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Love Across Time #1
Heroes for Ghosts
Soulmates across time. A sacrifice that could keep them apart forever.
In present day, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master's thesis in history as he fantasizes about meeting a WWI American Doughboy.
In 1916, during the Battle of Ornes, Stanley is a young soldier facing the horrors of the battlefield.
Mourning the death of his friends from enemy fire, Stanley volunteers to bring the message for retreat so he can save everyone else in his battalion. While on his mission, mustard gas surrounds Stanley and though he thinks he is dying, he finds himself in a peaceful green meadow where he literally trips over Devon.
Devon doesn't believe Stanley is who he says he is, a soldier from WWI. But a powerful attraction grows between them, and if Stanley is truly a visitor from the past, then he is Devon's dream come true. The problem is, Stanley's soul wants to finish his mission, and time keeps yanking him back to relive his fateful last morning over and over, even as his heart and body long to stay with Devon.
Will Stanley have to choose between Devon and saving his battalion? Will time betray their love, leaving each alone?
A male/male time travel romance, complete with hurt/comfort, French coffee, warm blankets, fireplace kisses, the angst of separation, and true love across time.
In present day, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master's thesis in history as he fantasizes about meeting a WWI American Doughboy.
In 1916, during the Battle of Ornes, Stanley is a young soldier facing the horrors of the battlefield.
Mourning the death of his friends from enemy fire, Stanley volunteers to bring the message for retreat so he can save everyone else in his battalion. While on his mission, mustard gas surrounds Stanley and though he thinks he is dying, he finds himself in a peaceful green meadow where he literally trips over Devon.
Devon doesn't believe Stanley is who he says he is, a soldier from WWI. But a powerful attraction grows between them, and if Stanley is truly a visitor from the past, then he is Devon's dream come true. The problem is, Stanley's soul wants to finish his mission, and time keeps yanking him back to relive his fateful last morning over and over, even as his heart and body long to stay with Devon.
Will Stanley have to choose between Devon and saving his battalion? Will time betray their love, leaving each alone?
A male/male time travel romance, complete with hurt/comfort, French coffee, warm blankets, fireplace kisses, the angst of separation, and true love across time.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2018
112 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Jackie North
44 books376 followersJackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 24, 2022
He could not hold on too tightly, though, because if he did, he might startle them when they’d each just confessed their hearts. Time could not steal this moment; it could try, but it would fail, for Devon had Stanley in his arms, and when he kissed him again, Stanley lifted his face, his lashes long on his cheeks.
I’d consider this a comforting read. Lovely is one of the biggest words I’d use to describe it. Set during the past in 1917 and present in 2018, it follows two star crossed lovers who will do what it takes to be together.
The atmosphere of this was beautiful. Even though I’m not a history junkie and don’t think I can comment on the historical accuracy of this, there are a lot of things that seem accurate with what we generally know. I personally appreciated how hesitant Stanley was of being a “homosexual,” and not understanding how it was legal/okay to be gay, or for same-sex marriage to be a thing that many people didn’t even bat an eye to. This shows the reality of someone from the past versus someone 100 years later. I liked following the small adjustment he had to the new life he became used to. There were many differences in the life he lived versus Devon, and the author shows this in the dialogue and the setting. It paints a brighter picture of the story, making it more vivid and adding imagery. It also helps follow along more simply because of the historical aspect of it. It helps the reader paint a picture in their head of the past and the present.
This was my first time reading a time travel MM romance, and I gotta say, I’m a fan! I loved the pining, low angst, and longing of the characters. There is a lot of emotion the characters show for each other. Their relationship was a little too fast paced for me and needed a little bit more development, but overall, their moments together (as friends and later as lovers) really displayed the tender and romantic relationship. Time traveling really succeeds in showing a vast array of feelings between our two main characters, Devon and Stanley. I thought the author’s writing was also beautiful, very descriptive with enough prose to capture the reader’s attention. There is a mix of showing and telling throughout the story, allowing the reader to get a feel of the story as if they were there, as well as following along in their steps plainly. Along with that, the time traveling adds an ache between the men, giving room for yearning. I was glad that the time traveling was actually relevant to the story and not only for the sake of marketing. Even though it’s my first time reading this author, I can already tell that, while there will always be a HEA in her stories, they all won’t be easily given or won. Here, the time traveling showed hope but heartbreak, overcoming struggle but also giving up.
Even though I thought the relationship lacked a little development, it isn’t entirely fast-paced by any means. The two don’t develop an attraction early on, and their relationship starts off hesitantly, with both of them weirded out, confused, and wondering what exactly is going on. To Devon, it feels unbelievable. He’s fascinated with WWI that he’s writing his masters thesis on it, so having a soldier (previously known as doughboy) from that era, specifically during the Fall of the 44th Battalion, which, coincidentally, is what Devon is writing his paper on, is a dream come true for him. However, for Stanley, it’s hesitancy, confusion, denial, fear, and worry. Both of them feel a different set of feelings about the situation. Their new friendship is taken at a modestly slow paced level. I liked how Devon’s fascination with the war and Stanley didn’t take over and cause drama and conflict between the two. There was also no third act conflict in the end, and there was always necessary communication that helped even two overcome what looked to be impossible. Even though the two are pretty much 100 years apart, their star-crossed reality gives the two of them a second chance at life.
“You’ll take me back to the States with you, right?” asked Stanley, doing his best to give Devon something to focus on besides the fading taste of World War I chocolate in his mouth. “You won’t leave me here, right?”
“I will take you anywhere you want to go,” said Devon. “And we’ll be together for the rest of our lives.”
Regardless, I can’t finish this off without saying that I wasn’t fully on board with the emotional connection. It felt like one of those cases where they were slowly building it up, and then before I knew it, they were in love. Then, it’s as if the reader just needed to accept it all, meaning it felt like we needed to just accept the feelings Devon and Stanley had for each other and move on. I think knowing this can help anyone who’s curious to read this in the future. It didn’t bother me too much, mostly because I ended up accepting it and moving on. I think if you become too hell-bent on where the feelings came from, it will decrease the enjoyment. Luckily for me, it didn’t affect my enjoyment too much, and it wasn’t something that I continued complaining about throughout the entire reading process. Still, I won’t ignore how I wasn’t rooting for the relationship at first because I couldn’t understand where the feelings came from. However, I think the moments they start having together in the second half really showed the romance it tried showing when it first started. The moments both men start having together, along with their inner thoughts mostly being about each other, give a glimpse of the story the author is trying to tell. It helped with the emotional connection a little because even if it wasn’t all entirely there, it slowly progressed.
I recommend this story to be read during a rainy, gloomy day instead of a hot one to give you a better feel of the story and the setting. It made the experience a little bit better, personally.
“You’re here now,” said Devon, all of his attention on Stanley, his arms around Stanley’s waist. “You’re here now and you’re going to stay here. With me.”
July 30, 2018
~4.5~
This is a poignant story about second (and third) chances, friendship, and soulmates.
Stanley Sullivan dies on a battlefield in France. He's an American doughboy, one of the spirited young men who enlisted in WWI hoping for excitement and glory, never anticipating the brutality and futility of war.
Stanley's friends are blown to bits sitting right beside him (had they only moved to his left, it would have made all the difference). The radio, the battalion's sole source of communication, is shattered too. Stanley volunteers for a suicide mission. He knows there's no one left to miss him. As he lays dying, choking on mustard gas, he "resurrects" in 2018 in the same battlefield, except now it's a cemetery, and a scholar named Devon is there to save him.
But why does Stanley deserve to be saved when he couldn't save his fellow soldiers?
Devon, a graduate student working on his thesis, is obsessed with WWI, especially Stanley's battalion and the battle the Americans lost so badly. Devon knows no soldier survived, but he can't believe Stanley is truly a time traveler. Devon suspects Stanley is mentally unhinged or perhaps a liar, yet he's drawn to Stanley like a moth to a flame. He wants to hold Stanley and feed him oranges.
But Stanley can't accept Devon's love and comfort when he feels he failed his comrades. So he returns to the battlefield hoping to change the course of history.
Jackie North writes beautifully of the tenderness between the men. There's very little steam, but I didn't miss it. The men's relationship is based on a deep soul connection.
This is very much a love-at-first-sight kind of story. Stanley crosses the space-time continuum to be with Devon, and the men spend but a couple days together before falling in love.
The book doesn't get into the technical details of time travel. We're expected to believe, and I did.
The descriptions of the trenches, Stanley's longing to belong, and his relationship with his friends—particularly the charming Isaac—are heartbreaking. There is a thread of sorrow surrounding the story because war is always cruel, and no one ever wins.
The ending is at once solid and tentative . I think an epilogue was necessary considering the tenuous nature of Stanley's connection to the present. North kept it vague, but I needed more to truly feel the HEA.
(Please know that this is probably just ME. I'm very practical and purposeful, and need details. Most readers will find the ending quite satisfying.)
This is a poignant story about second (and third) chances, friendship, and soulmates.
Stanley Sullivan dies on a battlefield in France. He's an American doughboy, one of the spirited young men who enlisted in WWI hoping for excitement and glory, never anticipating the brutality and futility of war.
Stanley's friends are blown to bits sitting right beside him (had they only moved to his left, it would have made all the difference). The radio, the battalion's sole source of communication, is shattered too. Stanley volunteers for a suicide mission. He knows there's no one left to miss him. As he lays dying, choking on mustard gas, he "resurrects" in 2018 in the same battlefield, except now it's a cemetery, and a scholar named Devon is there to save him.
But why does Stanley deserve to be saved when he couldn't save his fellow soldiers?
Devon, a graduate student working on his thesis, is obsessed with WWI, especially Stanley's battalion and the battle the Americans lost so badly. Devon knows no soldier survived, but he can't believe Stanley is truly a time traveler. Devon suspects Stanley is mentally unhinged or perhaps a liar, yet he's drawn to Stanley like a moth to a flame. He wants to hold Stanley and feed him oranges.
But Stanley can't accept Devon's love and comfort when he feels he failed his comrades. So he returns to the battlefield hoping to change the course of history.
Jackie North writes beautifully of the tenderness between the men. There's very little steam, but I didn't miss it. The men's relationship is based on a deep soul connection.
This is very much a love-at-first-sight kind of story. Stanley crosses the space-time continuum to be with Devon, and the men spend but a couple days together before falling in love.
The book doesn't get into the technical details of time travel. We're expected to believe, and I did.
The descriptions of the trenches, Stanley's longing to belong, and his relationship with his friends—particularly the charming Isaac—are heartbreaking. There is a thread of sorrow surrounding the story because war is always cruel, and no one ever wins.
The ending is at once solid and tentative . I think an epilogue was necessary considering the tenuous nature of Stanley's connection to the present. North kept it vague, but I needed more to truly feel the HEA.
(Please know that this is probably just ME. I'm very practical and purposeful, and need details. Most readers will find the ending quite satisfying.)
March 30, 2021
Audio 5 ++ Stars
Story 2.5 Stars
The story started off strong then fizzled out. Between the separation periods and the feeling that these guys were living in their own little bubble when they were together left me feeling bored and disappointed with the story.
I'm undecided if I want to continue the series.
Story 2.5 Stars
The story started off strong then fizzled out. Between the separation periods and the feeling that these guys were living in their own little bubble when they were together left me feeling bored and disappointed with the story.
I'm undecided if I want to continue the series.
November 30, 2023
Heroes for Ghosts by Jackie North
Love Across Time series #1. Dual time-line M-M romance. Time travel.
In present day, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master’s thesis on WWII. When a soldier trips over Devon in a peaceful meadow, he can’t believe what’s he’s being told. It’s more likely that the man has escaped from some psych ward than he’s traveled across time to help Devon with his thesis. But Stanley insists he is from 1916 where he just died from the mustard gas. The two go back to Devon’s apartment and talk. Stanley is clearly lost to what everything is or does and his hunger has him gazing longingly at an orange. But Stanley is concerned for his buddies back in the trenches and soon disappears from Devon’s world.
Poignant and a bit sad as war always is. It it’s also hopeful as clearly Stanley has a mission and need to save his friends. He has found love in the present though it’s not his time. In this instance, love and soulmates transcend time to be together. Suspend the disbelief. It’s romance.
Love Across Time series #1. Dual time-line M-M romance. Time travel.
In present day, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master’s thesis on WWII. When a soldier trips over Devon in a peaceful meadow, he can’t believe what’s he’s being told. It’s more likely that the man has escaped from some psych ward than he’s traveled across time to help Devon with his thesis. But Stanley insists he is from 1916 where he just died from the mustard gas. The two go back to Devon’s apartment and talk. Stanley is clearly lost to what everything is or does and his hunger has him gazing longingly at an orange. But Stanley is concerned for his buddies back in the trenches and soon disappears from Devon’s world.
Poignant and a bit sad as war always is. It it’s also hopeful as clearly Stanley has a mission and need to save his friends. He has found love in the present though it’s not his time. In this instance, love and soulmates transcend time to be together. Suspend the disbelief. It’s romance.
December 5, 2020
What a beautiful and incredibly clever story! I can't believe I waited so long to read this one... though I'm glad I waited for the audiobook, because Greg Boudreaux does a marvelous job.
A gripping time travel story, and Jackie North weaves amazing details of the life of a World War I soldier throughout the novel. I toured those battle field memorials in the north of France when I was in grad school, and Ms. North really captures the aura of those grass covered trenches and fields of white crosses. Very, very moving and beautifully written.
It's a lovely romance as well, with compelling and very likeable characters. I know there's more books to this series and I've got my fingers crossed they'll all be coming out in audio - performed by the talented Greg Boudreaux.
an audiobook copy of Heroes For Ghosts was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
A gripping time travel story, and Jackie North weaves amazing details of the life of a World War I soldier throughout the novel. I toured those battle field memorials in the north of France when I was in grad school, and Ms. North really captures the aura of those grass covered trenches and fields of white crosses. Very, very moving and beautifully written.
It's a lovely romance as well, with compelling and very likeable characters. I know there's more books to this series and I've got my fingers crossed they'll all be coming out in audio - performed by the talented Greg Boudreaux.
an audiobook copy of Heroes For Ghosts was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
October 3, 2018
Oh, how I loved this story! The author does a wonderful job of evoking the feel of WWI warfare - young men enlisting with dreams of glory and adventure and ending up in muddy trenches awaiting German bombs or mustard gas. The plot is tightly constructed, with Devon staying on a cottage on a WWI battlefield, writing his thesis on the battle where the entire 44th Battalion was killed. Stanley is hurled into the present while in the midst of a suicide mission to save the battalion.
Jackie North's writing brings to life the realities of war and she hits on the all the small details that give the plot richness and depth. And the same holds true with the romance between Devon and Stanley. It's emotional and tender and really touches the heart. I can't say enough about this M/M historical romance, other than I give it 5+ stars and highly recommend it!
Review also also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Jackie North's writing brings to life the realities of war and she hits on the all the small details that give the plot richness and depth. And the same holds true with the romance between Devon and Stanley. It's emotional and tender and really touches the heart. I can't say enough about this M/M historical romance, other than I give it 5+ stars and highly recommend it!
Review also also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
April 18, 2021
4 stars overall
3.5 for the story
5 stars for the audiobook
This book started out SO STRONG for me. The plot, the history, the characters, the feelings. I was enjoying this book immensely ... and the time travel trope was done so well.
And then... then the ILYs came out of nowhere and it kind of put a damper on the pacing on the book for me.
if they had just waited until later for them to feel in love, it would have given the book so much more depth.
Other than that, from the premise to the history to the sacrifices, it was a winner. Stanley, the doughboy, and Devon the Grad student obsessed with WWI and doughboys, got his very own to love. the attention to detail with the history and what Stanley would and wouldn't know was great as well.
The narration by Mr. Greg B. is on point. I just love his voice and his inflections. 5 stars for the audiobook!
3.5 for the story
5 stars for the audiobook
This book started out SO STRONG for me. The plot, the history, the characters, the feelings. I was enjoying this book immensely ... and the time travel trope was done so well.
And then... then the ILYs came out of nowhere and it kind of put a damper on the pacing on the book for me.
if they had just waited until later for them to feel in love, it would have given the book so much more depth.
Other than that, from the premise to the history to the sacrifices, it was a winner. Stanley, the doughboy, and Devon the Grad student obsessed with WWI and doughboys, got his very own to love. the attention to detail with the history and what Stanley would and wouldn't know was great as well.
The narration by Mr. Greg B. is on point. I just love his voice and his inflections. 5 stars for the audiobook!
July 1, 2023
Heroes for Ghosts is the first time travel romance I've read. It's a unique concept and Jackie North executed it well. Devon's and Stanley's relationship was believable despite the unusual circumstances of Stanley being a WWI American Doughboy and accidentally being transported into present day.
Whenever Stanley gets pulled back to his correct time, I could feel the emotional impact it had on our characters. Their relationship grew from realistic disbelief to true love. It was very sweet romance, and I can't wait to check out more of this authors work!
Whenever Stanley gets pulled back to his correct time, I could feel the emotional impact it had on our characters. Their relationship grew from realistic disbelief to true love. It was very sweet romance, and I can't wait to check out more of this authors work!
November 28, 2020
5 stars audio
2.75 stars story. This story felt rushed and incomplete to me. I would have liked more couple time that didn't involve them talking about Stanley's time during the war. The back and forth travel time didn't work for me either. And the ending felt more like a part 1 of a part 2 story.
2.75 stars story. This story felt rushed and incomplete to me. I would have liked more couple time that didn't involve them talking about Stanley's time during the war. The back and forth travel time didn't work for me either. And the ending felt more like a part 1 of a part 2 story.
Want to read
February 10, 2019Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 2/10/19
March 6, 2019
This was so amazing, I literally couldn't put it down from the time I picked it up until I finished at 3:30 AM, it just grabbed my attention and held it until the end. I soar through this book and I just absolutely loved it.
It deals with time travel, where a World War I soldier named Stanley Sullivan sees his friends blown to bits right in front of him and then volunteers to go and give the message for retreat and to come back to his Lt. to tell him and then all the lives of the 44th Battalion could be saved.
But unfortunately while Stanley is making his journey across the trenches he gets caught in mustard gas and seems to suffocate and die.
Meanwhile in the present there is Devon, who is at that battlefield in a cottage where all 201 soldiers of the 44th Battalion died 100 or so years later. He, for whatever reason, became obsessed with the war and that battle in particular and is writing his thesis on it and how the whether affected the soldiers and how it ultimately led to their deaths.
And one day while Devon is out there on the battlefield after a walk, Stanley literally trips over him out of nowhere, and somehow, someway, Stanley has travelled in time 100 years.
It isn't explained how it happens - I guess, other their their soulmates and it's love - but it isn't really the point, the logistics of it. At first Devon thinks, of course, that Stanley is role playing, then lying, then an escaped patient from a psychiatric ward.
But they soon get to know each other and as time goes on, they start to feel for each other, even come to love each other - which might feel fast, and it kind of was, but it also worked for this and was written well enough that it was believable to me. Their romance was coming off page after page and their connection was quite strong that I wasn't feel like "you love him? After one or two days? Really?" I was feeling more like "yeah, that makes sense."
Also I absolutely loved Stanley being introduced to modern day advancements and technology and seeing his reaction to that. I think time traveling forward can be a lot more interesting than time travel backwards - not that it isn't, just that we know what was in the past even though we didn't live it but people seeing the future is something else entirely. I still love it both ways but going into the future is just a little more interesting to me.
Also it was so riveting how this story went. When Devon is taking pictured of Stanley, he uses the flah for one picture and sends Stanley back in time and Stanley lives that fateful more all over again, although he vaguely remembers enough to know that he has to move his friends so they don't die and so on and so forth.
He comes back to Devon in the present once more and spend more time together - and there is some steam, with a great sex scene that was pretty intense and mostly about the romance of it all, which I loved - before Stanley goes back to finish his mission and save everyone and be worthy, he feels, of Devon and their happiness together.
I do wonder how saving all those people changed the world, though - because of course this has a HEA and we wouldn't have gotten it if Stanley didn't save them - because that means children that weren't born before were born because these men lived and there would be people in the present that weren't there before and how does Devon still end up at that cottage if he has to change the majority of his paper, and so on.
But in the end I couldn't find it in myself to care so much because these two got to be together in the present with their HEA, and it is a pretty great HEA that I loved because I wouldn't have been able to handle it if Stanley died for good and wasn't able to be with Devon in the present time.
This whole story was so interesting and amazing and the love story was wonderful, and I felt that the sex included was just the right amount and it was written really well.
One thing I do wish I had gotten was seeing Stanley acclimate to present time, though. That would have been so fun to see, for sure.
It deals with time travel, where a World War I soldier named Stanley Sullivan sees his friends blown to bits right in front of him and then volunteers to go and give the message for retreat and to come back to his Lt. to tell him and then all the lives of the 44th Battalion could be saved.
But unfortunately while Stanley is making his journey across the trenches he gets caught in mustard gas and seems to suffocate and die.
Meanwhile in the present there is Devon, who is at that battlefield in a cottage where all 201 soldiers of the 44th Battalion died 100 or so years later. He, for whatever reason, became obsessed with the war and that battle in particular and is writing his thesis on it and how the whether affected the soldiers and how it ultimately led to their deaths.
And one day while Devon is out there on the battlefield after a walk, Stanley literally trips over him out of nowhere, and somehow, someway, Stanley has travelled in time 100 years.
It isn't explained how it happens - I guess, other their their soulmates and it's love - but it isn't really the point, the logistics of it. At first Devon thinks, of course, that Stanley is role playing, then lying, then an escaped patient from a psychiatric ward.
But they soon get to know each other and as time goes on, they start to feel for each other, even come to love each other - which might feel fast, and it kind of was, but it also worked for this and was written well enough that it was believable to me. Their romance was coming off page after page and their connection was quite strong that I wasn't feel like "you love him? After one or two days? Really?" I was feeling more like "yeah, that makes sense."
Also I absolutely loved Stanley being introduced to modern day advancements and technology and seeing his reaction to that. I think time traveling forward can be a lot more interesting than time travel backwards - not that it isn't, just that we know what was in the past even though we didn't live it but people seeing the future is something else entirely. I still love it both ways but going into the future is just a little more interesting to me.
Also it was so riveting how this story went. When Devon is taking pictured of Stanley, he uses the flah for one picture and sends Stanley back in time and Stanley lives that fateful more all over again, although he vaguely remembers enough to know that he has to move his friends so they don't die and so on and so forth.
He comes back to Devon in the present once more and spend more time together - and there is some steam, with a great sex scene that was pretty intense and mostly about the romance of it all, which I loved - before Stanley goes back to finish his mission and save everyone and be worthy, he feels, of Devon and their happiness together.
I do wonder how saving all those people changed the world, though - because of course this has a HEA and we wouldn't have gotten it if Stanley didn't save them - because that means children that weren't born before were born because these men lived and there would be people in the present that weren't there before and how does Devon still end up at that cottage if he has to change the majority of his paper, and so on.
But in the end I couldn't find it in myself to care so much because these two got to be together in the present with their HEA, and it is a pretty great HEA that I loved because I wouldn't have been able to handle it if Stanley died for good and wasn't able to be with Devon in the present time.
This whole story was so interesting and amazing and the love story was wonderful, and I felt that the sex included was just the right amount and it was written really well.
One thing I do wish I had gotten was seeing Stanley acclimate to present time, though. That would have been so fun to see, for sure.
February 10, 2024
Such a well done time travel story! I always love time travel/time loop stories and this one was really well done. Sucked me right in from the very beginning. All of the historical facts and the chapters set during WW1 were so interesting to read, seems the author really took her time.
The romance itself was very insta. I wish this book had several more chapters to really build up the romance better. A little more romance and it easily would have been a 5 star.
If you're able to really suspend disbelief, I highly recommend this.
The romance itself was very insta. I wish this book had several more chapters to really build up the romance better. A little more romance and it easily would have been a 5 star.
If you're able to really suspend disbelief, I highly recommend this.
September 23, 2018
Funny story, I had no idea what a Doughboy was before I picked up this book. I actually turned to my friend, a history buff, and asked her what a WWI Doughboy was, because all I could picture was the Pillsbury mascot and I just didn’t get what the appeal was. Now I know, and… I still don’t get the appeal, but hey! To each their own!
I loved the setup for Heroes for Ghosts. I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for time travel romance, probably because of how much I love Outlander. The downside is usually time travel romance doesn’t measure up. I felt pretty good about this read, because it’s got such a nice rating on Goodreads and it came highly recommended. It also had an interesting synopsis I thought could have been paced out beautifully.
I’m of two minds, after finishing Heroes for Ghosts. There was half of me that was crazy about the history, and the realism of the war. I felt like the author really put her heart into making us feel the despair and fear the soldiers faced in the trenches. Thinking of their pain and heartache really made me feel deeply for Stanley and his buddies in the 44th. I was really drawn to his relationship with Isaac in particular. It was the relationship I shipped. My hardcore non-canon love for Isaac and Stanley was a major hindrance to the half of the story that took place in present day.
Basically Stanley and Devon didn’t have enough chemistry for me. Or, maybe the issues was that I was supposed to accept their connection far too fast. I think I’m at a stage in my life where I just don’t believe in love at first sight anymore. I spent my entire read, wary that the only reason Devon felt so strongly was because he had a real live Doughboy in his house, and he had a bit of a WWI fetish. I kept waiting for the moment when I knew his affections went beyond the uniform to the person Stanley was, and it never happened for me. Since I loved Stanley so much, I wanted more for him. (*Ahem, Isaac.) Not that Devon was a jerk or anything. Something just felt false in their ‘love story’.
Still, very enjoyable read, and I know I’ll be thinking of this book (really just Stanley and Isaac with some chocolate) for a long time.
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I loved the setup for Heroes for Ghosts. I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for time travel romance, probably because of how much I love Outlander. The downside is usually time travel romance doesn’t measure up. I felt pretty good about this read, because it’s got such a nice rating on Goodreads and it came highly recommended. It also had an interesting synopsis I thought could have been paced out beautifully.
I’m of two minds, after finishing Heroes for Ghosts. There was half of me that was crazy about the history, and the realism of the war. I felt like the author really put her heart into making us feel the despair and fear the soldiers faced in the trenches. Thinking of their pain and heartache really made me feel deeply for Stanley and his buddies in the 44th. I was really drawn to his relationship with Isaac in particular. It was the relationship I shipped. My hardcore non-canon love for Isaac and Stanley was a major hindrance to the half of the story that took place in present day.
Basically Stanley and Devon didn’t have enough chemistry for me. Or, maybe the issues was that I was supposed to accept their connection far too fast. I think I’m at a stage in my life where I just don’t believe in love at first sight anymore. I spent my entire read, wary that the only reason Devon felt so strongly was because he had a real live Doughboy in his house, and he had a bit of a WWI fetish. I kept waiting for the moment when I knew his affections went beyond the uniform to the person Stanley was, and it never happened for me. Since I loved Stanley so much, I wanted more for him. (*Ahem, Isaac.) Not that Devon was a jerk or anything. Something just felt false in their ‘love story’.
Still, very enjoyable read, and I know I’ll be thinking of this book (really just Stanley and Isaac with some chocolate) for a long time.
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April 12, 2019
Overall book rating: 4.5 Because I enjoyed it
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Seeing as the weather outside is complementing this story perfectly, this story, is just the kind of “fantastical” thing I could get myself lost in.
It’s like a fairy tale. A sad one. It makes you think of our human race and how they can destroy and be cruel. But there is also hope and light in the amazing individuals we are sometimes blessed with.
Stanley is one of the most interesting mixes in character. He’s an all American Dough boy, a young 19 year old soldier who signed up because the war was something to do, a good way to support your country and be a hero. A way to move on from his Dad’s passing and being alone. Something portrayed to the young energy fuelled boys as an adventure that will give you lots of stories to tell when you get home.
War is not that at all. Especially not the situation Stanley and the boys of the 44th Battalion find themselves in.
In steps Devon, a student finishing up his thesis on the influence of the weather on the demise and tragedy befalling the 44th Battalion of WW1.
To me, personally, this story was something touching and wonderful. My heart broke for the boys introduced by the author. The lack of gas masks, coats and food. For the friendship and brotherhood build in the muddy trenches for a lost cause.
I didn’t really care in the end exactly “how” things happened. How it was possible for Stanley to find himself in current time, because I was just so drawn into the feel of it all. The desperation to save his friends and fellow soldiers.
Stanley is such an innocent young man. Yet he’s seen such horrors. He’s humble and sweet and he has a good good heart. Brave and loyal even when he was terrified at times. Who wouldn’t be? Who would want to go back and try to save a battalion doomed for failure? Who of us wouldn’t just decided that it was a lots cause and therefore it would be futile to die with the boys in the trenches if you could choose to stay?
I love Stanley. I love him and my heart is just still aching for the boys and men who was part of the war. Part of any war really. For loss of innocence and life. It just makes me so sad.
Devon complimented him so well. And I can see the future for these two. I want to see Devon teaching Stanley about life in the now. About all the things 1916 didn’t see coming. I don’t really care how he gets to do all this logistically because I’ve decided this is my modern day fairy tale. It’s magical and beautiful and I loved it.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Seeing as the weather outside is complementing this story perfectly, this story, is just the kind of “fantastical” thing I could get myself lost in.
It’s like a fairy tale. A sad one. It makes you think of our human race and how they can destroy and be cruel. But there is also hope and light in the amazing individuals we are sometimes blessed with.
Stanley is one of the most interesting mixes in character. He’s an all American Dough boy, a young 19 year old soldier who signed up because the war was something to do, a good way to support your country and be a hero. A way to move on from his Dad’s passing and being alone. Something portrayed to the young energy fuelled boys as an adventure that will give you lots of stories to tell when you get home.
War is not that at all. Especially not the situation Stanley and the boys of the 44th Battalion find themselves in.
In steps Devon, a student finishing up his thesis on the influence of the weather on the demise and tragedy befalling the 44th Battalion of WW1.
To me, personally, this story was something touching and wonderful. My heart broke for the boys introduced by the author. The lack of gas masks, coats and food. For the friendship and brotherhood build in the muddy trenches for a lost cause.
I didn’t really care in the end exactly “how” things happened. How it was possible for Stanley to find himself in current time, because I was just so drawn into the feel of it all. The desperation to save his friends and fellow soldiers.
Stanley is such an innocent young man. Yet he’s seen such horrors. He’s humble and sweet and he has a good good heart. Brave and loyal even when he was terrified at times. Who wouldn’t be? Who would want to go back and try to save a battalion doomed for failure? Who of us wouldn’t just decided that it was a lots cause and therefore it would be futile to die with the boys in the trenches if you could choose to stay?
I love Stanley. I love him and my heart is just still aching for the boys and men who was part of the war. Part of any war really. For loss of innocence and life. It just makes me so sad.
Devon complimented him so well. And I can see the future for these two. I want to see Devon teaching Stanley about life in the now. About all the things 1916 didn’t see coming. I don’t really care how he gets to do all this logistically because I’ve decided this is my modern day fairy tale. It’s magical and beautiful and I loved it.
July 17, 2018
This was a very sweet, partly sad, but interesting story.
If I see it right, this was the first book of a new author and although it had a few flaws, it was very promising. The story is about Devon, an American student, who is in France to study a world War I battle for his master degree. At the battleground he stumbles upon a young man, who seems to be a soldier from that very battle.
From there on, this is sort of a "Ground hog day" experience, with Stanley going back and forth between the present and 1916, changing the course of the past each time.
The story was very slow and for my taste the romance didn't get enough space, I also struggled with Devon's obsession of the war and the so called doughboys - American soldiers serving in World War I. Still, the story was good and I think we might expect some interesting follow up books from Mrs North.
3 stars from me, rounded up as encouragement to continue the process of finding her perfect writing style and maybe developing the stories a little better in the future.
If I see it right, this was the first book of a new author and although it had a few flaws, it was very promising. The story is about Devon, an American student, who is in France to study a world War I battle for his master degree. At the battleground he stumbles upon a young man, who seems to be a soldier from that very battle.
From there on, this is sort of a "Ground hog day" experience, with Stanley going back and forth between the present and 1916, changing the course of the past each time.
The story was very slow and for my taste the romance didn't get enough space, I also struggled with Devon's obsession of the war and the so called doughboys - American soldiers serving in World War I. Still, the story was good and I think we might expect some interesting follow up books from Mrs North.
3 stars from me, rounded up as encouragement to continue the process of finding her perfect writing style and maybe developing the stories a little better in the future.
November 23, 2020
An Atmospheric and Sweet Time Travel Romance
I can see why , I Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd inspired Jackie North to write her well researched, entertaining , heartfelt time travel romance. Both the song and this story share a nostalgic and true love is real feel.
I simultaneously read/listen to Heroes for Ghosts . Greg Boudreaux narration was faultless. He brought the right depth and feel to the story. Listening to him, enhanced my enjoyment of Heroes for Ghosts.
I can see why , I Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd inspired Jackie North to write her well researched, entertaining , heartfelt time travel romance. Both the song and this story share a nostalgic and true love is real feel.
I simultaneously read/listen to Heroes for Ghosts . Greg Boudreaux narration was faultless. He brought the right depth and feel to the story. Listening to him, enhanced my enjoyment of Heroes for Ghosts.
February 10, 2024
This was a very nice read. Interesting concept, gentle writing, what felt to be a well researched historical aspect. I only wish it had more. More time between them especially in the beginning, more build up, less insta feelings. I wanted to know more at the end but the follow up novella is a lovely addition and finishes it off perfectly. Of course there is a need to suspend all disbelief here on multiple accounts, it’s time travel after all. I would have been quite happy for this to be double the page length and really delve into this story with some more depth to their relationship. As it is it’s quite light and easy to read given the subject matter, it has a soft vibe to it rather than the harshness I was expecting from a book featuring WW1. I found it to be tender and emotional but not angsty or smutty. I’m keen to try more by this author.
July 26, 2022
This book started great and it was intense to keep going (in a good way) I love the way they meet each other, the moments they shared and how they find comfort in each other while being consumed by the reality of time travel, it was cute and heartwarming 🥹The time travel plotline was also done nicely I was so curious how it works and it was amazing that it left me questioning sometimes.
I also love the exploring, the curiousity of different generations’ culture in this book. That was what I was looking for, so I was quite happy :))
All of that was the first half. Then, plot went bad for both of them. And sadly to say, it went downhill for me too. I started to get a WHOLE LOT confused with what was going on. It wasn’t just questioning anymore, but just pure confusion and maybe it was a ‘me’ problem with the plot or the writing or my brain was just too slow, but all in all, it didn’t get any better.
I wish there was more to their emotional connection before it went bad for both of them so that I could actually believe that they were heartbroken and feel the longing they had for each other. The time was short for both of them to build the connection and the author told the story as if they fell head over heels for each other. I can’t feel it :’(
I did some thinking. A LOT of thinking and from my argument above, it actually makes a lot of sense about the time they spend together because the time travel was weirdly confusing to both of them and they couldn’t control it. But, they did act like they were so in love with each other when their moments shared weren’t expressive enough to convince me how in love they were. I just don’t understand and was a bit frustrated. I tried to understand that part so hard, I really do.
It would’ve been a lot better if they fall in love at first sight rather than teasing me with their little-to-not-enough-connection and then make it worse. I feel robbed :/
Overall, I loved the beginning and the ending lmaoo. It was quite satisfying to know what actually was going on even though it was complicated and so proud of Stanley :))
I also love the exploring, the curiousity of different generations’ culture in this book. That was what I was looking for, so I was quite happy :))
All of that was the first half. Then, plot went bad for both of them. And sadly to say, it went downhill for me too. I started to get a WHOLE LOT confused with what was going on. It wasn’t just questioning anymore, but just pure confusion and maybe it was a ‘me’ problem with the plot or the writing or my brain was just too slow, but all in all, it didn’t get any better.
I wish there was more to their emotional connection before it went bad for both of them so that I could actually believe that they were heartbroken and feel the longing they had for each other. The time was short for both of them to build the connection and the author told the story as if they fell head over heels for each other. I can’t feel it :’(
I did some thinking. A LOT of thinking and from my argument above, it actually makes a lot of sense about the time they spend together because the time travel was weirdly confusing to both of them and they couldn’t control it. But, they did act like they were so in love with each other when their moments shared weren’t expressive enough to convince me how in love they were. I just don’t understand and was a bit frustrated. I tried to understand that part so hard, I really do.
It would’ve been a lot better if they fall in love at first sight rather than teasing me with their little-to-not-enough-connection and then make it worse. I feel robbed :/
Overall, I loved the beginning and the ending lmaoo. It was quite satisfying to know what actually was going on even though it was complicated and so proud of Stanley :))
April 22, 2021
A time travel M/M romance with very unique settings which is to be expected from all the books in each Love Across Time series. This is something different from the usual ones I read. Also, my first Jackie North book and it exceeded my expectations.
I came across the 5th book in the series which was on sale for $0.99 since a group of m/m authors have a big sale going on, the focus is the theme of hurt/comfort, and Jackie’s book was included in it.
This is the link in case you want to check out the books on sale:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/hurt_com...
Anyway, I decided to purchase the whole series because I liked the whole theme and a bunch of books from the other authors too, like NR Walker, Eli Easton and others participating in it.
This first book was pure and honest even though the setting was partly set in the horrors of World War One. Its characterizations, how tense everything was during that time, and the historical details all contributed to make this a very engrossing read. Both the main characters were lovely and strong in their own ways. How they fell in love felt natural, growing deeper even if they were on borrowed time. It was light on the steamy parts but super romantic which flowed with the whole story.
The time travel elements were not confusing, the author didn’t delve too much into technicalities, it was just there, a part of the plot. My favorite part is that It ends with a Hea and a glimpse into their future with an additional novella (book 1.5 in the series), which I’ll be reading next.
I came across the 5th book in the series which was on sale for $0.99 since a group of m/m authors have a big sale going on, the focus is the theme of hurt/comfort, and Jackie’s book was included in it.
This is the link in case you want to check out the books on sale:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/hurt_com...
Anyway, I decided to purchase the whole series because I liked the whole theme and a bunch of books from the other authors too, like NR Walker, Eli Easton and others participating in it.
This first book was pure and honest even though the setting was partly set in the horrors of World War One. Its characterizations, how tense everything was during that time, and the historical details all contributed to make this a very engrossing read. Both the main characters were lovely and strong in their own ways. How they fell in love felt natural, growing deeper even if they were on borrowed time. It was light on the steamy parts but super romantic which flowed with the whole story.
The time travel elements were not confusing, the author didn’t delve too much into technicalities, it was just there, a part of the plot. My favorite part is that It ends with a Hea and a glimpse into their future with an additional novella (book 1.5 in the series), which I’ll be reading next.
May 10, 2022
This book started out strong. The concept is so neat.
Then it kind of fell apart. “I’m in love with him” after about twelve hours together.. sigh. Kind of ruined it.
Greg’s narration was on point though, as always.
Then it kind of fell apart. “I’m in love with him” after about twelve hours together.. sigh. Kind of ruined it.
Greg’s narration was on point though, as always.
March 8, 2019
His friends are dead, their radio is broke, and the Germans are coming ever closer. Stanley, a young American solider stuck in the trenches in WWI France, knows that death is coming. Be it by bullet, blade, gas, or just bad luck…his time is running short. But if he dares to attempt the perilous trek through the trenches, to get back to where command is stationed and receive the retreat codes, his battalion might be lucky enough to survive the incoming German army. Luck is a funny thing, though, swinging both ways. Because while his scramble through the trenches is cut short by an unlucky gas canister, he finds himself waking up a hundred years later. Not dead–or maybe he is?–and taken in by an American graduate student who is studying the very battle that cost Stanley’s whole battalion their lives.
I had said when I reviewed Honey From the Lion that I’d probably get around to reading the first book in the series at some point…which I did. I just needed a little reminder of it, so when we got the request to review the third book in the series, Wild as the West Texas Wind, I decided that it would be a great idea to finally read this book. Luckily enough, Heroes for Ghosts, unlike the other two books in the series, is a complete stand-alone story, and so it didn’t really matter what order I read it in.
Despite several elements that in the past have not worked at all for me (jumping back and forth in the timeline being the big one) this book ended up being crazy good. And those things I normally don’t like, I didn’t mind at all in this story. I want to say this was my favorite book in the series, but I remember loving the second one as well, so maybe Heroes is winning by sheer fact of having read it more recently. Either way, this is a great story.
One of my favorite things might be that you never get any kind of real guess or explanation for why Stanley gets to go through time. He isn’t all that special, there is no time machine, no gods, no aliens…he just happens to luck out. I loved the randomness of it. Some things don’t need explanations. I felt, also, that it really complimented the whole undertone of this book that some things just happen because they do. Especially in war. His friends didn’t do anything to die other than sit in the wrong spot. Stanley’s battalion just had the rotten luck of having their radio stop working so they couldn’t retreat, thereby causing them all to still be there when the German soldiers arrive. And Stanley himself just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when that gas canister went off. Some things just happen, and you never know why. The idea isn’t exactly hammered over your head during the story, but I felt the impact nonetheless.
I think the only thing that drew me out of the story more than I liked was Devon’s constant use of the word Doughboy when he first meets Stanley. I didn’t mind it the first few times, for some reason the constant repetition felt jarring the longer it went on. I think it might be that I haven’t really heard that term before (at least not that I readily remember) so it didn’t fade in the background as the term “soldier” does. My eyes were drawn to it every time it appeared on page and so it was harder to skim over like with more common vernacular. Actually now that I think about it, I had the same problem when Devon got to talking about the various parts of Stanley’s uniform that I have never heard of before. The not knowing what he was talking about made it hard to picture the scene and forget I was reading. These are not huge problems, but they are probably why this didn’t end up being 5-stars.
If those are the only things I can complain about, though, I think I can rightfully say that this was a very good story. A bit too sweet at times, but I think that is exactly what it was going for, so I can’t fault it too much. I’ve had a lot of fun reading these books. Each one has handled the time-travel aspect so well. I can’t help but heartily recommend this, and the others, to lovers of time-travel, or just good romances that have some very interesting twists in them.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I had said when I reviewed Honey From the Lion that I’d probably get around to reading the first book in the series at some point…which I did. I just needed a little reminder of it, so when we got the request to review the third book in the series, Wild as the West Texas Wind, I decided that it would be a great idea to finally read this book. Luckily enough, Heroes for Ghosts, unlike the other two books in the series, is a complete stand-alone story, and so it didn’t really matter what order I read it in.
Despite several elements that in the past have not worked at all for me (jumping back and forth in the timeline being the big one) this book ended up being crazy good. And those things I normally don’t like, I didn’t mind at all in this story. I want to say this was my favorite book in the series, but I remember loving the second one as well, so maybe Heroes is winning by sheer fact of having read it more recently. Either way, this is a great story.
One of my favorite things might be that you never get any kind of real guess or explanation for why Stanley gets to go through time. He isn’t all that special, there is no time machine, no gods, no aliens…he just happens to luck out. I loved the randomness of it. Some things don’t need explanations. I felt, also, that it really complimented the whole undertone of this book that some things just happen because they do. Especially in war. His friends didn’t do anything to die other than sit in the wrong spot. Stanley’s battalion just had the rotten luck of having their radio stop working so they couldn’t retreat, thereby causing them all to still be there when the German soldiers arrive. And Stanley himself just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when that gas canister went off. Some things just happen, and you never know why. The idea isn’t exactly hammered over your head during the story, but I felt the impact nonetheless.
I think the only thing that drew me out of the story more than I liked was Devon’s constant use of the word Doughboy when he first meets Stanley. I didn’t mind it the first few times, for some reason the constant repetition felt jarring the longer it went on. I think it might be that I haven’t really heard that term before (at least not that I readily remember) so it didn’t fade in the background as the term “soldier” does. My eyes were drawn to it every time it appeared on page and so it was harder to skim over like with more common vernacular. Actually now that I think about it, I had the same problem when Devon got to talking about the various parts of Stanley’s uniform that I have never heard of before. The not knowing what he was talking about made it hard to picture the scene and forget I was reading. These are not huge problems, but they are probably why this didn’t end up being 5-stars.
If those are the only things I can complain about, though, I think I can rightfully say that this was a very good story. A bit too sweet at times, but I think that is exactly what it was going for, so I can’t fault it too much. I’ve had a lot of fun reading these books. Each one has handled the time-travel aspect so well. I can’t help but heartily recommend this, and the others, to lovers of time-travel, or just good romances that have some very interesting twists in them.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 20, 2018
I need to see this story made into a movie someday...
The story was endearing, beautiful and heartwarming with a bit angst.
I was caught by the blurb and it’s beautiful cover. The premise of the story was very intriguing and this book successfully caught me since the first page.
The writing was beautiful and I cannot put it down since I started it. The story absolutely consuming and curious me even more. I want to know what will happen next, but at the same time…I really didn’t want the story to end.
For a story that only happened in hours count (for Stanley, or in days count in Devon's time), the story felt not too rush at all. Instead everything that happen feels so right on it portion. The instant connections between Devon and Stanley can strongly felt since they first met, and each time Stanley disappear, it anxious and worried me…
Will he come back this time? Or…never…
This book kinda reminds me of Bill Murray’s movie Groundhog Day (1993) and Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour’s movie Somewhere in Time (1989). Phil Connors (Bill Murray) found himself woke up each day and repeating what he had done that day over and over again until he finally find the reason on how he’d been trapped in ‘time loop'. Yes, he had a ‘mission’ need to finish before everything back to ‘normal’ again. And like Phil, Stanley also have a mission of his own to finish before the time loop end, to save his friends on the battlefield. If a coin can make Richard Collier (Christopher Reeves) time traveling to the past, then it’s fair enough for Stanley to traveling to the future by mustard gas, right?
And all that happen between Devon and Stanley was beautifully written by the author.
Heroes for Ghost is a debut time-travel novel by a new author, Jackie North. For a debut novel, I think the author nailed it very well. This book was the first of the Love Across Times series, and really can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Recommended!
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
The story was endearing, beautiful and heartwarming with a bit angst.
I was caught by the blurb and it’s beautiful cover. The premise of the story was very intriguing and this book successfully caught me since the first page.
The writing was beautiful and I cannot put it down since I started it. The story absolutely consuming and curious me even more. I want to know what will happen next, but at the same time…I really didn’t want the story to end.
For a story that only happened in hours count (for Stanley, or in days count in Devon's time), the story felt not too rush at all. Instead everything that happen feels so right on it portion. The instant connections between Devon and Stanley can strongly felt since they first met, and each time Stanley disappear, it anxious and worried me…
Will he come back this time? Or…never…
This book kinda reminds me of Bill Murray’s movie Groundhog Day (1993) and Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour’s movie Somewhere in Time (1989). Phil Connors (Bill Murray) found himself woke up each day and repeating what he had done that day over and over again until he finally find the reason on how he’d been trapped in ‘time loop'. Yes, he had a ‘mission’ need to finish before everything back to ‘normal’ again. And like Phil, Stanley also have a mission of his own to finish before the time loop end, to save his friends on the battlefield. If a coin can make Richard Collier (Christopher Reeves) time traveling to the past, then it’s fair enough for Stanley to traveling to the future by mustard gas, right?
And all that happen between Devon and Stanley was beautifully written by the author.
Heroes for Ghost is a debut time-travel novel by a new author, Jackie North. For a debut novel, I think the author nailed it very well. This book was the first of the Love Across Times series, and really can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Recommended!
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
September 24, 2018
2.5 stars.
The connection between the MCs fell a little short for me. Stanley was focused on going back to the war, and Devon on learning all about the war to a degree where personal connection took a back seat and thus felt superficial.
The connection between the MCs fell a little short for me. Stanley was focused on going back to the war, and Devon on learning all about the war to a degree where personal connection took a back seat and thus felt superficial.
Want to read
February 11, 20192/10/19 Currently 99c via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
July 14, 2018
Devon is obsessed with WWI. One battle, in particular, near Ornes in France captures his attention and won’t let go. Working on his Masters, on the effect meteorological conditions had on the outcome of the battle, he travels to Ornes and rents a cottage close to the place where a field of white crosses marks the demise of 44th Battalion, all of whom lost their lives in the trenches that are now barely visible under the grass. Here, he immerses himself entirely in WWI in general, and the Battle of Ornes in general, fantasizing over the American doughboys who fought and died in it.
Stanley is one of those doughboys, serving in the 44th at the Battle of Ornes. That very morning, he had witnessed his friends being blown apart by a bomb and, when a volunteer was required to take a message to the general, Stanley steps up, even though he’s just about peeing himself with fear. Running through the trenches, occasionally braving enemy fire to get his bearings on the top, he marks the hopelessness of the soldiers he passes, who have no hope of seeing him return. Then a mustard gas bomb explodes, and the war is over for him.
Imagine his surprise when he wakes up, not in heaven, or even a filthy trench in the middle of a battle in 1916, but in a windswept field in 2018.
Imagine Devon’s surprise when someone trips over him as he lies in the grass wondering about the battle, and he gets up to find a WWI soldier, complete with rifle, which is pointed right at him.
I love the way the author draws the scenes and the characters. She takes up from the horror and filth of the trenches, to the clean fields, filled with stark white crosses, to the cosy, warm interior of the cottage, with no less care and detail for any. There is so much authenticity of place, detail and emotion that the author drags you with her through the complex journeys of both men. Hey, if the author can make meteorology and an obsession with a single battle and everything to do with it sound interesting, she can do anything.
I have one tiny complaint. The way she uses verb before the object (said Stanley, thought Devon, replied Stanley etc) was a little jarring and frustrating. Otherwise, the writing was a smooth ride.
One thing that particularly impressed me, apart from the amazing breadth of knowledge shown regarding the battle and the war in general, was the authenticity and consistency of the characters. Stanley was portrayed as the terrified, confused and somewhat naïve boy he was, in many ways highlighting, with a fluorescent pen, the tragedy of so many like him who died in that war. Although he came from 1926 and was rightly curious about life in the twenty-first century, this wasn’t a book about a time traveller learning everything there was no know about a much better life. Stanley’s introduction to and reaction to modern life was secondary to his struggle to process what had happened and to take in the ethics of society today, particularly the fact that homosexuality was no longer a criminal office. I also liked that the think he found most breath-taking was an orange.
Devon, a reclusive academic doesn’t quite know what to do when the embodiment of his dreams practically lands on top of him. Stanley was the embodiment of the ideal doughboy, that Devon had been fantasizing over, and he doesn’t quite know what to do with him. Initial certainty that either it was all an elaborate joke, or Stanley was mentally ill and delusional, changes only slowly to an eventual acceptance that not all was as it seemed. It was a gradual journey for both of them.
I loved how Stanley couldn’t quite come to terms with all that was happening, and we were never allowed to forget for a moment that Stanley was from another time, always just out of step and in awe of everything. He never entirely recovered and that, I believe is where the true strength of the book lies, in its authenticity.
This story will stay with me for a long time, and yes, I will be Googling the battle and the battalion. Who knows, maybe I’ll find Stanley. In the meantime, I wholeheartedly recommend this books to anyone who enjoys, battles, time travel or just plain romance.
Stanley is one of those doughboys, serving in the 44th at the Battle of Ornes. That very morning, he had witnessed his friends being blown apart by a bomb and, when a volunteer was required to take a message to the general, Stanley steps up, even though he’s just about peeing himself with fear. Running through the trenches, occasionally braving enemy fire to get his bearings on the top, he marks the hopelessness of the soldiers he passes, who have no hope of seeing him return. Then a mustard gas bomb explodes, and the war is over for him.
Imagine his surprise when he wakes up, not in heaven, or even a filthy trench in the middle of a battle in 1916, but in a windswept field in 2018.
Imagine Devon’s surprise when someone trips over him as he lies in the grass wondering about the battle, and he gets up to find a WWI soldier, complete with rifle, which is pointed right at him.
I love the way the author draws the scenes and the characters. She takes up from the horror and filth of the trenches, to the clean fields, filled with stark white crosses, to the cosy, warm interior of the cottage, with no less care and detail for any. There is so much authenticity of place, detail and emotion that the author drags you with her through the complex journeys of both men. Hey, if the author can make meteorology and an obsession with a single battle and everything to do with it sound interesting, she can do anything.
I have one tiny complaint. The way she uses verb before the object (said Stanley, thought Devon, replied Stanley etc) was a little jarring and frustrating. Otherwise, the writing was a smooth ride.
One thing that particularly impressed me, apart from the amazing breadth of knowledge shown regarding the battle and the war in general, was the authenticity and consistency of the characters. Stanley was portrayed as the terrified, confused and somewhat naïve boy he was, in many ways highlighting, with a fluorescent pen, the tragedy of so many like him who died in that war. Although he came from 1926 and was rightly curious about life in the twenty-first century, this wasn’t a book about a time traveller learning everything there was no know about a much better life. Stanley’s introduction to and reaction to modern life was secondary to his struggle to process what had happened and to take in the ethics of society today, particularly the fact that homosexuality was no longer a criminal office. I also liked that the think he found most breath-taking was an orange.
Devon, a reclusive academic doesn’t quite know what to do when the embodiment of his dreams practically lands on top of him. Stanley was the embodiment of the ideal doughboy, that Devon had been fantasizing over, and he doesn’t quite know what to do with him. Initial certainty that either it was all an elaborate joke, or Stanley was mentally ill and delusional, changes only slowly to an eventual acceptance that not all was as it seemed. It was a gradual journey for both of them.
I loved how Stanley couldn’t quite come to terms with all that was happening, and we were never allowed to forget for a moment that Stanley was from another time, always just out of step and in awe of everything. He never entirely recovered and that, I believe is where the true strength of the book lies, in its authenticity.
This story will stay with me for a long time, and yes, I will be Googling the battle and the battalion. Who knows, maybe I’ll find Stanley. In the meantime, I wholeheartedly recommend this books to anyone who enjoys, battles, time travel or just plain romance.
October 10, 2019
POV - Third Person
Setting - France, 1912 and modern-day
Note: I am normally not a fan of Historical stories, especially those that take place during a war. I do not normally read SciFi, Fantasy, or Paranormal/Supernatural either. I won a copy of this book in a recent contest and because it is by a GRL2019 Featured Author, I wanted to read it before going to the event!
Ghost? Time traveler? An asylum escapee? A figment of Devon's imagination?
Who is Stanley?
Stanley is a WWI American soldier, fighting in the muddy trenches in France, pinned down by the Germans.
Devon is a modern-day scholar, writing his master's thesis on how the weather affected the battle that claimed over 200 lives in the very field that his rental cottage sits on.
For as long as Devon could remember, he'd been obsessed with WWI and American doughboys. (Almost to a creepy degree, especially once he meets Stanley.)
When Stanley takes on a suicide mission and finds himself 100+ years in the future, tripping over a strange man laying in the grass, neither man could be more surprised.
What just happened?
As the story unfolds, the reader is left questioning as much of the circumstances as Devon. Never quite knowing who Stanley really is, if he's real.
Few secondary characters interact with the lead characters and virtually none when the two are together. This causes further speculation for the reader.
It was a well-written book that kept the reader guessing until the very end. There were moments of heartbreak and times that were inspiring. It was beautiful and bold. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the plot moved. There was a feeling of futility underneath the determination and hope that Stanley never allowed to waiver or wane.
I was not 100% sold on the ending, but it was solid enough to imply an HFN ending, at the least, though the logistics still seemed a little foggy.
Regardless, it was a wonderful story and I'm so very glad I had the opportunity to read it and this new-to-me author.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.25 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I won a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Setting - France, 1912 and modern-day
Note: I am normally not a fan of Historical stories, especially those that take place during a war. I do not normally read SciFi, Fantasy, or Paranormal/Supernatural either. I won a copy of this book in a recent contest and because it is by a GRL2019 Featured Author, I wanted to read it before going to the event!
Ghost? Time traveler? An asylum escapee? A figment of Devon's imagination?
Who is Stanley?
Stanley is a WWI American soldier, fighting in the muddy trenches in France, pinned down by the Germans.
Devon is a modern-day scholar, writing his master's thesis on how the weather affected the battle that claimed over 200 lives in the very field that his rental cottage sits on.
For as long as Devon could remember, he'd been obsessed with WWI and American doughboys. (Almost to a creepy degree, especially once he meets Stanley.)
When Stanley takes on a suicide mission and finds himself 100+ years in the future, tripping over a strange man laying in the grass, neither man could be more surprised.
What just happened?
As the story unfolds, the reader is left questioning as much of the circumstances as Devon. Never quite knowing who Stanley really is, if he's real.
Few secondary characters interact with the lead characters and virtually none when the two are together. This causes further speculation for the reader.
It was a well-written book that kept the reader guessing until the very end. There were moments of heartbreak and times that were inspiring. It was beautiful and bold. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the plot moved. There was a feeling of futility underneath the determination and hope that Stanley never allowed to waiver or wane.
I was not 100% sold on the ending, but it was solid enough to imply an HFN ending, at the least, though the logistics still seemed a little foggy.
Regardless, it was a wonderful story and I'm so very glad I had the opportunity to read it and this new-to-me author.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.25 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I won a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
June 20, 2018
4.5 mesmerizing stars.
¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤"Forever begins now."¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I never accept a book thinking of the rating I am going to give it. I accept it because something eventually draws me in. Be it the cover photo, the author, the synopsis (trust me I have read books first, then synopsis after) or just, je ne sais pas.
I have always been drawn to the paranormal. My mum told me even in the womb I was always a night baby, up all night, only settling when she watched horror movies, like "Dark Shadows."
I am even a believer of past life and have spoken many times of my own past. So seeing this story intrigued me and kept me both grounded and excited. I loved the direction the author took and how she embedded Devon's facts with what he was studying with Stanley's truth as he was the soldier fighting to right the wrongs.
I felt as if I were in the trenches, smelling the smells and feeling the cold on my skin. Even now writing this review, I am covered in goose pimples and teary eyed. If only there were a way to prove these things were real. For those who feel a connection to the past, wonder about it, this story is for you. For those just wanting romance that stretches across time, you will enjoy this. I know I did.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤"Forever begins now."¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I never accept a book thinking of the rating I am going to give it. I accept it because something eventually draws me in. Be it the cover photo, the author, the synopsis (trust me I have read books first, then synopsis after) or just, je ne sais pas.
I have always been drawn to the paranormal. My mum told me even in the womb I was always a night baby, up all night, only settling when she watched horror movies, like "Dark Shadows."
I am even a believer of past life and have spoken many times of my own past. So seeing this story intrigued me and kept me both grounded and excited. I loved the direction the author took and how she embedded Devon's facts with what he was studying with Stanley's truth as he was the soldier fighting to right the wrongs.
I felt as if I were in the trenches, smelling the smells and feeling the cold on my skin. Even now writing this review, I am covered in goose pimples and teary eyed. If only there were a way to prove these things were real. For those who feel a connection to the past, wonder about it, this story is for you. For those just wanting romance that stretches across time, you will enjoy this. I know I did.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
January 27, 2023
Well this was literally everything I never knew I needed. A very sweet time travel MM romance with wonderful characters and the world building was phenomenal. I felt so much while listening to this book. It was heart wrenching when for both Stanley and Devon when Stanley was gone. And I just wanted so much for their road to be easier. It was not, but that just made it more real. I cannot read the Christmas story they have out!! Greg Boudreaux was perfect on the narration.
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2018
4.25 stars
April 27, 2021
This was beautiful! It’s somehow the first book I’ve read by Jackie North but it will most definitely not be the last. I will say the I love yous felt a little rush, which is why I couldn’t give it that 5th star or even a 4.5, but I still just absolutely adored it.
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