In the future, women have become a precious commodity in
the Province of Blackfell. A plague that swept the entire
world in earlier times has rendered most women incapable of
conceiving female children. Because of this, the population
has slowly decreased over the years. If not for the
discovery of a secret diary and a special formula, mankind
would no longer exist. Using the secret formula and its
precious ingredient, specially gifted artists paint
portraits of women from the past who are then retrieved and
transported through time to become brides for the wealthy
hierarchy and bear sons for them.
When gifted artisan Conlean is commissioned by his father,
the Patriarch, to paint him a bride portrait, Conlean has
no idea what manipulations will take place with this
request. The woman Conlean is told to paint for the
Patriarch's bride is a brilliant gene scientist from
present-day Philadelphia -- Dr. Jordan Connor -- whose
specialty is experimentation in fertility. Since the supply
of the special ingredient needed to paint the portraits is
dwindling and no more can be manufactured, the future of
Blackfell is on the edge of extinction. Rogue forces are
working behind the scenes to prevent this any way they can,
and they're convinced that Jordan's research is the answer.
Conlean and Jordan are attracted to each other from the
start, even though he knows she's to be his father's bride.
Besides, artisans aren't allowed to become personally
involved with the women they paint. However, Conlean can't
deny his feelings for long, especially when Jordan sets
about seducing him into helping her return home. The
seduction soon turns to love for both of them, and the
chain of events this sets in motion will change things
forever for them and for Blackfell.
Ms. Fobes makes a triumphant return to the paranormal
romance scene with a unique plot premise and wonderful
characters. With a medieval feel to the setting, as well as
the use of time-travel, this story explores an innovative
concept of the future that's exciting and contemplative.
She leaves a few dangling threads in the epilogue to set us
up for the next story in the trilogy, which is set for
publication in April 2006. A wonderful read for those who
crave something rare and special in a paranormal romance.