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Project Enterprise #3
Tangled in Time
Colonel Carey (from The Key and Girl Gone Nova) takes a test "flight" through the Garradian time-space portal, but an unexpected impact lands him somewhere and some when. As he attempts to get to Area 51, he crosses paths with Miss Olivia Carstairs, who could be Mary Poppins' twin sister. Or maybe her cousin. Olivia's got a transmogrification machine powered by steam and a mouth he'd like to kiss like it was his job. Can he convince her to join forces before she shoots him with her derringer?
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
14 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Baird Jones
110 books177 followersPauline Baird Jones is the author of quirky, fast-paced romantic adventures that blend danger, laughter, and love in equal measure. She writes across genres—from romantic suspense and science fiction to comedy thrillers and steampunk—but her stories always share the same heartbeat: heroines who discover their courage, heroes who celebrate their strength, and humor as the best weapon in impossible situations. If you’re looking for an escape from the ordinary, her books deliver adventure, romance, and just enough laughter to keep you smiling long after “The End.”
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 21, 2012
Grade A-
4.5*
Tangled in Time is an excellent mix of steampunk, time-travel, science fiction and romance. The plotting was tight, keeping a good balance between action and dialogue. And the dialogue was sharp and often witty. Even in this short space the author develops her characters fully. We've met Carey before (The Key and Girl Gone Nova), but we meet Olivia for the first time in this story. Her character is from 1894 New York. Carey is from 2010 and traveling from another galaxy when they meet by "accident" in 1944 in the Texas wilderness. Jones' descriptions of the machine Olivia traveled in is wonderful, as are the details about Olivia's clothes, her manners, and her very Victorian ways of looking at life. My only minor quibble is that Olivia seems to get too comfortable with her new situation a little too quickly.
Tangled in Time is the third installment of a series, and I wouldn't start here. The shorter length doesn't leave room for a backstory "catch-up" so the reader may well be lost if they don't know the players and the universe already. That said, the series is well worth reading. I look forward to the next book,Steamrolled.
4.5*
Tangled in Time is an excellent mix of steampunk, time-travel, science fiction and romance. The plotting was tight, keeping a good balance between action and dialogue. And the dialogue was sharp and often witty. Even in this short space the author develops her characters fully. We've met Carey before (The Key and Girl Gone Nova), but we meet Olivia for the first time in this story. Her character is from 1894 New York. Carey is from 2010 and traveling from another galaxy when they meet by "accident" in 1944 in the Texas wilderness. Jones' descriptions of the machine Olivia traveled in is wonderful, as are the details about Olivia's clothes, her manners, and her very Victorian ways of looking at life. My only minor quibble is that Olivia seems to get too comfortable with her new situation a little too quickly.
Tangled in Time is the third installment of a series, and I wouldn't start here. The shorter length doesn't leave room for a backstory "catch-up" so the reader may well be lost if they don't know the players and the universe already. That said, the series is well worth reading. I look forward to the next book,Steamrolled.
August 15, 2023
TANGLED IN TIME, a novella, is bk3 in Pauline Baird Jones’ Project Enterprise Space Opera Romance series.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. I loved the setting, dialogue and adventure mixing different times with the characters.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Colonel Braedon Carey, USAC (previously seen in The Key and Girl Gone Nova) is on a test flight through a time/space portal from distant alien space toward present day earth, Area 51, but something goes wrong, and he (literally) crashes into southern TX, time unknown. Carey is attempting to ascertain his location and the time period when he sights a peculiarly dressed woman working on an incredibly large, side-ways egg-shaped, metal contraption in the middle of a mountainous desert. Carey discovers Miss Olivia Carstairs is the assistant of the airships designer, architect and pilot Professor Twitchet. She flew in from Gotham (modern day Brooklyn), NY but hit something while transporting. Where are they now, and when?
Comments ~
1) TANGLED IN TIME was a delightful and quick read. Although Carey had a supporting role in two previous books of the Project Enterprise Space Opera, Time Travel series, I believe TANGLED IN TIME could be read as a Standalone. I recommend it to those who enjoy short light adventure novellas after a busy day, before bed, or to check out a new-to-them author. This is the 4th bk I’ve read by Baird Jones. I’ve enjoyed her writing. It is light, fun, includes a lot of Space Opera adventure with strong and ethical characters but without the usual Steamy sexy scenes. Amazingly, she writes Clean Space Opera Romance, Time Travel novels. I find her books a pleasant palate cleanser in one of my favorite genres.
2) I am really enjoying this Sci-fi Romance, Time Travel series.
TANGLED includes a touch of Steampunk, which I also enjoy. I’m glad I discovered this series. :D.
3) I would have rated TANGLED 5 Stars but there were two different editing mix-ups (a part of the same sentence repeated twice). This wasn’t a big deal but slightly pulled me out of the story until I understood what happened and passed on by. I have already purchased the rest of this series (next 2 book bundles) and look forward to continuing.
If you enjoy light Space Opera Romance or Time Travel Romance but often wish the sex wasn’t so explicit, I recommend Pauline Baird Jones’ Project Enterprise series. Simply suspend credibility and enjoy the ride.
READER CAUTION ~ IMO, suitable for YA readers. Recommended to all readers of the genre, especially those who prefer less explicit details.
PROFANITY - Yes. But only twice, I believe.
VIOLENCE - PG, if that.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs and kisses. Clean.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. I loved the setting, dialogue and adventure mixing different times with the characters.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Colonel Braedon Carey, USAC (previously seen in The Key and Girl Gone Nova) is on a test flight through a time/space portal from distant alien space toward present day earth, Area 51, but something goes wrong, and he (literally) crashes into southern TX, time unknown. Carey is attempting to ascertain his location and the time period when he sights a peculiarly dressed woman working on an incredibly large, side-ways egg-shaped, metal contraption in the middle of a mountainous desert. Carey discovers Miss Olivia Carstairs is the assistant of the airships designer, architect and pilot Professor Twitchet. She flew in from Gotham (modern day Brooklyn), NY but hit something while transporting. Where are they now, and when?
Comments ~
1) TANGLED IN TIME was a delightful and quick read. Although Carey had a supporting role in two previous books of the Project Enterprise Space Opera, Time Travel series, I believe TANGLED IN TIME could be read as a Standalone. I recommend it to those who enjoy short light adventure novellas after a busy day, before bed, or to check out a new-to-them author. This is the 4th bk I’ve read by Baird Jones. I’ve enjoyed her writing. It is light, fun, includes a lot of Space Opera adventure with strong and ethical characters but without the usual Steamy sexy scenes. Amazingly, she writes Clean Space Opera Romance, Time Travel novels. I find her books a pleasant palate cleanser in one of my favorite genres.
2) I am really enjoying this Sci-fi Romance, Time Travel series.
TANGLED includes a touch of Steampunk, which I also enjoy. I’m glad I discovered this series. :D.
3) I would have rated TANGLED 5 Stars but there were two different editing mix-ups (a part of the same sentence repeated twice). This wasn’t a big deal but slightly pulled me out of the story until I understood what happened and passed on by. I have already purchased the rest of this series (next 2 book bundles) and look forward to continuing.
If you enjoy light Space Opera Romance or Time Travel Romance but often wish the sex wasn’t so explicit, I recommend Pauline Baird Jones’ Project Enterprise series. Simply suspend credibility and enjoy the ride.
READER CAUTION ~ IMO, suitable for YA readers. Recommended to all readers of the genre, especially those who prefer less explicit details.
PROFANITY - Yes. But only twice, I believe.
VIOLENCE - PG, if that.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs and kisses. Clean.
April 21, 2011
A nice little novella and a chance to revisit old 'friends.' Pauline Baird Jones incorporated some of the favourite characters from Girl Gone Nova (and The Key), oh, like Col. Carey, The Doc, Giddioni, and Gen. Halliwell, and thrown them into a short and sweet time-travelling story. Great little read!!
October 30, 2017
This was a really cute story about a pilot that got waylaid during a time portal trip and met a woman with a contraption he couldn’t figure out. This was very steam-punk and I’d never read one of those, and I was really impressed with the long strange words that were used to describe the mechanics of its operation and I was constantly laughing out loud and the things Olivia didn’t understanding that Brae was telling her.
When they first met his back was to her and he heard the click of a gun and when he turned around his first words were “Mary…Poppins?” Olivia had a gun in one hand and a parasol in the other. It was extremely funny. Olivia was all together a girl from the 19th century and Brae was all 21st.
I have to tell you there were a few questions left unanswered at the end but I was OK with that since Olivia and Brae got their HEA.
It was steam-punk and definitely sci-fi, especially since they were in another galaxy when they were rescued from their collision in Texas. I enjoyed it immensely.
There was no sex but there was some serious kissing and a little desire.
As to the narration: Kevin Killavey did an excellent job on the voices and read with exactly enough emotions. I’ve never listened to him before but I will be listening to him again.
June 4, 2022
Love this series as I devour each one. Sometimes not stopping to review them. Read them
In order. I love them because no one is fated, Everyone is allowed to make choices and everyone is smart and powerful, every charactered is respected for their gifts and talents and problem solves thoughtfully. I had to re read the time travel loop-de-loops. Such detailed plotting for the author to track. Kudos to the plotting and also to editors. I assume they were listened to as the story was tightly developed.
In order. I love them because no one is fated, Everyone is allowed to make choices and everyone is smart and powerful, every charactered is respected for their gifts and talents and problem solves thoughtfully. I had to re read the time travel loop-de-loops. Such detailed plotting for the author to track. Kudos to the plotting and also to editors. I assume they were listened to as the story was tightly developed.
August 26, 2019
Sweet and funny
This was such a sweet and cute story I really didn’t want it to end. I’m totally loving the Project Enterprise series and I devoured this 3rd installment in one sitting! I loved the time and space traveling element of the book. The main couple were just so perfect for each other. Can’t wait to read the next one!
This was such a sweet and cute story I really didn’t want it to end. I’m totally loving the Project Enterprise series and I devoured this 3rd installment in one sitting! I loved the time and space traveling element of the book. The main couple were just so perfect for each other. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 27, 2024
A fine story
I am a tech guy, and I enjoyed all the story about tech. I have flown with my brother piloting a helicopter. I liked the development of this story.. I have spent many a warm afternoon
in the Texas sun. I have been not far from
where this story was set in Texas.
I recommend this story.
I am a tech guy, and I enjoyed all the story about tech. I have flown with my brother piloting a helicopter. I liked the development of this story.. I have spent many a warm afternoon
in the Texas sun. I have been not far from
where this story was set in Texas.
I recommend this story.
April 29, 2021
Good book except the parts when Carey & Olivia were in their own heads; that was boring, & the end, after the debriefing. I especially liked Carey's return to Kikk outpost, the debriefing & Carey had to reveal the truth to Olivia about who he is, where & when he came from.
May 4, 2021
Good book except the parts when Carey & Olivia were in their own heads; that was boring & so was the end; after the debriefing. I especially liked Carey's return to the Kikk outpost, the briefing & Carey having to reveal the truth to Olivia about who he is, where & when he came from.
January 20, 2016
Okay, quick background. It is 2010. Humans are out there in space, in another galaxy. Of course, it is a big secret on earth. But the military is all over the other galaxy. It takes a while to get to there from Earth. But once there, humans discovered a portal that allows a person to travel instantaneously through space and time. Kind of like Star Trek's transporter, but with Tardis like capabilities.
At the beginning of Tangled in Time, Colonel Carey is testing the portal, when an unexpected impact lands him somewhere that is not where he expected to go. Soon he meets Olivia Carstairs, who has traveled to that point via steam-powered transmogrification machine. She, also, is not where she expected to be. By the way, she looks like Mary Poppins, complete with parasol. And the Colonel wants “to kiss her like it was his job.”
What follows is the adventures and romance of two people, well, Tangled in Time. The title may be giveaway, but in case it is not, the Colonel and Olivia are from two different time periods and end up in a third time period. Oh, there is some time tangling going on.
Steampunk elements abound - steam and brass, a teapot, an Individual Discovery Velocipediator, a Mapulator Retrieval Apparatus and some pretty fancy goggles. Plus, the aforementioned parasol. If it seems a stretch to mix steampunk with Sci-Fi, it is. A good stretch. Like when you have been sitting for a long time and you stand up to stretch your legs.
The romance is light-hearted. The fact that the Colonel and Olivia come from different centuries has no effect on their mutual respect and pretty much instant attraction. I would describe their relationship as sweet and funny.
In a Sci-Fi/Steampunk adventure, you would expect there to be a bad guy. There is the mysterious Professor Smith, who seems like he is not on the side of right, but you really can't tell, which makes him all the more intriguing. Professor Smith is an ambiguous character that will most likely be around for another story in the series.
Tangled in Time is the third book in the Project Enterprise series. Though there are a few references that you will not get unless you read the first two books, I think Tangled in Time can be read as standalone. The feel of it is entirely different from the first two, but writing style is very similar.
Speaking of writing style, Ms. Jones' is unique. She has a direct, smart-alecky voice that is also very smart and witty. I love it!
Ms. Jones writes in a variety of genres, but I think she excels at Sci-Fi Romance. The first two books in this series, The Key, and Girl Gone Nova are on my favorites shelf.
The e-book version of Tangled in Time has just the one story. There is a print version of the book that also includes two bonus Project Enterprise stories. But print, or digital, Tangled in Time is Sci-Fi/Steampunk Romance at its best. It is only about 80 pages long, so if you are looking for a quick, extremely entertaining read, I highly recommend it.
At the beginning of Tangled in Time, Colonel Carey is testing the portal, when an unexpected impact lands him somewhere that is not where he expected to go. Soon he meets Olivia Carstairs, who has traveled to that point via steam-powered transmogrification machine. She, also, is not where she expected to be. By the way, she looks like Mary Poppins, complete with parasol. And the Colonel wants “to kiss her like it was his job.”
What follows is the adventures and romance of two people, well, Tangled in Time. The title may be giveaway, but in case it is not, the Colonel and Olivia are from two different time periods and end up in a third time period. Oh, there is some time tangling going on.
Steampunk elements abound - steam and brass, a teapot, an Individual Discovery Velocipediator, a Mapulator Retrieval Apparatus and some pretty fancy goggles. Plus, the aforementioned parasol. If it seems a stretch to mix steampunk with Sci-Fi, it is. A good stretch. Like when you have been sitting for a long time and you stand up to stretch your legs.
The romance is light-hearted. The fact that the Colonel and Olivia come from different centuries has no effect on their mutual respect and pretty much instant attraction. I would describe their relationship as sweet and funny.
In a Sci-Fi/Steampunk adventure, you would expect there to be a bad guy. There is the mysterious Professor Smith, who seems like he is not on the side of right, but you really can't tell, which makes him all the more intriguing. Professor Smith is an ambiguous character that will most likely be around for another story in the series.
Tangled in Time is the third book in the Project Enterprise series. Though there are a few references that you will not get unless you read the first two books, I think Tangled in Time can be read as standalone. The feel of it is entirely different from the first two, but writing style is very similar.
Speaking of writing style, Ms. Jones' is unique. She has a direct, smart-alecky voice that is also very smart and witty. I love it!
Ms. Jones writes in a variety of genres, but I think she excels at Sci-Fi Romance. The first two books in this series, The Key, and Girl Gone Nova are on my favorites shelf.
The e-book version of Tangled in Time has just the one story. There is a print version of the book that also includes two bonus Project Enterprise stories. But print, or digital, Tangled in Time is Sci-Fi/Steampunk Romance at its best. It is only about 80 pages long, so if you are looking for a quick, extremely entertaining read, I highly recommend it.
December 2, 2010
US Air Force Colonel Braedon Carey volunteers to be a guinea pig for an experiment to traverse space and time through an alien portal on the planet of Kikk. Instead of landing in Area 51 in Nevada in the year 2010, he thinks he’s somewhere in Texas in 1944. When he stumbles across a Mary Poppins lookalike holding a parasol in one hand and gun in another, Carey knows he’s in the wrong place. Olivia Carstairs, from New York circa 1894, arrives in an experimental machine trying to locate the professor who devised it. When Carey suspects his retrieval chip has been damaged in transit and Olivia’s machine mysteriously disappears, the two team up in hopes of finding a way back. It doesn’t take them long to realize they’re highly attracted to one another but there’s the frustrating issue that they’re from two separate worlds. Will they be able to return to their own times or be stranded in 20th century America, or will one decide to remain with the other?
Jones packs a wallop of a story in Tangled in Time. Humor and suspense abound in a tale filled with action. The diversity between Carey and Olivia in manner and speaking is portrayed with engaging wit and the chemistry between the two is fun and highly entertaining. Fans of Jones will recognize favorite characters from The Key and Girl Gone Nova, an added bonus. This novella will appeal to readers across genres, offering romance, suspense, and mystery all wrapped up in an intriguing Sci-Fi plot that grabs the reader from beginning to end.
Jones packs a wallop of a story in Tangled in Time. Humor and suspense abound in a tale filled with action. The diversity between Carey and Olivia in manner and speaking is portrayed with engaging wit and the chemistry between the two is fun and highly entertaining. Fans of Jones will recognize favorite characters from The Key and Girl Gone Nova, an added bonus. This novella will appeal to readers across genres, offering romance, suspense, and mystery all wrapped up in an intriguing Sci-Fi plot that grabs the reader from beginning to end.
February 8, 2011
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Quickie Review:
The Good: It was actually a very cute and fun story. I ended up caring about Carey and Olivia’s plea and it made me extremely curious about the world they live in. It made me want more!
The Bad: It was too short. I cared about the characters, but not as much as I could have =/ I also really don’t like the cover. It’s not the author’s fault, but it might put people off from getting the novella.
The Sexy: No smex in this novella, but the chemistry between characters was well made and the lead up to their first kiss what very nice =)
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Quickie Review:
The Good: It was actually a very cute and fun story. I ended up caring about Carey and Olivia’s plea and it made me extremely curious about the world they live in. It made me want more!
The Bad: It was too short. I cared about the characters, but not as much as I could have =/ I also really don’t like the cover. It’s not the author’s fault, but it might put people off from getting the novella.
The Sexy: No smex in this novella, but the chemistry between characters was well made and the lead up to their first kiss what very nice =)
May 27, 2011
I enjoyed this book but not quite as much as The Key and Girl Gone Nova. Maybe it was too short?
When I read The Key I had a different impression of Col. Carey. In this book he didn't seem like as 'big' a character, although I liked the character just fine. I still am enamored of this series and am looking forward to reading Steamrolled!
*I really dislike the cover on this book. What were they thinking?
When I read The Key I had a different impression of Col. Carey. In this book he didn't seem like as 'big' a character, although I liked the character just fine. I still am enamored of this series and am looking forward to reading Steamrolled!
*I really dislike the cover on this book. What were they thinking?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews