Jennifer Hero Zitonick gives a copy of her science fiction novel to her husband Marty to help him understand her origins in a different century. Her book loosely disguises her early life as a clandestine operative for the Secret Society of scientists in the thirtieth century. It also details her love affair with Zexton Ho, the inventor of time travel, and her subsequent arrival in the twenty-first century.

“Here, hon — read my account of an affair with a hot scientist. You’ll love it!”

IT ALL STARTED BECAUSE OF A BOOK COVER

Just the cover of a cheap, mass market, paperback novel.

Started what, you ask?

Ally lives in Los Angeles and is a very inhibited woman who lives a very dull life. Her life revolves around her dead-end job and a bleak apartment. She has no love life or comfort. Then one day something incredible happens to change everything. Her boring existence explodes as she passes by her favorite bookstore and is drawn to a book display in the window. The image of a medieval man on the cover grabs her, and she is compelled to buy it.

As she reads, she becomes mesmerized and falls hopelessly in love with the hero. But soon he gets into serious trouble, and she becomes desperate to help him. Well, it is the year 1277 in medieval England, and he is a fictional character. Not only that, everyone knows that time travel is impossible.

A historical romance reminiscent of Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander.

…only not as good, obviously.