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Wonderland #4
The Queen's Gambit
Home at last after years of exile, Neve and Hugo Everly just want to pick up the pieces of their life and enjoy time with their growing family, but destiny has its own plan. A tragic loss nearly tears the family apart, and an unexpected guest brings a warning of dire events still to come.
Hugo and Neve find themselves in danger once again; for outstanding debts must be paid, and old enemies will no longer wait to settle scores.
Hugo and Neve find themselves in danger once again; for outstanding debts must be paid, and old enemies will no longer wait to settle scores.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
About the author
Irina Shapiro
86 books1,315 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 22, 2025
Love, life and death
I loved this fourth installment of Neve and Hugo’s time traveling historical romance with a side of painful life lessons. Once again, the story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a quite an emotional and suspenseful ride. The story started where the last book ended. Neve, Hugo, their children, Frances and Archie have returned to England and Everly Manor knowing a Protestant monarch will soon be on the throne and Hugo can apply for a pardon. Despite being back at his ancestral home, life is not without its trials and there are still enemies that wish to cause them pain. The story once again has a number of chapters from secondary characters’ POVs which is a great tool for advancing the narrative of the story. Interwoven with Hugo and Neve’s love story, there is thought provoking social and religious icommentary which adds interesting layers to the plot. Just like the other books in this series, the storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, light spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am loving this series and now I’m off to read the final book to see what happens with Neve, Hugo and friends especially after that cliffhanger.
I loved this fourth installment of Neve and Hugo’s time traveling historical romance with a side of painful life lessons. Once again, the story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a quite an emotional and suspenseful ride. The story started where the last book ended. Neve, Hugo, their children, Frances and Archie have returned to England and Everly Manor knowing a Protestant monarch will soon be on the throne and Hugo can apply for a pardon. Despite being back at his ancestral home, life is not without its trials and there are still enemies that wish to cause them pain. The story once again has a number of chapters from secondary characters’ POVs which is a great tool for advancing the narrative of the story. Interwoven with Hugo and Neve’s love story, there is thought provoking social and religious icommentary which adds interesting layers to the plot. Just like the other books in this series, the storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, light spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am loving this series and now I’m off to read the final book to see what happens with Neve, Hugo and friends especially after that cliffhanger.
July 25, 2022
I’ve yet to read an Irina Shapiro book I haven’t enjoyed! I’m loving this series! The time travel, learning about the past, the suspense and a love story!!
June 9, 2016
Fantastic!!
I have read many of this author's books and truly enjoy her writing style. The wonderland series is one of the best I've read. People,don't miss this read.my only regret is that they end too soon.When I get a book I cannot put it down ,and then it's gone.Awaiting the next book in the fall.
I have read many of this author's books and truly enjoy her writing style. The wonderland series is one of the best I've read. People,don't miss this read.my only regret is that they end too soon.When I get a book I cannot put it down ,and then it's gone.Awaiting the next book in the fall.
July 4, 2016
I enjoy these characters and am really interested to find out what happens to them. I gave this four stars because I wanted to keep reading however I'm feeling like some things are just repeating. The author also left it in a cliffhanger which I hate. I will definitely read the next novel but I hope things take a more original turn.
June 9, 2016
Heart-wrenching and intense. There has been times I just could not continue.. it's been a while I read something so poignant. Love the story, love where it's going.
June 11, 2019
This series has turned put to be one of my favorites. I have been totally consumed with having to know what will happen. I can't seem to stop reading, setting everything else aside and up to the wee hours of the night. Only book 5 to go. I hope that I am not disappointed with the conclusion.
March 2, 2020
This is the 4th in a fun series featuring a woman who ends up living in (now) William and Mary's time ruling England when she falls in love with and marries a man of that time. I like most of the characters (except the de rigueur villains) and enjoy the historical aspects. Sadly, this volume has a heartbreaker and I suspect there are more to come. This installment has lots of action and keeps you reading away until you hit yet another cliffhanger. I get a little impatient with this style of publishing, and yet I enjoy the story enough to want to find out what happens next, so I've preordered the next book already.
September 26, 2018
Loved this installment of the Wonderland Series by Irina Shapiro. Sometimes, however, I just want to strangle Hugo. He is too honourable for his own good sometimes, but that is part of why Neve loves him so I guess he needs to be that way.
I am going to miss these characters once the series is finished.
I am going to miss these characters once the series is finished.
June 28, 2016
Easy read
When you read great books , you become a book snob . This series is getting played out . I like the characters but it's missing some good story line's as the previous books. It's ok not great..
When you read great books , you become a book snob . This series is getting played out . I like the characters but it's missing some good story line's as the previous books. It's ok not great..
July 24, 2016
I love these books
The story lines are interesting and believable. The characters take on such strong personalities I feel like I know them
The story lines are interesting and believable. The characters take on such strong personalities I feel like I know them
March 6, 2025
My goodness I can’t catch a break with this series, I’m forever stressed but it’s just too thrilling to put down . Book5 I’m on my way
December 20, 2025
i’ve been skimming through the books to get a sense of the plot beats to measure whether they’re worth reading in full, because seeing that it only occurred to neve that her children would have limited opportunities in the 17th century compared to the present after choosing to stay there infuriated me. how the hell could she not have thought about that beforehand? however, reading that her child actually dies of something that would have been totally avoidable if she and hugo had just chosen to remain in the 21st century, where they would have access to vaccines and modern medicine? dude.
its one thing to be in a setting like say, outlander, where claire is the only one who can travel back and forth in time while jaime is stuck in the 18th century. that’s not the case here. while it’s obvious why hugo would want to stay in his time, i don’t know what the fuck is going through neve’s head. it’d also be another thing if it seemed like her decision to stay in the 17th century was made with a full accounting of the risks she’d be taking but that is *not* how it comes across. she just doesn’t seem like a real person, because child mortality would have been one of the first things i’d be thinking of as a pregnant woman making that decision. i don’t care how much of a dreamboat hugo is, that is a huge *fuck no*.
i don’t know. i don’t need a series to be light-hearted, but i’m not a fan of angst that comes about as a result of pure stupidity. feel pretty safe in choosing to DNF at this point.
its one thing to be in a setting like say, outlander, where claire is the only one who can travel back and forth in time while jaime is stuck in the 18th century. that’s not the case here. while it’s obvious why hugo would want to stay in his time, i don’t know what the fuck is going through neve’s head. it’d also be another thing if it seemed like her decision to stay in the 17th century was made with a full accounting of the risks she’d be taking but that is *not* how it comes across. she just doesn’t seem like a real person, because child mortality would have been one of the first things i’d be thinking of as a pregnant woman making that decision. i don’t care how much of a dreamboat hugo is, that is a huge *fuck no*.
i don’t know. i don’t need a series to be light-hearted, but i’m not a fan of angst that comes about as a result of pure stupidity. feel pretty safe in choosing to DNF at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of The Queen’s Gambit, which is the fourth book in the Wonderland series by Irina Shapiro. The series centers around Neve, a modern woman, who is accidentally transported to the 17th Century and the man she falls in love with, Lord Hugo Everly, as they experience love, life, and everything in between. Not having read or listened to any prior books in the series, I felt lost from the very beginning. Usually I can pick up on what’s going on pretty quickly, but not this time. Apparently this is a continuous series like Outlander or A Discovery Of Witches, where you need to read and listen to each book in the series to fully appreciate the next novel. Despite this, Irina Shapiro’s prose is exceptional and almost lyrical. And Hannah Kelly-Turner’s narration was excellent.
May 1, 2026
An overall okay novel. Some of the discussion about medical items that exist now, or in 18th century just made it feel a bit off. This was my first time in this series so maybe that was my disconnect. I will check out more from the author.
Home at last after years of exile, Neve and Hugo Everly just want to pick up the pieces of their life and enjoy time with their growing family, but destiny has its own plan. A tragic loss nearly tears the family apart, and an unexpected guest brings a warning of dire events still to come.
Hugo and Neve find themselves in danger once again; for outstanding debts must be paid, and old enemies will no longer wait to settle scores.
Home at last after years of exile, Neve and Hugo Everly just want to pick up the pieces of their life and enjoy time with their growing family, but destiny has its own plan. A tragic loss nearly tears the family apart, and an unexpected guest brings a warning of dire events still to come.
Hugo and Neve find themselves in danger once again; for outstanding debts must be paid, and old enemies will no longer wait to settle scores.
May 4, 2026
Never and Hugo love each other dearly and will do all they can to protect their family. They live at Everly Manor and here there is a hidden timeslip passageway they may need to use that has shaped their lives. Can they be happy or will destiny get in their way?
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in a well paced historical novel. No antibiotics or really useful doctors yet so minor ailments can become deadly. An exciting novel of love and hope, enjoy.
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in a well paced historical novel. No antibiotics or really useful doctors yet so minor ailments can become deadly. An exciting novel of love and hope, enjoy.
December 18, 2024
This was the next to the last book in the series. Once you start them, you won't be able to stop reading until the series is over.
It is a bit redundant, and Shapiro’s writing has gotten better. (The more you write, the better you get!)
The characters are lively, most have their agendas, and a couple of them can be seen right through. My biggest problem is believing they do not learn from their mistakes, but keep repeating them. That I suppose is human nature
It is a bit redundant, and Shapiro’s writing has gotten better. (The more you write, the better you get!)
The characters are lively, most have their agendas, and a couple of them can be seen right through. My biggest problem is believing they do not learn from their mistakes, but keep repeating them. That I suppose is human nature
May 11, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Irina Shapiro for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Queen’s Gambit coming out May 4, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I��m obsessed with this author! I’ve read a lot of her books. I liked parts of this book, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as her other books. I’ll definitely read more books by this author though.
I��m obsessed with this author! I’ve read a lot of her books. I liked parts of this book, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as her other books. I’ll definitely read more books by this author though.
February 20, 2020
The author has done her research. The authenticity is great. The characters speak and act as they should. The settings are also right on. Historical events and their effect on people seem correct too. My only minus comes from the romance portion which is over the top for me. I look forward to reading book 5.
July 9, 2024
EPIC!!!
An absolute must-read series by an author I hadn't heard of before.
If you love time-travel, romance, history and WELL-WRITTEN tales, then this is the book/series for you!
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £8.99 a month for the subscription)
An absolute must-read series by an author I hadn't heard of before.
If you love time-travel, romance, history and WELL-WRITTEN tales, then this is the book/series for you!
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £8.99 a month for the subscription)
March 24, 2025
Nerve raking!
Boy, do things seem bleak by the end of this book. Too much mingle happening. All I’ve been loving characters are piecing typical times. Jeme has made his way back to the people he can consider this his real family, the Everly’s. Hugo is arrested again for treason. Neve is accused of witchcraft! How much more can these people take?
Boy, do things seem bleak by the end of this book. Too much mingle happening. All I’ve been loving characters are piecing typical times. Jeme has made his way back to the people he can consider this his real family, the Everly’s. Hugo is arrested again for treason. Neve is accused of witchcraft! How much more can these people take?
May 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐
This was my second #wonderland audiobook, and I listened to them back to back.
I didn't get my hand on book 3, so there was catching up to do.
Strong characters, good sense of history and PLENTY going on.
These books are very entertaining.
I didn't quite gasp at the end, but I felt I could have
Great stuff
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
This was my second #wonderland audiobook, and I listened to them back to back.
I didn't get my hand on book 3, so there was catching up to do.
Strong characters, good sense of history and PLENTY going on.
These books are very entertaining.
I didn't quite gasp at the end, but I felt I could have
Great stuff
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
September 3, 2019
The Queens Gambit
Wow!?!?
Wow!!!!!! This novel is another centrist this book down. How the the lives of Hugo and Neve have become so twisted. When you think you have solved the action of these folks figured out another turn of events. Well done
Wow!?!?
Wow!!!!!! This novel is another centrist this book down. How the the lives of Hugo and Neve have become so twisted. When you think you have solved the action of these folks figured out another turn of events. Well done
February 4, 2024
A page-turner!
I really enjoyed this novel, I pretty much couldn’t put it down. So much action and the characters are so well developed. I can’t wait to read the last novel in this series.
I really enjoyed this novel, I pretty much couldn’t put it down. So much action and the characters are so well developed. I can’t wait to read the last novel in this series.
February 17, 2024
The Queen’s Gambit
Lord Hugo Everly is again in trouble for treason. No way out locked up in the tower. The Queen is the one that had the arrest made. Poor Neve Hugo’s wife is accused of being a witch.
Lord Hugo Everly is again in trouble for treason. No way out locked up in the tower. The Queen is the one that had the arrest made. Poor Neve Hugo’s wife is accused of being a witch.
June 2, 2025
Excellent
This book is full of twists and turns. I love the history and the romance but Hugo does create so much drama! I can't wait to start the next book, I'm downloading it now!
This book is full of twists and turns. I love the history and the romance but Hugo does create so much drama! I can't wait to start the next book, I'm downloading it now!
September 8, 2025
wonderland book 4
What a wonderful series! Hugo and Neve’s journey is so captivating and addictive reading. I thought this was the last book in the series, so happy to know it’s not!
What a wonderful series! Hugo and Neve’s journey is so captivating and addictive reading. I thought this was the last book in the series, so happy to know it’s not!
October 4, 2017
I enjoyed get enough
This series is compelling. A look at the early English history with an excellent plot is enough to keep you turning the pages long after lights out time.
This series is compelling. A look at the early English history with an excellent plot is enough to keep you turning the pages long after lights out time.
April 18, 2018
Loved it. Huge cliff hanger ending. Can't wait to listen to the next and final book in the series. I will be sad when it ends.
April 30, 2019
Loved
I absolutely love this series. I can't put it down. The plot and suspense of the main characters and the side characters just keep you intrigued. You won't be disappointed.
I absolutely love this series. I can't put it down. The plot and suspense of the main characters and the side characters just keep you intrigued. You won't be disappointed.
June 9, 2019
Just starting book 5 now. I LOVE this series & can't wait to read more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews