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Wonderland #2
Wonderland
Forced to return to London to try to save Max from the gallows, Hugo and Neve are well aware of the danger of their situation and try to anticipate every eventuality. But, betrayal comes from an unexpected quarter, putting Neve and Hugo in mortal danger, and forcing them to reevaluate whom they can trust.
Unexpected reunions, simmering old hatreds, and shocking betrayals abound as Neve and Hugo race against time to help Max, and flee England before it’s too late.
Unexpected reunions, simmering old hatreds, and shocking betrayals abound as Neve and Hugo race against time to help Max, and flee England before it’s too late.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
1483 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,132 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 12, 2023
Another 5* read from this series.
Hugo and Neve are still in England even though they had planned to leave for France. There's always something to stop them from going anywhere. At times I got a bit tired of Hugo rushing around trying to help everyone while putting Neve in danger, especially when he adores her! The story is packed with action, like the first book. There is sadness here too and revelations of momentous secrets and some characters have changed completely.
Another solid read and looking forward to the next one.
Hugo and Neve are still in England even though they had planned to leave for France. There's always something to stop them from going anywhere. At times I got a bit tired of Hugo rushing around trying to help everyone while putting Neve in danger, especially when he adores her! The story is packed with action, like the first book. There is sadness here too and revelations of momentous secrets and some characters have changed completely.
Another solid read and looking forward to the next one.
July 23, 2016
This was just as good as the first book! Excellent story characters and such an exciting plot. Can't wait for the next one of this series. A great author. Well recommended.
January 24, 2025
Loved the first book and whilst this one is well written I was so frustrated. A book shouldn't be entirely doom and gloom and by the end it made absolutely no sense for Neve and Hugo to stay in the 1600s. She wasn't staying for love, Hugo said he would like in the future with her? The amount of times they were starved, tortured, almost killed brutally and they were constantly in hiding and on the run. Plus Neve is pregnant so why oh why would she risk her baby's life when they could have both gone back to the future and given their baby the best life. The ending actually made me angry and I can't read the next books in the series.
October 20, 2025
I loved it. Could't put it down.
June 6, 2019
This book was amazing. I couldn't stop reading. Read it in one day. Took me 12 hours. LOL.
September 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series and now feel more invested in the main characters....I want to know what happens next so will probably keep on reading the series!
March 24, 2018
Could not read any more of this - characters are dumber than a box of rocks
December 9, 2024
Good writing, but…
The writing is good, as is the character development. Though the notion of “a time slip“ is fantastical, the author presents it in such a way the reader can take it in stride without feeling that it is too far a stretch . The plot moves along quickly, with unexpected twists and turns. It is exciting and engrossing.
With that said, there is nothing “cozy” about this novel. It is the second book in a series of three. The first was enjoyable, with little vulgarity, and scenes of passion were tastefully vague, but not graphic. In this novel, all that goes out the window. The language is vulgar repeatedly. The sex scenes become graphic, even describing a homosexual encounter. As with the first novel, descriptions of beheadings, punishments, etc., are also inordinately graphic… However, in this novel, there is so much more of it. I really came to care about the characters, and so I skimmed through a great deal of the story. Maybe in 2013 when this was written, the audience was different. (The author has a Victorian mystery series at present that has none of these elements.)
I am interested to see what happens in the third book, but will look for summaries online. No doubt Shapiro is a good writer. I just don’t personally care to read this kind of a book, which is a disappointment because good writers are hard to find. But in some cases, it is also difficult to find books that are inoffensive. I’m a great fan of reading between the lines, so graphic detail is something I could do without.
It may be fine for some folks. But if you’re looking for something cozy, this would not fit the bill.
The writing is good, as is the character development. Though the notion of “a time slip“ is fantastical, the author presents it in such a way the reader can take it in stride without feeling that it is too far a stretch . The plot moves along quickly, with unexpected twists and turns. It is exciting and engrossing.
With that said, there is nothing “cozy” about this novel. It is the second book in a series of three. The first was enjoyable, with little vulgarity, and scenes of passion were tastefully vague, but not graphic. In this novel, all that goes out the window. The language is vulgar repeatedly. The sex scenes become graphic, even describing a homosexual encounter. As with the first novel, descriptions of beheadings, punishments, etc., are also inordinately graphic… However, in this novel, there is so much more of it. I really came to care about the characters, and so I skimmed through a great deal of the story. Maybe in 2013 when this was written, the audience was different. (The author has a Victorian mystery series at present that has none of these elements.)
I am interested to see what happens in the third book, but will look for summaries online. No doubt Shapiro is a good writer. I just don’t personally care to read this kind of a book, which is a disappointment because good writers are hard to find. But in some cases, it is also difficult to find books that are inoffensive. I’m a great fan of reading between the lines, so graphic detail is something I could do without.
It may be fine for some folks. But if you’re looking for something cozy, this would not fit the bill.
June 16, 2025
More suspense and nail biting moments
I loved this second installment of Neve and Hugo’s time traveling historical romance with a side of life threatening circumstances. The story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a quite an emotional ride. I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The book had many suspenseful and exciting plot twists and I found myself on the edge of my seat a number of times wondering how it would all turn out. The story started where the last book ended. Hugo and Neve have returned to the 17th century with the plan to live in France until it is safe to return to England. But once they hear that Max Everly, Hugo’s relative from the 21st century, is locked up for his crimes, Hugo is determined to try to free him. While working on that plan and staying hidden from the authorities, Neve is accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. The story has a number of chapters from secondary characters’ POVs which does a wonderful job of advancing the narrative of the story. Once again, interwoven with Hugo and Neve’s love story there is thought provoking social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, light spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am loving this series and I’m off to read the next book to see what happens with Neve, Hugo and friends.
I loved this second installment of Neve and Hugo’s time traveling historical romance with a side of life threatening circumstances. The story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a quite an emotional ride. I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The book had many suspenseful and exciting plot twists and I found myself on the edge of my seat a number of times wondering how it would all turn out. The story started where the last book ended. Hugo and Neve have returned to the 17th century with the plan to live in France until it is safe to return to England. But once they hear that Max Everly, Hugo’s relative from the 21st century, is locked up for his crimes, Hugo is determined to try to free him. While working on that plan and staying hidden from the authorities, Neve is accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. The story has a number of chapters from secondary characters’ POVs which does a wonderful job of advancing the narrative of the story. Once again, interwoven with Hugo and Neve’s love story there is thought provoking social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, light spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am loving this series and I’m off to read the next book to see what happens with Neve, Hugo and friends.
May 14, 2024
Good book, mostly
This was a well written story that was easy to follow. I have read the first book as well as this one and intend to read the next. The reason I didn’t give it a five was the author’s use of very vulgar language which I found to be inappropriate to the story. As a matter of fact, for me it lessoned the overall feel when inserting it abruptly into the narrative. The vulgarity of the language just did not flow well. I have read numerous sex and intimate scenes that were much better written and would have been more appropriate to this story. I also feel that the author went out of her way to express her hatred and disdain of God. This also didn’t enhance in any way the story line because there was only one character who was a believer. It appeared after reading numerous times throughout both books about how God never answered prayers or didn’t care what people went through, that the author was giving the characters a very personal bias. I hope the third book leaves out these things, if not, after finding out how the story ends, I will likely not read anymore from this author.
This was a well written story that was easy to follow. I have read the first book as well as this one and intend to read the next. The reason I didn’t give it a five was the author’s use of very vulgar language which I found to be inappropriate to the story. As a matter of fact, for me it lessoned the overall feel when inserting it abruptly into the narrative. The vulgarity of the language just did not flow well. I have read numerous sex and intimate scenes that were much better written and would have been more appropriate to this story. I also feel that the author went out of her way to express her hatred and disdain of God. This also didn’t enhance in any way the story line because there was only one character who was a believer. It appeared after reading numerous times throughout both books about how God never answered prayers or didn’t care what people went through, that the author was giving the characters a very personal bias. I hope the third book leaves out these things, if not, after finding out how the story ends, I will likely not read anymore from this author.
May 5, 2018
A conundrum.
This is a continuation of Neve and Hugo's story. They return to 1685 with a plan to evade detection. Unfortunately, Max, Hugo's nephew's descendant, discovers the passage back through time and really throws a spanner in the works.
There was a lot written in the first book about Lord Hugo Everly's disappearance in the history books. Well, Max going back to 1685 has certainly changed history! Being mistaken for Hugo and being incarcerated in the Tower as a traitor, means that Lord Hugo Everly didn't just disappear. It would be interesting to see how the future is affected, if at all.
Another question that arises is how Hugo and Neve mean to be recognised in France since he is supposed to be a prisoner still. This book creates more questions than answers, but that's good.
This is a continuation of Neve and Hugo's story. They return to 1685 with a plan to evade detection. Unfortunately, Max, Hugo's nephew's descendant, discovers the passage back through time and really throws a spanner in the works.
There was a lot written in the first book about Lord Hugo Everly's disappearance in the history books. Well, Max going back to 1685 has certainly changed history! Being mistaken for Hugo and being incarcerated in the Tower as a traitor, means that Lord Hugo Everly didn't just disappear. It would be interesting to see how the future is affected, if at all.
Another question that arises is how Hugo and Neve mean to be recognised in France since he is supposed to be a prisoner still. This book creates more questions than answers, but that's good.
July 11, 2024
The theme of this book is MOTHERHOOD!! Whack! (That's the sound of the 2x4 that the author just hit you with.)
I started this series with high hopes. There was a Doctor Who reference in the first book, which overall was really exciting, but this book has just hit a quagmire in the middle of it where all the female characters are either pregnant or in various stages of coping with the difficulties thereof. I'm a medieval reenactor; I know life sucked for women in the Middle Ages. Plus, I'm not a mother, for reasons which are complicated and diverse and beyond the scope of this review, and the topic simply doesn't interest me (at best) or irritates me (at worst). This is not what I'm here for. I'm not even sure if I'll finish the book at this point.
I started this series with high hopes. There was a Doctor Who reference in the first book, which overall was really exciting, but this book has just hit a quagmire in the middle of it where all the female characters are either pregnant or in various stages of coping with the difficulties thereof. I'm a medieval reenactor; I know life sucked for women in the Middle Ages. Plus, I'm not a mother, for reasons which are complicated and diverse and beyond the scope of this review, and the topic simply doesn't interest me (at best) or irritates me (at worst). This is not what I'm here for. I'm not even sure if I'll finish the book at this point.
December 31, 2019
In this second of the Wonderland series, Hugo and a pregnant Neve go back to London on their way to France to try to rescue Max, a descendent of Hugo's sister who is currently holding the title, when he follows Neve back through time and is mistaken for Hugo. They do their best to help him without exposing Hugo's part in pretending to be helping the Protestants when actually he is an undercover agent for the Catholic cause. Although they can't get the charge dismissed, they do get the death sentence dismissed in favor of sending him to the colonies as an indentured servant. A fun time travel story with lots of interesting characters.
March 13, 2024
I enjoy time travel
I read a lot of time travel and enjoy learning of historical places. The characters are well written and fleshed out in these stories.
The love between Hugo and Neve is refreshing. But he seems to be the only honorable and moral person in these books.
The story is of great interest but I don't see myself reading further. The immoral, brutal, dark, sordid, perverted content doesn't make for relaxing reading. Each character has some sordid story attached to each of them. The more perverted and cruel the better it seems.
I really like Hugo. Jen and even Archie. but enough is enough horror for me.
I read a lot of time travel and enjoy learning of historical places. The characters are well written and fleshed out in these stories.
The love between Hugo and Neve is refreshing. But he seems to be the only honorable and moral person in these books.
The story is of great interest but I don't see myself reading further. The immoral, brutal, dark, sordid, perverted content doesn't make for relaxing reading. Each character has some sordid story attached to each of them. The more perverted and cruel the better it seems.
I really like Hugo. Jen and even Archie. but enough is enough horror for me.
June 27, 2024
Very well written, such a nice change for an e-book series!!
I am enjoying this time travel series immensely, but several times I've been reminded of an overall theme of the Outlander books.
Glad to see that Finch finally got his come-uppance. So the next instalment will be in France (same as Outlander again), I just hope that Hugo & Neve will get a HEA and that twit-face Max will survive and mend his ways!
Great to get a series on Kindle Unlimited that is well written and all available free.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £8.99 a month for the subscription)
I am enjoying this time travel series immensely, but several times I've been reminded of an overall theme of the Outlander books.
Glad to see that Finch finally got his come-uppance. So the next instalment will be in France (same as Outlander again), I just hope that Hugo & Neve will get a HEA and that twit-face Max will survive and mend his ways!
Great to get a series on Kindle Unlimited that is well written and all available free.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book but I have to pay £8.99 a month for the subscription)
August 13, 2018
Beautiful writing! Irina has a beautiful elegant way with her writing. I am so fond of the main characters, Hugo, Neve, and Archie. I am very much enjoying this journey we are on together!
The book had a really good turn of events, totally threw me off, but loved that. I am just really enjoying myself on this adventure. I love that Irina is slowly introducing new characters that I can follow and the writing just has me feeling like I'm right there with Neve and Hugo all the time!
Onto book 3!!
The book had a really good turn of events, totally threw me off, but loved that. I am just really enjoying myself on this adventure. I love that Irina is slowly introducing new characters that I can follow and the writing just has me feeling like I'm right there with Neve and Hugo all the time!
Onto book 3!!
July 12, 2019
A very addictive series!! So full of intrigue and adventure I’m starting on the third book and I’m so into these I’m worthless for anything else in my life at this time! Shapiro keeps you glued to the chair for hours because you just have to see what is going to happen to Neve and Hugo next! Such a beautifully written love story between those two and now their family is growing! I highly recommend this series to anyone that wants excellent entertainment
May 3, 2019
Outstanding read! I really enjoy historical fiction & this series doesn't dissapoint. I'm reading the third installment now & so far it's facinating. We don't have peace in our time, but the intrigue in the 17th century was just as dangerous as in the 21st. I really appreciate this author's work.
June 11, 2019
Another great book in this series
Wow lots happening in this book. I can’t imagine going back to live in that time especially now she is pregnant, she must really love Hugo to stay. Interesting the living style of those days the details in the book make it a very interesting read. I listened to this as an audiobook, well narrated.
Wow lots happening in this book. I can’t imagine going back to live in that time especially now she is pregnant, she must really love Hugo to stay. Interesting the living style of those days the details in the book make it a very interesting read. I listened to this as an audiobook, well narrated.
March 14, 2021
This book had me wanting to skip chapters.
Nothing like the first, no romance in this second part of the series. A lot of sad times which is in our every day life. I read to escape misery, sadness, just pain in general. I will keep reading the series hoping I fall in love with Hugo and Never even more.
Nothing like the first, no romance in this second part of the series. A lot of sad times which is in our every day life. I read to escape misery, sadness, just pain in general. I will keep reading the series hoping I fall in love with Hugo and Never even more.
January 21, 2023
Wonderland
The second in the series by Irina Shapiro, Wonderland is an interesting and exciting visit to the 17th century. I’ve become attached to Hugo and Neve. Neve lives in 2013 and finds a passage to the 17th century where she meets Hugo. I love time travel books so this is right up my alley.
The second in the series by Irina Shapiro, Wonderland is an interesting and exciting visit to the 17th century. I’ve become attached to Hugo and Neve. Neve lives in 2013 and finds a passage to the 17th century where she meets Hugo. I love time travel books so this is right up my alley.
September 12, 2019
What’s ride!!
This book had it all!! Love, suspense, mystery, danger, salvation. Irina Shapiro does an amazing job of pulling you in and leaving you wanting more!! This book is truly a wonderland
This book had it all!! Love, suspense, mystery, danger, salvation. Irina Shapiro does an amazing job of pulling you in and leaving you wanting more!! This book is truly a wonderland
October 12, 2019
Awesome read
As was the first of this series, it kept me intriqued and guessing as each event unfolded!!! I recommend this book as well as the 1st! And look forward anxiously for the next part of their journey.
As was the first of this series, it kept me intriqued and guessing as each event unfolded!!! I recommend this book as well as the 1st! And look forward anxiously for the next part of their journey.
January 27, 2020
This second novel in the series has a great plot. But, again, too much romance etc. Living, breathing characters, setting, historical stuff all good. Won't add any spoilers. Still worth reading. Gonna read the entire series.
October 10, 2021
I'm totally hooked on this series. Problems are temporarily solved, only to escalate into bigger problems. Plot twists galore, a convincing setting, and complex characters I can relate to. They actually change history in this episode, and I'm wondering how that will play out.
November 12, 2021
Sheer brilliance,
I've never enjoyed a book so much in all my born days as this one,thrilling and entertaining from the very beginning,thrills and spills all the way,a brilliant read.looking forward to the next one.highly recommend.if I could give it ten stars I would.
I've never enjoyed a book so much in all my born days as this one,thrilling and entertaining from the very beginning,thrills and spills all the way,a brilliant read.looking forward to the next one.highly recommend.if I could give it ten stars I would.
January 31, 2024
Wonderful Wonderland!
I really enjoyed this novel, the second in the series. The characters are so well developed and the historical scenes are captivating. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this novel, the second in the series. The characters are so well developed and the historical scenes are captivating. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 6, 2024
Wow !! This book was full of suspense I couldn’t put this book down. It had everything to murder , revenge and romance. I had to keep reading to make sure the characters I grown to love was alright. So now on to book three!!
February 8, 2024
I do all my Irina Shapiro books on Audible. I love this particular narrator and am thoroughly enjoying this series. Her characters and settings are so colorful and I fall in love with them so quickly. On to book 3!
February 12, 2024
Wonderland
Hugo Everly and Nave in the 17th century trying to save Max because he went through the passage from the 21st century. Max Everly was in prison for treason and they thought it was Hugo. He was sent to the West Indies for 7 years indentured.
Hugo Everly and Nave in the 17th century trying to save Max because he went through the passage from the 21st century. Max Everly was in prison for treason and they thought it was Hugo. He was sent to the West Indies for 7 years indentured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews