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The Time Traveller's Tongue
He took her voice. She will take time.
Thealina’s husband carved out her tongue, silenced her in the most barbaric way, but not her will to fight. After decades of emotional abuse, this brutal act of violence pushes Thealina to fight back!
Determined to reclaim her stolen voice, and identity, she seeks out the help of Rafe — a forbidden time traveler who carries secrets of his own. Together they slip into the past, where danger lurks in every shadow and the cost of rewriting history could shatter them both. As she crawls her way toward freedom, Rafe becomes more than an ally — he’s the first man who listens, who sees her strength rather than her scars.
Someone who forces her to choose herself.
But while he knows she is destined to be his, he will not claim her by force.
To win back her voice, her future, and her heart, Thealina must claw back her own power… and choose if love can be more than another chain.
She lost her tongue. She found her fury. And maybe... her future.
✨Alliances to lovers🤜🏼🤛🏼
✨” I did this to you.”😱
✨Naked Time Travel😏
✨He “helps” her through menstrual pain 👀😉
✨She has no voice 🥺 Mute… temporarily!
✨He knows she is destined to be his , she doesn’t 😳
✨Escapes DV with his help 😭 *check trigger warnings
✨Shared quest/ reluctant separation 🥲
✨FMC saves HERSELF! 💪
Readers LOVE The Time Traveller’s Tongue.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I laughed, I swooned, I held my breath. I felt all the emotions! Absolutely loved it. 100% recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! wish I could time travel and read this book again for the first time! the strength of the FMC, the yearning, my god the yearning, of the MMC had me in a chokehold!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rafe is definitely book boyfriend material!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yet again another amazing book by J.L.B. Harvey... full of yearning, love and survival... absolute must read book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely wonderful story! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Working out the puzzle of how to tweek the past just enough as to not upset the future. Very clever plotting by the author, incredibly impressed! Can't wait to read more from J.L.
Thealina’s husband carved out her tongue, silenced her in the most barbaric way, but not her will to fight. After decades of emotional abuse, this brutal act of violence pushes Thealina to fight back!
Determined to reclaim her stolen voice, and identity, she seeks out the help of Rafe — a forbidden time traveler who carries secrets of his own. Together they slip into the past, where danger lurks in every shadow and the cost of rewriting history could shatter them both. As she crawls her way toward freedom, Rafe becomes more than an ally — he’s the first man who listens, who sees her strength rather than her scars.
Someone who forces her to choose herself.
But while he knows she is destined to be his, he will not claim her by force.
To win back her voice, her future, and her heart, Thealina must claw back her own power… and choose if love can be more than another chain.
She lost her tongue. She found her fury. And maybe... her future.
✨Alliances to lovers🤜🏼🤛🏼
✨” I did this to you.”😱
✨Naked Time Travel😏
✨He “helps” her through menstrual pain 👀😉
✨She has no voice 🥺 Mute… temporarily!
✨He knows she is destined to be his , she doesn’t 😳
✨Escapes DV with his help 😭 *check trigger warnings
✨Shared quest/ reluctant separation 🥲
✨FMC saves HERSELF! 💪
Readers LOVE The Time Traveller’s Tongue.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I laughed, I swooned, I held my breath. I felt all the emotions! Absolutely loved it. 100% recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! wish I could time travel and read this book again for the first time! the strength of the FMC, the yearning, my god the yearning, of the MMC had me in a chokehold!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rafe is definitely book boyfriend material!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yet again another amazing book by J.L.B. Harvey... full of yearning, love and survival... absolute must read book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely wonderful story! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Working out the puzzle of how to tweek the past just enough as to not upset the future. Very clever plotting by the author, incredibly impressed! Can't wait to read more from J.L.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
84 people are currently reading
2726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 23, 2025
♾️⭐
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.
This book is so much more than a love story. This book is a woman's journey to getting her power back. This book is a woman's journey to finding true happiness, true love and above all to regaining her sense of self. This book is about a man who sees a broken woman in need of help and instead of playing the hero and attempting to save her, he walks beside her as she saves herself. This book is about the purest form of love that can exist between two people. Lastly, its about a man who knows he's falling for a broken woman but never once tries to change who she is at her core and through his unwavering support and love she not only heals but flourishes. It is absolutely stunning.
I laughed. I cried. I yelled. I laughed again. Then cried all over again. By the end I was a shattered mess in the very best way. My heart and soul will never be the same again. Their journey was incredibly difficult and yet they fought like hell for their happiness. I loved every bit of it. Thealina is an example to follow. Her strength and determination are unmatched. She took ownership of her broken pieces and chose to walk the harrowing path she had to walk to heal and become whole again for herself. Getting to see her take her life back was empowering. Rafe was a gentleman with the exception of the one moment he slipped (but I forgive him, because who am I to expect perfection?). He's sweet and funny, kind and gentle yet tough when he needs to be. Sam is selfless and wonderful all around.
It was a beautifully written story and one that has etched itself onto my heart, mind and soul. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. ❤️
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.
This book is so much more than a love story. This book is a woman's journey to getting her power back. This book is a woman's journey to finding true happiness, true love and above all to regaining her sense of self. This book is about a man who sees a broken woman in need of help and instead of playing the hero and attempting to save her, he walks beside her as she saves herself. This book is about the purest form of love that can exist between two people. Lastly, its about a man who knows he's falling for a broken woman but never once tries to change who she is at her core and through his unwavering support and love she not only heals but flourishes. It is absolutely stunning.
I laughed. I cried. I yelled. I laughed again. Then cried all over again. By the end I was a shattered mess in the very best way. My heart and soul will never be the same again. Their journey was incredibly difficult and yet they fought like hell for their happiness. I loved every bit of it. Thealina is an example to follow. Her strength and determination are unmatched. She took ownership of her broken pieces and chose to walk the harrowing path she had to walk to heal and become whole again for herself. Getting to see her take her life back was empowering. Rafe was a gentleman with the exception of the one moment he slipped (but I forgive him, because who am I to expect perfection?). He's sweet and funny, kind and gentle yet tough when he needs to be. Sam is selfless and wonderful all around.
It was a beautifully written story and one that has etched itself onto my heart, mind and soul. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. ❤️
December 17, 2025
If you’re looking for a book where the girl truly takes charge of her own destiny, then look no further! This story follows Thea as she fights to reclaim her power, teaming up with another time traveler to help her on her quest. It’s got everything—humor, romance, and just the right touch of darkness to keep things intense. I laughed, I swooned, I held my breath… I felt all the emotions! Absolutely loved it. 100% recommend!!!
October 18, 2025
✨ARC review. Super excited to have received an arc for this book by the author. All views are my own.
WOW! I wish I could time travel and read this book again for the first time! 😭 the strength of the FMC, the yearning, my god the yearning, of the MMC had me in a chokehold!
I fucking LOVED how we finally get an FMC who figures stuff out on her own and doesn’t need a man to save her or the day! She’s does that herself and GETS. SHIT. DONE! 💪 and he lets her! He recognizes that he needs to let her do this herself no matter how much pain it causes him. Oh I felt Rafes heartbreak down to my core when he had to let Lina go. Lina is smart and finds a way to “choose them both” after it comes out how she will forget Rafe if she goes back in time to re-write her past and get her tongue back.
I love how the husband isn’t given a name and with the dedication at the beginning of the book! The book isn’t about that lowlife abuser, it’s about HER, the victim. It’s powerful, and a way of other victims being able to live through Lina and draw strength. I feel that not giving the husband/MIL name means we can place our own abusers within their character. Well done👏🏼
REMEMBER THE VICTIMS!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 REMEMBER THE SURVIVORS!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The spice was super well placed! And intimate and passionate. It was refreshing to have a scene that wasn’t filled with unessesary cringe talk and acts. It was nice to read two people making LOVE and connecting instead of just fucking and banging out orgasms like candy. The passion! Oh swoon 🤤
The ending was just perfect, I could clearly imagine it in my head especially with their older selves watching on with pride that they FINALLY got there. And seeing some of the character I fell in love with in the “Kingdom of Zolandra series” was just the cherry! Oh my fuck Zarens ability!! 🤯 ( won’t spoil that one!) how different life could have looked! 😱
This book is easy to understand world building/magic system but still interesting specially with the intricacies of time travel and the 4 different abilities they can get. Characters who are mature and talk shit out! Rafe was a naughty boy at some points but it was refreshing how this didn’t turn into a predictable miscommunication breakup that authors heavily rely on for hook, and they talked shit out. Rafe, Older Rafe and Sam were great characters throughout. Rafe’s little nerdy medical facts he dropped now again was so adorable! Don’t get me started on his puzzle hobby 🥹
I am truly feeling this book in my heart. Oh, my heart! I want to read it again for the first time 😓 well done Jlb Harvey🤩 truly! I am heartbroken, but I am fulfilled! But heartbroken… sooooo if you could get a move on and give me Sam’s book that’ll be grand! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
WOW! I wish I could time travel and read this book again for the first time! 😭 the strength of the FMC, the yearning, my god the yearning, of the MMC had me in a chokehold!
I fucking LOVED how we finally get an FMC who figures stuff out on her own and doesn’t need a man to save her or the day! She’s does that herself and GETS. SHIT. DONE! 💪 and he lets her! He recognizes that he needs to let her do this herself no matter how much pain it causes him. Oh I felt Rafes heartbreak down to my core when he had to let Lina go. Lina is smart and finds a way to “choose them both” after it comes out how she will forget Rafe if she goes back in time to re-write her past and get her tongue back.
I love how the husband isn’t given a name and with the dedication at the beginning of the book! The book isn’t about that lowlife abuser, it’s about HER, the victim. It’s powerful, and a way of other victims being able to live through Lina and draw strength. I feel that not giving the husband/MIL name means we can place our own abusers within their character. Well done👏🏼
REMEMBER THE VICTIMS!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 REMEMBER THE SURVIVORS!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The spice was super well placed! And intimate and passionate. It was refreshing to have a scene that wasn’t filled with unessesary cringe talk and acts. It was nice to read two people making LOVE and connecting instead of just fucking and banging out orgasms like candy. The passion! Oh swoon 🤤
The ending was just perfect, I could clearly imagine it in my head especially with their older selves watching on with pride that they FINALLY got there. And seeing some of the character I fell in love with in the “Kingdom of Zolandra series” was just the cherry! Oh my fuck Zarens ability!! 🤯 ( won’t spoil that one!) how different life could have looked! 😱
This book is easy to understand world building/magic system but still interesting specially with the intricacies of time travel and the 4 different abilities they can get. Characters who are mature and talk shit out! Rafe was a naughty boy at some points but it was refreshing how this didn’t turn into a predictable miscommunication breakup that authors heavily rely on for hook, and they talked shit out. Rafe, Older Rafe and Sam were great characters throughout. Rafe’s little nerdy medical facts he dropped now again was so adorable! Don’t get me started on his puzzle hobby 🥹
I am truly feeling this book in my heart. Oh, my heart! I want to read it again for the first time 😓 well done Jlb Harvey🤩 truly! I am heartbroken, but I am fulfilled! But heartbroken… sooooo if you could get a move on and give me Sam’s book that’ll be grand! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
“You gave me something to fight for.” My voice is raw, like my soul. “Something to crawl out the dark for.”
Excerpt From
The Time Traveller's tongue
J.L.B. Harvey
This material may be protected by copyright.
I mean that quote alone. Need I say more.
Check the trigger warning people!! I basically ignore trigger warnings, but some people might have some issues with them.
Our FMC, Thealina is in an awful abusive marriage. A quest is taken to get back what was stolen from her.
Our MMC, Rafe is along for the journey. He’s definitely book boyfriend material.
I did receive an ARC copy. Will be buying the actual book for my trophy shelf.
Excerpt From
The Time Traveller's tongue
J.L.B. Harvey
This material may be protected by copyright.
I mean that quote alone. Need I say more.
Check the trigger warning people!! I basically ignore trigger warnings, but some people might have some issues with them.
Our FMC, Thealina is in an awful abusive marriage. A quest is taken to get back what was stolen from her.
Our MMC, Rafe is along for the journey. He’s definitely book boyfriend material.
I did receive an ARC copy. Will be buying the actual book for my trophy shelf.
October 19, 2025
Yet again another amazing book by Jo that made me laugh and cry, I am completely convinced that you can't write anything bad
This book is full of absolute yearning, love and survival but not in that order,
what do you do when you feel powerless, useless but need to escape from the place that is supposed to be safe but isn't? you go in search of the one person who you think can help but doesn't know who you are,
Lina has to find a way to get back to herself and reclaim who she is from her abusive husband, while on this journey she has to ask for help from Rafe, this is a journey on healing and finding herself along the way she finds something she didn't think she would Love and family
This is an absolute must read book
This book is full of absolute yearning, love and survival but not in that order,
what do you do when you feel powerless, useless but need to escape from the place that is supposed to be safe but isn't? you go in search of the one person who you think can help but doesn't know who you are,
Lina has to find a way to get back to herself and reclaim who she is from her abusive husband, while on this journey she has to ask for help from Rafe, this is a journey on healing and finding herself along the way she finds something she didn't think she would Love and family
This is an absolute must read book
January 11, 2026
ARC Reader here:
Absolutely wonderful story! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the time travel, the mystery. Working out the puzzle of how to tweek the past just enough as to not upset the future too much. Very cleaver plotting by the author, incredibly impressed! I fell in LOVE with Lena and Rafe! I was rooting for them through the entire book! Can't wait to read more from J.L.B Harvey!
Absolutely wonderful story! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the time travel, the mystery. Working out the puzzle of how to tweek the past just enough as to not upset the future too much. Very cleaver plotting by the author, incredibly impressed! I fell in LOVE with Lena and Rafe! I was rooting for them through the entire book! Can't wait to read more from J.L.B Harvey!
October 18, 2025
Really enjoyed this book to the point where i wish it was longer. Rafe and Thealina were really well developed and relatable. Their chemistry was hot! Their dialogue was free, easy and believable. And funny. Loved Sam! I adore Rafe so much, but was so nice seeing a FMC not NEEDING a man, but wanting one, especially after the abuse she endured with her ex husband and his mother. Even after all that was thrown at her, she never fell into victim mentality. Such a strong FMC that i dont often read about. Id say this book is “Alliances to lovers” and im all here for it after the saturation of “enemies to lovers”
The book had me laughing, swooning, anxious and hot under the collar!! The scene where he “took care of her” 👀during her cycle had me longing for my own Rafe 😭 and that ending had me bawling!
Loved the naked time travel! 😏 And now im off to scour the internet for more time travel fantasy romance books! 😭
A brilliant story and cant wait for hopefully Sams book! Thank you for the arc, please know my opinions are my own.
The book had me laughing, swooning, anxious and hot under the collar!! The scene where he “took care of her” 👀during her cycle had me longing for my own Rafe 😭 and that ending had me bawling!
Loved the naked time travel! 😏 And now im off to scour the internet for more time travel fantasy romance books! 😭
A brilliant story and cant wait for hopefully Sams book! Thank you for the arc, please know my opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
A massive thank you to the author for the ARC before its release on the 1st of December! I love being able to support local Indie authors ❤️
This was an emotionally difficult read at times due to some heavy themes, but it was one I still found incredibly hard to put down.
I was rooting for the FMC, Thealina, right from the beginning, especially after discovering she’s trapped in an abusive marriage and that her husband has literally cut out her tongue to silence her 🤯
There were several great twists I definitely didn’t see coming, and I loved that the story alternates between both main characters’ POVs.
The main storyline, Thealina meeting Rafe, a time traveller, and building a relationship with him as she tries to go back and save her tongue, was gripping and beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the time travel chapters, which constantly had me wondering what might happen if the timeline was changed!
There are some graphic scenes, but they’re easy to skip without losing the story’s flow. I’m not really a spice fan, so when I can skip those bits and still feel fully engaged, that’s always a good sign!
Overall, this is a fantastic fantasy read with emotional depth, a strong FMC, and a compelling plot. If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of spice and aren’t triggered by domestic abuse themes, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
This was an emotionally difficult read at times due to some heavy themes, but it was one I still found incredibly hard to put down.
I was rooting for the FMC, Thealina, right from the beginning, especially after discovering she’s trapped in an abusive marriage and that her husband has literally cut out her tongue to silence her 🤯
There were several great twists I definitely didn’t see coming, and I loved that the story alternates between both main characters’ POVs.
The main storyline, Thealina meeting Rafe, a time traveller, and building a relationship with him as she tries to go back and save her tongue, was gripping and beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the time travel chapters, which constantly had me wondering what might happen if the timeline was changed!
There are some graphic scenes, but they’re easy to skip without losing the story’s flow. I’m not really a spice fan, so when I can skip those bits and still feel fully engaged, that’s always a good sign!
Overall, this is a fantastic fantasy read with emotional depth, a strong FMC, and a compelling plot. If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of spice and aren’t triggered by domestic abuse themes, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
November 8, 2025
I was kindly sent an ARC of The Time Traveller’s Tongue, and wow — this book completely blew me away. I was hooked by chapter two!
It follows a woman who starts off feeling broken and small, but her journey of finding her voice and strength again is both powerful and beautifully told. Even when others try to fight her battles, she knows this is something she has to do for herself.
This story touches every emotion, and J.L.B. Harvey handles the tough subjects with such care. As someone who’s had to rebuild trust and find my own voice again, this book resonated deeply. It’s an empowering, emotional, and unforgettable read.
An absolute pleasure to receive — five shining stars from me! 🌟
Releasing December 1st and available on Kindle Unlimited — save the date!
It follows a woman who starts off feeling broken and small, but her journey of finding her voice and strength again is both powerful and beautifully told. Even when others try to fight her battles, she knows this is something she has to do for herself.
This story touches every emotion, and J.L.B. Harvey handles the tough subjects with such care. As someone who’s had to rebuild trust and find my own voice again, this book resonated deeply. It’s an empowering, emotional, and unforgettable read.
An absolute pleasure to receive — five shining stars from me! 🌟
Releasing December 1st and available on Kindle Unlimited — save the date!
December 4, 2025
If you want a story that has a 'do not mess with me' FMC then this one is for you! Thea is not a full on hard arse that won't let anyone in though, no she is also soft, kind and cares deeply for the ones she loves! The MMC loves this about her, and cheerleads every move! The development of their relationship is pivotal to the story and at times had me crying in the best way!
Ive not read a story like this, really interesting world, characters and development, if you like a different type of fantasy to elves and fae then this one is for you!
Ive not read a story like this, really interesting world, characters and development, if you like a different type of fantasy to elves and fae then this one is for you!
November 5, 2025
"The Time Traveler’s Tongue" by J.L.B. Harvey is one of the most original stories I’ve ever read. The concept itself feels completely fresh, unlike anything else in the genre, and it pulled me in from the very first chapter. Every page shows how much care and love the author poured into crafting this world and these characters. The writing is absolutely stunning, with a lyrical quality that made even the quiet moments resonate deeply.If I had one minor critique, it’s that I personally would have preferred the romantic elements to be a touch milder. While the book isn’t heavy on spice by any means, toning it down slightly might have balanced even better with the story’s poetic tone and emotional depth.That said, this novel is an absolute treasure, full of heart, imagination, and language that lingers long after you finish. I can’t recommend it highly enough—an unforgettable read that proves just how magical storytelling can be.
November 7, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and it hooked me from the very first page! It’s a beautiful mix of time travel, survival and love. The time travel aspect is so well done and it shows how even small changes in the past can ripple into the future. The main character has to navigate those consequences while trying to save her voice and make sure the man she’s fallen for doesn’t forget her.
The story is emotional and powerful. The character lost her tongue because of abuse and is fighting to get her voice back both literally and figuratively. The writing is gorgeous, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the emotional depth hit me hard. I can’t wait to see all the success this book deserves!
The story is emotional and powerful. The character lost her tongue because of abuse and is fighting to get her voice back both literally and figuratively. The writing is gorgeous, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the emotional depth hit me hard. I can’t wait to see all the success this book deserves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️ARC Reader here ⭐️⭐️
I’m afraid I had to DNF this book not because of the writing or how the plot is laid out but simply because it wasn’t my kind of book, I thought I’d give it a fighting chance since I love reading most things but I just couldn’t get into it, I have given it 4 stars due to the fact that the book is well written and the plot and tropes in it are quite good I just didn’t enjoy it myself.
I’m afraid I had to DNF this book not because of the writing or how the plot is laid out but simply because it wasn’t my kind of book, I thought I’d give it a fighting chance since I love reading most things but I just couldn’t get into it, I have given it 4 stars due to the fact that the book is well written and the plot and tropes in it are quite good I just didn’t enjoy it myself.
January 23, 2026
I fell in love with these characters and the world that was built. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. I love a strong FMC and an MMC who yearns. There was love and magic and time travel and I wish it was longer.
December 15, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read all year
I am so ecstatic I saw a review on this book and decided to pick it up and read it for myself. Devoured it in two sittings.
I am so ecstatic I saw a review on this book and decided to pick it up and read it for myself. Devoured it in two sittings.
November 11, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Let me start by saying I finished this book in less than twenty-four hours. The opening page alone is enough for me to rate this book 5 stars. The first line of the first chapter grips you, and the last line of the first chapter locks you in. Rafe and Lina's story is so unique, and the trials they go through are very real. The fear is relatable. If you've ever encountered a narcissist, this book can be triggering, but the subject is handled very gently. The plot is engaging throughout, and the pacing never slows. I was not bored one time, and as an avid reader, that says a lot. I read a lot of books where I can get bored and want to take breaks because of poor pacing. This book had no such issue. I didn't expect the plot to take the turns it did, but I can't say I'm disappointed. The ending had me in tears, and now Rafe will forever be cemented as an ideal book boyfriend. The man is rather perfect. Read this beautiful book you won't regret it. All you'll be left wanting is a sequel.
Let me start by saying I finished this book in less than twenty-four hours. The opening page alone is enough for me to rate this book 5 stars. The first line of the first chapter grips you, and the last line of the first chapter locks you in. Rafe and Lina's story is so unique, and the trials they go through are very real. The fear is relatable. If you've ever encountered a narcissist, this book can be triggering, but the subject is handled very gently. The plot is engaging throughout, and the pacing never slows. I was not bored one time, and as an avid reader, that says a lot. I read a lot of books where I can get bored and want to take breaks because of poor pacing. This book had no such issue. I didn't expect the plot to take the turns it did, but I can't say I'm disappointed. The ending had me in tears, and now Rafe will forever be cemented as an ideal book boyfriend. The man is rather perfect. Read this beautiful book you won't regret it. All you'll be left wanting is a sequel.
October 30, 2025
Oh my goodness, such a beautiful and powerful story!
Grumpy MMC. check ✔️
Beautiful, strong FMC. check ✔️
Fantastic side characters I can't wait to hear more about. check ✔️
I loved the humour, the twists and longing and squealed like a little girl when we saw flashes of other characters from Zolandra.
It all ties in a beautiful, heart wrenching story about love and discovery.
Soooooo, about Sam......😉
Grumpy MMC. check ✔️
Beautiful, strong FMC. check ✔️
Fantastic side characters I can't wait to hear more about. check ✔️
I loved the humour, the twists and longing and squealed like a little girl when we saw flashes of other characters from Zolandra.
It all ties in a beautiful, heart wrenching story about love and discovery.
Soooooo, about Sam......😉
October 28, 2025
The Time Traveller’s Tongue by J.L.B. Harvey is a dark, lyrical journey through memory, loss, and the fragile edges of reality. Told in raw, haunting prose, it explores how time bends beneath the weight of regret and how the past refuses to stay buried. Brutal and tender in equal measure, it blurs the lines between what was, what might have been, and what still aches to be undone.
A beautifully written novel for readers who crave emotion-driven speculative fiction, intense, human, and impossible to forget.
A beautifully written novel for readers who crave emotion-driven speculative fiction, intense, human, and impossible to forget.
October 24, 2025
This book grabbed my attention immediately. I was hooked from the first page. It only took me 2 days to read, and I know if I didn't have to work, I would have read it in one sitting. If you want a true love story, something that stands the test of time this is your book. I had never read a book about time travel until now. I am definitely going to read more especially by this author. The writing style of this author is exactly the style I look for. I felt like I was inside the book the whole time. I didn't want to put it down when I had to go to bed. The love story is amazing, and the journey is even better. I highly recommend picking up this book!!
October 26, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book, I'm just dipping my toes into the fantasy world of books and I must say this is a 5 star read for me. I actually think it's been my top read of the year 😍 i laughed, teared up, was hooked on what was happening next. I stayed up till 3am just to finish it. can't wait to read more like this. 1 word AMAZING 👏 🤩
October 25, 2025
The name threw me off when I started reading it. But once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The plot was amazing, and well written.
December 23, 2025
6 ⭐️ easily. Reading this book was like hitting a jackpot - ALL my boxes were ticked. I truly disappeared into this world and didn’t want to come back out. This story gave me peace and healed something in me.
The amount of wisdom, creativity, yearning and pure, selfless love was overwhelming in the best way possible. Such a unique story, and the plot was well set up for book 2. Need to read about Sam and Ari, and find out what plans did Thea’s ex-husband have for her.
Will be recommending this book to all my friends. It felt like I was best friends with Thea, the way I wanted to support and champion her. Like I NEED to meet these characters and say hi to Thea, Rafe, Sam, and that Anchor woman, and the healer - all past, present and future versions of them!!
FMC truly didn’t wait for any saviors, but instead she took control of her narrative, saved herself and changed her story.
I am a HUGE FAN of the amount of inclusion, diversity, feminism, equality and “wokeness” this book has!!! A massive round of applause for that.
The amount of highlights I have is actually crazy for this size of a book, but here some of my faves so I remember them:
Anything with “Lina, baby…” ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Because as much as I would choose Rafe in a heartbeat, I choose me too. I can’t be the woman I need to be for him unless I’m that woman for me too.”
“It’s her battle she must overcome. And the sacrifice—me. Us. And that’s ok; I wanted her to choose herself, over everything.”
“I choose freedom. Autonomy. Liberation. And all that is worth the sacrifice of my spoken words.”
“A man who proves the heroes we read about aren’t just fiction. A man who forced us to choose ourselves. One who drags us out of our comfort zone and shows us we can still be safe.”
“The right people don’t run when you break. They sit beside your mess and remind you of your strength. He did that.”
“ Every day she becomes a little surer of herself. A little feistier. A little more mine.”
“She sucks my soul out like she wants to take it for her own personal collection.
That’s ok, she can keep it. She’ll keep it safe.”
“I need her to see I’m a patient man who respects and cares for her.
Someone she’s safe with.
Someone who she can be her whole, unapologetic self with.”
“And that is when I’ll grab what I need.
Or steal, if we’re being pedantic.”
“‘Do you ask folk with children why they had children? ”
“No one takes care of me. Not even me; soon to be rectified”
“Wait,” I call, and with her hand encasing the doorknob, she peers over her shoulder. “What’s your name.”
She narrows her brows, before more quill scratching on that damn book.
‘Why?’
Because I want to know the name of my future wife.
I shrug. “Need to know your name for the gravestone.”
“I don’t want her to fear me, or loath me, or hate me when she wakes up. I want her trust. Her faith.”
“There’s something beautiful about a woman’s stomach, the way their body tries to protect the womb by keeping a small layer of fat beneath the naval. Makes me want to sink my face into it.”
“Is she my reward for all my good doings?”
“Don’t ever look at her like that again. Do better, Rafe.” Rafe says to Rafe,”
“Lina, baby, look at me. It’s ok.’ I grip the sides of her face, keeping her near me a little longer, her energy screaming at her to run. She mentally retreats from me by the second.
‘Don’t run. Please. Stay with me.”
“I pleaded with her. Begged. Got on my knees and shoved my face into her stomach and sobbed.
I fucking sobbed.
I can’t lose her.”
“I smile, brushing my thumb over her chin, only lightly, just enough for her to know I’m ok.
And I am ok. I’m not great, I could be happier, everyone could be. But I’m ok. And if I’m honest, I’ve been a little bit more ok since Lina threw coffee at me.”
“That’s it, baby,” I murmur, my voice unrecognisable to my own ears. “You did so good.”
“As if I showed the woman of my dreams my fucking puzzle collection”
“Stop sobbing, you’re embarrassing the family name.” I LOVED SAM, need his story !!!
“The world could burn around us, and I wouldn’t look up. I don’t deserve her. But gods, I need her.”
“I never wish to see that man again. With men like him, closure doesn’t exist, so why sacrifice that energy.” SHE IS SO BRAVE!!! ❤️🩹❤️🩹
The amount of wisdom, creativity, yearning and pure, selfless love was overwhelming in the best way possible. Such a unique story, and the plot was well set up for book 2. Need to read about Sam and Ari, and find out what plans did Thea’s ex-husband have for her.
Will be recommending this book to all my friends. It felt like I was best friends with Thea, the way I wanted to support and champion her. Like I NEED to meet these characters and say hi to Thea, Rafe, Sam, and that Anchor woman, and the healer - all past, present and future versions of them!!
FMC truly didn’t wait for any saviors, but instead she took control of her narrative, saved herself and changed her story.
I am a HUGE FAN of the amount of inclusion, diversity, feminism, equality and “wokeness” this book has!!! A massive round of applause for that.
The amount of highlights I have is actually crazy for this size of a book, but here some of my faves so I remember them:
Anything with “Lina, baby…” ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Because as much as I would choose Rafe in a heartbeat, I choose me too. I can’t be the woman I need to be for him unless I’m that woman for me too.”
“It’s her battle she must overcome. And the sacrifice—me. Us. And that’s ok; I wanted her to choose herself, over everything.”
“I choose freedom. Autonomy. Liberation. And all that is worth the sacrifice of my spoken words.”
“A man who proves the heroes we read about aren’t just fiction. A man who forced us to choose ourselves. One who drags us out of our comfort zone and shows us we can still be safe.”
“The right people don’t run when you break. They sit beside your mess and remind you of your strength. He did that.”
“ Every day she becomes a little surer of herself. A little feistier. A little more mine.”
“She sucks my soul out like she wants to take it for her own personal collection.
That’s ok, she can keep it. She’ll keep it safe.”
“I need her to see I’m a patient man who respects and cares for her.
Someone she’s safe with.
Someone who she can be her whole, unapologetic self with.”
“And that is when I’ll grab what I need.
Or steal, if we’re being pedantic.”
“‘Do you ask folk with children why they had children? ”
“No one takes care of me. Not even me; soon to be rectified”
“Wait,” I call, and with her hand encasing the doorknob, she peers over her shoulder. “What’s your name.”
She narrows her brows, before more quill scratching on that damn book.
‘Why?’
Because I want to know the name of my future wife.
I shrug. “Need to know your name for the gravestone.”
“I don’t want her to fear me, or loath me, or hate me when she wakes up. I want her trust. Her faith.”
“There’s something beautiful about a woman’s stomach, the way their body tries to protect the womb by keeping a small layer of fat beneath the naval. Makes me want to sink my face into it.”
“Is she my reward for all my good doings?”
“Don’t ever look at her like that again. Do better, Rafe.” Rafe says to Rafe,”
“Lina, baby, look at me. It’s ok.’ I grip the sides of her face, keeping her near me a little longer, her energy screaming at her to run. She mentally retreats from me by the second.
‘Don’t run. Please. Stay with me.”
“I pleaded with her. Begged. Got on my knees and shoved my face into her stomach and sobbed.
I fucking sobbed.
I can’t lose her.”
“I smile, brushing my thumb over her chin, only lightly, just enough for her to know I’m ok.
And I am ok. I’m not great, I could be happier, everyone could be. But I’m ok. And if I’m honest, I’ve been a little bit more ok since Lina threw coffee at me.”
“That’s it, baby,” I murmur, my voice unrecognisable to my own ears. “You did so good.”
“As if I showed the woman of my dreams my fucking puzzle collection”
“Stop sobbing, you’re embarrassing the family name.” I LOVED SAM, need his story !!!
“The world could burn around us, and I wouldn’t look up. I don’t deserve her. But gods, I need her.”
“I never wish to see that man again. With men like him, closure doesn’t exist, so why sacrifice that energy.” SHE IS SO BRAVE!!! ❤️🩹❤️🩹
December 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A breathtaking, emotional masterpiece — and yes, even as a man from Denmark, I’m completely obsessed with this universe!
The Time Traveller’s Tongue is one of those rare books that grabs you from the very first line and refuses to let go. Thealina’s story is brutal, powerful, and brilliantly told — a journey from silence to strength that had me feeling every emotion possible. The author creates a world so vivid and immersive that I found myself completely lost in it, despite coming from a totally different background. I’m a man from Denmark, and yet this universe felt real, relatable, and utterly captivating.
Thealina’s fight to reclaim her voice is raw and inspiring, and her relationship with Rafe is everything — tender, slow-burning, and filled with the kind of yearning that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep. Their dynamic is beautifully built: he sees her strength, not her scars, and while he knows she’s destined for him, he never takes her power away. Instead, he helps her rediscover it.
The time-travel twists are clever, the emotional stakes are high, and the author masterfully balances pain, hope, danger, and desire. I laughed, I ached, I held my breath — and I absolutely loved every moment.
This book is more than a romance. It’s a story about reclaiming yourself, rewriting your future, and discovering that love should never be another chain.
An absolutely phenomenal read. Highly, highly recommended.
The Time Traveller’s Tongue is one of those rare books that grabs you from the very first line and refuses to let go. Thealina’s story is brutal, powerful, and brilliantly told — a journey from silence to strength that had me feeling every emotion possible. The author creates a world so vivid and immersive that I found myself completely lost in it, despite coming from a totally different background. I’m a man from Denmark, and yet this universe felt real, relatable, and utterly captivating.
Thealina’s fight to reclaim her voice is raw and inspiring, and her relationship with Rafe is everything — tender, slow-burning, and filled with the kind of yearning that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep. Their dynamic is beautifully built: he sees her strength, not her scars, and while he knows she’s destined for him, he never takes her power away. Instead, he helps her rediscover it.
The time-travel twists are clever, the emotional stakes are high, and the author masterfully balances pain, hope, danger, and desire. I laughed, I ached, I held my breath — and I absolutely loved every moment.
This book is more than a romance. It’s a story about reclaiming yourself, rewriting your future, and discovering that love should never be another chain.
An absolutely phenomenal read. Highly, highly recommended.
January 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was angst city but I was eating it UP
Rafe is the most “green flag” morally grey MMC I’ve ever seen and the fact that he’s so bombastically down bad for Lina makes it so that none of the angsty moments between them felt truly unsafe. As someone who can be a bit more sensitive to the topics explored in dark romance, I think the abuse and trauma Lina endured was covered in such a respectful and heart-warming way.
I think the main reason this felt so comforting was the unconditional devotion Rafe had for Lina that made her feel safe enough to start healing. The times when Rafe’s actions were inadvertently hurtful, the grovelling was exquisite and genuine. Like this might be the best grovelling I’ve read in awhile because it was nonstop
The only thing that fell apart a little bit for me were the decisions of when/where the MCs used time travelling to fix or undo things and the messy timeline tampering “rules” that never fully made sense.
Like I’m pretty sure the Ava stuff could have easily been avoided? Also, time travelling is like soo illegal in this world and yet they be hopping to and fro with a bunch of witnesses and nobody flagged that as suspicious?
Long story short - yes there are some plot holes, yes there are some grammar and spelling mistakes, yes this was insta love, and yes I had an absolutely fantastic time reading this book
This was angst city but I was eating it UP
Rafe is the most “green flag” morally grey MMC I’ve ever seen and the fact that he’s so bombastically down bad for Lina makes it so that none of the angsty moments between them felt truly unsafe. As someone who can be a bit more sensitive to the topics explored in dark romance, I think the abuse and trauma Lina endured was covered in such a respectful and heart-warming way.
I think the main reason this felt so comforting was the unconditional devotion Rafe had for Lina that made her feel safe enough to start healing. The times when Rafe’s actions were inadvertently hurtful, the grovelling was exquisite and genuine. Like this might be the best grovelling I’ve read in awhile because it was nonstop
The only thing that fell apart a little bit for me were the decisions of when/where the MCs used time travelling to fix or undo things and the messy timeline tampering “rules” that never fully made sense.
Like I’m pretty sure the Ava stuff could have easily been avoided? Also, time travelling is like soo illegal in this world and yet they be hopping to and fro with a bunch of witnesses and nobody flagged that as suspicious?
Long story short - yes there are some plot holes, yes there are some grammar and spelling mistakes, yes this was insta love, and yes I had an absolutely fantastic time reading this book
January 2, 2026
Thealina is emotionally abused by her husband and her mother-in-law. She always told herself that at least he doesn't hit me until that one fateful day that her husband and mother-in-law band together to cut out her tongue silencing her completely. Determined to reclaim her stolen voice, and identity, she seeks out the help of Rafe — a forbidden time traveler who carries secrets of his own.
🩷"Why do you call me Lina Rafe? Everyone calls me Thea"
💙"I don't want to be just everyone, Lina"
This story was so unique, I've never read anything like it before. This is such a beautiful story. The book has everything you'd want on a read; humour, romance, a touch of darkness. I love that fact we got a FMC who wants to be her own hero.
The chemistry between the main MC & FC was HOT! Thealina and Rafe's dynamic is beautifully built: he sees her strength, not her scars, and while he knows she’s destined for him, he never takes her power away. Instead, he helps her rediscover it.
If you love:
▪️A FMC who is her own hero
▪️Yearning
▪️Beautiful quotes
▪️Morally Grey MMC who is a green flag
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 332
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Series or Standalone: Series; Book 1 in The Unbound Fates Series
Tropes or Themes: Time Travel, Mute FMC, 'I did this to you', He falls first, Alliances to Lovers, He knows their destiny, DV, shared quest,
Check Triggers⚠️
🩷"Why do you call me Lina Rafe? Everyone calls me Thea"
💙"I don't want to be just everyone, Lina"
This story was so unique, I've never read anything like it before. This is such a beautiful story. The book has everything you'd want on a read; humour, romance, a touch of darkness. I love that fact we got a FMC who wants to be her own hero.
The chemistry between the main MC & FC was HOT! Thealina and Rafe's dynamic is beautifully built: he sees her strength, not her scars, and while he knows she’s destined for him, he never takes her power away. Instead, he helps her rediscover it.
If you love:
▪️A FMC who is her own hero
▪️Yearning
▪️Beautiful quotes
▪️Morally Grey MMC who is a green flag
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 332
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Series or Standalone: Series; Book 1 in The Unbound Fates Series
Tropes or Themes: Time Travel, Mute FMC, 'I did this to you', He falls first, Alliances to Lovers, He knows their destiny, DV, shared quest,
Check Triggers⚠️
December 8, 2025
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
OH MY GOD! What an actual beautiful story. That is honestly all I can say. This is one of the best stand alone books I have ever read. This is way up there. Following the story of Thealina and Rafe. Thealina is seriously emotionally abused by her husband and her mother-in-law. She always told herself that at least he doesn't hit me until that one fateful day that her husband and mother-in-law band together to cut out her tongue silencing her completely.
When our FMC Thealina comes across our gorgeous beautiful MMC, Rafe (legit beautiful character inside and out) and finds out that he can time travel. Rafe finds out what has happened to her and is honestly so furious but also wants her to have her voice back.
Along the journey he teaches her what a healthy relationship can look like and as he heals her heart, she steals his heart the process, while they talk about the art of time travel. Rafe heads the warning that if she was to retrieve her tongue they may lose memories of each other.
Does she get her tongue back do they live happily ever after or do they wipe their memories of each other? HONESTLY!! WORTH.THE.READ!
OH MY GOD! What an actual beautiful story. That is honestly all I can say. This is one of the best stand alone books I have ever read. This is way up there. Following the story of Thealina and Rafe. Thealina is seriously emotionally abused by her husband and her mother-in-law. She always told herself that at least he doesn't hit me until that one fateful day that her husband and mother-in-law band together to cut out her tongue silencing her completely.
When our FMC Thealina comes across our gorgeous beautiful MMC, Rafe (legit beautiful character inside and out) and finds out that he can time travel. Rafe finds out what has happened to her and is honestly so furious but also wants her to have her voice back.
Along the journey he teaches her what a healthy relationship can look like and as he heals her heart, she steals his heart the process, while they talk about the art of time travel. Rafe heads the warning that if she was to retrieve her tongue they may lose memories of each other.
Does she get her tongue back do they live happily ever after or do they wipe their memories of each other? HONESTLY!! WORTH.THE.READ!
January 8, 2026
I have never read a love story that brought me to tears the way that Rafe and Lina's did. It was absolutely crushing how painful her experiences were and it was so endearing to get to watch how differently Rafe treated her. I loved how strong Lina was too, there were to many lines where her thoughts were so relatable.
"I am so sick to death of men branding women as anything other than strong, resilient, robust. Instead we're labeled as weak, over-animated, hysterical, belonging in the fucking kitchen, on her back, or on her fucking knees!" - Lina
"The right people don't run when you break, They sit beside your mess and remind you of your strength." - Lina
"I'd love for nothing more than for Lina, for women, to live in a world where they don't have to keep a constant eye behind their shoulders. But man didn't create such a world, and I wish I could tell her I'm so fucking sorry for that." - Rafe
This book healed a small part of me. In a world where enemies-to-lovers is all we seem to be getting these days, Rafe and Lina perfectly embodied a story that shows how sometimes you really just need someone to be gentle with you, and remind you to chose yourself first.
"I am so sick to death of men branding women as anything other than strong, resilient, robust. Instead we're labeled as weak, over-animated, hysterical, belonging in the fucking kitchen, on her back, or on her fucking knees!" - Lina
"The right people don't run when you break, They sit beside your mess and remind you of your strength." - Lina
"I'd love for nothing more than for Lina, for women, to live in a world where they don't have to keep a constant eye behind their shoulders. But man didn't create such a world, and I wish I could tell her I'm so fucking sorry for that." - Rafe
This book healed a small part of me. In a world where enemies-to-lovers is all we seem to be getting these days, Rafe and Lina perfectly embodied a story that shows how sometimes you really just need someone to be gentle with you, and remind you to chose yourself first.
November 30, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶
5💧💧💧💧💧
Triggers: sexual scenes, physical abuse, emotional abuse, marital rape and torture
When I read the title of this book, what I imagined it was about was totally and completely wrong.
I received it as an arc from J.L.B. Harvey.
It's about Thealina and Rafe. Two time travelers in a world where it's illegal. She's fighting to right the wrongs done to her while he's trying to just help her and love her.
It's an epic love story with awesome world building and character development that's top-notch.
The banter is awesome, the slow burn perfection and the plot twists, well they just keep on coming. If you have DV triggers don't read ch.23, also don't read chapter 48-53 if you don't want to bawl your eyes out.
So if you're looking to read a powerful, empowering and unforgettable novel. That's about a woman who fights to reclaim herself and a man who knows she needs to do it herself then this is the book for you.
• He falls first
• Alliances to lovers
• Naked time travel
• I did this to you
• She can't speak
• Orgasm cure for period pain
1.5🌶
5💧💧💧💧💧
Triggers: sexual scenes, physical abuse, emotional abuse, marital rape and torture
When I read the title of this book, what I imagined it was about was totally and completely wrong.
I received it as an arc from J.L.B. Harvey.
It's about Thealina and Rafe. Two time travelers in a world where it's illegal. She's fighting to right the wrongs done to her while he's trying to just help her and love her.
It's an epic love story with awesome world building and character development that's top-notch.
The banter is awesome, the slow burn perfection and the plot twists, well they just keep on coming. If you have DV triggers don't read ch.23, also don't read chapter 48-53 if you don't want to bawl your eyes out.
So if you're looking to read a powerful, empowering and unforgettable novel. That's about a woman who fights to reclaim herself and a man who knows she needs to do it herself then this is the book for you.
• He falls first
• Alliances to lovers
• Naked time travel
• I did this to you
• She can't speak
• Orgasm cure for period pain
December 15, 2025
STUNNING
My first Romantasy, makes sense it would be dark.
I loved Thea and Rafe, they were great. Lina was horrendously strong and look… while I love a green flag, what Rafe did to the ex husband and his mother was 🤌
Highlights
“What’s your name.” She narrows her brows, before more quill scratching on that damn book. ‘Why?’ Because I want to know the name of my future wife. I shrug. “Need to know your name for the gravestone.”
The passive suicide ideation is hitting me strong today.
I don’t want her to fear me, or loath me, or hate me when she wakes up. I want her trust. Her faith.
An apology by someone who has a penis and testicles hanging between their legs. Well, I never.
All my survival instincts melt beneath the shame of my actions, so I stay, frozen in my kneeled position, ready to suffer beneath her hands, as she did under mine.
A tug on my finger pulls my gaze from his, he slides my wedding band off, tossing it to the side where the fire in the hearth swallows it whole.
Torture never appealed to me until I met a woman worth burning worlds for.
My first Romantasy, makes sense it would be dark.
I loved Thea and Rafe, they were great. Lina was horrendously strong and look… while I love a green flag, what Rafe did to the ex husband and his mother was 🤌
Highlights
“What’s your name.” She narrows her brows, before more quill scratching on that damn book. ‘Why?’ Because I want to know the name of my future wife. I shrug. “Need to know your name for the gravestone.”
The passive suicide ideation is hitting me strong today.
I don’t want her to fear me, or loath me, or hate me when she wakes up. I want her trust. Her faith.
An apology by someone who has a penis and testicles hanging between their legs. Well, I never.
All my survival instincts melt beneath the shame of my actions, so I stay, frozen in my kneeled position, ready to suffer beneath her hands, as she did under mine.
A tug on my finger pulls my gaze from his, he slides my wedding band off, tossing it to the side where the fire in the hearth swallows it whole.
Torture never appealed to me until I met a woman worth burning worlds for.
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
So saw this booked being raved about by a few creators on TikTok. I’ve often struggled with Fantasy Romance books but I can hand on heart say this was amazing!
I had the best time reading and couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what happened and felt so impatient when I couldn’t read😂
The writing and world building is just the right amount for me, it’s not too lengthy in that aspect, the actual story and characters are central and that’s everything I need in a Fantasy Romance.
Had all the elements I love; touch her and die, he’ll burn the world down for her, revenge, strong FMC.
Highly highly recommend. Unexpected favourite for 2025!
🌶️.5
So saw this booked being raved about by a few creators on TikTok. I’ve often struggled with Fantasy Romance books but I can hand on heart say this was amazing!
I had the best time reading and couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what happened and felt so impatient when I couldn’t read😂
The writing and world building is just the right amount for me, it’s not too lengthy in that aspect, the actual story and characters are central and that’s everything I need in a Fantasy Romance.
Had all the elements I love; touch her and die, he’ll burn the world down for her, revenge, strong FMC.
Highly highly recommend. Unexpected favourite for 2025!
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