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House of Oak #4
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Each life is tethered to others, tendrils wrapping through time itself . . . drawing people to each other . . .In 1815, Timothy, Viscount Linwood--handsome, arrogant, privileged--never veers from the refined rules of his world. Cheerfulness and other unsavory emotions are for lesser persons. Anything that smacks of trade is to be shunned. Honor and pride above all else. Consequently, when he discovers his estates are bankrupt, he decides to woo and marry an heiress post-haste. After all, love is for lesser-mortals. But Fate intervenes and draws him to a vibrant woman who makes him want things he can never have. Can a pompous lord change enough to find redemption?In 2015, Jasmine Fleury just wants her happily-ever-after. If only she could stop losing people instead--her grandmother, boyfriends . . . and now her entire family. Worse, she finds herself babysitting a haughty nineteenth century lord who can't even shave himself. What grown man can't shave himself? She has no interest in playing damsel-in-shining-armor to his knight-in-distress. But Fate has other plans . . . .This fourth installment in the Amazon bestselling House of Oak series can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Check out the other books in the
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
February 27, 2018
I was not sure how much I would like this one. I was so worried! But I shouldn't have been, it's Van:} Cold, unyielding man melts under bright happy woman.....Yes please:} This was a great book and just about the time I was getting frustrated with the lack of movement-Bam- Gold:} This was a sweet, fun, heart-wrenching romance. I loved the twist at the end and can't wait to read the next. Really enjoying this whole series as I wait for her other series to finish:} This was a sweet clean romance with some sweet kisses. I would let my teens read these.
July 25, 2016
This has been such a fun series! I've really enjoyed the regency/contemporary time travel theme. I've been anxiously waiting to get a chance to read this book. I knew it was going to be a good one based on the MC's. The humor, the banter. Perfect. I loved getting to know Linwood and what was really going on inside his head. It was heart wrenching but his journey of letting go was so satisfying. Jasmine was perfect. I've loved her appearances in every book and I'm glad she got her own story. I loved the little twisty plot that went somewhere the others haven't. Each book in this series has some of the same elements, but they are so different too. I love that.
Content: Many, many instances of mild swearing. Otherwise clean.
Content: Many, many instances of mild swearing. Otherwise clean.
July 28, 2017
Ah, what a joy to see Linwood get is HEA. And with Jasmine, no less. I knew he had it in him.
And the thing with her family... Beautiful.
I'm glad I slogged through number one.
And the thing with her family... Beautiful.
I'm glad I slogged through number one.
July 30, 2022
This series is so cleverly written and honestly, how does she come up with these plot twists? It took me a bit longer to connect to Timothy and Jasmine than it did for other couples in this series, but as the book progressed I loved them together more and the ending is perfeftion. Can't wait to read the last book!
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November 6, 2022Done. 11:38 pm. Done.
And now what am I going to look forward to?!?
This was a sweet wrap up to this series. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Nichole's voice. In every book. And I wander the house with a giddy grin just reliving the lines from the book.
And now what am I going to look forward to?!?
This was a sweet wrap up to this series. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Nichole's voice. In every book. And I wander the house with a giddy grin just reliving the lines from the book.
April 24, 2016
I loved, loved, loved this series, except for the first, very slow, 40% and the final, bizarre 10%. Otherwise, I recommend the hell out of it. The thing I liked best was all the outrageous comedy. I laughed like mad, especially at all the Star Wars references in book three.
This book, in particular, was such a bittersweet tale of redemption through love that I found it especially poignant. The moment where a much kinder, gentler Lord Linwood (a.k.a., Timothy) slow danced with Jasmine in the rain as carnival speakers played "You are my Sunshine" was deeply moving, one of those moments that live in the memory.
And then Van had to go and blow the entire thing with that ludicrous out-of-the-blue, wtf, King Arthur crap at the end. The whole Milk Carton Moment was, in retrospect, badly misused as the lamest red herring ever, given the sudden u-turn in which Van chose to wrap up her series. Eye-rollingly odd and excruciatingly disappointing, after Van got me loving these characters so much... To do that to me... I especially hate the big, fat treasure chest that, magically solves everyone's problems.
I had hoped the series would end with Jasmine finally finding her family in England (2015 or 1815... Either/or) and that Lord Linwood would replenish his fortune & save everyone by starting his own successful, profitable business with Daniel, which DID happen, making the addition of the treasure chest (the ancient Roman equivalent of having the only winning Powerball ticket with a billion-dollar jackpot [also ridiculously implausible]) a dopey, redundant, add-on. Also, Jasmine didn't have to go to ancient Rome to learn that she was Keeper of The Portal, Mother of all. She could have gotten that from Marmi, via flashback or a "visit." I DID love the big get together at the end and the agreement to do it again. But, as I stated, having the protagonist go to ancient Rome to learn she had the power to make it happen was just nuts.
Damn. This was a five-star read clear up until the 90% mark. Van took a backhoe to her beautiful garden. Sad. But if you can get past the Roman silliness this book was, otherwise, a brilliant read.
This book, in particular, was such a bittersweet tale of redemption through love that I found it especially poignant. The moment where a much kinder, gentler Lord Linwood (a.k.a., Timothy) slow danced with Jasmine in the rain as carnival speakers played "You are my Sunshine" was deeply moving, one of those moments that live in the memory.
And then Van had to go and blow the entire thing with that ludicrous out-of-the-blue, wtf, King Arthur crap at the end. The whole Milk Carton Moment was, in retrospect, badly misused as the lamest red herring ever, given the sudden u-turn in which Van chose to wrap up her series. Eye-rollingly odd and excruciatingly disappointing, after Van got me loving these characters so much... To do that to me... I especially hate the big, fat treasure chest that, magically solves everyone's problems.
I had hoped the series would end with Jasmine finally finding her family in England (2015 or 1815... Either/or) and that Lord Linwood would replenish his fortune & save everyone by starting his own successful, profitable business with Daniel, which DID happen, making the addition of the treasure chest (the ancient Roman equivalent of having the only winning Powerball ticket with a billion-dollar jackpot [also ridiculously implausible]) a dopey, redundant, add-on. Also, Jasmine didn't have to go to ancient Rome to learn that she was Keeper of The Portal, Mother of all. She could have gotten that from Marmi, via flashback or a "visit." I DID love the big get together at the end and the agreement to do it again. But, as I stated, having the protagonist go to ancient Rome to learn she had the power to make it happen was just nuts.
Damn. This was a five-star read clear up until the 90% mark. Van took a backhoe to her beautiful garden. Sad. But if you can get past the Roman silliness this book was, otherwise, a brilliant read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
Another awesome book by Nichole Van. I am LOVING her books. This is book 4 in the House of Oak series (which I adore). It features Timothy Linwood (who seemed irredeemable in book 1) and Jasmine Fleury, the flighty, awesome friend of everyone else in the future. Timothy is a pompous, stuffy lord from 1815. Jasmine is a flower child, mystic-loving girl from 2015. Your typical couple. Ha ha. When Timothy is faced with losing his estate and everything he holds dear because of an embezzling land agent, he grasps at anything—even the idea of marrying a wealthy heiress he can’t stand—to save his heritage and those who depend on him. But when he goes to Deur Cottage and ends up in 2015 facing Jasmine and her messy house, he is in for an even ruder awakening. All his stringent rules (all 313 of them) clash badly in the twenty-first century.
This is a lovely frienemies love story, where opposites attract and hate each other at first, but come to get to know each other and have to change up their first impressions and judgments. It wasn’t as funny as Clandestine, but each of these books are solid EXCELLENT. Foundation of FAVORITE poured into each word. I always love Van’s books because they have so many delicious quotes and funny dialogue. The settings always capture me too. And the characters. They’re unbelievably real and you will want to be their best friends. In a word…they are awesome-tastic!
This is a lovely frienemies love story, where opposites attract and hate each other at first, but come to get to know each other and have to change up their first impressions and judgments. It wasn’t as funny as Clandestine, but each of these books are solid EXCELLENT. Foundation of FAVORITE poured into each word. I always love Van’s books because they have so many delicious quotes and funny dialogue. The settings always capture me too. And the characters. They’re unbelievably real and you will want to be their best friends. In a word…they are awesome-tastic!
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October 3, 2024Enjoyable time travel romance. I recommend reading books 1-3 first.
March 6, 2017
Even though this is the conclusion of a series, I felt that it was ok to read it first considering each previous book connected to and mentioned other characters but there was no ongoing series plot that would spoil anything for me. So with that, I skipped the first three and went along this one which I'm still not sure if that was a good or bad thing. I don't feel like I missed anything and nothing was spoiled. My only drawback was I had no idea who connected characters were and there were plenty that were related and in previous books. Looking at the blurbs for each book helped but since I hadn't read their own stories I had trouble placing people and trying to remember who was with who, who was from the past and present, where and when they decided to live, who was brother and sister, it got so bad that I had to make a family tree list in my notes so I could see on paper or rather my screen what my memory just couldn't take in. That was my fault, not the author's, so lesson learned.
Timothy was hard to like at first and it takes some time before he stops behaving like such a jerk. He did come around though and once he let go of his strict, emotionless, uptight attitude that was trained into him, he was very likable and worthy of Jasmine. I liked the progression of Timothy's character and the pace that it took. It wasn't so quick to where it was unbelievable but it didn't take forever either to where you just got bored of waiting for a sign of change in him. It was very well paced and we got to him transition slowly but effectively. His treatment of Jasmine changes throughout the book and you can tell little by little as he loosens up and begins to embrace his feelings for her. By the time he realizes he loves her, there's not one ounce of evidence that the old Timothy is still in him or he would have pushed her away which he didn't and there I felt he'd come full circle.
One of the most enjoyable things from his part was seeing everything through his eyes in the future. Things that were once thought impossible technology, things that haven't even been thought of yet. I think the author did very well in capturing his amazement and confusion when having things thrown at you in a world you know nothing of but are forced to accept as real when days go by and you're still stuck with no way back to what you know as home. The descriptions of our technology. were what I loved most because from his narrative the wording was legitimate and perfect for someone who had no idea of what these things were. This is how I would imagine a person from the past would see and deal with what the future had to offer. I especially liked seeing his excitement in letting his imagination run wild with how things worked and giving his own abilities a chance to do what he was never allowed to do.
Jasmine while for the most I did like her there were certain things I found to be unnecessary. First being, she was completely unaware that she sometimes spoke out loud her inner thoughts which I felt was just corny and plain laughable. I'm sorry that was just a little too much. I find it very hard to believe she was spouting out all of her thoughts without realizing it, once or twice when you're thinking about too many things at once but not as often as she did which was a good many times. I did like her attitude in how she dealt with Timothy's hissy fits. She let him get away with a lot at first because of his situation and what he was accustomed to but knew how to stand up for herself. I appreciated that she had the power to say enough is enough and put her foot down to demand some respect. Her understanding, patience with him and honesty were her best features that helped him become who he was in the end.
Some of the dialogue was really cheesy at times especially towards the end when she informs Timothy of what she can provide for his estate but a lot of it was good, specifically their back and forth arguing before they call a truce. Another thing that bothered me was how well she seemed to adapt to the past. We didn't get anywhere near the amount of time with her adjusting to living in the past that we got with him in the future. It's no secret that he had a hard time in the future and I would expect the same from her, regardless of how different they are in personality. She was raised in a future 200 years after his time with standard modern technology, a new society, different customs. It's a big change going from one thing to another as proven by Timothy himself and yet Jasmine takes it all in so well. The rules of socializing publicly in 1815, the mandatory dress code, the lack of modern inventions we take for granted as normal in every household rich or poor, the restrictions that women had in that time. I can see her learning how to live as a viscountess eventually but felt her acceptance came too quickly and would have liked to see her struggles in living in the past.
I liked the story of them spending time one on one but would have appreciated a more realistic approach in putting her and him alone together because it just didn't make sense that his once best friend and people who knew him would just leave him there to fend for himself in a foreign world. They dumped the responsibility of Timothy onto Jasmine without giving a thought to how she felt about it since she's simply there to paint their child's nursery room. It felt more like the author took the easiest way she could think of to get them alone together and went with that.
The author spent so much time introducing Timothy into the modern world, paving the road for him to be a better man, and living a life not under his father's and family's iron fist that it seemed like she just wanted to wrap up the book already so she zoomed through Jasmine's time in the past and her own road of self-discovery just to be done with it. I would have enjoyed this a lot more if Jasmine had gotten her own part of the book explored with her adjusting to the past, finding her family, and embracing who she is as a person, the way we got to do with Timothy. It was brushed over and didn't give that full circle moment for me. It was resolved but fell short and didn't deliver the way Timothy's story had. "Who" she was wasn't even addressed which is a pretty big deal in the series as a whole. It doesn't even say that it was discussed offscreen or offpage I guess. Why was that even added in if it wasn't important enough for Timothy and the others to know or the fact that she has the title but no role for it as of now. What exactly *is* she supplosed to do with this newfound title? All questions left unanswered. Overall, it was enjoyable and great for 3/4 of the book up until the return to 1815 where it went downhill from there and never recovered for me. It was good enough that I'll give the other books a chance to compare but I probably won't read this book again.
Timothy was hard to like at first and it takes some time before he stops behaving like such a jerk. He did come around though and once he let go of his strict, emotionless, uptight attitude that was trained into him, he was very likable and worthy of Jasmine. I liked the progression of Timothy's character and the pace that it took. It wasn't so quick to where it was unbelievable but it didn't take forever either to where you just got bored of waiting for a sign of change in him. It was very well paced and we got to him transition slowly but effectively. His treatment of Jasmine changes throughout the book and you can tell little by little as he loosens up and begins to embrace his feelings for her. By the time he realizes he loves her, there's not one ounce of evidence that the old Timothy is still in him or he would have pushed her away which he didn't and there I felt he'd come full circle.
One of the most enjoyable things from his part was seeing everything through his eyes in the future. Things that were once thought impossible technology, things that haven't even been thought of yet. I think the author did very well in capturing his amazement and confusion when having things thrown at you in a world you know nothing of but are forced to accept as real when days go by and you're still stuck with no way back to what you know as home. The descriptions of our technology. were what I loved most because from his narrative the wording was legitimate and perfect for someone who had no idea of what these things were. This is how I would imagine a person from the past would see and deal with what the future had to offer. I especially liked seeing his excitement in letting his imagination run wild with how things worked and giving his own abilities a chance to do what he was never allowed to do.
Jasmine while for the most I did like her there were certain things I found to be unnecessary. First being, she was completely unaware that she sometimes spoke out loud her inner thoughts which I felt was just corny and plain laughable. I'm sorry that was just a little too much. I find it very hard to believe she was spouting out all of her thoughts without realizing it, once or twice when you're thinking about too many things at once but not as often as she did which was a good many times. I did like her attitude in how she dealt with Timothy's hissy fits. She let him get away with a lot at first because of his situation and what he was accustomed to but knew how to stand up for herself. I appreciated that she had the power to say enough is enough and put her foot down to demand some respect. Her understanding, patience with him and honesty were her best features that helped him become who he was in the end.
Some of the dialogue was really cheesy at times especially towards the end when she informs Timothy of what she can provide for his estate but a lot of it was good, specifically their back and forth arguing before they call a truce. Another thing that bothered me was how well she seemed to adapt to the past. We didn't get anywhere near the amount of time with her adjusting to living in the past that we got with him in the future. It's no secret that he had a hard time in the future and I would expect the same from her, regardless of how different they are in personality. She was raised in a future 200 years after his time with standard modern technology, a new society, different customs. It's a big change going from one thing to another as proven by Timothy himself and yet Jasmine takes it all in so well. The rules of socializing publicly in 1815, the mandatory dress code, the lack of modern inventions we take for granted as normal in every household rich or poor, the restrictions that women had in that time. I can see her learning how to live as a viscountess eventually but felt her acceptance came too quickly and would have liked to see her struggles in living in the past.
I liked the story of them spending time one on one but would have appreciated a more realistic approach in putting her and him alone together because it just didn't make sense that his once best friend and people who knew him would just leave him there to fend for himself in a foreign world. They dumped the responsibility of Timothy onto Jasmine without giving a thought to how she felt about it since she's simply there to paint their child's nursery room. It felt more like the author took the easiest way she could think of to get them alone together and went with that.
The author spent so much time introducing Timothy into the modern world, paving the road for him to be a better man, and living a life not under his father's and family's iron fist that it seemed like she just wanted to wrap up the book already so she zoomed through Jasmine's time in the past and her own road of self-discovery just to be done with it. I would have enjoyed this a lot more if Jasmine had gotten her own part of the book explored with her adjusting to the past, finding her family, and embracing who she is as a person, the way we got to do with Timothy. It was brushed over and didn't give that full circle moment for me. It was resolved but fell short and didn't deliver the way Timothy's story had. "Who" she was wasn't even addressed which is a pretty big deal in the series as a whole. It doesn't even say that it was discussed offscreen or offpage I guess. Why was that even added in if it wasn't important enough for Timothy and the others to know or the fact that she has the title but no role for it as of now. What exactly *is* she supplosed to do with this newfound title? All questions left unanswered. Overall, it was enjoyable and great for 3/4 of the book up until the return to 1815 where it went downhill from there and never recovered for me. It was good enough that I'll give the other books a chance to compare but I probably won't read this book again.
December 20, 2015
Ok, so Nichole Van's books are not by any means "high literature" -- but they are fun and enjoyable reads. There are four books in this series and although I initially Iiked the first book best, this is now definitely my favorite. There are some moments when I found myself rolling my eyes over phrases or scenes, but other than those I really did enjoy this fantasy/sci-fi/historical fiction romance. It was a great closure to the series. I especially liked finding out the back story to Linwood.
I do hope Nichole Van continues to write novels because they are quick delightful reads.
I do hope Nichole Van continues to write novels because they are quick delightful reads.
June 11, 2017
I was wondering who would be the main character in this book--but I was hoping it wasn't Lord Linwood. He had been the most prickly, condescending, arrogant character in the series! I wasn't sure I could like him-at all.
Lo and behold, by the end of the book I was thoroughly engaged in reading his story. I was wondering how in the world everything would all work out. (my guess was not right....I was close, but the author's twist was WAY better than I imagined)
Lo and behold, by the end of the book I was thoroughly engaged in reading his story. I was wondering how in the world everything would all work out. (my guess was not right....I was close, but the author's twist was WAY better than I imagined)
August 5, 2017
Definitely the best book in the entire series. Loved it! The relationship between Jasmine and Timothy was just amazing. I love the whole "prickly on the outside but a softie on the inside" kind of male lead, and Jasmine was just so fun and sweet and happy. They had the best dynamics for sure, and there were some twists that were totally unexpected. Overall a satisfying read. 4.5 stars.
January 9, 2016
Enjoyed but this is a 4th book in a series which I didn't realize when I started. Wish I had started with book 1. Fun time travel story. Lots of humor.
Content: Mild language throughout but otherwise clean
Content: Mild language throughout but otherwise clean
October 29, 2020
This was good but not great. It was better than the 1st but not as good as the 3rd in the series. Again the plot was interesting but it faltered with the execution.
It had a very, very slow beginning. I honestly skimmed through some pages. Since my OCD does not allow me to leave a book unfinished, I was determined to finish it. Got to around 50% before the pace picked up. I initially wanted to slap both Timothy and Jasmine because their behavior was so childish and inconsiderate. Neither of them acted like a mature adult. However as things progressed their characters started to grow on me. And I did find them adorable (In a way too sweet to be reality/Hallmark movie, sort of way.)
Their story was cute but was way too unbelievable. Based on the other books I always knew that Timothy was not as bad as he seemed, just misunderstood due to his upbringing and circumstances. However, I felt like his “change” was too sudden. I’m not saying that people can’t change for the better but when one has been trained, all his life, to act, think and say certain things in a particular way it takes a whole lot more than a couple months and a pretty face to foster such a huge change.
Jasmine was cute most of the time but her bad habit of involuntarily speaking/mumbling her thoughts “Out Loud” was more irritating, awkward, cringey and embarrassing than charming.
Jasmine’s adoptive family were so mean and cruel in shunning her i just couldn’t believe it. And aunt Rita was so petty it was beyond belief. I know it’s fiction but things have to have some degree of logic and has to at least make some fraction of sense for me to connect to a story/characters in order to enjoy it.
I did enjoy certain parts like their trip to the Kiddies Carnival, a couple of their at home banters and most of all the reunion. It was nice to see everyone again. In the end however it was a bit too much cheese for me. Just my opinion...
Content: Clean
It had a very, very slow beginning. I honestly skimmed through some pages. Since my OCD does not allow me to leave a book unfinished, I was determined to finish it. Got to around 50% before the pace picked up. I initially wanted to slap both Timothy and Jasmine because their behavior was so childish and inconsiderate. Neither of them acted like a mature adult. However as things progressed their characters started to grow on me. And I did find them adorable (In a way too sweet to be reality/Hallmark movie, sort of way.)
Their story was cute but was way too unbelievable. Based on the other books I always knew that Timothy was not as bad as he seemed, just misunderstood due to his upbringing and circumstances. However, I felt like his “change” was too sudden. I’m not saying that people can’t change for the better but when one has been trained, all his life, to act, think and say certain things in a particular way it takes a whole lot more than a couple months and a pretty face to foster such a huge change.
Jasmine was cute most of the time but her bad habit of involuntarily speaking/mumbling her thoughts “Out Loud” was more irritating, awkward, cringey and embarrassing than charming.
Jasmine’s adoptive family were so mean and cruel in shunning her i just couldn’t believe it. And aunt Rita was so petty it was beyond belief. I know it’s fiction but things have to have some degree of logic and has to at least make some fraction of sense for me to connect to a story/characters in order to enjoy it.
I did enjoy certain parts like their trip to the Kiddies Carnival, a couple of their at home banters and most of all the reunion. It was nice to see everyone again. In the end however it was a bit too much cheese for me. Just my opinion...
Content: Clean
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
HMM.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I enjoyed this book but also felt some struggles with it. The background for the FMC was wild and I don’t think it fit into the story line of how the portal has been working this entire series.
I did like the enemies to lovers banter and both main characters learning how to love each other and see how the differences between them aren’t all bad. There’s a lot of cute moments between Jasmine and Timothy. I loved seeing many of the previous couples too.
It’s a good audiobook and I’ll finish up the series. I am just not a time travel romance gal (generally speaking) so while I liked this, I didn’t love it.
Overall audience notes:
- Time travel romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I enjoyed this book but also felt some struggles with it. The background for the FMC was wild and I don’t think it fit into the story line of how the portal has been working this entire series.
I did like the enemies to lovers banter and both main characters learning how to love each other and see how the differences between them aren’t all bad. There’s a lot of cute moments between Jasmine and Timothy. I loved seeing many of the previous couples too.
It’s a good audiobook and I’ll finish up the series. I am just not a time travel romance gal (generally speaking) so while I liked this, I didn’t love it.
Overall audience notes:
- Time travel romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
March 4, 2021
I love Nichole Van's books. The House of Oak series is by far one of my favorites. It is so witty and the romance is very pure and makes me laugh and cry. Can't wait to see what else she comes out with!
July 16, 2021
This is probably my least favorite of the series (some parts were unbearably cheesy and I found Jasmine's habit of saying all her thoughts out loud VERY annoying), but the ending was delightful.
June 11, 2017
Lord Timothy Linwood, the uptight and rigid neighbor to James and Arthur from the previous books, is finally getting his story told, and what a story. Forced to live within a specific and harsh set of rules by his father, 313 of them, to be exact, Lord Linwood has been taught that he must not only put duty to his station and heritage above all else, but that he should not reveal emotion or give into his love of building things and mathematics. It has turned him into a shell of himself, knowing really knowing him, except for his sister, Marianne.
Jasmine, Emme's best friend who has been a comforting character throughout the books, mothering and advising the others, but now her life seems to be falling apart. This open, big hearted woman, has just discovered that her past is all a lie, and feels like she is lost and without a family and home. It is when she is staying at Duir Cottage, trying to pull herself together, that Lord Linwood comes through the portal. And the results for both of them are inexplicably difficult. Both searching for healing and answers, they must find a way to work together.
Wonderful, sweet and clean romance. I loved learning Linwood's history, and I loved watching him learn to finally be himself. And Jasmine is such a lovable character, she was the perfect match for him. Such a great addition to the series.
Jasmine, Emme's best friend who has been a comforting character throughout the books, mothering and advising the others, but now her life seems to be falling apart. This open, big hearted woman, has just discovered that her past is all a lie, and feels like she is lost and without a family and home. It is when she is staying at Duir Cottage, trying to pull herself together, that Lord Linwood comes through the portal. And the results for both of them are inexplicably difficult. Both searching for healing and answers, they must find a way to work together.
Wonderful, sweet and clean romance. I loved learning Linwood's history, and I loved watching him learn to finally be himself. And Jasmine is such a lovable character, she was the perfect match for him. Such a great addition to the series.
May 25, 2024
This one was headed for five stars for me, but then there was a weird time portal that almost played out like a dues ex machina. This device almost seems a little like sloppy writing to me. Reading Van’s author’s notes helped contextualize it better.
Otherwise I loved it. Van has a similar character arc going on in the last of her Penn-Lieth books. Somehow redeeming a sometimes villain and making you love him. Tragic backstories, absent mothers and rotten fathers will invariably lead to sympathy. This book is all Darcy-effect start to finish, and the slow build is just the best.
Romance novels are all about obstacles to true love that must be conquered one by one. Often times, these obstacles seem contrived and absurd. In Van’s books, these obstacles feel so genuine and though you know her books will end happily, you genuinely wonder how it can be done.
Otherwise I loved it. Van has a similar character arc going on in the last of her Penn-Lieth books. Somehow redeeming a sometimes villain and making you love him. Tragic backstories, absent mothers and rotten fathers will invariably lead to sympathy. This book is all Darcy-effect start to finish, and the slow build is just the best.
Romance novels are all about obstacles to true love that must be conquered one by one. Often times, these obstacles seem contrived and absurd. In Van’s books, these obstacles feel so genuine and though you know her books will end happily, you genuinely wonder how it can be done.
May 29, 2018
Thanks to the Author and Amazon for making this e-book available for me to read.
Refine was an absolute delight to read and such good fun. Based on the standard 'boy meets girl' formula, with the addition of time-travel, the repartee between Jasmine and Timothy as they get to know each other is quite clever as each strives to understand conversational patterns from a different era. When they realize that they are falling in love can one of them feel strongly enough that they would give up all that they know of their old life, habits and friends to stay with the loved one? Some problems seem insurmountable. How will they be resolved?
I enjoyed this enough that I have downloaded Intertwine, the first in the series, to see if it is as enjoyable as Refine. So far, it certainly is!
Refine was an absolute delight to read and such good fun. Based on the standard 'boy meets girl' formula, with the addition of time-travel, the repartee between Jasmine and Timothy as they get to know each other is quite clever as each strives to understand conversational patterns from a different era. When they realize that they are falling in love can one of them feel strongly enough that they would give up all that they know of their old life, habits and friends to stay with the loved one? Some problems seem insurmountable. How will they be resolved?
I enjoyed this enough that I have downloaded Intertwine, the first in the series, to see if it is as enjoyable as Refine. So far, it certainly is!
March 8, 2020
Fun, but a little complicated and unbelievable in places.
September 12, 2025
I don’t know how Nichole Van does it… she manages to turn a character I hate into the best hero!! And the twist in this one? Completely blew me away. But it’s so fun!
June 20, 2021
Man I did not like Timothy-but one of the quotes is applicable here: “you know my name, not my story.” Loved the book and the surprises!!
June 15, 2022
Such a fun read. Builds really well on the other books in the series.
February 10, 2022
No
Spoiler
Was going good, even great. Then they were in love and she decided in about 5-10 minutes to follow him 200 years back... She is daughter of King Arthur and after many years of separation he gives her a big box with gold stuff. Very normal! Hey, welcome, take this, it's yours. Now she can be with the poor Timothy! All that in a few pages. I didn't finish because was obvious.
I liked the part where he discovered technology and way of thinking in 21 century. Like in the previous books I saw the comparison between the two worlds. Was done well and with humour. I liked the way he changed, relaxed. But... The end was childish and rushed.
I've lived many years and never met anyone to talk without knowing that is talking. Jasmine did it all the time! Many authors use this and maybe believe that is funny or cute. Not to me and in the end was even irritating.
In general, some depth, some humour, some interesting things but not att all enough.
Spoiler
Was going good, even great. Then they were in love and she decided in about 5-10 minutes to follow him 200 years back... She is daughter of King Arthur and after many years of separation he gives her a big box with gold stuff. Very normal! Hey, welcome, take this, it's yours. Now she can be with the poor Timothy! All that in a few pages. I didn't finish because was obvious.
I liked the part where he discovered technology and way of thinking in 21 century. Like in the previous books I saw the comparison between the two worlds. Was done well and with humour. I liked the way he changed, relaxed. But... The end was childish and rushed.
I've lived many years and never met anyone to talk without knowing that is talking. Jasmine did it all the time! Many authors use this and maybe believe that is funny or cute. Not to me and in the end was even irritating.
In general, some depth, some humour, some interesting things but not att all enough.
July 26, 2016
Timothy and Jasmine
Lord Linwood, that stiff unemotional aristocrat from 1815, who has been unpleasant throughout the series is in for a shock. He accidentally falls through the portal to arrive in 2015 and is not on his best behavior. Not only does he have to deal with cultural shock, finding James still alive, and a identity crisis but the most annoying, possibly crazy female is living in the dower house. Jasmine has heard tales of the icy Viscount Linwood and finds that they were inadequate in describing his arrogance. Yet she begins to sense the true man underneath. This is a deeply touching story as it develops and the contrast between Jasmine with no roots and Timothy strangled by his roots is revelatory.
This entire series is great and I will be reading it again in the future. A real keeper.
Lord Linwood, that stiff unemotional aristocrat from 1815, who has been unpleasant throughout the series is in for a shock. He accidentally falls through the portal to arrive in 2015 and is not on his best behavior. Not only does he have to deal with cultural shock, finding James still alive, and a identity crisis but the most annoying, possibly crazy female is living in the dower house. Jasmine has heard tales of the icy Viscount Linwood and finds that they were inadequate in describing his arrogance. Yet she begins to sense the true man underneath. This is a deeply touching story as it develops and the contrast between Jasmine with no roots and Timothy strangled by his roots is revelatory.
This entire series is great and I will be reading it again in the future. A real keeper.
March 10, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5 Timothy-can-change stars... ^_^
Oh my, is this the last book? I feel sad to part with this series... :(
Anyway, I was giddy to learn that this is Timothy and Jasmine's story. I did wish for this pairing but I thought it wouldn't happen. I was curious as to how Timothy will be redeemed on this book.
Knowing Timothy's background and thoughts, I learned to love him. As to Jasmine, it took me awhile to get used to her habit of unconsciously voicing out her thoughts. It was irritating at times.
I didn't see the twist coming, again, haha.
The ending was fun but I wanted a bit more. Totally recommended. :)
Oh my, is this the last book? I feel sad to part with this series... :(
Anyway, I was giddy to learn that this is Timothy and Jasmine's story. I did wish for this pairing but I thought it wouldn't happen. I was curious as to how Timothy will be redeemed on this book.
Knowing Timothy's background and thoughts, I learned to love him. As to Jasmine, it took me awhile to get used to her habit of unconsciously voicing out her thoughts. It was irritating at times.
I didn't see the twist coming, again, haha.
The ending was fun but I wanted a bit more. Totally recommended. :)
February 18, 2016
I have completely loved this series and I am sad it has ended. This may have been my favorite of all four. And the twist at the ending was so unexpected and perfect! Such a great set of stories.
I will definitely be reading more from this author. The humor alone will keep me coming back for more. Between Princess Pepsi, Lord Vader, and the influence of the movie Frozen to define the path of a Viscount, she has had me laughing all the way through the series. Great clean romance for an enjoyable adventure.
I will definitely be reading more from this author. The humor alone will keep me coming back for more. Between Princess Pepsi, Lord Vader, and the influence of the movie Frozen to define the path of a Viscount, she has had me laughing all the way through the series. Great clean romance for an enjoyable adventure.
October 29, 2020
3.5 rounded up.
Overall an enjoyable book - but mostly due to Timothy’s character and metamorphosis. I liked the time travel element as the impetus for this change.
I found Jasmine far too much - she is fairy dream girl to the extreme and all that bouncing around/foot stamping/speaking aloud was grating. I think the romance and Timothy’s journey would have been more compelling and believable if Jasmine wasn’t so nutty - she’d be hard for even a 21st century guy to take let alone an emotionally constipated 19th century viscount. It made his love/passion for her feel incredibly forced.
Overall an enjoyable book - but mostly due to Timothy’s character and metamorphosis. I liked the time travel element as the impetus for this change.
I found Jasmine far too much - she is fairy dream girl to the extreme and all that bouncing around/foot stamping/speaking aloud was grating. I think the romance and Timothy’s journey would have been more compelling and believable if Jasmine wasn’t so nutty - she’d be hard for even a 21st century guy to take let alone an emotionally constipated 19th century viscount. It made his love/passion for her feel incredibly forced.
February 2, 2024
I’ve loved this whole series, but THIS one is my favorite. I love a good redemption story. I love a book about a broken man finding peace and joy again. This book nails the grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity tropes. Timothy’s character development was so satisfying to read about. I love Jasmine and all her emotions. Especially bc Timothy is so opposite. They both are on extreme ends of the spectrum when it comes to expressing emotions so they balance each other perfectly. So many emotional scenes as well as super cute scenes. Again Nichole keeps me intrigued about the mystery and has me feeling all the emotions. (Notice how many times I used the word “emotions” haha) You must read the other books to get Timothy’s full background story. I listened to the audiobook and it was great.
SPOILERS and book notes:
1795 prologue Timothy is 14 and his father is horrible. Making him into a “gentleman”. Won’t let him work with his hands, use mathematics, invent, mechanics, build! Even when Timothy creates so many cool things! HE made him destroy them. I weep for him. And jasmine had her whole family die in a car crash. She is an orphan. And grew up like that. And she talks her thoughts out loud and it’s so funny. Timothy is just such a selfless sweetheart underneath his stone facade. Bc his father taught him he had to be stone. I hate that. His sister and his niece are his light in his life. He takes so much care for his family . Linwood and James were friends. As much friends as Linwood could have. And Linwood sister Maryann married aurther James older brother. I love how much James and Emme and Kit and Marc are in this book hanging with jasmine!! Favorite moments! Love them all! And when Linwood comes through the portal with all of them there! Sooo funny. Now he is wandering 21st century London all by himself and it’s hilarious. Awww Timothy gave her his coat even after everything. And Jasmine is so compassionate. “You know my name. Not my story” is the phrase jasmine keeps saying to herself in regards to Timothy. I love it. It’s a perfect mantra when meeting new people. Don’t judge ya know? Also poor Timothy and how he has had to suppress his emotions his whole life. He is broken and jasmine needs to help him heal. He had “breeding beaten into his body.” What a sad choice of words. Bahah I love how many skills a lord doesn’t know how to do. Shave, cook, clean etc. he keeps bugging jasmine about getting a maid and a cook and a valet. But then he eventually finds so much joy and satisfaction with cleaning and organizing. He is very skilled at both. Aw the tension between these two is fire. I love the battle of the sticky notes too. They both just try to get on each others nerves. I love that Timothy watched frozen by himself and how he relates to Elsa. How he had to conceal and not feel. But he needs to LET IT GO. Love and be yourself and it will work out! I love the first time he apologizes to her. Very humbling and relaxing. And then he compliments her about her smile lighting up the room. And then she apologizes too. Awwwwwww I love this. No one had taken care of his well being before. He had no one care for his happiness. I loooooooooove the scene when he learned to drive and she said STOP THE CAR when she discovered he had DIMPLES. So adorable and cute and hilarious. Oh my stars. They went to a CARNIVAL. And he couldn’t get enough of the kiddy roller coasters. And he won her a unicorn with the shooting game. And then he FINALLY smiled when they were dancing in the rain. Bawling. Then she got him to LAUGH when she giggled by taking him to a real roller coaster park. And then flirt fighting over the last sour gummy she found that he was ticklish!! And that was the best scene ever. “I know that smile lord Linwood. It’s the I’m thinking of kissing you smile.” “You are wrong it’s the I’m GOING to kiss you smile.” And then he kisses her on the Ferris wheel!!! Jasmine isn’t his opposite in everything. But his completion. The light when he is dark etc. I love that when he tells her his biggest shame (he is bankrupt) she doesn’t think less of him but wants to help him. The portal will only work if they go together! She was from the 19th century too!!!! She escaped when she was very little. I love the joy from both of them when they admit their love. But they get back and he can’t marry her. He is already betrothed (his uncles doing) and needs the money. My heart. Is. Breaking. So Jasmine left in the portal. But the portal took her wayyyyyyyy in the past this time. To king Arthur’s time. 515 AD. She is the daughter of King Arthur!!! Booya. And is the keeper of the portal. So cool. THEN TIMOTHY SHOWS UP AS A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. Literally. He came in armor. So freaking amazing. And asked to marry her. I love love love the epilogue. First of all Jasmine can exchange letters with her family in 500ad. And then they had a reunion at the time portal cottage with the whole gang! James, Arthur, Georgianna, Maryann, Emme, Sebastian, mark, Kit, Timothy, Jasmine, and Daniel. As well as the two kids Arthur jr and Arthur/Maryanne baby. And they plan on having regular reunions!! I’m so happy!!! But home for Jasmine is where ever dear Timothy is. Love this. No matter time or place, it’s with Timothy. I also like to point out that this book spends more time in 2015 than 1815. I liked that change of pace. A regency lord having to adjust to modern technology and consciences was entertaining. But then now when they went back to 1815, he knew to invest in steam engines etc.
SPOILERS and book notes:
1795 prologue Timothy is 14 and his father is horrible. Making him into a “gentleman”. Won’t let him work with his hands, use mathematics, invent, mechanics, build! Even when Timothy creates so many cool things! HE made him destroy them. I weep for him. And jasmine had her whole family die in a car crash. She is an orphan. And grew up like that. And she talks her thoughts out loud and it’s so funny. Timothy is just such a selfless sweetheart underneath his stone facade. Bc his father taught him he had to be stone. I hate that. His sister and his niece are his light in his life. He takes so much care for his family . Linwood and James were friends. As much friends as Linwood could have. And Linwood sister Maryann married aurther James older brother. I love how much James and Emme and Kit and Marc are in this book hanging with jasmine!! Favorite moments! Love them all! And when Linwood comes through the portal with all of them there! Sooo funny. Now he is wandering 21st century London all by himself and it’s hilarious. Awww Timothy gave her his coat even after everything. And Jasmine is so compassionate. “You know my name. Not my story” is the phrase jasmine keeps saying to herself in regards to Timothy. I love it. It’s a perfect mantra when meeting new people. Don’t judge ya know? Also poor Timothy and how he has had to suppress his emotions his whole life. He is broken and jasmine needs to help him heal. He had “breeding beaten into his body.” What a sad choice of words. Bahah I love how many skills a lord doesn’t know how to do. Shave, cook, clean etc. he keeps bugging jasmine about getting a maid and a cook and a valet. But then he eventually finds so much joy and satisfaction with cleaning and organizing. He is very skilled at both. Aw the tension between these two is fire. I love the battle of the sticky notes too. They both just try to get on each others nerves. I love that Timothy watched frozen by himself and how he relates to Elsa. How he had to conceal and not feel. But he needs to LET IT GO. Love and be yourself and it will work out! I love the first time he apologizes to her. Very humbling and relaxing. And then he compliments her about her smile lighting up the room. And then she apologizes too. Awwwwwww I love this. No one had taken care of his well being before. He had no one care for his happiness. I loooooooooove the scene when he learned to drive and she said STOP THE CAR when she discovered he had DIMPLES. So adorable and cute and hilarious. Oh my stars. They went to a CARNIVAL. And he couldn’t get enough of the kiddy roller coasters. And he won her a unicorn with the shooting game. And then he FINALLY smiled when they were dancing in the rain. Bawling. Then she got him to LAUGH when she giggled by taking him to a real roller coaster park. And then flirt fighting over the last sour gummy she found that he was ticklish!! And that was the best scene ever. “I know that smile lord Linwood. It’s the I’m thinking of kissing you smile.” “You are wrong it’s the I’m GOING to kiss you smile.” And then he kisses her on the Ferris wheel!!! Jasmine isn’t his opposite in everything. But his completion. The light when he is dark etc. I love that when he tells her his biggest shame (he is bankrupt) she doesn’t think less of him but wants to help him. The portal will only work if they go together! She was from the 19th century too!!!! She escaped when she was very little. I love the joy from both of them when they admit their love. But they get back and he can’t marry her. He is already betrothed (his uncles doing) and needs the money. My heart. Is. Breaking. So Jasmine left in the portal. But the portal took her wayyyyyyyy in the past this time. To king Arthur’s time. 515 AD. She is the daughter of King Arthur!!! Booya. And is the keeper of the portal. So cool. THEN TIMOTHY SHOWS UP AS A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. Literally. He came in armor. So freaking amazing. And asked to marry her. I love love love the epilogue. First of all Jasmine can exchange letters with her family in 500ad. And then they had a reunion at the time portal cottage with the whole gang! James, Arthur, Georgianna, Maryann, Emme, Sebastian, mark, Kit, Timothy, Jasmine, and Daniel. As well as the two kids Arthur jr and Arthur/Maryanne baby. And they plan on having regular reunions!! I’m so happy!!! But home for Jasmine is where ever dear Timothy is. Love this. No matter time or place, it’s with Timothy. I also like to point out that this book spends more time in 2015 than 1815. I liked that change of pace. A regency lord having to adjust to modern technology and consciences was entertaining. But then now when they went back to 1815, he knew to invest in steam engines etc.
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