Review: The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 2024

Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night they all have no memory of, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that brought out innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished.
 
Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list.
 
The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest. The retreat promises to rejuvenate guests with the Unplugged Experience. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover guests are quite literally cut off from the outside world because none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs…

The Night Island is the second book in The Lost Night Files series.  This one is Talia's story.  She is one of the podcasters who who had their lives altered one night and now have enhanced psychic powers.  Talia can find lost things and people.  Luke is a professor who also has had enhanced powers from his own lost night.  

Like the first book, this one was just OK for me.  I really feel  like this book was phoned in and there was not a lot new here.  I will admit the night garden was kind of cool.  However, the romance was kind of meh and again I didn't really feel it.  We also aren't really any closer to getting answers as to what happened to the women on their lost night.  Luke gets his answers in a way.  Overall, I'm just not very excited about this series. 

Review: Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Anne Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 2023

Seven months ago, Pallas Llewellyn, Talia March, and Amelia Rivers were strangers, until their fateful stay at the Lucent Springs Hotel. An earthquake and a fire partially destroyed the hotel, but the women have no memory of their time there. Now close friends, the three women co-host a podcast called the Lost Night Files, where they investigate cold cases and hope to connect with others who may have had a similar experience to theirs—an experience that has somehow enhanced the psychic abilities already present in each woman.

After receiving a tip for their podcast, Pallas travels to the small college town of Carnelian, California, to explore an abandoned asylum. Shaken by the dark energy she feels in the building, she is rushing out when she’s stopped by a dark figure—who turns out to be the women's mysterious tipster.

Ambrose Drake is certain he’s a witness to a murder, but without a body, everyone thinks he’s having delusions caused by extreme sleep deprivation. But Ambrose is positive something terrible happened at the Carnelian Sleep Institute the night he was there. Unable to find proof on his own, he approaches Pallas for help, only for her to realize that Ambrose, too, has a lost night that he can’t remember—one that may be connected to Pallas. Pallas and Ambrose conduct their investigation using the podcast as a cover, and while the townsfolk are eager to share what they know, it turns out there are others who are not so happy about their questions—and someone is willing to kill to keep the truth from coming out.

Sleep No More is the first book in the Lost Night Files series.  It's a new series involving three women who had something mysterious happen to them one night in a hotel.  They have no memory the events.  They only know that they woke up with enhanced psychic powers. This first one focusses on Pallas and Ambrose.

While I thought the story was entertaining overall, I have to admit to being a bit underwhelmed.  Honestly, having read a lot of this author's books, I felt like there wasn't anything new here.  Some of the story felt like it was recycled from past books.  For instance, Ambrose's powers run so high that he can't sleep and he faces potential psychic burnout.  Pallas is his "cure" and can realign his energy to help him sleep well.  I feel like she has used that storyline before.  The romance was fine but also felt a little forced at the same time. It overall felt a little formulaic.  I'll probably keep reading the series because I want to know what happened in the hotel.  So I liked it enough for that.  It just didn't live up to my expectations.

Review: All the Colors of Night by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 2021

North Chastain possesses a paranormal talent that gives him the ability to track down the most dangerous psychic criminals. When his father suddenly falls into a coma, North is convinced it was caused by a deadly artifact traced back to the days of a secret government laboratory known only as the Bluestone Project. North knows his only hope of saving his father is to find the artifact. He is good when it comes to tracking down killers but to locate the relic, he's going to need help from a psychic who knows the shadowy world of obsessive collectors, deceptive dealers, and ruthless raiders…

With her reputation in ruins after a false accusation, antique expert Sierra Raines is looking for a fresh start. She turns to the murky backwaters of the paranormal artifacts trade, finding and transporting valuable objects with a psychic provenance. When North Chastain approaches her for help, Sierra takes him on as a client, though not without reservations. North represents the mysterious Foundation, the secretive organization established to police the underworld populated by psychic criminals and those, like Sierra, who make a living in the shadows of that world.

All the Colors of  Night is the second book in the Fogg Lake series.  This one is North and Sierra's story.  While it works well as a stand alone, I do think you will get more context if you read The Vanishing first.  I really enjoyed this one.  I thought North and Sierra were great together.  Their chemistry was more of a slow burn and it was really cute.  What I loved most about both characters was their indecision about what their life path should be.  They both have strong powers, but do not really have an idea as to their life purpose.  I loved what they both figured out in the end, especially Sierra's idea.  It was perfect.

The mystery was really good.  It kept me guessing.  There  is a story arc that seems to be spanning multiple books that ties back to the secret labs in Fogg Lake.  That cliffhanger at the end is making me wish I had the next book right now. My one wish was that The Abyss was explored more.  That house sounds fascinating. It looks like it is going to be Olivia's story next and I can't wait!

Review: The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkeley
Publication Date: January 2020

Forty years ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, "The Incident" occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases, causing peculiar effects on its residents, such as strange visions and ominous voices. Not wanting the government to get involved, they chalked it up to the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms. Little did they know these effects would linger through the generations....

Residents Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton have been best friends for years and own an investigation firm together, using what they call the "other sight" to help with their business. When Olivia goes missing, Cat frantically begins the search for her alone when the town does nothing about it. When scientist Slate Trevelyan shows up, she has no choice but to accept his help even though there's something about him she just can't trust. The duo discovers someone is hunting the two witnesses of a murder in Fogg Lake fourteen years ago—the very one Cat and Olivia witnessed as teens, one that they couldn't prove happened. Cat and Slate's search for Olivia takes them down a rabbit hole that is far more dangerous and mysterious than they ever expected, and with a killer in their midst, neither of them can foresee who will come out alive. 

The Vanishing is the first book in a new paranormal series that involves people from Fogg Lake.  Years ago, there was an incident that created a fog that caused residents to gain paranormal abilities.  10 years ago, Catalina and Olivia witnessed a murder in the caves.  Now they own an investigation business and the death they witnessed may have come back to haunt them.

This book reminded me a lot of the Arcane Society series that this author has written.  I really enjoyed all of those books.  The Vanishing was equally as enjoyable.  I really like the way this author writes paranormal stories.   The characters are always interesting and there is always fun action.  I liked the way Catalina and Slate worked together.  They had some great banter.  There was some insta-love here, but it didn't bother me because the way their powers worked made their instant attraction make sense.  The mystery was compelling and had me intrigued.  I wish there was more Olivia in the book, but hopefully she will have a book focused on her in the future.  I would definitely recommend this one.  It was a lot of fun.

Secret Sisters by Jayne Anne Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Date of publication: December 2015

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same. 

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants. 

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth...

Secret Sisters was a refreshing change from Ms. Krentz's paranormal series.  It's nice to see her get back to her roots.  In Secret Sisters, Madeline and Daphne were best friends when they were preteens.  When a stranger tries to kidnap Madeline, Their lives are changed forever.  Now, a mysterious death on her grandmother's island brings the women back together to try to 

I mostly enjoyed Secret Sisters.  I thought it had a solid mystery that kept me guessing.  The romance was a little on the fast and underwhelming side, so that was a little disappointing.  I did think that Madeline and Jack were good together, but I wanted to feel more of an attraction between them.  It just wasn't there for me.  I was also a little disappointing that we didn't really get to see Daphne and Abe hook up.  Instead, it was implied.  I think if you go into this more for the mystery, you will like it a lot more.  There are a lot of twists and suspects, so it will keep you on your toes. 

Throwback Thursday:The Family Way by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1987 by Harlequin

Expecting a baby was supposed to be the most incredible thing in her life, but for Pru Kenyon, it was bittersweet. Her relationship with live-in love Case McCord was both exciting and deeply satisfying. But Pru knew Case wasn't willing to take it to the next level of commitment.Pru wasn't about to force Case's hand by revealing her secret. She didn't want him to propose to her out of duty -- she wanted him to want her for herself. So she did the only thing she could.... She walked away from the love of her life.

She knew she could have this baby on her own, that she could love her child enough for two. But she hadn't bargained on what Case was willing to do for love.

I should have known I wouldn't like this book from the synopsis.  But I am willing to give any book a shot.  In the end, I couldn't finish the book.   Pru and Case are living together when she finds herself pregnant.  Instead of telling him, she decides to leave because she knows he has no interest in marriage.  He goes after her, but he doesn't let on that he found out about the baby.  She takes him back and marries him.  Once he revealed that he knew about the baby all along, she is not convinced he married her for her and not the baby.

I had to stop after that point.  I tried to keep reminding myself that this book was written in 1987, but I felt like it was so preachy and just plain dumb.  Neither one of them seemed thrilled to be married. Not once did they ever talk about love.  If I had to read one more time about the evils of living together and sex before marriage, I was going to throw my MP3 player across the room.  This book also confirmed that I hate the word "manhood".  I say skip this one.  She has written much better!

Throwback Thursday:The Ties that Bind by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1986 by Harlequin

Shannon Raine lives in the artistic community of Mendocino, where she designs silk-screened fabrics that look like medieval illuminations. When Garth Sheridan appears on the beach outside her home, she is immediately drawn to him, convinced that the dark stranger must be a writer or an artist. But when the two meet, she realizes that nothing could be further from the truth. She has nothing in common with the San Diego businessman whose corporate world has taught him not to trust anyone. With an undeniable attraction between them, can they find a common ground in their very different lives?


I love you, JAK, but this one was a DNF for me.  I couldn't keep listening to this train wreck of a book. I am all for a cheesy romance, but this one was just over the top. It's never a good thing when a love scene makes you laugh out loud.  I don't think that is the effect the author is ever go for.  It's definitely an early romance by this author.  The hero and the heroine are unlikable.  Garth is a jerk and Shannon is naive beyond words.  I say do yourself a favor and skip this one!

Trust No One by Jayne Anne Krentz

Author: Jayne Anne Kretnz
Publisher:Putnam Adult
Date of publication January 2015

It's no coincidence when Grace Elland finds a vodka bottle next to the lifeless body of her boss, motivational speaker Sprague Witherspoon. The bottle is a terrifying--and deliberate--reminder of the horrors of her past. Grace retreats to her hometown to regroup and tries to put everything she's learned about positive thinking into practice--a process that is seriously challenged on the world's worst blind date. Awkward doesn't begin to describe her evening with venture-capitalist Julius Arkwright. 

She has nothing in common with a man who lives to make money, but the intense ex-Marine does have some skills that Grace can use--and he's the perfect man to help her when it becomes clear she is being stalked. 

As Witherspoon's financial empire continues to crumble around them, taking a deadly toll, Julius will help Grace step into her past to uncover a devious plan to destroy not only Grace, but everyone around her...

Trust No One is the latest stand alone out by Ms. Krentz.  Like River Road, her stand alone that came out last year, it really brought me back to her pre-parnormal book days.  I really enjoyed this one. Grace finds her boss murdered in his bed.  It brings back memories of the dead body she found when she was 16 years old. Seeing the vodka bottle next to the bed makes it seem more sinister.  It's the same type of bottle that she found years before next to the other dead body.  She shrugs it off as a coincidence until it seems that someone is stalking her.  She meets millionaire, Julius on a bad blind date, but he ends up being the one who can protect her form harm.

For a mystery, this one was a hard one to work out on my own.  There are a couple of twists that made it pretty intriguing.  It was hard to piece together how the murders, missing money and a dead rat in the fridge (Personally, I was with Grace on her decision about that one!) all fit together.  But, I really liked it and thought the solution made a lot of sense.

The romance was fun as well.  Even though they were set up on an awkward blind date, Juluis and Grace end up realizing that there is an intense attraction.  Grace is reluctant to get involved since she has never had a great track record with men.  She always ends up fixing them.  I thought Julius was good for her.  The only thing that got old was the constant "Witherspoon" affirmations.  It kind of made the book have too much of a  goody-goody feel to it.  I could have done with less of that.

I hope this is a new trend for this author.  I am enjoying her straight Romantic Suspense books.  I look forward to the next one!

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Date of publication:January 2014

It’s been thirteen years since Lucy Sheridan was in Summer River. The last time she visited her aunt Sara there, as a teenager, she’d been sent home suddenly after being dragged out of a wild party—by the guy she had a crush on, just to make it more embarrassing. Obviously Mason Fletcher—only a few years older but somehow a lot more of a grown-up—was the overprotective type who thought he had to come to her rescue.

Now, returning after her aunt’s fatal car accident, Lucy is learning there was more to the story than she realized at the time. Mason had saved her from a very nasty crime that night—and soon afterward, Tristan, the cold-blooded rich kid who’d targeted her, disappeared mysteriously, his body never found.

Thirteen years before, Lucy narrowly escaped being assaulted at a party when Mason intervened.  The next day, she left town and her would be assailant disappeared.  Did her savior have something to do with it?  Now she is back in town to find out why her aunt died in a car accident.  She and Mason team up and use their investigative skills to find out the truth of  what happened 10 years before.  

Finally, we have a story from this author that isn't a paranormal romance featuring dreams or crystals or another planet.  Don't get me wrong, I love all of her books, but I was kind of getting tired of that series.  River Road reminded me of her earlier books more straight romantic suspense.

The mystery was pretty straight forward.  There weren't too many surprises, but I didn't guess the ending right away. I also thought the romance between Mason and Lucy was very well done.  Having a history with each other, it was easy to believe their fall for each other. I think fans of this author will appreciate this return to her straight romantic suspense.

Throwback Thursday: Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 2003 by Putnam

Upscale interior designer Zoe Luce has found peace and contentment in Whispering Springs, Arizona. She has a thriving business, and she's settling into newlywed life with private investigator Ethan Truax. The threat that brought Zoe and Ethan together is finally over, ancient history, or so Zoe believes. Very few people know of her uncanny ability to sense the dark secrets hidden within the walls of a house, and she wants to keep it that way, even from Ethan. But someone is stalking Zoe - someone who knows all about her, and who shadows her every move. Is it the same person who is threatening her closest friend, Arcadia Ames, the only other person in Whispering Springs who knows the truth about Zoe? Or are Zoe and Arcadia getting tangled in a web spun by someone more dangerous than they could ever have imagined?

Truth or Dare is the sequel to Light in Shadow (my review).  I liked this continuation of the series because we got to see more of Ethan and Zoe.  In the first book, their romance is quick and instant.  In this one, we can see how they do "after" the HEA.  It's not all roses and candlelight and I felt like that made it more realistic.  They actually spent time discussing their relationship and their commitment to making it work.

The characters from the first book are prominent in this one as well.  In fact, I felt like the story was a resolution for all of the couples from the first one.  Well, all but one couple.  I was a little disappointed that one couple's romance was left unresolved.  This book is packed with more than one mystery.  It was almost too much and probably could have been made into  a trilogy.  In any case, I do recommend this one.  It's definitely worth it.

Throwback Thursday: True Colors by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1985 by Harlequin

For two months, Jamie Garland had fallen in love... with a lie. Cade Santerre was every woman's fantasy - until the mask came off in a scandal that left Jamie shattered. Cade had pretended to be someone he wasn't. Worse, he'd used her in his elaborate attempt to catch a man he believed was a crook and a swindler.

Though Cade's suspect had escaped, Cade was still around - raw, masculine, overwhelming. He had some unfinished business with the man who had conned his innocent sister, and he needed Jamie's help. But Jamie had some unfinished business, as well: to find out if the man she'd fallen in love with really existed.

I don't even know what to say about True Colors.  I'm not sure that I have ever read a more TSTL heroine than the one in this book.  Jamie is 29, but I would swear that she never set foot outside into the real world until the happenings in this story.  I'm not even sure why I finished reading the book.  I kept saying to myself that no one could be this stupid.  But, Jamie is.  I'm not even sure why Cade would find her remotely interesting.  I can't even recommend this book and I do love this author. I say skip this Throwback and read a different one!

Throwback Thursday: Legacy by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1982 by Dell Publishing

Honor Mayfield was about to walk into a trap. She thought that her chance meeting with Conn Landry was a fortunate stroke of luck. In fact, he had cleverly set her up a long time ago.

As a member of the Thoroughbred horse-racing set in California, Conn was well respected. But Honor was about to discover the real man beneath the controlled exterior. Too late, she realized she was falling for someone who was seeking to avenge a legacy of murder and betrayal. A piece of her past was mysteriously linked to Conn, and now they were tangled together in the web of deception . . . and desire.

Legacy was a fairly good book.  Again, it's another one of those books that would probably have worked better as a mystery than a romance.  The mystery was pretty good.  I liked the resolution to the deaths of Honor and Conn's fathers.  It was one I didn't see coming.  As a romance, it kind of fails.  It was just a bit too cheesy for me.  The love scenes actually had me rolling my eyes because the dialogue during it was making me laugh.  I didn't care for Conn too much.  I thought he was kind of pushy.  Honor was a pushover.  They both annoyed me.  I'm not sure this one would be the first early work by Ms. Krentz that I would recommend.  There are better ones out there.

Throwback Thursday: Light in Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 2002 by Putnam adult

Zoe Luce is a successful interior designer in the Arizona town of Whispering Springs who's developed an unusual career specialty-helping recently divorced clients redesign their homes, to help them forget the past and start anew. But Zoe knows that some things can't be covered up with a coat of paint. And when she senses that one of her clients may be hiding a dark secret, she enlists P.I. Ethan Truax to find the truth. 

With  authors like Ms. Krentz, you pretty much know what type of book you are getting...a feisty heroine and a swoon worthy hero.   Light in Shadow has both.  I enjoyed the book.  There are two mysteries, the first of which is solved pretty early in the book.  The second took me a bit by surprise.  I always enjoy that in a book.  

Ethan and Zoe are well matched. I liked that Ethan isn't a super, rich alpha male.  He's starting over in a new town with a new business. He is protective of the people he cares about, but isn't too overbearing.  Zoe is hiding out and recovering from her awful time in a mental hospital.  He ultimate goal is to find out who killed her husband and to get back at the people who had her committed.  Thrown into marriage to protect Zoe, they have to decide what to do with their relationship.  The ending was sweet, but no declarations of love.  It was more of a "Happy For Now" ending.  There is a second book, Truth or Dare, that seems to continue Zoe and Ethan's story.   

The other characters in the book rounded out the story nicely.  It looks like there is a potential for more romances in the next book, maybe?  I have it in my TBR pile, so watch for a review soon. 

Throwback Thursday: Twist of Fate by Jayne Ann Kretnz

 Author: Jayne Anne Krentz

First published in 1991 by Severn House Publishers

Audiobook by Brilliance Audio, 2011

Cloistered as a faculty member at a small college, beautiful Hannah Jessett can almost forget her family heritage. Few know she's the niece of Elizabeth Nord, the legendary anthropologist who stunned the world with her revolutionary work--until her aunt dies, leaving Hannah in sole possession of her priceless unpublished journals.

I had a really hard time deciding whether or not to like this book. I did manage to listen to the entire audiobook, but I will admit that I was kind of bored. I didn't really see the passion between Hannah and Gideon. Even the HEA didn't really make me overly excited. I also thought thet the book was a bit out of date, even for 1991. The way Hannah feels that she can't have it all was puzzling to me. Even in 1991, women were doing it all the time.

The mystery wasn't really one. I picked out who was stalking Hannah right away. I thought it was amusing that neither her nor Gideon picked up on what the reading audience would have from the start. It was so obvious. So, while I have liked most of Ms. Krentz's early books, this one was kind of... meh.  If you issed it, you probably aren't missing much.

Throwback Thursday: Between the Lines by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Anne Krentz

First published in February 1987 by Harlequin Temptation

There was no passion to break her heart, no love to risk and lose. Marrying her boss, prominent businessman Cormick Grayson, was a very reasonable proposition for a woman who d been hurt in love before. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

At first. But something wasn't right. The heat in Gray s eyes told her there was more to this than a polite, passionless marriage. But Gray's cool, impersonal distance left Amber wondering about the man she d married.

Amber never imagined she d be the one demanding more, yearning to feel things she vowed she would never risk again.

This is the Jayne that I know and love.   As much as I like her Arcane series, I think I like her older novels better.  Between the Lines is a marriage of convenience tale, but from the start you can see that both care about each other.  Gray is actually in love with Amber, but he talks her into marrying him for convenience sake.  She has been pretty hurt int he past and he knows he must take his time to show her she can love again.  Gray is such a great guy, anyone would have to be crazy not to fall in love with him.  I think I liked Amber so much because she isn't a naive virgin.  She has guts and isn't afraid to go after what she wants.  There are a few giggle worthy scenes in this book.  I loved the part when Amber tries to seduce Gray and upon failing, she asks him if he likes women.  His reaction was priceless!

There is a little bit of intrigue and action in this one, but the romance is really the main focus.  If you missed this one, pick it up.  I listened to the audio book.  It was a nice escape and a nice change from her Arcane series.

Copper Beach by Jayne Ann Kretnz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Date of publication: January 2012

Within the pages of very rare books some centuries old lie the secrets of the paranormal. Abby Radwell's unusual psychic talent has made her an expert in such volumes-and sometimes taken her into dangerous territory. After a deadly incident in the private library of an obsessive collector, Abby receives a blackmail threat, and rumors swirl that an old alchemical text known as The Key has reappeared on the black market.

Convinced that she needs an investigator who can also play bodyguard, she hires Sam Coppersmith, a specialist in paranormal crystals and amber-"hot rocks." Passion flares immediately between them, but neither entirely trusts the other. When it comes to dealing with a killer who has paranormal abilities, and a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to obtain an ancient alchemical code, no one is safe.

Copper Beach starts off a new trilogy for Ms. Krentz.  She has gotten away from the Arcane society (well kind of) and the trilogies that span across her 3 writing genres.  I will admit that this one felt more like her Harmony series set in our time and world.  Some of the things that happen in this book were reminiscent of the technology in the futuristic Harmony series. (for example: the crystals and amber)

I was hoping that Copper Beach would be a nice change from what she has been writing lately. But, sadly, this is pretty much the same old thing without the Arcane society in it.  The hero and heroine have strong and unique psychic abilities and they find out the they are meant for each other because their energies mesh so well together.   The mystery was OK but nothing overly exciting. (I miss Ms. Krentz's straight romantic suspense.) I did like Sam and Abby together though.  They were about the only thing that saved this book for me.  I'll probably listen to the next one in the trilogy, but I'm not overly excited for it.

Throwback Thursday - Grand Passion

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published in 1994 by Harlequin Temptation

Cleopatra Robbins has imagined the moment she'll meet the man of her dreams. But when Max Fortune strides into the Robbins' Nest Inn, a devastating sensation sweeps through her. She knows it's him. And he's wrong.


While I enjoy JAK's Arcane series, I also enjoy reading her earlier works. As I was saying to fellow contributor Melissa, JAK is like comfort food. You read her when you want something that is reliable. Grand Passion didn't disappoint. It was an amusing read. I did find myself laughing in a few spots. The main characters, Cleo and Max are good together and have great chemistry, but it was the "family" that really tied the book together. Family is a big theme that runs throughout the book. It was nice to watch Max realize that he could have a family, something he had searched for all his life. As always, there is a little bit of a mystery. While this wasn't the best that I have read by JAK, I would recommend picking it up if you are seeking out her early books. I enjoyed it.

In Too Deep

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Putnam

Jayne Ann Krentz follows up her highly successful Dreamlight Trilogy- written in collaboration with her two alter egos, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle-with a brand-new story arc that begins in a secluded coastal town in northern California.

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It's a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove-Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts work as Fallon's assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office-and doesn't bat an eye at the psychic aspect of his job. She's a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business . . . and Isabella's family tree.

I enjoyed JAK's latest featuring the Arcane Society. I have always like Fallon Jones and I was looking forward to his story. Isabella is a good match for Fallon. She is the one person who can understand him and the way he works. I liked their relationship and found it believable. I was a bit disappointed in the love scenes though. I know JAK can write better love scenes; these were kind of boring. In Too Deep had less of the psi stuff that her books usually have. It felt like it was largely used as a set up for the other novels in the Trilogy and future Arcane novels while they fight against Nightshade. One thing I found pretty cool was her use of a character from her Eclipse Bay novels. I like when authors do that. There was a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. If you have been reading this series from the beginning, pick this one up. It is a pretty quick read and entertaining.

--Kari

Midnight Crystal

by Jayne Castle

From Goodreads:
Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local ghost hunters' guild without being saddled with the family curse. He's convinced his recent nightmares and hallucinations will lead to him becoming a psychic rogue - unless he can find a stolen relic and a woman who can read dreamlight. Marlowe Jones rides into his life on a motorcycle and, though a descendent of the rival Arcane family, she's just what Adam needs: a psychic private investigator and dreamlight reader extraordinaire. Together, amid the glowing catacombs and steamy underground jungles of Harmony, Adam and Marlowe must break the curse, save the entire underworld - and fight a passion that could destroy them both.

Midnight Crystal is the 3rd book in the Dreamlight Trilogy. The first 2 are written under her other pseudonyms, Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick. It is also the 9th in the Arcane series and 7th in the Harmony series. Confused? Let’s just say it isn’t a stand alone novel. At the very least, I would read some of the Harmony series by Jayne Castle (the first being After Dark) to understand the world that she has created on planet Harmony.

Midnight Crystal is a good ending to the Dreamlight trilogy as far as the burning lamp legend is concerned. We finally get to see what the Midnight Crystal in the burning lamp can do. The leads were strong; however, I felt I didn’t get enough background on them to really like them. The romance between Marlowe and Adam was standard Krentz/Castle/ Quick fare…fast but believable. It will be interesting to see where she takes the series next. I always look forward to meeting a new dust bunny! 3 stars on Goodreads.