Tempus

Holly Lauren is an incredible story-teller. Within the first three chapters, I could tell that Tempus was going to be both plot and character driven, and let me just say -- it was an amazing ride. Holly has such a natural ingenuity and grace with her writing, I was easily transported to the world of Chapel Ryan. I didn't just read about her -- no. I knew her. Chapel (and the rest of the cast) was so well-rounded and fleshed out, I forgot she was fictional. She easily captured my heart and felt like my BFF. From start to finish, I was rooting for this girl to win. 

As for the story itself: solid.
No.
Rock solid.

At a certain point, I felt like I was strapped in a roller-coaster. There was this delicious excitement as the plot continued to crank, lifting me higher and higher, until finally I was at the arch. That pivotal point of no return. Let me just pause right there and express that statement. There was an actual moment when my chest expanded for the ridiculously huge breath I gulped down. Seriously, it was poignant.

Then, motherloving chaos, my friend. The best kind of SQUEEE around. A definite and discernible high that refused to relent until I'd soaked up the last sentence of Tempus.

But wait, there's more -- didn't think I was going to leave out the best part, did you? Yep, I'm talking about him.

Isaiah Halstead .

MAN ALIVE, this is the guy you dreamt about in high school. Okay, he's the guy you dream about xx (<-double digits, eey) years past high school. Is there a Zay shirt I can pick up somewhere? "Team Zay" on the front, "as if there was any other competition...." on the back? I would quit my day job if I had a t-shirt print machine. I absolutely love this guy, and I have a strong feeling you will, too. 

I'm not even going to touch on the dialogue, because there are several other reviews that include that stellar component. All and all, it was a wonderful escape, and I am wholly excited for the next installment.