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Once And Future Wife
Immortal men like Rhys Glyndwr belong to forgotten fables—along with his reincarnating wife—but instead, they haunt the mind of a modern scientist, Isla Belle Thorne. Like an old blanket, visions of the healer servant and his wife, the daughter of a duke, have comforted Isla Belle, the only constant in her unstable childhood.
When her mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, Isla Belle fears for her own health and keeps the visions a secret. As Isla Belle starts her new job at a renowned medical organization, she comes face to face with Rhys—the same man from her visions.
She’s told an impossible tale of a love that death cannot kill. Surrounded by science but faced with an implausible legend, Isla Belle must decide what to believe and what to leave behind.
When her mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, Isla Belle fears for her own health and keeps the visions a secret. As Isla Belle starts her new job at a renowned medical organization, she comes face to face with Rhys—the same man from her visions.
She’s told an impossible tale of a love that death cannot kill. Surrounded by science but faced with an implausible legend, Isla Belle must decide what to believe and what to leave behind.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2020
About the author
Clarissa Kae
22 books376 followersClarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 23, 2020
This was such an enchanting story, woven in half truths and myth.
Isla is plagued by headaches which bring upon visions of a this man, Rhys, whom she connects to more than any man she’s ever met...but the truth is, she’s never actually met him. And these visions are from 500 years ago...a time when a there is political turmoil between England and Wales with Henry the Vlll upon the throne.
When she finally comes face to face with the man from her visions she has to put together was is reality and what is just a dream. And how does modern day Rhys connect to the one from her dream like past?
There’s a modern medical research aspect to the story that was really fascinating and ties in a paranormal aspect which as a fantasy fan I found compelling.
Part based historical fiction, part based in the now...the longer I read the more pulled into the story I became. The mix of historical fiction and modern day is perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley and Amy Harmon as stated!
I’m so glad that this is a series (didn’t know that until I finished...haha) because I can’t wait to complete the story. This is a romance but has lots of bits and pieces that create a very well rounded story!
Isla is plagued by headaches which bring upon visions of a this man, Rhys, whom she connects to more than any man she’s ever met...but the truth is, she’s never actually met him. And these visions are from 500 years ago...a time when a there is political turmoil between England and Wales with Henry the Vlll upon the throne.
When she finally comes face to face with the man from her visions she has to put together was is reality and what is just a dream. And how does modern day Rhys connect to the one from her dream like past?
There’s a modern medical research aspect to the story that was really fascinating and ties in a paranormal aspect which as a fantasy fan I found compelling.
Part based historical fiction, part based in the now...the longer I read the more pulled into the story I became. The mix of historical fiction and modern day is perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley and Amy Harmon as stated!
I’m so glad that this is a series (didn’t know that until I finished...haha) because I can’t wait to complete the story. This is a romance but has lots of bits and pieces that create a very well rounded story!
July 31, 2020
The Once and Future Wife is a clean fantasy-ish romance.
Isla has had visions paired with headaches her entire life. If she tells someone, she’s sure they’ll lock her up for being crazy. But when the man she always sees in her dreams shows up in real life, she’s not sure what to believe and begins hunting for answers.
This was a very interesting book, and I wasn’t sure where everything was going. It was great!
It reads a bit like a split-time novel. Isla lives in modern day California, dealing with her crazy, hospitalized mom, her cousin, and her new job at a medical research organization. Meanwhile, about 500 years previous, the English duke’s daughter Isla Bell is in love with the healer’s apprentice, Rhys, and in danger of her life from the politics of England and Wales with King Henry VIII on the throne. The main thing these two girls have in common? Rhys, who lives in both timelines. And the modern-day Isla doesn’t know what to do about it.
This was a very imaginative story. It makes me want to fact check to see if the science mentioned and the historical events are real. They sounded real enough, though I haven’t heard of them before. It was really interesting.
The romance was so sweet. My heart hurts for Rhys, and I can’t wait until the next book to see how their romance deepens in the modern day. How long will I have to wait?!
I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the second one, especially since the end was a tiny bit cliffhangery.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
Isla has had visions paired with headaches her entire life. If she tells someone, she’s sure they’ll lock her up for being crazy. But when the man she always sees in her dreams shows up in real life, she’s not sure what to believe and begins hunting for answers.
This was a very interesting book, and I wasn’t sure where everything was going. It was great!
It reads a bit like a split-time novel. Isla lives in modern day California, dealing with her crazy, hospitalized mom, her cousin, and her new job at a medical research organization. Meanwhile, about 500 years previous, the English duke’s daughter Isla Bell is in love with the healer’s apprentice, Rhys, and in danger of her life from the politics of England and Wales with King Henry VIII on the throne. The main thing these two girls have in common? Rhys, who lives in both timelines. And the modern-day Isla doesn’t know what to do about it.
This was a very imaginative story. It makes me want to fact check to see if the science mentioned and the historical events are real. They sounded real enough, though I haven’t heard of them before. It was really interesting.
The romance was so sweet. My heart hurts for Rhys, and I can’t wait until the next book to see how their romance deepens in the modern day. How long will I have to wait?!
I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the second one, especially since the end was a tiny bit cliffhangery.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
May 27, 2021
It’s not very often that I get to read a time travel romance. This one by Clarissa Kae was very well done. I enjoyed reading about the present time and about the past time. Parts of it left me sad. But all in all, it was really good.
Isla Belle Thorne is a complicated character. There is a lot going on with her mom. She’s hospitalized because the doctors think she’s crazy. The problem for Isla Belle is that she thinks she may be crazy. Isla Belle has visions of a past time. Visions where she sees the same man and she is the woman. And she hides all of this under the guise that she’s simply having a migraine, which she is as well. I liked Isla Belle. She was strong and courageous in her fight for her mom’s situation to be better. And in uncovering secrets.
In the time travel scenes, the reader gets to see points of view from both Isla Belle and Rhys. I liked the way the author did this. It didn’t feel choppy, It was very well done.
And I loved the way the ending didn’t tell the reader everything. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by this author!
I was sent a copy of Once and Future Wife as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Isla Belle Thorne is a complicated character. There is a lot going on with her mom. She’s hospitalized because the doctors think she’s crazy. The problem for Isla Belle is that she thinks she may be crazy. Isla Belle has visions of a past time. Visions where she sees the same man and she is the woman. And she hides all of this under the guise that she’s simply having a migraine, which she is as well. I liked Isla Belle. She was strong and courageous in her fight for her mom’s situation to be better. And in uncovering secrets.
In the time travel scenes, the reader gets to see points of view from both Isla Belle and Rhys. I liked the way the author did this. It didn’t feel choppy, It was very well done.
And I loved the way the ending didn’t tell the reader everything. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by this author!
I was sent a copy of Once and Future Wife as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2020
This book has a haunting romance that will keep you turning pages. Full of mystery and magic (ok. Not magic exactly, but this isn’t your typical romance, there are paranormal aspects to the book that slowly unfold as you go.) I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
June 30, 2020
Clarissa Kae's stunning storytelling comes through strong in this paranormal romance. She beautifully interweaves two storylines and I couldn't decide which I loved more, because I wanted to know what happened in each! This page turner of a novel combines stunning writing with a masterfully told story that'll leave you wanting to forget all responsibilities just so you can finish it faster. I'm so excited to read her next release!
***I received an ARC, but all opinions stated are my own.***
***I received an ARC, but all opinions stated are my own.***
June 21, 2020
For fans of Amy Harmon & Susanna Kearsley, this book will not disappoint.
Read an ARC (ARC did not sway opinion)
Read an ARC (ARC did not sway opinion)
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2020DNF at 34% (Ch. 13)
I just don't feel it.
I just don't feel it.
July 23, 2020
Twisty turns
This was a split time read that I enjoyed. The romance was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG for themselves violence. I look forward to reading more by Clarissa Kae!
This was a split time read that I enjoyed. The romance was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG for themselves violence. I look forward to reading more by Clarissa Kae!
July 18, 2020
Isla Belle is the product of her now insane mother’s encounter with a fertility clinic. Her mother is once again in the hospital and is not responding to treatment. Isla is worried not only for her mother, but also for herself. Her visions have become stronger, her dreams more life-like and her headaches more frequent and more severe. She wonders if she is destined to be crazy like her mother.
This is an amazingly good read! It is not your typical romance, and the suspense is intense. The author kept me guessing and kept surprising me. She is a wonderful storyteller, masterfully weaving the seemingly disconnected pieces together. The book held my interest from beginning to end. I also appreciated that the book is clean. There were just a couple of curse words and no sex scenes. Drug use was contained in the story, but mainly by reference. There is a fair amount of violence, but again it is not too graphic. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read suspense, action and/or romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my unbiased review.
This is an amazingly good read! It is not your typical romance, and the suspense is intense. The author kept me guessing and kept surprising me. She is a wonderful storyteller, masterfully weaving the seemingly disconnected pieces together. The book held my interest from beginning to end. I also appreciated that the book is clean. There were just a couple of curse words and no sex scenes. Drug use was contained in the story, but mainly by reference. There is a fair amount of violence, but again it is not too graphic. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read suspense, action and/or romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my unbiased review.
October 25, 2020
Clarissa Kae has produced a debut novel that ticks a lot of boxes and kept me turning pages until well into the night.
She has created an intricate world where many time-lines appear to intersect. The hero Rhys has a very extended life span and the heroine is Isla Belle, Rhys' wife who appears in his life in many iterations throughout the years.
Modern-day Isla Belle is an American whose mother has a history of mental illness. When Isla's dreams of a blonde man start to invade her waking hours, resulting in vivid visions followed by crushing headaches, she fears she is losing her grip on reality too.
I enjoyed the creativity of the storyline, although there were times when I was a little confused as to who was who. This is a clean romance. There is a cliff-hanger ending and the next book in the series "Disorder in the Veins" is unavailable as of yet.
I am unsure how many books it would take to tell the story of all the various lifetimes Isla Belle has had so far. Hopefully no more than 3 because I admit my preference is always for a HEA at the end of a book and that is not quite the case here. A trilogy is definately my limit for a story arc between 2 characters.
She has created an intricate world where many time-lines appear to intersect. The hero Rhys has a very extended life span and the heroine is Isla Belle, Rhys' wife who appears in his life in many iterations throughout the years.
Modern-day Isla Belle is an American whose mother has a history of mental illness. When Isla's dreams of a blonde man start to invade her waking hours, resulting in vivid visions followed by crushing headaches, she fears she is losing her grip on reality too.
I enjoyed the creativity of the storyline, although there were times when I was a little confused as to who was who. This is a clean romance. There is a cliff-hanger ending and the next book in the series "Disorder in the Veins" is unavailable as of yet.
I am unsure how many books it would take to tell the story of all the various lifetimes Isla Belle has had so far. Hopefully no more than 3 because I admit my preference is always for a HEA at the end of a book and that is not quite the case here. A trilogy is definately my limit for a story arc between 2 characters.
December 4, 2020
Such an interesting concept.... I was drawn into this tale right to the end!
September 4, 2020
I was intrigued with the premise of this book. An immortal man is separated from his wife by her reincarnation. The story follows Isla Thorne in today’s time, she a scientist researching about cells that regenerate (possibly prolonging someone’s life), and then it switches back to Isla’s first life where she first met Rhys.
I liked the flow of the story, as it switched back and forth between the two times. But I had a hard time understanding the science discussed in the story 😅 This probably stems from my dislike of science while in school, and so I didn’t connect with that aspect of the story. Thus the ending, where they were explaining the science of immortality or reincarnation, confused me.
I felt that Isla’s visions of her previous life was done well. Though it worried her that she was going crazy, it still gave her comfort as she dreamed of this stranger named Rhys. And I did like the romance. It was sweet and they obviously were very much in love during Isla’s first life.
I liked the flow of the story, as it switched back and forth between the two times. But I had a hard time understanding the science discussed in the story 😅 This probably stems from my dislike of science while in school, and so I didn’t connect with that aspect of the story. Thus the ending, where they were explaining the science of immortality or reincarnation, confused me.
I felt that Isla’s visions of her previous life was done well. Though it worried her that she was going crazy, it still gave her comfort as she dreamed of this stranger named Rhys. And I did like the romance. It was sweet and they obviously were very much in love during Isla’s first life.
August 13, 2020
(I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but all opinions in this review are my own.)
This novel should be titled "No One Ever Tells Me Anything and I Don't Know Why". Isla Belle lives in a dystopia of migraines and crippling self-doubt. In hallucinations that test her sanity, she believes she is experiencing life in Tudor Wales with an evasive, albeit handsome, man. Not unlike her mother, who is an inmate in a bizarre medical experiment, Isla lives under the tight control of men who claim to have her best interests at heart. In both realities, she is thwarted in her attempts to choose her own path. As she begins to learn the truth about her identity, her past, her family and her health, she finds that she has been doomed to a "romance" that she has not chosen and can never escape. This book is a feminist nightmare.
This novel should be titled "No One Ever Tells Me Anything and I Don't Know Why". Isla Belle lives in a dystopia of migraines and crippling self-doubt. In hallucinations that test her sanity, she believes she is experiencing life in Tudor Wales with an evasive, albeit handsome, man. Not unlike her mother, who is an inmate in a bizarre medical experiment, Isla lives under the tight control of men who claim to have her best interests at heart. In both realities, she is thwarted in her attempts to choose her own path. As she begins to learn the truth about her identity, her past, her family and her health, she finds that she has been doomed to a "romance" that she has not chosen and can never escape. This book is a feminist nightmare.
June 17, 2020
I read an ARC from the publisher. I don't feel like an honest reviewer if I give five star ratings to ARC reviews.
Overall, the book has the same feel of Amy Harmon and Susanna Kearsley. I do think her audience will be disappointed if she waits too long for the second book. There's a cliffhanger feel at the end (not abrupt but there's definitely going to be a need for answers at the start of book two).
Overall, the book has the same feel of Amy Harmon and Susanna Kearsley. I do think her audience will be disappointed if she waits too long for the second book. There's a cliffhanger feel at the end (not abrupt but there's definitely going to be a need for answers at the start of book two).
Read
June 16, 2020GR keeps asking if I want to review this book. Ummmm, not sure how I feel about that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2022
Isla Belle is many things. A devoted daughter, a caring niece, and fun cousin, a smart scientist... and crazy? She’s not sure about that last one. She keeps having visions about a man named Rhys and a woman with blonde hair. That’s pretty crazy, right? But her mom has been in and out of the hospital Isla Belle’s whole life for addiction and craziness, so she’s determined to not follow in her mother’s footsteps. But can she fight the visions when she gets a job working for the literal man of her dreams?
This story was breathtaking as you were guided between the story of Rhys and the Lady Isla Belle of the past and the present day Isla Belle and her struggles with her visions. It was fun trying to connect dots and figure things out before the scientist, but getting blown away with each of her new discoveries.
If you like clean romance and paranormal side plots, this is the book for. I loved every page (even the ones I hated as a broken hearted reader), and I strongly recommend you read it too.
This story was breathtaking as you were guided between the story of Rhys and the Lady Isla Belle of the past and the present day Isla Belle and her struggles with her visions. It was fun trying to connect dots and figure things out before the scientist, but getting blown away with each of her new discoveries.
If you like clean romance and paranormal side plots, this is the book for. I loved every page (even the ones I hated as a broken hearted reader), and I strongly recommend you read it too.
April 13, 2021
I could not put this book down and I definitely did not want it to end. The story was unique and hard to follow at times. I had to re-read to understand what was going on, but I loved the mystery and intrigue, the suspense and just having no idea where the author would take the story next. This book is so very different to anything I have read before, but I really loved it and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I shall be looking for other books by this author.
Isla Belle is scared when her mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, she fears that the visions she keeps secret might land her in a hospital bed. She is haunted by visions of a healer named Rhys a servant and his wife, the daughter of a duke. When her uncle gets her a job at a medical organization, she is plagued with many questions and not very many answers, but when she comes face to face with the man in her visions Rhys, things really stop making any sense to her.
Isla Belle is scared when her mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, she fears that the visions she keeps secret might land her in a hospital bed. She is haunted by visions of a healer named Rhys a servant and his wife, the daughter of a duke. When her uncle gets her a job at a medical organization, she is plagued with many questions and not very many answers, but when she comes face to face with the man in her visions Rhys, things really stop making any sense to her.
October 18, 2020
This story was fascinating as it not only explored the realms of immortality and reincarnation but also mental illness. The modern day Isla Belle struggles with the visions in her head - or are they memories? Controlled and frightened by the mysterious Denton and his clinic and her over-protective uncle, and overwhelmed by the burden of her mother's mental health and drug addiction, she fears she is just like her, but gradually unravels the secrets surrounding her, and within her own head, to discover a love that is timeless. But what of Rhys? His loneliness and heartache, and the lengths he will go to, to reunite with his wife are painful and heart-rending. There is a lot left unsaid that hopefully will be revealed in Book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
intriguing concept
A story with lots of twists and back and forth in time, and as part of a series, left with a bit of mystery at the end.
Isla Belle and Rhys, Henry VIII, Wales, England, and California. Family ties, strange memories and visions, genetics, mental illness, medical experimentation, so many pieces fitted together, then the reader will have to read future books to find missing pieces.
I enjoyed the historical parts of the story. The present-day parts were sometimes confusing.
A story with lots of twists and back and forth in time, and as part of a series, left with a bit of mystery at the end.
Isla Belle and Rhys, Henry VIII, Wales, England, and California. Family ties, strange memories and visions, genetics, mental illness, medical experimentation, so many pieces fitted together, then the reader will have to read future books to find missing pieces.
I enjoyed the historical parts of the story. The present-day parts were sometimes confusing.
Read
December 31, 2025I skipped through a fair bit because I was anxious for hero and heroine interaction, but I did find the story fascinating and rather unique. But then that ending was not satisfying. That might not be so bad if there's a sequel (which does not seem to be the case as of this review) because then this whole book could have been build up and it is a really interesting premise. I just found it ultimately so much more sad than happy and that's not my favorite reading outcome.
September 10, 2020
I really wanted to love this one, and was surprised I didnt based on the glowing reviews. I know there is a good story here. It just got buried in awkward dialogue and inner thoughts. Many times the main characters reactions didnt make sense to me, and seemed over dramatic. Bummed.
October 23, 2020
Interesting
This was such an interesting book. It kept me captivated, I felt like I was right there in the book. I felt like the ending wasn’t quite complete though. I still have so many questions! I hope the author has plans to continue this story.
This was such an interesting book. It kept me captivated, I felt like I was right there in the book. I felt like the ending wasn’t quite complete though. I still have so many questions! I hope the author has plans to continue this story.
December 28, 2020
I liked the story, but felt wanting for more details in some of the big scenes. The end felt a little rushed to me. I am definitely interested in reading book 2 to get some more answers to my questions! Thanks for all your work to make this story a reality for others to join in!
January 1, 2025
Bound Together Forever
Rhys is her defender, protector, lover. He haunts her days and her nights. Isla Belle is trapped between fantasy and reality. The lines blur as she seeks the truth.
Rhys is her defender, protector, lover. He haunts her days and her nights. Isla Belle is trapped between fantasy and reality. The lines blur as she seeks the truth.
January 31, 2021
This book kept me reading, it is a very different genre than I thought it would be. I can't wait for the next book.
September 29, 2021
Great book.
I love a good immortality story and I cannot wait till the next book comes out. I finished it at 4 in the morning and continued thinking about it even in my sleep.
I love a good immortality story and I cannot wait till the next book comes out. I finished it at 4 in the morning and continued thinking about it even in my sleep.
March 22, 2026
This was an amazing dual timeline clean romance story! It still ended with a mystery that wasn’t totally solved, but the romance came to a nice finale.
June 15, 2020
Of course I loved it!
(I was given an ARC, obviously).
(I was given an ARC, obviously).
August 10, 2020
Romance past and present, "Once and Future Wife " captures you with both! Cleverly written! Isla Belle is overly protected by her Uncle Stephen and Ty, her cousin. Isla's mother has been in and out of hospitals for years! Her mother has visions. Isla has visions that she can't explain. Isla worries that she also has the same "crazy" as her mother. The love story, between Rhys Glyndwr and Isla Belle captures your heart! Rhys protects Isla Bell from the King. The cultural differences, between England and Wales, add another twist that Ryes and Isla Belle are faced with. The past and the present of "Once and Future Wife" come together, is a mystery that will keep you reading to the end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews