Audiobook experience: I’m a fan of multi-cast narrators, so I enjoyed that this had dual narrators. Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard both did a great job at bringing all the characters to life. The only negative I have regarding the audio was that there were a few spots were the narration was so quiet that I struggled to hear them. The characters were meant to be speaking quietly at those times, but it was too quiet for me. I listened to this in my car and on my phone so it is possible that could the fault of my devices, but this is not something I have encountered with previous audiobooks. Or maybe I’ve just been to too many loud concerts.
Science Fiction: I enjoyed the science fiction portion of this story. There was a lot of action, that kept me wanting to continue to read. There were so many disasters/apocalyptic events going on, but I felt more time and detailed would have been nice. I would have liked more spent on those aspects and the survival aspect as those were the parts of the book I enjoyed the most.
Romance: I am not really a fan of romance. I don’t mind a small subplot of romance now and then but there was more time spent on the romance in the latter half of the book than I would have liked. There was nothing wrong with the romance it just isn’t my cup of tea.

Post-apocalyptic Multiverse? Yes please!

If you like:
Time Travel
Parallel Universes
Apocalyptic Themes
Tragic romance
then you don't want to miss this book!

What happens if future you from a parallel universe gives you one opportunity to save your world? But you are your partner are the only ones who can do it?

I wish I had noticed the content warnings about pregnancy loss/ infant death. While it was handled well, this is a huge moment in the book I would have liked to been better prepared for. Also there is a lot of Sexual content (not spicy per se, just integrated into the storyline) which I'm not a fan of but it was tasteful.

There is SO MUCH going on in this book it is hard to believe it was all packed in.

I enjoyed the narrators and found their use of accents very helpful to the story.

Loved the concept, the dual narration, but the length of the entire story just seemed too long for me.
I wish I had discovered this entire story much earlier.

I think as much as the idea of a time travel story appealed to me, this specific one wasn’t for me.

Perhaps it was the audio, perhaps it was the perpetual hard time the FMC was having, or the fact that the time travel portion of the story felt creepy and gave me the ick. I did find the notion of time travel across the multiverse interesting, however the level of altruism required by the characters seemed incredibly unbelievable especially compared to what was happening around them.

While well told, perfectly well written, I just don’t think this story was for me and out of respect for the Author I have chosen not to publish this review on a public platform.

crossing in time - DL Orton
book themes - science fiction romance ,time travel and multiple universes
the main characters in this book are perfectly set up with their own pasts and trauma. i believe this book is more of romance than fantasy to keep readers engaged with the plot.

the world get attacked by a large virus but when isabel and diego are living in the log cabin, diego doesnt return. isabel had assumed him dead by what she had been told. but when she gets taken to a military base she gets to climb naked into an untested time machine to try save the world. Wake up twenty years younger on a tropical beach back the the love of her life who just didn't know it.

loved both of the narrators for this book. they gave a lot of emotion and expression into the listening of the book.

The cover caught my eye immediately! Read the synopsis and it sounded like a book I would really enjoy.

The world has fallen to pieces and the government has determined that there is 1 moment in time that could fix everything.

Crossing in Time follows Isabel and Diego as they try to change their past and save mankind.

This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. Needless to say, I will be picking up the next book of the series to continue the story.

The Sci-Fi and Romance of this story really complimented each other. I listened to this on audio and felt the narrators did a fantastic job!

If you are a fan of time travel, give this a read!

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Crossing in Time is a captivating novel that intertwines elements of science fiction, romance, and suspense and is the first book in the “Between Two Evils” trilogy. The story follows main characters Isabel and Diego, ex-lovers who are unexpectedly reunited after years apart. Their reunion is interrupted when a catastrophic event shakes the world, and Diego saves Isabel's life, making their lives irrevocably entwined. Isabel is then offered a one-way trip into the past to help save the world, and forces soon threaten to tear the duo apart. The book is fast-paced, propulsive, and heavy on the romance with some well-crafted spicy scenes that don’t overwhelm the plot. The complex, shifting timelines interwoven into a second-chance romance narrative make for a highly entertaining and original read.

There is good character development in this book. Isabel and Diego have palpable chemistry, and their relationship dynamics are engrossing and complex. Diego is very admirable in his constant efforts to stand by and protect Isabel, despite her being difficult on several occasions—their relationship will take readers on an emotional roller coaster, and their engrossing dialogue may elicit emotional reactions!

Overall, Crossing in Time is a unique time travel romance with a compelling narrative. The book’s strengths are the character development, steamy romance, and the intricate world-building. Narrators Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard deliver sensational performances of the characters with distinct character voices, using a wide range of emotions and pacing to create a fully immersive and entertaining listen. If you enjoy thought-provoking, genre-bending stories with steamy romances, then add this to your reading list! The twists and exciting conclusion will leave you eager for the next book in the series!

Crossing Time has a unique plot. Humanity is in trouble. It is on the verge of extinction. Planet Earth is facing a multitude of problems, one problem leads to another. Volcanoes are spewing ash in the air. Eruptions cause a rise in temperature which cause the polar caps and icebergs to melt causing tsunamis as well as drought. Fires break out in Denver. Could things get worse? Of course they can. People are anxious, living on edge and that causes rage. The US and Russia exchange a nuclear weapon (accidentally of course.) There is an outbreak of a virus similar to Ebola. The vaccine for the virus mutates into something worse than the disease. If someone doesn’t do something, mammals will become extinct within a few months. A round sphere with Einstein’s equation engraved on it appears with a sock in it. The fate of humanity rests in the hands of our main characters. It is their love for each other that could save the world.
Time travel, romance, multi-universes, spheres, sea shells, socks, and a towel play a part in this tale.
The main characters are Isabel a strong female character. She is a geneticist, a risk taker, and very determined and Diego a software engineer, laid back, easy going. He is not your typical main character or hero.
Our main characters are desperately in love. So, you ask what is unique about this plot. I’m glad you ask! This tale is a combination of sci fi and romance. Heavy on the romance and heavy on the hot and heavy details. While the romance and physical aspects are well done it might make some readers uncomfortable. If you embarrass easily you might want to skip this book. The love between Isabel and Diego is a love that will last for ages and time travel.
It took me a bit to get really involved in this tale. The first part of the book is slow. However, the last half of this book made it all worthwhile. The characters are well defined and multilayered. This book has 3 elements that I especially like: (1) Time Travel, (2) Romance, (3) a Dystopic society, making this book a win-win for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

The voices are amazing and reas the story well
But the story itself for me isn't it
It's slow
Some parts don't really seam to make sense i dont know it's not a favourite of mine

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Its hard to describe this story- its dystopia, its multiverse , and time travel. Its also a romance when the main couple meet up unexpectedly after having broken up 15 years before. And find the attraction as strong as ever. And evidently they didn’t change at all since their early 20s, and the relationship problems just disappeared. Then 2/3 through the book we have the timey-wimey part where it delves DEEP into relationships, and how the MCs unintentionally hurt each other because of their attachment styles- she anxious and him avoidant. They absolutely must avoid breaking up the first time they meet or we all die.
The science part was vague -a lot of “ we got these designs but dont know how it works”, but lets try it.
I was disappointed that the MC Isobel a scientist, was relegated to a role of always being injured, sick, dying, delirious or disregarded. I wanted her to have a bigger role in world saving, instead she is the proverbial “girl running from monster and breaks a heel on her shoe” Now that I think about it … actually she does get her high heel shoes stuck in a grate opening scenes- and is “saved” by the other MC- cliche much??
I liked the story well enough but evidently this is a many book series. I got whiplash because of all the themes, none of them well developed enough that I wanted to spend more time with the characters. Voice acting was terrific.

Interesting book, but not my cup of tea.

This book slightly feels like it’s several books crammed into one. The audiobook has absolutely excellent narration, it was a real pleasure to listen to.
However the time shifts and hurried pace of the novel left for an enjoyable but rather bemusing ride. World altering consequences were at stake but I never really felt emotionally invested in them. I think I was most emotionally invested in the fate of a dog.
I would definitely read the next book to see what happens and if the pace improves!
Thank you NetGalley for the audio arc.

Crossing in Time captivated me from the first intriguing page to the last infuriating one. Infuriating because the author leaves us frantic to know what happens to Diego (so swoon-worthy!) and Isabelle. I do not regularly read or enjoy either science fiction or fantasy, but this book, which has more than a bit of both, kept me completely riveted. I’m grateful to NetGalley for a review copy of this dramatically presented narration.

I picked up Crossing in Time because I was intrigued by the mix of romance and time-travel tropes, and it didn’t disappoint. The writing style is immersive, with multiple points of view that enhance the narrative and provide depth to the story.

The standout for me was the banter between the main characters, whose relationship is truly special and kept me engaged throughout. I also appreciated that the romance was heartfelt and emotional, with very little spice, allowing the focus to remain on the story and the characters’ connection.

While I loved the storyline, I occasionally found the nicknames for some of the secondary characters a bit confusing, which made certain moments harder to follow. However, the time-travel elements were explained clearly and added intriguing layers to the plot, raising thought-provoking questions that deepened my emotional connection to the story.

This book will appeal to readers looking for a well-balanced mix of romance and suspense, especially those who enjoy stories about lovers getting a second chance. If you’re a fan of heartfelt, character-driven romances with a twist of sci-fi, Crossing in Time is a fantastic choice.

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.

I chose to give this novel a try because of the fact that it is not what I would typically pick. Dystopian novels in general tend to make me anxious, but the appeal of this also being a romance led to me to give it a try.

I am SO glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The dystopian factor of it still did make me anxious, but the risk was more than worth the reward.

The love story was unique and epic. It was not idealistic, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. I will say that the novel picked up at a point we don’t fully understand yet as it’s a continuation of offscreen romance. I would have appreciated a little more of a heads up because I was very confused for the first couple of chapters.

I will be seeking out book two, specifically on audio. I really enjoyed the dual narration and the timing that the narrators had in interactions. It didn’t feel awkward or forced. It brought something to the experience beyond just listening to the novel and I appreciated it.

This book definitely didn’t give me the ending I hoped for, but likely the ending that was appropriate for it. Set in a world that is ending due to a mutating virus is something that my teeth on edge at the possibility of it. Yet the love between Diego and Isabel look like they have a love for the ages, even when obstacles just seem to mount against them. In so many ways they manage to rise against every one of them, but they don’t get the HEA they deserve. Maybe in another universe…

I’m grateful to NetGalley for letting me listen to this for free. Crossing in Time has to be one of the best love stories I’ve ever come across, and I’m not usually into romance. Watching the devotion between Isabel and Diego throughout the entire book really touched me—it felt realistic most of the time.

I absolutely fell in love with the animals mentioned in the book, and Isabel’s complexity as a person made her even more compelling to follow. She wasn’t perfect, but that made her so much more relatable.

There were some parts of the story, like when the rogue men were introduced, where I wasn’t sure they were entirely necessary. When the time issues came up, I’ll admit I was a bit thrown off—it felt like it came out of nowhere. But as I kept listening, it started to make more sense.

That said, the book didn’t feel "sciencey" enough to fully lean into science fiction. It came across more like a fantasy, futuristic dystopian story, which worked for me overall.

Crossing in Time by D.L. Orton is a spellbinding blend of romance, science fiction, and high-stakes adventure. The book invites us to reflect on how love and sacrifice are deeply intertwined with humanity’s fight for survival—an age-old struggle that feels as relevant now as ever.

This is not your typical love story; it is one that challenges us to rethink how we define connection and resilience in the face of adversity. It is the kind of narrative that lingers, reminding us of the timeless push and pull between personal desires and the greater human story.

This story intertwines time travel, physics, and the intricate dance of relationships that stretch across decades. It is a reflection on how science and emotion, often seen as opposites, can collide and shape lives in unexpected ways. For anyone who’s ever wondered how the threads of the past tug at the present—or how the choices we make ripple through time—this tale offers a nostalgic, thought-provoking journey.

Who Should or Should Not Read This Book

If you grew up devouring science fiction that was not just about spaceships and robots, this book might hit a nostalgic nerve. It reimagines time travel in a way that feels fresh yet oddly familiar, like rediscovering an old favorite with a new twist. It is the kind of story that stays with you, challenging the usual tropes and reminding us why we fell in love with sci-fi in the first place.

Romance readers looking for a story that resonates on a deeper level will find themselves drawn to the layered connection between Isabel and Diego. It’s not just a love story; it’s a reflection of the kind of emotional depth that feels rare in today’s fast-paced world. Their bond reminds us of those timeless relationships we have read about or perhaps even witnessed in our own lives—marked by quiet moments, unspoken understanding, and a shared vulnerability. It’s the kind of narrative that draws you in, challenging the idea that romance is ever simple, and instead revealing its complexities with honesty and heart.

For those who dream of time travel, Orton offers a thought-provoking journey into the ripple effect of small actions, showing how they can shape monumental outcomes. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and wonder about the “what-ifs” in your own life—a nostalgic nod to the butterfly effect we’ve all pondered at some point.

Main Characters

The story of Isabel and Diego feels like a familiar melody, one that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who's ever wondered about the road not taken. Isabel, a spirited and tenacious woman, is piecing her life together after a divorce—a journey that so many can relate to in a world where reinvention is both daunting and exhilarating. Then there’s Diego, the kind of man who wears his charm like a second skin but carries the weight of expectations that often comes with being "the dependable one." Their chance reunion is a reminder of how the past has a funny way of sneaking up on us, offering both hope and complication in equal measure.

The author masterfully captures the contrast between the couple’s vibrant younger selves and their more complex, middle-aged versions, painting a picture that feels deeply authentic. Their reunion isn’t just about reigniting a lost spark—it’s a raw, emotional journey of two people navigating the messy realities of understanding each other in a universe that rarely plays by the rules. It’s a reminder, perhaps, of how love evolves—not just as a feeling, but as an ongoing act of connection and rediscovery in the face of life’s unpredictability.

Plot Summary

Isabel and Diego are unexpectedly reunited after 15 years apart. Isabel, recently divorced and cautious, agrees to catch up over drinks with Diego, despite her better judgment. Their reunion is interrupted when a catastrophic explosion shakes their world—quite literally—and Diego saves Isabel’s life. Their lives are irrevocably entwined from that moment on, yet larger forces conspire to pull them apart when Diego is tasked with a mission to save the world.

Together, they confront extraordinary challenges, including harrowing physical and emotional trials, time travel, and the existential choice of putting humanity’s survival ahead of their own happiness. Will they defy all odds and make it back to each other? Or will the fate of the world demand an ultimate sacrifice?

My Opinion

I came into this book expecting a nostalgic, what-could-have-been love story. What I found instead was a rich tapestry of romance, science fiction, and thought-provoking questions about life’s “what ifs.” Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this book is D.L. Orton’s ability to explore the psychological contrasts between a couple in their twenties and the same couple in their forties. It is incredibly relatable, especially for anyone who’s wondered how much we change—and stay the same—as life happens to us.

The inclusion of time travel in Crossing in Time feels both imaginative and grounded, a nod to the kind of science fiction that invites curiosity rather than suspension of disbelief. It is the kind of story that lingers, sparking thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page—like those late-night conversations about “what ifs” and alternate timelines. But what truly sets it apart is how it balances high-stakes survival with deeply personal, emotional connections. It is not just about saving the world; it’s about what it means to hold onto love and humanity in the face of uncertainty. Heartfelt, thrilling, and profoundly human, this book reminds us that the best stories are not confined by genre—they are shaped by the questions they leave behind.

While some parts of the book slow down to explore emotions and context, these moments enrich the storytelling for readers who appreciate both action and introspection.
Final Thoughts

Crossing in Time is an evocative, genre-bending novel that seamlessly balances romance and science fiction. It reflects on how love can remain constant yet evolve with time, offering deep insights into relationships and the human condition. Whether you are a sci-fi aficionado or a romantic at heart, this book is a standout recommendation. Pick it up and prepare for an emotional, philosophical, and adventurous ride.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rocky Mountain Press Audio for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own because I am free to express my first amendment rights.

This was good except that it was too long and a little bit all over the place. Part love story, part sci-fi (which wasnt really well explained) and a little bit of time travel at the end (again, not well fleshed out and explained...it's just kind of figured out and it happens). The idea for the story is interesting but the book overall did not leave me wanting to continue on with the next one.

This is the first novel from this author that I have listened to, and I was not disappointed. It was well written, good pace, and great character development. The dystopian theme and elements of time travel really made it more in depth and kept my interest. The romance between Diego and Isabel was very well written, as well as the suspense. The plot was well thought out, and it flowed so naturally. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley ARC and Rocky Mountain Press.

Thank you to NetGalley/Publisher and author

This was an enjoyable book. I wasn't expecting the dystopia type world. I've always liked that but after covid and being a healthcare worker in a bordering state having to go through check stops to enter the state, this sort of gives me ptsd but it also has helped with it. The world and story builds and it's so different from anything I've read. I love the concept and it all makes good sense and seems plausible except for a few times. Those times are like a dream that seem so real but nothing makes sense in the dream.

I'm not crazy about Iz. Especially when she went back and talked to a younger Diego. She's so selfish sounding and all about her and telling him how to act when he meets her. I almost couldn't finish. Of course, I understand what she means but some of the stuff was her fault too. She does admit it but it just seemed over the top. It does end on sort of a cliffhanger but in a good point of "time"- pun intended lol.

The narration was excellent for the male voices. I didn't like Iz's voice. It sounded ok but it was depressing. The main issue was I couldn't hear most of it. Had my earbuds wide open and she still mumbled and whispered. I'd like to listen to the next book but due to this, I'll have to just read it.