Dr. Caroline Lambert, a brilliant astrophysicist, invents the PORTAL, a machine capable of observing other universes. However, she's unexpectedly pulled through it into a Victorian-era world. Trapped in a time with strict social norms, archaic practices, and perilous customs, Caroline must navigate this unfamiliar terrain.
To her astonishment, she finds herself wedded to Richard, a charismatic Blood Kindred who insists she is his wife. In this alternate reality, the Kindred arrived centuries earlier and integrated into high society. As Caroline grapples with this bizarre situation, she faces the challenges of her scheming mother and societal pressures pushing her toward a Viscount.
Caroline yearns to return home and is torn between the allure of Richard's affection and the longing for her original universe.
While the concept of this book had potential, I couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated with Caroline's character. Here's a woman with an impressive background in Astro-Temporal Physics, yet she seemed strangely ill-prepared to adapt to the societal norms of the Victorian era she found herself in. I mean, if it's truly a life-and-death situation, you'd think she'd be a bit more resourceful.
As the story unfolded, I found Caroline's inability to blend in more effectively somewhat grating. On the flip side, I actually started to sympathize with Richard. He was trying to make the best of an unusual situation, claiming Caroline as his wife and all, and yet it felt like he was the one who needed to catch a break.
Despite these gripes, the book does offer an intriguing exploration of love, time travel, and the complexities of navigating multiple universes. While Caroline's character may have irked me at times, I couldn't deny that the story kept me engaged, making the book an overall enjoyable read, albeit with some exasperating moments.