Untimely Return

An Untimely Romance #2

by J. Wells

A curse placed on the Richardson family from long ago has thrust Dannika back and forth through time, wreaking havoc on the family, finishing what was started long ago. While cast back into a time that is terribly unfamiliar, Dannika finds her aunt, Heather Richardson, who had mysteriously disappeared years earlier, and encounters a virtuous man who is passionately in love with her.




Back in the twentieth century, the Richardson family accused Ruben Brown of fowl play. Dannika knows this, and yet she needs Ruben for support and maybe more. Losing Dannika would be all the family could take, so Dannika must see Ruben at her own risk. Was Ruben innocent? Who knows. The circumstance of Heather's disappearance was too unreal, too unfathomable. But when Dannika is summoned back in time, she begins to unravel the secrets behind not only Heather's disappearance, but a curse that has brought her into a twisted love triangle that spans hundreds of years, a curse that has ruined Ruben's life, shattered the Richardson family, and sent Dannika's heart into turmoil.



Unbeknownst to the Richardson family, Freesdon Manor was built upon a stone church where a wicked curse set the path for this complex web that is twisting through the fabric of time. Although she is strong willed, Dannika is caught up in a cancerous web of relationships, jealousy, and lust as she is thrust through time. Will she set her family free from this curse before it finally takes its toll? Or will evil rule the day? With it's physiological twists and turns, this must read time-travel novel brings generations together, unearthing a compelling family secret.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2014

About the author

Judy and Laura Wells are a mother and daughter writing duo from the heart of England. Between the two of them they own three beautiful but mad Japanese Shiba Inus and two not so active tortoises.

They’ve dabbled with a few different genres in the past, but contemporary romance has been their first love since they began writing. Perfect Imperfections is Book One in their Moments series.

Reviews

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in return for a honest review, the Author was very kind to share it with me, thank you.

Untimely left us wondering why Ruben was the way he was and what would happen to him now that Heather was gone, in this sequel we see what happens to her family as they fall apart after her disappearance. Poor Ruben is blamed when Heather fails to reappear and takes to the bottle as his mother did to hide his pain. No one will believe his story and Beth just thinks she was imagining Heather and Frank fading into the past, as part of her drunken state. Now Dannika is grown and she looks so much like her Aunt Heather that Ruben cant help but to fall for her. Dannika is very different from her Aunt and she is able to see Ruben for the tortured soul that he is. She is further able to see what propels him to act out as he has in the past, by her gift of slipping between time. Talk about Astral projection!
This book further explains the role that Anna plays, and introduces Kathy, Dannika's Great Grandmother whose life intertwines with that of Anna and Charles Boswell, Franks predecessor...Alfred who is the little boy who we see playing with Dannika as a child, is all grown up and in love with Dannika. Only he is unable to change the past and just reinforces the future, and in so doing loses his Dannika. We travel in a circle through past and future.
The language and writing is exceptional. The story is compelling, beautifully woven and spellbinding. I was drawn into the novel and found it hard to put down.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Reads. The authors graciously offered a copy of the book to read and review since I read the first book of this series. This gift was in exchange for an honest review.

First, do not read book 2 unless you have read book 1--it is not a standalone. Second, go read book 1 and then buy book 2.

Wow. Just wow. My brain feels like it took a round in a blender. Holy cow, there were so many twists and turns; multiple plots weaved in the past, present, and future. I'm just so impressed with how the authors were able to create such a complicated tale between two books so flawlessly.

In book 1, you have an intermingling of lives with Heather, Ruben, Frankie, and Anna. In book 2, we add Danny and Alfie to the equation. In book 1, I admit I couldn't stand Ruben. Now, I understand him; I know longer hate him. I got answers to many questions, dots were connected, mysteries solved, and my head is still spinning.

The authors have brilliantly weaved a tale that spans the past, present, and future...all at the same time. Like I stated, psychological twists and turns galore. You've got time travel, mystery, romance, visions, witches, hangings, drowning, family curses, and hauntings. Phew, lots to take in, but I loved it. You have to use your brain with this read.

The ending! Oh my heck, the ending! Seriously, the ending!!! Without giving any spoilers, I'm guessing the actions of one unsaid character makes it all come full circle? I hope I'm getting it right, but I still have questions...I'll shoot the authors a message so I don't reveal anything in the review.

So, go forth and read...especially if you've already read book 1. Enjoy.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review

Untimely Return is the second book in the An Untimely Romance series and is told in the perspective of Dannika. Dannika is a real flirt so she gets involved with a lot of guys: Alfred, Ruben and Kai. It's hard for her to pick a guy because they all have their pros and cons. Besides the jealousy and lust, there's a much bigger problem: the family curse. Is Dannika able to break the curse?

It was hard for me to come into the story because it's been a long time since I've read the first book in the An Untimely Romance series but after reading a few chapters I was completely hooked. 

There were a lot of plot twists I didn't see coming and it made the book really interesting. I really wanted to know why things happened the way they did and what the consequences were. There were a lot of things connected to each other, which made it all so intriguing. The story is really original and interesting!

I want to thank J. Wells and L. Wells for giving me an ARC copy, you guys are the best!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will post my full review on my blog tour date...March 16 (so stay tuned) but for now I will sat that I loved this book the writing is beautiful and the complexity of time travel has been thought out to the last detail. I definitely liked this one better than book one but I am glad I read both :)

Full Review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
I read book one of this series in the summer as part of a blog tour and I really liked it so when the opportunity to read book two for another blog tour came up I signed up ASAP. I have to say I loved this book and I liked it more than book one, that being said book one was a great foundation for the series it's just this one had a bit more mystery, excitement and stunning revelation, it held my attention and I read though it rather quickly, hanging on every word. This review may contain spoilers, if you have not read book one then it definitely will lol.
First I want to talk about the writing, it's fantastic, I felt the same about book one, the descriptions are so detailed and well structured I feel like I am standing in the middle of the picturesque manor or the surrounding grounds. I love how the differnces in the centuries is small yet done in such a way it's easy to tell when you are. This brings me to talk about the time travel aspect, now I think this is a tricky subject to write about, each little thing effects so much more when you add jumping back and forth, but in this book I found that the hodge podge that I thought was book one was really a perfectly laid out plan with a perfectly laid out exicution and I am very happy with how everything was wrapped up in a beautifully cursed bow and I am still happy about how it all went, even things that I thought were insignificant actually had their place in the curse of the manor and the people surrounding it.
Now lets talk about the characters, I have to start with Ruben because I had a very strong negative feeling about him in the first book ( I am told his character has been changed a bit since I have read it) I found him to just be a terrible human being, with no excuses for his actions, well then I read this book and I was taken on a very emotional ride with him, I don't think I could every totally forgive him but getting such a very different look at his life and the giant bomb dropped at the end changed a few things for me. I guess like all the others in this tale he(they) was doomed by time and a curse, and they never had any control over what would happen to them. I think I kinda had the same ride with Dannika as I did with Ruben, I mean I felt for her but sometimes I thought she was bratty and spoiled, but I think she played her part as best she could and I found more of a connection with her then I did with Heather (her aunt from book one) I felt like she was a bit smarter about the time traveling romances and I felt like she found answers a little faster but I think having Anna on her side and not as an enemy, well sorta, helped her out a lot.
The ending blew me away I was very taken aback and I am so so so so glad I got to read this beautifully complex and fantastic series, please get your copies today!!

[texxie-PRUFreads.blogspot.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars



***Please note, gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review***



Untimely Return picks up years later where Dannika, Heather's then six year old niece is now a young adult. I have to say, I LOATHED this character. She drew my interest immediately, at the very beginning but once she stumbled upon a certain someone in the woods, I hated her from that point on. She's childish, selfish and seems to simply get off on messing with the emotions and minds of basically every man she comes in contact with. She gave me whiplash with her back and forth and therefore none of her words of "love" rang true regardless of who she was telling them to at any given moment.

I think I would have enjoyed this book much more had I not had such a strong dislike for multiple characters. Dannika set the tone but then there's also Beth who disgusts me. She should have lost her license (she's a nurse) a long time ago. She is the epitome of dysfunction and enabled the person she was supposed to care for. And then there's Ruben. I felt sorry for him for about 2 seconds at the beginning of the book but then went right back to hating him due to some "feelings" that literally came out of nowhere. These "feelings" were for a character that should have been completely off limits, not to mention there was zero chemistry. None.

Alfred was, by far, my favorite character. I loved that he wasn't the typical male lead. He wasn't a Greek god, nor was he afraid to where his heart on his sleeve. He had me on edge for a bit though. I needed him to man up and stand up for himself. He was able to love in a place where I saw none was worthy.

I'm not usually a historical romance kind of girl but in this case, I really loved the world created here. I only wish it hadn't been tainted by characters I just couldn't get on board with no matter how hard I tried. While the story itself was a little hard to follow at times due to a lot of information being given all at once and the back and forth century hopping, overall the plot is both intriguing and clever.

Originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/

[Cinta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent a free copy of the book by the authors in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book in the series and I was curious to know how the story would continue. I haven't hated this book, but I couldn't see myself loving it either. Mainly because of the many typos and even missing words; they distracted me too much as to enjoy the reading. The book definitely needs an extra round of edits and proofreading.

After Heather disappeared more than ten years ago, things have changed a lot in the family. Danica is no longer a little child and all the strange events in her family have contributed to shape her rebel and unstable personality. It doesn't help either that her best friend, Alfred, seems to belong to past times. Other people from Danica and Heather's past will show up. Traveling back and forwards in time, Danica will discover secrets about the Manor and the past inhabitants of the Manor. Is there a curse on her family? If so, how does Danica's family got involved in that? Join Danica in this convoluted tale of secrets, lies, and mysteries.

My main problem with the story is that it is way too complicated. Too many characters, too many different names for the same characters, and too many travels back and forth in time can make the reader confused. I didn't know what was going on sometimes. The fact that it is a paranormal story doesn't mean that it has to be complicated. The story has a lot of potential, but I would have loved to see a clearer and more gripping plot.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: I was given a copy of Untimely Return from Reading bliss for an honest review. I got to go straight from reading Untimely to reading Untimely return; it was nice to be able to just keep reading. Dannika’s family had a curse on her family and she is being taken back and forth through time, making things very hard on her family. While she is back in time she finds her aunt that had been missing. And finds a man who is in love with her. Although, Ruben is accused of fowl play by Dannika’s family she still feels the need to rely on him for support. If Dannika’s family were to lose her they would probably fall apart, so Dannika has to sneak around seeing Ruben. No one knows if Ruben is innocent. Dannika is suddenly summoned back in time and she finds clues as to why Heather her aunt disappeared but a curse that has brought her into a twisted love triangle that spans over hundreds of years and a curse that ruined Ruben’s life, shattered the Richardson family and sends Dannika’s heard into turmoil. This book has a lot of drama, heartbreak, love and mysterious ness to it. I really enjoyed this book. There were times that I had no idea what was going to happen next. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have just finished Untimely 1 and able to jump right into book 2, this helped me enjoy Danny story much. Danika is the niece of Heather and her young life has been overshadowed by the disappearance of her Aunt Heather. Now herself a young adult and experiencing true love and heartbreak she chances upon her aunt's great secret. At the same time she learns of a deep seated evil that has been influencing her family of those close her for generations.

Danny is young but joyful character. I feel a deep connection to her that I lacked in her aunt's story. Though at times the jargon was confusing once again I put this down to me not being a Brit, overall I enjoyed the novel and liked how you gain understanding. This book ties up loose ends from book 1 and answers questions I didn't even know I had. If you read the 1st book high would say for sure you have to read this one. Also if you want to read this one I say read the 1st book before hand.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.....HONESTLY, this book is amazing! You have to really pay attention to detail to keep up with what is happening, so it's not a light read, but it is well worth paying that extra attention because the way the characters interact over the different centuries is amazing. There are parts of the book that will make you want to cry, characters you will love, others that you will hate and they all come together perfectly. The way they revolve around each other, and the reason they can travel through time, it's just too hard to explain. You will have to read the book, and you will enjoy reading as the puzzle pieces come together. You don't need to have read book one, Untimely, to read this book, but I recommend you do, purely because it too is an amazing story.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Untimely as part of a read/review program, however the author was kind enough to send this book along, as it answers all of the questions hanging from the previous book.

I thought Dannika (Danny) was a bit more mature, and likable, than Heather, though not by much! Same characters as before, though the timeline has jumped forward about 14 years (I think).

Aside from minor editing errors, this book was a lot easier for me. I'm not sure if it was because I was already used to the writing style and language, but I didn't have to look up as many words or re-read passages. Upon reflection, I'm thinking there were actually less old-time-y words used. Anyhow, Danny is the one to connect the dots. The POV mainly follows her, but there are at least 2 other POVs, including the prologue.

[L.L. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the first book, and aren't sure whether this is going to live up it? Well, forget all that, because this book knocks it out of the park! Its an amazingly written piece, so poetic and with vivid detail that makes you feel like you are there walking in Dannika's shoes. I love Dannika so much more than Heather, but at times i wanted to scream at her and hit her through the pages, her choices are not smart at times, but in the end you're not only left satified, but blown away at the conclusion. You also find out some shocking revelations, and who shot Frank in book 1!! Not telling, i promise, you wiill be gasping in shock, and saying "no way!" There are so many of these moments that leave you speechless. All i can say is GO PICK UP THIS BOOK NOW!!!

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author sent this in exchange for an honest review and it was a pleasure to do this. I read the first book and really, really enjoyed it, so I have been looking forward to the second. She did not let me down, this is an incredible read that you will not be able to lay down. The flow of the story to the characters will keep you spell bound. I was sure a dozen times that I had everything figured out and knew where it was headed and screech, it took a 180 on me and I was back at square one. You will not want for action or for the up and down of the emotions. The story line is one that we have all heard on one time or another but our author has put a twist on it that you will not see coming. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for a review. This is the second book in the series. Heather is back in the nineteenth century with the man she loves. Times has gone on in current times. Dannika is now grown. She has a love interest from the nineteenth century too. Dannika just can't commit to one man at this point in her life. Dannika goes back in time with Alfred to discover what has been happening in her family. How does all of the time travel relate to her family?

I enjoyed reading this book. It was sometimes difficult to follow with all the different time periods. The book also needs some editing, e.g. her is used for the subject instead of she.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a "First Reads" lucky winner. So grateful to the author who said I should read the first book "Untimely Romance" and also sent me an e-copy to read. So I was a double winner really. And doubly grateful.

The books are really intertwined and it's highly recommended to read book one. At the end of book one I was satisfied with the story but wanted to know what would come of the characters. Which is satisfied with book 2.

I was shocked that book 2, Untimely Return was narrated by a different character. I didn't expect that.

By the end, while fresh in my head, I should write down on paper all the links between the characters because it is mind blowing...

Enjoyable reads...thank you.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time Travel with a Twist

I read the first book about Heather and had to read the second book about her niece Dannica. The author has woven their present and past lives together well. They both travel to the 19th and 17th century and learn their family is cursed and why. The ending was very surprising to me as it wrapped up another character's involvement from their present and past.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!!! I'd just start with a curse but I don't think that would be appreciated. OMG.. the story is good. Everything ties in very well, history of the characters, the plot is so interwoven. Totally floored at how everything was tied with U1 and everything else. The best part is that all of the reveal is at the end of the story, so you really have to pay attention and interconnect it. I really said Oh S***T out loud at work during the day with coworkers passing me by. My gawd.. the ending is like full circle! I have no structure on writing these reviews, I just write at how I'm feeling about the book, the characters, the plot, the words. So pardon me if I jump topics.
When I first started reading, I didn't like Dannika. Despite her young age, she was flakey and a tease. She broke hearts with no thought about how the other person felt. She did grow up some when she had her life change a bit. Heather, in the first book, was more mature at 17, (yes even there were times I didn't like Heather), but Dannika was beyond immature, it was like she didn't care about anything. Could it be a by product of having lived with her family is sorrow? Maybe, but she did grow and I grew to like her as a character. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the reasons of her action. How can you not? You're the reading knowing what's happening before the characters does. As I said she grew as a person starting from the middle of story towards the end. Even though she was the main character of U2, she wasn't an active participant towards the end. She's a spectator (like the reader) on the history and unveiling of the story, it's mysteries, answering the questions of why, what, how. (That was so neat!)
Keep reading the book and you'll understand Alfred and Ruben more. You'll see Heather and Frankie and how the their past collides with their present/future.
I feel like I have to write down who is who in the family tree. LoL.
I can talk about the other characters but I feel like I would have disclose the story line and spoil it. I don't want to do that.
Go read the book. Have patience and it will all come together. I think there is one character that should be mentioned though and that's the Manor itself. The second book categorized the Manor as a living character.
U2 has to be read after reading U1.