REVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Disturbingly Beautiful
(A Paradox in Time Book 1)
(A Paradox in Time Book 1)
by J. and L. Wells
Disturbingly Beautiful, the first book in the new A Paradox in Time series, is currently on tour with Xpresso Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my review, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Could it really be possible that somewhere in time, the perfect paradox could be created? Does romance really stand a chance, could it ever flourish when cast between so many intricacies and broken lives? How could one person, Nell, a nineteenth century governess unknowingly cause so much devastation?
As Nell’s world opens up, we follow her on her complex journey, where she discovers love, loss and betrayal, and becomes forced to play a dangerous game from which there appears no escape.
An intricate family plot slowly begins to unravel in which she finds herself centre stage. She was never supposed to leave Haunchcroft estate … and he will do everything in his power to keep her there …
Could a possible rip in time be the salvation that Nell seeks?
"I find you disturbingly beautiful," are the contradictory words bestowed upon the governess by her master.
Mr Buchannan’s infatuation is a shadow from which Nell cannot escape. The feelings he holds for her are not reciprocated, and though his lust soon turns to love, Nell’s feelings towards him turn to hatred. Dreams and a love of literature are Nell’s only escapism from the downtrodden life she leads as a governess in the nineteenth century.
One night, an intruder on the estate catches Nell off guard, but she gives chase; a decision that leads her through an opening in time between the centuries, where she finds equality, true friendship and a completely different outlook on life.
Despite using this to her advantage to escape the advances of her unwanted suitor, she is somewhat perturbed when she unexpectedly finds him at her side in the twenty-first century. Will love conquer all, or will time always stand in their way?
Excerpt
“You, madam, are my weakness. Believe me when I say that I did not seek you out, you just happened upon me.” His eyes widened. “You have not the slightest idea how I have tried to fight my desires long and hard, but I have to admit defeat; I have succumbed to your charms.” His words faltered as he continued. “I … I find you uncommonly…” With a shake of his head he corrected himself. “No, my dear, I find you disturbingly beautiful. ”
Praise for the Book
"I can safely say that this team has mastered the genre of time travel. This book though tops all of their others. The plot is so involved and has so many twists and turns that when it ended I was totally amazed. I never saw that coming! I know that I along with many others have said that before but believe me when I say this... I NEVER saw that coming in my wildest dreams. I LOVED IT!!!!! Wow, it takes you for a ride that will really draw you in so deep and yet it was SO perfect. I received an advanced copy for free but the best thing about reviewing for authors is being able to give my honest opinion for their work. I can hardly wait for the next book." ~ DD Gott
"Disturbingly Beautiful was a glorious and rich read. I enjoyed it far better than The Untimely series, and I loved those books! With the perfect mix of regency and time travel elements, it makes for an enjoyable read. There's a few twists and turns that make you cry out and yell at the book. I totally recommend this to anyone." ~ Laura L. Hunter
"Well written story which unfolded with richly detailed descriptions [...] I loved reading about Nell, the heroine of the book, coming into her own. [...] When it ended I was totally amazed. Like some other reviewers I never saw the ending coming!! it was like total shocker!! a definite must read!" ~ The Amazing Tim Tam
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
The year is 1813 and Nell Dodsworth is a twenty-six year old governess at Haunchcroft Estate whose ward, Abigale, has just died. Abigale's father, Mr Sebastian Buchannan, makes unwanted advances and calls her "disturbingly beautiful". One night, Nell follows an intruder and the repercussions of this decision will affect the lives of many for years to come. The stranger is Jeremy Chambers, a time traveler she somehow travels forward with in time to 1968. While Nell ends up falling for him, Jeremy remains unmoved, mourning the loss of the mysterious Mirren. What are Jeremy's motivations for manipulating time? And what other secret is Jeremy keeping from Nell? When Nell returns to her time, family secrets are hinted at and later revealed. When she once again travels into the future (this time to 2014), she discovers just how her time traveling has affected the lives of others. Will Nell ever be able to set things right?
This book has a few problems, including editing errors, unsympathetic characters, and a lack of cohesion between the different storylines. The book gets off to a very slow start, but progresses more quickly when Nell travels to the 1960s. While her visit to the future is interesting and her old-fashioned language and conventions are quaint and amusing, the whole thing just doesn't ring true. I would expect her to show more amazement at how much things have changed since the 1800s. This time travel episode is also quite long, and there doesn't seem to be much point to it. Nell's second visit into the future is even more unsatisfying, although everything seems to come together in the end.
Overall, this is an interesting and entertaining read. Even though it is the first in a series, the story in this book is complete.
About the Authors
Laura Wells is a swimming teacher, with a love of books, animals and, of course, Jane Austen. Once a national swimmer, she now runs three swim schools of her own. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and two mad Shiba Inus. She lives in Staffordshire, England.
Judy Wells works at a school; in her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and novels, and spending time with her animals. She also lives in Staffordshire, England.
Laura and Judy are a mother and daughter duo; with Judy’s love of poetry and writing and Laura’s ideas, they work extremely well together. Time-travel and historical romance novels are their passion, and they hope that after you have read their books, you will feel the same.
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Disturbingly Beautiful by J. and L. Wells. The prize will be sent out after 9 February.
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