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Forever Bound
Set among the rolling green Irish hills, Kelkerry Castle is something out of a dreamy fairy tale. For hotelier Bridget Marshall, however, it's a dream come true...once she’s sorted out the mold, lead paint, and ancient plumbing. And she’ll prove to everyone in the nearby village of Shansally (pop. 119) that she’s not just another silly, dreamy-eyed American—including her curt (if utterly gorgeous) new neighbor, Liam O'Flannagain.
Only, this breathtaking castle has far more secrets than expensive repairs. While someone—or something—here desperately wants Bridget to give up and walk away, there’s another force tugging Bridget to stay. Because whenever she’s with Liam, the ancient past seems to come to life again, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
Now, Liam and Bridget are caught up in a long-ago tale filled with love, danger, and betrayal. The past seems to be working its magic on both of them, pulling them into a love story they’re helpless to resist. And they’ll have to uncover the truth of what happened all those centuries ago before history—and tragedy—repeats itself.
Only, this breathtaking castle has far more secrets than expensive repairs. While someone—or something—here desperately wants Bridget to give up and walk away, there’s another force tugging Bridget to stay. Because whenever she’s with Liam, the ancient past seems to come to life again, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
Now, Liam and Bridget are caught up in a long-ago tale filled with love, danger, and betrayal. The past seems to be working its magic on both of them, pulling them into a love story they’re helpless to resist. And they’ll have to uncover the truth of what happened all those centuries ago before history—and tragedy—repeats itself.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
29 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Dall
21 books53 followersJessica Dall finished her first novel at age 15 and been writing ever since. She is the author of such novels as Raining Embers and The Stars of Heaven and a number of short stories which have appeared in both literary magazines and anthologies. When not writing, she works as an editor in the Washington, DC metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 31, 2022
Let me start by saying, I think the potential for a well-rounded, unique story is there with Forever Bound, but, for me, it just wasn't as fleshed out as it could be.
I was, sadly, not fond of the MMC, Liam. Some of his actions came across as being very manipulative. The blatant jealousy I got from him was not at all appealing...I feel it could've been written differently and maybe Liam wouldn't have come across so weirdly immature. Don't get me wrong, I love a good broody, grumpy MMC, but Liam just was not it. His mood changes gave me whiplash.
With that said, I did love the FMC, Bridget and the story was quickly paced and intriguing.
The visions added a unique historical element that kept me turning each page.
The Irish setting was beautiful, with descriptive writing that really helped me dive into the story's location.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
I was, sadly, not fond of the MMC, Liam. Some of his actions came across as being very manipulative. The blatant jealousy I got from him was not at all appealing...I feel it could've been written differently and maybe Liam wouldn't have come across so weirdly immature. Don't get me wrong, I love a good broody, grumpy MMC, but Liam just was not it. His mood changes gave me whiplash.
With that said, I did love the FMC, Bridget and the story was quickly paced and intriguing.
The visions added a unique historical element that kept me turning each page.
The Irish setting was beautiful, with descriptive writing that really helped me dive into the story's location.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
May 6, 2023
This was such a fun read! It had many of the elements I enjoy in a book - mystery, suspense, romance, and time travel. The time travel wasn't like most I have read; rather, it was more of the two main characters experiencing what those from the past endured. I do wonder why these two were chosen, and an answer isn't provided. Were they descendants of the people whose body they were in?
The mystery was who was sabotaging the castle and Bridget's work to open a hotel. I had my suspicions about one character, and I was glad to see I was correct. There was a twist with that plot line that I didn't expect, so that added another dimension to the story.
The romance between Bridget and Liam took some time. He is very broody and does not like Bridget. There isn't anything concrete as to why other than she is an American that came over and purchased a castle to convert into a hotel. Perhaps he didn't want tourism in that small town? Or maybe he didn't want to be there and would have rebelled against anything or anyone. However, when she breaks through his defenses, it still takes some time for him to come around and admit his feelings.
While I have never been to Ireland, I felt like I was there from the descriptions of the towns and the people. I could imagine the lush green meadows and more. I liked how there were bits of Gaelic sprinkled in, and I had to chuckle as Bridget learned what words meant or what words she should use in certain situations.
This was an enjoyable read, and we give it 5 paws up.
The mystery was who was sabotaging the castle and Bridget's work to open a hotel. I had my suspicions about one character, and I was glad to see I was correct. There was a twist with that plot line that I didn't expect, so that added another dimension to the story.
The romance between Bridget and Liam took some time. He is very broody and does not like Bridget. There isn't anything concrete as to why other than she is an American that came over and purchased a castle to convert into a hotel. Perhaps he didn't want tourism in that small town? Or maybe he didn't want to be there and would have rebelled against anything or anyone. However, when she breaks through his defenses, it still takes some time for him to come around and admit his feelings.
While I have never been to Ireland, I felt like I was there from the descriptions of the towns and the people. I could imagine the lush green meadows and more. I liked how there were bits of Gaelic sprinkled in, and I had to chuckle as Bridget learned what words meant or what words she should use in certain situations.
This was an enjoyable read, and we give it 5 paws up.
February 10, 2023
I enjoyed this time travel historical romance. The setting was a dream. I would love to visit all the castles in Ireland and hope to have flashbacks to a past romance!
I loved that Bridget took a risk and bought this run down castle. Of course there’s going to be a lot of work to be done but it was good to see an independent woman take on such a task. I enjoyed watching her really come into herself as she navigated the construction of Kelkerry Castle and the strange visions around the property. I liked the mystery around the flashbacks to the past and the unfolding of the events that happened around the castle.
Liam. Oh swoon! Of course Bridget doesn’t have just one Irish man to look at but two. Douglas doesn’t hesitate to ask Bridget out and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes as well as educated in the history of the town and Kelkerry. Liam on the other hands is definitely more mysterious and leaves you wondering what his deal is. He doesn’t want to be at Kelkerry and doesn’t approve of Bridget getting close to Douglas.
If you’re looking for something a bit reminiscent of Outlander but a whole lot cleaner than I definitely recommend this historical romance. The pacing was perfect, the characters likeable and well developed, and the setting is a dream!
I loved that Bridget took a risk and bought this run down castle. Of course there’s going to be a lot of work to be done but it was good to see an independent woman take on such a task. I enjoyed watching her really come into herself as she navigated the construction of Kelkerry Castle and the strange visions around the property. I liked the mystery around the flashbacks to the past and the unfolding of the events that happened around the castle.
Liam. Oh swoon! Of course Bridget doesn’t have just one Irish man to look at but two. Douglas doesn’t hesitate to ask Bridget out and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes as well as educated in the history of the town and Kelkerry. Liam on the other hands is definitely more mysterious and leaves you wondering what his deal is. He doesn’t want to be at Kelkerry and doesn’t approve of Bridget getting close to Douglas.
If you’re looking for something a bit reminiscent of Outlander but a whole lot cleaner than I definitely recommend this historical romance. The pacing was perfect, the characters likeable and well developed, and the setting is a dream!
September 22, 2024
Time travel romance, one of my “guilty pleasure,” a bit too much character confusion (similar names), present day crime involvement that added a false note, just not quite there
October 23, 2022
Forever Bound
by Jessica Dall
Earc: NetGalley
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: 28th November 2022
Genre:Romance
Bridget has bought a castle in Ireland which she wants to turn into a hotel. She travels from the USA to Ireland to make this dream come true.
Upon arriving she meets her neighbour Liam he's standoffish and a bit grumpy.
Within some time there destroy of property in the castle and Liam is the one to want to help her find out who.
Bridget doesn't know a lot about the castle she's bought so she goes to do some research on Kerklly and finds it has some tragic folklore history or is this real history.
Liam is not the same as others through he is but he suspect Bridget is someone else as well from the past. Whenever they touch they have flashes of the past they want to know why.
And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she’s with Liam, the castle’s ancient past seems to come roaring to life, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive. Can they figure why this is happening to them or will history repeat itself. I love the fantasy side of this book and absolutely recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance @EngtantledPublishing @Jessica Dall
October 15, 2022
[5/5] ⭐
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bridget Marshall has something on her mind. She wants to renovate the old castle in Shansally village with the aim of building her real dream job: A hotel, in a castle that keeps more secrets than it seems, where Bridgit will begin to see some very vivid strange visions. But it seems like she's not the only one seeing this... Liam, her grumpy neighbor (unconventionally attractive) seems to be dealing with the same situation. Will they be able to get to the bottom of this situation and unravel the mystery of Shansally?
My first time reading something from this author and I can already aay two things:
1. I FUCKING LOVE BOOKS WITH HISTORIC INFORMATION. AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS ROMANCE BOTH IN THE PAST AND IN THE PRESENT?? a perfect balancE 💞💞
2. You can notice that the author has a style in which she writes in a concise and direct way that helps the reader to understand her novels more easily. Even when reading the parts where historical facts are explained, I don't think it has been loaded with so much information as to make me lose.
This was absolutely worth reading. You can enter this world, think with the characters and I love, I love that we can follow their story step by step. Give it a try if you like visions/past, GRUMPY NEIGHBOR (please 😩) stuff and an fmc planning to run her own business? badass and businesswoman, I don't think you need more reasons to read this.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bridget Marshall has something on her mind. She wants to renovate the old castle in Shansally village with the aim of building her real dream job: A hotel, in a castle that keeps more secrets than it seems, where Bridgit will begin to see some very vivid strange visions. But it seems like she's not the only one seeing this... Liam, her grumpy neighbor (unconventionally attractive) seems to be dealing with the same situation. Will they be able to get to the bottom of this situation and unravel the mystery of Shansally?
My first time reading something from this author and I can already aay two things:
1. I FUCKING LOVE BOOKS WITH HISTORIC INFORMATION. AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS ROMANCE BOTH IN THE PAST AND IN THE PRESENT?? a perfect balancE 💞💞
2. You can notice that the author has a style in which she writes in a concise and direct way that helps the reader to understand her novels more easily. Even when reading the parts where historical facts are explained, I don't think it has been loaded with so much information as to make me lose.
This was absolutely worth reading. You can enter this world, think with the characters and I love, I love that we can follow their story step by step. Give it a try if you like visions/past, GRUMPY NEIGHBOR (please 😩) stuff and an fmc planning to run her own business? badass and businesswoman, I don't think you need more reasons to read this.
November 30, 2022
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Entangled Publishing Amara, for sharing an e-ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“It’s a book. No harm can ever come from reading a book”
“Whether or not Liam O’Flannagain, wanted to talk to me, we were going to have a conversation tomorrow”
I absolutely loved this book!!! Wow !!! I’m in awe !!!! Mystery, treasure hunting, visions of the past, Irish legends and myths and a romance that’s so sweet and so tensed you could feel every minute of it !!!
A hunted Irish castle where nothing is what it seems and two people, Bridget and Liam, trying to fight off their mutual attraction and the fact that, whenever they touch, they make contact with some other selves of the past … who were madly in love with each other.
Embarrassing but very spicy situation, involving their other selves, make the tension grow … and jealousy can be a turning factor !!!
I honestly enjoyed reading this book so much !!! It gives the right vibes to get you through that time in between Halloween and Christmas where it’s cold enough to be winter but treasure hunting and hunted castle still gets you more on the autumn season !!!!
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book and I cannot wait for it to be out!!
“A rún, mo ghrá … anyone who doesn’t see you are worth so much more than any of that is a lunatic”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“It’s a book. No harm can ever come from reading a book”
“Whether or not Liam O’Flannagain, wanted to talk to me, we were going to have a conversation tomorrow”
I absolutely loved this book!!! Wow !!! I’m in awe !!!! Mystery, treasure hunting, visions of the past, Irish legends and myths and a romance that’s so sweet and so tensed you could feel every minute of it !!!
A hunted Irish castle where nothing is what it seems and two people, Bridget and Liam, trying to fight off their mutual attraction and the fact that, whenever they touch, they make contact with some other selves of the past … who were madly in love with each other.
Embarrassing but very spicy situation, involving their other selves, make the tension grow … and jealousy can be a turning factor !!!
I honestly enjoyed reading this book so much !!! It gives the right vibes to get you through that time in between Halloween and Christmas where it’s cold enough to be winter but treasure hunting and hunted castle still gets you more on the autumn season !!!!
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book and I cannot wait for it to be out!!
“A rún, mo ghrá … anyone who doesn’t see you are worth so much more than any of that is a lunatic”
January 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the glimpses into the past while we try to unravel the mystery Bridget and Liam are experiencing. He's a misunderstood grump but I really liked him. I love that Bridget is able to see who he is beneath the grumpy exterior.
Bridget bought Kelkerry Castle, near the small village of Shansally, Ireland sight unseen. She has plans to renovate the castle and open her very own hotel. She has plenty of work ahead of her and plenty of new people to meet.
Her new neighbor Liam is not very friendly unlike everyone else in the village. But the castle has plenty to keep her busy especially when they start to eat away at her budget. But she can't walk away. Whenever she's near Liam, the ancient past seems to come alive around them. Making them relive a story from the castle's past.
The past draws them together unable to resist the pull they feel for one another. They'll work together to figure out what happened all those years ago while also trying to figure out who is sabotaging her renovation efforts.
Bridget bought Kelkerry Castle, near the small village of Shansally, Ireland sight unseen. She has plans to renovate the castle and open her very own hotel. She has plenty of work ahead of her and plenty of new people to meet.
Her new neighbor Liam is not very friendly unlike everyone else in the village. But the castle has plenty to keep her busy especially when they start to eat away at her budget. But she can't walk away. Whenever she's near Liam, the ancient past seems to come alive around them. Making them relive a story from the castle's past.
The past draws them together unable to resist the pull they feel for one another. They'll work together to figure out what happened all those years ago while also trying to figure out who is sabotaging her renovation efforts.
December 1, 2022
This is my first time reading anything by this author, and I was utterly captivated! The moment she introduced her characters until she gave me the HEA, I couldn't stop reading. The plot was very engaging, with suspense both in the past and present, giving the heroine one mystery to solve on her own, and the couple a mystery spanning centuries to solve. The chemistry between the characters was intense and i loved it when they finally snapped and went for it. Just a great story, a lovely ending, and a new author to follow! #netgalley #ForeverBound
January 16, 2023
The premise/blurb is what initially drew me in to this book. I find that I just wasn't invested into the story that I thought I was going to be. I think I would've liked more past chapters more, but the constant past and present that Bridget was being transported to, felt weird to me. I didn't fall in love with the main characters either. I think this would be a good start for those who never read a time travel romance.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 31, 2022
FOREVER BOUND is a delightful romantic suspense/sci-fi read. Bridget has just moved to Ireland, where she is restoring an old castle to turn it into a hotel in a very small town. She has hired local contractors, including her next door neighbors, the O'Flannagains. The son, Liam, is particularly surly and seems to know that she will fail, but Bridget has a plan and she knows she has the skills to turn this castle around - that is, until the sabotage begins. As she keeps an eye out for the vandals, she must also deal with small-town drama in the form of Douglas, the local guy who is pursing her.
Amidst all of this happening in the modern era, Bridget soon learns that when she and Liam touch, they are propelled to the past to see a love story play out. As they embody the people who lived so long ago, they find their attraction growing in equal proportion. But what is the past trying to tell them? Could it have anything to do with the rumors of buried treasure around the castle?
This was such a riveting read with 2 great mysteries to really pull the reader in. There is the mystery of the past and what they are meant to see by these visions, and there is the mystery of the present in terms of who is sabotaging her renovations and why. The chemistry between Liam and Bridget is off the charts, even though he comes off as a bit of a jerk at first. It really kept the plot alive with the sizzle of their romance. The majority of the book really focuses on the history and mysteries, and it was really fascinating. The history seemed well-researched, and the time travel element really added another layer to it all to really pull the reader into the past as well as the present. It was quite an enthralling read!
FOREVER BOUND is a riveting and compelling romantic suspense read with sci-fi/time-traveling elements and mysteries that make it quite unputdownable. Highly recommend picking up this entertaining and compulsive read. Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Amidst all of this happening in the modern era, Bridget soon learns that when she and Liam touch, they are propelled to the past to see a love story play out. As they embody the people who lived so long ago, they find their attraction growing in equal proportion. But what is the past trying to tell them? Could it have anything to do with the rumors of buried treasure around the castle?
This was such a riveting read with 2 great mysteries to really pull the reader in. There is the mystery of the past and what they are meant to see by these visions, and there is the mystery of the present in terms of who is sabotaging her renovations and why. The chemistry between Liam and Bridget is off the charts, even though he comes off as a bit of a jerk at first. It really kept the plot alive with the sizzle of their romance. The majority of the book really focuses on the history and mysteries, and it was really fascinating. The history seemed well-researched, and the time travel element really added another layer to it all to really pull the reader into the past as well as the present. It was quite an enthralling read!
FOREVER BOUND is a riveting and compelling romantic suspense read with sci-fi/time-traveling elements and mysteries that make it quite unputdownable. Highly recommend picking up this entertaining and compulsive read. Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
I´m honestly in love with this book, it was amazing.
I love a great romance with a mix of historic info and some "magic" sprinkled around.
Bridget and Liam together are explosive even though he is an a*hole at the beginning the chemistry between the two is awesome.
I loved the world building it was tied beautifully with all the tidbits of information from the jumps to the past.
I also want to say I knew it, I´m proud to say I caught the bad guy almost since the start.
This book is worth every second you spend reading it and then some. It´s witty, sexy and mysterious. Did I mentioned sexy, cause yeah!!! The sexy time is fantastic without being too overly descriptive.
I loved the way things were left with the jumps to the past and how it was tied up perfectly with a little touch of magic.
I can´t wait for this book to be printed so I can buy it for my collection. It´s THAT good
October 15, 2022
Forever Bound is the first novel I have read from this author, I was drawn in by the blurb.
From the minute Bridget Marshall began renovating the old Irish Castle she bought outside the Village of Shansally, Ireland (pop. 119) she’d been on the verge of being labeled another “Silly American.” But after years of managing other people’s hotels, she’s ready to run one herself. And nothing will get in her way, not even her grumpy next-door neighbor, Liam O’Flannagain.
Soon, though, the dream Bridget’s been waiting for is becoming a living nightmare. The renovations, not to mention the budget, are out of control, and someone—or something—is determined to get her out of the castle. And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she’s with Liam, the castle’s ancient past seems to come roaring to life, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
If she is to uncover the castle’s secrets, Bridget will need Liam’s help to figure out exactly how they’re connected…before the tragic past repeats itself.
I really enjoyed this time-slip novel. It was easy to read, and I loved the aspect of the visions.
This is one that I would buy in paperback for my shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.
From the minute Bridget Marshall began renovating the old Irish Castle she bought outside the Village of Shansally, Ireland (pop. 119) she’d been on the verge of being labeled another “Silly American.” But after years of managing other people’s hotels, she’s ready to run one herself. And nothing will get in her way, not even her grumpy next-door neighbor, Liam O’Flannagain.
Soon, though, the dream Bridget’s been waiting for is becoming a living nightmare. The renovations, not to mention the budget, are out of control, and someone—or something—is determined to get her out of the castle. And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she’s with Liam, the castle’s ancient past seems to come roaring to life, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
If she is to uncover the castle’s secrets, Bridget will need Liam’s help to figure out exactly how they’re connected…before the tragic past repeats itself.
I really enjoyed this time-slip novel. It was easy to read, and I loved the aspect of the visions.
This is one that I would buy in paperback for my shelf.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.
February 27, 2023
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Forever Bound
Author: Jessica Dall
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Spice Level: 2/5
Recommended For...: romance, historical romance, time travel, soulmates
Publication Date: January 16. 2023
Genre: Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (romance, sexual content, religion, alcohol consumption, violence)
Explanation of Above: The book is a romance that contains some sexual content, including a sex scene. There are occasional mentions of God and Christianity. There is some shown alcohol consumption. There is some slight violence.
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Pages: 300
Synopsis: Set among the rolling green Irish hills, Kelkerry Castle is something out of a dreamy fairy tale. For hotelier Bridget Marshall, however, it's a dream come true...once she’s sorted out the mold, lead paint, and ancient plumbing. And she’ll prove to everyone in the nearby village of Shansally (pop. 119) that she’s not just another silly, dreamy-eyed American—including her curt (if utterly gorgeous) new neighbor, Liam O'Flannagain.
Only, this breathtaking castle has far more secrets than expensive repairs. While someone—or something—here desperately wants Bridget to give up and walk away, there’s another force tugging Bridget to stay. Because whenever she’s with Liam, the ancient past seems to come to life again, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
Now, Liam and Bridget are caught up in a long-ago tale filled with love, danger, and betrayal. The past seems to be working its magic on both of them, pulling them into a love story they’re helpless to resist. And they’ll have to uncover the truth of what happened all those centuries ago before history—and tragedy—repeats itself.
Review: For the most part this book had a great Outlander feel to it as it revolved around a woman who inherited a castle basically and her attempts to turn it into a B&B while also uncovering where a hidden artifact is buried via seeing glimpses into her past self with the help of an Irish man. The book had its typical “soulmate in every timeline” storyline and it was ok for the most part. I also did appreciate that it was set in Ireland.
However, I wasn’t very satisfied with the book. It felt like it drug on and on for a long time in the book and that the middle could have been simply summed up in about 100 less pages. The book was also kinda boring to me and I found it hard to keep reading it.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me but it might be for you!
Book: Forever Bound
Author: Jessica Dall
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Spice Level: 2/5
Recommended For...: romance, historical romance, time travel, soulmates
Publication Date: January 16. 2023
Genre: Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (romance, sexual content, religion, alcohol consumption, violence)
Explanation of Above: The book is a romance that contains some sexual content, including a sex scene. There are occasional mentions of God and Christianity. There is some shown alcohol consumption. There is some slight violence.
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Pages: 300
Synopsis: Set among the rolling green Irish hills, Kelkerry Castle is something out of a dreamy fairy tale. For hotelier Bridget Marshall, however, it's a dream come true...once she’s sorted out the mold, lead paint, and ancient plumbing. And she’ll prove to everyone in the nearby village of Shansally (pop. 119) that she’s not just another silly, dreamy-eyed American—including her curt (if utterly gorgeous) new neighbor, Liam O'Flannagain.
Only, this breathtaking castle has far more secrets than expensive repairs. While someone—or something—here desperately wants Bridget to give up and walk away, there’s another force tugging Bridget to stay. Because whenever she’s with Liam, the ancient past seems to come to life again, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.
Now, Liam and Bridget are caught up in a long-ago tale filled with love, danger, and betrayal. The past seems to be working its magic on both of them, pulling them into a love story they’re helpless to resist. And they’ll have to uncover the truth of what happened all those centuries ago before history—and tragedy—repeats itself.
Review: For the most part this book had a great Outlander feel to it as it revolved around a woman who inherited a castle basically and her attempts to turn it into a B&B while also uncovering where a hidden artifact is buried via seeing glimpses into her past self with the help of an Irish man. The book had its typical “soulmate in every timeline” storyline and it was ok for the most part. I also did appreciate that it was set in Ireland.
However, I wasn’t very satisfied with the book. It felt like it drug on and on for a long time in the book and that the middle could have been simply summed up in about 100 less pages. The book was also kinda boring to me and I found it hard to keep reading it.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me but it might be for you!
January 15, 2023
While there might be room for a bit of improvement in some areas, especially when it comes to the two main characters, the story itself is really good and exactly what the plot promises.
What I mean by improvement really refers to the depth of the characters and the pace of their relationship. There was of course more insight into Bridget’s thoughts than Liam’s, but in my opinion, despite their clear connection and attraction there wasn’t really a talk about feelings and that threw me.
I adored the Irish setting, it’s one of my favourites, and it made me almost forget how much I loathe small towns - if small towns were a trope, Jessica Dall would’ve nailed it perfectly. You know that part in the Grinch where he’s all “hate, hate, hate”? That’s me with small towns, especially this one. It’s probably because I’ve known in a small town myself.
Bridget seems a fish out of water most of the time and there were times when I would’ve gladly banged her head against the wall for the way she acted, but I loved her tenacity when it came to the hotel and finding out what was happening in the visions she shared with Liam and who was behind her disgraces.
You get to know less about Liam’s personality, which is mostly hinted at through his actions. Two of the things I love the most about him are his protectiveness and his sass. I wanted to have more insight into his visions and his past, I feel like there was more to tell. Besides, I wish we had more moments between him and Bridget that didn’t exactly involve the visions alone, something more couple-y.
All in all, it was a good and fun read, one that, while missing some little elements, came to a full circle and left me with a smile on my face and sparked again my want to go back to Ireland. Perhaps I will find my own man named Liam - yes, yes, I have a huge weakness for that name.
What I mean by improvement really refers to the depth of the characters and the pace of their relationship. There was of course more insight into Bridget’s thoughts than Liam’s, but in my opinion, despite their clear connection and attraction there wasn’t really a talk about feelings and that threw me.
I adored the Irish setting, it’s one of my favourites, and it made me almost forget how much I loathe small towns - if small towns were a trope, Jessica Dall would’ve nailed it perfectly. You know that part in the Grinch where he’s all “hate, hate, hate”? That’s me with small towns, especially this one. It’s probably because I’ve known in a small town myself.
Bridget seems a fish out of water most of the time and there were times when I would’ve gladly banged her head against the wall for the way she acted, but I loved her tenacity when it came to the hotel and finding out what was happening in the visions she shared with Liam and who was behind her disgraces.
You get to know less about Liam’s personality, which is mostly hinted at through his actions. Two of the things I love the most about him are his protectiveness and his sass. I wanted to have more insight into his visions and his past, I feel like there was more to tell. Besides, I wish we had more moments between him and Bridget that didn’t exactly involve the visions alone, something more couple-y.
All in all, it was a good and fun read, one that, while missing some little elements, came to a full circle and left me with a smile on my face and sparked again my want to go back to Ireland. Perhaps I will find my own man named Liam - yes, yes, I have a huge weakness for that name.
January 9, 2023
When Bridget bought a castle in Ireland sight unseen in order to turn it into a hotel, she expected some things to go wrong, however, she was thinking that would end up being some unexpected expenses related to the hotel like replacing windows or whatever. What she didn't expect was to meet the grumpiest .. and maybe the sexiest... man she has ever met, and acted like a bit of a tool at their first few meetings, and she would be having visions at random moments from the distant past where she and Liam (said sexy grumpy man) was the main focus.
So as Bridget and Liam are drawn closer while trying to figure out what the visions could mean, she is also dealing with someone sneaking around her property and sabotaging her efforts to open, what are they looking for, and why are they wrecking the castle?
I loved Liam, he comes off at first as really standoffish, and blunt in his opinions, but you just know he is warm and gooey underneath all that armor, and I was so happy that he and Bridget were the main focus of the story. I loved their romance, and the mystery kept me guessing, although I did guess some of what was going to happen it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story at all. I loved the visions from the past, you could just feel how much those two loved each other. I would have read that as its own story.
I can't wait to see what else Jessica Dall comes out with!
So as Bridget and Liam are drawn closer while trying to figure out what the visions could mean, she is also dealing with someone sneaking around her property and sabotaging her efforts to open, what are they looking for, and why are they wrecking the castle?
I loved Liam, he comes off at first as really standoffish, and blunt in his opinions, but you just know he is warm and gooey underneath all that armor, and I was so happy that he and Bridget were the main focus of the story. I loved their romance, and the mystery kept me guessing, although I did guess some of what was going to happen it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story at all. I loved the visions from the past, you could just feel how much those two loved each other. I would have read that as its own story.
I can't wait to see what else Jessica Dall comes out with!
January 14, 2023
Time-travel-modified romance with an awesome mystery and page-turner-intrigue
Bridget Marshall has inherited some money and is cosmically drawn to Kelkerry Castle in Ireland to refurbish and make into a hotel. She can do this. This is what she studied in college and what she has done successfully for other companies. But to make this long-abandoned building into her dream, well that will take more than money. To make everything even more interesting she has two men who attract her attention: one a curmudgeon, Liam and the other a really nice guy, Douglas. But is everything as it seems in this small town of population 119?
In my opinion this was a truly enjoyable story even with a slow start but somewhere about 30% it gets very very good. I called this a modified time travel book as you will see as you read it. She is drawn over and over to live short bits of Ellyn’s life with Cian in the tenth century. While Ellyn and Cian are enduring their own bit of intrigue so are Bridget and her love-interest in the twenty-first century. There will be romance, friendships, betrayal and danger with an amazing HEA with a surprise or two. If you like any of these tropes plus a story-within-a-story, please try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley.
Bridget Marshall has inherited some money and is cosmically drawn to Kelkerry Castle in Ireland to refurbish and make into a hotel. She can do this. This is what she studied in college and what she has done successfully for other companies. But to make this long-abandoned building into her dream, well that will take more than money. To make everything even more interesting she has two men who attract her attention: one a curmudgeon, Liam and the other a really nice guy, Douglas. But is everything as it seems in this small town of population 119?
In my opinion this was a truly enjoyable story even with a slow start but somewhere about 30% it gets very very good. I called this a modified time travel book as you will see as you read it. She is drawn over and over to live short bits of Ellyn’s life with Cian in the tenth century. While Ellyn and Cian are enduring their own bit of intrigue so are Bridget and her love-interest in the twenty-first century. There will be romance, friendships, betrayal and danger with an amazing HEA with a surprise or two. If you like any of these tropes plus a story-within-a-story, please try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley.
January 16, 2023
Forever Bound was a sweet romance and beautiful love story all rolled into one. It was a bit different from what I normally read but I was intrigued the entire time and enjoyed it. It was a good story with a little mystery and supernatural moments woven in.
I liked the present-day romance happening between Liam and Bridget for the most part but there were some things that I didn’t enjoy. It was nice but light, and sometimes they felt like very surface characters. I liked Liam a lot, he was a sweetheart. As for Bridget, I didn’t always care for her and the choices she made. There was also a love triangle-ish situation happening that I was not a fan of. It did make sense by the end of the story but it made it feel drawn out.
I loved the mystery of the past and how those details unfolded and the love story happening there. There is a nice mystical element happening as well. It mixed well with the mild suspense happening in the present day.
This is one of those stories that's hard for me because I liked everything as a whole but there were smaller things that I had a hard time with. Overall, I liked it. The details were good, sometimes it was a little slow but the storyline kept me reading until the end.
Complimentary copy received from Entangled Publishing.
I liked the present-day romance happening between Liam and Bridget for the most part but there were some things that I didn’t enjoy. It was nice but light, and sometimes they felt like very surface characters. I liked Liam a lot, he was a sweetheart. As for Bridget, I didn’t always care for her and the choices she made. There was also a love triangle-ish situation happening that I was not a fan of. It did make sense by the end of the story but it made it feel drawn out.
I loved the mystery of the past and how those details unfolded and the love story happening there. There is a nice mystical element happening as well. It mixed well with the mild suspense happening in the present day.
This is one of those stories that's hard for me because I liked everything as a whole but there were smaller things that I had a hard time with. Overall, I liked it. The details were good, sometimes it was a little slow but the storyline kept me reading until the end.
Complimentary copy received from Entangled Publishing.
January 27, 2023
In this fish out of water story, American hotelier Bridget Marshall dreams of turning a castle in a tiny village of Shansally into a hotel. But weird things start happening between her and her grumpy neighbor that lead them both to believe there's a whole lot more to the castle and their situation than meets the eye.
Whenever Bridget and her neighbor Liam are together, it seems they experience something that has them dealing with the past. It's unsettling and Bridget is compelled to learn more about the castle and in the process, learns more about what might be happening between her and Liam. Turns out it is a time-slip situation, and things could get very interesting for them.
I really did find this entertaining as a fantasy, especially the way Bridget and Liam are linked in the past and present. There's a nice build as they start to understand what is happening around them and how some of what was happening to them was inevitable. An interesting take on the time travel romance. There's a bit of a mystery and suspense element to this read that I liked as well.
An entertaining, easy to read romance with historical elements.
Whenever Bridget and her neighbor Liam are together, it seems they experience something that has them dealing with the past. It's unsettling and Bridget is compelled to learn more about the castle and in the process, learns more about what might be happening between her and Liam. Turns out it is a time-slip situation, and things could get very interesting for them.
I really did find this entertaining as a fantasy, especially the way Bridget and Liam are linked in the past and present. There's a nice build as they start to understand what is happening around them and how some of what was happening to them was inevitable. An interesting take on the time travel romance. There's a bit of a mystery and suspense element to this read that I liked as well.
An entertaining, easy to read romance with historical elements.
December 27, 2022
OMG!!! I absolutely loved this story. It was so interesting and entertaining. It was a cool and unique story that was easy to fall into.
I enjoyed the plot and the twisted mysteries surrounding it. This book keeps you guessing throughout the entire story. The book flows smoothly and the author takes her time laying it out and telling the most amazing story. It is full of mystery, danger and love.
The concept chosen by the author for her story really was interesting and drew me into the story from the very beginning. On top of the ground work she laid, she through in some unique characters and Irish traditions. With beautiful accents and folklore this story is sure to have you turning the pages and never setting down the book. The characters were interesting and fun.
If you enjoy time travel and mysterious history with a paranormal vibe, then this book is for you. It is fun, dangerous and oh good with a twist of heat to burn up the pages.
I enjoyed the plot and the twisted mysteries surrounding it. This book keeps you guessing throughout the entire story. The book flows smoothly and the author takes her time laying it out and telling the most amazing story. It is full of mystery, danger and love.
The concept chosen by the author for her story really was interesting and drew me into the story from the very beginning. On top of the ground work she laid, she through in some unique characters and Irish traditions. With beautiful accents and folklore this story is sure to have you turning the pages and never setting down the book. The characters were interesting and fun.
If you enjoy time travel and mysterious history with a paranormal vibe, then this book is for you. It is fun, dangerous and oh good with a twist of heat to burn up the pages.
January 31, 2023
What an interesting and fun mix of history, romance & mystery - I don’t think I’ve ever read something that blended these genres together quite so seamlessly. Maybe it’s the use of past lives & flashbacks through a time travel vision lens that makes it work? I don’t know honestly but it works here.
Bridget walks away from her life in America to buy an old abandoned Irish castle, with dreams of restoring it into a grand hotel. Liam is her hot as hell but grumpy & brooding neighbor. Sparks fly amidst strange visions and jumps into their past lives as lovers. But while exploring these visions of the past, someone in the present is trying to derail her castle renovations.
This one has hot & steamy romance, jealousy, mystery & treasure hunting. It was a slow start for me but the story picked up and I ended up truly enjoying this.
I was provided a digital arc through NetGalley & Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bridget walks away from her life in America to buy an old abandoned Irish castle, with dreams of restoring it into a grand hotel. Liam is her hot as hell but grumpy & brooding neighbor. Sparks fly amidst strange visions and jumps into their past lives as lovers. But while exploring these visions of the past, someone in the present is trying to derail her castle renovations.
This one has hot & steamy romance, jealousy, mystery & treasure hunting. It was a slow start for me but the story picked up and I ended up truly enjoying this.
I was provided a digital arc through NetGalley & Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2023
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Entangled Publishing Amara, for sharing an e-ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
Loved the characters, Bridget and Liam, so oved the Irish Castle setting, the mystery, the wierd connection Liam and Bridget have to their past selves so that when the touch the see images of two people deeply in love! It was just so creatively done! I especially loved the Irish folklore and the treasure hunting just added so, so much to the story.
This is so much more than a live story. I can see it developed into a for TV movie!
Recommend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
Loved the characters, Bridget and Liam, so oved the Irish Castle setting, the mystery, the wierd connection Liam and Bridget have to their past selves so that when the touch the see images of two people deeply in love! It was just so creatively done! I especially loved the Irish folklore and the treasure hunting just added so, so much to the story.
This is so much more than a live story. I can see it developed into a for TV movie!
Recommend.
January 18, 2023
This book had some intriguing elements to it that seemed to be a bit refreshing when it comes to romances.
When Bridget moved to Ireland to open a hotel within a castle that was not being used, things start taking weird turns.
Liam who is her brooding neighbor comes over and he is helping her with some of the renovations and problems the castle has.
Bridget digs deeper into the past, gets closer with Liam and learns some of the history to the castle. But as they get closer it seems fate and the past have something else in mind.
I absolutely devoured this book, although it has it's flaws I still enjoyed reading the book.
When Bridget moved to Ireland to open a hotel within a castle that was not being used, things start taking weird turns.
Liam who is her brooding neighbor comes over and he is helping her with some of the renovations and problems the castle has.
Bridget digs deeper into the past, gets closer with Liam and learns some of the history to the castle. But as they get closer it seems fate and the past have something else in mind.
I absolutely devoured this book, although it has it's flaws I still enjoyed reading the book.
February 7, 2023
This is an incredibly engaging, fantastical book. Bridget has come to restore and Oldcastle, but she has a grumpy neighbor, Liam. Then all things start happening, where it seems like Bridget and Liam are getting caught up in some sort of past mystery involving the castle. The characters are well written, and are easy to root for throughout the story. the plot itself keeps you on your toes and seems somewhat magical as you read it all in all this is a book that I truly enjoyed and would recommend.
Thank you to entangled publishing and netgalley for a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Thank you to entangled publishing and netgalley for a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 14, 2022
Light time slip novel about American Bridget, who buys a castle to renovate and open as a hotel. But when “accidents” keep costing her money she doesn’t have and two potential boyfriends begin to vie for her attention in totally different ways, Bridget is forced to make some difficult decisions. Add to the mix the visions Bridget and her “gardener” have whenever they touch, and you have all the an easy to read novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.
April 26, 2023
I enjoyed Bridget as a main character but Liam not so much. There was nothing exactly that put me off but I didn't get that he was actually interested.
I did like the time travel element, it's a fine line with Irish history when you take into account the English element and it needs to be done right and I think the author did a reasonable job especially considering she is not Irish.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did like the time travel element, it's a fine line with Irish history when you take into account the English element and it needs to be done right and I think the author did a reasonable job especially considering she is not Irish.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 18, 2022
Bridget purchases an Irish castle to renovate and turn into a hotel. He meets Liam a grumpy, standoffish member of her landscaping crew and when their hands accidentally touch, they are transported into a vision from the past.
The story bounces between the present story and the story in the visions of the past. It is full of Irish history, folklore, magic, mystery, treasure hunting and of course romance. I really enjoyed this book and loved how vividly all the architecture was described.
The story bounces between the present story and the story in the visions of the past. It is full of Irish history, folklore, magic, mystery, treasure hunting and of course romance. I really enjoyed this book and loved how vividly all the architecture was described.
January 1, 2023
I love time travel romance and this one was pretty different from any I've read before. They don't really time travel per say but they go into the bodies of their doppelgangers in the medieval time. There is also some mystery to the story along with the romance. I liked both Liam and Bridget as the main characters. They were both smart and had great chemistry. It did take a while to get going and was fairly predictable in terms of the mystery. I do like that it is a great stand-alone book.
January 17, 2023
I’m a little torn, while I loved Bridget and the story kept we interested with the fast pace and it was really easy to follow along! I wasn’t a huge fan of Liam, I do love a good grump but I felt like he was being more manipulative then normal grumps we see. Maybe that’s just me tho, either way I really loved the story! The visions were definitely the highlight for me, how they were described painted a clear picture and I really enjoyed that!
November 20, 2022
The story was a good read for me. There were a number of scenes between Liam and Bridget that was often time fun to read and a bit overheated. The story was a slow spread on the romance side. The book did have a lot of details to the Irish history regarding the lands and the families that lived on them. The book is a wonderful page turner who love the historical stories of times of the past.
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