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90s Flashback #3
1998
Anna finally has it all: a gorgeous partner, a successful business, and the best friends a gal could ask for.
But just when she thought she’d finally achieved her happily ever after, she finds herself alone again.
Kurt, her soulmate, is leaving the country for three whole months—and while he’s gone, he's given her some serious decisions to consider. Anna must rely on her support network—plus her trusty time-travelling compound—to get her through.
However, soon after Kurt's departure, Anna's ex-husband makes a reappearance—and until she finds a way to banish his demons, neither of them can move forward.
But once she tackles that problem, a worse one arises.
Could the secret she uncovers derail the life she’s worked so hard towards?
Time travel has a lot to answer for.
But just when she thought she’d finally achieved her happily ever after, she finds herself alone again.
Kurt, her soulmate, is leaving the country for three whole months—and while he’s gone, he's given her some serious decisions to consider. Anna must rely on her support network—plus her trusty time-travelling compound—to get her through.
However, soon after Kurt's departure, Anna's ex-husband makes a reappearance—and until she finds a way to banish his demons, neither of them can move forward.
But once she tackles that problem, a worse one arises.
Could the secret she uncovers derail the life she’s worked so hard towards?
Time travel has a lot to answer for.
- GenresTime TravelChick Lit
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
68 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 24, 2023
2.5 ★ rounded up to 3 ★
1996 is definitely the best if the series. I was mostly annoyed with Anna for the entirety of the third book. Overall, I was happy with the outcome of the series though.
3 ★ for the three books together.
1996 is definitely the best if the series. I was mostly annoyed with Anna for the entirety of the third book. Overall, I was happy with the outcome of the series though.
3 ★ for the three books together.
January 12, 2023
Alas the final book in the 90s Flashback series. I wasn't ready for this series to end. The book did not disappoint at all. All of the characters showed growth and btw great world building. Loved loved loved this series.
November 28, 2024
Not as good as the other ones because Anna just makes really dumb decisions.
February 25, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY loved this whole series... and the storyline in 1998 was a wonderful way to wrap it all up! Anna and Kurt are such a great couple - supportive of each other, understanding, kind,... each smart, strong, independent and capable and yet better together. And their adventures with the Youth Compound made for a really fun read.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the other characters: Kelsey, Rachel, Amy, Anna's parents.... I thought Ms. McManus's character development was extremely well done. And, in general, her story flowed smoothly with both an entertaining tone and an intelligent plot.
The ONLY thing that bums me out about this book is that it appears to be the conclusion to the series... and I had so hoped that there would be a "1999", "2000", even a "2001"!
I also thoroughly enjoyed the other characters: Kelsey, Rachel, Amy, Anna's parents.... I thought Ms. McManus's character development was extremely well done. And, in general, her story flowed smoothly with both an entertaining tone and an intelligent plot.
The ONLY thing that bums me out about this book is that it appears to be the conclusion to the series... and I had so hoped that there would be a "1999", "2000", even a "2001"!
February 10, 2022
🌏Smooth sailing toward a glorious HEA? Lots of closure for a good, fun series😊
4.5🌟 stars
I really recommend you read McManus's 1996 and 1997 before opening the pages of this sequel. You will miss so much if you don't. But after you do, this will be a perfect way to cap this Australia-set series and resolve the lives and loves of numerous characters, including narrator Anna and the man she is fated to go for again and again.
Anna, a successful baker and businesswoman, is now using her time travel compound to spend time with her boyfriend who's on the other side of the world on a work assignment for months. But she also takes a few time trips without telling her boyfriend. In the process she stirs the pot and discovers secrets that mess with her present day relationship. But she's really trying to do good, including for her sister and former husband, and I like Anna.
This story comes with a time twist that gets Anna unsettled and worried about how her future will pan out. Past, present, future: they're all covered by dipping into Anna's amazing compound.
Like other books I've read by the author, the general tone is light and upbeat with sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed it but at times remembering the way things occurred in the previous two books did not come easy. I wish there had been a few more memory jogging hints about Anna's previous adventures in her teenage past and their effect on the present.
4.5🌟 stars
I really recommend you read McManus's 1996 and 1997 before opening the pages of this sequel. You will miss so much if you don't. But after you do, this will be a perfect way to cap this Australia-set series and resolve the lives and loves of numerous characters, including narrator Anna and the man she is fated to go for again and again.
Anna, a successful baker and businesswoman, is now using her time travel compound to spend time with her boyfriend who's on the other side of the world on a work assignment for months. But she also takes a few time trips without telling her boyfriend. In the process she stirs the pot and discovers secrets that mess with her present day relationship. But she's really trying to do good, including for her sister and former husband, and I like Anna.
This story comes with a time twist that gets Anna unsettled and worried about how her future will pan out. Past, present, future: they're all covered by dipping into Anna's amazing compound.
Like other books I've read by the author, the general tone is light and upbeat with sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed it but at times remembering the way things occurred in the previous two books did not come easy. I wish there had been a few more memory jogging hints about Anna's previous adventures in her teenage past and their effect on the present.
January 28, 2024
Anna has it all, everything she ever wanted, her dream partner, a very successful business and her best friends, but she soon realizes she's alone. Kurt, her soulmate, has to leave the country for a few months on a job that can change their lives. However, when he's gone, Anna relies heavily on her friends and her business, but her meddling gets her into trouble once again.
After reading all 3 books, 1996 was the best of the series in my opinion. Anna kept chasing that time traveling high, in the last two books, 1997 & 1998, it was evident that this time traveling compound shouldn't be used, yet she still used and kept poking her head where it didn't belong. Why couldn't she just settle for what she had? She literally had it all, yet it wasn't good enough for her. This is the reason for a 2.75 rounded up to 3 star rating for this book.
Kurt and Anna make a great couple, and her, Kelsey, Rachel, and Jackson make the best of friends. I wish the author would've done like a 3 years later rather than 3 months later. I would've loved to see where Kurt and Anna ended up, because 3 months wasn't much time to wrap a series up on my opinion! Regardless, this was a cute, light hearted series, it was a good palette cleanser, and it was short enough to pass some time!
After reading all 3 books, 1996 was the best of the series in my opinion. Anna kept chasing that time traveling high, in the last two books, 1997 & 1998, it was evident that this time traveling compound shouldn't be used, yet she still used and kept poking her head where it didn't belong. Why couldn't she just settle for what she had? She literally had it all, yet it wasn't good enough for her. This is the reason for a 2.75 rounded up to 3 star rating for this book.
Kurt and Anna make a great couple, and her, Kelsey, Rachel, and Jackson make the best of friends. I wish the author would've done like a 3 years later rather than 3 months later. I would've loved to see where Kurt and Anna ended up, because 3 months wasn't much time to wrap a series up on my opinion! Regardless, this was a cute, light hearted series, it was a good palette cleanser, and it was short enough to pass some time!
May 5, 2024
This book alone would probably be a 3.5. It’s a great way to wrap up the series and had some fun things, but it was as predictable as the others. I don’t think that’s a bad thing when I just want a light read right before bed or to waste a few minutes in between the busyness of life. I was struggling to find something I enjoyed and this helped put me back in a space to read again.
I think this could have been one big book instead of three. Cut some of the fat and create a cohesive story instead of smaller, incomplete stories that seem to end very quickly.
I just love Kurt. He was a huge part of why I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to see him fit into the story. Anna gets on my nerves, but I do often see her side of things. She seemed to mean well, but often had an aggravating way of doing things and getting there. I’m glad everyone ended up with a HEA even if it was totally unrealistic at times.
With that being said, I actually really loved this series. It was a great quick read that made me wonder what I would do if I went back into my 16 year old body and didn’t have to worry about the future. It’s a fun concept to think about. I would recommend this book series.
I think this could have been one big book instead of three. Cut some of the fat and create a cohesive story instead of smaller, incomplete stories that seem to end very quickly.
I just love Kurt. He was a huge part of why I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to see him fit into the story. Anna gets on my nerves, but I do often see her side of things. She seemed to mean well, but often had an aggravating way of doing things and getting there. I’m glad everyone ended up with a HEA even if it was totally unrealistic at times.
With that being said, I actually really loved this series. It was a great quick read that made me wonder what I would do if I went back into my 16 year old body and didn’t have to worry about the future. It’s a fun concept to think about. I would recommend this book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2022
I read and loved '1996' and '1997' in February of 2020. I had no idea there was a third book coming out, but as soon as I saw it, I grabbed it.
While this was a nice ending to the series, I did find it all to be a bit saccharine and over-the-top with the happily-ever-afters.
Anna definitely makes some questionable choices, and to be 100% honest, I'm not sure this book needed to be written, but I suppose it gives some closure to the series as a whole, and it was a nice way to pass a couple of afternoons.
This book is the very definition of a 'Beach Read' (a term I despise but one that works for this book/series). It's an overly sweet story about a bumbling yet charming main character who gets herself into trouble by traveling back to the past. There's no real antagonist or major problems that arise. You pretty much know exactly how the story is going to end, but it's a thoughtless read that's nice on a hot summer day down by the river.
Overall, I'm glad I found out about this last installment and was able to see how Anna and the rest of the gang's stories wrap up. The series as a whole makes a great summer read.
While this was a nice ending to the series, I did find it all to be a bit saccharine and over-the-top with the happily-ever-afters.
Anna definitely makes some questionable choices, and to be 100% honest, I'm not sure this book needed to be written, but I suppose it gives some closure to the series as a whole, and it was a nice way to pass a couple of afternoons.
This book is the very definition of a 'Beach Read' (a term I despise but one that works for this book/series). It's an overly sweet story about a bumbling yet charming main character who gets herself into trouble by traveling back to the past. There's no real antagonist or major problems that arise. You pretty much know exactly how the story is going to end, but it's a thoughtless read that's nice on a hot summer day down by the river.
Overall, I'm glad I found out about this last installment and was able to see how Anna and the rest of the gang's stories wrap up. The series as a whole makes a great summer read.
January 8, 2025
This is the third book and conclusion of the 90s flashback series. It is NOT a stand alone book. I had high hopes but this was my last favorite of the books. 3.5 Stars rounded up.
In this book Anna is making very poor decisions and the storyline wasn't nearly as exciting as the first book. But I did like how the story explored further nuances and uses of time travel.
I really loved this series and I recommend it! Especially if you're someone who grew up in the 90s, you'll take a nostalgic trip back in time. And even though this is an Australian author, the US was experiencing the same phenomenons and the pop culture references are still very relatable for those of us who live in the USA.
In this book Anna is making very poor decisions and the storyline wasn't nearly as exciting as the first book. But I did like how the story explored further nuances and uses of time travel.
I really loved this series and I recommend it! Especially if you're someone who grew up in the 90s, you'll take a nostalgic trip back in time. And even though this is an Australian author, the US was experiencing the same phenomenons and the pop culture references are still very relatable for those of us who live in the USA.
July 11, 2022
Spoilers
I really liked the first two books but this one felt too outdated for me. Anna didn't seem as strong of a character. Here she is getting all upset that Kurt is going to be mad at her for helping her ex husband, at visiting the past without her, and then acts like he's in the right to be mad at her when she accidentally discovered who his birth mother was. Seems controlling to me. Then she all of the sudden changes her mind about having kids and marriage after pressure from Kurt. Plus she acted like all her friends must all have a man like her to be happy. We will see what happens next book, if she magically gets pregnant with no fertility problems even though she's over 40.
I really liked the first two books but this one felt too outdated for me. Anna didn't seem as strong of a character. Here she is getting all upset that Kurt is going to be mad at her for helping her ex husband, at visiting the past without her, and then acts like he's in the right to be mad at her when she accidentally discovered who his birth mother was. Seems controlling to me. Then she all of the sudden changes her mind about having kids and marriage after pressure from Kurt. Plus she acted like all her friends must all have a man like her to be happy. We will see what happens next book, if she magically gets pregnant with no fertility problems even though she's over 40.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2023
Continuation of the series, quick/easy/fluffy read. As this one was going on, I kind of felt like perhaps it would have been better to have stopped at book 2? I liked the resolution there, and ANY story that continues on will always have issues come up. There is never a HEA ... not ever after. So here, Anna and Kurt will have some struggles. In each book, there seems to something that I really don't care for, here it was the Simon storyline. Just weird, too much. And then in the end ... way HEA.
Time travel is always a bit mind-bending - how this concoction works is never addressed, even though the scientist has tweaked it, made more with different properties, etc.
Time travel is always a bit mind-bending - how this concoction works is never addressed, even though the scientist has tweaked it, made more with different properties, etc.
May 24, 2023
It's been two years since I read this series. I enjoyed the first two books so much and I'm glad I finally picked up the last book of this series. I was scary that I would forget the characters since it's been so long but nope. When I opened the book it felt like I just finished the second one just days ago. I still enjoyed this book even though she didn't go back in time as much it felt still a really great way to end this series. Be more in the present and enjoy life that you have. I did worry there a bit if Kurt was going to leave but I'm really glad that they made it though. I'm really shocked about the ending with the land. This was a great fast series to read.
January 27, 2024
The third & final book to the trilogy of the Flashback series.
I'm glad that the couple of things I thought were going to happen didn't in this series, so it was nice to not guess what was coming next and it actually be a surprise of a sort? As it wasn't anything wow surprise but just didn't guess the next bits.
Thought there was more than the 3 but made sense that there wasn't as it would take away from the story.
I didn't see the future compound coming, I thought the mystery one was going to be an accidental permanence in one year or that when she did things in one of the past years that the consequences would stick and they would be a part of the past, guess that storyline could have led into a 4th 1999 book.
Overall, an enjoyable series 😊
I'm glad that the couple of things I thought were going to happen didn't in this series, so it was nice to not guess what was coming next and it actually be a surprise of a sort? As it wasn't anything wow surprise but just didn't guess the next bits.
Thought there was more than the 3 but made sense that there wasn't as it would take away from the story.
I didn't see the future compound coming, I thought the mystery one was going to be an accidental permanence in one year or that when she did things in one of the past years that the consequences would stick and they would be a part of the past, guess that storyline could have led into a 4th 1999 book.
Overall, an enjoyable series 😊
March 2, 2023
I enjoyed this conclusion of a time-traveling trilogy. All the books are mostly sweet and light, but the characters are still given some depth.
There are some developments with the time travel serum this time, allowing Anna to time travel or shorter periods of time as well as to somewhere different altogether. Along the way, she makes some discoveries that change the lives of the people around her in different ways.
Overall, this was a fun trilogy to read. I liked the references to 90s music and pop culture and the author’s portrayal of daily life in 1996-98.
There are some developments with the time travel serum this time, allowing Anna to time travel or shorter periods of time as well as to somewhere different altogether. Along the way, she makes some discoveries that change the lives of the people around her in different ways.
Overall, this was a fun trilogy to read. I liked the references to 90s music and pop culture and the author’s portrayal of daily life in 1996-98.
February 26, 2024
Honestly, I think this would have worked if it had been one book, in three sections. I felt like it was playing the serendipity/fate aspect too much. For Anna, for Kelsey, and Anna's sister Amy. It was all too, too, If you know what I mean.
I like the three books, but I felt like they could have had a more emotional impact if the relationships were explored more.
I feel like there was a missed opportunity for Anna and/or Kurt to spend more time in 98.
I also felt like it was a missed opportunity for an escalation with Simon. I actually thought he'd set the fire.
I like the three books, but I felt like they could have had a more emotional impact if the relationships were explored more.
I feel like there was a missed opportunity for Anna and/or Kurt to spend more time in 98.
I also felt like it was a missed opportunity for an escalation with Simon. I actually thought he'd set the fire.
February 19, 2022
This is book 3 in McManus' 90s Flashback series and the first in the series that I've read. I am hooked! First I love this era and second I love how well written this book was / is! I do wish that I had read the first two in this series first but all in all this book was perfection! Great time travel concept and amazing characters. Fun from start to finish - definitely an author I'm excited to read again!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
1998
The first Kirsty McManus book that I read was 1996 and since then I've read everything she's written, so I was really pleased with the release of 1998.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story but was at times worried about what Anna was going to do to sabotage her relationship with Kurt. Kirsty very cleverly brought it all together, although I was left wondering what happened to Bernard.
This is a series I'll gladly read again.
The first Kirsty McManus book that I read was 1996 and since then I've read everything she's written, so I was really pleased with the release of 1998.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story but was at times worried about what Anna was going to do to sabotage her relationship with Kurt. Kirsty very cleverly brought it all together, although I was left wondering what happened to Bernard.
This is a series I'll gladly read again.
May 17, 2022
Really great series
I would recommend this book to anyone who ever wondered about going back in time and reliving a day in the past. I love how this series holds your interest right from the beginning. Anna is a character that you can relate to. And I love how she always finds her true love every time.
I would recommend this book to anyone who ever wondered about going back in time and reliving a day in the past. I love how this series holds your interest right from the beginning. Anna is a character that you can relate to. And I love how she always finds her true love every time.
July 31, 2023
I was worried they would fight some senseless drama as a couple just to keep the story going, but thankfully I was wrong. There is a bit of drama, but just the right dose.
I love that the compound is not an issues between they, at contraire, is a medium of communication XD
Loved the trilogy, definitely will look for more of the author.
I love that the compound is not an issues between they, at contraire, is a medium of communication XD
Loved the trilogy, definitely will look for more of the author.
January 2, 2024
This was my favorite out of all three books. I liked that she went to the future in this book. I wish it would’ve happened more than once. I like this book showed not only the good things, but the consequences of using the compound. I would like more detail of the 90s all in all this was a good series lighthearted and fun.
October 2, 2024
This was my least favorite book of the series. In fact I found myself just reading to see what happened with Kurt and Anna. I liked book 1 for all the 90’s references. This book traveled to the future and that was a little strange for me.
Moving on…this was an easy read without a lot of substance.
Moving on…this was an easy read without a lot of substance.
April 10, 2025
Another great story with Anna & Kurt. She discovers that Kurt's Aunt is actually his birth mother. He is unsure what to do with that knowledge, here in the present. So Kurt goes back to 98 as well. He has to hear it from his auntie Sadie, for himself.
But does present day Kurt & Sadie both know that he knows the truth?
When Anna sees her future home, and meets a new best friend, she has no idea who she is! There's a wedding band on Anna's finger, but she really hopes it's Kurt's!
While Anna & Kelsey prepares for the one year anniversary of their café, Naughty or Nice, they meet a new friend, who is the woman Anna met in the future.
But does present day Kurt & Sadie both know that he knows the truth?
When Anna sees her future home, and meets a new best friend, she has no idea who she is! There's a wedding band on Anna's finger, but she really hopes it's Kurt's!
While Anna & Kelsey prepares for the one year anniversary of their café, Naughty or Nice, they meet a new friend, who is the woman Anna met in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
So glad there is a third book in this wonderful series!
I’ve loved this series from the start. It’s so exciting! The time travel aspect is so much fun! So much recognition. I had a blast reading this book! Do read books 1996 and 1997 before starting on this one.
I’ve loved this series from the start. It’s so exciting! The time travel aspect is so much fun! So much recognition. I had a blast reading this book! Do read books 1996 and 1997 before starting on this one.
February 19, 2022
The book is a good, and enjoyable romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2022
This book is a time travel romantic comedy. This book is a sweet read it has a nice page turner with a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2022
loved it!
This made me go back and read 1996 and 1997 again, it was like a great Netflix binge session, and you totally don’t want it to end! I really hope to see another book in the series. This is what hooked me on Kirsty’s books, love them!!
This made me go back and read 1996 and 1997 again, it was like a great Netflix binge session, and you totally don’t want it to end! I really hope to see another book in the series. This is what hooked me on Kirsty’s books, love them!!
August 21, 2023
I am just the kind of person that HAS to finish something when I start it which is why I should never read trilogy's. I have never rolled my eyes so many times. Cringy!! This is aimed toward a younger crowd but I don't see how they would enjoy the 90's references.
February 22, 2022
Great end to a great series!
I fell in love with 1996, was enraptured with 1997, and am smitten with 1998.
I have loved every book by Kirsty and this one continued the feeling.
I fell in love with 1996, was enraptured with 1997, and am smitten with 1998.
I have loved every book by Kirsty and this one continued the feeling.
July 6, 2022
I finished this one in one day. Holds your attention just as the last two. A great bit of nostalgia mixed with a fun romance.
August 12, 2022
predictable but cute
This series was an easy read, it may have been predictable at times, but i enjoyed it. 90s kids will definitely enjoy all the references!
This series was an easy read, it may have been predictable at times, but i enjoyed it. 90s kids will definitely enjoy all the references!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews