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Aching for Always
RITA Award–winning author Gwyn Cready continues the her charming time-travel adventures with a high-spirited tale of a modern-day mapmaker and the eighteenth-century English navy captain she can’t resist.
Ambitious and feisty Josephine “Joss” O’Malley has spent years fighting to keep her mother’s map-making company alive. Just when she finds herself considering taking a risky next step with bad-boy entrepreneur Rogan Reynolds— whose generosity has helped keep the business afloat—Joss meets dark and mysterious Hugh Hawksmoor. Hugh’s deft touch and old-world seduction stir Joss’s desires like a storm at sea, and she has no clue that he has sailed three hundred years into the future to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of her father. Or that she holds the key to a map that will help him undo the destructive changes her father wrought in the past. When Hugh lures Joss into a treacherous journey through time, there’s not a twenty-first-century trick that can save her. But when she applies her own instincts to a course she thought was set, she discovers that the high seas hold some scandalous surprises.
Ambitious and feisty Josephine “Joss” O’Malley has spent years fighting to keep her mother’s map-making company alive. Just when she finds herself considering taking a risky next step with bad-boy entrepreneur Rogan Reynolds— whose generosity has helped keep the business afloat—Joss meets dark and mysterious Hugh Hawksmoor. Hugh’s deft touch and old-world seduction stir Joss’s desires like a storm at sea, and she has no clue that he has sailed three hundred years into the future to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of her father. Or that she holds the key to a map that will help him undo the destructive changes her father wrought in the past. When Hugh lures Joss into a treacherous journey through time, there’s not a twenty-first-century trick that can save her. But when she applies her own instincts to a course she thought was set, she discovers that the high seas hold some scandalous surprises.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2010
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359 people want to read
About the author
Gwyn Cready
11 books143 followersGwyn Cready is a RITA Award-winning romance novelist. She's been called "the master of time travel romance." She lives in Pittsburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 29, 2013
Started off intriguing- despite the unfortunate title- went downhill fast.
The story begins with a prologue and us in the time of Master and Commander, on a ship making it’s way to an islet. The trip, captained by an obvious good guy, but funded by an equally obvious rotter- we’re not quite sure what’s going on till they reach the islet. it soon becomes clear this is a time travel romance novel- if you didn’t know from the back blurb. What wasn’t as clear- even from the back blub- was what specific times we were talking about… till chapter one begins at present day.
I was able to discern that the rotter went back in time to mess up history so that he could prosper in the future and the rest of the book will be about setting it right- however the opening scene of Chapter One is between the daughter of said rotter,and heroine of the book, and her fiancé. It’s very sexual and felt wholly unconnected from where we began. What bothered me IMMEDIATELY was the fact she, a CEO in her own right, was using sex to manipulate the dude into getting what she wanted- ie capital to keep afloat the company begun by her father.
Really? Really?!
From someone near the front lines in a male-dominated corporate world, we do not need this kind of behavior promoted- especially in books targeted at women and ones younger women will be reading. Srsly, women who use sex to get ahead instead of their talent and hard work are the very antithesis of everything I hold dear in the work arena, why in the hell would I want a heroine I’m supposed to root for behave in sucha way?
As you can imagine, I had pretty much given up on the book, but I was willing to keep reading since this all happened IN THE FIRST CHAPTER.
But, alas, every time I go back to it, nothing happens to make me want to keep going- even after meeting the supposed hero of the tale.
So I guess another dnf for the pile.
Honestly, I bought this one for the pretty cover and the yearning for a good hist-rom that would keep my attention.
This, my romance reading friends, is not. it.
The story begins with a prologue and us in the time of Master and Commander, on a ship making it’s way to an islet. The trip, captained by an obvious good guy, but funded by an equally obvious rotter- we’re not quite sure what’s going on till they reach the islet. it soon becomes clear this is a time travel romance novel- if you didn’t know from the back blurb. What wasn’t as clear- even from the back blub- was what specific times we were talking about… till chapter one begins at present day.
I was able to discern that the rotter went back in time to mess up history so that he could prosper in the future and the rest of the book will be about setting it right- however the opening scene of Chapter One is between the daughter of said rotter,and heroine of the book, and her fiancé. It’s very sexual and felt wholly unconnected from where we began. What bothered me IMMEDIATELY was the fact she, a CEO in her own right, was using sex to manipulate the dude into getting what she wanted- ie capital to keep afloat the company begun by her father.
Really? Really?!
From someone near the front lines in a male-dominated corporate world, we do not need this kind of behavior promoted- especially in books targeted at women and ones younger women will be reading. Srsly, women who use sex to get ahead instead of their talent and hard work are the very antithesis of everything I hold dear in the work arena, why in the hell would I want a heroine I’m supposed to root for behave in sucha way?
As you can imagine, I had pretty much given up on the book, but I was willing to keep reading since this all happened IN THE FIRST CHAPTER.
But, alas, every time I go back to it, nothing happens to make me want to keep going- even after meeting the supposed hero of the tale.
So I guess another dnf for the pile.
Honestly, I bought this one for the pretty cover and the yearning for a good hist-rom that would keep my attention.
This, my romance reading friends, is not. it.
October 1, 2010
Josephine "Joss" O'Malley will do whatever it takes to keep her mothers map making business from going belly up. The company was the only thing her mother left her when she died, her mother was a map maker, making old world maps, her mother loved maps, and so Joss looked at the company as her mothers legacy.
Rogan Reynolds company has just merged with the Brand Industries, wanting to use the name of Brand-O'Malley on his GPS products because of the reputation they have worldwide. The money he had paid for the company was gone though, Joss' father had run up so many debts before his death three months prior, that it took all of the money available. So when she needs a loan to keep the company going she is forced to ask Rogan for a loan, fortunately for her he is her fiance, so maybe he will help.
Hugh Hawksmoor has come from the year 1706 to avenge his brothers death and the man he is looking for is Joss' dad, Brand O'Malley. He also needs to find a map that Brand had used to alter the course of history.
This book was a real page turner. The sexual tension between Joss and Hugh was electric. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it. The descriptions of the bachelorette party was described so vividly that felt like you were right there,,and when Hugh used Joss' key card to access her office and then was caught and couldn't get out, and was forced to "strip" was so totally amusing. Really that was the tone of this book, always something happening, never a dull moment, Joss always seemed to be caught up in something, sometimes compromising positions, and that was the great thing about this book, it was like an adventure. Sometimes a tad unbelievable, I mean hey we are talking time travel after all, but everything flowed so easily that it really worked.
I enjoyed the way the story followed Joss' mothers story, I wish we would have been given more about Joss' mothers romance with Hugh's brother, because it seemed so romantic, how he was willing to risk everything to protect her.
I think Diane, was the perfect sidekick for Joss. She was always pushing Joss to step out on the edge just a bit, but always willing to do whatever for her friend.
If your looking for a little escapism, with romance, mystery,time travel. and humor along with a bit of an education on maps, well then this is the book for you.
A new to me author whose writing style I have fallen in love with, I can't wait to read more from Gwyn Cready!
Rogan Reynolds company has just merged with the Brand Industries, wanting to use the name of Brand-O'Malley on his GPS products because of the reputation they have worldwide. The money he had paid for the company was gone though, Joss' father had run up so many debts before his death three months prior, that it took all of the money available. So when she needs a loan to keep the company going she is forced to ask Rogan for a loan, fortunately for her he is her fiance, so maybe he will help.
Hugh Hawksmoor has come from the year 1706 to avenge his brothers death and the man he is looking for is Joss' dad, Brand O'Malley. He also needs to find a map that Brand had used to alter the course of history.
This book was a real page turner. The sexual tension between Joss and Hugh was electric. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it. The descriptions of the bachelorette party was described so vividly that felt like you were right there,,and when Hugh used Joss' key card to access her office and then was caught and couldn't get out, and was forced to "strip" was so totally amusing. Really that was the tone of this book, always something happening, never a dull moment, Joss always seemed to be caught up in something, sometimes compromising positions, and that was the great thing about this book, it was like an adventure. Sometimes a tad unbelievable, I mean hey we are talking time travel after all, but everything flowed so easily that it really worked.
I enjoyed the way the story followed Joss' mothers story, I wish we would have been given more about Joss' mothers romance with Hugh's brother, because it seemed so romantic, how he was willing to risk everything to protect her.
I think Diane, was the perfect sidekick for Joss. She was always pushing Joss to step out on the edge just a bit, but always willing to do whatever for her friend.
If your looking for a little escapism, with romance, mystery,time travel. and humor along with a bit of an education on maps, well then this is the book for you.
A new to me author whose writing style I have fallen in love with, I can't wait to read more from Gwyn Cready!
October 18, 2010
This story was more of an adventure story than romance in my opinion, with a lot of swashbuckling escapades going back and forth in time to solve the mystery. The romance kind of fell flat for me, so I'd say it's more for readers who want to read a great adventure story.
I really liked "The Beautiful Mapmaker" story that was the intro to most of the chapters. The little snippets of the romance that we got to see of Hugh's brother and Joss's mother were more of what I like to see in a romance-dreamy and more love than the physical aspect.
I liked how Hugh's story came together with Joss's and their pasts were interwoven, with Joss's mother and fairy tale tying the hero and heroine together.
The love story between Joss and Hugh didn't feel nearly as real or romantic as the love story from the past. Their relationship seemed all physical. Plus, there was the added obstacle of Joss's fiance. It didn't bother me that she had a fiance, because this was all part of the story, plus they had only been together a very short time. However, I didn't like to see their romantic scenes, I thought it took away from Joss and Hugh.
I liked how Hugh seemed almost innocent in his manner of speaking, but of course he wasn't at all. However, it seemed like he was more of a fantasy stereotype instead of a real person.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to readers who like a big adventure in their romance stories.
book sent by the publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I really liked "The Beautiful Mapmaker" story that was the intro to most of the chapters. The little snippets of the romance that we got to see of Hugh's brother and Joss's mother were more of what I like to see in a romance-dreamy and more love than the physical aspect.
I liked how Hugh's story came together with Joss's and their pasts were interwoven, with Joss's mother and fairy tale tying the hero and heroine together.
The love story between Joss and Hugh didn't feel nearly as real or romantic as the love story from the past. Their relationship seemed all physical. Plus, there was the added obstacle of Joss's fiance. It didn't bother me that she had a fiance, because this was all part of the story, plus they had only been together a very short time. However, I didn't like to see their romantic scenes, I thought it took away from Joss and Hugh.
I liked how Hugh seemed almost innocent in his manner of speaking, but of course he wasn't at all. However, it seemed like he was more of a fantasy stereotype instead of a real person.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to readers who like a big adventure in their romance stories.
book sent by the publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
December 19, 2010
Gwyn Cready has quickly become one of my favourite Romance authors - she combines fun plots and engaging characters, laughter and tragedy, intelligent dialogue and charismatic villains, providing unputdownable adventures and sizzling chemistry. I've read three so far of the four books published, and loved them all. They're not part of a series, but they all have one thing in common: time travel.
Josephine (commonly called "Joss") is doing everything she can to keep her mother's mapmaking business afloat since her father nearly ruined the company that it falls under. Now he's been dead three months and sexy entrepreneur Rogan Reynolds has stepped in to save the business - which includes her maps. Not only that, but Joss has agreed to marry him and already lives with him in his penthouse apartment. Everything's going as smoothly as it can with her wedding coming up soon, until one night she sees something very strange indeed and becomes very curious in the three strange occupants of a disused tailor shop - especially in the tall, dark and handsome Hugh.
In what seems like a convoluted plot but which you won't have any trouble following if you just stick with the first somewhat confusing chapters, Hugh and his companions have used a time portal to come to the present to find a map that Joss's father had stolen from the past - a map that made him a rich man and provided Joss with her luxurious childhood. By stealing it, he made sure a land change didn't go ahead that would have made a different family rich - instead they were beggared and forced to work in the mines.
And it turns out that Joss's mother, a skilled mapmaker herself, was from Hugh's time, and made three maps that provide clues as to the whereabouts of a hidden treasure - just not the one they're all hunting for. Joss is torn: she knows her father did a bad thing, she knows he wasn't a great man, but he was her father, and by changing the past (again), her own past would drastically alter, and not for the better. Then there's Rogan - Hugh suspects he's looking for the map as well, and has nefarious reasons for wanting to keep Joss close. Soon only a trip back to the past can possibly resolve the problems facing them.
Cready's books are so much more intelligent and lively than most Romance novels - I rather feel like rescuing them from the Romance section, simply because the genre gives us such low standards of what can be achieved. With Cready, I know I'm always in good hands. I find that I smile constantly while reading her books, and laugh out loud too. Not many books can make me laugh. I find them hard to put down, and this one was no exception. They're light on the sex side of things, being more concerned with plot development, character development and chemistry, but when there is sex it's tasteful and electrically charged (all that sexual tension, y'know).
So really, if there were one Romance author I'd recommend above all others, it'd be Gwyn Cready. I just love her books, and I'm always eagerly on the lookout for more.
Josephine (commonly called "Joss") is doing everything she can to keep her mother's mapmaking business afloat since her father nearly ruined the company that it falls under. Now he's been dead three months and sexy entrepreneur Rogan Reynolds has stepped in to save the business - which includes her maps. Not only that, but Joss has agreed to marry him and already lives with him in his penthouse apartment. Everything's going as smoothly as it can with her wedding coming up soon, until one night she sees something very strange indeed and becomes very curious in the three strange occupants of a disused tailor shop - especially in the tall, dark and handsome Hugh.
In what seems like a convoluted plot but which you won't have any trouble following if you just stick with the first somewhat confusing chapters, Hugh and his companions have used a time portal to come to the present to find a map that Joss's father had stolen from the past - a map that made him a rich man and provided Joss with her luxurious childhood. By stealing it, he made sure a land change didn't go ahead that would have made a different family rich - instead they were beggared and forced to work in the mines.
And it turns out that Joss's mother, a skilled mapmaker herself, was from Hugh's time, and made three maps that provide clues as to the whereabouts of a hidden treasure - just not the one they're all hunting for. Joss is torn: she knows her father did a bad thing, she knows he wasn't a great man, but he was her father, and by changing the past (again), her own past would drastically alter, and not for the better. Then there's Rogan - Hugh suspects he's looking for the map as well, and has nefarious reasons for wanting to keep Joss close. Soon only a trip back to the past can possibly resolve the problems facing them.
Cready's books are so much more intelligent and lively than most Romance novels - I rather feel like rescuing them from the Romance section, simply because the genre gives us such low standards of what can be achieved. With Cready, I know I'm always in good hands. I find that I smile constantly while reading her books, and laugh out loud too. Not many books can make me laugh. I find them hard to put down, and this one was no exception. They're light on the sex side of things, being more concerned with plot development, character development and chemistry, but when there is sex it's tasteful and electrically charged (all that sexual tension, y'know).
So really, if there were one Romance author I'd recommend above all others, it'd be Gwyn Cready. I just love her books, and I'm always eagerly on the lookout for more.
September 30, 2010
Along with mapmaking, Joss's mother was also an apt storyteller. She wove the story that Joss decided that would guide her through life. "The Beautiful Mapmaker" was that story. And with it, we also follow Joss's story in this book. That part I thought was brilliant. It gave you a guide to what was going on within the story and more importantly how Joss judged things in her life as good or bad. I also enjoyed the eventual pairing of Hugh and Joss. They make a good couple even when I wanted to kick Hugh in the butt for insisting that Joss be honest and trustworthy, but did not think he needed to be just that in return. The parts of himself he kept secret I would have thought had made Joss more suspicious, but yet, she trusted him wholly. I had a bit of a problem with that.
I also had a problem with the "bad" guy. Without giving too much away, I will say that his motives were absent. I just wasn't convinced that the one they found themselves running from was that evil. I think more of the story needed to be placed on his motives for being obsessed with Joss as well as wanting things to stay the same at all costs. In fact the one I couldn't stand throughout the book was Fiona and was hopeful it was her who was truly evil. She wasn't. In fact you could have lifted this person from the story and it would have ran even smoother. I could have seen a twist coming with this character, but the story ended without my twist.
I really wanted to love this book. I loved the way Hugh came to terms with his brother's death and the way the story followed her mother's stories so well. However, I just couldn't get into the ending. Twists and turns that I thought might come never did. Yes, that would have made it predictable, but it was better than a let down and not being able to put evil with the bad guy. The HEA just wasn't as satisfying because of that.
I give this book 3 stars. Other than what I felt was it's failings, I did enjoy most of the adventure.
I also had a problem with the "bad" guy. Without giving too much away, I will say that his motives were absent. I just wasn't convinced that the one they found themselves running from was that evil. I think more of the story needed to be placed on his motives for being obsessed with Joss as well as wanting things to stay the same at all costs. In fact the one I couldn't stand throughout the book was Fiona and was hopeful it was her who was truly evil. She wasn't. In fact you could have lifted this person from the story and it would have ran even smoother. I could have seen a twist coming with this character, but the story ended without my twist.
I really wanted to love this book. I loved the way Hugh came to terms with his brother's death and the way the story followed her mother's stories so well. However, I just couldn't get into the ending. Twists and turns that I thought might come never did. Yes, that would have made it predictable, but it was better than a let down and not being able to put evil with the bad guy. The HEA just wasn't as satisfying because of that.
I give this book 3 stars. Other than what I felt was it's failings, I did enjoy most of the adventure.
December 6, 2010
The idea of this book is a good one...time traveling to right wrongs, find treasure, fall in love, etc. The beginning of the book was intriguing and I was hooked, however things went downhill from there. I felt like the relationship between Hugh and Joss was kind of annoying. It was back and forth between them being angry with each other which grated on my nerves but what really took the cake for me was when Hugh was mad at Joss about something but then she told him she was a virgin (which was unrelated to why he was mad) and all of a sudden he forgives her. REALLY!?! I was put off by that. Their relationship did not seem to be a very healthy one.
Another problem I had was the whole issue with Rogan, Joss' fiance. His motives are so vague and it seems like his part was just slapped into the story without much thought or care. Maybe if some more back story about his motives was given then it would be more believable.
I had high hopes for enjoying this story but it fell short. It wasn't a terrible book, it was just okay...the kind of book to read when you want something light and frivolous.
Another problem I had was the whole issue with Rogan, Joss' fiance. His motives are so vague and it seems like his part was just slapped into the story without much thought or care. Maybe if some more back story about his motives was given then it would be more believable.
I had high hopes for enjoying this story but it fell short. It wasn't a terrible book, it was just okay...the kind of book to read when you want something light and frivolous.
September 25, 2010
Aching for Always by Gwyn Cready
This book depicts a strong woman facing both her past and her future which is complicated by the distortion of time. Torn between morality, self respect and the love of two men, Joss O’Malley prevails.
I guess there really is a sub-genre of romantic fantasy. There is very little fantasy in the traditional scifi/fantasy arena. There is a great deal of sexual fantasy in the story. Hugh Hawksmoor is driven by grief and a desire for revenge. Joss O’Malley is focused on maintaining what she perceives as her mother’s legacy. The clash of emotions and time impacted morality give a certain panache to the book. I liked the book in spite of the predominant soap opera flavor.
I recommend the book.
This book depicts a strong woman facing both her past and her future which is complicated by the distortion of time. Torn between morality, self respect and the love of two men, Joss O’Malley prevails.
I guess there really is a sub-genre of romantic fantasy. There is very little fantasy in the traditional scifi/fantasy arena. There is a great deal of sexual fantasy in the story. Hugh Hawksmoor is driven by grief and a desire for revenge. Joss O’Malley is focused on maintaining what she perceives as her mother’s legacy. The clash of emotions and time impacted morality give a certain panache to the book. I liked the book in spite of the predominant soap opera flavor.
I recommend the book.
September 4, 2018
fun and timeless..ha ha
May 22, 2019
Awesome!
July 14, 2023
Not historically accurate. Definitely more of an adventure story than a romance.
October 3, 2010
Josephine "Joss" O'Malley had tried everything to keeping her mother's map making business from going under. It didn't help that her father had used up thier fortune and put the company in debt before he died or that it was the age of the GPS. But, Joss was determined to save her business. Reluctantly, she went to her fiance, Rogan Reynolds for another substantial loan. Rogan had been trying to purchase the Brand-O'Malley name for his GPS products. But, Joss had always and would always refuse to sell. It was the only legacy her mother left behind.
Hugh Hawksmoor travelled through a portal from 1706 to the present, to retrieve a map and search for the man responsible for his brother's death. His intention was to avenge his brother and alter the course of history, by setting things right. Imagine his surprise, when he discovered, the man he wanted to kill was already dead, and the woman he couldn't stop thinking about was his daughter.
I enjoyed the sexual tension that built up between Joss and Hugh. I literally didn't know what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed the internal struggles each had. Joss believed she loved Rogan, but she didn't feel the fire and passion for him, that she felt for Hugh. Hugh struggled with the knowledge, Joss was the daughter of the man he wanted to kill, but also the daughter of the woman he loved as a mother. Did she know about her father's wrong doings? Was she just as guilty?
I loved the concept of time travel and the cause and effects of altering history. I think the author did a wonderful job in producing such an incident. I also think that using maps as a way to alter history, such as altering land borders and terrain, was a thought provoking concept. Can you imagine the outcome if such a thing was possible? I found myself wondering, what my reaction would be, if someone pulled me through a portal and began talking about time travel...Would it be like Joss's? The world, both past and present, were richly detailed, that it was easy to distinguish which time period was which.
Overall, this is the first book, I have read from this author. It wasn't till after the fact, that I learned there were other books. Thankfully, this book was a stand alone. It isn't often, I read a time travel novel, that is not only fluid, but has a very intriguing plot. The utilization of maps in this story was brilliantly done. I thought the characters were very engaging, but more than that, they were interesting. The sexual tension between Joss and Hugh, teased me with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see if these two could get over thier obstacles and finally get together. The mystery with the maps intrigued me and the danger of the quest thrilled me. But mostly, it was the overall story that satisfied me.
Hugh Hawksmoor travelled through a portal from 1706 to the present, to retrieve a map and search for the man responsible for his brother's death. His intention was to avenge his brother and alter the course of history, by setting things right. Imagine his surprise, when he discovered, the man he wanted to kill was already dead, and the woman he couldn't stop thinking about was his daughter.
I enjoyed the sexual tension that built up between Joss and Hugh. I literally didn't know what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed the internal struggles each had. Joss believed she loved Rogan, but she didn't feel the fire and passion for him, that she felt for Hugh. Hugh struggled with the knowledge, Joss was the daughter of the man he wanted to kill, but also the daughter of the woman he loved as a mother. Did she know about her father's wrong doings? Was she just as guilty?
I loved the concept of time travel and the cause and effects of altering history. I think the author did a wonderful job in producing such an incident. I also think that using maps as a way to alter history, such as altering land borders and terrain, was a thought provoking concept. Can you imagine the outcome if such a thing was possible? I found myself wondering, what my reaction would be, if someone pulled me through a portal and began talking about time travel...Would it be like Joss's? The world, both past and present, were richly detailed, that it was easy to distinguish which time period was which.
Overall, this is the first book, I have read from this author. It wasn't till after the fact, that I learned there were other books. Thankfully, this book was a stand alone. It isn't often, I read a time travel novel, that is not only fluid, but has a very intriguing plot. The utilization of maps in this story was brilliantly done. I thought the characters were very engaging, but more than that, they were interesting. The sexual tension between Joss and Hugh, teased me with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see if these two could get over thier obstacles and finally get together. The mystery with the maps intrigued me and the danger of the quest thrilled me. But mostly, it was the overall story that satisfied me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2011
For some reason my brain was not altogether there when I started reading this book because I kept getting confused at the very beginning. I'm not sure why, but it took me an awful long time to get into it and I, in fact, carried it around in my bag for a good two months. Once I did, I flew right through it. I always enjoy Gwyn's stories and the fact that she mentions so many places in our hometown. It's fun to read along while being able to imagine exactly where the characters are. I used to be a messenger in downtown Pittsburgh for many, many years and I know the exact alley where the tailor's shop was located (and of course any good Pittsburgher knows the Dollar Bank building and its famous lions). I haven't been into the downtown area for quite some time so it was nice to revisit those places via this book, as well as her others. As always, Gwyn has a great way of describing her male characters that makes you want to salivate. I first found this author as a result of a Colin Firth Google alert because her first book, "Seducing Mr. Darcy" makes frequent mention of Colin. I knew immediately that Gwyn was surely a kindred soul! This book continues to prove that thought. Our hero, Hugh Hawksmoor, is described as looking a bit like Patrick Dempsey, another of my favorites! (and towards the end Gwyn again manages to squeeze Colin's name in!)
**MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS** (nothing major)
Storywise I did have some questions though. I may have just missed this (as I said, my brain was in a reduced state) but I never could quite figure out who Nathaniel was or what his purpose was to the storyline. I also had kind of hoped that maybe somewhere along the line, Joss would have perhaps remembered something about Hugh (Monk) from when she was a child. She kept mentioning his seemingly unforgettable eyes and I thought maybe that was something that would have jarred her memory. Or perhaps she would have overheard Nathaniel calling him Monk and that would have jarred something. Anything. I had just hoped that at some point before the end that she would have maybe had a flash of a childhood memroy involving Hugh. (Then again, I remember absolutely nothing of my youth, so.....) I also didn't like the fact that Joss was so young. I think the description for that feeling might be called "resentment"! hahaha.
All in all, a lovely read - as usual!
**MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS** (nothing major)
Storywise I did have some questions though. I may have just missed this (as I said, my brain was in a reduced state) but I never could quite figure out who Nathaniel was or what his purpose was to the storyline. I also had kind of hoped that maybe somewhere along the line, Joss would have perhaps remembered something about Hugh (Monk) from when she was a child. She kept mentioning his seemingly unforgettable eyes and I thought maybe that was something that would have jarred her memory. Or perhaps she would have overheard Nathaniel calling him Monk and that would have jarred something. Anything. I had just hoped that at some point before the end that she would have maybe had a flash of a childhood memroy involving Hugh. (Then again, I remember absolutely nothing of my youth, so.....) I also didn't like the fact that Joss was so young. I think the description for that feeling might be called "resentment"! hahaha.
All in all, a lovely read - as usual!
May 2, 2011
What can I say about this book?
It was pegged as romance with time travelling elements and on the whole it does do exactly what it says on the tin. The only thing is that it doesn't really do either well and it is more on the who done it that who does who.
The characters are instantly foregettable and I found myself not routing for any one in particular to succeed in there task. Even the "bad guy".
The "steamy" scenes aren't all that great and the hero is meah at best. So why the three stars, I hear you ask? Why not lower?
Because I found myself intrguied with the map puzzel and I rather liked the conclusion of it.
Fine the author manages to come up with a reasonable explination on the whole time travel possible brain exploding by saying that if you change the future by going into the past or future, the person or persons who were time travelling and either went into the past or future to influence events would still retain their original memories regardless of the change. (confusing? Makes Lost seem positivly pre-school, huh?) I glossed over this as the outcome of the whole map thing was dealt with in a really clever way.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this as much as the authors other work, Seducing Mr. Darcywhich I enjoyed much better. I still have Flirting with Foreverto read. I'm not giving up on the author, just that this book isn't a keeper for me.
It was pegged as romance with time travelling elements and on the whole it does do exactly what it says on the tin. The only thing is that it doesn't really do either well and it is more on the who done it that who does who.
The characters are instantly foregettable and I found myself not routing for any one in particular to succeed in there task. Even the "bad guy".
The "steamy" scenes aren't all that great and the hero is meah at best. So why the three stars, I hear you ask? Why not lower?
Because I found myself intrguied with the map puzzel and I rather liked the conclusion of it.
Fine the author manages to come up with a reasonable explination on the whole time travel possible brain exploding by saying that if you change the future by going into the past or future, the person or persons who were time travelling and either went into the past or future to influence events would still retain their original memories regardless of the change. (confusing? Makes Lost seem positivly pre-school, huh?) I glossed over this as the outcome of the whole map thing was dealt with in a really clever way.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this as much as the authors other work, Seducing Mr. Darcywhich I enjoyed much better. I still have Flirting with Foreverto read. I'm not giving up on the author, just that this book isn't a keeper for me.
November 20, 2010
Aching for Always is a flirty, fun book that has a lot of interesting information in addition to a great romance and a well-paced adventure.
The level of detail in this book, whether it be regarding the historical periods covered by the book, or mapmaking, or even the characters' feeling and motivations, was easily my favorite part of the book. I got a good picture of what goes into making a map as well as details about life and behavior in other time periods, which is something I always enjoy as as a reader.
The romance and the developing relationship between Joss and Hugh is exciting and fun to read about, as they both have to overcome their issues and figure out how they're going to be together...or if they even want to be together. SUSPENSE!
I thought the added element of the role that Joss's fiance played in the story mixed things up in a good way, and the extra excitement from the stuff you do in the past having an effect in the present/future when you time travel was interesting as well. This is definitely the kind of book that you have to buy into and accept the rules of the world for what they are in order to fully enjoy the story, but if (like me) you were able to do that then this was a very fun book indeed.
Overall Grade: A
Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?
The level of detail in this book, whether it be regarding the historical periods covered by the book, or mapmaking, or even the characters' feeling and motivations, was easily my favorite part of the book. I got a good picture of what goes into making a map as well as details about life and behavior in other time periods, which is something I always enjoy as as a reader.
The romance and the developing relationship between Joss and Hugh is exciting and fun to read about, as they both have to overcome their issues and figure out how they're going to be together...or if they even want to be together. SUSPENSE!
I thought the added element of the role that Joss's fiance played in the story mixed things up in a good way, and the extra excitement from the stuff you do in the past having an effect in the present/future when you time travel was interesting as well. This is definitely the kind of book that you have to buy into and accept the rules of the world for what they are in order to fully enjoy the story, but if (like me) you were able to do that then this was a very fun book indeed.
Overall Grade: A
Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?
September 29, 2010
Josephine “Joss” O’Malley is trying really hard to keep her family’s map business afloat. It is hard. Joss’s father used up all their fortune and business has been slow. Joss already has a loan but she needs to ask to borrow more money. It won’t be so bad if the man Joss had to ask to borrow money wasn’t her fiancé, Rogan Reynolds.
Hugh Hawksmoor has come from the past. He is in search of Brand O’Malley. Brand killed his brother. Hugh and Joss don’t really hit things off right away but it isn’t long before Hugh learns that Joss is the daughter of Brand. Now Hugh must decide wheather to seek revenge or let the past become the past.
I liked this book. Aching for Always is the second novel I have read by Mrs. Cready. I found Joss’s fiancé to be mean and crude. So glad that he didn’t make much of an appearance in this story. I liked Joss. She was full of life and personality. While I thought Hugh and Joss were good together, I just wished that I felt a stronger spark between them. For me anyways, Hugh and Joss were slow to grow chemistry between them. Overall, I am aching for more Mrs. Cready.
Hugh Hawksmoor has come from the past. He is in search of Brand O’Malley. Brand killed his brother. Hugh and Joss don’t really hit things off right away but it isn’t long before Hugh learns that Joss is the daughter of Brand. Now Hugh must decide wheather to seek revenge or let the past become the past.
I liked this book. Aching for Always is the second novel I have read by Mrs. Cready. I found Joss’s fiancé to be mean and crude. So glad that he didn’t make much of an appearance in this story. I liked Joss. She was full of life and personality. While I thought Hugh and Joss were good together, I just wished that I felt a stronger spark between them. For me anyways, Hugh and Joss were slow to grow chemistry between them. Overall, I am aching for more Mrs. Cready.
March 6, 2011
Lets get the somewhat less positive out of the way, this book didn't keep my interest locked in, I had to make myself read at a few spots and my love for this author's work is what made me keep on trucking. That being said, this book is pretty good and has some pretty awesome elements.
This is the type of book I like to say has something for everyone: betrayal, sea-men, cute shoes, vengeance, fashion, lust, babies, there is a ton going on in this story. I love Joss, she is pretty awesome, and the way the book starts out, your mouth will be agape, trust me. Oh, Joss, she is a strong women who learns to listen to her heart and her head at the same time, something a lot of romance heroines are unable to do and something I admire. The dashing Hugh is also very appealing, he is handsome, large, a naval captain, and he knows his way around a female's body.
The plot is what makes the book hard to hold on to, it felt sort of like it skipped around a bit and I had a problem understanding a few scenes, like the writing was a bit jumbled. Overall please don't let that stop you, give this book a try, you won't regret it!
This is the type of book I like to say has something for everyone: betrayal, sea-men, cute shoes, vengeance, fashion, lust, babies, there is a ton going on in this story. I love Joss, she is pretty awesome, and the way the book starts out, your mouth will be agape, trust me. Oh, Joss, she is a strong women who learns to listen to her heart and her head at the same time, something a lot of romance heroines are unable to do and something I admire. The dashing Hugh is also very appealing, he is handsome, large, a naval captain, and he knows his way around a female's body.
The plot is what makes the book hard to hold on to, it felt sort of like it skipped around a bit and I had a problem understanding a few scenes, like the writing was a bit jumbled. Overall please don't let that stop you, give this book a try, you won't regret it!
May 10, 2012
I loved how they were able to travel from one time to the next and back again. Instead of the usual of getting stuck in one time and not able to get back until the end of the book.
Love the story, it kept me glued to the book until my eyes ached, but I had to finish it.
Josephine and Hugh not talking was annoying. They were always guessing at what the other was thinking, which leads to stupid problems and hurt feelings that I find annoying and stupid.
Plus, at the end, when they finally make love he asks if she has ever been with another woman..."what the heck?! Is this how her 'knight' she has been waiting for all her life talks to her.... Is this what any hero and knight asks a woman once she finds him...And to finish it off he asks if she'd ever thought of being with two men. This just made me ill. It didn't fit into the book. Every good thought I had of him went downhill. The fact that I had come to like his character just died and my stomach turned. So much for a romance and maturity. Maybe now that those two awkward (stupid) questions are out of the way they can move on with life....I don't know..lol..
Love the story, it kept me glued to the book until my eyes ached, but I had to finish it.
Josephine and Hugh not talking was annoying. They were always guessing at what the other was thinking, which leads to stupid problems and hurt feelings that I find annoying and stupid.
Plus, at the end, when they finally make love he asks if she has ever been with another woman..."what the heck?! Is this how her 'knight' she has been waiting for all her life talks to her.... Is this what any hero and knight asks a woman once she finds him...And to finish it off he asks if she'd ever thought of being with two men. This just made me ill. It didn't fit into the book. Every good thought I had of him went downhill. The fact that I had come to like his character just died and my stomach turned. So much for a romance and maturity. Maybe now that those two awkward (stupid) questions are out of the way they can move on with life....I don't know..lol..
March 15, 2012
What a fun story! The worst thing about it, IMHO, was the title. It just didn't grab me. I haven't read this author before, but put this on my to-read list based on the summary. Trouble is, every time I perused my to-read list, I couldn't remember what this story was supposed to be about, so I went on to something else.
Finally, I picked it up, and I am glad I did. This was a time travel romance set largely in modern day. It involved the misdeeds of the heroine's father, and the man who traveled through time for revenge.
Joss is already engaged when the book begins, but that didn't bother me. Rogan, her fiance, isn't a great guy, but he's not some classic a****** either. Oh, he has his faults, but it wasn't over the top, which I appreciated.
Both Hugh and Joss learn things about themselves in this book. Hugh learns about the perils of leading a life of vengeance. Joss learns who she is, separate from her mother and the things she images her long-dead mother would have wanted for her.
Highly recommend to romance readers.
www.christineamsden.com
Finally, I picked it up, and I am glad I did. This was a time travel romance set largely in modern day. It involved the misdeeds of the heroine's father, and the man who traveled through time for revenge.
Joss is already engaged when the book begins, but that didn't bother me. Rogan, her fiance, isn't a great guy, but he's not some classic a****** either. Oh, he has his faults, but it wasn't over the top, which I appreciated.
Both Hugh and Joss learn things about themselves in this book. Hugh learns about the perils of leading a life of vengeance. Joss learns who she is, separate from her mother and the things she images her long-dead mother would have wanted for her.
Highly recommend to romance readers.
www.christineamsden.com
October 4, 2010
Gwyn Cready has done another outstanding job at writing a time travel romance. This is the second one I have read by her and enjoyed it immensely. There are a lot of subplots to keep track of and if you think of the time shifting back and forth as another character, the book is really enjoyable. Joss is a strong female lead who is trying to keep her mother's map business afloat with the help of her slimy fiance, Rogan. I did not like Rogan at all. When Hugh comes into Joss's life, he is much more than a sea captain, he time travels to her and takes her back in time.
I loved how Joss learned to trust herself and not rely on modern conveniences, but her own wits to survive. Hugh is dashing and a worthy hero. Yes, he is swoon-worthy and a nice foil to Rogan. The series really takes the romance to a wonderful place. The map metaphor is perfect for this story. I really enjoyed it a lot.
I loved how Joss learned to trust herself and not rely on modern conveniences, but her own wits to survive. Hugh is dashing and a worthy hero. Yes, he is swoon-worthy and a nice foil to Rogan. The series really takes the romance to a wonderful place. The map metaphor is perfect for this story. I really enjoyed it a lot.
October 3, 2010
ACHING FOR ALWAYS BY GWYN CREADY is a time travel romance set in 1684 Scotland,England and present day Pittsburgh. It is well written with details, depth, fast paced and a page turner. It has time travel, mapmakers, romance, adventure, sensuality, avenge, treacherous journey through time, making right a wrong committed centuries ago to many families, and finding true love. The characters are charming, entertain ting, intelligent, spirited, full of intrigue, sexy, an eighteenth-century English navy captain and a modern day mapmakers daughter. This is an exciting story of avenge, correcting a wrong,an old world seduction meets a modern day girl. If you enjoy time travel, Scotland, England, seduction, and finding your true love you will enjoy this one. This is a highly entertaining story, with twists and turns. This book was received for review from the publisher and details can be found at Pocket Books Romance, a trademark of Simon and Schuster, Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.
June 11, 2013
I've always been a generous reader, giving the author at least one hundred fifty pages to grab me. Some do it better than others. Sometimes it's me. It was definitely me this time.
I read the Prologue and thought I was on board with what was happening. For some reason I was getting characters mixed up and had to keep going back to re-read the Prologue. It was frustrating. I stuck with it and I was ever so happy I did.
I realized I went into this book expecting it to be anything but what it was, an exceptional tale with twists and turns and a love story that I will long remember.
The book is funny, tense, sexy, intelligent, original and written so well. I can't say enough about it. I can't wait to read more. And that's why I gave her five stars...she leaves me wanting more of her unique style of writing.
I read the Prologue and thought I was on board with what was happening. For some reason I was getting characters mixed up and had to keep going back to re-read the Prologue. It was frustrating. I stuck with it and I was ever so happy I did.
I realized I went into this book expecting it to be anything but what it was, an exceptional tale with twists and turns and a love story that I will long remember.
The book is funny, tense, sexy, intelligent, original and written so well. I can't say enough about it. I can't wait to read more. And that's why I gave her five stars...she leaves me wanting more of her unique style of writing.
June 27, 2011
I would say this book is a better adventure book than romance. The information about old maps and treasures was promising and I really enjoyed the first part of this book. After that it seemed to go nowhere and I had issues with the characters romance. The heroine was engaged to one man, only to find herself attracted to another, and ultimately to fall in love with him. I didn't see much evidence for this progression.
I also felt the book could have been shorter and some mundane dialogue removed. Still, this was a fun read and it held my interest.
I also felt the book could have been shorter and some mundane dialogue removed. Still, this was a fun read and it held my interest.
November 4, 2010
It took me almost halfway through this book before I was able to really get into it, then I did really like it. There were parts of this that were very funny, parts of it that were confusing, and parts that were just plain weird. Joss and Hugh made a really good couple and the ending was just perfect!!
March 20, 2011
Knew I would like this one as soon as I read that the name of the map-making company was...wait for it....Brand O'Malley! Some parts were hard to follow, figuring out the past section and who was who in the present, but all becomes clear as the story goes on.
January 30, 2011
Newest book by Gwyn Cready....
January 7, 2011
Fun time travel romance. I don't think this has the same zing as Tumbling through Time, also by Gwyn Cready.
January 25, 2011
Another great book from Gwyn
October 10, 2011
I kind of enjoy these historical time travel books. :)
October 26, 2011
The prologue was really good, set in the past. Sadly, once the book started and we fast forwarded to today, the characters were unbelievable. I couldn't get into it. :(
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