This Time Around

by Marina Pirlimpou

Blurb:

Waking up 20 years in the past had not been on Maddy’s bingo card.

Nor dragging another guy there with her.

When Madison Pierce finds herself back in her childhood bedroom after an unexpected incident, she decides to act like everything’s perfectly fine and normal. Because what self-respecting introvert doesn’t want a second go at high-school life, right? Except, none of this is normal and she’s not alone in this mess.

Nate Keaton never thought he could land himself in such a bizarre situation, and all for trying to help out a stranger in need. Except, she’s not a stranger but someone he used to go to school with, who is a bit weird and adorable, can’t shut up, and barely reaches his shoulder.

Now they’re stuck together in 2006, renting movies from video clubs, and browsing CDs in music stores, and… getting hot chocolate?

Suddenly, the pull is stronger than it’s supposed to be and feelings are building up.

But why does it feel like the clock is ticking down?
And most importantly, what happens when they inevitably have to go back?

*Perfect for fans of Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies, Elle Kennedy’s The Deal, and Ashley Poston’s The Seven-Year Slip, This Time Around is a contemporary, adult romance with a tiny hint of magic. It is the first book in a series of interconnected standalones. Prepare for a sizzling, swoon-worthy, slow burn romance that features strangers–to reluctant friends–to lovers, delicious tension and spice, banter for days, all the feels, and a time slip that will change their lives forever.*

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/75JeNuY

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I am pretty dang impressed with this as the author’s debut novel. It was fun, with an interesting take on her characters getting to know each other. I loved the way they threw themselves into the teen selves and spent time getting to know each other better. An interesting mix of YA and adult contemporary, with the way they enjoyed all of the teen activities but with the outlook that age brings.

It’s fantastic the way that Maddy is able to take her adult perspective (and later her teen experiences as an adult again) and really accept her quirkiness. With Nate’s help she embraces who she is and thrives. And speaking of Nate … such a fabulous friend and then boyfriend. He’s supportive, caring, and oh-so-sweet, embracing all the things that make Maddy unique.

I will say that if I thought too much about it there were things that bothered me. Like, even tho their minds were 30 something, the first half of the book their bodies were those of teens. And while I totally got behind their connection, their physical attraction was a bit … I mean they are mentally grown adults finding themselves attracted to teens. They didn’t really act on it past kissing but … yeah. And no one else caught on that they were different? Friends, family? Also, the reason for the time travel wasn’t explored either. While it didn’t bother me, it seems to be an issue for some.

Overall tho great first outing! Entertaining plot and enjoyable characters, with a HEA journey that tickled me. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next (fingers crossed it’s Cooper and Liam 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

Marina Pirlimpou is an English teacher, a self-proclaimed book lover, and a proud introvert who lives for dreary, autumn days, cozy blankets, and hot beverages.

She’s half-Greek, half-Italian, and lives in Athens.

When she’s not explaining grammar rules to her – sometimes – uninterested students, you can find her reading in her favorite nook, listening to music, or writing about all things romance.

If you want to know all about her new releases, be sure to follow her on Instagram!

Connect with Marina Pirlimpou:

https://linktr.ee/marina_pir

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