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Time Travel and Second Chance #1
A Second Chance at Life
Lady Elaina had everything—wealth, title, and irresistible beauty—until her jealous half-sister ruined her reputation and forced her into a disgraceful marriage. She died amidst the flames, murdered and betrayed by her husband and half-sister. As the flames roared, the loss of her unborn child created a thirst for revenge.
A magical amulet sent her two years back in time. She has another chance to make things right for herself and her family, yet what began as a plot to undermine her half-sister’s machinations quickly evolved into a political conspiracy that will rock the entire empire and make Elaina realize she might not have traveled back in time alone.
A magical amulet sent her two years back in time. She has another chance to make things right for herself and her family, yet what began as a plot to undermine her half-sister’s machinations quickly evolved into a political conspiracy that will rock the entire empire and make Elaina realize she might not have traveled back in time alone.
314 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2017
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687 people want to read
About the author
Kassandra Lynn
21 books104 followersKassandra Lynn tells herself a bedtime story every night. When the plot gets too complicated and the cast overwhelming, she transcribes them into books she hopes you will enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 11, 2017
5 blown away stars
I am blown away by this book, completely blown away. I was thoroughly fascinated and engrossed from the very beginning, so much so that I read the entire book in one sitting.
What do you do when you get a second chance at life ? You make the best of it and make sure you don't repeat your mistakes but what if no matter how you try things don't go the way you want it to go. This book was much more than that, getting to see the heroine try hard to find her happiness was just beyond words, enter in the political drama and having to out think Sophie. I loved everything about this book. I have not read anything like this in a while and it's just wonderful.
I would recommend the heck out of this book to those that enjoy fantasy, political drama and anyone who plainly enjoys a good book.
I am blown away by this book, completely blown away. I was thoroughly fascinated and engrossed from the very beginning, so much so that I read the entire book in one sitting.
What do you do when you get a second chance at life ? You make the best of it and make sure you don't repeat your mistakes but what if no matter how you try things don't go the way you want it to go. This book was much more than that, getting to see the heroine try hard to find her happiness was just beyond words, enter in the political drama and having to out think Sophie. I loved everything about this book. I have not read anything like this in a while and it's just wonderful.
I would recommend the heck out of this book to those that enjoy fantasy, political drama and anyone who plainly enjoys a good book.
March 1, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Regency romances and time travel books are two of my favorite types of books. When I was given a chance to read this book that included both, I jumped at the chance. I loved the book. I felt bad for Elaina. No matter what she did, Sonia & Mendes undid every change she tried to make. All she wanted was to live her own life and be happy. This book is definitely worth the read. I read it straight thru without putting it down. The face cream incident was definitely my favorite part of the story.
Regency romances and time travel books are two of my favorite types of books. When I was given a chance to read this book that included both, I jumped at the chance. I loved the book. I felt bad for Elaina. No matter what she did, Sonia & Mendes undid every change she tried to make. All she wanted was to live her own life and be happy. This book is definitely worth the read. I read it straight thru without putting it down. The face cream incident was definitely my favorite part of the story.
October 9, 2017
Awesome book! I read the series backwards, but it still made since. Would definitely read again!
March 16, 2017
This was a 3.5 star read for me. I add in the extra half star as it was so exciting I put down my other book, a New York Times bestseller, to finish this one. That's gotta says something!
A Second Chance is a cute story about a girl whose had a string of bad luck and gets a chance to do it all again. She starts anew just before her luck turns wrong. There's nothing special here per say; but it's a solid romantic, historical read. I could pick many things apart about it (the announcement of a new heir, the amulet that is forgotten for half the book, the motives of the step sister are vague, the future man is one dimensional, calculated is repeated ad nauseam, etc) but the reality is I looked past all those little things and still enjoyed this short read.
It's possible that it being just over 200 pages helps. I didn't have time to be annoyed too much by any characters and the action is non-stop, page turning fun.
I sympathize and understand our lead gal personally which also helped bring me into the story. Being betrayed, wronged or persecuted 'just because' is a sore spot with me. I always seem to side with characters who are a little manipulative if it helps gets some small amount of revenge on their tormentors. So if you hate the small justifications that we all use everyday for our actions then you may not agree with all of our heroine's choice; but you'd have to be heartless not to sympathize with her on some level.
Overall I believe this fun little romp is worth the time to read the 200 pages.
I'm curious about it being a series... I hope it's time travel with all new characters and not these main characters again as I feel their story is mostly complete.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review. Don't believe me? Check out the other books I've had eARCs for that I gave great or poor reviews to. I always give my opinion whether good or bad.<\i>
A Second Chance is a cute story about a girl whose had a string of bad luck and gets a chance to do it all again. She starts anew just before her luck turns wrong. There's nothing special here per say; but it's a solid romantic, historical read. I could pick many things apart about it (the announcement of a new heir, the amulet that is forgotten for half the book, the motives of the step sister are vague, the future man is one dimensional, calculated is repeated ad nauseam, etc) but the reality is I looked past all those little things and still enjoyed this short read.
It's possible that it being just over 200 pages helps. I didn't have time to be annoyed too much by any characters and the action is non-stop, page turning fun.
I sympathize and understand our lead gal personally which also helped bring me into the story. Being betrayed, wronged or persecuted 'just because' is a sore spot with me. I always seem to side with characters who are a little manipulative if it helps gets some small amount of revenge on their tormentors. So if you hate the small justifications that we all use everyday for our actions then you may not agree with all of our heroine's choice; but you'd have to be heartless not to sympathize with her on some level.
Overall I believe this fun little romp is worth the time to read the 200 pages.
I'm curious about it being a series... I hope it's time travel with all new characters and not these main characters again as I feel their story is mostly complete.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review. Don't believe me? Check out the other books I've had eARCs for that I gave great or poor reviews to. I always give my opinion whether good or bad.<\i>
April 19, 2017
A Second Chance at Life is a time travel fantasy romance. The main character, Elaina, dies amidst flames. Then she opens her eyes and finds herself miraculously alive and inexplicably transported back in time. She goes into things with her eyes wide open but history seems doomed to repeat itself. This time around, she refuses to be the victim. As her life spirals ever more out of her control, the only motivation that keeps her going is the thought of revenge upon those who killed her and her unborn child. But in the process, has she doomed herself to a life without love yet again...?
I would first like to state that I received an ARC for honest review. This book was full of intrigue and the twists and turns almost gave me whiplash. While having mature themes within the story, I think it was very well done. It kept me guessing and wanting more. The characters were well written and believable, the pace steady, the foreshadowing subtle but good, and the plot was top notch. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend to fans of the genre.
I would first like to state that I received an ARC for honest review. This book was full of intrigue and the twists and turns almost gave me whiplash. While having mature themes within the story, I think it was very well done. It kept me guessing and wanting more. The characters were well written and believable, the pace steady, the foreshadowing subtle but good, and the plot was top notch. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend to fans of the genre.
September 19, 2018
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
I thought its a romance but its more of Fantasy fiction with a hint of romance. There's so much potential to the story that I wished it got polished.
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
I thought its a romance but its more of Fantasy fiction with a hint of romance. There's so much potential to the story that I wished it got polished.
February 5, 2017
A thrilling adventure that will pull you in during first sentences and refuses you to let go until you finish it.
Elaina´s beloved betrayed her the worst way possible. When losing her life to the fire, she swears revenge and begs for rescue, when suddenly she wakes up on a particular day two years ago. Being given a second chance at life, she promises to change her destiny and make the right choices - which is not always easy, and there are certain events she cannot avoid. But her actions are wiser and less naive this time, and her determination and hunger for justice may bring her the peace she deserves in the end. But if she aims to succeed, she must fight hard...
I am so delighted I was given the chance to read this awesome story! I became attached to the enchanting world and interesting characters from the very beginning. The book was fast-paced, quickly developing, with many surprising twists and crushed hopes when you wished for better. All the characters are complex, unique, well-built and developing, acting believably out of beliefs and passions. I pitied Elaina almost the whole time for the cruel fate she had to face, and adored Evan for his faith in her and his protectiveness. Sonia´s actions complement the balance of the story exquisitely, pushing the plot forward with all her intrigues.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it voluntarily. This is a must-read!
Elaina´s beloved betrayed her the worst way possible. When losing her life to the fire, she swears revenge and begs for rescue, when suddenly she wakes up on a particular day two years ago. Being given a second chance at life, she promises to change her destiny and make the right choices - which is not always easy, and there are certain events she cannot avoid. But her actions are wiser and less naive this time, and her determination and hunger for justice may bring her the peace she deserves in the end. But if she aims to succeed, she must fight hard...
I am so delighted I was given the chance to read this awesome story! I became attached to the enchanting world and interesting characters from the very beginning. The book was fast-paced, quickly developing, with many surprising twists and crushed hopes when you wished for better. All the characters are complex, unique, well-built and developing, acting believably out of beliefs and passions. I pitied Elaina almost the whole time for the cruel fate she had to face, and adored Evan for his faith in her and his protectiveness. Sonia´s actions complement the balance of the story exquisitely, pushing the plot forward with all her intrigues.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it voluntarily. This is a must-read!
March 5, 2017
omg..... this book was amazing i loved every minute of it
February 16, 2017
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
3,5/5
In this novel the heroine, Elaina, dies violently in the first chapter and wakes up two years before. She takes advantage of this stroke of luck to try and change her future, strong with the experience lived previously, but fate seems to conspire against her.
Let’s begin with annoying things: the novel is written in the first person and in the present tense, a style that can be okay at speaking, but that I find especially unpleasant to read. Secondly the society where the story takes place is not really explained, we discover things as we read and that can be disconcerting.
In spite of this style, I was hooked from the start by a very gripping and touching chapter: the scene where Elaina discovers it’s her half-sister who has plotted several years to make her life so difficult and where she dies praying the goddess to save her. Her coming back to life two years earlier, before the beginning of her setbacks, was quite interesting and I couldn’t wait to learn how she would thwart her half-sister’s traps.
Gradually she sees details that went unnoticed the first time, but there are some changes that have her wondering (and the reader too). She’s a strong heroine in a society where women don’t have a lot of liberties, but she’s facing a shrewd and warped adversary who wants to rise in society at any price and is convinced Elaina is an obstacle. However Elaina doesn’t always succeed to indulge in revenge and almost let herself softened by her half-sister’s contrite façade.
There are unexpected twists, as the fact she saves her childhood friend’s life when he’s being massacred by a brigand, or the fact the nasty commoner she was forced to wed in her first life because of her half-sister’s scheme came back in the past too and does everything he can do for her to be his wife again. There are also the moments when Elaina tries to change the future, for example by trying to protect her little brother who should be seriously hurt in a riot, or by trying to drive away her half-sister in order to simplify her own life.
I found a lot of positive elements in this story, like the very promising beginning, the hint of romance for which we wonder if it will come to a successful conclusion, the plot with the half-sister. But there was also the heroine’s a bit TSTL side when she rushes a bit headlong and puts herself in potentially dangerous situations. It also lacked a conclusion concerning the half-sister, I’d have like to know what happened to her in the end. And of course the style which IMO do a disservice to the story. However I had a good reading time, hence my rating.
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
3,5/5
In this novel the heroine, Elaina, dies violently in the first chapter and wakes up two years before. She takes advantage of this stroke of luck to try and change her future, strong with the experience lived previously, but fate seems to conspire against her.
Let’s begin with annoying things: the novel is written in the first person and in the present tense, a style that can be okay at speaking, but that I find especially unpleasant to read. Secondly the society where the story takes place is not really explained, we discover things as we read and that can be disconcerting.
In spite of this style, I was hooked from the start by a very gripping and touching chapter: the scene where Elaina discovers it’s her half-sister who has plotted several years to make her life so difficult and where she dies praying the goddess to save her. Her coming back to life two years earlier, before the beginning of her setbacks, was quite interesting and I couldn’t wait to learn how she would thwart her half-sister’s traps.
Gradually she sees details that went unnoticed the first time, but there are some changes that have her wondering (and the reader too). She’s a strong heroine in a society where women don’t have a lot of liberties, but she’s facing a shrewd and warped adversary who wants to rise in society at any price and is convinced Elaina is an obstacle. However Elaina doesn’t always succeed to indulge in revenge and almost let herself softened by her half-sister’s contrite façade.
There are unexpected twists, as the fact she saves her childhood friend’s life when he’s being massacred by a brigand, or the fact the nasty commoner she was forced to wed in her first life because of her half-sister’s scheme came back in the past too and does everything he can do for her to be his wife again. There are also the moments when Elaina tries to change the future, for example by trying to protect her little brother who should be seriously hurt in a riot, or by trying to drive away her half-sister in order to simplify her own life.
I found a lot of positive elements in this story, like the very promising beginning, the hint of romance for which we wonder if it will come to a successful conclusion, the plot with the half-sister. But there was also the heroine’s a bit TSTL side when she rushes a bit headlong and puts herself in potentially dangerous situations. It also lacked a conclusion concerning the half-sister, I’d have like to know what happened to her in the end. And of course the style which IMO do a disservice to the story. However I had a good reading time, hence my rating.
June 11, 2017
I loved the storyline in this book. It had so much potential, but could have been written so much better. I was disappointed at the weak writing. To bring this book to a different level it would have been more impactful to have Elaina be more a sympathetic character. She is put through so much, two years of abuse and an awful end but you wouldn't really think it from the way she acts. And then the way she treats her maid. Not very endearing behaviour. The actual story-tellying was unclear too. Halfway through the book we have Elaina suddenly referencing these big events that happened before the jump back in time. It didn't make sense to just bring up these political events without more backstory to them or else we should have witnessed them firsthand. I think we needed to experience Elaina's first life so we could understand the specific things she tries to change second time round, or else we could have had the beginning we got (i.e. not witnessing anything before she died), but Elaina's life needed to turn out completely different. We got a weird mish-mash of the two.
I thought her sister was one of the most horrid and evil characters I ever read. She made me so angry! I needed her to get the satisfying end she deserved and she really didn't. Elaina was too passive trying to get her revenge. Her despicable husband rapes her and it's never mentioned again. She actually considers that he is a good man at one point. Alot of awful things happen in this book to women and it is never acknowledged. At one point we learn that if Elaina was kidnapped and raped by a burglar she would have to marry that man and bring shame to her family. And that is never really discussed any further. I think the author needed to delve deeper in the atrocities in this book, but it was all as passive as Elaina.
There were little things that bugged me too. When Elaina has to go with her husband she refuses to bring her maid, in order to protect her. But then it's like she forgot she said that because her maid is constantly with her and it's never mentioned again. Similarly, Elaina comes to a realisation that if she divorces her husband she would be free, scandal be damned. Then that's also later forgotten. So little things like that just shows the lazy writing. It's such a pity, because at the core I really liked this book. There was some drama and a compelling romance and an AWFUL bad guy to hate. The we got that really quick ending and epilogue, and I was shocked. I was expecting this to continue into another book, but it's going to be one of those series I hate with a different protagonist in every book.
I thought her sister was one of the most horrid and evil characters I ever read. She made me so angry! I needed her to get the satisfying end she deserved and she really didn't. Elaina was too passive trying to get her revenge. Her despicable husband rapes her and it's never mentioned again. She actually considers that he is a good man at one point. Alot of awful things happen in this book to women and it is never acknowledged. At one point we learn that if Elaina was kidnapped and raped by a burglar she would have to marry that man and bring shame to her family. And that is never really discussed any further. I think the author needed to delve deeper in the atrocities in this book, but it was all as passive as Elaina.
There were little things that bugged me too. When Elaina has to go with her husband she refuses to bring her maid, in order to protect her. But then it's like she forgot she said that because her maid is constantly with her and it's never mentioned again. Similarly, Elaina comes to a realisation that if she divorces her husband she would be free, scandal be damned. Then that's also later forgotten. So little things like that just shows the lazy writing. It's such a pity, because at the core I really liked this book. There was some drama and a compelling romance and an AWFUL bad guy to hate. The we got that really quick ending and epilogue, and I was shocked. I was expecting this to continue into another book, but it's going to be one of those series I hate with a different protagonist in every book.
September 15, 2017
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an review.
This book is a coming of age story about a girl finding herself while seeing the world around her through clear eyes. Elaina had let herself be worn down to nothing in her previously life
It cost her not only her own life but that of her unborn child. Now that she is given the chance to change things she finds a new confidence and backbone to prevent events from repeating.
I have two big opinions about this book. My first is that it had an interesting and great plot. I really enjoyed it. However, my other opinion is that I think many people will have a harder time enjoying the book due to the unedited feel. Se readerm can be taken out of the story by grammar errors, vocabulary that doesn't fit with the period, or inconsistencies in huge areas of the plot (for instance the taboo touch that quite often occurs). I also thought there were some issues with the plit, especially with the reason she is sheet back in time. That being said, I still think it's a fantastic book. Overall, I like the different plot and ingenuity of the author. It's not just another Hunger Games meets zombies or something. I think if it was edited a bit more to take care of the grammar, typos, and some content fleshed out then the series could be a huge hit. Sadly, my edits do not save on my ereader due to the form I received the book, otherwise I would gladly send the the author. I would love to see this book do well.
This book is a coming of age story about a girl finding herself while seeing the world around her through clear eyes. Elaina had let herself be worn down to nothing in her previously life
It cost her not only her own life but that of her unborn child. Now that she is given the chance to change things she finds a new confidence and backbone to prevent events from repeating.
I have two big opinions about this book. My first is that it had an interesting and great plot. I really enjoyed it. However, my other opinion is that I think many people will have a harder time enjoying the book due to the unedited feel. Se readerm can be taken out of the story by grammar errors, vocabulary that doesn't fit with the period, or inconsistencies in huge areas of the plot (for instance the taboo touch that quite often occurs). I also thought there were some issues with the plit, especially with the reason she is sheet back in time. That being said, I still think it's a fantastic book. Overall, I like the different plot and ingenuity of the author. It's not just another Hunger Games meets zombies or something. I think if it was edited a bit more to take care of the grammar, typos, and some content fleshed out then the series could be a huge hit. Sadly, my edits do not save on my ereader due to the form I received the book, otherwise I would gladly send the the author. I would love to see this book do well.
July 31, 2017
Upon my re-evaluation of this book I decided to raise my rating by one.
I would like to point out, the MC was so dense. I mean, she went back and did what? Please enlighten me what she did to change the course of her future. The only thing I saw that changed was the whole, she Remembers a scar on the soon to be crown prince?
Fucking mental. I swear. For someone who was forced to merry a man that raped her, humiliated her, and abused her, all because she was caught in an inappropriate position with the man. Mind you, she keeps going on and on about how that moment was what caused her hardships, then tell me... why the fuck does it happen again? Granted, it happened with a different man, but then is forced to get engaged again and the still marrys the man from her past?
Also, she is so stupid. I mean, she keeps saying, I won't let them hurt me, I won't let their words torment me, then why the fuck are you crying all the time. So weak. So fucking weak.
God! the world she lives in doesn't make sense. If a man rapes you, then you are forced to marry that man or your rep is tainted. Then, if this is so, then why aren't all the girls already married. i mean, if a guy touches you, if by only holding your hand or shaking your hand then you are forced to marry that man, than what the fuck?
I'm angry because, this world is about as stupid as a world made out of cotton candy. Try walking on cotton candy, sleeping on it, siting on it, it pointless righy? well, so is this stupid world.
My main peeve in books are weak MCs that don't get strong. That have all the opportunities to become strong but don't.
This book was about a weak woman who was too stupid to be given a second chance.
I would like to point out, the MC was so dense. I mean, she went back and did what? Please enlighten me what she did to change the course of her future. The only thing I saw that changed was the whole, she Remembers a scar on the soon to be crown prince?
Fucking mental. I swear. For someone who was forced to merry a man that raped her, humiliated her, and abused her, all because she was caught in an inappropriate position with the man. Mind you, she keeps going on and on about how that moment was what caused her hardships, then tell me... why the fuck does it happen again? Granted, it happened with a different man, but then is forced to get engaged again and the still marrys the man from her past?
Also, she is so stupid. I mean, she keeps saying, I won't let them hurt me, I won't let their words torment me, then why the fuck are you crying all the time. So weak. So fucking weak.
God! the world she lives in doesn't make sense. If a man rapes you, then you are forced to marry that man or your rep is tainted. Then, if this is so, then why aren't all the girls already married. i mean, if a guy touches you, if by only holding your hand or shaking your hand then you are forced to marry that man, than what the fuck?
I'm angry because, this world is about as stupid as a world made out of cotton candy. Try walking on cotton candy, sleeping on it, siting on it, it pointless righy? well, so is this stupid world.
My main peeve in books are weak MCs that don't get strong. That have all the opportunities to become strong but don't.
This book was about a weak woman who was too stupid to be given a second chance.
July 15, 2017
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
What would you do if you get a second chance at your life? That is the question Elaina Sertan asks her self when she wakes up two years in her Finally Elaina has a second chance to get revenge on Sonia on top of finding her happily ever after. But how did she go back in time? And did she travel back alone?
Overall I like the story. It sucked me within the first pages and was a quick read. However that being said I was not a fan of any of the characters and I found it difficult to understand their motivation.
What would you do if you get a second chance at your life? That is the question Elaina Sertan asks her self when she wakes up two years in her Finally Elaina has a second chance to get revenge on Sonia on top of finding her happily ever after. But how did she go back in time? And did she travel back alone?
Overall I like the story. It sucked me within the first pages and was a quick read. However that being said I was not a fan of any of the characters and I found it difficult to understand their motivation.
February 4, 2017
This was a good book. A different perspective on time travel and historical fiction, but it really worked.
Lady Elaina is a strong female character in this book. This book does fall under the romance category but the romance of the story line is very small so be warned. This book is full of failed plots, revenge, suspense. Definitely, a good read for when the book list is low.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Elaina is a strong female character in this book. This book does fall under the romance category but the romance of the story line is very small so be warned. This book is full of failed plots, revenge, suspense. Definitely, a good read for when the book list is low.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2019
I started reading this 2 years ago, and about half way i stopped reading. I couldn't remember why i had stopped reading it, but i picked it up again 3 days ago, and finished it.And while reading, i remembered why i had stopped reading it in the first place. The main protagonist comes across as really annoying.She 's selfish, whiney and wants to cry almost every single page.
On the other hand, i did like the general story.
On the other hand, i did like the general story.
November 3, 2019
What would you do if you were given a chance to travel back in time? Would you change things and make it better for the world? Or would you be inevitably making everything worse? This book made me question many such things. Elaina was an amazing protagonist, but I think the other characters could have used a bit more development! And there's not much mention of the world the book is set in, except for basic details. I really liked this book, but I think there's a lot of room for improvement!
January 6, 2025
What would you do if you were given a chance to travel back in time? Would you change things and make it better for the world? Or would you be inevitably making everything worse? This book made me question many such things. Elaina was an amazing protagonist, but I think the other characters could have used a bit more development! And there's not much mention of the world the book is set in, except for basic details. I really liked this book, but I think there's a lot of room for improvement!
August 17, 2017
Whoa, this had all the tropes of Chinese light novel do-over time travel & revenge plot baked right into it... and thank god did not follow all the way through with them and instead became much better for it. Some tropes stay the same (e.g., evil and petty people being just utterly one dimensionally evil and petty) but everything else does pick up pretty nicely, and wraps up in one volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2017
What would you do if you had no one to trust and were surrounded by enemies? That is Elaina Sertan's problem. Well that, and the small fact that she's come back from the dead and time traveled. Elaina is a incredible narrator who brings you straight into the story.
October 9, 2018
Struggled to finish
Oh dear. What a poorly written book. Repetitive throughout and very poorly plotted. Disappointed and won’t be reading the rest of the series
Oh dear. What a poorly written book. Repetitive throughout and very poorly plotted. Disappointed and won’t be reading the rest of the series
July 17, 2022
Unpleasant
I was excited for this story till I was about 30 percent in and it derailed itself. I hated it from then till the end.
I was excited for this story till I was about 30 percent in and it derailed itself. I hated it from then till the end.
September 21, 2017
I’d like to Thank Netgallery for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a honest Review.
CW's: Graphic Miscarriage, Violence, Rape
This book turned out to not work for me at all, which means that it could still work for you, if you’re into romance adult books with a bit of fantasy (in this case: time travel). However, I personally had not many things that I enjoyed in this novel, which leaves me with no other choice than to give it only 1 star. This does not mean that I totally hated the book, I just did not like the elements and aspects of the story.
Things that I liked
• The Time Travel aspect was what caught my eye. I love books about Time Travel and always have a need to read more, since I haven’t read enough. So when I saw that this book featured time travel I was immediately captured and decided to request it. I still really liked that aspect going into the story, as we were going back in time a few years, with the chance for the main character to change the course of her life, which brings me to my second point.
• The entire “Second Chance” aspect was really gripping. Elaina has the chance to change things the second time around and it’s interesting to see how she can influence what is happening and shape her future, while still encountering different, new problems that threaten to bring her back to her old fate anyway. It really added suspense to the story and made for a great premise.
• There was a lot of potential after all. I really mean it, this could’ve been a good story, if the worldbuilding would’ve been expanded and if the character dynamics had been more convincing. The entire illegitimate vs. legitimate daughter conflict could’ve made for a great storyline.
Things that didn’t work for me
• The worldbuilding didn’t convince me at all. It felt rather flat and not complex enough. I was honestly expecting more magic, as this was labeled as Fantasy, but apart from the Time Traveling I did not see much of it, which made me rather sad. The Houses were a nice concept, but I had no idea what the differences between them were and why they acted a certain way. There was no backstory on what they did to become important and how they interact with other houses. In general, the worldbuilding didn’t feel remarkable and did not have a clear line
• I also wasn’t a fan of the sexism depicted in the world. Some aspects struck me as rather bizarre. Like how you had to marry someone when you touched them in public. It made me blink at the screen confused, because I did not see any common sense behind that law and it felt really weird. I’ve said before that I’m personally tired of sexist fictional worlds. This was one more example of it. The girls - despite being noble - were destined to become housewives and the main character was shamed by a “suitor” as a bore which made her self conscious. I didn’t like how the girls could become “disgraced” for literally everything, which made my blood boil, because I found this all pretty much unnecessarily sexist. Why do fictional worlds have to be full of dozen laws that determine the “disgrace” of a woman?
• Sonia and Elaina’s hatred felt one dimensional and purely vicious without much complexity. I get why they were enemies, but their relationships should’ve been complex, a hate-love thing, because Elaina originally really loved her, but they were nothing but mean and full of provenance. What also didn’t make sense was how Elaina suddenly cut her off when she came back into the past and Sonia never questioned that. Like Elaina may know her intentions now but Past-Sonia didn’t know that but still went with her odd behavior? (going from being like a sister to her, to cutting her off) I also thought that Sonia wasn’t a very complex villain.
• The book just didn’t work for me at all and the rape scenes made me really uncomfortable as did the way women were treated. The book and I aren’t going to be friends. The rape scene and the guy who’s all obsessive was what really put me off. Just no.
IN CONCLUSION: While this book had a great premise it didn’t work for me at all and left me rather unsatisfied. The sexism in the worldbuilding made me not enjoy the book and many aspects of the novel felt unfinished and not complex enough to make me care about characters and story.
CW's: Graphic Miscarriage, Violence, Rape
This book turned out to not work for me at all, which means that it could still work for you, if you’re into romance adult books with a bit of fantasy (in this case: time travel). However, I personally had not many things that I enjoyed in this novel, which leaves me with no other choice than to give it only 1 star. This does not mean that I totally hated the book, I just did not like the elements and aspects of the story.
Things that I liked
• The Time Travel aspect was what caught my eye. I love books about Time Travel and always have a need to read more, since I haven’t read enough. So when I saw that this book featured time travel I was immediately captured and decided to request it. I still really liked that aspect going into the story, as we were going back in time a few years, with the chance for the main character to change the course of her life, which brings me to my second point.
• The entire “Second Chance” aspect was really gripping. Elaina has the chance to change things the second time around and it’s interesting to see how she can influence what is happening and shape her future, while still encountering different, new problems that threaten to bring her back to her old fate anyway. It really added suspense to the story and made for a great premise.
• There was a lot of potential after all. I really mean it, this could’ve been a good story, if the worldbuilding would’ve been expanded and if the character dynamics had been more convincing. The entire illegitimate vs. legitimate daughter conflict could’ve made for a great storyline.
Things that didn’t work for me
• The worldbuilding didn’t convince me at all. It felt rather flat and not complex enough. I was honestly expecting more magic, as this was labeled as Fantasy, but apart from the Time Traveling I did not see much of it, which made me rather sad. The Houses were a nice concept, but I had no idea what the differences between them were and why they acted a certain way. There was no backstory on what they did to become important and how they interact with other houses. In general, the worldbuilding didn’t feel remarkable and did not have a clear line
• I also wasn’t a fan of the sexism depicted in the world. Some aspects struck me as rather bizarre. Like how you had to marry someone when you touched them in public. It made me blink at the screen confused, because I did not see any common sense behind that law and it felt really weird. I’ve said before that I’m personally tired of sexist fictional worlds. This was one more example of it. The girls - despite being noble - were destined to become housewives and the main character was shamed by a “suitor” as a bore which made her self conscious. I didn’t like how the girls could become “disgraced” for literally everything, which made my blood boil, because I found this all pretty much unnecessarily sexist. Why do fictional worlds have to be full of dozen laws that determine the “disgrace” of a woman?
• Sonia and Elaina’s hatred felt one dimensional and purely vicious without much complexity. I get why they were enemies, but their relationships should’ve been complex, a hate-love thing, because Elaina originally really loved her, but they were nothing but mean and full of provenance. What also didn’t make sense was how Elaina suddenly cut her off when she came back into the past and Sonia never questioned that. Like Elaina may know her intentions now but Past-Sonia didn’t know that but still went with her odd behavior? (going from being like a sister to her, to cutting her off) I also thought that Sonia wasn’t a very complex villain.
• The book just didn’t work for me at all and the rape scenes made me really uncomfortable as did the way women were treated. The book and I aren’t going to be friends. The rape scene and the guy who’s all obsessive was what really put me off. Just no.
IN CONCLUSION: While this book had a great premise it didn’t work for me at all and left me rather unsatisfied. The sexism in the worldbuilding made me not enjoy the book and many aspects of the novel felt unfinished and not complex enough to make me care about characters and story.
March 12, 2017
Hard to get involved.
Interesting story plot but didn't flow very well. Hard to get involved with the characters. Seemed more like reading facts instead of a story.
Interesting story plot but didn't flow very well. Hard to get involved with the characters. Seemed more like reading facts instead of a story.
February 26, 2017
Elaina is brutally murdered by her half sister. As she is dying she grieves for her unborn child. A magical amulet takes her back in time to right before her doomed marriage. She has the chance to do things over again, and correct mistakes that led to her being miserable in her first life. But the amulet also brought back her scheming husband. Despite Elaina's efforts, event seem to be unfolding in the same pattern as before. Can she correct past wrongs and save her country's ruler from her husbands plans?
This is a young adult fantasy/romance. The culture has a rigid set of norms, however, I felt that the main character often disregarded the constrains of the world the author created. This damages the believability of the story when even the characters don't follow the structure created.
This is a young adult fantasy/romance. The culture has a rigid set of norms, however, I felt that the main character often disregarded the constrains of the world the author created. This damages the believability of the story when even the characters don't follow the structure created.
February 14, 2017
Love Elaine's story. Grabbed me from the first sentence. At times I was holding my breath and at others my heart was breaking for her and Evan. The story stayed in my mind and had me rushing to read it until I finished. The only issue I have is that Elaine seems strong yet was too naive at times. And I didn't understand the why so many references of being ill at times. Seems she was sick a lot (fever, etc) and that's when it would go wrong for her. Plus, Ximen I don't get how he can be everywhere. Or the mystery behind him, I was expecting something more of what happens to him. Maybe in another book? But apart from that I completely loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
February 15, 2017
Exciting Story
A very well written and executed storyline. The characters are so intertwined throughout the book that it's almost hard to believe who's the bad guys. Actually, the story is a little boring in the beginning but as you stick with it, you'll find yourself becoming interested. In the end you'll be glad you keep reading as the ending is quite a surprise. I loved the story and highly recommend it.
A very well written and executed storyline. The characters are so intertwined throughout the book that it's almost hard to believe who's the bad guys. Actually, the story is a little boring in the beginning but as you stick with it, you'll find yourself becoming interested. In the end you'll be glad you keep reading as the ending is quite a surprise. I loved the story and highly recommend it.
February 15, 2017
A beautifully written story of traveling back in time with a chance to right the wrongs of a first life and save a kingdom. I would read this book again just to relive the happily ever after over again.
February 10, 2017
Thank you NetGalley for granting me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's always hard to leave a review for a book that left me dissatisfied, so I'd like to preempt this one by saying that my opinion is only my own. Just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be yours.
There was a lot of potential to this story. A great premise about a woman given a second chance at life. A little bit of fantasy. A little bit of romance. A little bit of time travel. But all of these elements never really added up and at the end of it, it was a very furstrating book.
I've seen that a lot of people have responded positively to it and I believe that it is probably because of the romantic aspect. But what fell short for me was the worldbuilding and the writing. Both were unbalanced with some great moments and some not so great ones.
The characters were also a tad annoying and never seemed to develop. I couldn't find myself rooting for anyone.
A disappointing read for me, but I must commend Kassandra Lynn for putting her story out into the world. It's never an easy thing and seeing that others enjoy it is a sure sign that there is worth to it.
It's always hard to leave a review for a book that left me dissatisfied, so I'd like to preempt this one by saying that my opinion is only my own. Just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be yours.
There was a lot of potential to this story. A great premise about a woman given a second chance at life. A little bit of fantasy. A little bit of romance. A little bit of time travel. But all of these elements never really added up and at the end of it, it was a very furstrating book.
I've seen that a lot of people have responded positively to it and I believe that it is probably because of the romantic aspect. But what fell short for me was the worldbuilding and the writing. Both were unbalanced with some great moments and some not so great ones.
The characters were also a tad annoying and never seemed to develop. I couldn't find myself rooting for anyone.
A disappointing read for me, but I must commend Kassandra Lynn for putting her story out into the world. It's never an easy thing and seeing that others enjoy it is a sure sign that there is worth to it.
February 16, 2017
3,5/5
Malgré un style à la 1ere personne et au présent, j’ai été accrochée par l’histoire dès le début. Il y a bien quelques longueurs et quelques moments où l’héroïne frôle le TSTL, mais l’ensemble est suffisamment intrigant pour passer un bon moment de lecture.
Avis complet https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Malgré un style à la 1ere personne et au présent, j’ai été accrochée par l’histoire dès le début. Il y a bien quelques longueurs et quelques moments où l’héroïne frôle le TSTL, mais l’ensemble est suffisamment intrigant pour passer un bon moment de lecture.
Avis complet https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 5, 2017
Wow! I was instantly swept up in this thrilling fantasy romance. From the first page I was drawn into Elaina's journey. There were so many twists and turns I didn't know what was going to happen. Elaina took a chance and played a deadly game eager for her second chance to turn out in happiness.
This is a definite read if you enjoy regency fantasy romances and second chances.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
This is a definite read if you enjoy regency fantasy romances and second chances.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
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