"A light-hearted time-travel romance"

It is the year 2429, and a deadly virus is ravaging the known galaxy. BV-5 (Brain Virus 5) is painful and debilitating. The only hope for hundreds of stricken sufferers is Kane Edmonds, an expert planabotonologist. Kane travels into the past, the only place where a cure can be found, but her search for the kabitross plant becomes complicated when she meets the handsome George Wyndhom, Earl of Blackmore.

BEFORE THE FIRE has loose ties to Tia Isabella's other R- rated time-traveling adventure, but it is not necessary to have read AFTER THE STORM to enjoy this story. Though it is much tamer than other novels from Ellora's Cave, Kane's unashamed eagerness for lovemaking does make the novel spicier than your typical historical romance. The characters are well-realized and believable, and Kane is, simply put, fun to read about. Though the situation of the 25th century reality is dire, the story itself is light- hearted and sentimental.

Readers who enjoy Jaid Black's works may be tempted to try this -- her second semi-historical novel under the nom de plume Tia Isabella. Though significantly different from her erotic works, no fan will come away from BEFORE THE FIRE disappointed.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted July 27, 2002

Summary

The inhabitants of 25th century earth are dying. A deadly brain virus is taking a large death toll and it is up to one scientist to stop it. The problem for Dr. Kane Edmonds is that the one form of plant-life she believes is necessary for a cure has long been extinct, dwelling nowhere else within the solar systems except the earth's past. Kane plans for every contingency when she agrees to travel through time to hunt down the life-saving plant. Every contingency, that is, except for falling in love. When Kane meets George Wyndom, the dark and formidable Earl of Blackmore, she wonders if she'll ever be able to let him go. What Kane doesn't understand is that she has no say in the matter, for the handsome earl is determined to keep her.