A Lady Out of Time: Helen Foster Book 1

It's not easy finding good time travel stories. That makes this one a real treasure. It's well-written and the story flows.

Helen Foster is a soldier in 2089. She is selected for a special mission. Helen must travel back to 1853 and attend an auction, buy the plans for a terribly destructive weapon called Warmaker, then destroy the plans.

But first things first. Since she can take nothing with her, the first order of business is to find some clothes. Then she must blackmail Edward, the Duke of Somervale to obtain money to buy the plans and to live on for the rest of her life. There is no going back.

2

Very well written. Love the characters and the concept! I have absolutely loved everything written by Caroline Hanson. If you like this book, you need to read A Lady Most Dangerous: Helen Foster Book 2 and also Caroline's Valerie Dearborn series.

This is a DNF. The title is certainly a misnomer. Helen was not a lady. There were a lot of little things I did not like that were little red flags telling me this was probably not a book for me. Unfortunately, the book seemed otherwise interesting. There was a lot of swearing and some crude language. Plus, the duke was just about to agree to take Helen to the party of the "not good" ton which party was supposedly full of "debauchery." I decided I wasn't up for anything about debauchery so I gave up reading. Sigh.

****SPOILER FREE REVIEW****

I admit I was a bit nervous when I was asked by Caroline Hanson to beta read this book, but only because I love her PNR series and this book was completely different. I was excited about reading it, but definitely nervous.

I gave this book 5 stars because it completely captured me. It's funny and fast paced and sexy! I read this baby in about 2 days (would have been less had I not had 2 ankle biters needing my attention lol!)

Another thing I admit is not being a huge fan of regency type novels (is that what they're called? lol! Period novels?) Anyway, that was another reason why I was nervous to read this book. I don't read a lot of Victorian era romance novels,they aren't really my thing...buuuuuuuuut, I have to say, the way Caroline wrote this one, I was so in love and fascinated by it all. Having a modern women in the Victorian era was genius!

Okay, on to Edward. Le sigh. I think we're all thinking it, right? Or is it just me? This name made me pause. Yes, I was a bit bummed out over the name. I just can't see this name with out thinking of a certain sparkly vampire that I'm (don't kill me!) kinda sick of. Then I read Caroline's Edward and it was like she slapped me across the face and said, "Focus!" And boy did I focus. Edward is this kind of natural dominant, but well mannered man and every other Edward I've ever read completely vanished from my mind! He's like a safe of contradictions and mystery and I just want to crack open that effing safe and see inside him. Sigh. He's seriously awesome.

Helen is the heroine and she just kicks ass. She takes on the mission scared but determined and I enjoyed that. Who the hell wouldn't be scared? She's smart and funny and I love the chemistry she has with Edward! It's instant and I love that.

Overall this book hooked me and kept me glued to the page. I cannot wait for the next book!

Yajaira Diaz

First I must ask -- do you enjoy predictable books? If NO, then this is one for you!

Time travel and Victorian era books are not usually my things. I prefer vampires, witches and faeries to such complex theories as time travel. However, because Caroline Hanson is one of my favorite authors (check out her Valerie Dearborn series if you haven't) and she supplied me with a free copy I decided to give it a whirl.

Even though Victorian era settings are not high on my TBR list, I did enjoy how Caroline (seemingly accurately) incorporated customs of the time. She does an excellent job of setting up, explaining and justifying the need for Helen (the heroine) to time travel. As the reader it is important to me that I like the heroine/hero and find something relatable with them. Caroline does an excellent job of supplying this as well. The heroine's snarky remarks and internal voice make her a chick you can believe can accomplish every task set out for her. The Duke Edward -- wasn't there a better Victorian name; perhaps Charles, Robert or George would be better given the current (in)famous state of this name? - is your typical sexy strong male lead. Again, an excellent job of developing the character so that you can understand and relate to what motivates him and leaves you intrigued enough to want to find out more.

The only conflict I have with the book and the premise is that if the "bad guys" have a weapon in the mid twentieth century that could change the course of history, how is it that the "good guys" are still around fighting in 2089? I think maybe I'm too analytical sometimes for my own good.

I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say that at the end of the book I thought, "WTH CAROLINE?!"

Overall, another fine example of why Caroline Hanson is one of my favorite authors

Very sexy time travel story between a very modern, outspoken heroine and a very Victorian gentleman. Is this romance? In some interesting way yes, but actually it owes much more to action movies than Rosamunde Pilcher. I loved the dry humour of the book.