Time Travel and Cupcakes by May Leonardo is a witty, lighthearted time-travel romance that swept me off my feet with its humor, charm, and irresistible chemistry. The first-person POV is engaging and funny, blending historical adventure, romance, and a dash of magical chaos in a way that feels fresh and delightfully entertaining. However, it includes explicit romantic content near the end (R rating) which was a disappointment.
About the Book: Time Travel and Cupcakes
Armed with a broken heart, an unused bridesmaid dress, and sky-high anxiety, the protagonist, Natalia, unexpectedly finds herself in 1880s California thanks to an enchanted necklace. Mistaken identity grants her lodging and employment, but navigating the no-Wi-Fi, no-penicillin, no-tampon Old West proves tricky. Her priorities are simple: blend in and find a way home.
Enter Gavin McCallum: tall, charming, brilliant, occasionally full of himself, and determined to win her over. As her carefully constructed plan begins to unravel and Gavin’s past threatens to expose her charade, our heroine struggles with one very pressing question: does she want to go home, or does she want to stay?
BookHookup Review: Time Travel and Cupcakes
Time Travel and Cupcakes is a charming, humorous romp through history with a romantic twist. I loved the witty voice, the vibrant characters, and the clever balance of historical detail and magical mayhem. The heroine’s first-person narration makes her confusion, anxiety, and growing attraction to Gavin feel immediate and relatable, while Gavin himself is a fun, swoon-worthy foil who adds both tension and humor.
The story moves quickly, with delightful moments of misunderstanding, charming romance, and light-hearted suspense. While I choose too enjoy sweet or closed-door romance, this book ventures beyond that near the end, which was disappointing for me personally. That was the thing I didn't like about this book, and that will prevent me from reading the next in the series. However, I have to say other than that, the chemistry, humor, and clever plotting kept me engaged throughout.
If you enjoy time-travel romance with heart, humor, and just the right touch of historical adventure, Time Travel and Cupcakes delivers. The writing is solid, the characters are memorable, and the story is thoroughly entertaining.
BookHookup Note
BookHookup focuses on YA and clean fiction, including fantasy, suspense, crime, mystery, and romantic adventure. Time Travel and Cupcakes does not fit that niche because it includes a couple of R rated romantic scenes near the end. I didn't expect this and don't recommend the book to those who prefer closed-door romance. Otherwise, it’s a lighthearted, fun read for fans of historical romance, magical adventure, and time-travel escapades. Recommend to readers who enjoy books like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon or The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
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I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
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