I love Peyton's personality and I love her and Owen together; they are made for each other! Owen is a bookstore owner and Peyton is a lawyer who loves to read books. What a perfect match right? I just can't get enough of the Callaghan Green family! I'm so excited for the next book to come out! If you love a good romance book, then this series is for you! It has a little of everything; it will keep you hooked till the end!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payt’s and Owen may now be my favourite Callaghan’s despite tmi. A beautifully written fun read. Payton is a successful, smart workaholic who literally crashed into Owen in one of his stores.
Owen is also a smart, successful businessman. The balance between the 2 leads in this book is amazing. They are both brainy and strong protagonists and I love that.
It can be read as a stand-alone novel with hea but of course has all of the familiar Callaghan Green clan and is set at the same time as Changing Spaces the next novel (which I read first with no spoilers). Annie Dyer can do no wrong. Loved it!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the growing Callaghan Green family! I personally have found the greatest kinship with Payton and her work-yourself-to-oblivion and always-choosing-the-wrong-guy-so-avoiding-them-all ways. Now, if only my own bookstore-owning hottie could come save my sanity! Annie Dyer yet again proves her writing prowess as she expertly layers intricate characters and plot lines throughout multiple books seamlessly. She makes the Callaghans and their stories matter in a way that resonates long after the last page has turned.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book to review. I’ve read all of books in this series and was excited to get my hands on this one. It’s the love story of Payton and Owen. He’s charming, grounded, genuine and kind. She’s sassy, smart and not so sure of herself. However, they fit together perfectly and make each other happy. They have issues just like any other couple, but somehow find a way to work them out. Their chemistry is off the charts! I sort of slowed down while reading this book because I didn’t want it to end. I loved it! Totally worth 5 stars!