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Twisted Rose Saga #1
Time of the Rose
An antiques buff who longs to experience the olden days. A cowboy who’s fallen into the wrong era. Can they change history with their passion?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 2014. Madison Calloway has become too well acquainted with despair. Still reeling from a nasty divorce, the heartbroken travel agent is nevertheless determined to embrace an intriguing work trip to a Wild West tourist town. And when a magnetically masculine gunslinger shows up at the shooting exhibition, he captures her imagination with his skillful display…and outlandish claims of being from 1878.
Colton Chase is too busy pursuing a murderer to pause for love. Yet after a mysterious flower hurtles him over one hundred years into the future, he’s willing to explore his unexpected connection with a beautiful and feisty stranger. So when she accidentally accompanies him back to his own time, he gallantly protects her from danger by pretending she’s his wife.
Unprepared for the hardships of the rancher’s rough-and-tumble life, Madison wavers between her yearning for the familiar and the joy of their growing relationship. And with the man who slaughtered his family still on the loose, Colton knows he may have to sacrifice his own happiness to see her safely returned home.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 2014. Madison Calloway has become too well acquainted with despair. Still reeling from a nasty divorce, the heartbroken travel agent is nevertheless determined to embrace an intriguing work trip to a Wild West tourist town. And when a magnetically masculine gunslinger shows up at the shooting exhibition, he captures her imagination with his skillful display…and outlandish claims of being from 1878.
Colton Chase is too busy pursuing a murderer to pause for love. Yet after a mysterious flower hurtles him over one hundred years into the future, he’s willing to explore his unexpected connection with a beautiful and feisty stranger. So when she accidentally accompanies him back to his own time, he gallantly protects her from danger by pretending she’s his wife.
Unprepared for the hardships of the rancher’s rough-and-tumble life, Madison wavers between her yearning for the familiar and the joy of their growing relationship. And with the man who slaughtered his family still on the loose, Colton knows he may have to sacrifice his own happiness to see her safely returned home.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
393 people are currently reading
2421 people want to read
About the author
Bonita Clifton
9 books59 followers Bonita Clifton is a bestselling and award-winning author of romance. She is known for her strongly defined characters, provocative, witty banter, and unique plot twists, not to mention a plethora of lovable, furry scene-stealers.
Bonita and her macho hero currently travel the world in search of adventure and inspiration, and enjoy taking their readers along for the ride. If you'd like to tag along, hop on over to her website (www.bonitaclifton.com) and sign up for Bonita's Insider Newsletter.
Bonita Clifton is also known as Sindee Harlow, writing as a duo alongside author T.K. Rogers.
Follow on BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bonit...
Bonita and her macho hero currently travel the world in search of adventure and inspiration, and enjoy taking their readers along for the ride. If you'd like to tag along, hop on over to her website (www.bonitaclifton.com) and sign up for Bonita's Insider Newsletter.
Bonita Clifton is also known as Sindee Harlow, writing as a duo alongside author T.K. Rogers.
Follow on BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bonit...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 23, 2022
Mmm nice but nice one travel is not for me
September 24, 2021
Nice but I not into sci-fi and time travels my error to ask for rid really nice it is not you it is me
I just reviewed Time of the Rose by Bonita Clifton. #TimeoftheRose #NetGalley
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I just reviewed Time of the Rose by Bonita Clifton. #TimeoftheRose #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
February 27, 2021
As a big fan of timetravelling "Outlander", i asked for a copy and i voluntarily review this book, that was updated from first release in 1994.
I got hooked by the story and the characters, and the story kept me wanting to know what was happening next.
Colton Chase is living in 1878 and for some reason he jumps into today. He meets Maddison and however he is an " old guy", she feels attracted to him.
The story is well written with the good amount of angst, suspense, and above all, the love. The chemistry between Colt and this spirited Maddison is undeniable.
The book is also a very nice insight on how was everyday life at a ranch in the 1900's.
I got hooked by the story and the characters, and the story kept me wanting to know what was happening next.
Colton Chase is living in 1878 and for some reason he jumps into today. He meets Maddison and however he is an " old guy", she feels attracted to him.
The story is well written with the good amount of angst, suspense, and above all, the love. The chemistry between Colt and this spirited Maddison is undeniable.
The book is also a very nice insight on how was everyday life at a ranch in the 1900's.
December 6, 2021
Should come with a trigger warning!
Average storyline for time travel romance with the twist the MLC comes forward in time first.
The main part of this book that defies comprehension is why the author appears fine with graphic violent rape scenes that includes graphic descriptions right up to moment of penetration but the writer can't seem to be able to stomach the violence of MLC killing anyone making it clear he only wounds them. Going to the extreme of shooting the bad guys in the hand or hitting them over the head. It was utterly ridiculous.
And I meant what I said Ms. Clifton. Shame on you for not including a rape trigger warning in the book description.
Average storyline for time travel romance with the twist the MLC comes forward in time first.
The main part of this book that defies comprehension is why the author appears fine with graphic violent rape scenes that includes graphic descriptions right up to moment of penetration but the writer can't seem to be able to stomach the violence of MLC killing anyone making it clear he only wounds them. Going to the extreme of shooting the bad guys in the hand or hitting them over the head. It was utterly ridiculous.
And I meant what I said Ms. Clifton. Shame on you for not including a rape trigger warning in the book description.
September 10, 2021
Loved story...hated writer
I loved the story but hated the writer. I only finished the book because I really wanted to know how it ended. The book had too much fluff and useless words. I skimmed 75% of the book and only read the dialogue. Trust me....I didn't miss a thing. The book only needed 3 chapters.
I loved the story but hated the writer. I only finished the book because I really wanted to know how it ended. The book had too much fluff and useless words. I skimmed 75% of the book and only read the dialogue. Trust me....I didn't miss a thing. The book only needed 3 chapters.
January 30, 2023
Very good time travel
Another one of the best time travel books. A man travels forward in time and meets his future love. They travel back together to his time, finally traveling forward in time for medical reasons and staying there.
Another one of the best time travel books. A man travels forward in time and meets his future love. They travel back together to his time, finally traveling forward in time for medical reasons and staying there.
January 23, 2023
Dusting off, updating,and reimagining Time of the Rose has been amazingly fun! The 2nd Edition will be released in Kindle format December 12, 2020. Paperback and other outlets will be available early 2021. Visit my webpage and sign up for my newsletter to be included in all announcements!
Copyright © 2020 by Bonita Clifton
Excerpt:
“Well, Cinder ole boy, with any luck we made it back.”
Colt slid from the saddle, peeling off well-worn gloves and stroking a suntanned hand over the gray’s muzzle. Nausea rumbled in his gut, but he managed to keep the bile down. Getting pretty good at this time travel thing, he mused.
Arms reaching to the sky, he yawned with the satisfying stretch. Clouds hung low, beginning to clear the way for superb dusk. Then, certain his eyes played tricks, he stopped breathing as panic slammed into his gut. There before him not twenty feet away stood the red mare, reins hanging loose as she nibbled at a tuft of grass.
“Damn,” he muttered, breaking into a lope. “How’d you get here, girl?” Maybe it hadn’t worked after all. Maybe he was still in the future. Maybe the horse somehow had been sucked into the time warp … so where was Madison?
A weak moan from the other side of the tree answered his question. Colt hurried to the source amidst a flush of hawthorn and dropped to his knees. She lay in a crumpled heap, blood oozing from a cut on her forehead along with a webbing of scratches on her face from the stems and twigs. Eyes closed, she rolled her head from side to side, mumbling incomprehensibly.
“Hellfire! Oh, sugar, what have I done to you? Don’t try to talk; lie still.” After pushing aside a tangle of branches, Colt shucked the slicker he wore, folding and placing it under her head. He removed his shirt and tore it into strips, blotting at the rivulet of red rolling down her cheek. Ever so gently he bound her wound with the remaining strips of cloth and secured them with a tidy knot. When he finished, he caressed her cheek with his thumb.
Madison’s eyes fluttered open, crossing as she focused on the blurry face above. Colt? Holy shit. What was he doing in her bed? Ohhh gawd. Head. Hurts. Like someone took a sledgehammer to it. Rambling thoughts bounced around like ping pong balls, her memory a disheveled mess. She attempted to push up, her battered body screaming in protest, a garbled moan escaping her lips as she flopped back down.
“I promise, I did like you said,” she said, “I tried to find the rhythm, but I don’t think it likes me. I swear I didn’t follow you on purpose and—”
Shushing her, it occurred to him she may have broken bones. With great care he slid his hands up and down her extremities, checking for irregularities or signs of pain, trying his best to ignore the wet, soft, and very feminine curves. Satisfied her limbs were intact, he spread open the suede coat and the jacket beneath, splaying fingers over her rib cage in a gentle and thorough examination. Her entire body began to vibrate beneath his hands. Puzzled, he looked up to find her laughing.
“You’re killing me!” She shrieked, tossing her head in a giggle.
Colt grinned and sighed in relief. It appeared she hadn’t broken anything, but one thing he learned, she was darned ticklish. He leaned in close.
“Madison, sugar, talk to me. Do you know where you are … who I am?”
“Oh. Hi, Colt,” she answered, lips curving into a vexing little smile, eyes sparkling slits beneath a sweep of lashes, “why are you here? Whatever it is you’re doing, please don’t stop.” She giggled again.
Her eyes closed and she exhaled a deep sigh, lashes dark smudges against her damp cheeks. He frowned. She must be dreaming, delirious, or both. He needed to get her home. Rosie will know what to do. She’d been married to Doc Bartlett before he’d passed away unexpectedly years ago, their little family residing in the township of Gunn Pass not more than a two-hour ride from the ranch. Doc Bartlett was the nearest physician to the ranch. He and Rosie were by Ma’s side when she’d given birth to him. Both Rosie and their daughter, Emmy, came to live and work at the ranch after his passing, and both had plenty of experience helping tend the sick and injured when no one else was available.
“ …kiss me. Again.” Madison pleaded in a whispery squeak.
Colt’s eyebrow winged up in amusement. “I will. As soon as you’re feeling better.” It would’ve pleased him much more if she possessed all her wits when she said that, but given their obvious plight, there’d be plenty of time for that.
Madison’s eyes fluttered open once again, her attention caught in supreme concentration at a vine of lavender snapdragons dangling over her shoulder. Her gaze skimmed upwards to find the last dregs of daylight reflected inside a raindrop suspended perilously from the tip of a pine needle. She grimaced, touching a hand to her forehead.
“What happened? Geez, my whole body hurts.” She laboriously pushed herself up with Colt’s help, head swimming a sickening cadence. “I think I’m gonna—throw up.”
Rolling to her hands and knees, she crawled away, relieving her sick stomach into the first handy clump of weeds. Done, she leaned back on her heels and gazed thoughtfully toward a pink glow highlighting a jagged mountainous horizon. Her memory came in frames, like a camera lens focusing in and out, teasing with a collection of splintered fragments.
“Feel better now?”
The masculine voice reminded of his presence. She turned.
“Yeah, I think. All except for this.” She rubbed the makeshift bandage on her head, wincing. “Guess I’m wearing your shirt on my head, huh?” She ogled his naked chest. Damn, he looked mighty fine without a shirt.
“I’m happy to hear that.”
Colt pushed to his feet, an odd expression playing over his features. He went to stand at the edge of the clearing, back to her, fingers shoved into his pockets, evident something grievous weighed on his mind.
“I’m guessing I fell off Cinnabar?”
“You took a blow to the head. Do you remember anything else?” he called back over his shoulder.
Madison heard his words, but her mind and hungry eyes took an alternate route. Chestnut hair snaked along his neck, tipping wet at brawny shoulders. Tilting her head slightly, she studied … no, admired the sinew of his waist, compact hips, and powerful thighs. He shifted his weight to one leg, the play of muscles drawing her interest to the V of his back. Unblemished, except for three symmetrical scars stretching down the middle, paler than the rest of that delicious tawny skin. “Old Bones…” she murmured, snapping her jaw shut when he swiveled around suddenly, walking past to retrieve the canteen from his saddlebag.
He stood before her now, offering a drink. She longed to study the front of him, but his attention bore down on her. She felt shy, glancing up long enough to take the canteen and struggling to swallow the dry lump in her throat. She wrapped fingers around the leather and took a few welcome sips of cool water before passing it back. It tasted fantastic.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
If ever there were a question as to what a Greek god might look like in the flesh, the answer stood right before her. She simply couldn’t stop herself. She had to look. A light dusting of brown hair carved muscled pecs and perfect man-nipples, extending down the center of a rock-solid stomach, past a flawless belly button, only to tease and disappear into a thin line beneath tan denim. Long gone were any recollections of the old man who used to be. Way long gone. Madison absorbed all that was at this moment, swishing her gaze up to suck in every detail of his face. A crooked nose, she noted—probably from a break and lending plenty of charm. High cheekbones. Straight brows over beguiling golden-brown eyes. And that mouth. Holy moly. Sculptured. Downright kissable. And when he smiled—lopsided—his entire face lit up, a dimple appearing on his right cheek.
She passed him the canteen and Colt inclined his head and took a long draught. She watched a single water droplet course down over that jaw, graced by slight stubble, where he caught it with his forearm. He snapped his fingers in front of her face.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked, lowering to one knee and looking intently into first one eye and then the other.
“Hm?” Yanked unwillingly back into reality, Madison flushed, certain he knew every embarrassing direction of her thoughts. “Sorry, not myself, I guess.”
“You still haven’t answered me. Do you remember what happened?”
“Only that I came to find you. I think. I mean, I found Ernie at the rodeo grounds and bought Cinnabar. I rode out to find Colt. The storm worried me, and I thought you … that he, may have been in it. The storm. Seems like a faraway dream now. I lost control of Cinnabar. By the way, she’s the same horse you … I mean he … someone said was gentle.”
She indubitably was having more than a few issues connecting the two.
Colt chuckled. “She is gentle; got spooked by the storm, I reckon.”
“So now that I’m half-dead, will you just please come back to town with me? I’ve got a plane to catch—”
“Madison.”
“Seriously, don’t interrupt,” she insisted. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re a little confused is all. It happens to the best of us. I’ll—”
“Madison?”
“What?” She sighed impatiently.
“We are in my time. The year is 1878. At least I hope it is. I know this is hard to digest, but you’re going to have to trust me on this one.”
“Trust you? The man who keeps transforming his appearance?” She vented an ironic laugh.
“C’mon. I want to show you something.” He took her arm, helping her to her feet and making sure she remained steady while guiding her toward the rise. “Look over there, through those trees. What do you see?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “A valley. So what?”
“Exactly. That’s where Jackson is, or should I say will be—in a hundred years or so. It’s getting dark. You should be able to at least see all those obnoxiously flashy lights in the distance, don’t you think?” He studied her reaction closely.
True, rolling hills butting up to the Teton Range were all she saw. Of course, dusk made it difficult to see anything in detail. Purples, grays, and greens blurred together. But he was right about one thing. Where were the lights? All of a sudden, anger washed over her. Ridiculous! She pried his dutiful fingers from her arm and hobbled in stiff determination toward Cinnabar.
“As much as I hate getting back on that lovely horse over there, I’m going to, and I’m riding her back to town. Jackson has to be out there somewhere. You coming?” Ignoring a fresh new pain exploding like fireworks in her shoulder, she managed to cram a boot into the stirrup, and with a growl of determination, dizziness thumping a beat in her head, pulled herself up and into the saddle.
Colt followed. “I can’t let you ride out alone. This is no place for a woman at night.”
“Then come along.” She blinked, glaring down at him in all seriousness.
“I can’t do that either.”
“Well, you’re not agreeable at all,” she pointed out.
“Come back to the ranch with me. I’ll have to sneak you inside. I’m in no mood to explain a woman to Rosie and Garrett tonight. That can wait. I’ll have to think of something to tell them, but at least you’ll have a warm bed, and we’ll figure this mess out tomorrow. Do we have a deal?”
He couldn’t mean the Garrett supposedly hanged for cattle rustling. Madison frowned. Who was Rosie? And could he possibly be referring to the dilapidated ranch house he’d taken her to earlier? No way was she camping out in that falling-down place. This whole thing rang of absurdities. He may be a lot farther gone than she’d originally thought.
“A warm bed, huh?” she asked, tone laced in sarcasm. “That’s a new one. Never been seduced with that approach before.”
“Don’t flatter yourself too much; you may be disappointed.”
With long, deliberate strides, he retraced his steps to his horse and yanked a fresh shirt free from the canvas roll behind the cantle, secured in such a way that it had remained relatively dry. He shoved his arms into the sleeves and buttoned it before gathering his rain slicker, rolling, tying it to the saddle. Madison watched in puzzlement as he lifted Cinnabar’s reins from her grasp and looped them over the mare’s head. He mounted Cinder and began to lead her and her horse away from town.
“Hey! Wait just a doggone minute. I told you, I can’t miss my plane tomorrow.” Madison released the saddle horn she gripped for balance, clawing the coat sleeve up to check the time on her Fitbit, scowling to discover the electronics jumbled into unreadable purple symbols on the screen. “You can’t force me to go with you. I was only trying to help,” she said.
“For one thing, sugar, this plane you keep referring to, I seriously doubt you’re going to find one in 1878. Second, you’re in no condition to be wandering around the woods analyzing the philosophy of life tonight. Get my meaning? You need some doctoring. Let’s get you to feeling better, then we’ll have this discussion.” He felt responsible she was here in the first place, her injuries only making matters worse.
Madison seethed to herself. But when she tried letting him have it, a new pain, this one a horrendous blade of fire, sliced from one temple to the other. Whimpering, she grabbed her head and slumped forward in the saddle, cheek flush to Cinnabar’s neck. When she tried to speak, all she accomplished was a generous mouthful of coarse horse’s mane. She did what any woman may likely do in her situation. She began to sob.
Colt stood next to her in a matter of moments. “No arguing. Let’s go,” he commanded. “You’re riding with me.” Securing her arms around his neck, he lifted her from the saddle and carried her to Cinder’s side.
Words of protest boiled up, but she simply didn’t have the strength to push them out. A chain of sobs twisted inside her throat, taking up all the room and so she surrendered to the tears. He lifted her onto the stallion’s back and swung up and into position behind her, one arm locked around her waist to grip the reins. The other ponied Cinnabar alongside. She felt herself gradually unwind into him as her sobs quieted. Colt’s body felt as cozy as a cushion in which she fit perfectly, his warmth a reminder of how cold she was. A murky fog blanketed her senses, choking out the random objections popping into her mind. Her head lolled back against his sturdy and welcoming shoulder.
Colt, however, felt anything but relaxed. The pressure of a shapely and firm backside massaged his loins. That combined with the rolling gait of the horse and it became almost too much to bear. The rainwater and flower fragrance of her damp hair, the swell of a full breast brushing his forearm—she was intoxicating alright. Better than fine whiskey and far more addictive.
Copyright © 2020 by Bonita Clifton
Excerpt:
“Well, Cinder ole boy, with any luck we made it back.”
Colt slid from the saddle, peeling off well-worn gloves and stroking a suntanned hand over the gray’s muzzle. Nausea rumbled in his gut, but he managed to keep the bile down. Getting pretty good at this time travel thing, he mused.
Arms reaching to the sky, he yawned with the satisfying stretch. Clouds hung low, beginning to clear the way for superb dusk. Then, certain his eyes played tricks, he stopped breathing as panic slammed into his gut. There before him not twenty feet away stood the red mare, reins hanging loose as she nibbled at a tuft of grass.
“Damn,” he muttered, breaking into a lope. “How’d you get here, girl?” Maybe it hadn’t worked after all. Maybe he was still in the future. Maybe the horse somehow had been sucked into the time warp … so where was Madison?
A weak moan from the other side of the tree answered his question. Colt hurried to the source amidst a flush of hawthorn and dropped to his knees. She lay in a crumpled heap, blood oozing from a cut on her forehead along with a webbing of scratches on her face from the stems and twigs. Eyes closed, she rolled her head from side to side, mumbling incomprehensibly.
“Hellfire! Oh, sugar, what have I done to you? Don’t try to talk; lie still.” After pushing aside a tangle of branches, Colt shucked the slicker he wore, folding and placing it under her head. He removed his shirt and tore it into strips, blotting at the rivulet of red rolling down her cheek. Ever so gently he bound her wound with the remaining strips of cloth and secured them with a tidy knot. When he finished, he caressed her cheek with his thumb.
Madison’s eyes fluttered open, crossing as she focused on the blurry face above. Colt? Holy shit. What was he doing in her bed? Ohhh gawd. Head. Hurts. Like someone took a sledgehammer to it. Rambling thoughts bounced around like ping pong balls, her memory a disheveled mess. She attempted to push up, her battered body screaming in protest, a garbled moan escaping her lips as she flopped back down.
“I promise, I did like you said,” she said, “I tried to find the rhythm, but I don’t think it likes me. I swear I didn’t follow you on purpose and—”
Shushing her, it occurred to him she may have broken bones. With great care he slid his hands up and down her extremities, checking for irregularities or signs of pain, trying his best to ignore the wet, soft, and very feminine curves. Satisfied her limbs were intact, he spread open the suede coat and the jacket beneath, splaying fingers over her rib cage in a gentle and thorough examination. Her entire body began to vibrate beneath his hands. Puzzled, he looked up to find her laughing.
“You’re killing me!” She shrieked, tossing her head in a giggle.
Colt grinned and sighed in relief. It appeared she hadn’t broken anything, but one thing he learned, she was darned ticklish. He leaned in close.
“Madison, sugar, talk to me. Do you know where you are … who I am?”
“Oh. Hi, Colt,” she answered, lips curving into a vexing little smile, eyes sparkling slits beneath a sweep of lashes, “why are you here? Whatever it is you’re doing, please don’t stop.” She giggled again.
Her eyes closed and she exhaled a deep sigh, lashes dark smudges against her damp cheeks. He frowned. She must be dreaming, delirious, or both. He needed to get her home. Rosie will know what to do. She’d been married to Doc Bartlett before he’d passed away unexpectedly years ago, their little family residing in the township of Gunn Pass not more than a two-hour ride from the ranch. Doc Bartlett was the nearest physician to the ranch. He and Rosie were by Ma’s side when she’d given birth to him. Both Rosie and their daughter, Emmy, came to live and work at the ranch after his passing, and both had plenty of experience helping tend the sick and injured when no one else was available.
“ …kiss me. Again.” Madison pleaded in a whispery squeak.
Colt’s eyebrow winged up in amusement. “I will. As soon as you’re feeling better.” It would’ve pleased him much more if she possessed all her wits when she said that, but given their obvious plight, there’d be plenty of time for that.
Madison’s eyes fluttered open once again, her attention caught in supreme concentration at a vine of lavender snapdragons dangling over her shoulder. Her gaze skimmed upwards to find the last dregs of daylight reflected inside a raindrop suspended perilously from the tip of a pine needle. She grimaced, touching a hand to her forehead.
“What happened? Geez, my whole body hurts.” She laboriously pushed herself up with Colt’s help, head swimming a sickening cadence. “I think I’m gonna—throw up.”
Rolling to her hands and knees, she crawled away, relieving her sick stomach into the first handy clump of weeds. Done, she leaned back on her heels and gazed thoughtfully toward a pink glow highlighting a jagged mountainous horizon. Her memory came in frames, like a camera lens focusing in and out, teasing with a collection of splintered fragments.
“Feel better now?”
The masculine voice reminded of his presence. She turned.
“Yeah, I think. All except for this.” She rubbed the makeshift bandage on her head, wincing. “Guess I’m wearing your shirt on my head, huh?” She ogled his naked chest. Damn, he looked mighty fine without a shirt.
“I’m happy to hear that.”
Colt pushed to his feet, an odd expression playing over his features. He went to stand at the edge of the clearing, back to her, fingers shoved into his pockets, evident something grievous weighed on his mind.
“I’m guessing I fell off Cinnabar?”
“You took a blow to the head. Do you remember anything else?” he called back over his shoulder.
Madison heard his words, but her mind and hungry eyes took an alternate route. Chestnut hair snaked along his neck, tipping wet at brawny shoulders. Tilting her head slightly, she studied … no, admired the sinew of his waist, compact hips, and powerful thighs. He shifted his weight to one leg, the play of muscles drawing her interest to the V of his back. Unblemished, except for three symmetrical scars stretching down the middle, paler than the rest of that delicious tawny skin. “Old Bones…” she murmured, snapping her jaw shut when he swiveled around suddenly, walking past to retrieve the canteen from his saddlebag.
He stood before her now, offering a drink. She longed to study the front of him, but his attention bore down on her. She felt shy, glancing up long enough to take the canteen and struggling to swallow the dry lump in her throat. She wrapped fingers around the leather and took a few welcome sips of cool water before passing it back. It tasted fantastic.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
If ever there were a question as to what a Greek god might look like in the flesh, the answer stood right before her. She simply couldn’t stop herself. She had to look. A light dusting of brown hair carved muscled pecs and perfect man-nipples, extending down the center of a rock-solid stomach, past a flawless belly button, only to tease and disappear into a thin line beneath tan denim. Long gone were any recollections of the old man who used to be. Way long gone. Madison absorbed all that was at this moment, swishing her gaze up to suck in every detail of his face. A crooked nose, she noted—probably from a break and lending plenty of charm. High cheekbones. Straight brows over beguiling golden-brown eyes. And that mouth. Holy moly. Sculptured. Downright kissable. And when he smiled—lopsided—his entire face lit up, a dimple appearing on his right cheek.
She passed him the canteen and Colt inclined his head and took a long draught. She watched a single water droplet course down over that jaw, graced by slight stubble, where he caught it with his forearm. He snapped his fingers in front of her face.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked, lowering to one knee and looking intently into first one eye and then the other.
“Hm?” Yanked unwillingly back into reality, Madison flushed, certain he knew every embarrassing direction of her thoughts. “Sorry, not myself, I guess.”
“You still haven’t answered me. Do you remember what happened?”
“Only that I came to find you. I think. I mean, I found Ernie at the rodeo grounds and bought Cinnabar. I rode out to find Colt. The storm worried me, and I thought you … that he, may have been in it. The storm. Seems like a faraway dream now. I lost control of Cinnabar. By the way, she’s the same horse you … I mean he … someone said was gentle.”
She indubitably was having more than a few issues connecting the two.
Colt chuckled. “She is gentle; got spooked by the storm, I reckon.”
“So now that I’m half-dead, will you just please come back to town with me? I’ve got a plane to catch—”
“Madison.”
“Seriously, don’t interrupt,” she insisted. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re a little confused is all. It happens to the best of us. I’ll—”
“Madison?”
“What?” She sighed impatiently.
“We are in my time. The year is 1878. At least I hope it is. I know this is hard to digest, but you’re going to have to trust me on this one.”
“Trust you? The man who keeps transforming his appearance?” She vented an ironic laugh.
“C’mon. I want to show you something.” He took her arm, helping her to her feet and making sure she remained steady while guiding her toward the rise. “Look over there, through those trees. What do you see?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “A valley. So what?”
“Exactly. That’s where Jackson is, or should I say will be—in a hundred years or so. It’s getting dark. You should be able to at least see all those obnoxiously flashy lights in the distance, don’t you think?” He studied her reaction closely.
True, rolling hills butting up to the Teton Range were all she saw. Of course, dusk made it difficult to see anything in detail. Purples, grays, and greens blurred together. But he was right about one thing. Where were the lights? All of a sudden, anger washed over her. Ridiculous! She pried his dutiful fingers from her arm and hobbled in stiff determination toward Cinnabar.
“As much as I hate getting back on that lovely horse over there, I’m going to, and I’m riding her back to town. Jackson has to be out there somewhere. You coming?” Ignoring a fresh new pain exploding like fireworks in her shoulder, she managed to cram a boot into the stirrup, and with a growl of determination, dizziness thumping a beat in her head, pulled herself up and into the saddle.
Colt followed. “I can’t let you ride out alone. This is no place for a woman at night.”
“Then come along.” She blinked, glaring down at him in all seriousness.
“I can’t do that either.”
“Well, you’re not agreeable at all,” she pointed out.
“Come back to the ranch with me. I’ll have to sneak you inside. I’m in no mood to explain a woman to Rosie and Garrett tonight. That can wait. I’ll have to think of something to tell them, but at least you’ll have a warm bed, and we’ll figure this mess out tomorrow. Do we have a deal?”
He couldn’t mean the Garrett supposedly hanged for cattle rustling. Madison frowned. Who was Rosie? And could he possibly be referring to the dilapidated ranch house he’d taken her to earlier? No way was she camping out in that falling-down place. This whole thing rang of absurdities. He may be a lot farther gone than she’d originally thought.
“A warm bed, huh?” she asked, tone laced in sarcasm. “That’s a new one. Never been seduced with that approach before.”
“Don’t flatter yourself too much; you may be disappointed.”
With long, deliberate strides, he retraced his steps to his horse and yanked a fresh shirt free from the canvas roll behind the cantle, secured in such a way that it had remained relatively dry. He shoved his arms into the sleeves and buttoned it before gathering his rain slicker, rolling, tying it to the saddle. Madison watched in puzzlement as he lifted Cinnabar’s reins from her grasp and looped them over the mare’s head. He mounted Cinder and began to lead her and her horse away from town.
“Hey! Wait just a doggone minute. I told you, I can’t miss my plane tomorrow.” Madison released the saddle horn she gripped for balance, clawing the coat sleeve up to check the time on her Fitbit, scowling to discover the electronics jumbled into unreadable purple symbols on the screen. “You can’t force me to go with you. I was only trying to help,” she said.
“For one thing, sugar, this plane you keep referring to, I seriously doubt you’re going to find one in 1878. Second, you’re in no condition to be wandering around the woods analyzing the philosophy of life tonight. Get my meaning? You need some doctoring. Let’s get you to feeling better, then we’ll have this discussion.” He felt responsible she was here in the first place, her injuries only making matters worse.
Madison seethed to herself. But when she tried letting him have it, a new pain, this one a horrendous blade of fire, sliced from one temple to the other. Whimpering, she grabbed her head and slumped forward in the saddle, cheek flush to Cinnabar’s neck. When she tried to speak, all she accomplished was a generous mouthful of coarse horse’s mane. She did what any woman may likely do in her situation. She began to sob.
Colt stood next to her in a matter of moments. “No arguing. Let’s go,” he commanded. “You’re riding with me.” Securing her arms around his neck, he lifted her from the saddle and carried her to Cinder’s side.
Words of protest boiled up, but she simply didn’t have the strength to push them out. A chain of sobs twisted inside her throat, taking up all the room and so she surrendered to the tears. He lifted her onto the stallion’s back and swung up and into position behind her, one arm locked around her waist to grip the reins. The other ponied Cinnabar alongside. She felt herself gradually unwind into him as her sobs quieted. Colt’s body felt as cozy as a cushion in which she fit perfectly, his warmth a reminder of how cold she was. A murky fog blanketed her senses, choking out the random objections popping into her mind. Her head lolled back against his sturdy and welcoming shoulder.
Colt, however, felt anything but relaxed. The pressure of a shapely and firm backside massaged his loins. That combined with the rolling gait of the horse and it became almost too much to bear. The rainwater and flower fragrance of her damp hair, the swell of a full breast brushing his forearm—she was intoxicating alright. Better than fine whiskey and far more addictive.
May 10, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book.
This slowburn (heavy on the burn) romance novel about timetravellers, draws you in and holds on tight all the way through.
Our 1878 gunslinger Colton gets transported to the present by a storm. Here he appears as an old man, who Madison gets fascinated by and feels sorry for in equal measure. When the storm returns to bring Colton back to his own time (and young looks). Madison accidentally follows. Now it’s her turn to be stuck in a time not her own. And it’s here that their love story truly unfolds.
The book doesn’t gloss over the difficulties of living in the past as a modern woman with all it entails.
Not only is it a wonderfull time travelling romance story, but it also contains everything that makes a good western.
This book is for lovers of timetravel, slowburn and good old fashion westerns.
This slowburn (heavy on the burn) romance novel about timetravellers, draws you in and holds on tight all the way through.
Our 1878 gunslinger Colton gets transported to the present by a storm. Here he appears as an old man, who Madison gets fascinated by and feels sorry for in equal measure. When the storm returns to bring Colton back to his own time (and young looks). Madison accidentally follows. Now it’s her turn to be stuck in a time not her own. And it’s here that their love story truly unfolds.
The book doesn’t gloss over the difficulties of living in the past as a modern woman with all it entails.
Not only is it a wonderfull time travelling romance story, but it also contains everything that makes a good western.
This book is for lovers of timetravel, slowburn and good old fashion westerns.
July 4, 2021
Wow! I mean really WOW!
I really loved this story. Colt was such a women’s dream in his description and his cowboy charm. He was so down to earth and thoughtful. Maddy was so lost since her divorce that she needed someone like Colt. A very good time travel novel for sure. Can’t wait to read the next one.
I really loved this story. Colt was such a women’s dream in his description and his cowboy charm. He was so down to earth and thoughtful. Maddy was so lost since her divorce that she needed someone like Colt. A very good time travel novel for sure. Can’t wait to read the next one.
October 1, 2021
Awesome read! Absolutely amazing!
This book captured my heart! I laughed and cried. It was full of adventure and suspense. It was captivating. Each character won my heart and made me wish I was there! The time travel was made so that it was absolutely feasible for something like that to happen! I am so looking forward to the next book! Hopefully an adventure for Emmy. I highly recommend this book!
This book captured my heart! I laughed and cried. It was full of adventure and suspense. It was captivating. Each character won my heart and made me wish I was there! The time travel was made so that it was absolutely feasible for something like that to happen! I am so looking forward to the next book! Hopefully an adventure for Emmy. I highly recommend this book!
January 14, 2022
What a extremely interesting story!
I am a ex cowgirl, ranch owner and love the idea of stepping back in time! This story hit all the buttons except one, cantor, meaning a very slow gallop, is spelled canter! A 1887 cowboy would refer it as a lope. I can't wait to read the next book!
I am a ex cowgirl, ranch owner and love the idea of stepping back in time! This story hit all the buttons except one, cantor, meaning a very slow gallop, is spelled canter! A 1887 cowboy would refer it as a lope. I can't wait to read the next book!
April 25, 2023
Handsome cowboy from 1878 meets vivacious woman from 2014, I’m a sucker for time travel romance & this one did not disappoint! When I tell y’all I devoured this book, I mean I left no crumbs!
February 19, 2022
Entertaining read!
Loved this! The passion between Madison and Colt, the attention to research and details- all fantastic! Couldn’t put it down!
Loved this! The passion between Madison and Colt, the attention to research and details- all fantastic! Couldn’t put it down!
January 25, 2022
Awesome!!!!
New author for me but I love to read this genre. Wasn't quite sure how it would go, but loved how she developed the characters and plot of the book. Was so caught up in the ending had to grow back a reread a couple of times! 😀🤗
New author for me but I love to read this genre. Wasn't quite sure how it would go, but loved how she developed the characters and plot of the book. Was so caught up in the ending had to grow back a reread a couple of times! 😀🤗
September 20, 2023
Read it all
Awesome. At first on almost want to stop and than it gets you and oh what. A surprise at the end
Awesome. At first on almost want to stop and than it gets you and oh what. A surprise at the end
May 2, 2021
Time of Rose
This had a little bit of a slow start, just keep reading, it was very good romantic western time travel.
This had a little bit of a slow start, just keep reading, it was very good romantic western time travel.
July 31, 2024
Exciting adventure
This was a ride, with lots of action and lots of time travel! Will love seeing where the next book in the series goes!
This was a ride, with lots of action and lots of time travel! Will love seeing where the next book in the series goes!
July 26, 2024
Time is a Mystery!
Is time travel possible? Sometimes I wonder. With romance, intrigue, mystery, and some heart palpitating situations, this novel jumps off the page. Well worth the read. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.
Is time travel possible? Sometimes I wonder. With romance, intrigue, mystery, and some heart palpitating situations, this novel jumps off the page. Well worth the read. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.
April 4, 2023
Time travel
Fun.unusual type of time travel..so much fun to read.loved some of the old fashioned values. More to come. Cowboys and all.
Fun.unusual type of time travel..so much fun to read.loved some of the old fashioned values. More to come. Cowboys and all.
May 31, 2021
This is a traditional (originally written in 1994) romance with suspense and time travel complications.
Colton Chase is a gunslinger on a ten year vendetta to find and kill the man who murdered his parents. Recent cattle rustling brings Colton home to the family ranch that is being managed by his angry, dilatory, younger brother. Colton needs some downtime to regroup. He rides to a favorite spot where he picks an unusual rose. He is caught in a wild storm and when he and his horse ride out of the mist, he discovers a new town that he didn’t know existed… because it didn’t in his time.
Madison is a twenty-first-century career woman who has invested her energy in her travel agency since her divorce from her cheating husband. She and her staff are visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming for business. She is startled when she steps in front of a large horse and looks up into the eyes of an elderly cowboy who appears to be straight out of the historical west. The two are drawn to each other and Colton convinces Madison to spend a day out with him. She begins to see a young, rugged, handsome cowboy rather than an elderly character. Colton is confused by his circumstances, but Madison fears he is suffering from dementia since he claims to be from 1878.
Colton is set on returning to his time and never expected Madison to accidentally follow him. Once she is there, Colton is ready to claim her as his wife. Madison isn’t so quick to commit to a backward time and she is still reluctant to let a man have any control in her life. Colton agrees to help Madison return to her time but first he has to follow a hot clue for his vengeance. Madison fears for his safety but in trying to help she gets captured. Can Colton save her and if he does will she agree to stay or still want to return to her own time, leaving him behind?
The time travel romance hit all the right genre buttons: Historical Fiction, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy. It is a romance with nice historical detail, a believable time travel trigger, and well-developed characters. I call this a ‘traditional’ romance as it contains some of the cliché’ descriptions of the sexual encounters that I associate with romance from the 1990s. It was awkward to me, but it was still a nice story and easy read. I recommend this to fans of time travel romance who wouldn’t mind the older language and sexual descriptions.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Colton Chase is a gunslinger on a ten year vendetta to find and kill the man who murdered his parents. Recent cattle rustling brings Colton home to the family ranch that is being managed by his angry, dilatory, younger brother. Colton needs some downtime to regroup. He rides to a favorite spot where he picks an unusual rose. He is caught in a wild storm and when he and his horse ride out of the mist, he discovers a new town that he didn’t know existed… because it didn’t in his time.
Madison is a twenty-first-century career woman who has invested her energy in her travel agency since her divorce from her cheating husband. She and her staff are visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming for business. She is startled when she steps in front of a large horse and looks up into the eyes of an elderly cowboy who appears to be straight out of the historical west. The two are drawn to each other and Colton convinces Madison to spend a day out with him. She begins to see a young, rugged, handsome cowboy rather than an elderly character. Colton is confused by his circumstances, but Madison fears he is suffering from dementia since he claims to be from 1878.
Colton is set on returning to his time and never expected Madison to accidentally follow him. Once she is there, Colton is ready to claim her as his wife. Madison isn’t so quick to commit to a backward time and she is still reluctant to let a man have any control in her life. Colton agrees to help Madison return to her time but first he has to follow a hot clue for his vengeance. Madison fears for his safety but in trying to help she gets captured. Can Colton save her and if he does will she agree to stay or still want to return to her own time, leaving him behind?
The time travel romance hit all the right genre buttons: Historical Fiction, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy. It is a romance with nice historical detail, a believable time travel trigger, and well-developed characters. I call this a ‘traditional’ romance as it contains some of the cliché’ descriptions of the sexual encounters that I associate with romance from the 1990s. It was awkward to me, but it was still a nice story and easy read. I recommend this to fans of time travel romance who wouldn’t mind the older language and sexual descriptions.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
August 16, 2022
What a story! Well written and long enough to be a real read. I don't usually read time travel but this was too good to put down - besides the title grabbed me. The characters are believable and unique. The troubles that come their way could have really happened and so much happened. First in one time then in another each choosing to move in time for different reasons and of course an ending with happily ever after but wasn't expected. I can't wait for the next story, Journey in time.
August 22, 2015
Time of the Rose by Bonita Clifton
I liked this story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
THE THORN IN HER SIDE
When the silver-haired cowboy brought Madison Calloway to his run-down ranch, she thought for sure he was senile. How could the old-timer insist he was a wealthy cattle baron and famous pistoleer? Certain he'd bring harm to himself, Madison followed the man into a violent thunderstorm and right back to the wild days of his youth in the Old West.
THE ROSE IN HIS HEART
The dread of all his enemies and the desire of all the ladies, Colton Chase could outdraw any gunslinger and outlast any woman. But even he didn't stand a chance against the spunky beauty who'd tracked him through time. And after one passion-drenched night, Colt was ready to hang up his six-shooters, throw away his spurs, and surrender his heart to the most tempting spitfire on either side of the Pecos.
I liked this story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
THE THORN IN HER SIDE
When the silver-haired cowboy brought Madison Calloway to his run-down ranch, she thought for sure he was senile. How could the old-timer insist he was a wealthy cattle baron and famous pistoleer? Certain he'd bring harm to himself, Madison followed the man into a violent thunderstorm and right back to the wild days of his youth in the Old West.
THE ROSE IN HIS HEART
The dread of all his enemies and the desire of all the ladies, Colton Chase could outdraw any gunslinger and outlast any woman. But even he didn't stand a chance against the spunky beauty who'd tracked him through time. And after one passion-drenched night, Colt was ready to hang up his six-shooters, throw away his spurs, and surrender his heart to the most tempting spitfire on either side of the Pecos.
December 17, 2021
I love time travel.
Very good! Kept me spell bound. Turning page after page. I highly recommend this book. Cant wait to read the next one.
Very good! Kept me spell bound. Turning page after page. I highly recommend this book. Cant wait to read the next one.
July 14, 2021
A really good story
If you like an adventure this is the book for you.Great characters and storyline is strong. Can’t wait to read next book.
If you like an adventure this is the book for you.Great characters and storyline is strong. Can’t wait to read next book.
June 19, 2024
400 page novel that would have worked better as a novelette. Should come with trigger warning for rape. I know it was 1994, but I'm pretty sure that even then a writer should have known not to use the terms half-breed or squaw. Those words really are offensive and take one out of the story. Clearly some folks really like this book. From 33% I skimmed.
July 20, 2024
This would've been a really good book if it wouldn't have been so "wordy" Too many words to describe everything that happened. Plus, the ending was weird. I don't think that I'll be reading the next book, even though I bought it. At least not soon. Sigh....
September 1, 2021
Can't wait for the second one
May 8, 2024
So much better than anticipated!
June 13, 2024
excellent story
What a great book! It’s definitely a romance for all time, with an engaging plot told in a flowing manner, charmingly descriptive. 👍👍👍💜
What a great book! It’s definitely a romance for all time, with an engaging plot told in a flowing manner, charmingly descriptive. 👍👍👍💜
July 31, 2025
Ugh I just love me a time travel romance because they have to work so hard to be together and this is no exception.
It’s giving major outlander vibes in the best way because they each go back and forth for various reasons. Colt ends up in 2014 Wyoming from the year 1878. Madison is instantly drawn to him even though when he was hurtled through time, time was also hurtled through him so he appears as an old fellow instead of his usual 28 year old self. Madison inadvertently follows him back to 1878 Wyoming and to Colt’s super successful ranch. But enemies await them back home. They have to learn to navigate Wild West life together, especially after they get married, and Madison discovers she’s pregnant.
TW: short attempted SA scene.
HEA
NO other people drama
Very few editing errors
It’s giving major outlander vibes in the best way because they each go back and forth for various reasons. Colt ends up in 2014 Wyoming from the year 1878. Madison is instantly drawn to him even though when he was hurtled through time, time was also hurtled through him so he appears as an old fellow instead of his usual 28 year old self. Madison inadvertently follows him back to 1878 Wyoming and to Colt’s super successful ranch. But enemies await them back home. They have to learn to navigate Wild West life together, especially after they get married, and Madison discovers she’s pregnant.
TW: short attempted SA scene.
HEA
NO other people drama
Very few editing errors
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