Romance in time travel

In Another Time by Jessie Winterspring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Another Time whisks readers away on a time-traveling adventure—a journey that defies the boundaries of past and present. Leonardo, an easy-going soul, accidentally breaks a bottle containing a wish, catapulting him back to 1956. Suddenly, he’s in a world where Abuela, his grandmother, is only nineteen—years younger than him! His mission: to find a way back to 2020 without altering his grandparents’ history. But fate has other plans. Befriending them becomes inevitable, and falling for Celestina, Abuela’s future best friend, is definitely not part of the plan.

Celestina, too, carries her own burdens. A product of rape, she yearns for her mother’s love. When Leonardo materializes out of a bottle, she wonders if magic can make her wishes come true.

What I Loved:
Time’s Veil: The interplay between eras is beautifully handled. Jessie Winterspring captures the essence of different decades, making the time-travel aspect both intriguing and poignant.
Character Dynamics: Leonardo and Celestina’s connection transcends time. Their friendship and budding romance are heartwarming.
Sun-Drenched Setting: Beniardà, the sun-kissed village in Francoist Spain, feels like a hidden gem. Its cobbled streets hold secrets, and its sunsets paint love stories.

In Another Time is a sunlit escape—a tale of courage, sacrifice, and love that transcends the ticking clock. If you seek a blend of magic and heart, step into Beniardà. Just beware—the echoes of time may linger in your dreams.

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To Defend A Bride by Daniela A. Mera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the shadowed realm of the Enduar Mountain, where diamonds sparkle and treachery lurks, Melisa—a courtesan turned spy—finds herself entangled with a troll, Ra’Sa. He’s stoic, unattached, and immune to her seductive wiles. But when Melisa offers to return to the giant capital as a comfort woman to gather information for the trolls, Ra’Sa’s fury ignites. He insists on accompanying her, determined to watch over and defend her in a land of cruel men.

As secrets unravel, Melisa’s true nature emerges, leaving Ra’Sa breathless. Forbidden feelings stir within his stony heart. Yet, their relationship teeters on the edge of danger. Will duty and desire collide, or will they burn together like stars?

Their alliance defies norms, and the tension between duty and desire crackles. The Enduar Mountains come alive, and the clash of giants, trolls, and intrigue creates a rich backdrop. Ra’Sa and Melisa’s unlikely partnership keeps us guessing. Can they bridge their worlds?

To Defend A Bride weaves danger and desire into a spellbinding tale. Daniela A. Mera’s storytelling prowess shines, making this a must-read for fantasy romance enthusiasts.





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River of Spirits by Shana Targosz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the mystical space between the Living and the Dead, we meet Senka—a girl with one foot in each realm. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles into the Underworld, a place teeming with spirits, secrets, and ancient magic. As Senka navigates this perilous landscape, she discovers her unique abilities and unravels a mystery that spans generations.

Shana Targosz paints a vivid picture of both the Living and the Underworld. The boundary between them crackles with energy, and Senka’s journey becomes a bridge connecting two worlds. Senka’s courage and determination shine. Her friendships with both the living and the spectral are heartwarming.
From ghostly apparitions to forgotten legends, the book immerses readers in a rich tapestry of folklore.

Senka’s quest to find her place in both realms keeps us turning pages. What ancient secrets await her? This book is perfect for young readers who crave adventure, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural.

River of Spirits is a delightful book. Shana Targosz’s lyrical prose invites readers to explore hidden realms, where spirits whisper and hope glimmers. If you’re ready to cross the threshold, step into the Underworld—it’s a journey worth taking.

Shana Targosz’s ability to blend fantasy with relatable characters makes this book a gem for middle-grade readers.

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