I enjoy time travel stories – it’s interesting to read about a character’s reactions when confronted with the reality of another time, and to see how an author handles the “rules” of time travel. In this case, we also get a charming heroine, a rugged hero, and an interesting plot.

Talia Trahaern has a special gift – she is an empath, able to feel what an animal is feeling. This has prevented her from becoming a veterinarian, because feeling the pain of a mortally wounded animal is simply overwhelming. But Talia does work with animals, she rescues them, either strays or ones that the pound can’t find homes for, and finds her job fulfilling. Whenever Talia feels “different” because of her empathic gifts, she draws upon the memories of her mother, Eleri, who would tell her fanciful tales of a kingdom where little girls with Talia’s special gift would be treasured and not made to feel as outsiders.

As it turns out, the fanciful tales were Eleri’s stories of her very real world, Llanfair, which is not so much a different place, it is a different time – the 23rd century in a part of what we know as Great Britain. Eleri died before she could tell her daughter more about Llanfair, so Talia is surprised to meet Devin Archer, a mercenary hired by Queen Catriona of Llanfair. Devin must convince Talia that her mother was really a healer from the future, and Devin also must convince Talia to travel with him to Llanfair, to save the life of the queen and her unborn child. Traveling with Archer is Baleweg, who can help Talia with her powers, and Ringer, Archer’s ever-changing companion. What Archer and Baleweg tell Talia corresponds with her mother’s tales, but she doesn’t want to travel with them. Talia points out that she is no healer. But it soon becomes clear that danger from Llanfair is following Talia around in her own time, and she finally agrees to travel to the future.

There is much intrigue awaiting Talia and Archer at the royal court, as well as revelations about why Talia’s mother really left Llanfair and the future. This second part of the book didn’t live up to the promise of the first part, and oddly enough, one reason for that is because too much time was spent in Talia’s time. The reader needs to spend more time in Llanfair to get to know the new cast of characters better. Instead, it feels as though the reader is simply thrown into this part of the story. For instance, Talia is entrusted with Catriona’s baby and the future of Llanfair soon after she arrives (with Talia herself protesting that Catriona barely knows her to trust her with so much). In contrast to Talia and Archer, both of whom are well drawn, strong and likable characters, some of the supporting players pale a bit in comparison, and given the premise of the story, this is a bit of a disappointment.

Ms. Kauffman keeps Talia from overdosing on pop-culture references, but the ones she does make are funny, and relevant. The relationship between Talia and Archer is both heartwarming and sweet, and although Archer is the one seemingly in charge of matters, Talia is very much his equal. Despite a few minor flaws with pacing and secondary characers, The Royal Hunter is a charming book, and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for a fun and light time travel romance.