In Between the Earth and Sky

by Heidi Hutchinson

In Between the Earth and Sky

What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?

Remington Rohan was not a rule follower.
Former model (though not one of the “super” kind), successful influencer and life coach. Currently paid to tell people how to achieve the best from their lives and careers. In other words, a complete contradiction to how he preferred to live—namely, on his own terms and without input from others.
Everything about his life was going according to plan.
Until he started spending way too much time with a woman who defied his prejudices and challenged his beliefs.

Lydia Larkin was not a genius.
Gifted, clever, and stubborn. Raised on star maps and Hendrix, she was born an explorer. Temporarily tied down to a private sector science job, she knew she was biding her time before she was off to discover and build something new.
Not one to let society tell her who she was, she wasn’t about to let a professional influencer tell her she had to change to be happy.

Buckle up and brace for impact.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Published November 1, 2017

About the author

Heidi Hutchinson writes slow burn rock star romances for contemporary readers who like humor with their hotties. She has both open and closed door series filled with relatable characters and swooney yumminess. Double Blind Study, her go-to series, is closed door and follows a band in emotional turmoil and the women who love them.

When she’s not writing about wild hearted women and hunky heroes, she’s watching Doctor Who or trying to find the perfect gluten free pizza crust for her pizza shaped celiac heart. She lives in the Black Hills with her alarmingly handsome husband, their fearless child, and a rather large (and spoiled) dog.

She’s fueled by messages from her readers and too much coffee.
And a whole lotta love.
Visit her website or social media for upcoming releases!

heidih.net
Email: heidih.writer@gmail.com



IN BETWEEN DUET SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: In Between the Earth and Sky
Book 2: Love of a Wild Thing (TBD)
Book 4: TBA

DOUBLE BLIND STUDY SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Learn to Fly
Book 2: In Your Honor
Book 3: Tectonic
Book 4: Deepest Blues
Book 5: The Hope That Starts
Book 6: Brand New Sky
Book 7: Into the Night We Shine (Bonus Novella)
Book 8: Born to Resist (Bonus Novella- in progress)
Book 9: Matter of Fact (holiday novella)

DOUBLE BLIND STUDY WORLD CROSSOVER
Things That Shine (written with Bria Quinlan)

SOARING BIRD SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Like the Back of My Halo
Book 2: Sushi and Sun Salutations
Book 3: Puppy Love and Peanut Butter
Book 4: Rope a Dope
Book 5: Caught a Vibe (May 2024)
Book 6: TBA

IN COLD MUD SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Stubborn Hearts (prequel to DBS book 6 Brand New Sky)
Book 2:


THE DOUBLE BLIND STUDY SERIES is an exciting romance series about rock stars in recovery. The Double Blind Study band has already lived the rock and roll cliché. This is life after. Full of humor, heart, and slow burn romance. Each book can be read alone but it is best if read in order. Cliffhanger free.

THE SOARING BIRD SERIES follows a group of extreme sports enthusiasts as they navigate life and love living on the California coast. Slow burn romantic comedies that can be read individually, but best if read in order. Cliffhanger free.

THE IN BETWEEN DUET SERIES is a slow burn unconventional romance that explores the connections of science and poetry. Occasionally intense moments of personal clarity and heartfelt confessions. Filled with touches of humor and real world obstacles. Cliffhanger free.

IN COLD MUD SERIES is a small series revolving around the politics and relationships of horse racing. Not a romance series. Definitely family drama.

NOTE: All of Heidi Hutchinson’s books take place in the Double Blind Study series. Each series can be read on their own but there are often crossover characters you may recognize.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You can’t claim a wild thing,” she said to Brenda. “The moment you do, a part of it dies. To keep it wild, to keep it alive, you must always keep it free. All you can do is claim yourself. And sometimes, if you’re very lucky, the wild thing will invite you to stay.”

In Between Earth and Sky, is a wild thing. It’s about two hearts living loudly and uniquely, at quite opposite spectrums. It’s about seeing someone for who they are and not wanting to trap them. It’s wanting them to stay or to take a step toward choosing you. This book requires an open mind, because wild things can’t be limited. If I would have kept my assumptions of the initial story I would have been sorely disappointed. When I first read the synopsis and even the first chapter I assumed this was a hate to love story. Suffice it to say, I’m always a fan of hate to love stories, because they require so much resolve and build up. But it’s nothing of the sort. It’s so much more. Heidi’s words have definitely changed. They feel different and melodious. I felt like I was reading a song. A very very lovely song.

Remington is a jack of all trades, and Lydia is a botanist free to discover Los Angeles. And when they first meet they hate each other. Oh, do they hate each other! He actually calls her a goblin. Which had me laughing a bit. Their initial banter doesn’t last mind you. But it evolves. This a slow burn. It’s about getting to know someone and sharing life with them. If only books could actually play their soundtrack while you read it, I feel like it would be an epic play by play. So as I’m reading this story it starts to feel different. Suddenly I realize I feel this sudden familiarity, and it’s now friendship in my heart. Maybe it was there the whole time. It’s a quick change from THIS wild thing. This is what it feels like to read Remington and Lydia in this story. It’s wild, and complicated, and messy, but easy to move through. There were a few times I was afraid my heart couldn’t take it. In the spirit of a spoiler free review I won’t spill the beans. Just trust me....and read In Between Earth and Sky. It’s so very captivating and it will find its way into your heart without you ever realizing it.

ARC review

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so intense!!!! This story had to be read without interruption of TV or music. For me this was not a quick easy read. It was complicated. It needed my attention. It deserved my full attention and got it.

The characters needed to absorbed to give them their worth. Remington is so much more than a pretty face. He keeps going making me wonder what he was running from and would he realize it in time.

Lydia was born to run. She has the ability, knowledge to be anything she wants but she was never taught how to sit still long enough to earn it. She is a vagabond without a home base.

In Between the Earth and Sky is Remington and Lydia's journey to find the meaning of life. Along the way I learned somethings about myself. This book is worth a second read, in a cabin with a cup of coffee and pastries. Peace, quiet and love.

[Laurajoyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as always Heidi Hutchinson writes a beautiful story with the most realistic characters. Remington and Lydia are no exception and their stories are definitely larger than life. What make this story so special to me is the poetry of how it is written. Heidi- you are truly an artist with words.

ARC Review

[Elizabeth Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few days after reading In Between the Earth and Sky to solidify my thoughts. As there are so many.

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC by the author before it’s release and I wanted to run right over here and rub it into everyone’s faces that I got this amazing read and they had to wait. That may make me an awful person but I never said I was nice.

But I couldn’t because 1. I’m a slow reader - I can’t help it, I like to savor my reads and really take my time. 2. Even after I finished I had so many words that were jumbled in my brain that I had to take my time to figure them out.

Now I can say that I whole heartily loved this book. The style, the prose, the characters, and, of course, the story itself. Heidi is such a powerful writer and I truly hope she knows that.

I’ll be honest, I hated Remington when I first read him. But that’s a good thing. When an author makes me have strong feelings for a character I know, if they are a good writer, they we have me love the character by the end. And that’s what Heidi did. She created depth and layers to Remington that made me understand and fall for him too.

Lydia, what to say about her without sounding cliche because she is anything but. She has such a brilliance of mind but is truly lost when it comes to herself. I loved how the author made Lydia’s world around her (apartment, job, etc.) so chaotic to match her mind.

To bring these two contrasting characters together added to the complexity to the story. It was more than a love story, it was a story about loving and understanding yourself.

If you are looking for a simple, easy read this just isn’t the book for you. This is the type of book that will leave you full in the end but utterly speechless. I loved it and I can’t imagine someone not being moved by the author’s words.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not, dear reader, a simple, straightforward by the numbers love story.  In fact, I don't think that it is a traditional romance at all.  It is much more expansive than that.  

This story will transport you.  Heidi has an ability to create tangible, beautiful, soaring tales.  This book is no different.  Here, she has an arrogant, self-absorbed male protagonist, in contrast with a female lead without guile or any apparent ego.  To that mix she has added humour, a colourful supporting cast. And what you end up with is a delight.  

I confess, I wasn't sure where this story was going to go.  And, as much as it might sound like a cliche, the journey was as important as the destination.  A real adventure.  

And you know what?  I even kind of liked Remington by the end.  Just don't tell anyone, OK?

[Deepa Arcot Parthasarathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh hmmm

This one is poetry. Every few pages, I had to pause and collect my thoughts..my mind wandered .. itching to put down the feelings into words. But alas I’m no writer. What a wild ride Ms Heidi.
Thanks for bringing soul talk through this book. I have always been jealous of such acceptance of flawed characters in books. The ending was not bittersweet which could also have worked out I guess. It was a balm to cracked skin this winter. Thanks!!

[Desirae (Dee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*advance copy received for an honest and unbiased review*

so I've read all of heidis work and loved them all, but this one was different. there was something so completely different about the way this was written. this is going to sound so weird when I say this, but it almost felt too smart for me at times. there was so much in this book that I just felt was outside the realm of what my head could handle. it was almost the idealisms and some of the psychology of how these two thought was too much for me. and yes, okay, maybe even what they actually do at the Institute was hard to wrap my brain around

this book also moved a bit slower than Heidi's other work. there was a lot more build up between these two characters. for me, for my taste, it hit a plateau of sorts in the middle and the speed in which I devoured the book slowed. my interest waned a little. And this is a book in which you have to pay attention, Remington and his little flower demand it.

I'm also not sure I one hundred percent understand the relationship between these characters or our secondary ones either. I honestly mean this , this is a book you really have to devote your attention to, pay attention and keep your thinking cap on. while this is well written, its almost poetic at times. and by that I mean how certain things that are said need to be broken down, defined, considered. Which is not always a bad thing, its just not my favorite thing to do while reading.

I liked the book. I loved the development of the relationship between these two characters, even if Rem got a little lost along the way.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 freedom loving stars for IN BETWEEN THE EARTH AND SKY.

Lydia Larkin is a wild thing…and a hot mess. She can barely make it to her job without looking homeless, no less make it through the day without acting like a spaz. And the man who most definitely spazzes her out the most is Remington Rohan, former Marine, entrepreneur, model, business strategist and all around life guru. Remington doesn't do relationships, but would it be so bad to be friends with Lydia? Especially since she doesn't do relationships either. The two of them couldn't be more different...she's restless and wild, he's got his shit together. But somewhere, between the earth and sky, they may find that they're exactly what the other needs.

IN BETWEEN THE EARTH AND SKY was super confusing at the beginning. I couldn't get a good grasp on what was going on until the friendship between Lydia and Remington began to develop, at which time I fell in love with them. It made me sick to my stomach when he got himself a girlfriend! I know it was in no way an OW situation, but damn it, Lydia and Remington belonged together!! This story was poignant and poetic, and even though I wanted some delicious sex between the two of them, it really may have cheapened the story and soul deep connection between them. I truly hope that Ms. Hutchinson does some sort of follow up on these two, even if it's part of other characters' stories. They're addictive.

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing (but Remington dated someone else while developing the friendship with Lydia); no need for condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.

[S Tomasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I’m not a writer. There is no way I could even hope to find the words and string them together to do this story justice.

I had to stop at so many points and think about what I had just read, then reread it again. And again.

This is an amazing story. I know the word “amazing” has many meanings and is tossed around very liberally to describe events, people, feelings, things, books... the list is long. In this instance it means soul searing, imprints in the heart, thought provoking and at times life altering in the sense it settles a thought, shifts your understanding, showing things in a different color and light. It makes you feel more than you did before you read the words, grasped the concept, felt the understanding.

I’ve read all of this author’s books so far. Each story has been so much MORE. This one? Nailed. It. Perfect.

Drops the mike. BOOM.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Between the Earth and the Sky by Heidi Hutchinson is a standalone romance novel.

Meet Lydia Larkins and Remington Rohan.
Lydia is a force of nature. When she sets her sights on something, she goes for it. She´s honest to a fault, blunt, a bit weird and just my kind of woman. I like her character, much.

Remington Rohan doesn´t play by rules, a former model, now a successful life coach.
Both meet and it is dislike at the first sight.
But fate has other plans with these two. Plans that involves a accident, twists and turns.

I strated reading the book and was hooked from page one. The writing is great and I love the characters, the story and the words.

In Between the Earth and the Sky is a emotional read, a heartfelt story. I give 4,5 stars and say thank you, Heidi Hutchinson.

Favorite Quote : " You can´t claim a wild thing. "

[Maggie Perez De Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words escape me right now because I'm trying to process what I've just read. The author is a new author to me so I was going in blind but now that I have read her words, I'm having to calm my itchy one-click finger. While I have read other books that touched me in some way, this book seemed to come at me from everywhere. The banter between Remington and Lydia spoke to my love of dialogue while the emotions in that banter spoke to my heart. A truly lovely story that doesn't need the every other page sex highlighted in other books. The emotion spoken through the words by the characters comes through and that's all that's needed. I was laughing, crying and contemplating along with Remington and Lydia so much so that a re-read may already be needed. I really loved this story and I hope to read more by the author.

[carlybanarly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Like so many of the other reviews, after reading this, I'm a bit lost for words.

This is a beautifully written book. Fully of messy emotions and deep characters. Not a traditional love story at all, but compelling, and I couldn't put it down. It stayed in my mind when I wasn't reading it.

That being said, I'm not sure I'm quite smart enough to fully understand what was trying to be said. Sometimes I would re-read a beautiful passage, and marvel at the sounds it made, but my mind would be puzzling, trying to figure out what it really meant. That didn't stop me enjoying the book, but I couldn't quite give it the 5 stars it probably deserves. It's not you (book), its me.

Now the long sad wait for another Heidi Hutchinson marvel. *Sigh*

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of times I rate a book by how invested I am in the characters, and these two had me quickly. The author has a way of pulling you into the character's inner monologue. The writing style is lyrical and always probing into the depth of what makes us human.

These two believe that love is complicated....until it's not. I enjoyed their banter as well as their deep dives into what makes them each tick. Very well done.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleas read this beautifully written book.

In all honesty there are not enough stars to give. This book is so overwhelmingly beautiful.... in its whole entirety. I've never read anything like it. I loved Lydia from the very start. I particularly loved how the layers of Remington were delicately pulled back revealing his true self. Phenomenal.

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book something fierce.
In Between the Earth and Sky is more than just a love story. It’s a journey. It’s a passionate one, and it’s most definitely a powerful one. A captivating story of faith and trust with plenty of challenges along the way.

Beautifully written, this story captured my attention from the beginning, grabbed ahold of my heart, and didn’t let go until the very last word. After reading the last word, I sighed, said “wow” out loud to myself, and stared off into space, processing this story. It was amazing.

Words so poetic, I swear I highlighted half the book. Powerful words that punch you in the gut with so much emotion.

Lydia and Remington - well-developed characters who are unique, lovable, unforgettable. Loved these two together.

I can’t recommend this book enough. A definite top read of 2017!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so full of raw human emotion! It spoke to my heart - the main characters were both so different than many other stories I’ve read, yet at the same time they seemed so familiar. Heidi Hutchinson has a way of making you feel like you’ve known her characters for a very long time. My heart ached and my pulse raced for these two in this book. I hope we hear more from Remington & Lydia in the future.

[Asma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

This one is completely different from all the Heidi's I've read. The romance, the story, the characters, they were all aiming for something else!
I enjoyed reading it. How messed up both Lydia and Rem are and how they overcome all of that and they get the soul of each other beyond everything!
Not a traditional love story but a real friendship shaping up.

Not my favorite comparing to DBS and SB but I liked it!

[Melissa Granata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This was an absolute amazing story that I loved. A lot of twists and turns that kept me trying to guess what these two would do next and was always suprised with what they actually did. Must read....

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic!

This book was amazing! I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed it thoroughly! It’s unlike any romance I’ve read recently and i couldn’t put it down!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book is both riveting and captivating. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

[Diana Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and funny romance.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely one of the most poetic and poignant books I've ever read! Lydia and Remington's stories are deep...individually. Yet, their minds are tuned to each other. I highlighted so much throughout. This book really touched me and made me think a lot differently about many different things. Thank you for finishing it, for pouring out your soul to write this!! It's brilliant!!!

[Jose Chavez Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin?

I love this book for everything that it is. It strays from conventional and traditional romance but it works. I had my doubts of course. At one point I felt like the relationship between the characters was developing too quickly, but the characters are so relatable that in the end it doesn’t matter what kind of relationship they have so long as they’re able to stay in each other’s lives. I believe there are different types of soulmates out there- friends, livers,etc. I’ve certainly felt like that with some people in my life. I laughed, cried and at times felt jealousy. That’s how much I loved these characters. Knowing that they were based off of actual people made them and the emotions more real. I can’t say I wouldn’t love a part two but this story is perfect on its own. Thanks Heidi!!!

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected, unconventional, and beautiful read.

A wholly original, deeply romantic book that is also unflinchingly real and honest about how people are complex and complicated in their relationships with their friends, their family, their lovers, and themselves. I am glad I found it and the story will stay with me a long time.

[Kimberly Stamiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book! Deeply personal forward by the soulful Zack Salaun immediately draws you in. Well crafted unconventional story challenges the assumptions that we make about others, about love and about what may be missing in our own lives. It is a love story; however, love is more of a consequence than an intention, a result rather than a reason. Free spirited Lydia and enigmatic Remington initially cannot stand each other. As we travel along with them on their journey, they begin to share their secrets and their uneasy tolerance evolves into acceptance, friendship and an undeniably intense yearning. Captivating story that made me fall apart in a good way. Heidi's writing leads you examine yourself, dig deeper into your own fears and motivations and question what makes your heart and soul happy. "You can't claim a wild thing" beautifully captures the essence of love without possession and challenges readers to open their minds to so many possibilities.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Between the Earth and Sky is a fantastically complicated character named Lydia. I love that she is not the cookie cutter romance female lead. She is a botanist and a loveable smart aleck. She loves things in nature most people overlook. Knowing she has a love for renegades; more specifically Han Solo made her borderline perfection.

"Oh I am well aware that the most beautiful things in nature are also complicated...and dangerous."
This danger to Lydia comes in the form of the very handsome Remington. I was not sure how to feel about Remington at first, but much like Lydia...he grew on me.

I just adored the back and forth, but Lydia was the master.
"People lick buttholes for fun. But tasting dirt is somehow odd."

This was a book of love and relationships and also completely mesmerizing and entertaining.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance genre isn't something that I normally read, but a friend of mine recommended this one. It was a great love story and the writing was very good, so I really enjoyed this one. There was a lot more substance than smut, which I appreciate! It's a light summer read that I would highly recommend!

My only gripe is the book cover. I'm not sure if the man on the front and the woman on the back cover are supposed to represent the lead characters - if so, I think it's a poor representation. If it hadn't been for my friend's recommendation, I honestly would have passed this book up simply for the book cover (and yes, I know, never judge a book by its cover!)

[Jennifer Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start with the fact that it took me MONTHS to read this book and not because it wasn't good or well written but because I was reading the paperback since it was a great pool read and then never got back to it. I LOVED Lydia! She's a fabulous character that marches to the beat of her own drum and isn't afraid or apologetic for it and that makes her even more amazing in my eyes. Remington is well...Remington..to read about him is to love him. These two made such an unlikely pairing at first but then as the story went on I could see why they were drawn to each other and made the best of friends.

[Debra Lowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading my way through the books I picked up for the library from the independent writers at the North Iowa Book Bash. I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

It's a sweet, sassy romance between a scientist and a health guru. Hutchinson did a great job with character development and story plot and I was taken in immediately. I finished the book in two days and in that two days when I did have to leave it to "adult" I found myself wanting to make time to get back to it.

Readers of contemporary chic lit and romance will find a gem with this book.

[Amanda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap, this book. I mean...
You know when you just stumble on something that’s so unassuming and real and so totally unexpected that it stops you in your tracks? Yeah. I’m gonna go bask in the afterglow now.