I always give honest reviews, and this one is no exception. Paula Quinn has written some of my favorite Highland romances — which makes this post a hard one to write.
Book Information
Title: A Touch for All Time by Paula Quinn
Publish Date: May 3, 2025
Series: For All Time #3 (Can be read as a standalone)
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
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The Story
A dance between centuries, a touch beyond time.
When New York City ballet instructor Aria Darling receives an antique golden key from her longtime benefactor, she never expects it to unlock a door through time. One moment, she’s locking up her dance studio in 2024, and the next, she’s stumbling through a snow-covered forest in 1795 England—a world where women have few choices, and a dangerous nobleman watches her every move.
Stranded in the past, Aria finds herself at the mercy of the enigmatic and tormented Marquess of Dartmouth, Lord Grayson Barrington—a man whose eerie connection to animals and macabre style of dance have made him both feared and revered.
Gray has always been different. A gifted dancer with a haunted past, he wields his body like a weapon, commanding attention in ballrooms just as effortlessly as he did on the battlefield. When a mysterious woman appears draped in a fabric softer than silk, her words foreign yet familiar, and possessing a fire that rivals his own—she upends everything he thought he understood about the world… and himself.
Aria is desperate to return home. Gray has spent years trying to outrun his past. But as their worlds collide in a whirlwind of longing, secrets, and destiny, one question remains—did Aria cross time to escape, or was she always meant to find him?
My Review
Paula Quinn’s books usually capture me within the first few pages. Her Highland romances are filled with heart, emotion, and atmosphere — which is why this review is tough to write. Unfortunately, A Touch for All Time just didn’t connect with me like the previous books in the series.
From the very beginning, I found myself more confused than immersed. Instead of building a clear foundation or easing me into the world and characters, the opening felt choppy and disorienting. I kept reading, hoping things would click — and eventually, they did.
The middle section of the book finally pulled me in. Aria’s journey became more engaging, and the pacing smoothed out enough that I was genuinely invested in what came next. For a moment, it had that page-turning quality I’ve come to expect from Quinn.
But then, just as I was settling into the rhythm of the story, the narrative seemed to leap forward. It was so abrupt that I checked my Kindle to make sure I hadn’t accidentally skipped ahead. The final act lost me again. Plot threads felt rushed or unresolved, and the ending didn’t deliver the closure or emotional payoff I was hoping for.
I did love the unique bond Gray had with animals — especially Toric, Ghost, and Abigail. The telepathic connection added depth and magic to his character, and I wish those moments had been explored further. They could’ve brought even more heart to the story. On the other hand, the dance element was harder for me to connect with. The movements described didn’t come alive on the page for me, and I struggled to understand how it tied meaningfully into the emotional arc or worldbuilding. I also found the tension between Gray and his father a bit unclear. I wasn’t sure where the rift began or why Timothy Cavendish seemed to hold so much favor. Some character relationships just didn’t feel fully developed or resolved by the end.
💕 Looking for your next great romance? Browse more reviews here.
My Final Thoughts
I wanted to love this. I truly did. The premise had so much promise, and there were moments that reminded me of why I enjoy Paula Quinn’s writing. But as a complete experience, this one felt uneven — with highs that came too late and an ending that left me wanting more.
If you're reading the For All Time series, you'll want to see how Aria’s story unfolds — just know that this one might not deliver the same emotional clarity or pacing as the others.
For All Time Series
This book is part of Paula Quinn’s For All Time series — a time-travel romance saga filled with emotional healing, destiny, and love across centuries. While each book can be read as a standalone, reading in order gives a fuller picture of recurring themes and tone. You can view the full series listing on Goodreads here.
- Book 1: A Promise for All Time
- Book 2: A Kiss for All Time
- Book 3: A Touch for All Time (this review)
Join the Conversation
Have you read A Touch for All Time? Did you connect with Aria’s story more than I did? Let me know your thoughts below — I’d love to hear how it landed for you.
Love time travel romance? This story blends centuries-crossing passion with an emotional journey of fate and second chances.
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