Member Reviews
When Lily Bennett became the caretaker of her teenage sister, it came at the expense of her hopes, dreams, and the home she grew up in. Now that her sister is grown and on her own, Lily struggles to find a place to call home. She wants to feel part of a family again and intends to mend the broken relationships with her siblings. That is, until she discovers an unusual timepiece that lands her in Regency England at the feet of one of the most eligible men in society. Unfortunately, he believes that she’s crazy. Any attraction Lily feels for the stubborn man is clearly one-sided. Too bad she’s stuck with him until she can figure out how to get home.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, has decided to host one last house party before returning to London for the dreaded season where every simpering chit and money-hungry mother will hover around him like flies. Add to that his sister’s hunt for a husband and Gabriel would rather shoot himself than a grouse. Still, it’s his duty to find his sister a suitable match, which he’ll do after one last bit of respite to shore up his defenses. A respite interrupted when a pretty little wallflower in scandalous clothes lands at his feet claiming to be from the future. He'd turn her over to doctors if she weren’t so damned intriguing. Suddenly, all thoughts of London, responsibilities, and simpering debutantes don’t seem half as hard as getting Lily to stay with him.
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged. If she succeeds, he could lose Lily forever. And if Lily finds a way back to her time, he may have to follow her.
Because the Earl of Rothden always gets what he wants. Even when it’s a wallflower from the future..
A very different approach of a romantic story mixed with a bit of science fiction! If you are looking for a totally different setting, this is the book for you!
I am grateful for receiving an advanced reading copy and I’m sorry I cannot be more enthusiastic about this book.
This is the first book of the series Taken by Destiny and also my first time reading something by this author, but it won't be my last. The storyline flows well and the plot twists and turns kept me interested and turning the pages to see what would happen next. The author does a lovely job of creating vivid scenes and bringing the characters and story to life. Both Gabriel and Lily were interesting characters and I enjoyed seeing them together. This was a captivating time travel romance set in the Regency period. Lily travels back in time when she comes across a mysterious time piece at work and lands back in time in Regency England and ends up in the home of Gabriel, Earl of Rothden. When Lily explains that she is from the future, he thinks her crazy, but he can't deny the pull he feels towards her. Despite his initial doubts, they begin to form a beautiful bond, and Lily must decide if she is to go back to her world or stay and build a life with Gabriel.
This was an absolutely enchanting story, with likable characters and although I don't typically read a lot of time travel stories, this one captured my interest from the start and kept me engaged till the end. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to continuing the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is my second Regency-era, time travel romance, and let me tell you, it's one of the best subgenres I've ever read.
The mix between modern day characteristics, habits and values and back then was fantastic. I loved the whole concept of finding your "one" doesn't necessarily means you have to be on the same century, it's such an interesting approach to romance.
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I absolutely liked the book. The romance was fantastic, albeit a little bit rushed, but engrossing nevertheless.
I liked the relationship between all characters, the side characters were written beautifully, which added a nice flavor to the book.
The main couple's chemistry was top notch, you could see their love and longing for each other.
I wished the book was longer, it definitely had potential to expand on. The pace and length made it feel rushed.
But, overall, I loved it so much.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I don't tend to seek out many time traveling romances, they are not typically my cup of tea, but Aurrora St. James' The Earl's Timely Wallflower seemed like an interesting own to explore. This is my first novel by St. James and I found it to be well written, with fun dynamics, and interesting characters to drive this story forward. This is a fairly insta-love story, that is fast paced and low angst. I adored that the majority of this novel takes place on a country estate, I absolutely adore a countryside romance, it helps to provide more intimate and stolen moments between the hero and heroine which keep the steam level high.
If you love a fun escape where the science or understanding behind the time travel does not bother you, then this is a lovely novel to try out. This novel easily brings our hero and heroine together, there is some nice paralleling of familial relationships between them which give them moments of connection, and their chemistry is rich and sensual. St. James is definitely working to set up what is looking to be a very interesting series and I am glad I gave this book a try and am looking forward to continuing to explore her future work!
Honestly, I was hoping for a little bit more from this book. It has a charming concept and a whole lot of potential. However, I think the thing that really ruined it for me was the insta-love where the main characters were obsessed with each other from the get-go. I just wish there was more tension built up and that their attraction grew over time versus just being there immediately. Overall, really fun concept with time-travel but it just didn't hit right for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Entertaining, Time Travel Romance
Lily finds a clock that takes her back in time to Regency England, where she meets Gabriel. He is an earl, and way beyond her reach, or is he? It was entertaining to read about how Lily tries to fit into her new world. Gabriel's old mistress crashes his house party and does all she can to create a wedge between them. Does she succeed? What about going back to her century? Does Lily find a way, and if she does, does she choose to leave the man she loves behind? There are obstacles to overcome. Does love find a way? For the answer, you will have to read this entertaining Regency, time travel story.
The Earl’s Timely Wallflower. Oh yes indeed I enjoyed this deliciously delectable book. I say that the writer added just the amount of juiciness to this story. I don’t think that I will ever forget reading this book. There are just to many things to remember it by. First of all our two main characters Lily and Gabriel are some frisky little people.
Thank God Violet is there to keep them in check. Most of the time. I love a good romantic story and this story is definitely one of them. At first when I was reading the book,I thought that it would be one those many time travel novels who transport our female character to Scotland. While she’s there she falls in love with the Highlander. Nope not this book!
This book was amazing. It had me hooked from the get go. Clearly I like the story. The plot or motivation to the story was intriguing and logical. Little Mrs. Caroline played her character rather well in the story. She offered enough entertainment to keep the menace moving in the book.
My favorite characters are Christopher and Violet. The dialogue and descriptions of details in the book are very visualizing for the reader. The book is definitely a responsive book towards the romance between Lily and Gabriel. Their scenes are passionate and very steamy. The strong will and emotions among the characters are described in terrific detail through the characters dialogue.
I give this story two snaps and a Gabriel stop talking and let’s see how sturdy your desk is. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first Aurrora St. James book I have read. I am really looking forward to reading the rest in the series and more books by Aurrora.
I love time travel stories, and this one grabbed my attention from the beginning. The story had great characters - both primary and secondary. Of course, Caroline, the ex-mistress caused the trouble in the story by showing her true personality.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I just love time travel romances! This is my first story by this author and I was not disappointed. Wonderfully well-written story. Lily and Gabriel, although from different Centuries, have instant chemistry. Definitely recommended.
Thank you Aurrora St. James, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback,.
Lily Bennett has struggled for years to keep her family together with no success. She hoped this latest job would help her find a way to bring them back together.
Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden is reluctantly getting ready for the London season and finding a husband for his sister.
This is a witty and steamy time-travel romance with fabulous characters. There are a few of the secondary ones I'm hoping will get their own stories in this new series. It's a fascinating start to a series that I will definitely be reading as it goes.
Great fun.
Lily Bennett is a modern American girl. Lonely, depressed and separated from her family, she doesn't know exactly how to change her life. One opportunity hinges on a cabin to bring her brother and sister back together. It maybe be the answer, or not. Finding an egg/clock in an old desk, is the catalyst to send her to the past. Why the Regency period? Maybe it's all those historical romance books she likes to read. Rescued by the sister of the Earl of Rothden, Lily will find security and the love of her life, but it's an agonizing decision to stay if she knows how to return to the future. A passionate, steamy hot love story with some unusual secondary characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A little more steamy than what I normally read but still good. I wasnt sure about time romance, another author had ruined it for me when the lady traveled back and left her love. Aurora St. James has somewhat restored my interest in time romance. I would say that there were at least 5 very descriptive longer steamy scenes that can be skipped over if thats your preference. There were a couple of things in the book that were not explained. For instance, the desk and the way she described Zeph. I am sure more explanations are forth coming in the books to come.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.
I don’t normally read time travel novels, but this one caught my eye. The author does a wonderful job of developing the characters. I felt like I was in the room, living the scenes described. Lily seemed like such a lost soul, as giving of herself and not getting anything in return. I loved how the author described how awkward she felt. Violet was adorable and so sweet. ( Hope to see her story soon!) Gabriel , even with his faults sounded so delicious I wanted to be Lily! How the author weaved the tale with Christian was so smooth, I didn’t pick up on it for awhile. And as for Zeph, why do I get the feeling he totally understood Lily’s dilemma……hmmmmm. Loved this book!
I received the ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.
A time travel romance. Lily has worked hard to try to make a home for siblings but they have gone their way in life. A reg clock egg takes her back to the household of an Earl. Gabriel is fascinated by her and her story. Lily helps him see his own sister Violet in a whole new way by not only finding a suitable husband but on that loves her. Gabriel’s best friend Christian is the creator of the red egg and offers it to Lily as a way of returning home. Decisions to make: return home to reunite her family or stay with the Earl she loves?
I enjoyed the intrigue and the comparisons of the time periods.
The Earl's Timely Wallflower is a time travel love story between an overladen woman of the modern era and an earl in 1813 England.
2.5 stars rounded up.
There were elements here that I really liked! Ultimately, I think this story will really suit someone who enjoys an insta-love dynamic, which is unfortunately not my cup of tea. (I like to leave the kettle boiling until it scorches and the house nearly burns down.)
I like the concept, though, and I'm curious to see what the writer has planned for the rest of the series. <spoiler> I was a little bothered that the lead abandoned her siblings in the modern era. I'm curious to see if that resolves in future books. </spoiler>
I'd rate this around a 6 or 7 on the RCRS scale, so if steamy scenes aren't particularly your thing, you may find yourself skipping a bit. If that's the case, the story isn't difficult or confusing to follow sans the spice content.
I rounded up because while insta-love isn't necessarily my thing, I know many other people like it. I'd really like to see more complication introduced with the time travel elements in this series. <spoiler> The earl and the people around him seemed to easily accept the heroine's story, and I was expecting more conflict there. </spoiler>
Finally, there were a few character beats from the earl that I wasn't the biggest fan of--namely his overcontrolling his sister's life. I found that character arc to be one of the better developed elements in this story, but his plan <spoiler>to choose her spouse and not even offer her right of refusal</spoiler> felt at odds with his character, to a point where I think that the book didn't intend for his plan to be taken at face value.
I'd recommend this if you're an insta-love lover looking for a quick, easy read to escape stress. <3
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Lily Bennett’s parents died she did all she could to keep her siblings together but her brother joined the military & her sister became a model, leaving Lily struggling to find a place to call home. Whilst looking for a contract for her boss she discovers an unusual timepiece that lands her in Regency England at the home of one of the most eligible men in society, after nearly being ploughed down by his sister’s carriage. Gabriel Hawthorne, Earl of Rothden, has decided to host one last house party before returning to London for the dreaded season. A respite interrupted when a woman wearing scandalous clothes & claiming to be from the future is brought home by his sister Violet.
But when his ex-mistress arrives unannounced at the house party, she makes every effort to drive a wedge between the fragile bond Gabriel and Lily have forged.
A new author to me & a new series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written & the characters have depth. As with all time travel novels I’ve to suspend belief & just go with the flow & definitely not think too hard about the whys & wherefores. I loved both Gabriel & Lily whose attraction sizzled & quickly they learned they had quite a bit in common, I loved how they fell hard & fast for each other. There were also interesting secondary characters, the headstrong Violet, the reclusive but genius Christian & the enigmatic Zeph, I hope they are featured in future books. There were unanswered questions & hope this was intentionally done as I’m now waiting for the next book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is Lily & Gabriel's love story and 1st in the Taken By Destiny series from Aurrora St. James.
Lily is from the year 2022 and is pretty lonely. Her brother is not returning her calls after being wounded in the military and her sister is traveling the world as a model. Lily is asked to get paperwork from her boss desk and finds a hidden compartment with a intricate egg/watch with dancers and decides to bring it home and fix it. When she gets it working .... poof .... she's in England 1813 and about to get run over by a carriage. Here she meets Violet who comes to her rescue and brings her home.
Gabriel, Violets brother, let's her help Lily even after she confesses she's from the future. As Lily gets acclimated to the time her and Gabriel come closer.
There is humor, spicy scenes, time differences, and other obstacles in the way, and her need to feel at home.
I was expecting this to be a regency romance and was a bit confused when I realized it was set in the present time which I wouldn't have normally chosen if I had realised. The time travel is unexplained and we end up in 1813 where the regency side of the story starts. If you can suspend your disbelief about how this happened the story is enjoyable and well written. This is my first read by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An enjoyable romance with interesting characters, this gentle romance kept me entertained. Lily has done what she could for her frustrating younger siblings, who seem bent on following their own course without realizing what she has sacrificed to give them a future. Discovering a tiny clock in a desk drawer, the last thing Lily expected when locked in her dodgy lodgings, was to be catapulted into the Regency era. Fortunately, she has read enough to recognize the rules and norms of the time, but nevertheless, she is left feeling confused and disorientated. Gabriel and his sister take to Lily right away and as it becomes evident that she is telling the truth about where she came from, they become very protective. Emotions are involved and feelings develop, but when the designer of the tiny clock hands Lily the means by which she can return to her own life, she discovers that it is no longer so easy. This romance comes to a sweet conclusion, giving Gabrial and Lily the best of two worlds. I received a copy of this delightful novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
She gave up a lot to raise her sibling. Now, she doesn’t know what to do with herself until a device landed her in the past, where her future lay. Time-travel, steamy romance with interesting secondary characters who will make good protagonists for sequels. Meanwhile, hero and heroine are admirable people who love and care for their family and do not think twice about making sacrifices.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.