Book Reviews

Book Blurb

It was supposed to be a hook-up.
It wasn’t supposed to be forever.

Zachariah Baxter is used to playing alone.

Raised on the road by a grandfather who taught him to fiddle, he learned early not to count on anyone staying for long. Whitebark County is just another stop. A few sets at the fair. No promises.

Then Sheriff's Deputy Colton McAllen shows up to listen.

Zach's been watched before. This is the first time he's wanted to be seen.

Colton has roots—a badge, family land, a life built on not wanting too much. He's never been the guy someone stays for. Falling for a traveling musician who's already planning his next exit isn't smart.

It isn't temporary either.

For the first time, Zach starts to believe he doesn't have to leave. For the first time, Colton considers risking everything he's built for someone who might not stay.

Then the danger Zach ran from catches up—and protecting him stops being part of the job.

Because loving Zach means stepping into the line of fire.

And if Colton falls, it won't just break Zach's heart.

It will prove he was never meant to be loved in the first place.

The Music Between Us is a 60,000-word small-town MM romance with shirtless dancing, inconvenient family interruptions, a slow burn that turns dangerous, and a guaranteed HEA.

 

Book Review

"Music is the silence between the notes." ~ Claude Debussy

 

Colton McAllen, the main character in 'The Music Between Us ' by Andy Gallo, is content with his life in Whitebark County, where he works as a deputy sheriff. Tonight, he and his cousin are on duty at the county fair, marveling at the size of the crowd. When the music starts, he and his cousin wander over to the stage. The band is impressive, especially the young man playing the fiddle, who also looks like an angel incarnate. Considering his looks and talent, Colton can't help but stare. When Colton remembers that the young fiddle player will be there to perform three shows a night, he's elated.

 

Zachariah Baxter notices that the handsome deputy shows up for most of his performances. He enjoys the attention; men want him; it's never been a problem for Zach. He blows off the disrespect and moves on. But there is something different about “Mr. Hot Stuff”, as he dubs the deputy; it's the respect that comes along with the desire Zac sees in his eyes. He isn't used to being respected.

                                                                                                                                                                                   Zach desperately needs to get away from his toxic “family” - the other members of the band who want to harm him, and they want to steal from him or worse. Zach holds the key to his grandfather's inheritance money. Zach sees Colton to do that. Zach makes plans to meet Colton after his last show. He gathers his meager possessions and attempts to leave. Unfortunately, his “family” confronts him. They have no intention of letting him go.

 

Even though Colton doesn't know all the facts, he trusts that Zach is in deep trouble and intervenes. Along with another deputy, they ensure his safety by spiriting him away, but Zach has a LOT of questions to answer.

 

'The Music Between Us' has it all: music, betrayal, suspense, and of course, love. Colton was such a good guy. He melted my heart with his kindness and integrity. Most people wouldn't defend a stranger without knowing why he needed help, but Colton did. Zach was a handsome, talented young man who didn't deserve the despicable treatment he had received, but in the end, music's healing power prevailed. Thanks, Andy, for bringing Colton and Zach together.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 251 pages/60K words
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-April-2026
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GP9FHWY9