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Time after Time
Bewildered by a series of erotic dreams, Michael Ballantyne, a young graphic artist living in Los Angeles is eager to uncover their meaning. When he is informed that he is the sole beneficiary in an unknown man's will and is now the owner of a large estate in Hertfordshire, England, Michael feels that somehow he has been given a key to unlock the dreams' mysteries. This feeling grows stronger when he comes face to face with Jonathan Robertson, a handsome Englishman, who more than just resembles the man in his dreams. Together they attempt to solve the mystery that surrounds the disappearance and apparent murder of Jonathan Harcourt, the son of the previous owner of Bedford Park. The mutual attraction they quickly feel for one another is hampered by the sudden arrival of Michael's jealous boyfriend, Steve Miller, and by Jack Trenton, a formidable and uninvited presence who has occupied the lodge by the estate gates. When Michael, along with his now ex-boyfriend, Steve, is held hostage by Trenton, it becomes clear that Bedford Park holds many more secrets than anyone ever thought. Michael and Jonathan are soon to discover that the keepers of those secrets are dangerous men, willing to stop at nothing in order to make an ancient oath come to pass.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2009
6 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Bowie
136 books232 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 5, 2019
3.5 stars, actually more like 3.25. However, it’s not the book, it’s me and “ghost” stories, which will never be my favorite. Hence rounding stars up rather than down.
Read for a Bingo Challenge.
Read for a Bingo Challenge.
January 9, 2014
I have had this story in my tbr pile for ages. I am glad I finally managed to read it because it was really enjoyable.
Two men (Michael and Jonathan) are brought together through dreams and a series of coincidences. Once they meet they realise that they have both had the same dreams and that their long passed relatives were not only lovers but were killed or had disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Coupled together with some hauntings and eerie happenings Michael and Jonathan discover the truth about their heritage and who they really are. They also realise that they have been brought together to solve the mystery of their long lost relatives and to bring them justice and peace.
The story was very predictable. I guessed what was going to happen within the first few pages but it was still good to read. The story is quite faced paced, the pieces of the jigsaw come together quite quickly and I liked this because it meant the story didn't drag or get boring. I also liked the sinister side to the story and the constant tension with a deep frisson of danger and darkness. This kept me on my toes because although it is clear that evil is at work I couldn't be sure when it was going to leap off the pages.
The only problem i had with this book was the police and court procedure. It was rather implausible and made the story a bit weak. I also felt that the way Michael kept putting himself at risk and charging ahead to investigate on his own was silly but all in all it was still a good story.
Hauntings, mystery and romance in a fast paced and tension filled combo!!
August 9, 2010
I think I liked this book more than I think I liked it. I know, huh? I mean, it took forever to finish and I felt like it just went on and on, but I think there were a lot of outside factor that contributed to that for me.
Michael is a graphic artists just making ends meet and in a dud of a relationship, living in LA. He's also been having graphic erotic dreams about a man he's never met. When he gets a call from London saying he has inheritance that he needs to collect, he thinks it's a scam. But then he finds out about a previously unknown relative, and his connection to the inheritance. Also he needs to solve a murder mystery from 60 years ago. Once in London he attempts to find out more about his relative and along the way meets Jonathan. Together they hope they can solve the mystery.
Like I said I enjoyed it. When I read mysteries I don't trust anyone and I keep waiting for everyone to betray the main characters. I was pretty clear on who the bad guys were, the clues were all there you just had to piece them together. Maybe there were a few things I would have liked to have been address, but that's just me and it didn't take away from the story.
Michael is a graphic artists just making ends meet and in a dud of a relationship, living in LA. He's also been having graphic erotic dreams about a man he's never met. When he gets a call from London saying he has inheritance that he needs to collect, he thinks it's a scam. But then he finds out about a previously unknown relative, and his connection to the inheritance. Also he needs to solve a murder mystery from 60 years ago. Once in London he attempts to find out more about his relative and along the way meets Jonathan. Together they hope they can solve the mystery.
Like I said I enjoyed it. When I read mysteries I don't trust anyone and I keep waiting for everyone to betray the main characters. I was pretty clear on who the bad guys were, the clues were all there you just had to piece them together. Maybe there were a few things I would have liked to have been address, but that's just me and it didn't take away from the story.
December 18, 2011
This book was recommended by a friend of mine with quite a firm assurance that this wasn't to be missed. Turns out: she's right!
I finished reading in in a few hours. The storyline gripped me from the first page to the last. I wasn't much for paranormal story involving ghosts; this is my first one on the GLBT genre.
This book contains quite some steamy scenes both from past and present, in dreams and in real life of Michael and Jonathan (our heroes) in pre-WWII, after, and in early 21st century. Those are two couples by the same names on different times.
I like that the author isn't trying to look clever and solve all the questions the readers (such as me) had. Then again, not all things have ready answer in real life. All I'm saying is I enjoy this book, and for sure this would be one of those under the repeatedly-read category. :)
I finished reading in in a few hours. The storyline gripped me from the first page to the last. I wasn't much for paranormal story involving ghosts; this is my first one on the GLBT genre.
This book contains quite some steamy scenes both from past and present, in dreams and in real life of Michael and Jonathan (our heroes) in pre-WWII, after, and in early 21st century. Those are two couples by the same names on different times.
I like that the author isn't trying to look clever and solve all the questions the readers (such as me) had. Then again, not all things have ready answer in real life. All I'm saying is I enjoy this book, and for sure this would be one of those under the repeatedly-read category. :)
April 12, 2013
Wow really engaging and captivating story, couldn't put it down, till I finished :)
As usual great MCs and at first I liked the idea of present time Michael and Jonathan being the reincarnations of the past time lovers, but later on as it turned out they weren't I think it's for the best. Their love's even more valuable and unique that way and it was so good seing original Michael and Jonathan being finally reunited.
I only didn't like the original Jonathan sleeping with a woman while Michael was away at war. I know it's done for tying present time Jonathan to him through blood relation, but still it left bad taste in my mouth.
The paranormal aspect was very neatly interwined with the story and I enjoyed it a lot even if normally I'm not a fan of it. Highly recommended!
As usual great MCs and at first I liked the idea of present time Michael and Jonathan being the reincarnations of the past time lovers, but later on as it turned out they weren't I think it's for the best. Their love's even more valuable and unique that way and it was so good seing original Michael and Jonathan being finally reunited.
I only didn't like the original Jonathan sleeping with a woman while Michael was away at war. I know it's done for tying present time Jonathan to him through blood relation, but still it left bad taste in my mouth.
The paranormal aspect was very neatly interwined with the story and I enjoyed it a lot even if normally I'm not a fan of it. Highly recommended!
August 31, 2010
A terrific book with a dual love story between the two main characters, Michael and Jonathan,and there murdered family members, Jonathan and Michael. A well put together book by J.P.Bowie that keeps the reader caught up in both lover's lives and the people that affecter them. Definitely worth reading if you've past it up before.
September 15, 2017
J P Bowie has crafted an excellent intriguing romantic mystery. But...there is more. The romance and mystery has its roots in 2 ghosts, who are the ancestors of the 2 MCs, who were also lovers.
Two young men, one English and the other American, are brought together by their mutual dreams of their 2 ancestors, who had been lovers in the mid 1900s. In addition, the 2 young men also happen to be carbon copies of their 2 respective ancestors.
The story is quickly thrown into high gear when the American inherits a stately English manor and a 'pot of gold' from an English gentleman who was unknown to him. Once the American is picked up by the manor's chauffeur in the Rolls, the the American quickly learns that his mysterious dreams are have meaning. It is that meaning which forms the intricate story which unfolds: the meeting of his preordained lover and the unraveling of the mysterious disappearance of his ancestor.
One could categorize this story as either character or plot driven. Both MC, as well as a few secondary characters, are very well fleshed out, and their respective dreams create the perfect backdrop for their intense romance. On the other hand, in order for their romance to fully blossom, the MCs must resolve the mysterious disappearance of their 2 ancestors.
The mystery also introduces one of a most delightful secondary character, the elderly town librarian. The librarian is the person in the community 'who would know if anyone does.' As the MCs unravel their mystery of their ancestors, the MCs learn that the librarian is more than just a source of history about the community.
A beautiful romance coupled with a paranormal-laced mystery, TIME AFTER TIME is a novel whose characters and story you will remember long after you finish the last page. And, the town librarian must have been inspired by Miss Marple with a touch of Aunt Bee.
Two young men, one English and the other American, are brought together by their mutual dreams of their 2 ancestors, who had been lovers in the mid 1900s. In addition, the 2 young men also happen to be carbon copies of their 2 respective ancestors.
The story is quickly thrown into high gear when the American inherits a stately English manor and a 'pot of gold' from an English gentleman who was unknown to him. Once the American is picked up by the manor's chauffeur in the Rolls, the the American quickly learns that his mysterious dreams are have meaning. It is that meaning which forms the intricate story which unfolds: the meeting of his preordained lover and the unraveling of the mysterious disappearance of his ancestor.
One could categorize this story as either character or plot driven. Both MC, as well as a few secondary characters, are very well fleshed out, and their respective dreams create the perfect backdrop for their intense romance. On the other hand, in order for their romance to fully blossom, the MCs must resolve the mysterious disappearance of their 2 ancestors.
The mystery also introduces one of a most delightful secondary character, the elderly town librarian. The librarian is the person in the community 'who would know if anyone does.' As the MCs unravel their mystery of their ancestors, the MCs learn that the librarian is more than just a source of history about the community.
A beautiful romance coupled with a paranormal-laced mystery, TIME AFTER TIME is a novel whose characters and story you will remember long after you finish the last page. And, the town librarian must have been inspired by Miss Marple with a touch of Aunt Bee.
Read
September 1, 2009Michael is an average American gay guy with a loving and supporting family (even if small, he has only his brother and his sister in law) and a distant boyfriend, Steve. Actually it's quite strange, usually it's the family that is distant, but here I believe, it serves to the author to prove that Michael's bindings with his past (represented by his family) are stronger than the ones he forged with his American boyfriend. More, recently Michael is having strange and erotic dreams where he loves another man, Jonathan, and they are very real; but in his dreams Michael is an English man, living in the period before and soon after the WWII. Jonathan is a childhood friend turned lover, and he is too real to be only a figment of his imagination. Conveniently, at the same time when he is dreaming of this handsome man, the estranged boyfriend, Steve, is once again away for business, and doesn't worry to let Michael knowing that he is missed.
On the other hand, when Michael talks of Jonathan, the man of his dreams, with his brother Brad, instead of being scorned of pushed to let a dream go, he is encouraged, Brad sees Michael's dream man like a symptom that Michael is not happy in his present relationship, and maybe it helps also that Brad doesn't like so much Michael's boyfriend, Steve. Brad is a very nice character, but he is only a side one. He has a very nice scene, the beginning one, during which we can understand Michael, his insecurities, his love for his brother and sister in law, his need to be love. Michael is a gentle soul, he doesn't ring me like a very authoritative man, more like someone who follows the path of someone else more daring and stronger in will. In his dream with Jonathan, the other Michael, the English one, is exactly like that: he is daring since his lover Jonathan is daring, Michael is loyal and honest, but a bit on the quiet side. Jonathan instead is a charismatic man, a born leader.
Then Michael discovers that he is the heir of a country estate in England and of 5 million pounds. Lionel, the man who dying left him all his properties, was living in Bedford Park, the previous estate of Jonathan Harcourt; Jonathan was a young man who disappeared soon after the WWII and his lover Michael committed suicide soon after. Michael's parents emigrated in America and had another daughter who is today Michael's mother. Lionel wished to leave the estate, Bedford Park, to Michael with only a request, that he finds out what really happened to Jonathan, since it appears that Jonathan's ghost is haunting the house, but in a very benign way: Jonathan's ghost is sad and apparently in search of something.
So everything seems to click on the right way. Michael is obviously the reincarnation of the old Michael, and what he is dreaming by night are not dreams but past memories. Even the fact that the old Michael committed suicide rings right with what we knew of Michael at that moment, someone who prefers to follow the lead of a stronger man, the old Michael, after the loss of his lover, had not the force to react and move one. But really, right when I was reading that, and mulling in my head that explanation, something didn't fit... even if old Michael / today Michael are not strong men, they are men in love, and from a romantic perspective, I would have preferred to see old Michael fights to find out what happened to his lover; maybe, AFTER he found out, only then it would have been possible for him to commit suicide, but not before. I can understand that, with his lover dead, Michael didn't see any reason to live, but not when there was still out there who killed his lover.
Like that, it seems not possible for this one to be an happily ever after love story, at least not in an ordinary way: Michael's is the reincarnation of a dead man whose lover is still a mourning ghost. How could they have an happily ever after together? But when Michael relocates to Bedford Park, he meets Jonathan Robertson, very real and not a ghost; Jonathan lives in Cambridge and he himself, like Michael, is dreaming of the old Michael and Jonathan. The new Jonathan is a friendly, handsome and very funny man; he is tender and caring with Michael, the perfect dream man. But Jonathan's the ghost is real, both Michael than new Jonathan see him. And I stop here since, if you want to know what it happens, you have to read the book. It's enough to say that, with this development of the story, the mood of the book shifts from sad to almost light, and also my doubts on old Michael's suicide were right and will be answered in the right way: even if old Michael and today Michael are not leader, they are not weak men, and they know how to fight for their love and lovers.
The novel is surprisingly light and easy to read, despite being almost 300 pages long. The paranormal elements are not so strong to define this book as a strictly paranormal, and all in all, I will define it more a contemporary love story with a paranormal help from the past. Michael's character is very much like you would expect from an all American boy transplanted in old country England, and the today Jonathan is a friendly and happy man, who enjoys to tease a bit the maybe naive Michael. So yes, the mood of the story is lighter than expected, and I have to say that I like it better in this way.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200566/?...
On the other hand, when Michael talks of Jonathan, the man of his dreams, with his brother Brad, instead of being scorned of pushed to let a dream go, he is encouraged, Brad sees Michael's dream man like a symptom that Michael is not happy in his present relationship, and maybe it helps also that Brad doesn't like so much Michael's boyfriend, Steve. Brad is a very nice character, but he is only a side one. He has a very nice scene, the beginning one, during which we can understand Michael, his insecurities, his love for his brother and sister in law, his need to be love. Michael is a gentle soul, he doesn't ring me like a very authoritative man, more like someone who follows the path of someone else more daring and stronger in will. In his dream with Jonathan, the other Michael, the English one, is exactly like that: he is daring since his lover Jonathan is daring, Michael is loyal and honest, but a bit on the quiet side. Jonathan instead is a charismatic man, a born leader.
Then Michael discovers that he is the heir of a country estate in England and of 5 million pounds. Lionel, the man who dying left him all his properties, was living in Bedford Park, the previous estate of Jonathan Harcourt; Jonathan was a young man who disappeared soon after the WWII and his lover Michael committed suicide soon after. Michael's parents emigrated in America and had another daughter who is today Michael's mother. Lionel wished to leave the estate, Bedford Park, to Michael with only a request, that he finds out what really happened to Jonathan, since it appears that Jonathan's ghost is haunting the house, but in a very benign way: Jonathan's ghost is sad and apparently in search of something.
So everything seems to click on the right way. Michael is obviously the reincarnation of the old Michael, and what he is dreaming by night are not dreams but past memories. Even the fact that the old Michael committed suicide rings right with what we knew of Michael at that moment, someone who prefers to follow the lead of a stronger man, the old Michael, after the loss of his lover, had not the force to react and move one. But really, right when I was reading that, and mulling in my head that explanation, something didn't fit... even if old Michael / today Michael are not strong men, they are men in love, and from a romantic perspective, I would have preferred to see old Michael fights to find out what happened to his lover; maybe, AFTER he found out, only then it would have been possible for him to commit suicide, but not before. I can understand that, with his lover dead, Michael didn't see any reason to live, but not when there was still out there who killed his lover.
Like that, it seems not possible for this one to be an happily ever after love story, at least not in an ordinary way: Michael's is the reincarnation of a dead man whose lover is still a mourning ghost. How could they have an happily ever after together? But when Michael relocates to Bedford Park, he meets Jonathan Robertson, very real and not a ghost; Jonathan lives in Cambridge and he himself, like Michael, is dreaming of the old Michael and Jonathan. The new Jonathan is a friendly, handsome and very funny man; he is tender and caring with Michael, the perfect dream man. But Jonathan's the ghost is real, both Michael than new Jonathan see him. And I stop here since, if you want to know what it happens, you have to read the book. It's enough to say that, with this development of the story, the mood of the book shifts from sad to almost light, and also my doubts on old Michael's suicide were right and will be answered in the right way: even if old Michael and today Michael are not leader, they are not weak men, and they know how to fight for their love and lovers.
The novel is surprisingly light and easy to read, despite being almost 300 pages long. The paranormal elements are not so strong to define this book as a strictly paranormal, and all in all, I will define it more a contemporary love story with a paranormal help from the past. Michael's character is very much like you would expect from an all American boy transplanted in old country England, and the today Jonathan is a friendly and happy man, who enjoys to tease a bit the maybe naive Michael. So yes, the mood of the story is lighter than expected, and I have to say that I like it better in this way.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200566/?...
May 6, 2025
Delightful! Mystery Mixed With Love and Lovemaking!
I enjoyed this story of ghosts and love, old and new. I would love to see this story made into a movie like RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE (by Casey McQuiston).
This strand some of the elements of the British mystery novels that I enjoy. It did have more "spice" much to my delight.
J.P. Blair's have never disappointed me. I hope that I can revisit these two, their town and hopefully more love again.
I enjoyed this story of ghosts and love, old and new. I would love to see this story made into a movie like RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE (by Casey McQuiston).
This strand some of the elements of the British mystery novels that I enjoy. It did have more "spice" much to my delight.
J.P. Blair's have never disappointed me. I hope that I can revisit these two, their town and hopefully more love again.
July 29, 2012
Full Disclosure - I won a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion regarding this book that has been in no way influenced by the author.
Mr. Bowie is a new author for me and I must say he couldn't have impressed me more. He is one hell of a talented writer! This book crosses into many genres, m/m romance, erotic, paranormal, mystery, suspense.... in other words a truly enthralling story.
In this one book he's managed to hold my rapt attention through two romances and two convoluted mysteries. Never once through this novel did it bog down nor did he bore me with his descriptions of the areas or the histories. Which greatly impresses me. I am an historian with quite a lot of knowledge of the UK and usually end up either aggravated or bored due to either blatant historical or geographical mistakes or by feeling that the authors are trying to "teach us". Mr. Bowie did neither, he smoothly incorporates these elements into his story seemlessly while never taking our focus off the MCs.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book and will most definitely be adding Mr. Bowie on my list of favorite authors to buy.
Mr. Bowie is a new author for me and I must say he couldn't have impressed me more. He is one hell of a talented writer! This book crosses into many genres, m/m romance, erotic, paranormal, mystery, suspense.... in other words a truly enthralling story.
In this one book he's managed to hold my rapt attention through two romances and two convoluted mysteries. Never once through this novel did it bog down nor did he bore me with his descriptions of the areas or the histories. Which greatly impresses me. I am an historian with quite a lot of knowledge of the UK and usually end up either aggravated or bored due to either blatant historical or geographical mistakes or by feeling that the authors are trying to "teach us". Mr. Bowie did neither, he smoothly incorporates these elements into his story seemlessly while never taking our focus off the MCs.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book and will most definitely be adding Mr. Bowie on my list of favorite authors to buy.
January 15, 2013
Time after Time pushed my gothic novel loving happy buttons big time. Being a huge fan of those late 60's/early 70's books with their haunted houses, heroines in peril, brooding heroes, ghosts, secret societies and curses, it was great to read a modern take on this beloved genre with a gay twist. There were all the hallmarks of classic gothic fiction: regular gay gay Michael Ballantyne finds himself the sole beneficiary of a large estate in Hertfordshire, England and finds a decades-old mystery complete with ghosts. Before this, he's perplexed by a series of erotic dreams which are suddenly made flesh when he meets Jonathan Robertson who has an uncanny resemblance to the man in his dreams.
October 29, 2012
I really loved this book, there were only a couple of small things that made me rate this 4.
I loved
- The modern day Jonathan and Michael
- Micheal's brother Brad
- The way the book developed
- The mystery
I did not like
- The original Jonathan slept with a woman while with Micheal. I know they were apart while he was away but if he truly loved him he would not have slept with her.
- The fact I guessed kind of what was going to be the outcome in some sense. The ritualistic bit kind of became obvious to me.
Overall this book was really enjoyable and I would love to read it again some day. :)
I loved
- The modern day Jonathan and Michael
- Micheal's brother Brad
- The way the book developed
- The mystery
I did not like
- The original Jonathan slept with a woman while with Micheal. I know they were apart while he was away but if he truly loved him he would not have slept with her.
- The fact I guessed kind of what was going to be the outcome in some sense. The ritualistic bit kind of became obvious to me.
Overall this book was really enjoyable and I would love to read it again some day. :)
November 12, 2013
I liked this one. I know some folks don't care for insta-love, and it does bother me sometimes. However, Jonathan and Michael did have a bit of a head start being intimate in their dreams.
October 25, 2011
I enjoyed this story. The characters were personable and interesting and I really wanted to know more about them. I don't really consider it to be insta-love because their relationship was more fated than instant. I loved the twists and turns and the whole realization of the plot - just enough action mixed with romance to keep me wanting more.
July 20, 2022
Packed full of mystery and spookiness this story is wonderful. The poignant tale of lost lovers of the past along side a modern day budding romance, all inside a large old house that hold too many secrets, and one ghost that's waiting and waiting for his lost love. It's a gorgeous but stunningly sad story.
November 28, 2010
Overall, an enjoyable book with likeable characters.
Steve's unexpected arrival was, IMHO, superfluous; really didn't add anything to the story. I was also surprised by the at the end.
Steve's unexpected arrival was, IMHO, superfluous; really didn't add anything to the story. I was also surprised by the at the end.
September 24, 2013
What to say about the story... It follows the formula for this sort of story to the letter. I prefer my heroes to be a bit more fleshed out as people they seemed a bit two dimensional. Might try another book by this author to see how it goes.
December 24, 2009
Light read without a lot of depth. Pretty much met what I believe the expectations were.
June 9, 2012
I finished this book but did not read all the chapters (jumping ahead about half-way through. It my clumpsy way to state it was a bit long and I took a shortcut to get to the ending ;D
May 30, 2011
I really enjoyed this one. Love the build up toward the end. Nothing like a love that endures through time. A true romance!
November 11, 2015
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1st read - Feb 28, 2011
2nd read - Nov 5, 2015
Read
March 19, 2017Dropped at 28%. I tried, but the story failed to rouse my interest.
July 13, 2016
** 3.5 Stars **
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews