Review: 3.5 Stars. A quick enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2014
As others have noted this is a short novella, which I read in just over an hour. Typically, I don’t pick up something this short (even if it’s free), but I was in the mood for a time-travel romance.  My rating takes the length into account, for I would drop a star (plus) if the same weaknesses kept going for a full-length novel.But first the strengths: I thought the author did a great job with Rose's confusion and struggle/inability to cope with life in the 13th century. I know I certainly couldn’t sew a decent hem to save my life. It was good to see the imperfections and not an I-can-do-anything heroine. Also, the external goals/plot was clearly explained (Rose's need to get back to her time and Julien's need to “graduate” from under this mentor in order to strike out on his own). How that was going to be accomplished moved the quick story forward.However, I missed some items from the story that I wish would have been included. No steps towards love. Just some mild lusting-my-you’re-attractive for most of the story and then to undying love with no real reason – no external circumstance or internal decision. What this really comes down to is “the why” or their motivation.  How does the one fulfill an internal need for the other that no one else has done in the past? It was very muddled. I realize it is hard to accomplish that task in a novella to a satisfying depth, but I missed it nonetheless.That said, I would recommend the story if you are looking for a quick poolside read or the like, and I would consider other stories by the author.  As a matter of full disclosure, I received my Kindle version free from Story Cartel [dot] com in exchange for a balanced and honest review.