Seconds to Act: A Protector Romantic Suspense with Time Travel

Matchmaker #1

by Stephanie Flynn

***SERIES COMPLETE***

She's sent back in time to prevent an innocent man's murder, but she wasn't supposed to fall for him...or was she?

Starving artist April McCall tolerates her job for her brother's sake, and when her boyfriend proposes, she can't decide if good enough is good enough any longer. Promised a distraction, April accepts her quirky roommate's dream experiment, but as she's drifting off, she's given a surprising Prevent Sam Hartley's arrest in 1852, otherwise he will be murdered.

In 1852 Wisconsin, Sam Hartley wishes to return to blacksmithing, where he can use his hands to create, but until something is done about his tyrannical boss, he's trapped. When an extraordinary woman comes asking for him, escalating threats and her suspicious knowledge force him to keep her close. But too soon he must decide if risking her safety is worth mending his heart.

Time's running out, and April must choose between her mediocre boyfriend and 1852, risking her life to save the man who stole her heart.

If you love sizzling romance, edge-of-your-seat action, time travel, swoon-worthy heroes, and sassy ladies in a small town setting, you'll love Stephanie Flynn's Matchmaker series. Each is a standalone with guaranteed HEA, but an overarching narrative. Best if read in order. Matchmaker Series
MINUTES TO LIVE (Prequel) B0855H758C
SECONDS TO ACT B085ZQ5LHG
HOURS TO ARRIVE B085ZG6C5F
DAYS TO HIDE B088DHG39F
YEARS TO SAVOR B088DHB3M3

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Romance, Romance, Westerns

335 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2020

About the author

Adventure, danger, passion.

Stephanie Flynn writes action-packed romance filled with adventure, suspense, and danger. She lives in Michigan, USA, with her husband and kids, and she spends her writing time surrounded by a herd of normal cats who bat everything off her desk, including her coffee.

Find me here:
Website: https://stephanieflynn.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/stephanie_flynn
Amazon: amazon.com/author/s_flynn
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/steph...

My Books

Immortal Protector Series:
0.5 Vampire's Distraction
1 Vampire's Deception
2 Vampire's Secret
3 Vampire's Promise
3.5 Elf Bound
4 Vampire's Demand
5 Vampire's Destruction
6 Vampire's Conquest

Immortal Protector Side Tales:
Deer Holiday
Depths of the Heart

Matchmaker in Time Series:
0.5 Minutes to Live
1 Seconds to Act
2 Hours to Arrive
3 Days to Hide
4 Years to Savor

Pirates in Time Series:
1 Pirate's Prize
2 Pirate's Treasure
3 Pirate's Plunder

Time Travel Romance Shorts:
Fateful Time
One Crazy Time

Reviews

[S.A. Krishnan]

Enjoyed it!
The story is time travel romance mixed perfectly with some action and adventure.
April travels back in time and there she meets Sam.
The story of her meeting with Sam, how she saves his life and how their relationship evolved was beautifully brought out especially considering that April is in a different time.
Enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and how the story ends. Lovely read.

[C.J. Shane]

April is an artist who has been told all her life that art is a worthless thing to be do (meaning you can’t make any money as an artist so why waste your time). She’s burdened with a self-centered, clueless boyfriend. Consequently she’s lost, doesn’t know herself well at all, and ends up working for her brother in his veterinary practice. She volunteers to help out her psychology-student roommate with a project. That project ends up transporting April back in time to 1852 where she meets and falls in love with Sam. The love is mutual. Sam is a blacksmith and frustrated artist forced to accept and work for a real villain who controls everyone in the town.

At times, the narrative moved along quickly and had a fair amount of suspense. At other times, the story lagged. The characters remained true to their time. There was a surprising amount of violence in this story, direct and indirect. In the end, this reader felt a level of frustration because a) despite the satisfaction of her love affair with Sam, April never really resolves her essential problem regarding her calling as an artist; b) there were unexplained references to something called Greenleaf that was relevant to the plot but we don’t know how; c) in the end, April’s choice regarding the time period for her and Sam to live in (and Sam’s sister and her lover) seemed odd and not really logical.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2021)! 🎁

[Riley]

This was a fast paced, creative time travel adventure full of #metoo moments, culture clashes, and terrific characters. There were a couple of unanswered questions, but the story ends in a hea cliffhanger, setting up for the next book in the series that will hopefully address those issues. The chemistry between April and Sam was yummy, and April really went out of her way to try and save him from unknown danger despite all the limitations she faced as well as challenges he presented. One thing that seemed unlikely to me was the idea that a child abuse surviver who has disowned her parents would spend hours trying to sketch their portraits. That just doesn't mesh in my head. But back to the review: family issues, abuse, survival, overcoming weaknesses, friendship, loyalty, courage, hope, and love were some of the underlying themes of this binge-worthy tale.

I received a free copy of Seconds to Act, but that did not affect my review.

[Amanda Lee]

Ridiculous

This is the worst time travel book I've ever read and I've read MANY of them. The h is by far the most ridiculously stupid person to ever travel through time. She brought money from 2020 Back with her and fully expected to be able to spend it without difficulty. She went to a pharmacy in 1890 and was confused and surprised they didn't sell condoms.
I honestly finished the book because I was curious how much worse it would get. Let's say I wasn't disappointed.
The H also calls her a whore for absolutely no reason. His sister was kidnapped and he fully expected her to at least be raped and possibly killed and he just shrugs his shoulders despair life is tough and proceeds to read the newspaper.
I could give more examples but hopefully it's not necessary.
Even if you have KU like I do, don't waste your time.
You're welcome

[Sandy]

An interesting way to time-travel.
This was a really good time-travel piece April works for her brother and has a boyfriend that is kind of clueless. After an event that humiliates her, she accepts an offer by a friend to be part of a research project. A blacksmith Sam Hartley in 1852 meets April and guess what there is a bit of suspicion on Sam’s part. The twists are interesting what will April do? This one is full of danger, intrigue, and a growing desire between the main characters. I was hooked from page one this was an excellent read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Barbara]

Book one in the Curator Series a well written time travel story that kept me turning pages. This is College drop-out and time traveller April McCall who goes back to 1852 to rescue blacksmith Sam Hartley. There is suspense, drama, danger,time travel, a villain, an evil man, and romance. We also get to see Sarah, Sam's sister, and Lloyd her man. I want to read the next book to find out what Jaime Perez is going to do next. This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[5 Kindles]

There are many emotional experiences offered up in this different take on a time travel novel. Nice characters of April and Sam and the growing desire ignited between them. Danger and intrigue keep you reading, and after all she didn't really have a great life going with Levi and she really wasn't a fan of country music. Enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Alcorn]

Another wonderful book I received from Voracious Reader. Stephanie Flynn truly capture you in her great story of time travel and love against all odds. The characters were so real and likeable that you can't help to want to know more about them when you finish the book. A very good read! Can't wait to read the next book!

[Melissa]

Seconds to Act

Kiko sent April to the past to help save Sam. April back to the future found that the trip can only be three times. She helped Sam as much as she could but she got hurt and went to the future for a hospital. Into the past again and Sam took things into his own hands to save himself. April did not to to the future again.

[Charlene]

New author for me.
Book one in the Curator Series follows college drop-out and time traveler April McCall who goes back to 1852 to rescue blacksmith Sam Hartley.
The story ends in a cliffhanger, setting up for the next book in the series.

[Sherri Munson]

Time travel at its finest !

Back in time to horses , no running water and outdated views on females. This book gives a few chuckles, some anger at times and an all around great read.

[Pat Comer]

Wonderful Story.

Thank you Stephanie Flynn, What a exciting book kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. Sam and April were a great match and not a dull moment.

[Judith A]

Great first book

Loved this book, had surgery today was able to read it all, going to download second book in series to start tomorrow. Loved all of it.

[Kathy Danheim]

What an adventure

What an adventure. The ups and downs, back and forth, I just couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Mary Miller]

Really good!

Looks like this will be a great series! Sam and April are good characters with a not so great past that you really root for through the story.

[Susan Saltos]

I have never read a book with so much vomiting. Really? Female main character vomited over every little thing. Make vomited twice, I think. Made me feel sick all the vomiting going on! Geez Louise!!!

One mistake at the end, Sam gave April a gold engagement ring with a large diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. His sister said it was their grandmothers. However, earlier in the story, Sam said the necklace of pearls he gave April was the ONLY jewelry he had. And if he had had something as expensive as a gold ring with diamonds he would have long ago sold it to improve their circumstances especially since his dad made him marry his wife, Isabel and had a contract for Sarah (Sam’s sister) to marry a local farmer when she turned 18. If they had a gold ring with several diamonds, they definitely would have sold it! Not to mention the pearl necklace!!!!

Additionally, Sarah and Lloyd say they’re going to go get married at the end. And it was more than halfway through the book when we learned that Lloyd was black. (should have been mentioned in the beginning!!). They were not together publicly because they knew the town folks would not be accepting of their relationship. Now they’re getting married. I’m pretty sure that in 1852 a black man could not marry a white woman. I could be wrong but I don’t think I am….

A lot of language was too modern for the story. Sam and everyone else didn’t question April much at all for her dress and the way she talked and acted.

Overall, an okay book.

[Paula]

I don't even know where to start... this was basically the worst book I have ever read.

Sam and April are immature, weak, silly and completely ridiculous.

April travels to the 19th century and believes that she can use 21st century's money despite being told she can't numerous times. She knows how to fight but when she could use this skill she does not and instead quivers, lets herself be taken or bitten or both. She allows herself to be in a relationship that is toxic, finds the love of her life, knows this in her heart and yet entertains ideas of couple therapy with the guy she holds the toxic relationship with and who is selfish, does not care about her views or ideas and completely ignores her needs, wants.

Sam has a sister who ends up kidnapped and he continues on in his life as if nothing happened, chosing to be intimate with April instead and go about his business as usual. That is a brother for you! He showed moments of cruelty in the words he used and how he saw reason made no sense at all.

Anyway, the list goes on. I spent the whole book wanting to kill both of them. It is a pity because the original idea is great and worked properly, this book could be a success.

[Simira]

The concept of this book was interesting: match making across time. It did seem like it was pulling a few things from Outlander but I loved that book so didn’t mind. April and Sam: totally get it. The side characters were great. I enjoyed the action and fights. Could have done without the belt beating but I get it was April’s demon and she had to go thru it. Also, nice touch with the secret compartment.
Now my issues: No explanation as to why Kiko is doing this, how she is doing this, why April was chosen, why her roommate for a year decided now was the time, etc. I mean, nothing. We just jump in like ok, I guess this is fine. Then, the sex scene literally right after Sarah gets kidnapped and they have no idea if she is alive…c’mon that’s crazy. That’s his sister. He should have been running to save her instead of acting like everything is normal.
Overall loved the concept and will probably read the next one.

[Ashley]

Decent plot

Decent plot but lacked in emotion, experience, and details. There were a million ways to fix any obstacle that the characters had, but it seemed to work itself out on its own in the end....so why have active participants? And they seemed hot-headed one moment and in love the next. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been there, but if someone insulted me or I thought they were lying, I would just confront them and probably still be a little pissed. Not excusing their behavior without an explanation *shrug* I think with more detail, extending some scenes (and cutting others short—for example the gardening), adding a little action, and upping the “steamy-ness” level, this could be a good book.

[Bookish.n.caffinated (Shannon)]

Concept Intriguing Execution Not So Much

I really struggled with this book. The plot is very good. Time travel, saving lives of two people, how, when, why…..but the characters are flat and frustrating. There isn’t enough development of the romance between the Sam and April. It is really just insta-lust. They have horrible communication skills. The time travel part is not at all explained. Her friend doesn’t provide answers but just a confusing tale that isn’t fully developed and something I’m not a fan of…we are left with questions still at the end which will be answer presumably in the next book. Unfortunately I was frustrated through this book, I don’t care enough to keep reading this series.

[Tess Ailshire]

I love time-travel stories. This was not a wonderful example of the genre.

Heroine in dead-end job, living for others? Check. Time travel proves what she wants out of life? Check.

But there are too many disjointed elements to this one. She agrees to a roommate's "dream experiment" but barely questions the time travel? We realize she doesn't really know her roommate at all, yet trusts her story of a return and a three-try limit? Doesn't love her boyfriend, but has difficulty saying "no"? "Odd clothing" is simply accepted as such in 1852? Small town run by just a few people, but "here on business" flies?

Lots of suspension of credulity here. A solid basis for a story, but the final effort doesn't deliver.

[Linda]

Once I started I couldn't put it down! 5+🌟

This is the first time I've read a book by this author and I was impressed and will definitely finish the series and check out her other books.
Drama, danger, intrigue and great characters.
April is living a life she's not exactly happy with including her boyfriend. On paper he is everything she should want but he doesn't listen to her, respect her opinions or willing to.compromise.
Her roommate asks her if she'll help with a dream experiment and help save 2 guys lives.
She's sent back into the 1850's to help.
She can only go and come back three times.
She's already used two, she has to make the third time count.

[Carlotta Claire]

A wonderful time travel experience

I couldn’t really call what happens between Sam and April as a story. It’s an adventure. One that takes you along as April lives in one world and travels to another to decide where her destiny lies. Sam and Levi. The men in her life, and the choices she makes because of them. Stephanie Flynn has made me want to hurry up and travel into book 2!! Loved it

[Beverly Kee]

Loved the storyline!

Ok as much as I really enjoyed this book, there was just way to much vomiting in it. Oh I get the smell of blood and even a outhouse from someone not used to either, but for as good as this storyline is it was carried on too much!
That doesn't mean it is not worth reading! Can't wait to read her brothers story!

[Melanie Sears]

I liked some things about this. book. The fact that the main character could control when to return to her time was unique. I did not like either of the main characters. They were both wimps who could not stand up for themselves. Especially the woman could not even defend herself even though she had the skill to do so.

[Bob]

Still confused as to what Greenleaf was ... I guess you have to read the other books?
I guess I've gotten spoiled with reading Diana Gabaldon for the past 6 months. This does not flow and is not the same quality of writing, but a nice original storyline and no grammatical inconsistencies that were noticeable to me.

[Shannon Hrimnak]

Not the same old time travel theme

The storyline was Intriguing and kept me reading to find out if it would get better, however the book would have benefited from an editors input. If this is a stand alone book with in a series I felt Greenleaf should have been explained. I did like the way the time travel happened. Kiko’s character could have been explained a little more.

[Avalon]

Time Travel

Working in her brother Matthew's vetinary practice is enjoyable and keeps a steady income. Her flatmate Kiko is a bit different and wants her to do a time travel study to save Sam from being arrested so with a sense of humour she obliges only to find herself in the past. She finally meets Sam but how can she make him believe?

[Lorna]

Ugh.

More miscommunications than a Three's Company episode and all equally stupid.

The lead character is also a complete moron.

Maybe she redeems herself in the last 30% of the book, but I highly doubt it.