Crossing in Time: Between Two Evils #1

By: D. L. Orton

Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine, Erin deWard

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?

When offered a one-way trip to the past, Isabel sacrifices everything for a chance to change the rapidly deteriorating present - and see her murdered lover one last time. When she arrives 20 years in the past, buck naked and mortally wounded, she has 24 hours to convince a stunned but enraptured 19-year-old to change their future. Definitely easier said than done, as success means losing him to a brainy, smart-mouthed bombshell (her younger self), and that's a heart breaker, save the world or not.

This offbeat tale is about falling madly in love when one is too cynical for such things, letting go of pessimism when it's the last life jacket on a sinking ship, and racing against the clock when one doesn't have the proper footwear. It's a coming-of-age story for old fogeys, a how-to-make-love guide for diehard celibates, and a laugh-out-loud tragedy with a hopeful twist.

©2015 D. L. Orton (P)2024 D. L. Orton

Critic reviews

2015 USA Best Book Awards Finalist, Cross-Genre Fiction

"Engaging, funny, romantic, and harrowing.” ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

“The Best Science Fiction Love Story of the Year.” (R. J. Kauffman, Panda Books Press)

more romance than sci-fi but engaging

I am not a romance fan. I am not a time travel book fan. I am not a multi-cast narration fan.

And yet...

When I started this book, I was disappointed to find how much of the book was centered on the romance (and I do mean romance - flirting and feelings, lovey-dovey stuff, and even some steamy descriptions) rather than on the science fiction mystery of the time machine mystery. However, these were adults. They had relatable feelings and were genuinely likeable and sweet. I ended up really liking them.

The dual narration was superbly done. The voices were a good match, and the production editing was smoothly done. I was astounded.

The time travel - well, that fell down a bit. The sci-fi part of the plane was a bit disjointed and weirdly contrived.I'm not sure I bought all the science (Sure, we can write a computer program to trace a towel across the multiverse...) in the fiction. I prefer a bit more plausibility.

The writing style was natural, smooth, and fun. Romance fans will enjoy the book. Not recommended for hard core sci-fi junkies.

Enjoyable

I truly enjoyed the experience of a well written story, enhanced by two excellent narrartors.

Be prepare to cross in time

This book was kindly sent to me by its author in exchange for an honest review, and I thank D.L. Orton. I found your audiobook drew me in from the beginning. I cringed at the gun dealer. I felt sorry for the dog. I wanted nothing but good fortune for Isabel and Diego. This book is told through the eyes and heart of Isabel, it makes you feel what she feels. You can't help but hold your breath or gasp for air. It is that well written, you actually feel like you're in the story. Orton brings the story to life.

Best Narration I Have Ever Heart! Wow

The narration blew me away. It was so good! It not only brought the story to life but I felt like I was in it. They are great together. I have heard many audiobooks but these duo is by far the best narration I have ever heard. I'm looking forward to listening more audiobooks narrated by them.

The story was very engaging. It starts a bit slow but if you stick with it it will pick up and keep you interested and engaged.

The story is told in multiple POV. It adds details to each character and you get to know them quite well. Time travel is always entertaining to me although multiple universes with the same people is quite a unique take.

The story does end in a cliffhanger so you don't get to find out if the world was saved and what happens to Diego & Isabel. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Great author & awesome narration.

**This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion**

Oh My!

I listen to a lot of books, and when I am waiting for my new credit to come, sometimes I find a discounted or free book to listen to in exchange for an honest review. This was one of those. I've come not to expect to love one of them, in part because there isn't always something available in my favorite genres, but occasionally I find a keeper. Crossing in Time is one of those. Apart from the fact that I adore time-travel books, and simply love end-of-the world scenarios, this books was well written, and by an author with obvious talent in the story-telling department. I'm going to feel kind of bad ranting and raving over how much I loved this book as opposed to others I have reviewed, but dang! it was good! There was one little inconsistency that had me slightly confused, but it didn't have any effect on the plot, so, all in all, it was a perfect read for me! The sequel just came out on Kindle, and I can't wait for it to be on Audible. This is one book I will absolutely listen to again, which is a rare thing for me. The story pulls you in, and the characters keep you interested. I found myself wondering what I would have done had I been in the female lead's place. They all had to make some hard choices, as well as learn to trust and not give up hope. 'Well Done' to the author and narrator.

I received a copy of this audio book free or at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.

"A Beautifully Written and Performed Epic"

"A Beautifully Written and Performed Epic"

Crossing in Time was such an intriguing listen. It had everything going for it. Romance, sci fi, time travel, great characters. I loved this novel. Isabel and Diego were awesome characters. With the story being about time travel, I never lost track of who was where.

The story was enthralling, especially when Is travels back in time to try and help Diego (Tego) figure her out in the future. It was really interesting and I couldn't help but linger on every word. And speaking of that; I loved the dialogue in this story as well as the alternating chapters of Isabel, Diego, and Matt. And the sea shell theme was neat. To me, it seemed metaphoric to the story. It was fun, playful, sexy, romantic, and many times serious. An overall worthwhile and unforgettable listen.

The two narrators, Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard were fabulous. Each of their voices worked so well with the other. I really enjoyed listening to them and I loved the preview of Lost Time, The Second Disaster and can't wait to listen to it.

I was given a copy of this book free of charge by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an honest review through Audiobook Boom.

Crossing in time

I liked this book much more than I expected.I usually get distracted with more than one narrator,but this time was magic!Noah Michael Levine and Erin Deward are wonderful!The story itself was familiar,similar to others I have read.There was a bit too much repetition and I still don't care much for Isobel.She is a bit too whiney.I would like to read the next book,just to see where it goes.I was gifted this book for an honest review.

The characters feel very real

Crossing In Time is the first book in the Between Two Evils series and D.L. Orton's debut novel. That is difficult to believe because her style of writing is extremely fluid and wonderfully immersive. She has a fantastic command of language, and I loved the subtle humor throughout the book.

Crossing In Time can't be classified as belonging to one single genre. This is science-fiction, it is romance, it is action and adventure. There is something here for everyone.

It is the story of the relationship between Isabel and Diego and how this relationship could prevent world annihilation. It is told from three different perspectives: Isabel's, Diego's and Matt's. Matt is a British scientist who is recruited with a bunch of other interesting characters to develop a time machine which enables Isabel to travel back into the past to work on her future relationship with Diego.

The characters feel very real and are easy to relate to. There are no one dimensional alpha males or damsels in distress here; these are your average people next-door type of characters that are properly fleshed out and authentic.

The romantic relationship between Isabel and Diego was endearing and sweet. There are some sex scenes, which I found fairly mild and tastefully done, but I have noticed that other reviewers felt they were steamy and explicit. So I guess it depends what you are used to reading. My only criticism would be that the sexual relationship took over a bit towards the end of the book. The stroking and caressing could have been condensed.

What I particularly enjoyed were the scenes of Isabel coping with survival in the bleak and dangerous dystopian future. Some of those descriptions got my heart pumping more than the love scenes. Overall, the story kept me thoroughly entertained and engrossed.

The ending leaves you with the frantic need to find out more about Isabel and Diego's as well as Matt's future, and I will certainly look out for part 2.

As far as the narration is concerned: I would give more than 5 stars if I could.

Having two narrators can be very tricky. The way that it was done here was absolutely impressive. Noah Michael Levine and Erin de Ward were a fantastic team. They had perfect timing and the narration was incredibly fluid. Noah Michael Levine did an amazing job switching effortlessly between the characters of Matt and Diego and keeping the accents straight. It felt like being at the movies. Outstanding performance! This is the sort of audiobook you want to give to people who don't do audiobooks to show them what they are missing. There were no issues with the production.

Crossing In Time should appeal to a wide audience because of its mix of genres and because of the exceptional narration.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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really good

If you do not listen to this book you are missing out. Story is a cliffhanger can't wait for next book. Narration is wonderful. All books should be read in this manner.

Simply Spectacular !!!

The main characters Isabel and Diego are intense. It took a short time to comprehend the plot. Yet, once I did, I could not stop listening to this book. The imagery is amazing. What a well polished author D.L. Orion is. The action, suspense and love are perfectly situated within the plot. A story of true love with major cosmic barriers preventing their bliss. I anxiously await the sequel. I highly recommend this book for all.