Across Space and Time

Tales from the Tarot

by Kit Barrie

A monster stalks London’s streets, but is he friend or foe?

Hugh Danbury knows there are monsters in the world; being a constable with London’s police has shown him that. When young homosexual men are found murdered, no one cares enough to investigate except Hugh, who has had to hide his own proclivities toward men in conservative Victorian society. In addition, there are sightings of an ephemeral creature people are calling Spring-Heeled Jack. Is this who has been committing these atrocities?

Upon confronting the mysterious Jack, Hugh learns that sometimes love can be found across space and time and that fate can bring two people together for a reason. But he also learns that there is one thing that can tear love death. And it's coming for him.

Across Space and Time is a standalone MM gaslamp-mystery romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The Lovers.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Magic, LGBT

323 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2024

About the author

Kit Barrie (she/her) was raised by pirates in a traveling carnival where she learned how to fly and to weave fantasy into reality. She identifies as chaotic bisexual, with good intentions and questionable methods. She lives in an utterly unfantastical state in the Midwestern United States with some food goblins who might just be cats gobblin’ food.

Please visit www.kitbarrie.com for more information on Kit’s writing or to sign up for her fantastical newsletter!

Reviews

[San Lemonade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie
📚 6th Book In The Tales From The Tarot Series
DNF

The Lovers card
👉 My first book by Kit Barrie
⬆️ Ebook ARC

😏Adult MM Dark Romance
📖 Paranormal Victorian London
🤔 Mystery
👉 Dual Pov Third-Person Narration

⚠️ ❓️Angst❓️
⚠️ drugged on-page
⚠️ Sexual Assault & Murder
⚠️ Graphic one-page of torture, mutilation
⚠️ Cannibalism
⚠️ Physical Violence & Blood Scenes
⚠️ Graphic Gore and Violence
⚠️ Racial & Homophobic Language
👉 Underage Prostitution
👉 on-page sexual situations are 18+
👉 DNF

😶 I tried reading the book but couldn't get past the third chapter.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of the potential triggers beforehand, which made it hard for me to get into the story from the start.

😬 The scenes involving the victim's encounter is a description that doesn't make much sense and even sounds a bit awkward.

👆■ "But judging by his trousers around his ankles and his prick between his legs, still stiff despite the corpse’s lack of life, he wondered if the man had been in the middle of a rut with someone else. Was it consensual?"

😬The constant mention of the side characters skin color, sometimes multiple times on the same page, throughout the first and second chapters, made it even harder to stay engaged.

👆■ "The younger constable looked pale despite the tawny brown of his Indian skin. “Constable Danbury,” the Indian man said, nodding at him."

👆■ Depesh swiped at his mouth again, looking a little green under his mahogany skin as he turned and hurried away.

👆■"...and the added difficulty of his Indian-brown skin.".

👆😶 Three different ways to describe the same character's skin tone.

😑 I was disappointed to mark this book as a DNF because it is based on the major arcana card "The Lovers," which had so much potential for an adult MM dark romance. Such a shame.

Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!

I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

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[Natalie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

September 2024
Kindle edition

The cover for Minotaur daddy has me hesitating to read it, so moved onto this one for the time being. It was alright. Historical supernatural murder mystery. Unfortunately this one gave me random trigger link brain, so Hugh Danbury kept reminding me I need to finish Kate Daniels and when it started getting into Apples of Eden, it was Assassin's creed syndicate reminiscence. So never really got into this one. I kept hoping Reardon would be a bad guy and they'd have to deal with him. Hugh was alright. Jack was sprightly. Owner seemed like the indifferent chaos creator. Tarot cards but no reading. A lot of death and a messed up monster cult orgy.

[Smutty Sully · Rating 2 out of 5]

2ish stars

I'm still trying each book in this series. This one had all the components but the execution was a bit all over the place. It was muddled with a gloomy atmosphere that wasn't allowed to he creepy because the narrator kept telling us it wasn't, humor by a supposedly scary monster, very graphic murder scenes, secretive sex-torture-rape-killing-cannablism club that somehow didn't hit the right note, considering young men (sex workers) were being drugged, raped, and eaten.

I enjoyed the gloomy gaslamp London atmosphere, but I was not into the sudden "I love yous" and I found the sex absolutely boring.

Will try more by the author though!

Tags: Multi-author series, gaslamp-mystery, human/monster pairing, London, roof jumping, carrying, horns, gore, guts, descriptive violence, descriptive cannibalism scenes, casual killing, sex work (side characters, murder victims), descriptive crime scenes, noncon drugging & rape (side characters, mostly off-page, one on-page scene), masked sex parties, magical apple, animal shifting monsters, high action scenes, major arcana tarot card: The Lovers

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting story, it left me guessing until the climax at the end.

This book has some dark and disturbing topics and imagery in it, PLEASE READ THE TWs PRIOR TO DIVING IN!

Spring-Heeled Jack brought some much needed levity to an otherwise dark thriller novel.

There were a few instances where the POV changed within the chapter without headers and within paragraphs, and this brought me out of the story.

I cannot stress this enough: READ THE TW WARNINGS!

*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*

[Guilherme William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another card, another bust… this multi author series has not impressed so far.

This didn’t succeed in any front it attempted. The investigation case is a mess, a clunky mystery full things coming from nowhere. The interrogations were such a bore, pages of pages of the main character spinning the plot together while another character goes “no sir”, “yes sir”.

The romance is lukewarm, Jack is introduced in a very weird way, out of nowhere, full of lengthy explanations that explain nothing at all and get really redundant at points. The repeated use of the title “Spring-Heeled Jack” (aside for the fact that this is the actual character’s name, apparently) feels super out of place on this Victorian gritty background the story is trying to set-up.

I liked aspects of the retelling of “Sleepy Hollow” by this author, but I did find it super half baked at times. This book fallows on the trend, except the good parts are missing.

[Lionelle Pmuls (That's Slump Backwards & It's What I Do)]

💜10% DNF Forever💜

Tales From The Tarot Series:
💙 4. King Of Hollywood by Fae Quin - 4,5 stars 💙
💜 5. My Minotaur Daddy by Laura Lascarso - 40% DNF For Now 💜
🖤 6. Across Space And Time - 10% DNF Forever 🖤
❤ 7. Chariot Of Souls by Morgan Mason - 3 stars ❤
💚 8. The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand - 4 stars 💚
🧡 9. By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers - 4 stars 🧡
💛 10. Found In Obscurity by A.M. Rose - 2,5 stars 💛
💜 14. Death Song by B. Ripley - 42% DNF For Now 💜
💛 17. Camelot's Tower by Brooke Matthews - 5+++ stars 💛
💚 18. A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star by Chloe Archer - 4 stars 💚
💙 19. Trust In The Moon by Delaney Rain - 4 stars 💙
💜 20. Raising The Sun by Eryn Hawk - 4 stars 💜

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the power of the Magic Shop Spring-Heeled, Jack is able to land in London to find his soul mate Hugh. Hugh is a constable who also happens to be gay in the era that is a crime. When coming upon the brutal murder of a male prostitute he vows he will do anything and everything to bring his killer to justice. On this journey, he meets Spring-Heeled Jack, the legend everyone believes is terrorizing London.
These two may be what seems on opposites' sides, but soon Hugh learns he is his other half. Together, they uncover who truly is terrorizing London. It's a truly fun story that gripes you from the start and has you guessing who is behind these brutal muders.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one of those insta-love situation ... but alright, apparently it's all about soulmate with a different entity. I'll take it (I'm being quite forgiving). Nice kind cop. Flirty springy Spring-Heeled Jack. Some gore and gruesome deaths. Overall, it's an okay read.

(bad review, I know, just feeling demotivated to write one these days)

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great concept. I have never read anything with a similar storyline, so it was a great change. I would love to see more of these two…. A sequel perhaps

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh is a constable who does his duty and diligence to try and protect the citizens of London. When he stumbles across a horrifically brutal crime scene, he questions what could have caused those wounds... Certainly no human, but no wild animals have been seen around the city streets... When more young men are discovered murdered with similar markings, Hugh is determined to find out who, or what, is behind killing these poor young men. He didn't expect Jack though, Jack was a complete surprise, but one he enjoyed quite a bit. Meeting Jack also opened his eyes to the fact that there aren't just humans existing in his world, but beings that are more magical than human.

I LOVED this story!!! When I first read the blurb I thought this was going to go back and forth between different time periods, but it didn't do that, which I liked! This book takes place during one specific period of time, and also is set in the city of London. I found this book to be exceptionally unique, I've never read anything like it before. I was completely immersed in this tantalizing and intriguing world, I was as determined as Hugh was to know who was behind hurting those young men, and why those men specifically were the targets.

The murder mystery component of this story was written incredibly well! I was pulled into the story from the very first chapter, and was invested all the way till the end. I don't want to give too much away and spoil the unique and surprising twists and turns, but I do want to say that the reason behind the 'beings' suddenly attacking now was soo good! I loved that this book is one of a kind, the characters are excellent, this story flowed so smoothly and seamlessly, and the mystery regarding the apples was exceptionally unique and creative!

Jack's character is.. an odd one but in a good way! He's from a different time, neither past nor future, but somewhere in between. He's determined to help Hugh solve the mystery regarding the gruesome deaths, and he also tries to court Hugh in the interim. Their relationship was great! Their banter in the beginning was full of humorous remarks, flirty banter, and provided a lot of information on who, or what, Jack is. Over the course of the story we get to see Hugh accept Jack and acknowledge how he truly feels about the horned man who can jump up buildings.

All in all, a truly magnificent story! This is going on my re-read list for sure!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some terrific action sequences and suspense filled scenarios to keep you turning the pages.

Rating: 4🌈

Across Space and Time is Kit Barrie’s historical horror romance thriller. It’s a part of the fabulous multi-author Tales from the Tarot series which includes such elements as a mystical place called The Magic Shop with its eerie ever present, The Owner, covers which have a particular tarot card on them that relates to the story, and definitely forwards and warnings that should be read before diving into each book.

Across Time and Space does a good job in capturing the essence of the times, the disparity of the classes in terms of poverty and the inequality of how people are treated in terms of their racial background. This also applies to the illegality of those who are attracted by the same sex.

Barrie’s villains are especially heinous, their crimes are on page and disturbing. Please read the warnings.

Constable Hugh Danbury feels an emotional connection to the young victims he’s found on the backstreets of London. The “Molly boys”, young male prostitutes, are victims the London’s police aren’t seriously investigating. So he makes it his duty to seek justice and find the truth.

The story involves not only Hugh, a wonderfully layered character, but a different being, Spring-Heeled Jack. Where Hugh is well defined, Jack’s character needs more explanation or depth to really make it feel credible here. Especially with the addition of a “soulmate “ aspect to this relationship.

While the investigation, the setting, the victims, violence, and the secondary characters are all thoughtfully portrayed and vivid, Jack, Jack’s relationship with Hugh, the “insta-love” soulmate element is lacking. I just didn’t feel the chemistry that I have with other couples. A sense of growing friendship, yes, but a commitment to love. That didn’t come across.

While the horrors and grotesque events were depicted as horrifyingly raw and shocking, the aspects of the story, such as The Magic Shop and The Owner, or the Tarot, could have been woven into the narrative in a more effective manner. At least in my opinion.

There are some terrific action sequences and suspense filled scenarios to keep you turning the pages.

I’ll recommend but only for those who have read the warnings and author’s notes to begin with. Take those trigger warnings seriously.

Cover art: Fae Quin
Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

[Samantha Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across Space & Time is book number 7 in the 22 book multi author series Tales From The Tarot. This book serves to represent the Lovers card from the Major Arcana. This card often times depicts a couple being blessed by an angel, while they appear to be secure in their home, usually depicted as the Garden of Eden. The main meaning of this card is harmony in a relationship, filled with trust and unity that they have with each other that allows them to build confidence and strength while empowering one another.

Across Space and Time is such a well written story and it does a wonderful job representing the Lovers Card. It is a paranormal murder mystery that takes place in Victorian London. Hugh is a constable who is determined to discover the truths regarding the murders of young men occurring on the streets of London at night. The situation is not only delicate due to the nature of the crimes but because of the people involved, the men murdered much like Hugh himself are gay, in a time where loving another person of the same sex is considered a crime it becomes clear to Hugh that the other around him do not care about the victims as much as he does. Hugh finds himself a unique investigative partner in an other worldly creature who goes by the moniker of Spring-Heeled Jack. As they work together to unravel the mystery of the murders occurring in London, Hugh learns for the first time that love and a stable relationship is something that could be obtainable for him.

Kit Barrie did a wonderful job in creating this story. The relationship between Hugh and Jack is a wonderful one and it is such a great representation of The Lovers, I really enjoyed how she included some of the symbolism of the card within the narritave. The mystery aspect was amazing, I spent almost the entire book trying making guesses about what would happen next, and often found myself pleasantly surprised when I was not correct. I think one of the best things about mysteries is when it is not overly predictable, and I am glad there were things that I could not predict early on. I am not a huge fan of period pieces, I often find myself losing interest in them quickly, and that was not the case for Across Space & Time, my attention was fully grabbed from the begining. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries with a side of romance.

[Cheeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

“I think sometimes opposites are meant to be together. To support one another. To be the strength where the other might be lacking. It doesn't always work, of course, but when it does, it creates a beautiful harmony.”

Across Space & Time by Kit Barrie is an absolute treat. If you enjoy romance with a healthy dose of mystery, a heap of Victorian grit, and a whole lot of monster-flavored spice, this one’s for you. It has Jack the Ripper vibes with a supernatural twist that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Constable Hugh Danbury is the heart of this story—compassionate, driven, and navigating the dangers of being gay in an unforgiving 1890s London. As male prostitutes are being murdered, Hugh is one of the few willing to investigate and bring their killer to justice. Enter Spring-Heeled Jack, an otherworldly being who’s come to London to find and help his soulmate, Hugh.

Jack is a chaotic delight—constantly mixing up metaphors, blissfully unaware that horns do tend to stand out, and possessing just the right amount of moral ambiguity. Together, Hugh and Jack make a duo that’s both sweet and spicy, and perfectly matched.

“He was a light amongst shadows. He had crossed time and space to be here, and they would always be together.”

The world-building is spot on, with Victorian London vividly brought to life in all its dark, atmospheric glory. The murder mystery adds just the right amount of suspense, keeping you on edge while allowing the romance to develop naturally. Be sure to check the trigger warnings for some gore and horror elements, but nothing too over the top.

Overall, Across Space & Time is a fun, fast-paced read that perfectly balances gaslamp fantasy, mystery, and a sweet and spicy romance. If you’re into soulmates, murder mysteries, and a touch of the fantastical, this book is a must-read!

I received an ARC. These are my honest opinions.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lovers card is the seventh major arcana card in the Tarot deck. It represents love in sync, making good choices in love. And soulmates.
Spring-Heeled Jack crosses time and space to Victorian London, through the portal in the back of the Magic Shop. Incorporeal on his original world, Fate creates a mostly human body for him. Except for the horns and some impressive abilities. He finds his soulmate in Constable Hugh Danbury of the London Metropolitan Police. They meet after Hugh stumbles across a murdered male prostitute who he accuses Jack of murdering.
World building was excellent with a nail biting, edge of the seat mystery. Kit Barrie describes Scotland Yard perfectly as well as the dangers of being gay in the Victorian era. The story was very exciting. Jack constantly mixes up his metaphors and really can't understand Hugh's shyness and insistence that he doesn't stand out with his horns and unusual abilities.
The story was very well paced. Hugh is lovely filled with goodness, compassion for the victims and his willingness to risk his career finding justice for 'rent boys'. Jack is a bit more morally gray and has no problem disposing of those that slip official justice. They're a perfect match, and their interactions are both sweet and spicy.
A quick, fun read. Lots of suspense. A bit gory in parts. Barrie leaves wiggle room for a sequel. And it's as much a HFN as it is a HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh is a Constable with the London Metropolitan Police. He's not taken seriously by his superior but he just wants to do his job and keep his head down. When young gay men start showing up unalived in gruesome ways he's determined to find the culprit. He can't let anyone know that he feels a special kinship with these young men or he'll lose everything and end up in jail himself.

Jack shows up at an inopportune time and Hugh immediately thinks he's found his culprit. With a little investigation he soon realizes that he's mistaken. So the two team up to solve this mystery. Jack tells Hugh pretty soon that he's his soulmate and that he came from another time to find him. He is a flirty, happy sort of person and Hugh can't keep his attraction to him secret.

Hugh and Jack devise a way to infiltrate the ring of baddies and soon the investigation heats up. There are monstrous people to blame and they are going to see them pay.

This is a well written fantasy/paranormal/mystery/romance. Hugh and Jack are both strong characters that ultimately want to right the wrongs. Their chemistry is good and feels authentic IMO. I liked the supporting characters, that helped and hindered the investigation, as they are all needed for the story to be fully fleshed out. I was engaged from page one and didn't want it to end. The darker sides of London in the early 1800's is well written as well as the bigotry and homophobia. Since Jack came from another time I was hoping that at the end of the story he would've taken Hugh to his time. It would've been nice to see another time line since Jack came from somewhere else. The Magic Shop and Owner are mentioned and play a nice part in this story. It did leave an opening to possibly have further books in this series and I really hope the author is planning it. I would like to have more mysteries with Hugh and Jack and the underbelly of the dark side of London. Definitely recommend this book.

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love more with these characters🧐💚💙

This was so well written, the author managed to catch the atmosphere and world of the victorian age that it was easy to put yourself in the stories setting and just concentrate on the intrigue of the mystery and romance. I have to say this is my first time reading this authors work but the description just caught my attention and I knew I wanted to read it. It plays a bit on the jack the ripper theme with a fantasy paranormal element. It kept my attention till the last, it gave me suspense and a thrill of danger excitement trying to figure out the culprit. Jack who is based on an English folklore of spring heeled Jack, jumps into the victorian era for his soul mate,was a delight who was a morally grey character but one you couldn't help but love. His personality was fun and his metaphors being mis- mashed brought a bit of humour.
Hugh the constable was such a sweetheart, aware of being gay is a big no no in this era he's cautious. I loved that he showed compassion and a need to get justice for the murdered "rent boys".
The tarot card of the lovers was this authors theme and it was aptly on show in the story. Jack had skipped space and time to be with his soulmate Hugh and a romance it was. Loved this story it had everything to make it a great read with an imaginative storyline. One of the best I've read this year.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- shared universe
- paranormal
- crime
- soulmates

This is set in the shared Tales from the Tarot universe, with the common thread being the magic shop and the owner. The card this story is based on is The Lovers.

It's Victorian London, a couple of years after the Ripper murders have ceased, and Hugh is a police officer on his beat when he comes across the body of a young man who has been brutally murdered. This is a fairly dark story, there are some terrible things that happen along the way, and not all off the page either.

I loved that the legend of Spring-Heeled Jack was woven into this story, and I liked the character of Jack himself too, with his gentleman-like manners and sense of fun. It's also a slightly different take on the soulmates thing too, and while it is kind of insta-love it works well for these two, and I liked that they found each other and managed to navigate to their HEA. The paranormal crime story was good too, the world building was great and I liked the side characters too, for the most part.

I really enjoyed this whole story, the world building was excellent and it was a really satisfactory conclusion to the story.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serious Hugh & quirky Spring-Heeled Jack. An interesting duo to start with, and getting stranger by the second. The murders are terrifying, but that was established in the TWs. It's difficult to imagine Hugh as being only 22 years old, but I know that men grew up very quickly in that time in history.

I love the different iterations of The Owner that each different author provides in this series. He's quite similar, but there are different characteristics or quirks that show differently in each book.

The overarching storyline for this book is quite chilling. When Hugh & Jack finally stumble onto some information that can help, they put themselves in quite a dangerous position. The actions that the have to take to ultimately solve the problem are stressful, but worth it. And working together as one highlights their connection as soulmates. Hugh is hesitant about that fact early on, but once he learns more about Jack and spends time with him, he knows it was the right call of fate.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Hugh & Jack. I'd love to see an excerpt or something about them taking a trip together. It sounds like it would be quite the adventure.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Shyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastical Murder Mystery

This book is part of the multi-author collab series - Tales From The Tarot.

This was my first read by this author and I am very happy to have read it! Definitely an author I will check out more of in the future! ❤️

I adored the whole murder mystery, fantastical aspect of this book so much 🥰 It kept me entertained as well as interested to know what was going on. Jack was just so funny and kept not only Hugh on his toes but also myself. His little saying and mannerisms cracked me up so many times 🤣 I honestly loved how he took care of Hugh and loved him even if they were complete opposites. Hugh is also just such a sweetheart I wanted to hug him so many times, especially for his stance on how every person deserves justice and safety, regardless of their occupation, upbringing, etc. I LOVE seeing that in a book. 💕

Again, I don't want to give too much away but if you're looking for a little fantastical, star-crossed lovers/soulmates, murder-mystery packed with an MC whose heart is too big and another who comes up with sayings at the drop of a top-hat than this is the next read for you!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastical sci-fi, historical mystery

Amazing world building.
The author's descriptive narrative was so realistic, I felt as through I was next along with Hugh, young London constable, walking through the dark, foggy, creepy night, just waiting for danger to strike from around the next corner.
Young male sex workers are being brutally attacked and the time period is not favorable for them.
Because of their sexual orientation they are considered as less than and their demise is not something most are concerned about.
Hugh is definitely invested because he shares these young men's proclivities and he's walking a thin line trying to find justice for them in a world that doesn't want them while hiding his truth.
When he meets Spring-Heeled Jack he immediately believes he's found his killer.
Imagine his surprise then when he actually gets to know him he realizes he absolutely couldn't be the killer.
Then there's the little casually lobbed fact that Jack informs him that they're soul mates.
I loved the sweet banter and interactions between Hugh and Jack.
The mystery was definitely intriguing and original.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victorian England

I feel like I've heard about Spring Heeled Jack, but I know nothing about him. I was interested to see this author's take. What we get is a poorly researched, lazily characterized and predictable mystery.

I say poorly researched because the Watch is treated like a modern police force. While this is supposedly Victorian England, there is little in this story that conveys a sense of place or time, beyond the lighting.

I say poorly characterized because the characters hardly interact with each other or anyone else. How do you grow up in a place and have no friends? This is exponentially more true when entertainment was almost entirely social. The romance never clicked for me. These guys get together because they're fated, not because they have anything in common.

I say predictable because witnesses just walk up to our constable and tell him what happened. Clues are printed in the newspaper. Everything is very clear and convenient. A witness gives a very clear account in the very beginning, so it's more about who than what.

I finished the book, so it wasn't all bad.

[Autumn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read trigger warnings. The story is a little bit Dark and it’s also insta love. Hugh is a police officer trying to find who murdering young male prostitutes. Then there’s Jack that’s been watching Hugh from above. The two are going to solve the mystery about what’s happening in London at night. This book shows two souls finding each other. What i like about Hugh’s character is he’s willing to do anything. To Find out what is happening to the people in London. I also like that he has someone there for him after being alone for so long. He’s able to trust and be cared for by Jack. Then there’s Jack what I like about him is he’s outgoing, funny and helpful. He was made to be by Hugh’s side forever. What I like about him the most is how protective Jack is of Hugh. Will do anything to help him and protect him at any cost. Both of them are opposite of each each other and that’s what I like about the most. I also like that they take care of each other and have so many feelings for each other in the short amount of time.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author series Tales From the Tarot. Each book is a standalone. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed reading their book. This is the story of Hugh and Jack. Hugh is a Constable who is trying to find out who has been viciously murdering young men in London at night. The nature of the crimes are disturbing because they are young men just like Hugh. They are gay in a time that makes loving someone of the same sex illegal. While investigating he runs into Spring-Heeled Jack. This meeting brings Hugh into the world of paranormal. Together they work on solving the crimes. Jack knows that Hugh is his sole mate and works to keep him safe while they investigate. As they work together, Hugh begins to believe that perhaps love is possible for someone like him. This is their story. This is an interesting paranormal mystery and will grab your attention and keep it throughout the book. The book is written well and is easy to read.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He was a light amongst shadows. He had crossed time and space to be here, and they would always be together.”

This story was really intriguing and rather different. A romance mingled in with murder mystery.

I loved the Victorian era plot, I haven’t read a Victorian era book before so this was new, and as someone who’s from England and knows of Jack the Ripper, I loved the Jack the Ripper vibes I got.

A fantastical fantasy murder mystery.

Hugh was a quiet, stoic lad that was constantly hiding who he was due to the nature of the era, and he desperately needed the push Jack gave him. I loved how he was desperate to help all those that no one else would.

Jack was funny, I really enjoyed his character he was fun. And I loved all the little phrases he would come up with, they made no sense but they were fun.

A sweet mystery romance, with a little bit of gore and horror thrown in.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Ah, well. The short answer without tea is that I am your soulmate here to help you.”

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Across Space and Time” felt like stepping into a Sherlock Holmes novel. Set in a beautifully atmospheric, gaslamp Victorian London, the novel brings together mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural in the most gripping way. Hugh Danbury — a constable torn between his duty and his hidden desires, navigating a society that doesn't accept him. When young men begin turning up dead, Hugh is the only one who dares to care, and his encounter with the enigmatic Spring-Heeled Jack is nothing short of magical.

The blend of romance and mystery was absolutely wonderful, but what really moved me was the way love, fate, and time all intertwined in Hugh and Jack's connection. Their chemistry felt so authentic, and their love story was intense and heartfelt, with moments that both uplifted and shattered me. The themes of secrecy, acceptance, and love against the odds made it even more poignant. I couldn't put it down, and by the end, I was left wanting more. Highly recommended for anyone who loves MM romance with a dash of the paranormal!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Tales from the Tarot series. The setting was easy to visualize through the author's vivid description, and I was chilled by the dark and creepy world of old London after dark. Hugh the young constable was stoic and kind; and Spring-Heeled Jack was sweet and witty despite his scary countenance and abilities. Jack brought happiness and light into Hugh's world.
The murder mystery here was fascinating and heartbreaking, and Hugh and Jack went to great lengths to find those responsible. (Those with triggers should make sure to heed the warnings provided.) There were some truly terrible things done to prostitutes and street people, and the darkness inside some people was chilling. I was cheering for Hugh and Jack with each confrontation.
This book spoke to my love of both horror and romance stories, and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to the other intriguing and diverse stories in this series.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across Time and Space by Kit Barrie is the next book in the Tales from the Tarot multi-author universe. This was an interesting cross between historical romance and sci-fi. Jack is a creature from another time and dimension who comes to London when he is needed by his soulmate, Hugh Danbury. Hugh is a police constable who is trying to figure out who is murdering young men in London. This was an interesting premise and the mystery was excellent. I loved the paranormal aspect to the killers. I would have liked to have seen a little more romance becuase the ILYs came very quickly. I loved Jack and Hugh together though. The epilogue was greatly appreciated and I loved seeing how these two made a life together work.

I’m looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review

[Scatteredashes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read with a mysterious twist. Hugh is a constable and is the only one who seems to care what is happening to the murdered working men. During his investigation, which landed in his lap due to reasons, he comes across Spring Heeled Jack. The banter between Jack and Hugh is really well done! There's no time hopping and I loved the explanation of how Jack came to be in London. The murder mystery was intriguing and added a nice back drop to Jack and Hugh spending time together. This was a quick packed story with some very interesting characters. It did take me a chapter or two to really connect with it but once I did, it was hard to put down! I liked how the magic shop was woven in and I think this was a great addition to the series!

[Giulia’s bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC

Okay, this one was good! This is the first book I’ve ever read from this author and I can definitely say I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
Spring-Heeled Jack was a great character full of mystery and so fun. It really brought a sense of wonder and adventure to this dark thriller set in Victorian London. I really loved the whole apple 🍎 shenanigans and I find that it was really all well written and well detailed.

It’s really important to read the TW with this one cause some of them may be a bit too much for someone, but if you’re into 🩸, gore, m*rders and a little retro police work then you’re in for a treat!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constable Hugh stumbles upon a horrific murder in the London streets of a young man. It's thought to be the work of Spring Heeled Jack, a demonic spectre following Jack the Ripper's example. But Jack is an intelligent, flirty entity from a different space and time who has a hungry, passionate wanting for Hugh, the earnest, noble avenger who is his soulmate. The two join forces to solve a string of murders involving the police and the aristocracy besides cementing their desires for a romantic union. This clever m/m story combines Victorian England with horror, mystery and the mystical in an intriguing and enjoyable format. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.