Member Reviews
I can't believe I never put a review up here, I read this ages ago. Good thing I always write out a review on my computer right after I read books.
Plot: A dytopian , time-traveling love story. That's all you really need to know. Isabel and Diego's love story, while going back in time to save the world. I don't want to give anything away.
My impression: I love dystopian stories. I love time-traveling stories. I hate romance novels. So, I thought let's give it a try! The first part of the book was very well done, because we are learning more about the world the author has created, the characters, time travel and what happened to the world. I enjoyed all this immensely. It changed for me as the book went on. About halfway through the book it became more about the love story aspect, with sex scenes and was too explicit in my view for a book that is more than just about the romance. As I said, I dislike romance in general, so the turn from saving the world to romance was unfortunate.
Other than the romance part to it this book delivered on all its promises! I enjoyed it for the most part. Not sure if I will pick up the next one or not. First I need to find out if there's even more romance than was here. But, overall an enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed this book - you have to keep an eye on who heads each chapter, but soon the plot sucks you in. Bit of this made me laugh, which is always good, and I will definitely read the next book.
Geneticist Isabel is given a once in a lifetime chance; to go back in time and get a second chance with her lover, Diego. But this is for much more than just love as their relationship may hold the key to saving humanity from mass extinction.
Now, I know one would think that knowing me and my other reviews; a “time travel, dystopian romance” would not only have my eyes rolling out of my head but send me into Serena’s Plight levels of anger. Neither of these happened. I LOVED this book.
Isabel and Diego are both whip-smart, strong brave characters and there were precious few moments in the plot where I doubted they were anything else. And while their relationship takes center stage, supporting characters like Matt are quick witted, kind, and funny. All of them have such chemistry I didn’t want to leave them (and I will be getting the next books in the series).
The time travel bits can get confusing and part of me doesn’t want to believe anyone could accidentally set off a nuke (but with how things are with a president who tweets unintelligible typos, it seems sadly likely) but overall, this story had even a cynic like me believing that one relationship could mean saving the world. 4.7 out of 5.
Interesting premise and storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were likable and the romance part of the storyline was enjoyable without overwhelming the science aspect of the sci-fi. I will definitely be reading the next 2 books in the series!
Books like this are why I so enjoy Science Fiction and this one is up with the best. Great storyline, brilliant concept and a fascinating cast of characters. What more can I say, so looking forward to the next in the series. Another bonus from SF is that there is always another one.
This is a book that I normally would not read. It starts off rough with innuendo and language. If it wasn't such a clever book that is well written I would have abandoned it. As far as the innuendo, there are mild active sexual descriptions, more talk than action. The action isn't given a lot of detail. It also uses the "f" bomb.
In this book you would imagine that you and your significant other, who have just been reunited are key to saving the world. Diego and Iz had a rocky past and finding each other years later are forced to separate and work to keep doomsday from happening.
The book involves time travel, an orb with a message, seashells, love, and secret government projects. It is a fascinating book. This book is recommended for mature readers only.
Source: I received a copy of the book for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
An Edgy Sci Fi Love Story, Between Two Evils, Book One. Why Donton has won so many awards is easily understood when getting a third of the way through this novel. It has a little bit of everything: Suspense, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Mystery, Romance, wonderful Humor. Talk about cross-marketing! It is hard to believe this is the first novel out and as a gratified reader, Readers won’t be able to wait to get their hands on the next.
An apocalyptic scenario with time-travelling and a story of romance: it’s the best way to describe this novel. An enjoyable, quick read.
This is the story of Isabel and Diego, a couple whose relationship could change the nightmare that they call reality. From a nuclear war to a deadly virus wiping out the human race, the world is at the end of the line. The solution: to travel back in time and change their relationship before it began. The race against time begins as Isabel journeys through the past and learns about love, loss and the power of forgiveness. Can she and Diego change the fate of the world?
I would definitely say this is more romance than sci-fi since the story-line is based on a couple and their relationship even if the post-apocalyptic reality is very well thought and developed. Although I’m not a big fan on having the romance running in the front lines, I found myself enjoying the interactions between Isabel and Diego. Their relationship, like them, is very real and human. In general, all the characters are quite likeable and I could relate at least in a point or two with them.
The story-line is well thought and organised and the style of writing pulled me into the story. The different points of view made me loose myself a few times since we see through the eyes of three different characters. The ending made my heart jump and I’m very curious to know the fate of the main characters.
I recommend this book to fans of romantic stories taking place in dystopian post-apocalyptic scenarios!
Can one couple's falling in love and teaming up save the world? Well, we wish that they could, but the un-answered questions bother me to no end. What happened to the sphere? It starts things going at the front and is never seen or resolved. The romance was good when it was sweet, and on occasion, too heavy, but the over all story was one I could get into until we go the ending. That makes me so aggravated when an ending is basically by the next book if you want resolution. It makes me wish I had skipped the book. So for this book, 3 stars for things left unanswered, scenes that are too steamy, and giving me an ending that isn't satisfying.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
Suspenseful! Great dialogue! Wonderfully well-written! Great title! The way the first sentence came together, then a question. Just enough to make the reader wonder. With a gun involved, what situation is about to come into play? What will happen next? Who is going to be the culprit? And, why? Could jealousy be part of the reason? Will someone's heart get broken? What could be around the next corner? Murder? Mayhem? Disappearances?
I knew starting this book that it was the first in what the author hopes will be a five book series - so of course it is a cliff hanger instead of an ending. UGH! Now I need to find time to figure out what happens to the main characters of Diego and Isabel . Book 2 Lost Time is now available free from Kindle Unlimited (unless you have hit your limit) and Book 3 Dead Time will be released on April 15. There were a few slips where I was not sure what was happening between characters but on the whole it is a whirlwind adventure. You name it - this book has it. Romance, time travel, science fiction/technology, apocalypse events adventure, survival and even some great dogs as minor characters. Darn good read but I would suggest getting at least the first two because you will want to go right into the second book - and if you time it right you'll be done by the release date of the third!
Im always in when time travel and dystopian futures are involved, so this one had me right from the start. I loved the characters and their relationships. The story is super entertaining. I was set to buy the second installment right away but unfortunately It seems not to be available on the Nook. Very disappointing. Please consider releasing it for Nook for those of us who are not Kindle users.
Crossing in Time is a fast paced dystopian/science fiction book that shows that love can cross time. The book alternates between Diego and Isabelle points of view and tells of a love story that transcends time. It also tells the story of Harry, an unsuspecting college professor who is working on deciphering the mystery of a large metal ball that took out a hotel and its connection to an upcoming apocalyptic event. Fast paced, Crossing in Time will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering what is coming next while watching Diego and Isabelle’s love story unfold.
Isabelle was one of my favorite people in the book. She was so spunky and didn’t take anyone’s crap. From the beginning of the book, where she was buying the gun from the guy outside the burnt out Wal-Mart to dealing with her ex husband (who I couldn’t stand) to her relationship with Diego…..she was strong. It was a hit with me because I love strong female characters. Even in situations which could be perceived weak, she was strong. A lot stronger than I could have been.
Diego, I liked too. You could see that he adored Isabelle. Everything he did in the book was for her……even in the later parts of the book. Even when he was separated from her, his thought were with her. Again, a big hit with me because this is romance that will survive anything.
The romance between Diego and Isabelle took my breath away. The way it was written, the way it came across was beautiful!!!
The science fiction aspect of this book was interesting. The clues left in the globe really didn’t make sense to me at first. But the more I read and the more that was revealed, they made perfect sense. This is also where Harry’s part of the story came into play. He was working on deciphering the clues when they are deciphered, it is found out to be the plans for a time machine. What I liked about this was that the author didn’t make it work right the first, second or third time. Heck, they weren’t even sure if it was going to work when they sent Isabelle through and didn’t know it worked until they figured out that the shell could be tracked. I loved it!!!
The end of the book was bittersweet. I was happy because of certain events that happened but also sad because of the unknown (if you want to know what I am talking about, read the book). The way the book ended definitely lead into book 2 and I can’t wait to read that one and see where Harry, Diego and Isabelle stories end up.
How many stars will I give Crossing in Time: 4
Why: I really enjoyed reading the book. The characters were memorable and the plot line was great. It did lag a bit in the middle but definitely recovered from it. The science fiction part of the story was original and well written too.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex, language, violence
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
"Crossing in Time" (Between Two Evils Book 1)
Wow! I just added a new (to me) author to my "favorites" list!
Spellbinding story of love across time and universes. Science fiction love story, great characters, well developed with enough suspense to embrace multiple genres. Add in the puppies and kitten and I'm already "all in".
Isabel and Diego meet by chance after many years and many heartbreaks since their breakup. Instant attraction again leads them to rekindling that relationship but dire predictions for eradication of earth's populations has them at the forefront of finding a solution. Would you consider traveling back in time to save your love and the world? Even knowing it is probably a one way trip? A doomsday tale that will have you riveted to the pages.
Superb creative writing by the author. The Sci-fi content is as drawing as the love story. I have already picked up the next installment and just chomping at the bit to get started!
Sorry, but I did not care for,the book. It was a bit disjointed and difficult to follow.
A dystopian time travelling story which kept mer intrigued.
Reading this book I was reminded very much of elements of Steven King the stand certainly in the authors method of different chapters being different viewpoints. Whilst there was much to savour in the two main characters (including younger versions) there was little in depth scrutiny of more minor characters which is a shame.
All in all however a fast paced and intriguing beginning of a series and I will certainly want to read more
The world as we know it is crumbling to pieces, one small destruction at a time. With an encrypted message and the use of futuristic technology, it is up to Isabel to attempt to save not only her relationship with Diego, but the millions of people residing in her universe.
Wow! Not sure if I can express how much I absolutely loved this read with just a matter of written words. But, here goes nothing! Ms. Dorton's Dystopian world is created in this book; it's not just stated and one is reflecting on how the messed-up world came to be. She takes it a few steps back, and leads the reader into why the world will become the way it will. This is such a refreshing take on this genre, where usually the reader is already thrown into the apocalyptic world instead living through it with the characters that I very much enjoyed.
What I also loved about this story is the balance between the Sci-Fi and realistic parts. There was definitely some out-of-this world capabilities (time traveling, different universes), but there was also this basic urge to survive and not lose oneself when everything seems to be lost. I really appreciate the author doing this in her book.
Lastly, I absolutely love the relationship between Diego and Isabel. Sometimes, I admit, when there are several love-making scenes in a book, I become a bit frustrated and just want the story to continue. However, between the care that I have developed between these two characters (who by the way, are adults, not teenagers like many novels I read in this genre) and the way the author develops their relationship, I actually come to relate to their love for each other. In other words, I was very happy for them when they were making love or about to because it was out of love, not just the desperate desire to pleasure oneself. It was more pure than that.
Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to dive into the second one! I would highly recommend this 5-star rated read to those who enjoy romance with some time traveling!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! The synopsis gave little away and so I didn't have any expectations of what was in store. Lo and behold, I was taken aback by a whirlwind of fun and intrigue as the author took me back and forth between characters and timelines, gently and humorously weaving a beautiful web that entrapped me and kept me up late at night, well past my bedtime.
I am definitely looking forward to continuing this series!
Oh, wow!
I picked this up on NetGalley because I love time travel and the blurb sounded interesting, the blurb on NetGalley kind of jumps the gun a bit because those things don't happen until near the end,
Diego Nadales and Isabel were lovers years ago, they haven't seen each other for years, until Diego rescues her when she catches her heel in a grating on her way from meeting her ex-husband and his lawyers to finalise their divorce. Although the circumstances of their parting were not good, they both realise that they have never stopped loving each other and that, together with the disturbing events around them, catapults them into a serious relationship almost immediately.
This book bounces between Isabel's POV and Diego's POV and that of Matt, a physicist who gets drafted in to investigate a mysterious metal ball which ploughed through several buildings in downtown Detroit and destroyed an historic hotel. When they manage to open the sphere it contains a variety of strange new technology and more mundane items, including a piece of paper with Diego's name on it. As dormant volcanoes around the world start to erupt and the polar ice caps melt the world is driven into a Mad Max-esque dystopia - can Diego somehow be involved?
This book was intriguing right from the start where we see Isabel buying a handgun at an openair market AFTER the world has sunk into a dystopian nightmare. Straight away we are then sent back 10 months to see Isabel and Diego meet after her divorce is finalised and before the nightmare began.
What I found more problematic was the bouncing around from one POV to the other without any indication of whether the next POV was at the same time, one month earlier or one month later. Maybe that was deliberate to make the reader disorientated about the date and time, but I would have preferred some indication of date/day/month or even calibration to/from the apocalypse - just something to indicate how long between chapters. Often the chapter referred to the past two weeks or being busy for the past month but some concrete dates would be useful.
Beware it ends on a cliffhanger, which I kind of liked because I couldn't see how everything was going to be resolved. Also, the author promises to send readers the next book IF they leave a review, so guess who I'm going to email in am minute?
So, if you like post-apocalyptic novels with a soupcon of time travel in which you are being sent back in your own lifetime mixed with a secret government city under a mountain (and lets face it who didn't love Stargate?) and a second chance romance - well step right up!