Like several others, I bought this book because I was completely enchanted by Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I don't normally read "romance" novels but Gabaldon blew me away. After reading her books then a 4-part scifi series (the Hyperion saga--another great read) this book was a bitter disappointment. It reminded me exactly why I don't read romance novels. The plot didn't build...the charachters just ended up in situations. Nor was I happy with the charachter development--same complaint. The bright spot in this book is probably toward the end, Kurland's concept of time and time travel is interesting, although not developed enough.This is really a poorly written book.