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Taken by Destiny #1
The Earl’s Timely Wallflower
Never let destiny meddle in your romantic affairs…
When Lily Bennett became the caretaker of her teenage sister, it came at the expense of her hopes, dreams, and the home she grew up in. Now that her sister is grown and on her own, Lily struggles to find a place to call home. She wants to feel part of a family again and intends to mend the broken relationships with her siblings. That is, until she discovers an unusual timepiece that lands her in Regency England at the feet of one of the most eligible men in society. Unfortunately, he believes that she’s crazy. Any attraction Lily feels for the stubborn man is clearly one-sided. Too bad she’s stuck with him until she can figure out how to get home.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, has decided to host one last house party before returning to London for the dreaded season where every simpering chit and money-hungry mother will hover around him like flies. Add to that his sister’s hunt for a husband and Gabriel would rather shoot himself than a grouse. Still, it’s his duty to find his sister a suitable match, which he’ll do after one last bit of respite to shore up his defenses. A respite interrupted when a pretty little wallflower in scandalous clothes lands at his feet claiming to be from the future. He'd turn her over to doctors if she weren’t so damned intriguing. Suddenly, all thoughts of London, responsibilities, and simpering debutantes don’t seem half as hard as getting Lily to stay with him.
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged. If she succeeds, he could lose Lily forever. And if Lily finds a way back to her time, he may have to follow her.
Because the Earl of Rothden always gets what he wants. Even when it’s a wallflower from the future.
When Lily Bennett became the caretaker of her teenage sister, it came at the expense of her hopes, dreams, and the home she grew up in. Now that her sister is grown and on her own, Lily struggles to find a place to call home. She wants to feel part of a family again and intends to mend the broken relationships with her siblings. That is, until she discovers an unusual timepiece that lands her in Regency England at the feet of one of the most eligible men in society. Unfortunately, he believes that she’s crazy. Any attraction Lily feels for the stubborn man is clearly one-sided. Too bad she’s stuck with him until she can figure out how to get home.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, has decided to host one last house party before returning to London for the dreaded season where every simpering chit and money-hungry mother will hover around him like flies. Add to that his sister’s hunt for a husband and Gabriel would rather shoot himself than a grouse. Still, it’s his duty to find his sister a suitable match, which he’ll do after one last bit of respite to shore up his defenses. A respite interrupted when a pretty little wallflower in scandalous clothes lands at his feet claiming to be from the future. He'd turn her over to doctors if she weren’t so damned intriguing. Suddenly, all thoughts of London, responsibilities, and simpering debutantes don’t seem half as hard as getting Lily to stay with him.
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged. If she succeeds, he could lose Lily forever. And if Lily finds a way back to her time, he may have to follow her.
Because the Earl of Rothden always gets what he wants. Even when it’s a wallflower from the future.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
301 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Aurrora St. James
20 books72 followersAurrora St. James is the author of sexy romances. Her second book, Gavril of Aquina, received Honorable Mention for the 2015 RONE award for best fantasy/sci-fi romance.
As a teen, she started reading her mom’s romance novels and developed a love for the happily ever after they promised, sexy heroes and the heroines who always got into too much trouble. Now she loves to incorporate all that magic and mayhem into a story where love can overcome anything.
She currently lives in the Florida jungle with her wonderful husband a Duz, a psycho on four legs, and a brontosaurus. Aurrora loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or www.aurrorastjames.com.
As a teen, she started reading her mom’s romance novels and developed a love for the happily ever after they promised, sexy heroes and the heroines who always got into too much trouble. Now she loves to incorporate all that magic and mayhem into a story where love can overcome anything.
She currently lives in the Florida jungle with her wonderful husband a Duz, a psycho on four legs, and a brontosaurus. Aurrora loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or www.aurrorastjames.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 22, 2023
What this book is: a gorgeous cover ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. What this book isn’t: an interesting, provocative read. I was so excited to delve into a regency era time travel romance. This did not deliver. Don’t expect insightful introspection. Don’t expect anything more than an unusual plot device to deliver a rather ordinary story. The characters display uncomplicated emotions and simplistic behaviors.
I purchased the second book at the same time as the first, so I’ll continue with the series. I’m regretting my impulsiveness.
Nitpick: A lack of thorough research into Regency England.
I purchased the second book at the same time as the first, so I’ll continue with the series. I’m regretting my impulsiveness.
Nitpick: A lack of thorough research into Regency England.
March 27, 2023
The Earl's Timely Wallflower is a time travel love story between an overladen woman of the modern era and an earl in 1813 England.
2.5 stars rounded up.
There were elements here that I really liked! Ultimately, I think this story will really suit someone who enjoys an insta-love dynamic, which is unfortunately not my cup of tea. (I like to leave the kettle boiling until it scorches and the house nearly burns down.)
I like the concept, though, and I'm curious to see what the writer has planned for the rest of the series.
I'd rate this around a 6 or 7 on the RCRS scale, so if steamy scenes aren't particularly your thing, you may find yourself skipping a bit. If that's the case, the story isn't difficult or confusing to follow sans the spice content.
I rounded up because while insta-love isn't necessarily my thing, I know many other people like it. I'd really like to see more complication introduced with the time travel elements in this series.
Finally, there were a few character beats from the earl that I wasn't the biggest fan of--namely his overcontrolling his sister's life. I found that character arc to be one of the better developed elements in this story, but his plan felt at odds with his character, to a point where I think that the book didn't intend for his plan to be taken at face value.
I'd recommend this if you're an insta-love lover looking for a quick, easy read to escape stress. <3
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up.
There were elements here that I really liked! Ultimately, I think this story will really suit someone who enjoys an insta-love dynamic, which is unfortunately not my cup of tea. (I like to leave the kettle boiling until it scorches and the house nearly burns down.)
I like the concept, though, and I'm curious to see what the writer has planned for the rest of the series.
I'd rate this around a 6 or 7 on the RCRS scale, so if steamy scenes aren't particularly your thing, you may find yourself skipping a bit. If that's the case, the story isn't difficult or confusing to follow sans the spice content.
I rounded up because while insta-love isn't necessarily my thing, I know many other people like it. I'd really like to see more complication introduced with the time travel elements in this series.
Finally, there were a few character beats from the earl that I wasn't the biggest fan of--namely his overcontrolling his sister's life. I found that character arc to be one of the better developed elements in this story, but his plan felt at odds with his character, to a point where I think that the book didn't intend for his plan to be taken at face value.
I'd recommend this if you're an insta-love lover looking for a quick, easy read to escape stress. <3
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
I never really thought I was a fan of time-travel stories, but having found that I have enjoyed a few recently (Belle Ami's Lost in Time series, Lexi Post's Time Weavers), so gave this one a try.
Lily Bennett is a woman from the present who is forced back in time to Regency England when fiddling with a mysterious time piece she found at work. She is almost run over by a carriage, and brought back to the estate of Gabriel Hawthorne, the Earl of Rothden, by his remorseful sister and their staff. He and his sister take Lily in and care for her, even when she reveals the truth of her story. She and Gabriel share a lot in common, including their histories of being the caregivers in their families after losing their respective parents.
Lily suffers a great deal of guilt and remorse for the fractured relationships with her siblings and is desperate to return to her time to mend those relationships. She sees parallels with Gabriel and his sister, and does not want him to lose his sister the way Lily lost hers. While they are attracted to each other, they connect even more over their shared histories and understanding of each other.
Lily comes to realize, when there is a choice in front of her to return to her time, or stay, that she has forged new relationships with Gabriel, his sister, and others. Does she choose to stay in the past, and her new relationships, or does she go back to the future and try to mend her own relationships.
The parallel family story lines rather tugged at me a bit, since there are a number of fractured relationships that we have in our own lives that cause me some consternation and dark thoughts at times, and made me feel connection to the characters more. It sounds like Lily was forced to take on the mother role too young, and never got a chance to do anything for herself. Gabriel helps Lily to think of herself and her own future and wants, and gives her the chance to live for herself, and see herself as a desireable beautiful woman. Who would not want that?
I look forward to seeing where this series will go, especially since it appears to center on characters we are introduced to in this story, and Lily's siblings who are only referred to by Lily.
4 stars out of 5
I never really thought I was a fan of time-travel stories, but having found that I have enjoyed a few recently (Belle Ami's Lost in Time series, Lexi Post's Time Weavers), so gave this one a try.
Lily Bennett is a woman from the present who is forced back in time to Regency England when fiddling with a mysterious time piece she found at work. She is almost run over by a carriage, and brought back to the estate of Gabriel Hawthorne, the Earl of Rothden, by his remorseful sister and their staff. He and his sister take Lily in and care for her, even when she reveals the truth of her story. She and Gabriel share a lot in common, including their histories of being the caregivers in their families after losing their respective parents.
Lily suffers a great deal of guilt and remorse for the fractured relationships with her siblings and is desperate to return to her time to mend those relationships. She sees parallels with Gabriel and his sister, and does not want him to lose his sister the way Lily lost hers. While they are attracted to each other, they connect even more over their shared histories and understanding of each other.
Lily comes to realize, when there is a choice in front of her to return to her time, or stay, that she has forged new relationships with Gabriel, his sister, and others. Does she choose to stay in the past, and her new relationships, or does she go back to the future and try to mend her own relationships.
The parallel family story lines rather tugged at me a bit, since there are a number of fractured relationships that we have in our own lives that cause me some consternation and dark thoughts at times, and made me feel connection to the characters more. It sounds like Lily was forced to take on the mother role too young, and never got a chance to do anything for herself. Gabriel helps Lily to think of herself and her own future and wants, and gives her the chance to live for herself, and see herself as a desireable beautiful woman. Who would not want that?
I look forward to seeing where this series will go, especially since it appears to center on characters we are introduced to in this story, and Lily's siblings who are only referred to by Lily.
4 stars out of 5
March 31, 2023
A well written romance, set mostly in country Regency England. The Historical details were excellent, the romance was slow burn, then steamy. This is also a time travel story, with our heroine finding a small clock that whips her back from 2022 rural USA to the UK. I've never read anything by this author before and as the book was published by Dragonblade, decided to give it a go. I'm pleased I did, as I enjoyed it very much. I'll search for more books by this author.
October 13, 2023
“The Earl’s Timely Wallflower” is artfully both a time travel and a historical romance. Lily Bennett is unexpectedly pulled from modern times America into 19th century England, where she is quickly rescued by the sweet and kind-hearted, Lady Violet and her handsome older brother, Gabriel Hawthorne, the Earl of Rothden. It’s easy to fall in love with the trappings and customs of the past, but what truly pulls the characters together are compassion and insight. After gaining some perspective on the family drama she has left behind, Lily helps Gabriel and Violet navigate the duality of their relationship as siblings and ward and guardian. It's a bit unbelievable how quickly she becomes a part of the Hawthorne household. Lily’s history has made her insecure, but Violet and Gabriel see the beauty behind the shy wallflower. A malicious ex-mistress, and an introverted but genius best friend, add to an entertaining supporting cast. Lily and Gabriel’s unlikely love story is brimming with imagination. I truly enjoyed this!
April 1, 2023
Lily Bennett is a modern American girl. Lonely, depressed and separated from her family, she doesn't know exactly how to change her life. One opportunity hinges on a cabin to bring her brother and sister back together. It maybe be the answer, or not. Finding an egg/clock in an old desk, is the catalyst to send her to the past. Why the Regency period? Maybe it's all those historical romance books she likes to read. Rescued by the sister of the Earl of Rothden, Lily will find security and the love of her life, but it's an agonizing decision to stay if she knows how to return to the future. A passionate, steamy hot love story with some unusual secondary characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 30, 2023
This is a new author for me. Not sure if I saw her book on one of my FB groups or not but I did research her and thought I'd give her a try. I don’t read book synopsis anymore so had no idea what this book was about. Before you read this next part just want to tell you I'm a Regency snob. When I first opened this book, it said Kentucky for the header. I was like, “wait, what?” Then I read a sentence or two and thought “WTF”. I then had to glance at the book description and found out, yes it is Regency and there’s just a little time travel part. 😊 That is okay with me since before I started reading Regency regularly, I only read time travel. So best of both worlds. Just thought it was so funny when I first opened it.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the concept. I liked Lily and Gabriel and all their friends and family. Loved the story. Sex was good too!! It was funny how trusting and nice people were back then. I’ve read other time travel where someone also just shows up and everyone is happy to help them out. I will definitely read more of her writings.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the concept. I liked Lily and Gabriel and all their friends and family. Loved the story. Sex was good too!! It was funny how trusting and nice people were back then. I’ve read other time travel where someone also just shows up and everyone is happy to help them out. I will definitely read more of her writings.
April 15, 2023
Too many detailed descriptions of too many outfits is one example of weakness in the writing.
March 20, 2023
With a perfect blend of magic, mystery, passion, and elegance, The Earl's Timely Wallflower by Aurrora St. James is a must-read for historical romance fans!
I enjoyed being swept back in time and getting to know Miss Lily Bennett and the honorable Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, in this moderately paced, low-angst time travel romance with well-defined characters and lush descriptions of 1800 England.
Lily is thrust 200 years into the past after tampering with an old clock she finds in an antique office desk. Disoriented, she steps in front of a carriage and is almost run down, causing a head injury. Fatefully the occupant of the carriage is Violet Hawthorne, Gabriel's younger sister, a headstrong and compassionate young lady willing to help Lily despite her scandalous attire and odd mannerisms. Violet rescues Lily and brings her home to Hawthorne Hall.
Upon meeting Lily, Gabriel is taken aback by the emotions she stirs within him. Though she is not the woman he envisioned by his side, she is exactly the woman he needs. Gabriel is everything I admire in a romantic male protagonist. He is gallant, protective, loyal, seductive, and completely smitten with the heroine.
I also adored Lily. She is very relatable, especially concerning her self-esteem issues. I appreciated her overall character arc. It was great to see this wallflower blossom into a self-assured woman finding the courage to follow her heart; the confidence to dream and re-write the future.
It's worth mentioning that Lily and Gabriel have a sizable support system of friends that help bring their story to life. As this is book one in the Taken by Destiny series, I hope to see these wonderful characters again!
The Earl's Timely Wallflower by Aurrora St. James is the perfect example of what a romance novel should be! A charming story, full of heart and happiness. Highly recommend!!
Dual POV
Safety Information / Content Warning:
Thank you, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing, for providing an advanced copy of this book due for release on March 28, 2023; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed being swept back in time and getting to know Miss Lily Bennett and the honorable Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, in this moderately paced, low-angst time travel romance with well-defined characters and lush descriptions of 1800 England.
Lily is thrust 200 years into the past after tampering with an old clock she finds in an antique office desk. Disoriented, she steps in front of a carriage and is almost run down, causing a head injury. Fatefully the occupant of the carriage is Violet Hawthorne, Gabriel's younger sister, a headstrong and compassionate young lady willing to help Lily despite her scandalous attire and odd mannerisms. Violet rescues Lily and brings her home to Hawthorne Hall.
Upon meeting Lily, Gabriel is taken aback by the emotions she stirs within him. Though she is not the woman he envisioned by his side, she is exactly the woman he needs. Gabriel is everything I admire in a romantic male protagonist. He is gallant, protective, loyal, seductive, and completely smitten with the heroine.
I also adored Lily. She is very relatable, especially concerning her self-esteem issues. I appreciated her overall character arc. It was great to see this wallflower blossom into a self-assured woman finding the courage to follow her heart; the confidence to dream and re-write the future.
It's worth mentioning that Lily and Gabriel have a sizable support system of friends that help bring their story to life. As this is book one in the Taken by Destiny series, I hope to see these wonderful characters again!
The Earl's Timely Wallflower by Aurrora St. James is the perfect example of what a romance novel should be! A charming story, full of heart and happiness. Highly recommend!!
Dual POV
Safety Information / Content Warning:
Thank you, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing, for providing an advanced copy of this book due for release on March 28, 2023; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2023
The Earl’s Timely Wallflower. Oh yes indeed I enjoyed this deliciously delectable book. I say that the writer added just the amount of juiciness to this story. I don’t think that I will ever forget reading this book. There are just to many things to remember it by. First of all our two main characters Lily and Gabriel are some frisky little people.
Thank God Violet is there to keep them in check. Most of the time. I love a good romantic story and this story is definitely one of them. At first when I was reading the book,I thought that it would be one those many time travel novels who transport our female character to Scotland. While she’s there she falls in love with the Highlander. Nope not this book!
This book was amazing. It had me hooked from the get go. Clearly I like the story. The plot or motivation to the story was intriguing and logical. Little Mrs. Caroline played her character rather well in the story. She offered enough entertainment to keep the menace moving in the book.
My favorite characters are Christopher and Violet. The dialogue and descriptions of details in the book are very visualizing for the reader. The book is definitely a responsive book towards the romance between Lily and Gabriel. Their scenes are passionate and very steamy. The strong will and emotions among the characters are described in terrific detail through the characters dialogue.
I give this story two snaps and a Gabriel stop talking and let’s see how sturdy your desk is. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank God Violet is there to keep them in check. Most of the time. I love a good romantic story and this story is definitely one of them. At first when I was reading the book,I thought that it would be one those many time travel novels who transport our female character to Scotland. While she’s there she falls in love with the Highlander. Nope not this book!
This book was amazing. It had me hooked from the get go. Clearly I like the story. The plot or motivation to the story was intriguing and logical. Little Mrs. Caroline played her character rather well in the story. She offered enough entertainment to keep the menace moving in the book.
My favorite characters are Christopher and Violet. The dialogue and descriptions of details in the book are very visualizing for the reader. The book is definitely a responsive book towards the romance between Lily and Gabriel. Their scenes are passionate and very steamy. The strong will and emotions among the characters are described in terrific detail through the characters dialogue.
I give this story two snaps and a Gabriel stop talking and let’s see how sturdy your desk is. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
An enjoyable romance with interesting characters, this gentle romance kept me entertained. Lily has done what she could for her frustrating younger siblings, who seem bent on following their own course without realizing what she has sacrificed to give them a future. Discovering a tiny clock in a desk drawer, the last thing Lily expected when locked in her dodgy lodgings, was to be catapulted into the Regency era. Fortunately, she has read enough to recognize the rules and norms of the time, but nevertheless, she is left feeling confused and disorientated. Gabriel and his sister take to Lily right away and as it becomes evident that she is telling the truth about where she came from, they become very protective. Emotions are involved and feelings develop, but when the designer of the tiny clock hands Lily the means by which she can return to her own life, she discovers that it is no longer so easy. This romance comes to a sweet conclusion, giving Gabrial and Lily the best of two worlds. I received a copy of this delightful novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 15, 2023
A Timely Meeting . . .
This book gives the reader a trip back 200 years to the past for our heroine Lily Bennett. Lily has sacrificed her own dreams to care for her younger sister. Finding a red enamel egg with gold filigree in a drawer, she found a way to open it to find a gold clock face and two small dancers. It didn’t work, so she took it home to see if she could figure it out. She saw a little bar that had come loose from a dancer and reconnected it, wound the spring, and the gears turned. Then they danced. Light flared and she fell backward, hit her head, and passed out, waking in Regency England as ladies in gowns rushed past. Almost struck by a horse-drawn carriage, Lily was taken into the carriage at Violet’s instruction and carried unconscious into her home by the footman while her brother, Gabriel Hawthorne, 4th Earl of Rothden, asked her if she had killed the woman. There was blood all over the footman from the woman’s head wound, so they sent for a doctor. Finally seeing that she wore trousers, Gabriel expressed his shock at the scandalous clothing. No one would have stopped to help her when she was dressed like that. When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled and took his hand as he was trying to keep a respectable distance, but he knew she was looking for comfort and reassurance so he didn’t pull away.
Gabriel and his sister listen to her strange story, yet she convinced them it was true and they wanted to help her. Adjusting to a new life here might be something she could do. But what if there is a way for her to get back “home” to her own time? Would she choose to go back to her old life? Or will she choose to fall in love with Gabriel?
I loved this story line! Violet is fun and amazing. The attraction between Gabriel and Lily is strong. Things don’t always go smoothly, especially with the arrival of an ex-mistress. So grab your copy and see how their story resolves.
This book gives the reader a trip back 200 years to the past for our heroine Lily Bennett. Lily has sacrificed her own dreams to care for her younger sister. Finding a red enamel egg with gold filigree in a drawer, she found a way to open it to find a gold clock face and two small dancers. It didn’t work, so she took it home to see if she could figure it out. She saw a little bar that had come loose from a dancer and reconnected it, wound the spring, and the gears turned. Then they danced. Light flared and she fell backward, hit her head, and passed out, waking in Regency England as ladies in gowns rushed past. Almost struck by a horse-drawn carriage, Lily was taken into the carriage at Violet’s instruction and carried unconscious into her home by the footman while her brother, Gabriel Hawthorne, 4th Earl of Rothden, asked her if she had killed the woman. There was blood all over the footman from the woman’s head wound, so they sent for a doctor. Finally seeing that she wore trousers, Gabriel expressed his shock at the scandalous clothing. No one would have stopped to help her when she was dressed like that. When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled and took his hand as he was trying to keep a respectable distance, but he knew she was looking for comfort and reassurance so he didn’t pull away.
Gabriel and his sister listen to her strange story, yet she convinced them it was true and they wanted to help her. Adjusting to a new life here might be something she could do. But what if there is a way for her to get back “home” to her own time? Would she choose to go back to her old life? Or will she choose to fall in love with Gabriel?
I loved this story line! Violet is fun and amazing. The attraction between Gabriel and Lily is strong. Things don’t always go smoothly, especially with the arrival of an ex-mistress. So grab your copy and see how their story resolves.
May 11, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5.0
“The Earl’s Timely Wallflower” is a vividly created “fish out of water” tale.
Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Earl’s Timely Wallflower” is a vividly created “fish out of water” tale.
Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 24, 2023
When Lily Bennett’s parents died she did all she could to keep her siblings together but her brother joined the military & her sister became a model, leaving Lily struggling to find a place to call home. Whilst looking for a contract for her boss she discovers an unusual timepiece that lands her in Regency England at the home of one of the most eligible men in society, after nearly being ploughed down by his sister’s carriage. Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, has decided to host one last house party before returning to London for the dreaded season. A respite interrupted when a woman wearing scandalous clothes & claiming to be from the future is brought home by his sister Violet.
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged.
A new author to me & a new series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written & the characters have depth. As with all time travel novels I’ve to suspend belief & just go with the flow & definitely not think too hard about the whys & wherefores. I loved both Gabriel & Lily whose attraction sizzled & quickly they learned they had quite a bit in common, I loved how they fell hard & fast for each other. There were also interesting secondary characters, the headstrong Violet, the reclusive but genius Christian & the enigmatic Zeph, I hope they are featured in future books. There were unanswered questions & hope this was intentionally done as I’m now waiting for the next book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged.
A new author to me & a new series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written & the characters have depth. As with all time travel novels I’ve to suspend belief & just go with the flow & definitely not think too hard about the whys & wherefores. I loved both Gabriel & Lily whose attraction sizzled & quickly they learned they had quite a bit in common, I loved how they fell hard & fast for each other. There were also interesting secondary characters, the headstrong Violet, the reclusive but genius Christian & the enigmatic Zeph, I hope they are featured in future books. There were unanswered questions & hope this was intentionally done as I’m now waiting for the next book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 4, 2023
The majority of the conflict in this book stemmed from the FL’s insecurities and her constantly comparing herself to other women, including her sister. She needed constant validation from the ML to feel good about herself. Hated that. Also the whole book she’s “trying” to go home to the future (by reading a few books on clocks in the library lol) because she’s worried about fixing her relationship with her siblings and then in the last few pages she decides to stay in the past and is basically like “🤷🏽♀️ my brother and sister will be fine with out me probably” LOL. Anyways 2/5 because I do love a time travel romance, even though the FL was annoying and all the characters lacked depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
This was just okay for me.
Much of the "plot" centers around Lily who just wants to get home to her frankly sad life so she can make amends with her siblings who she hasn't even had contact with recently and isn't on the best terms and her burgeoning insta-lust/love? relationship in Regency England. I really liked Violet and Gabriel -except when dealing with his ex-mistress - and Christian but wasn't crazy about Lily. She was just so insecure and wishy-washy. And did the author REALLY have to name both main female characters after flowers?
It just felt like a lot of things were rushed or glossed over. They're attracted to each other. I get that, but they go from a first kiss to almost having sex on his desk. It just seemed way too fast, especially from Gabriel's perspective when he's brought up in a strict society etc. It just felt like there should have been at least another scene before this one to kind of build up to that - plus it would have been a good way to build more tension.
The time travel element wasn't even explained - certainly the person had no idea the clock/automaton had time travel abilities so I guess it's just magic?
It also was just crazy how easily several people believed she was from the future because, you know, she said she was and really seemed sincere and had strange clothes. So it's things like this that just didn't make me really like the book. Also, describing Christian smelling like oil does NOT make him sound attractive- and he's supposed to be the lead in the next book.
I also wasn't crazy about Lily's behavior throughout the story
I really liked Christian and his story is second, with, of course, Lily's sister. But the way she's described in this book makes her seem even more annoying than Lily so I'm not sure I can do it. I guess we'll see.
Much of the "plot" centers around Lily who just wants to get home to her frankly sad life so she can make amends with her siblings who she hasn't even had contact with recently and isn't on the best terms and her burgeoning insta-lust/love? relationship in Regency England. I really liked Violet and Gabriel -except when dealing with his ex-mistress - and Christian but wasn't crazy about Lily. She was just so insecure and wishy-washy. And did the author REALLY have to name both main female characters after flowers?
It just felt like a lot of things were rushed or glossed over. They're attracted to each other. I get that, but they go from a first kiss to almost having sex on his desk. It just seemed way too fast, especially from Gabriel's perspective when he's brought up in a strict society etc. It just felt like there should have been at least another scene before this one to kind of build up to that - plus it would have been a good way to build more tension.
The time travel element wasn't even explained - certainly the person had no idea the clock/automaton had time travel abilities so I guess it's just magic?
It also was just crazy how easily several people believed she was from the future because, you know, she said she was and really seemed sincere and had strange clothes. So it's things like this that just didn't make me really like the book. Also, describing Christian smelling like oil does NOT make him sound attractive- and he's supposed to be the lead in the next book.
I also wasn't crazy about Lily's behavior throughout the story
I really liked Christian and his story is second, with, of course, Lily's sister. But the way she's described in this book makes her seem even more annoying than Lily so I'm not sure I can do it. I guess we'll see.
June 22, 2023
I found this book on Amazon via The Fussy Librarian; this is my honest review
-Time travel romance with several open bedroom doors (that we didn't really need), mixed with unresolved mysteries (the clatter in the hall, Zeph, Christian's reaction to Lily's description of the desk, the Hawthorne footman, etc.), lots of friendship and reasonable people. Minimum drama when the ex-mistress shows her real colors.
-Right from the start we know that Lily had some dreams to go to college but it was never said which field of study, which would have been interesting.
-The fact that Lily takes the egg from her employer's desk and brings it home to repair it got me really uneasy; this was in a secret place, so no, you were not doing your employer a favor. The other thing that made me uneasy was the fact that Lily was deciding a lot for her siblings. Of course they would be happy to be at the cabin! Er, no, nothing is that simple, especially if they never return your phone calls or emails. But by ~70% I had enough of Lily feeling sorry for herself about the family, the cabin, beauty, etc.
-I didn't quite understand the difference between Gabriel's butler and Reginald the steward.
-I really laughed when Violet found corsets on Lily's shoes (Converse). They act like that too...
-I really loved how the author uses all five senses.
-I was surprised when the mistress went to her ex-lover and attached herself to him as if it was nothing. In public! An Earl at that!
-I really liked Gabriel, Christian, and Violet. With everything that was on Gabriel's shoulders, I would have been concerned if he had left everything behind to go with Lily. So many people counted on him. There's a great bond between him and Christian. Friendship should be like that. Violet is vivacious, funny, and endearing.
-Editing needs another pass but nothing to deter you from the story. Double words or Gabriel putting his teacup on two different tables when he no longer has it in his hand. Or the fact that the three ladies went back to the carriage but two minutes before it was too loaded to take them in.
-The end is somehow missing an epilogue or a roll into the next book which is Christian & Bellamy's story. I'm seeing a trend here so I'm going to jump to the conclusion that the 3rd and last book will be about Archer & Violet.
-Time travel romance with several open bedroom doors (that we didn't really need), mixed with unresolved mysteries (the clatter in the hall, Zeph, Christian's reaction to Lily's description of the desk, the Hawthorne footman, etc.), lots of friendship and reasonable people. Minimum drama when the ex-mistress shows her real colors.
-Right from the start we know that Lily had some dreams to go to college but it was never said which field of study, which would have been interesting.
-The fact that Lily takes the egg from her employer's desk and brings it home to repair it got me really uneasy; this was in a secret place, so no, you were not doing your employer a favor. The other thing that made me uneasy was the fact that Lily was deciding a lot for her siblings. Of course they would be happy to be at the cabin! Er, no, nothing is that simple, especially if they never return your phone calls or emails. But by ~70% I had enough of Lily feeling sorry for herself about the family, the cabin, beauty, etc.
-I didn't quite understand the difference between Gabriel's butler and Reginald the steward.
-I really laughed when Violet found corsets on Lily's shoes (Converse). They act like that too...
-I really loved how the author uses all five senses.
-I was surprised when the mistress went to her ex-lover and attached herself to him as if it was nothing. In public! An Earl at that!
-I really liked Gabriel, Christian, and Violet. With everything that was on Gabriel's shoulders, I would have been concerned if he had left everything behind to go with Lily. So many people counted on him. There's a great bond between him and Christian. Friendship should be like that. Violet is vivacious, funny, and endearing.
-Editing needs another pass but nothing to deter you from the story. Double words or Gabriel putting his teacup on two different tables when he no longer has it in his hand. Or the fact that the three ladies went back to the carriage but two minutes before it was too loaded to take them in.
-The end is somehow missing an epilogue or a roll into the next book which is Christian & Bellamy's story. I'm seeing a trend here so I'm going to jump to the conclusion that the 3rd and last book will be about Archer & Violet.
May 7, 2023
Regency Time-Travel Romance
I enjoy time-travel romances, but the character, usually the heroine, is rarely sent to Regency England. Probably because of the popularity of The Outlander series, most time-travel romances take the character back to Scotland, though I have seen a few medieval Viking time-travel books as well. When I think about it, it is actually odd that we rarely see a Regency time-travel romance, as Regency is such a popular subgenre of romance.
Now, to this story. The beginning of the book was a little clunky until the heroine actually time-traveled to Regency England. The narrative was too dense, with little/no action or dialogue—mostly inner monologue with a bit of an infodump letting the reader know about the heroine's unsatisfying life in the contemporary world. But things get more interesting when she ends up in the middle of a Regency England street, narrowly escaping being injured by a carriage! I enjoyed her interactions with both the hero and the hero’s sister. As you might imagine, the heroine first felt that she had stumbled upon some sort of reenactment, though, as she thought, it would be a “spare no expenses” one because of the level of detail. Much of this read like a regular Regency romance but with the fun added twist of a time-traveling heroine. Part of the fun of time-travel books is the “fish out of water” element, and this book handled that aspect well. Some elements weren’t explained enough, like how she time-traveled specifically to the Regency Era instead of some other time or place. I'm glad I kept going past the narrative-heavy initial chapters, as I did enjoy watching the heroine learn to adapt to a very different world as she got to know the two fascinating siblings…and found some romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I enjoy time-travel romances, but the character, usually the heroine, is rarely sent to Regency England. Probably because of the popularity of The Outlander series, most time-travel romances take the character back to Scotland, though I have seen a few medieval Viking time-travel books as well. When I think about it, it is actually odd that we rarely see a Regency time-travel romance, as Regency is such a popular subgenre of romance.
Now, to this story. The beginning of the book was a little clunky until the heroine actually time-traveled to Regency England. The narrative was too dense, with little/no action or dialogue—mostly inner monologue with a bit of an infodump letting the reader know about the heroine's unsatisfying life in the contemporary world. But things get more interesting when she ends up in the middle of a Regency England street, narrowly escaping being injured by a carriage! I enjoyed her interactions with both the hero and the hero’s sister. As you might imagine, the heroine first felt that she had stumbled upon some sort of reenactment, though, as she thought, it would be a “spare no expenses” one because of the level of detail. Much of this read like a regular Regency romance but with the fun added twist of a time-traveling heroine. Part of the fun of time-travel books is the “fish out of water” element, and this book handled that aspect well. Some elements weren’t explained enough, like how she time-traveled specifically to the Regency Era instead of some other time or place. I'm glad I kept going past the narrative-heavy initial chapters, as I did enjoy watching the heroine learn to adapt to a very different world as she got to know the two fascinating siblings…and found some romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
April 14, 2023
Fans of Bridgerton and Outlander will be charmed by Aurrora St. James' time travel romance, The Earl's Timely Wallflower.
When Lily became guardian to her teenager sister, she had to bid farewell to all of her hopes and dreams for the future. But now that her sister doesn't need her any more, Lily finds herself lonely and all alone desperate to find a place she can call home. Lily wants to be part of a family and she fully intends on building bridges with her siblings - until she discovers an unusual timepiece and finds herself catapulted back to Regency England at the feet of one of the Ton's most eligible bachelors!
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, is dreading the arrival of the season where every unmarried female and their match-making mama will try and win his hand in marriage. Gabriel is planning one last house party before heading to London, however, all his plans go awry when he finds himself practically falling over a woman in strange attire who says she is from the future. What's Gabriel going to do now?
The more time he spends in Lily's company, the more Gabriel finds himself falling for her. But with a scheming ex-mistress and the woman he loves living in an entirely different time period, is a future for Lily and Gabriel possible? Or is their love doomed to fail?
The Earl's Timely Wallflower is a charming, sensuous and emotional time-travel romance I thoroughly enjoyed. Intense, passionate and dramatic, readers will fall in love with this enthralling love story as Gabriel and Lily's chemistry is simply off the charts.
Aurrora St James has written a wonderful romantic read that has me already eagerly anticipating her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Lily became guardian to her teenager sister, she had to bid farewell to all of her hopes and dreams for the future. But now that her sister doesn't need her any more, Lily finds herself lonely and all alone desperate to find a place she can call home. Lily wants to be part of a family and she fully intends on building bridges with her siblings - until she discovers an unusual timepiece and finds herself catapulted back to Regency England at the feet of one of the Ton's most eligible bachelors!
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, is dreading the arrival of the season where every unmarried female and their match-making mama will try and win his hand in marriage. Gabriel is planning one last house party before heading to London, however, all his plans go awry when he finds himself practically falling over a woman in strange attire who says she is from the future. What's Gabriel going to do now?
The more time he spends in Lily's company, the more Gabriel finds himself falling for her. But with a scheming ex-mistress and the woman he loves living in an entirely different time period, is a future for Lily and Gabriel possible? Or is their love doomed to fail?
The Earl's Timely Wallflower is a charming, sensuous and emotional time-travel romance I thoroughly enjoyed. Intense, passionate and dramatic, readers will fall in love with this enthralling love story as Gabriel and Lily's chemistry is simply off the charts.
Aurrora St James has written a wonderful romantic read that has me already eagerly anticipating her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
Never let destiny meddle in your romantic affairs.
About The Book: Lily Bennett, a hardworking single woman in a going-nowhere job, living in a going nowhere apartment better fit for a dwarf, is at the end of her rope trying to repair a going nowhere relationship with her younger siblings. Her only goal: to reunite her fractured family. The discovery of an unusual timepiece sends her back in time to Regency England, landing literally at the feet of one of the most eligible men in society.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, believes Lilly is insane, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they are stuck with each other. Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime for Gabriel and Lily who discover the person they’ve always wanted—but must make the most difficult decision in order to stay together.
Our Review: We were struck, first by Lily’s trials and tribulations of living in a dead-end apartment, working a dead-end job only to pay the mounting bills and fulfill her dream—things any reader will relate to. Then, without warning she finds herself in a place and time unknown to her, living with people she comes to love and who love and value her for her spirit and heart and caring attitudes. Who can’t understand? This is a timeless love affair, sprinkled with the author’s talent for mixing period dialogue with more modern slang and colloquialisms. This is one hoot of a book!
On a scale of 1-5, The Earl’s Timely Wallflower deserves a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
About The Book: Lily Bennett, a hardworking single woman in a going-nowhere job, living in a going nowhere apartment better fit for a dwarf, is at the end of her rope trying to repair a going nowhere relationship with her younger siblings. Her only goal: to reunite her fractured family. The discovery of an unusual timepiece sends her back in time to Regency England, landing literally at the feet of one of the most eligible men in society.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, believes Lilly is insane, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they are stuck with each other. Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime for Gabriel and Lily who discover the person they’ve always wanted—but must make the most difficult decision in order to stay together.
Our Review: We were struck, first by Lily’s trials and tribulations of living in a dead-end apartment, working a dead-end job only to pay the mounting bills and fulfill her dream—things any reader will relate to. Then, without warning she finds herself in a place and time unknown to her, living with people she comes to love and who love and value her for her spirit and heart and caring attitudes. Who can’t understand? This is a timeless love affair, sprinkled with the author’s talent for mixing period dialogue with more modern slang and colloquialisms. This is one hoot of a book!
On a scale of 1-5, The Earl’s Timely Wallflower deserves a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
May 31, 2023
This is the first book of the series Taken by Destiny and also my first time reading something by this author, but it won't be my last. The storyline flows well and the plot twists and turns kept me interested and turning the pages to see what would happen next. The author does a lovely job of creating vivid scenes and bringing the characters and story to life. Both Gabriel and Lily were interesting characters and I enjoyed seeing them together. This was a captivating time travel romance set in the Regency period. Lily travels back in time when she comes across a mysterious time piece at work and lands back in time in Regency England and ends up in the home of Gabriel, Earl of Rothden. When Lily explains that she is from the future, he thinks her crazy, but he can't deny the pull he feels towards her. Despite his initial doubts, they begin to form a beautiful bond, and Lily must decide if she is to go back to her world or stay and build a life with Gabriel.
This was an absolutely enchanting story, with likable characters and although I don't typically read a lot of time travel stories, this one captured my interest from the start and kept me engaged till the end. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to continuing the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was an absolutely enchanting story, with likable characters and although I don't typically read a lot of time travel stories, this one captured my interest from the start and kept me engaged till the end. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to continuing the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 16, 2023
So good! Lily was struggling to get her life in order and rekindle her relationships with her brother and sister, when she inadvertantly traveled back in time from 2022 to 1813. She was rescued by Violet, sister of Gabriel, the Earl of Rothden, and brought to their home to recuperate from injuries she received from hitting her head when she fell. Gabriel was gearing up for a house party he was hosting, as a last hurrah before they headed to London for the dreaded Season. What follows is a story filled with diverse and wonderful characters, conflict and emotional upheaval. Christian and Zeph are my favorite ancillary characters. One has a brilliant mind and a soft heart, while the other is observant, easygoing and prophetic. The house party was a setting for all kinds of drama, and while Lily and Gabriel shared some steamy encounters, Violet learned how to fend off unwanted advances. I found myself truly engaged in this story. There were moments when I wanted to smack a few people, and others when my heart was in my throat and I wanted to cry. But all’s well that ends well, and this ending was rather sweet!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2023
Lily Bennet lives in Kentucky, she has a very dull life, working in a bookstore and dreaming of buying a little cabin to reunite with her siblings. One night when she was picking some documents for her boss, she found an old enamel egg with gold filigree, when she opened the egg two small figures started to dance and Lily was transported to Regency England.
There she found the Earl of Rothden and his sister Violet, they promptly accepted Lily and took care of her. While she is in shock, she also starts to like a lot of this new home and especially this kind and handsome gentleman.
This story is very short, and I liked both Lily and Gabriel, because they truly care for one another and they understand the weight of taking care of young siblings. There are some spicy scenes, several ball dances, a masquerade, beautiful garments, all I could ask for in a good regency novel.
I liked it a lot and I can't wait to read more about Lily and Gabriel's friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There she found the Earl of Rothden and his sister Violet, they promptly accepted Lily and took care of her. While she is in shock, she also starts to like a lot of this new home and especially this kind and handsome gentleman.
This story is very short, and I liked both Lily and Gabriel, because they truly care for one another and they understand the weight of taking care of young siblings. There are some spicy scenes, several ball dances, a masquerade, beautiful garments, all I could ask for in a good regency novel.
I liked it a lot and I can't wait to read more about Lily and Gabriel's friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2023
“I would give up everything. For you.”
3.5
SPOILER FREE REVIEW: I will riot if we don’t get book 2
I started this regency romance and was a bit confused when I realized it was set in the present time. The story involves unexplained time traveling but once were thrown in 1813 the story starts.This is the kind of book that will make you ponder on the idea of time travel and what you would do if you were stuck in the same situation. The slow burn romance and tension between the main character, Lily and Gabriel, was top tier. It had me BLUSHING and GIGGLING like a schoolgirl. The side characters also have lots of personality and don’t come off as one dimensional. The story left a lot to work off. Could’ve benefited from being longer. I’m left with a lot of questions that I hope we get answers to in book two!
FULL DISCLAIMER: I received this a free ARC through netgally (thank you!!)
3.5
SPOILER FREE REVIEW: I will riot if we don’t get book 2
I started this regency romance and was a bit confused when I realized it was set in the present time. The story involves unexplained time traveling but once were thrown in 1813 the story starts.This is the kind of book that will make you ponder on the idea of time travel and what you would do if you were stuck in the same situation. The slow burn romance and tension between the main character, Lily and Gabriel, was top tier. It had me BLUSHING and GIGGLING like a schoolgirl. The side characters also have lots of personality and don’t come off as one dimensional. The story left a lot to work off. Could’ve benefited from being longer. I’m left with a lot of questions that I hope we get answers to in book two!
FULL DISCLAIMER: I received this a free ARC through netgally (thank you!!)
April 8, 2023
4.25 STARS
I liked both main characters and the H's sister and best friend. Parallels how the H/h tried to be protective of their siblings but ended up pushing them away. It was the this knowledge that the h bestowed upon the H that he was able to amend his thinking.
This was an enjoyable story but I had more questions as to why/how etc. was the h able to travel back more than 200 hundred years? Also, the acceptance was too easily believed where the h came from.
I liked how the ex-mistress plans at the end, didn't go down the cookie cutter path of major miscommunication.
Romance builds fast, lovemaking outside of marriage level level 4 out of 5 and described several times. Lords name used in vain several times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA but I would've loved an epilogue, and steam. Many have explained the blurb, just hitting some other tidbits not mentioned. (ljb)
I liked both main characters and the H's sister and best friend. Parallels how the H/h tried to be protective of their siblings but ended up pushing them away. It was the this knowledge that the h bestowed upon the H that he was able to amend his thinking.
This was an enjoyable story but I had more questions as to why/how etc. was the h able to travel back more than 200 hundred years? Also, the acceptance was too easily believed where the h came from.
I liked how the ex-mistress plans at the end, didn't go down the cookie cutter path of major miscommunication.
Romance builds fast, lovemaking outside of marriage level level 4 out of 5 and described several times. Lords name used in vain several times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA but I would've loved an epilogue, and steam. Many have explained the blurb, just hitting some other tidbits not mentioned. (ljb)
April 15, 2023
I got so wrapped up in this story that I definitely didn't want it to end. I hope the next book in the series comes out soon. Our heroine is estranged from her older brother and younger sister. She has no home and a job that holds no pleasure. Then the unthinkable happens and she is in another time and place. Our hero is trying to regain a sense of peace before embarking on another Season in London for his sister to find a suitable beau. He decides to have a final two weeks of fun at his country estate. He is taken aback by the lady that his sister brings home. One look at the unconscious miss and he has a feeling things will never be the same. The chemistry between these two is hot and steamy. The hero's sister is a lot of fun and some of his friends are very intriguing especially Christian and Zeph. I hope that you get as lost in this story as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2023
This is my second Regency-era, time travel romance, and let me tell you, it's one of the best subgenres I've ever read.
The mix between modern day characteristics, habits and values and back then was fantastic. I loved the whole concept of finding your "one" doesn't necessarily means you have to be on the same century, it's such an interesting approach to romance.
.
I absolutely liked the book. The romance was fantastic, albeit a little bit rushed, but engrossing nevertheless.
I liked the relationship between all characters, the side characters were written beautifully, which added a nice flavor to the book.
The main couple's chemistry was top notch, you could see their love and longing for each other.
I wished the book was longer, it definitely had potential to expand on. The pace and length made it feel rushed.
But, overall, I loved it so much.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The mix between modern day characteristics, habits and values and back then was fantastic. I loved the whole concept of finding your "one" doesn't necessarily means you have to be on the same century, it's such an interesting approach to romance.
.
I absolutely liked the book. The romance was fantastic, albeit a little bit rushed, but engrossing nevertheless.
I liked the relationship between all characters, the side characters were written beautifully, which added a nice flavor to the book.
The main couple's chemistry was top notch, you could see their love and longing for each other.
I wished the book was longer, it definitely had potential to expand on. The pace and length made it feel rushed.
But, overall, I loved it so much.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 11, 2023
Falling Through Time to Find Love
Two souls on the opposite sides of time, but who share more in common than most couples who claim to love one another.
I loved all aspects of The Earl's Timely Wallflower by Aurrora St. James.
The hero and heroine were very likable, as were the two main secondary characters. The writing was spot on, and the author not only kept up a good pace, she also balanced the dialogue with the actions and thoughts. Time travel tales can be tricky, but this one was well formatted and made sense. Lastly, I loved the ending. Personally, I would have enjoyed an epilogue, but I understand why there wasn't one. This book is the first in a series, so an epilogue would have jumped ahead of the next book. Thankfully, this stand-alone story was neatly tied up.
Content 411: This book contains both secular and religious swearing. It also contains explicit sex scenes.
Two souls on the opposite sides of time, but who share more in common than most couples who claim to love one another.
I loved all aspects of The Earl's Timely Wallflower by Aurrora St. James.
The hero and heroine were very likable, as were the two main secondary characters. The writing was spot on, and the author not only kept up a good pace, she also balanced the dialogue with the actions and thoughts. Time travel tales can be tricky, but this one was well formatted and made sense. Lastly, I loved the ending. Personally, I would have enjoyed an epilogue, but I understand why there wasn't one. This book is the first in a series, so an epilogue would have jumped ahead of the next book. Thankfully, this stand-alone story was neatly tied up.
Content 411: This book contains both secular and religious swearing. It also contains explicit sex scenes.
April 5, 2023
A Regency time-travel romance
Most of us read Regency romance because we love the love stories, but even more, we are fascinated with that period in time. Nobility, servants, estates, balls, duels - all the things we do not have in out own lives - make a fabulous setting for the romance we dream of. Aurrora St. James has written the ultimate Regency romance: the heroine is one of us! Lily Bennet, single modern woman, sister, head of household, who has sacrificed her own dreams and hopes to hold on (perhaps too tightly) to what is left of her family, finds a mysterious clockwork egg in her eccentric employer's desk. It transports her to the estate of Gabriel Hawthorne, Lord Rothden, in the year 1813. Miracles become real, as they discover their similarities, and fight in vain to overcome their ever-deepening attraction. All the lovely scenes and events of a first-rate Regency romance grace this tender and passionate tale - this independent ARC reviewer writes no spoilers - but readers will sigh, and sniffle, and smile their way to an ending as lovely as they could imagine.
Most of us read Regency romance because we love the love stories, but even more, we are fascinated with that period in time. Nobility, servants, estates, balls, duels - all the things we do not have in out own lives - make a fabulous setting for the romance we dream of. Aurrora St. James has written the ultimate Regency romance: the heroine is one of us! Lily Bennet, single modern woman, sister, head of household, who has sacrificed her own dreams and hopes to hold on (perhaps too tightly) to what is left of her family, finds a mysterious clockwork egg in her eccentric employer's desk. It transports her to the estate of Gabriel Hawthorne, Lord Rothden, in the year 1813. Miracles become real, as they discover their similarities, and fight in vain to overcome their ever-deepening attraction. All the lovely scenes and events of a first-rate Regency romance grace this tender and passionate tale - this independent ARC reviewer writes no spoilers - but readers will sigh, and sniffle, and smile their way to an ending as lovely as they could imagine.
April 14, 2023
Absolutely loved this book, so well written, full of love, romance, drama and what most people wish they could do- time travel. Lily lives in the present and very unhappy that she has lost contact with her siblings, whom she helped after their parents died. Gabriel is 200 years in the past, raising his sister after their father dies and their mother becomes addicted to laudanum. Lily travels back to his time and they fall in love. Then comes the big decision - does she go back or does she stay. This author has written a simply beautiful love/travel book. Can't wait for more of these books in this series. Would recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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