Journey in Time

Knights in Time #2

by Chris Karlsen

London attorney, Shakira Constantine finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14th century-and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guisard, a baron who died in the upcoming battle. If they can’t find a way to return to the 21st Century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Paranormal Romance, Fiction, Paranormal

402 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Chris was born and raised in Chicago. Her father was a history professor and her mother was, and is, a voracious reader. She grew up with a love of history and books. Her parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto her. She wanted to see the places she read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated her. She’s had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. She is also a retired police detective who spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. Her desire to write came in her early teens. After she retired, she decided to pursue that dream. She writes two different series. Her paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. Her romantic thriller series is, Dangerous Waters. She currently live in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
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Reviews

[Books Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this would be just another time travel story. Wow, was I ever wrong. Yes, they did travel back in time, but it was more than that. First, I want to say that it took me a little bit to get involved with the story, so if you find yourself in the same spot -- stick with it! It's so worth it!

When Alex, a music producer, meets Shakira, an attorney and a weekend guitar player in a rock band, the sparks fly. He is unable to put her out of his mind, and finally is able to convince her to spend the weekend at his cottage in Gloucestershire.

Their first day is spent relaxing and enjoying the countryside, but the second day is the beginning of their travel back into time. As they are riding, they suddenly find themselves back in the 14th century. They are immediately met by a group of knights who apparently know Alex as Sir Guy Guiscard.

This is where the story really began to grab my attention. Things were not as simple as just being drawn back into time. The plot is much more complicated than most time travel stories I've read. I had to stop occasionally just to catch my breath and really think about what I was reading. Alex handles the situation well, but Shakira has a difficult time trying to adjust.

I don’t want to spoil the story for you, but I want you to know that I was absolutely in love with this book. I found that once I really got into it, I could not put the book down. I had to know how Alex was going to handle the upcoming battle. I wanted to know what Shakira was thinking when she believed that she was going to be left to handle this situation by herself. Their love story becomes of major importance also. It is very sweet, sexy and romantic.

There are so many twists and turns in this story as they try to find a way to return to the 21st century. I just had to know how this was going to be resolved. I could not even imagine how it was going to end. Every conclusion I came up with was wrong.

I picked this up to read a few pages before I went to bed and couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. This is really one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I give Journey in Time a definite 5.

[Mslvoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

She did again!!! Beautiful story and again thank you to Carolyn for recommend it.

[KyBunnies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the blurb for this book and knew I had to read it. Granted I have read this author’s work in the past so I knew it would be great. I loaded the pdf copy to my Kindle and the format got messed up. I then loaded the format to my Nook same thing. I tried my iPad and iPhone same thing. When viewed the pdf file on my computer everything was fine. For some strange reason, that I have yet to figure out, I could only read this book on the computer. Well, sad to say my eyes could not stare at the computer screen reading this book. I emailed the tour company asking for a different format. Within a few hours, this wonderful author has gifted me a Kindle copy. Was I surprised, yes, but then again Chris is an amazing author that writes a fabulous tale.

If you enjoy historical or medieval romance then you really need to read this book. After reading, the above excerpt does not sway you to want this book then read on, I hope my review will. This book is about love that will travel the test of time. This love goes from present century back more than 600 years, turns around with a flash, and is back in the present.

I know many people do not like time-travel in their romance book however this is not your ordinary time-travel. This is not just one person ending up in some distance past not knowing anything. Two people have traveled together. He is originally from the past; while she has only lived in the future. Yes, I know you are wondering why I am rambling. Well, I truly loved this book. I read this book in about 5 hours. I know it would not of took me that long but I was working during that time also.

You are probably asking yourself why I loved this book. Well, today this author allowed me to travel from present time London to 14th century England and back. I could see everything the author described in the book. The horses, the keep, the King’s court, everything, and I almost could smell the sweat from humans and horses. Yes, reading this book was great; the reader will leave the present in a flash and be in 14th century England. Who would not want to read something that will take them back in time? I know I did. What about you, will you read this book?

Chris I have read some of your work in the past but I have to say this is the best book by far. I do not know how you did it, but you took me on a journey I will not forget. Keep writing you have a talent that cannot be ignored. Thanks for an amazing read.

The bunnies and I give this book 5 carrots.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakira Constantine is a beautiful, independent, successful London attorney. One night she meets handsome Alex Lancaster. There's no denying that the sparks are mutual, even though she isn't impressed by his riveting good looks and acting career.

Then fate plays a trick on her when he is unjustly sued for sexual harassment and she ends up representing him. Of course, now that he's her client, they get to spend a lot more time together.

Risking venturing into the boundaries of unethical behavior, she accepts his invitation to spend a weekend in the countryside. He promises to behave and also swears that the weekend will be strictly professional.

Nothing, however, prepares her for what happens next...

Walking in the woods one day, they experience a moment of abrupt, strange disorientation and find themselves in front of a Norman medieval stone castle. Everyone around them is dressed in medieval fashion and speaks in an archaic way just like in The Canterbury Tales.

Unable to believe her eyes, Shakira thinks the setting is for one of his movies. But nothing prepares her for the truth...

Journey in Time is a steamy, time-travel romance story with a strong, independent heroine and an irresistible, warm and caring hero. Karslen does an excellent job with the historical setting and characters. I really felt myself transported in time and enjoyed all the historical details.

There's also a lot of good humor at times to balance the serious segments. Abundant love scenes spice up the prose and there's enough tension to keep readers turning pages.

I look forward to reading more novels from this talented author.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Bri: Chris Karlsen delivers again. I read the first book, Heroes Live Forever, in this double feature of awesome reading. I have to say Alex Lancaster was my favorite character in Heroes. Which is funny because he wasn’t the main protagonist, that’s just the kind of character he is. Charming, intelligent, handsome with the right amount of alpha male qualities I crave. Therefore, when I saw that he had his own book I had to have it. Our fearsome leader, Jen, here at Romancing The Book contacted Chris and she sent me a copy to review. I thank them both.

Heroes Live Forever and Journey In Time essentially have the same formula. If you are unsure of what that is then I’ll explain. Romance authors will use a formula to build a story around. Most often times they don’t even realize it because with different settings, times, characters and conflicts the story is very different. However, Chris Karlsen has a formula…a successful one and she should keep using it.

She knows her characters tremendously well. They grow in the course of the book as they would if they were real people. Shakira Constantine is the perfect woman for Alex. Both are prideful, independent, attractive, and successful. But something else that I love about Chris’ books is that the conflict comes to a head. She does not shy away from the true challenges or heartaches in the relationships of the hero and heroine. Then like a great movie she provides a resolutions that leaves your reeling but blessedly sated.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the 1st in the author's Knights in Time Series, Heroes Live Forever, and was excited to read the 2nd in this series. I liked that the author interwove the story from the 1st book into this one and I would highly recommend that anyone thinking of reading this one, pick up Heroes Live Forever and read it 1st. You won't regret it!

Shakira Constantine is an attorney in London and best friends with Miranda who is married to Ian.
Alex Lancaster, who was best friends with Ian in a previous life, becomes enamored with a mysterious woman at a ball.
Miranda had tried to set Alex up with Shakira previously... but he had not been interested. When Alex discovers that the mysterious woman is Shakira, he changes his mind. However, Shakira knew that Alex had not been interested in her before... so the lady is not willing to give him a chance now...

Alex figures out a way to see Shakira for business but he would like more.

When the couple are caught in a time warp and thrown back into Alex's previous life in the 14th century, there are complications galore, not the least that the couple needs to find their way back to the present ASAP before Alex dies in battle and Shakira is left alone in Alex's medieval world w/o Alex.

Bottomline: I absolutely loved this novel! It's one of the best time travel romances I've ever read. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd novel in this series!

[L.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that when I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I would finish. I didn't like the characters and couldn't figure out what was going on. I thought it was a time travel, yet the story didn't seem to be moving in that direction. It was about this time, I realized there was book before this, so I put this down and read that one. I hate to say it made all the difference.

Picking this up knowing who the characters were from the other book somehow made them more likable to me. I went from what they were doing making no sense to me initially, suddenly it became obvious, so I would suggest reading them in order. That being said...this story was one that tackled just how insignificant and vulnerable women were back in time with no rights. Here a woman who was a successful attorney and musician goes back to a time where all those accomplishments mean nothing and furthermore, who she is depends on the man she has on her arm. Being a mistress grants privileges when her protector is around, but when he's gone...she's treated horribly.

I was fascinated by what would happen if her protector died and she was left stuck in time. That certainly would be deal breaker...thankfully, that didn't materialize and the story did keep me entertained and interested.

This is an author I will keep my eye on and look forward to more of her work.

[Margarita Felices · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as Solicitor, Shakira Constantine comes on the scene you are instantly drawn to her. She's a successful, beautiful, opinionated woman who finally agrees to spend the day with her rogue of a client, Alex Lancaster. Alex is the man every woman loves, he's handsome, charming, rich, all the qualities that make him the perfect catch, but he's her client and they can't date. Or can they? She finally agrees to accompany him to his cottage, purely client/lawyer! While riding in the countryside, the couple find themselves caught in a time warp and are transported back to England in the 14th Century, an England that is preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is Baron Guy Guiscard. Alex knows the history of Guy Guiscard, he owned the land that Alex has his idyllic cottage on. He also knows that Guy will die in the upcoming battle. If Alex and Shakira can't find a way back through the worm hole that brought them there, Alex will be killed in the battle and Shakira will be left in the 14th century. I really liked this story and I'm really fussy about what I spend my time reading as I don't have much of it. I definately intend to read the other stories in this series. It was amusing, tender and sexually charged and I'm highly recommending this story.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic novel. The author kept me engaged from the get-go. Journey In Time started in modern day London and smoothly transitioned into medieval times with nary a hiccup or awkward moment. I loved the interactions between Alex and Shakira, whether it was truly the Alex of modern day or Guy from historical times.

Shakira's ability to adapt to the lifestyle of the medieval era showed strength on her part and Ms. Karlsen did a wonderful job; she did excellent research on this time period (not that I'm an expert, because frankly I'm not). The time travel spin on the story was smooth and unobtrusive, making my so-so attitude towards that genre increase a little more to the "time travel isn't so bad" attitude.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an intriguing time-travel romance full of emotional angst and vividly depicted scenery. I found myself drawn to many of the characters and rooted for their happiness every step of the way, particularly amongst the male characters. Alex/Guy, whose story was touched on in the previous book, is one of the male characters that I'm particularly drawn to. He's charming and protective of those he cares for and easily navigated between the past and present. He always tried to do the honorable thing even when the course was not an easy one and I admit to a bit of a crush on him. His fellow knights Simon and Stephen were also appealing with vivid and immensely likable qualities. I would love to see more of these characters and with a word of warning given to Stephen late in the story I have high hopes of his storyline continuing.

While the males in this story are a highlight, I was a bit disappointed in the heroine. Shakira is an outspoken woman in the world of law and a musician. In the present those qualities are admirable and likable. Once in the past though a more unpleasant side of her comes out. She's only concerned with her well-being and angered that Alex adjusts so easily. She wants modern things immediately and to be treated in a modern way regardless of how it appears. During her time in the past I found her shrewish and overbearing. I'm sure that the circumstances of being thrown into the unexpected caused her unappealing nature and ultimately, once back in the present, she became more likable and worthy of the hero.

In most time-travel stories the cause of it is left unexplained for the most part. This story takes a different course and spends a bit of time debating the cause which felt out of place and was a bit too scientific. Time spent on debate could've been used better elsewhere. With it being a romance, I wish the mysteriousness of the situation had been left open-ended.

All-in-all I found this story intriguing and well worth the read. Even though this is a sequel I never really felt lost but I think reading the previous book would've added to the enjoyment and fleshed-out some of the lesser characters. Fans of time-travel will not be disappointed and will find this a worthy addition to the genre.

[Jesse Kimmel-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the amount of research that Chris invests in her books. She isn't just shooting from the hip here, she's taken her time and found things out.

This is the fourth book that I've read by Chris and I love them all. She has a way with characters and settings that I think transcends the genres or subgenres that she writes in. I think she would do just as well writing any form of fiction that is meant to reach out and touch the reader.

I loved the element of time travel here. It's done in a way that isn't boring and really makes you think about the situation, like "what if?"

Once again she gives you characters that you really want to know about. You want to find out what will happen to them. You invest in them, like they're friends. The setting is just as great as the first in the series as well.

Chris is truly gifted with words and I hope to see many more books from her.

I definitely recommend this book as a great read!

[Renee]

I loved this wonderful time travel romance! I was totally involved with the characters and really liked them. Ms Karlsen does her homework and that makes this book full of attention to detail and true to the time period. Shakira is one of my favorite female characters; smart, beautiful and won’t take crap from anyone. A real alpha female. Her viewpoint makes you feel like you were there in the 14th century and experiencing everything like a modern day woman would. It's obvious that Ms. Karlsen has done her homework in regard to the historical aspect of the book. I look forward to the next book!

[(Nat) Reading Romances · Rating 3 out of 5]

" Journey in time has a great chemistry between the main characters, but could have some plot improvements. I felt like sometimes the story was going nowhere and I was lost, but Alex and Skarika kept me reading till the end. (...)One thing that pleased me was that both Alex and Shakira were very vocal and clever individuals, who had great topics to discuss. (...)Chris Karlsen has build an interesting story, characters that will grab your attention and take you to an improbable and believable journey!"

Read my full review here!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, Alex and Shakira finally are alone together out riding his lands, Alex is thrilled he has finally got Shakira alone, however they as suddenly sent through time to 1355; back to the time to right before Alex in his former life as Guy was killed at Portiers. Alex is rocked to reveal all to Shakira and at the same time not sound like a raving lunatic, it is more important jo than ever that she trust him!

Life in 1355 is challenging trying to get back to the future more so, will love find a way? I won't tell! Great read!

[Darlene Panzera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakira and Alex are well-drawn characters unexpectedly thrust back in time to a date one is very familiar with - and the other is not. A breathtaking, heart-felt romance sprinkled with humor, Journey in Time is a fantastic read full of vivid, historical detail you will not want to miss!

[(Nat) Reading Romances]

review to be posted today!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding story. London attorney, Shakira agrees to spend the day with a client, Alex. As they drive through the country side, they get stuck in a time warp. Getting back is extremely difficult and important. Loved it.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one in the series. Part of the reason is I didn't like the hero much and the fact that there is physical abuse. Also I wish they would have stuck with Tim Campbell as the narrator. Trudi Knoedler was decent enough but I prefer Tim's narration.

[Lucie Brauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat Disappointed

I have just re-read this book again and. wad reminded why I was unsatisfied with the ending.

SPOILERS

What the heroine did WAS stupid, yes, but what Alex did to her was unforgivable. He never gave her a chance to explain, nor even read her letters. He even admitted he had been intimate with as many women he could find, but he hadn't been satisfied and was no longer seeing other women. Did anyone notice that this time period was about 3 months after he returned? An awfully short time-span to become celibate. I would have told Alex to not let the door hit him on the way out and would have gone running to Jack.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 STARS**

What a terrific, nail-biting, sexy, romantic story.

I liked it even more than the first book in the series. I came to this book wondering how Karlsen would top Heroes Live Forever. I was delighted to discover that he did it convincingly! I just couldn't put the book down when Shakira was in jeopardy - I had to know how Karlsen would let this play out. That I found it nail-biting (when I otherwise would have found things predictable) is testament to the skills of this author.

The romance is hot. The culture clash is well-played.

My only little (minuscule) niggle is that a bit of communication between the 2 protagonists would have alleviated a few problems - and given Shakira is a barrister, I wasn't totally convinced she wouldn't have spoken up a bit more.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt that Guy's personality was lost when he became Alex and modernized. His attitude towards what happened to Shakira didn't fit with Guy in the first book. I can't say too much without giving spoilers but I feel Guy from the first book would have given her every chance and not wrote her off so quickly no matter what.

[Ann Unger]

loved it.

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come..

[Kimberlli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I'm in love with the characters per se, I'm more in love with the poetic and romantic style of writing and dialogue between them. It's lovely and does much for my vocabulary.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series. Wonderful story and characters.