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a_reader_obsessed's review
2.0
2 Hearts
First things first. The premise, the set up, when and where this took place, plus an interesting take on fated mates was what intrigued me most about this story.
Per the blurb, Alex works for a research lab, and an unforeseen fire somehow activates an experimental time machine that transports him into the future 200 years. What he finds there is all sorts of fascinating, not to say the least, hot doctor Baylin, who’s in charge of his care. It’s not enough that Alex has to adjust to his new situation, but an enigmatic intimidating Major also muddles his thoughts and pulls at him like no one has before. It’s a shock to learn that Alex is the Major’s mate and the desire to please and be with him wars with his growing feelings towards Baylin.
I don’t want to nitpick this to death. I will say that I wanted more world building. I wanted more character development and relationship development between Alex and Baylin. Often though, these two read on the side of immature and very very enthusiastic which marred the plausibility of their connection for me. This is important because their feelings for each other should directly juxtapose the situation between Alex and the Major. However, Alex and Baylin’s connection was instant, their feelings immediate, so their dynamic’s too similar despite it being sincere while the other is manufactured.
Overall, I liked the potential this story had, and it had its sweet and sexy moments. Points for questioning the beloved trope of fated mates that we all like to revel in by posing the scenario of what happens when one side doesn’t want to give in to the pheromone pull. Again, I really think this would have greatly benefited by fleshing out both relationships and expanding on the too easy resolution. However, I am definitely the odd man out here so go forth and enjoy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
First things first. The premise, the set up, when and where this took place, plus an interesting take on fated mates was what intrigued me most about this story.
Per the blurb, Alex works for a research lab, and an unforeseen fire somehow activates an experimental time machine that transports him into the future 200 years. What he finds there is all sorts of fascinating, not to say the least, hot doctor Baylin, who’s in charge of his care. It’s not enough that Alex has to adjust to his new situation, but an enigmatic intimidating Major also muddles his thoughts and pulls at him like no one has before. It’s a shock to learn that Alex is the Major’s mate and the desire to please and be with him wars with his growing feelings towards Baylin.
I don’t want to nitpick this to death. I will say that I wanted more world building. I wanted more character development and relationship development between Alex and Baylin. Often though, these two read on the side of immature and very very enthusiastic which marred the plausibility of their connection for me. This is important because their feelings for each other should directly juxtapose the situation between Alex and the Major. However, Alex and Baylin’s connection was instant, their feelings immediate, so their dynamic’s too similar despite it being sincere while the other is manufactured.
Overall, I liked the potential this story had, and it had its sweet and sexy moments. Points for questioning the beloved trope of fated mates that we all like to revel in by posing the scenario of what happens when one side doesn’t want to give in to the pheromone pull. Again, I really think this would have greatly benefited by fleshing out both relationships and expanding on the too easy resolution. However, I am definitely the odd man out here so go forth and enjoy!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
aligroen's review
4.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Accidental time travel, not something I usually read about but this sounded interesting and I went for it because I have enjoyed the author. I liked how this wasn’t overly sci-fi but just enough to keep it interesting. Alex and Baylin feel an instant attraction to each other and both try to navigate how a relationship would work especially if the High Order want to send Alex back to his time. And Major, he is basically a jerk, he comes around just enough to make Alex off balance.
We get to see both Alex and Baylin struggle with their feelings and how they think they should approach them with each other. I loved how adorable Alex is and is awkwardness is made to be just a cute quirk since he is so different than those around him. Baylin still struggles with his confidence based on how some others treat him but Alex is determined to show him differently and he will need it to fight for what he wants. I was very happy that Alex had the ability to stand up for what he wanted and didn’t have to go along with what the Major said.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is nice though doesn’t scream futuristic to me.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Accidental time travel, not something I usually read about but this sounded interesting and I went for it because I have enjoyed the author. I liked how this wasn’t overly sci-fi but just enough to keep it interesting. Alex and Baylin feel an instant attraction to each other and both try to navigate how a relationship would work especially if the High Order want to send Alex back to his time. And Major, he is basically a jerk, he comes around just enough to make Alex off balance.
We get to see both Alex and Baylin struggle with their feelings and how they think they should approach them with each other. I loved how adorable Alex is and is awkwardness is made to be just a cute quirk since he is so different than those around him. Baylin still struggles with his confidence based on how some others treat him but Alex is determined to show him differently and he will need it to fight for what he wants. I was very happy that Alex had the ability to stand up for what he wanted and didn’t have to go along with what the Major said.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is nice though doesn’t scream futuristic to me.
mlvalard's review
3.0
3 stars
This was a quick read. It didn't take me long to whip through reading it, and it made for a cozy little afternoon read.
The premise was interesting and definitely the reason I picked it up. Time travel to the future and aliens? It sounded like fun. And it was, as far as it went, though I might have liked to see more of that premise play a major part in the story. Or for there to be a bit more to the story. The plot itself was simple, and neatly wrapped up in novella length.
The characters were likeable enough, though I did find Alex's flustered behavior almost more exasperating than endearing now and then. I wondered if it was really so bad back home that he had nothing he would miss. Baylin was truly likeable too. I honestly would have liked even more insight into his unique conditions and his childhood.
I think for me one of the best things about this was the way the plot element of the major was handled. I liked taking the destined mates trope and raising some questions about it. But again I'd almost like to see more on the topic of the Zarinian culture and how it works. For a novella length, though it was a pleasant enough use of an afternoon and definitely earns a solid three stars.
I received an eARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This was a quick read. It didn't take me long to whip through reading it, and it made for a cozy little afternoon read.
The premise was interesting and definitely the reason I picked it up. Time travel to the future and aliens? It sounded like fun. And it was, as far as it went, though I might have liked to see more of that premise play a major part in the story. Or for there to be a bit more to the story. The plot itself was simple, and neatly wrapped up in novella length.
The characters were likeable enough, though I did find Alex's flustered behavior almost more exasperating than endearing now and then. I wondered if it was really so bad back home that he had nothing he would miss. Baylin was truly likeable too. I honestly would have liked even more insight into his unique conditions and his childhood.
I think for me one of the best things about this was the way the plot element of the major was handled. I liked taking the destined mates trope and raising some questions about it. But again I'd almost like to see more on the topic of the Zarinian culture and how it works. For a novella length, though it was a pleasant enough use of an afternoon and definitely earns a solid three stars.
I received an eARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review.
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