Dark Blue Waves had a premise that immediately drew me in, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey it took me on. Janet's passion for Jane Austen and her dream of living in Bath to study Austen and her contemporaries resonated with me, and I couldn't wait to see how her adventure unfolded. The time-travel aspect added a delightful twist, and I had a blast witnessing Janet navigate through the customs of a world she knew so well from her studies but had never experienced firsthand.

One of the highlights for me was seeing how a modern-day woman grappled with the complexities of fitting into high society England from two centuries ago. It was both intriguing and entertaining to watch her adjust and learn from her experiences. However, I do wish there had been more distinction between the narrative voices in the modern day and the past. Some additional contrast would have enhanced the storytelling, and I found myself occasionally questioning Janet's struggles with the language of the past, as it seemed quite similar to her present-day speech.

Despite this minor quibble, I couldn't help but root for Janet throughout the book. Her relationships with the other characters were endearing, and I was fully invested in her journey. The resolution of the story was deeply satisfying, leaving me with a sense of contentment. All in all, Dark Blue Waves was a delightful and enjoyable read, especially for those who share Janet's love for Jane Austen and historical adventures.

I wish I read a book by Jane Austen before this ARC.
For what I know of Jane Austen, it gave me the same vibes as in this book.
It was beautifully written, the story sticked with me untill the end.
For non English speakers, every word was understandable.

I'm speechless!! This book was just so perfect, from the plot, to the characters and the writing style, everything was done so well.
The concept of time travel here wasn't done focusing on the scientific side, which I really liked because I wanted a good fiction, not physics theories.
The mix between a 21st century mentality in a 19th century world was just *chief's kiss*, as a big fan of historical fiction, especially in this era, it was truly delightful to read about living there through the eyes of someone from my time😅
The writing style was really good, the author made words and sentences flow in such a smooth way that kept me engrossed through out the read.
Simply one of the best books this year.
* I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

If you’re looking for a time-traveling historical romance set in Jane Austen’s Bath, definitely pick up this book! I really felt immersed in Bath England in Austen times. The writer conveyed that so well, and I was especially impressed by how she changed the speech of her 21st century heroine. Also, I loved learning historical details from that time, like people announced their arrival in Bath by signing the registry in the Pump Room. The romance was swoony. I also loved the book’s focus on the importance of female friendship (a theme in Ms. Sullivan’s previous book Three Coins). The author also raised interesting questions about whether the slower pace of the Regency Era might be something worth returning to. Highly recommend!

Very slow start, but great read. It is a book you can read multiple times. The book is written with so may layers, you could read it again and again to see how things align.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I sure didn't expect it to be so gripping, thrilling, romantic, and beautiful. It's a wonderful take on the historic romance. I loved how detailed the description was about the 18th century. A definite 5 star. Worth reading.

This is a very interesting combination of a Jane Austen inspired romance combined with time travel! I will address the time travel first, as my expectations for time travel fiction are very high. The method of time travel in this book is extremely unique. It is a combination of an object and another event working together. I certainly haven’t seen it before. It may fall somewhere between unique and over the top, but it is intriguing. As far as rules of time travel, It is up to the author to set the rules of time travel and I don’t see too many here. I would say this book is definitely Jane Austen forward with just a bit of time travel.

The Jane Austen aspect of this book is superb and Austen fans will be delighted by all the references to her work. The location of both timelines was Bath, England, and I felt completely transported to the 19th century there. The romance is very well done. I loved the references to Austen’s books and the comparisons between the 19th and 21st centuries. Fans of Jane Austen will surely enjoy this romance with a bit of time travel and lots and lots of Jane.

I received a free copy of this book via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful novel for those who love Jane Austen. Janet is so excited to get a reprieve from her fathers prying eyes as she takes a semester in Bath the iconic setting of a few of Ms..Austen's novels. She is going to be taking a course in English literature. That is until a crazy mishap sets her back to the 1900s. You would think Janet would be excited to learn first hand but she is frightened and alone. She is in danger of being found out, plus she misses her life.
This was a beautifully told novel of history, family and career paths. It makes you think on your life and what you would do given the chance to travel back in time to explore. I was quickly engrossed and was sad when this story ended.

This book is a love letter to Jane Austen in a new, refreshing and authentic way. There's time travel, regency romance, and lots of great character and world-building. A modern women is thrown back into the times of Jane Austen, making her realize that wanting to be part of this time and actually living in it are entirely two different things. I thoroughly enjoyed all the art/artists and literature references featured in this book. It was a perfect historical fiction/romance with enough conflict to keep the reader entertained throughout.

Who doesn't want their own Mr. Darcy? Sign me up! (no offense to my husband) If you are a fan of Jane Austen, this is a definite read for you!

When you wake up in Bath, England two hundred years in the past, how far can a love of Jane Austen get you?

Janet Roberts dreams of an academic career in literature, so she can hardly believe her good fortune when she’s accepted into a Jane Austen graduate seminar in Bath, England. Settled in Georgian splendor among her seminar colleagues, Janet and her classmates live, eat and breathe Jane Austen.

Dark Blue Waves


An accident interrupts this idyll when Janet regains consciousness in her own room—back in Regency England. For a scholar of nineteenth-century literature, this should be a dream come true.

But Janet quickly learns there’s a world of difference between scholarly knowledge of the written page and maneuvering real life as a reluctant time traveler.

Her burgeoning friendship with Emma Huntington eases her entrée into nineteenth-century society. However, Emma’s brother, the handsome, proud and frustratingly magnetic Sir Edward, is far less welcoming.

While desperately attempting to make sense of her dilemma, Janet treads a thin line between trying to blend into her new world and not being unmasked as the imposter she is. Can she find the way to return to her twenty-first century life before her secret is discovered? After working so hard to create a rewarding nineteenth-century life for herself, does she even want to?

Review to come closer to my tour date

The premise had me! Time travel to Regency England?! Yes, please! Jane Austen as the theme?! Hooray!

The first few chapters immerse the reader in Janet's modern day life. We learn how unappreciated she is and how she wishes she had control of her destiny. I truly wanted to see what came next.... to be wisked away on an adventure.

For me, this book really captivates once we get to the Regency era. I loved the scene descriptions, the clothing worn and how Janet, now Jane, stuck out. I do wish that we'd had more of a language change, there's barely a distinction between modern life and Regency. I wanted more interaction at the conclusion between Janet and Edward.

The conclusion with Amrita was brilliant! All the details and carefully planned events unfolding to surprises the reader was phenomenal.

Dark Blue Waves
By: Kimberly Sullivan

I love books set in the 1800s and I love time travel to the past in books & movies. This is the perfect book with both combined.
Present-day Janet is spending time in Bath taking a selective literature course. Then BOOM! Head injury results in Janet waking in 1813.. let the chaos ensue.
I love the flow of this book and the pictures the writing draws in my mind. Not going to lie though, at the beginning I googled the architecture that was talked about 🤷‍♀️😂. Janet's (Jane) story kept me interested and turned the pages quickly!



Thanks @katerockbooktours @kimberlyinrome & @netgalley for my Ecopy of Dark Blue Waves 💙💙

Calling all Jane Austen lovers! Travel back in time to 19th century Bath with Janet - an English lit student.
In this romp through the English countryside, we have Jane Austen references galore! The author switches back and forth between the 19th century and the present - and anyone who knows me, knows I love a dual timeline!
Janet stumbles at first, but soon she is finding her way in the nineteenth century without all the technology, gadgetry and modern day amenities that we hold so dear. I loved reading about her journey and I cheered for her every step; finding glimpses of myself in her character. A truly lovely read and I highly recommend it.

If you are looking for a historical book that brings you back to the Jane Austen regency era, this is your book! I love that time period and always enjoy the modern woman thrown into regency times and adjusting (and perhaps falling in love). This is perfect for fans of historical fiction, Jane Austen and Austenland.

Special thanks to Kimberly and Kate with Kate Rock Book Tours for having me on this tour and for the review copy! If you’re a Jane Austen fan or a fan of literature from that time period, you absolutely NEED to grab this one! It is fiction but, it’s a truly wonderful story that would bring a smile to your face!

Janet Roberts dreams of a literary career but, her architect Father think it’s nonsense. He doesn’t understand her love of Jane Austen and her desire to be intertwined into the world of stories. One day she wakes up in Bath after a nasty head injury. Meeting one Emma Huntington and her brother, Sir Edward turns her world upside down.

Let me just say, beginning a large read (400+ pages), I would have begun reading earlier but, I was unaware of the page count. So, I began this book on Thursday. It’s Sunday and I just finished and it was THAT good, the writing was fantastic and made the pages fly by! The story was beautiful, hard at times because of the things Jane(t) had to go through but, the ending made it all up. Have you ever thought about time travel? Going back in time 200 years and experiencing life before modern medicine, before indoor plumbing and automobiles? This story brings it all together and has renewed my interest in finally sitting down and reading/finishing “Pride and Prejudice” from start to finish.

I absolutely LOVED this story and highly recommend; it has mystery, drama and suspense. It just flows so well and will keep your 100% invested all the way through. Five stars! Brilliant is truly a great word to describe this novel. I loved the literature woven into this story, the way the painting was the focus and the way to get Jane(t) back and forth between worlds.

Dark Blue Waves by Kimberly Sullivan was a delightfully charming story that combined several of my favorite things - Jane Austen, history, romance, mystery, and time travel! I instantly liked Janet/Jane and couldn’t help rooting for her! Reading about a modern day woman navigating life during the Regency era was fascinating, and I found the idea of leading a slower paced life very appealing! The richly detailed descriptions of the clothing, literature, art, architecture, and scenery made me feel like I was in Bath, England right along with Jane, Emma, and Sir Edward. I adored sweet-natured Emma and the friendship Jane formed with her, and I also enjoyed the slow burn romance between Jane and Sir Edward! It was a lovely escape into the world of Jane Austen with a highly satisfying ending!

What to say about "Dark Blue Waves", except that I have very mixed feelings! There were some great elements, but also many things that I liked a lot less...

To begin with, I love time-travelling stories -- I have read many time-travelling books in my life, including an excellent discovery on Netgalley recently ("When Comes the Day" - very strong time-travelling logic and well-developed characters). So despite high expectations, I was quite sure that I would enjoy this one.

The story begins with Janet, an American student architect who comes to Bath, England, to study at a Jane Austen seminary. She's a huge fan of the 19th century and very excited to begin this seminary, where she soon meets some great friends. At the same time though, her father, a renown architect, is pressuring her to become an architect and tries to force her to marry Malcolm, a colleague which he wants to make his heir. Super strange idea in the 21st century, but oh well...why not.

Janet gets used to life in Bath and is very happy with how her life is going. But she becomes fascinated with a Tiepolo painting, which becomes her "door" to time-travelling - with a good bang on the head (those who will read the book will understand!).

I enjoyed seeing the 19th century through Janet's eyes. However, for a fan of Jane Austen, it is surprising how little Janet knew how to behave back then!
At the same time, the author herself didn't have a very in-depth knowledge of the epoch, as there seemed to be many inconsistencies (and I say this as a lay person, but who does read a lot of books taking place in the Regency era). A marriage cannot be arranged in two weeks, except if they get a special licence from the Archbishop. One does not claim 3 dances without being engaged. A young man did not write to a young lady from outside his family he's not engaged with. So many etiquette problems...!
And then there were some problems of realism, e.g. jumping on a foreign horse and kicking it into a canter ! As an equestrian, I would never dare do that, but Jane does! Janet, who is so afraid of falling should she try riding sidesaddle (which is actually not that hard - although uncomfortable)...
Once again, I'm not a professional, but I believe that by the early 19th century, women didn't wear corset but stays, which one didn't lace so tight because - as is said in the book - no one see's ladies' waist in Empire gowns. Even Wikipedia says they "were quite comfortable, did not restrict breathing, and allowed women to work" at the time.
Another unbelievable thing: Janet saying she's "yearning for a laptop and her stalled thesis"...Ha ! Who has ever yearn to write their thesis, that I do not know, haha. ;)
Additionally, there were some editing mistakes (e.g. Jane mentions her Pride & Prejudice book printed in 2005, and later in the book it's 2010) and they were other things about which I wasn't too sure (such as dating old papers that time-travel...I wouldn't be so sure the carbon 14 techniques works for that too, as it depends on the time spent and not on when in time a thing was created! But no matter.)

On top of these numerous issues with time period's etiquette and consistency issues, I generally feel that the interest of time-travelling is two-fold. One, it has to be coherent, so that one doesn't have trouble understanding how the impacts made on the past can change the future. Janet does change things in the past, that only some people notice in the future, while others say it's always been there... How is that possible?!
Second, one interest of time-travelling is discovering a new era. While Janet is indeed describing what she finds different, interesting, strange, etc. she doesn't have a deep reflection about the differences between her two epochs, beyond technology and social customs, which are not described in that much detail (or at least, not accurately). I might as well have read y usual historical fiction, because I didn't discover more through the modern eye here, unfortunately...

Plus, while the arc of the story was good (if messy), I found there were just too many subplots: Malcolm, Wickham, M.Perry, Miss Chadwick, the American billionaire' house renovation... It was just too many things that seemed to have a potentially large influence, and either didn't, or seem to have been brought into the book just for one specific purpose...
And while I liked the characters, I found them a little two-dimensional and would have liked them with a bit more substance, and also (much) more chemistry between Janet and Edward.

However, despite all these negative points, I enjoyed the story overall (it amused me a lot), and the ending really was what improved my opinion! I found it very moving, interesting, and more thoughtful than the rest of the book (despite it bringing in characters we do not know so well)... So the ending definitely brings one big bonus point!

Overall, a good story, but that could have been edited much more heavily to strengthen the story and avoid the unnecessary details or subplot. I would still recommend it, despite my few reservations.

* I received a free eARC and this is my honest opinion*

Have you ever wondered about travelling back in time? Kimberly Sullivan takes readers on a trip back about 200 years in Bath, England to the time of Jane Austen with the main character Janet Roberts. The detailed imagery and descriptions allowed me to transport myself to Bath, England both present day and in the 1800s. No description is missed from the details of most popular books to the architecture of the estates and even the clothing worn. Janet is a strong female character, who helps make positive changes and at times made me chuckle with her thoughts and retorts. She was a fun main character to follow! Thank you to Kimberly Sullivan, Kate Rock Book Tours and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

A must read for Jane Austen lovers! Janet is a 19th century literature student living her dream of studying in Bath in the setting of her favorite author. Rooming in a authentic manor house of that time period. She is drawn to a picture in her room that has her feeling a pull to another time. A freak accident with a cricket ball has her back in her room to recover, but when she wakes up it’s 1813. Thank goodness she knows quite a bit of that time and as luck would have it Emma who helps her has a good heart and welcomes her, Jane into her home. Of course her brother Sir Edward is not so accommodating and wants Jane gone ASAP. Janet/ Jane is terrified if she is kicked out, how will she return back to her time.
It was a slow building plot, the first half was to me overdone with all the Jane Austen references. I know it’s a classic but was getting boring for me. But I am so glad I stuck with it, the second half was really about Janet/ Jane. A real page turner…… if you are a huge fan of Jane Austen you will love it. For the time traveler, historical fiction lovers hang in there, I did really enjoyed that part. I give it 3.5 stars and rounded it up. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #DarkBlueWaves

Dark Blue Waves provides a genteel reading journey, wrapping a love of Jane Austen around time travel romance. When Janet arrives in Bath, England, she’s anticipating months of immersing into the works of her favorite writer. But she’s also being forced to intern with an architecture firm hand-chosen by her cold, domineering father.

The author’s admiration for Austen’s works is evident in past and present. References flow across the storylines, centering Janet as she navigates both worlds, though she doesn’t quite fit into either. She’s a bit too reserved and bookish for her current life, and too outspoken and forward-thinking for the rigid Regency time period she tumbles into. Yet the true friendship and beguiling romance she discovers there has her pondering which era she should ultimately embrace – if she even has a choice. Jane Austen lovers will revel in traversing these Dark Blue Waves, which releases May 27.