As a lover of historical romance and time travel narratives, I was immediately drawn to Time of the Rose, the first installment of the Twisted Rose Saga by Bonita Clifton. The premise of a Wyoming rancher, Colton Chase, being thrust into the future after plucking a mystical rose had me intrigued. The blending of romance, adventure, and a touch of historical authenticity in an unexpected time period promised an engaging read.
I dove right into the book, and right from the start, I loved the character of Madison Calloway, who travels to Jackson Hole for business. Her initial reluctance and skepticism towards Colt, the rugged cowboy from another time, are refreshingly real. Clifton adeptly captures the era’s distinct dialogue and mannerisms, which added an enjoyable layer of authenticity to Colt’s character.
What stood out positively for me were the deeply emotional moments that Clifton weaves throughout the story. Reviewer KittyMama59 aptly noted that “this novel jumps off the page” with its blend of romance and heart-pounding intrigue. Indeed, the chemistry between Madison and Colt transcends time, which Melissa D. beautifully described as “a romance for all time.” Their evolving relationship, fraught with tension and conflict as they navigate both their feelings and the perils of Colt’s past, was captivating and kept me turning the pages.
However, I did find the pacing slow in the beginning. It took a few chapters for the story to really pick up. Dana Garcia pointed this out, mentioning it was a “bit of a slow start,” yet she was ultimately hooked, which I completely resonate with. The build-up is essential, but a faster introduction to the main conflict would have heightened my excitement even more.
Another downside was the occasional awkward dialogue, which some readers noted in their reviews. Although attempts at historical accuracy are commendable, there were moments that felt a bit forced or overly dramatic. While this didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience, it was noticeable enough to warrant mention.
What was particularly refreshing was how the author tackles complex themes such as love, trauma, and the harsh realities of historical life in the West. The unexpected turn when Madison discovers Colt’s grim fate in a history book made the stakes feel real and pulse-pounding. I agreed wholeheartedly with one reader who commented on the author’s thorough historical research; the details surrounding the 19th-century West are both gripping and informative, enriching the reading experience.
Time of the Rose effectively blends romance, suspense, and adventure, making it a delight for fans of the genre. The unique premise of time travel mixed with genuine emotional depth kept me engaged. The stakes remained high as the fates of both protagonists hung in the balance, adding an urgency to their romance.
In conclusion, if you’re a time travel romance aficionado, this book is definitely worth your time. Despite its initial slow pacing and occasional dialogue hiccups, the emotional journey of Madison and Colt, combined with an intriguing storyline, makes for an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fellow enthusiasts. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series to see how their story evolves from here. Overall, I’m leaning towards a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for Time of the Rose. It’s a charming beginning to what promises to be an exciting saga!
"Step into an enchanting journey with Time of the Rose, where love transcends time and adventure awaits in the Wild West."
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