Paradox Lost by Libby Drew is a gripping tense sci-fi time travel story, unlike anything I have read before.

Reegan McNamara is a time travel junkie, his obsession fed by his job as a tour guide taking tourists to events in the past. His career isn’t doing so well though after an accident to one of his 'tourists' which has strained his relationship, working and personal, with his boss and former friend Maxie, the owner of tour company Blast From the Past. The last thing Reegan needs is another mistake on one of his trips, which is precisely what happens when a woman runs away from his group on a trip back to 2020.

Saul Kildare is attending a political speech, taking time out from his own pity party, his business is failing and there's seemingly nothing he can do can halt the slide. The last thing he expects is a frightened woman barreling into him. Before he knows it a stranger is knocking on his door asking for help. How can Saul turn down a man with cash and a glance that makes his pulse quicken like Reegan does. The chemistry between them is immediate and electric, they fit together, but what happens when Saul finds out the truth behind who Reegan is and where he's from and how can the attraction building between them cope with two men belonging from worlds over a century apart?

I loved this book, but I can't tell you anything about it as I don't want to give away the plot or the ending. What I can tell you is that the author has created a fascinating story. The characters of Saul and Reegan are wonderfully drawn, both men are damaged, both running from their pasts. I don't normally have favorites as a book is the sum of all its parts but in Paradox Lost I did take Saul into my heart. He was a struggling alcoholic, gentle and kind, loyal and determined. He was brought him to life beautifully and believably. Reegan on the other hand was like a kid in a chocolate shop trying to cope with 2020, like when he talked to the shower and finding clothing in Walmart, he was quite funny in places, and the world of 2145 is rich and detailed, so unlike our current world, but then not so different.

From the first page I was gripped, the writing drawing me in, making me believe that time travel was possible, not only possible but actually easy, she made the science easy to follow. The explanation of the Paradox Loop fascinated me the most, the idea that a person in the past can't stay alive very long, that nature would get rid of them in the end, one way or another. In their hunt for the missing woman Reegan almost dies many times and each one is as believable as the next, each almost death ramping up the tension.

I don't read many sci-fi stories, it's not the first genre I pick up, but Paradox Lost was wonderful. It flows easily along, is easy to follow, it's tense and funny. I can only say read it, you won't be disappointed.