Book Review: The Time Collector by Gwendolyn Womack

Author:  Gwendolyn Womack  
Title: The Time Collector
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, and Romance
Pages: 352
Published: April 16th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



Roan West was born with an extraordinary gift: he can perceive the past of any object he touches. A highly skilled pyschometrist, he uses his talents to find and sell valuable antiques, but his quiet life in New Orleans is about to change. Stuart, a fellow pyschometrist and Roan’s close friend, has used his own abilities to unearth several out-of-place-artifacts or “ooparts”—like a ring that once belonged to the seventeenth-century mathematician and philosopher René Descartes, but was found buried in prehistoric bedrock.

The relics challenge recorded history, but soon after the discovery, Stuart disappears, making him one of several psychometrists who have recently died or vanished without a trace. When Roan comes across a viral video of a young woman who has discovered a priceless pocket watch just by “sensing” it, he knows he has to warn her—but will Melicent Tilpin listen? And can Roan find Stuart before it’s too late?

I was drawn in right away! The summary, the cover, and just the general idea of it. I was for sure a moth to the flame. 

The story follows Roan and Melicent. They were both born with amazing gifts. They both can perceive the past of any object they touch. Melicent's powers are not as good yet, but Roan is pretty good at it. Stuart, Roan's pal, has used his own powers to unearth several out-of-place-artifacts. There is a connection between all of them but what? When Stuart goes missing along with a few others with similar gifts, Roan is forced to figure out what is going on and warn the young Melicent. 

I have always wanted this power or something similar. I love history and antiques. Can you imagine?? That would be amazing. Like all powers, there are cons to having them. 

The whole ooparts is amazing to me and I loved the author's blend of this real-life oddity to the story! 

Roan was fun. I liked him. 

Same with Melicent. I liked her from the beginning. Her little brother was a snotball. Yes, I get the WHYS, but still. I wanted to kick him and shake some sense into him! Sun was awesome and so strong. I wish we had more Sun!

The author was amazing. I was hooked from page one and I didn't want to put it down. The mystery was intriguing and I had my theories but I was wrong. Kuddos to the big twist! It all made sense though. HOW DID I NOT SEE IT? Maybe it was because I really didn't want to? IDK, but I was surprised. Ooooo that baddie. 

The romance aspect seemed a touch forced and I didn't really see the chemistry there, but the romance isn't the main aspect so it wasn't a huge issue.

Overall, I really liked this book. It was super good. The romance aspect was my only little hiccup. Everything else was awesome. The characters, the story, the mystery, the jumps to the past, and the twist at the end. I'll give this a 4! 

Book 11 of 16/25

Audibook Review: Captured by the Pirate Laird

Author: Amy Jarecki
Narrator: Paul Woodson 
Title: Captured by the Pirate Laird
(Highland Force #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 23rd 2014 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire.

Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end. 

But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms. 

Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love? 

A random find when looking for "PIRATE" in the title. 

The story follows Lady Anne who is wed by proxy to a baron who is not only old enough to be her grandpop but also a real jerk. On her way to him, the ship is attacked by Scottish pirates. Laird Calum decides that maybe they can get some extra money by ransoming her. However, as an HR, they fall in love. 

I adored Calum. It would be hard to resist his charms! He was an all-around good guy even though he was a pirate. Gotta do whatcha gotta do!

Anne was okay. She was a typical damsel-in-distress. Always getting hurt and falling and etc. However, she did earn a lot of brownie points near the end there, but still...put her in a room and lock the door. I gained some respect for her at the end there though!

Ugh that baddie was terrible. I hated him. I couldn't wait for the Scots to get revenge on that jerkface!!

This was insta-lust and it made sense. It took a while for love. They became friends first and then realized they needed and loved each other. It was all very sweet. But holy chemistry! But can you blame the lass? I adored him!

Some big historical oopsies, but they were easy to look past since I know HRs are not the most historically accurate. They were not too glaringly obvious so yes. 

That ending! Woah! So explosive. I had no idea what was going to happen. 

The narrator was really good. I enjoyed his voice a lot! His girl's voice was done well too!

Overall, I did like it. Some little things that annoyed me, but overall it was fun. The ending was great! I even gave some brownie points to Miss Damsel-in-Distress! I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Pirate!

Best of April 2019

Happy May! 

Sadly, Blodeuedd won't be able to join so you just have my picks. Sorry guys! Miss you Blodeuedd! 

Favorite Movie of the Month:

Yo-Kai Watch Movie (2014)

Best movie this month goes to this one! It is cute and has a good meaning. Fun for kids and adults!

Best Audiobook of the Month:

Wild Irish Witch by Tricia O'Malley

I am SOOO in love with this series. This one was super good. The last couple have been good, but this is one of the best of the series! The narrator is amazing as per normal. 

Best Paper/Ebook of the Month:

A Perfect Secret by Donna Hatch

This was by far the best book of the month for sure. Fun storyline, fun characters. I was unsure how it was all going to end!

Best Cover of the Month:

LOVE the pink!! So beautiful!

Wordless Wednesday