Showing posts with label Jayne Ann Krentz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jayne Ann Krentz. Show all posts

Monday, September 29, 2014

Romance Book Review: Jayne Ann Krentz's Dream Eyes

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz

Series: Dark Legacy
ISBN-13: 978-0515154085
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Psychic Romance
Publisher: Jove

Purchase Link: Amazon

When Gwen receives a late night email she rushes to her friend's aide, but too late. Her friend, Evelyn is dead and Gwen enlists the her help of her best friend, Abby's finace's company for help. Evelyn's death isn't an ordinary mystery and Gwen isn't looking for a normal private investigator. 

Enter Judson Coopersmith, a man that Gwen had met a month before. Sparks flew when the two met, but as soon as Judson realized that Gwen was a psychic dream counselor his immediately put the breaks on their relationship going an further. The minute he sees her again, he knows he can't let her go this time. 

While the two investigate Evelyn's death they realize that there are many suspects and not all is as it seems. At the same time Judson must figure out what his nightmares mean and he just might have to go to Gwen for help after all. 

I liked this book, but it seemed to go on a little long and the connections were not easily made when one of the stories was solved. Otherwise I think the female lead was a great character and the sexy hero seemed as just slightly less alpha as the authors usual male leads.

I keep wondering if there is going to be a third book or more in the Dark Legacy series. It seems that the Coopersmith's still have more stories to tell. 

Description:
A suspicious death. A ghost in a mirror. The new Dark Legacy novel from the New York Times bestselling author known for crafting stories of burning passion and chilling suspense…

The death of her friend and mentor, Evelyn Ballinger, brings psychic counselor Gwen Frazier back to the small town of Wilby, Oregon, and brings back memories she would rather forget. Two years ago, a killer stalked the members of one of Ballinger’s research studies—including Gwen, who survived while two others didn’t. Now, she’s sure that Ballinger’s death is related. 


Sent by a friend to help Gwen, psychic investigator Judson Coppersmith arrives in Wilby barely in control of his own talent and his own life, and haunted by urgent dreams. His attraction to Gwen is primal, but there are secrets he must keep to protect himself from surrendering to her completely, even as their investigation draws them into dreamscapes, into decades of deception and into the paranormal fires of a desire too strong to resist…

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Romance Book Review: Jayne Castle's Hot Zone and Deception Cove

Author: Jayne Castle

Series Connection: Rainshadow, Harmony
ISBN-13: 978-0515154726
Genre: Futuristic, Paranormal
Publisher: Jove

Purchase Link: Amazon

After being kidnapped and used as a ginny pig for a new experimental drug, Sedona Snow, long-time descendent of Arizona Snow from back on Earth, escapes and is ready to make her new life on Rainshadow with her dust bunny Lyle. 

It has been a strange couple of months for Sedona with a lot of new people taking an interest with her. First those that kidnapped her, her ex-MC husband, her estranged family and even the new guild boss on Rainshadow Cyrus Jones.

Cyrus Jones knows exactly who Sedona is and what she has been through for the past few months. He knows she's not PSI-burned and he couldn't be happier, because Cyrus has his own issues with people calling him "Dead Zone Jones". Sedona may just be the woman he's been looking for, for a long time. 

This is the third installment to the Rainshadow series and those who read this book might want to check out the previous three, as characters and the concerns of the underworld on the island all play together. This was a well written installment in the series, however the book doesn't take us anywhere new and exciting in the series. There was however a bit of mystery going in with her exactly the bad guy is, but I pretty much figured it out well before the person the presented. 

Description:
The world of Harmony has its wonders, one of them being Rainshadow Island.

Just beneath its surface, a maze of catacombs hides a dangerous secret…

Halloween—with its tricks and treats—is a dust bunny’s dream come true. Just ask Lyle, Sedona Snow’s faithful sidekick. But for Sedona, it’s a nightmare. Though her new job managing a small hotel and tavern on Rainshadow is helping her move on from her tragic past, a bizarre disaster down in the catacombs has brought a pack of rowdy ghost hunters to her inn.


And now, Sedona’s ex has arrived on the island, claiming he wants to get back together, just as a newcomer appears to have a strong interest in her. Cyrus Jones is the new Guild boss in town. He has his own agenda when it comes to Sedona, but even the best-laid plans are no match for the passion that springs up on Rainshadow…

Author: Jayne Castle

Series Connection: Rainshadow, Harmony
ISBN-13: 978-0515152852
Genre: Futuristic, Paranormal
Publisher: Jove

Published Link: Amazon

Drake Sebastian and his family are the caretakers of Rainshadow Island and the vastly unexplored underworld on the island. He has been on the search for Alice North. Drake is convinced that Alice can help him with the problems that they've been having on Rainshadow. He knows that if he doesn't find her soon they may lose the island. 

Alice has been on the run with her dust bunny Houdini for the past year since her ex-mother-in-law decided that she must be responsible for Alice's MC husband's death. Alice has been found innocent of any wrong doing in her husband's death. As a matter of fact it was him that tried to kill her and he was found killed when she was long gone. 

Once Drake's found Alice he decides the best way to protect her is to offer her a Marriage of Convenience (MC). After a quick wedding the two head off to Rainshadow to fight everything for giant insects and old lovers. 

This is the second book in the Rainshadow series where a lot of new questions are answered. I love some of the imagination that went into putting this book out and the development of the issues on the island that haven't been seen in any of the other books about Harmony. 

Description:
In the world of Harmony, Rainshadow Island is home to a mysterious preserve, secrets that have been kept for centuries, and a treasure worth killing for…

As a light-talent, Alice North has the rare ability to make things disappear, including herself—a gift that comes in handy during her magic act with her dust bunny Houdini.

Business mogul Drake Sebastian is day-blind, since his sight was nearly destroyed in a lab accident. But he’s the one man who can see Alice when she disappears—and he needs her.

On Rainshadow Island, two dangerous Old World crystals are missing, igniting a paranormal storm. Drake thinks Alice is the key to finding them, and proposes they head there, but only after a Marriage of Convenience.

Alice’s honeymoon on Rainshadow is guaranteed to be memorable, as the island—and the passion between her and Drake—is about to explode…

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

RWA 2012 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing

This evening the Romance Writers of America presented the 2012 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing. 456 Romance Writers of America authors attended the event to sign their name to books they donated to the cause, pause for pictures with attendees and answer hundreds of questions about their books.

The money raised at this open to the public event went to pay for Literacy programs.

I purchased seven books for the event including:
In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz
Shades of Desire by Virna DePaul
Echoes at Dawn by Maya Banks
A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer
Sleepwalker by Karen Robards
Blazing Bedtime Stories by Tawny Webber (and Rhonda Nelson)
At Last by Jill Shalvis

A couple of the books I already had, but these at the books the authors brought so if I wanted the autographs, well then I get another copy.

It was really fun getting to see some of my favorite authors. I've posted photos of the event on my facebook site.

Here are a few for the fun of it.

Karen Robards and Me

Pamela Palmer and Me
Tawny Webber and Me

Books I purchased
Tomorrow the fun really begins. There will be hundreds or writer's workshops to choose from, a lot of social activities and more opportunities to meet my favorite authors.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Reissued Jayne Castle books now available in ebooks





Shield's Lady 
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Reissue from 06/89 & 01/96 print editions
ASIN: B008DWFW00
BN ID: 294-0014711494
Publisher: Purple Papaya LLC


Jayne Ann Krentz has re-issuing Shield's Lady in e-book. I have this book in my Jayne collection and I'm actually really excited it is in e-book now so that I can put it on my kindle. 

Okay so the story is pretty quirky by today's standards, but remember it was for 1989 originally and romance was a little different back then. 


Description: 
A Jayne Ann Krentz Classic. Now available in e-book.

Legends can be dangerous, just ask Sariana Dayne. She sets out to hire one and wakes up married to him. It’s a marriage of infuriating inconvenience as far as Sariana is concerned.

Gryph Chassyn stirs all her senses but he’s one of the mysterious mercenaries known as Shields. Sensible women do not marry such men. But for Gryph, marrying Sariana is a matter of honor, passion and survival. He needs her in ways she cannot even imagine.

Before Sariana can find a way to escape the bond that has been forged between them, she and Gryph are caught up in a desperate quest to save their world. The future looks a little different but some things, like love and passion, and murder never change.

Originally published June 1989 by Popular Library w/a Amanda Glass and reissued January 1996 by Warner Books w/a Jayne Ann Krentz.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Romance Book Review: Jayne Ann Krentz's Copper Beach

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series Connection: A Dark Legacy Novel
ISBN-10: 0399157875
ISBN-13: 978-0399157875

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Paranormal/ Psychic
Publisher: Putnam

Purchase this book here


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


A great fan of Jayne Ann Krentz from way back, but I sadly say I can't give this book 5 hearts because it lost something for me when I realized this is about a paranormal mixture of her Arcane Society's two worlds of her Krentz/Castle work. That probably doesn't make any sense, but here goes.

The characters in this book have psychic paranormal powers but yet the Arcane Society is never mention or any relationship to Jones and Jones as in the Krentz's Arcane Society books. There is a whole series of crystals used in the books as they are used in the Castle Arcane Society books. Basically it holds both the principals of the contemporary and the future series. It establishes the the use of the crystals in this contemporary timeline, but really has no connection to Arcane. That was a little disturbing because I kept waiting for a Jones to appear in the story. It was just too closely related to the other stories without establishing any connection.

That said. The story and characters were good and I liked the sexual chemistry and psychic connection between Abby and Sam.

Abby has a special ability that allows her to unlock a book psychically so that the secrets inside can be read. She is the only one around who can unlock a book that has some dangerous information inside. There are many people who want this book and they all know that Abby is the only one who can open its secrets.

Sam is one of the people who is looking for the book. He knows that Abby can help him and it just so happens that he can help Abby stay safe from the bad people who want the book. While the two try to find the book and try to stay safe the realize there is a deep connection between the two, but Abby has a hard time with trust and Sam will have to work really hard if he is going to get the girl in the end.

Description:
A rare book. An ancient code. An all-new novel from the New York Times-bestselling master of passion and the paranormal.

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.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Romance Book Review: CANYONS OF NIGHT—Jayne Castle

Author: Jayne Castle
Series Connection: Looking Glass Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Novel
ISBN-10: 0515149888
ISBN-13: 9780515149883

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Jove

Purchase the book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

For once in a long time I really enjoyed the romantic chemistry between the hero and the heroine in one of Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz) novels. The novel begins with an event that happens 15 years earlier when the lead characters first meet. Now the two have returned to the island where they first met. The hero, Slade, is now the chief of police and the heroine Charlotte is taking over her aunt's antique shop.

Canyon of Night is the third in the Arcane series the Looking Glass. The series ends with this book in the future on Harmony where the Bridwell devises have made their way through the curtain and being used against the Arcane members once again. Unwittingly Charlotte comes upon a group of criminals trying to get their hands on a seemingly innocent snowball antique.

At the same time, the island of Rainshadow is introduced where their is a preserve on the island that holds many secrets. Those that enter the persevere have been known to never come out. The island is due to come up in future Harmony books. 

Several action scenes keep the story interesting and the description of the inside of the preserve includes some creative delights.

Description: 
The island of Rainshadow is home to the mysterious, privately-owned woods known only as the Preserve. Now, after fifteen years away, both Charlotte Enright and her teen crush, Slade Attridge, have returned. But will their psi talents and Slade’s dust bunny companion be enough to keep them from getting drawn into the darkness at the heart of the Preserve?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Romance Book Review: In Too Deep

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series Connection: Looking Glass Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Nove
ISBN-10: 0399157026
ISBN-13: 978-0399157028
Genre: Paranormal/ Contemporary
Publisher: Putnam

Click to purchase this book through: Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Jayne Ann Krentz is one of my favorite romantic story tellers of all time. I have read and own every one of her books, with the exception of the first book that is so hard to find that some online sellers are selling it for $700 or more. That being said some may think I'm a little biased in my review of her new book In Too Deep. Actually though I believe this is one of her better books in the past couple of years.

I truly believe that the Arcane Society books should be read in order, as a complete series. Although the author does try to keep people up-to-date without making them read each book, there is a lot going on in the series.

With In Too Deep, Jayne starts a whole knew new series within the Arcane series. As with the previous series, Looking Glass Trilogy, will feature a story from each of the time periods that Jayne writes in under her different names, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick. In Too Deep, is the contemporary book. Those she write as Amanda Quick are the historicals and Jayne Castle are the futuristic or Sci Fi versions.

With In Too Deep we finally get to spend some time with the mysterious, and most of the time abrupt, Fallon Jones. Fallon is in charge of Jones and Jones Investigations, the paranormal investigation agency that works mostly with the Arcane Society. There are rumors afloat that Fallon has gone over the edge, like many of the Jones men with his talent before him. Both Fallon and his cousin, Zack Jones, the head of the Arcane Society, think that this is an attempt to take over not only J&J, but also the Arcane Society as a whole, maybe even by the Arcane Society nemeses--Nightshade.

In the meantime, Fallon has finally gotten himself a new assistant. Isabella was mentioned in the previous story as the woman who worked across the way that Fallon was attracted to. Now she is working for him and he can't seem to get his mind off of her.

Isabella has a story of her own. In her previous line of work, before she came to Scargill Cove, she was being framed for stealing paranormal weapons. Rather than face prison she takes off. She has told no one but her grandmother, a infamous conspiracy theorist--who even has a blog, about what is going on. Her grandmother sends her to Scaegrill Cove and Fallon Jones for help.

Knowing who her grandmother is makes Fallon wonder if Isabella is really in danger of if she is just getting wrapped up in another conspiracy theory.

I really adore Fallon Jones. I've always thought he was one of the better characters in the Arcane series. True to form when Jayne brings his character to life there is so much more to him. He reminds me of some of the earlier hero characters from Jayne's category romance books. Isabella is a strong heroine with a lot of heart who is just right for him. The chemistry between Fallon and Isabella is off the charts good. For those who like the paranormal psychic angle stories this is a fun series.

Description:
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 working as Fallon’s assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office — and doesn’t bat an eye at the psychic element 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.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Romance Byte: In Too Deep

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series
Connection: Book One of the Looking Glass Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Novel - Book #10

ISBN-10: 0399157026
ISBN-13: 978-0399157028
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Paranormal

Publisher: Putnam


Click here to purchase this book through Amazon
Click here to purchase through Barnes and Noble

Description:
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 working as Fallon’s assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office — and doesn’t bat an eye at the psychic element 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.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Jayne Ann Krentz has a special reissue of All Night Long

Jayne Ann Krentz has a special reissue of All Night Long.
Penguin Group (USA) is unveiling Read Pink™ in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and Jayne Ann Krentz is taking a part in the program.

Penguin is offering an assortment of 8 of their bestselling mass market titles, including All Night Long. Other participating authors include Catherine Anderson, Catherine Coulter, Christina Dodd, Madeline Hunter, Nora Roberts, Bertrice Small, and Jodi Thomas. These special editions feature Read Pink™ logos on the cover.

"Many of my readers list All Night Long as one of their favorite Jayne Ann Krentz titles. If you haven't read it, I hope you will enjoy it now as part of the Read Pink™ program," Jayne Ann Krentz said in an e-mail to her readers.

Penguin will make a $25,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in New York. The donation will be made on October 1st which is around the same time that you will begin to see the special edition Read Pink books instores across the country — they will be hard to miss as each book will boast a Read Pink logo on the front cover.

For a complete list of Read Pink™ titles, please visit the Penguin Group (USA) Read Pink™ website The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is working to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer during our lifetime.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Romance Book Review: Midnight Crystal

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series Connection:  Dreamlight Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Novel #9
ISBN-13: 978-0515148367

Genre: Paranormal/ Futuristic Romance/ Sci-Fi
Publisher: Jove

Purchase from Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Midnight Crystal is the final book of the Dreamlight Trilogy. Jayne Ann Krentz writes three different genres of Romance and uses a different name in each genre: Jayne Ann Krentz for contemporary, Amanda Quick for historical and Jayne Castle for futuristic or sci-fi. In her Dreamlight Trilogy she moved her Arcane series through the generations. She began with Fired Up, by Jayne Ann Krentz. Then moved to the past with The Burning Lamp as Amanda Quick and finally finished up with Midnight Crystal by Jayne Castle.

The three books followed the Winters family who is the arch enemy of the Jones family from J&J Investigations. The story tells of the development and subsequent legend of Nicholas Winters' final attempt to kill off the Jones family by instilling a great power into a Lamp that will activate when the Winter's male with the right psychic powers comes into his full psychic power.

Interesting idea with a lot of imagination. As always Jayne brings great entertainment with the three books. I love her writing style and she worked well to relate the three stories. In many of the reviews I've read there are lots of complaints about repetitive explanation about how the Lamp works, repeating history and legends and so forth. That generally doesn't bother me. I think an author has to do that in case someone hasn't read the previous books. How would they be able to understand the story unless they were told. For them it will be the first time. For readers who have read the whole series it will be the third.

In Midnight Crystal we meet Adam Winters a new elected Guild boss sent in to clean-up the Frequency City Guild. In previous Harmony series books there have been mention about the corrupt Frequency Guild. Not everyone is happy that Adam has been chosen to clean-up the Guild. As a matter of fact two council members are out to try to kill Adam.

Adam has other things to worry about. For the past month he has been having terrible nightmares and he is afraid that the old legend about the Winters' Clan is coming true and he will be the one to set forth Nicholas Winters' plan. Not to mention the fact that the infamous family lamp has gone missing.

In walks Marlowe Jones. Marlowe is the first dreamlight psychic to be in charge of the J&J Investigations. J&J is still around protecting the Arcane Society. The only problem is that since most everyone in the new world of Harmony has some kind of PSI talent they aren't as busy as they used to be.

Last we saw the Lamp it had been given to J&J for safe keeping, but now we find that that was a fake. Although the Winters' family didn't want to use the Lamp, they didn't quite trust the Arcane Society to keep it safe. So when the Arcane Society's version of the Lamp goes missing as well, Marlowe seeks out Adam to find out what is going on.

At the same time, the underworld of Harmony is in great danger of exploding and Adam believes that the real Lamp can help fix the problems. Even after the two safe the underworld there is still the matter of those that are trying to kill Adam and Marlowe's problem with having men sleep in bed with her.

This might spoil it for people so you may want to skip this part:
Generally I liked the final book of the Dreamlight series, but there were a few problems with the story.  I hate it when mysteries are not answered at the end of the story, but unless I missed it, readers don't know who stole the real Lamp that Adam had. Also, and this is just a pet peeve of mine, but basically Marlowe had the same problem as Chloe had in Fired Up. Because of their dream talent it was hard to sleep with someone because of the other person's dreams. Makes sense, but it makes the story sound too much the same as that story. It would be nice if she could have a different reaction.

In Chloe's case it was clear why she could sleep with Jack. I just don't like that it was repeated in this story. Not really significant to the story, but just annoyed me.

I think Jayne fans will like this last in the Dreamlight Series. The next in the Arcane series is due out on Dec. 28 with In Too Deep. For all of you who have been following the series this is Fallon Jones' story.

Description:
For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse’s final mystery will be unraveled...
Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local Ghost Hunter 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 with a dust bunny at her side. Though a descendant 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...

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Currently Reading: Midnight Crystal

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series Connection:  Dreamlight Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Novel #9
ISBN-13: 978-0515148367

Genre: Paranormal/ Futuristic Romance/ Sci-Fi
Publisher: Jove

Purchase from Amazon

Description:
For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse’s final mystery will be unraveled...
Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local Ghost Hunter 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 with a dust bunny at her side. Though a descendant 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...



In Jayne Castle's (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) latest book Midnight Crystal, one of her characters is a Dust Bunny named Gibson. Jayne recently posted a picture of the little critter that was used in the promotion video for the new Dreamlight Triology book. In the video the role is played by Jamey, a prize-winning English Angora rabbit owned by Betty Chu. Above is a picture of the little Jamey with the book.

Check out the latest video here.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Romance Byte: Midnight Crystal





Author: Jayne Castle (aka: Jayne Ann Krentz)
Series Connection: Harmony/ Dreamlight Series/ An Arcane Society Novel #9
ISBN: 9780515148367
Genre: Paranormal/ Psychic
Publisher: Jove
Available: Aug. 31, 2010 

Preorder through Amazon

Description:
For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse’s final mystery will be unraveled...
Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local Ghost Hunter 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 with a dust bunny at her side. Though a descendant 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...

Monday, August 23, 2010

Just because it fell off the bookshelf: The Family Way


Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
ISBN: 978-1551665559
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira

Purchase through Amazon

I'm a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, not only of the work she has been doing recently with the Arcane Series connection between all her genres, but all her earlier work, as well. I own almost everyone of her books. Actually I own every one except for the first book she ever published, which I could only find for several hundred dollars.

So when my new kitten was playing around the bookshelf my Jayne Ann Krentz's collection, plus a few other author collections, and The Family Way fell off the shelf I re-read the book just for fun. And it was fun.

The Family Way is part of the earlier Jayne Ann Krentz work published first in 1987 and then re-released with a new cover again in 1999.

I love her female characters in general. They are always straight forward, in your face types who aren't afraid to tell you have they feel. The men are always strong and handsome, but definitely not the pretty boy type. Many times they have a little trouble communicating with women because it takes just the right one to understand their eccentric personalities.

In The Family Way the characters are no different than in the other books she's written. Pru is an outspoken woman who was born and raised in Spot, Texas by a no nonsense aunt who tried to drum wisdom into Pru and his sister with quirky sayings full of Texas sass.

Pru has found herself, "in the family way" and she has finally realized that the man she loves, McCord, is really serious about the fact that he doesn't want to get married.

Like her Aunt Wilhelmina would say: "Give a man free whiskey and he'll get used to the notion of not having to pay for it. It's tough to collect after he's drunk his fill."

Deciding to cut her loses Pru leaves McCord without telling him she's pregnant. She has no hope that McCord will chase after her.

McCord has dealt with women who try to manipulate him before. He is mistaken to think that Pru isn't serious about leaving, which totally enrages him. When he receives a bill from a local clinic for a pregnancy test he finally understands what sent Pru packing . When he discovers Pru is pregnant he rushes after her to propose marriage.

My favorite part of the book is Pru's complete trust in McCord, even when those who are suppose to know him best, declare him the bad guy. Pru stands up for McCord's character. She knows the man she loves, believes in him, and isn't afraid to show it.

Although the story line seems a bit outdated, the book is timeless. Even today, where it seems everyone is trying to live together first, the idea that once there is a baby involved marriage is the solution.

While her vintage writing styles is vastly different from the her current work, whether she's writing under Krentz, Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick, this is still a fun read. Those who are a fan of her work and haven't read any of her earlier work might want to read some for the fun of it. She has always been entertaining and is one author who has continue to keep up with the times and continues to intrigue her readers.

Description:
Unwilling to force her live-in love Case McCord into a proposal of marriage, a pregnant Pru Kenyon decides to walk away from the man she loves. She doesn't tell him that she is expecting his baby, but she never bargained on how much Case is willing to do for love.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Romance Book Review: Fired Up and Burning Lamp

Fired Up
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: Arcane Society
ISBN: 978-0399155963
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal
Publisher: Putnam Adult


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥



Just finished both of Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick)'s new editions to her Arcane Society series. This series is unique because the author is writing books in both her contemporary persona, Krentz, and her historical persona, Quick. The series is about a special society that deals with the paranormal psychic population of the world in both time eras. Since the government doesn't choose to acknowledge the psychics of the world a group known as the Arcane Society was established during the Victorian Era and works to keep all the psychics in line. The group still exists today working to keep the evil psychic from hurting the rest of the world with their psychic ability.


In every book in the series there is a different hero and heroine, with the common consistancy the J&J Agency. Fired Up and Burning Lamp are not only books 7 & 8 of the Arcane Series but they are also the first two books in the Dreamlight Trilogy.

I was surprised by those who reviewed these two books and said that they saw little of Jayne Ann Krentz's usual style and characters, when I saw her using very much the same characters as she has used in the previous books in the series. I thought both books were well written, it not a little too descriptive. Fired Up seemed to relate a lot of the history of the first Winters' experiments, as does the Burning Lamp, so it seemed a little repetitive when you read them close together. I didn't mind though.

In Fired Up readers get to spend more time with the modern day Jones from the J&J Agency—Fallon. Fallon's character is more defined in Fired Up and he seems more disorganized than he has in previous books. I'm hoping we'll see a book for him soon.

It seem the books a little backwards where Fired Up, book 7, is the modern day version. Readers meet Jack Winter a decedent of the Nicholas Winter who created the Burning Lamp. A devise that the first Winter would hope would amp up his psychic powers, but ultimately made him go mad. Suddenly strange things are happening to Jack Winter and he is worried his is cursed as his ancestor was believed to be. So he goes to Chloe Harper, a Dream Psychic whom, Jack believes can save him before he goes insane.

Chloe is a private investigator. She is worried that Jack isn't going to get the helps he thinks from her, but she is the one Harper who isn't exploitive like the rest of her con-artist family and can't help but want to do what ever she can for Jack. Together they work against the clock to save Jack and also keep one step ahead to the evil group who wants to used both Jack and Chloe for their own gain.


Description:
More than three centuries ago, Nicholas Winters irrevocably altered his genetic makeup in an obsession fueled competition with alchemist and Arcane Society founder Sylvester Jones. Driven to control their psychic abilities, each man's decision has reverberated throughout the family line, rewarding some with powers beyond their wildest dreams, and cursing others to a life filled with madness and hallucinations.

Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing nightmares and blackouts—just the beginning, he believes—of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp's dreamlight.

Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. Her talents for finding objects and accessing dream energy are what will save him, but their sudden and powerful sexual pull threatens to overwhelm them both. Danger surrounds them, and it doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force. 


Burning Lamp
Author: Amanda Quick
Series Connection: Arcane Society
ISBN: 978-0399156465
Genre: Historical Paranormal
Publisher: Putnam Adult


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥



The Burning Lamp, takes readers back a century in time where they meet Griffin Winters and Adelaide Pyne. Griffin is the only other Winters who has need to use the lamp. He knows the legend of Nicholas Winters and how the lamp is suppose to help him from going insane. He also knows he needs the help of a Dream Psychic to make the lamp work.

Adelaide is a social reformer and someone that Griffin would not normal associate himself with, but Adelaide is in possession of the lamp and he soon realizes that she is the only one who can help him before it is too late.

As with modern time, there are forces that don't want Griffin and Adelaide to come together on this project. They too need to race against time to safe not only Griffin but once Adelaide is enlisted to help she is no in danger as well.


Description:
The Arcane Society was born in turmoil when the friendship of its two founders evolved into a fierce rivalry. Sylvester Jones and Nicholas Winters each sought to enhance their individual psychic talents. Winters’ efforts led to the creation of a device of unknown powers called the Burning Lamp. Each generation the Winters man who inherits it is destined to develop multiple talents—and the curse of madness.

Plagued by hallucinations and nightmares, notorious crime lord Griffin Winters is convinced he has been struck with the Winters Curse. And the instincts that have helped him survive the streets and rise to power are now drawing him toward Adelaide Pyne, the bothersome social reformer. But even as he arranges a meeting with the mysterious woman, he has no idea how closely their fates are bound, for Adelaide holds the Burning Lamp in her possession.

A dreamlight reader, Adelaide should be able to manipulate the Lamp’s light to save both Griffin’s sanity and his life. But their dangerous psychical experiment makes them the target of forces both inside and outside of the Arcane Society. And though desire strengthens their power their different lives will keep them apart—if death doesn’t take them together.


Below are a list of books in the series.

SECOND SIGHT
By Amanda Quick
Purchase Book 1 here
SETTING: Late Victorian England

WHITE LIES
By Jayne Ann Krentz
Purchase Book 2 here
SETTING: Stone Canyon, Arizona, 21st. Century

SIZZLE AND BURN
By Jayne Ann Krentz
Purchase Book 3 here
SETTING: Oriana, Washington, 21st Century
THE THIRD CIRCLE
By Amanda Quick
Purchase Book 4 here
SETTING: Late Victorian England

RUNNING HOT
By Jayne Ann Krentz
Purchase Book 5 here
SETTING: Hawaii, 21st Century
THE PERFECT POISON
By Amanda Quick
Purchase Book 6 Here
SETTING: Late Victorian England

FIRED UP
By Jayne Ann Krentz
Purchase Book 7 here
SETTING: Seattle and Las Vegas, 21st Century

 BURNING LAMP
By Amanda Quick
Purchase Book 8 here
SETTING: Late Victorian England

Monday, September 7, 2009

Romance Book Review: Obsidian Prey

Author: Jayne Castle
Series Connection: Harmony Book 6

ISBN-13: 978-0515146899
Genre: Sci-Fi

YYYY

The sixth book in her Harmony series Jayne once again brings readers back to the planet of Harmony. In this story readers meet Lyra, who has her heart broken by Cruz three months before. Now Cruz returns to enlist her help and to win her back.

Cruz knows that he made a mistake letting Lyra go three months ago. He had hoped that after she got over his little lie and stealing her amber mine that she would understand that he did it for her own good and would take him back. When she doesn't respond the way he wants, he can't understand because he knows they are meant to be together.

Lyra is attracted to Cruz but she isn't sure she can trust him, and why should she when he doesn't even say he's sorry for what he did to her three months ago. The only reason why he came back to her now was because he needed her help in releasing some men trapped in the mine.

This is a fairly decent book, but not one of my favorites. The hero is right in character with most of Jayne's other heros. He believes his way is the right way and can't figure out why Lyra just doesn't get it. Lyra is also very much like Jayne's heroines, offering her own shot at being stubborn about what she believes, but of course she's fallen for Cruz so what can she do?

Fan's of Jayne's will enjoy this story and those who have never read her before will get a good taste of her style.

Description:

Two hundred years after the closing of the energy Curtain that allowed interplanetary travel—cutting off all contact to Earth—the planet Harmony is thriving. Thanks to an abundant supply of amber, which powers not only electrical machines for everyday use but also psychic abilities in the colonists, Harmony has created a stable, progressive community. But when that stability is threatened, resolving an ancient family feud and a fresh lover's quarrel might be the planet's only hope.

Three months ago, Lyra Dore suffered a heartbreak and a hostile takeover—both at the hands of the same man. A descendant of her ancestors' fierce rival. Cruz Sweetwater charmed his way into Lyra's heart and gained access to her pet project, an amethyst ruin. Then he took over the project and took off. When Cruz walks back into her life and requests a private meeting, Lyra convinces herself he's there to crawl and beg forgiveness. Wrong again—he just needs her help. With the project he stole from her.

Five innocent men are trapped inside a chamber in the amethyst ruin, and Lyra is the only one who can reopen the door. Reluctantly she agrees to help. Then Cruz wants her to apply her talents to the rest of the ruin—because no one else can work it. Lyra and Cruz are both harboring psychic secrets. Unknown—and dangerous—powers pulse within the amethyst ruin, and the closer Lyra gets to them, the more at risk she becomes. And now she must decide whether to trust her guts or her heart...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Romance Byte: Obsidian Prey

Author: Jayne Castle
Series Connection: Harmony Book 6
ISBN-13: 978-0515146899
Genre: Sci-Fi

Description:
Two hundred years after the closing of the energy Curtain that allowed interplanetary travel—cutting off all contact to Earth—the planet Harmony is thriving. Thanks to an abundant supply of amber, which powers not only electrical machines for everyday use but also psychic abilities in the colonists, Harmony has created a stable, progressive community. But when that stability is threatened, resolving an ancient family feud and a fresh lover's quarrel might be the planet's only hope.

Three months ago, Lyra Dore suffered a heartbreak and a hostile takeover—both at the hands of the same man. A descendant of her ancestors' fierce rival. Cruz Sweetwater charmed his way into Lyra's heart and gained access to her pet project, an amethyst ruin. Then he took over the project and took off. When Cruz walks back into her life and requests a private meeting, Lyra convinces herself he's there to crawl and beg forgiveness. Wrong again—he just needs her help. With the project he stole from her.

Five innocent men are trapped inside a chamber in the amethyst ruin, and Lyra is the only one who can reopen the door. Reluctantly she agrees to help. Then Cruz wants her to apply her talents to the rest of the ruin—because no one else can work it. Lyra and Cruz are both harboring psychic secrets. Unknown—and dangerous—powers pulse within the amethyst ruin, and the closer Lyra gets to them, the more at risk she becomes. And now she must decide whether to trust her guts or her heart...

Friday, June 19, 2009

Romance Book Review: Uneasy Alliance

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Harlequin; ISBN: 10: 0373200056
ISBN-13: 978-0373200054
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reissue: Originally published in Harlequin Temptation #11 in 1984.

YYY

Not one of my favorite Jayne Ann Krentz novels, Uneasy Alliance is just not written as well as her other earlier novels. Many people don't like reissues from so long ago because the genre has changed considerably over the last couple of decades. Back when this book was first written having an alpha male who was possessive and a little bit of a chauvinist wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Today some readers look at the characters in this book and say..."Ew. That guy is just plan terrible."

I, however, have always been a constant fan of Jayne Ann Krentz's and have collected all of her books, even the earlier days of her work. I absolutely love her male alpha characters, who back then were all very much a like. This story, however, was just not one of her best. The hero in the story, which is much like her other male chauvinist characters, is just not as well developed as the others. The female character is just not a well written either. She is just too wisy-washy. The "go away" and then "stay" is just over the top in this book. You just want to shake her and say, "make up your mind already. You know what kind of guy he is, take him or leave him."

That being said, if you like Jayne, you probably want to check this book out. If you are like me, you probably will tolerate the story line just to say you have read every one of Jayne's books.

Description:
After ending a relationship gone terribly and unexpectedly wrong, Abby Lyndon is left wary and determined to control her own life. Two years later, she meets a man who doesn't frighten her. When a nightmare from her past resurfaces, Abby has little choice to accept Torr Latimer's help, but his determination to protect her may be a little too close for comfort.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Arcane Society upcoming books

















Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick fans will be excited to here that the author's The Third Circle will be out in paperback this week. Book four in her Arcane Society, this book takes place in the past offering readers the chance to get to know what the society faced in history. Krentz also puts out a series of books about the same subject that takes place in the present under her Krentz pseudonym.


Here is a sneak peek at the book:
Leona Hewitt makes a somewhat precarious and not entirely respectable living reading dream crystals. Within the Arcane Society such talent is considered to be only a step up from being a carnival worker. One dark night she steals into a private museum filled with relics of paranormal power. She is determined to retrieve a rare crystal that was stolen from her family. Imagine her surprise when she encounters the mysterious psychic mesmerist, Thaddeus Ware, standing over the body of a savagely murdered woman. Thaddeus is accustomed to fearful reactions from others, especially women. After all, a man with the power to control minds could rob a lady of her virtue without her even knowing it. Leona, however, is no ordinary female. She has power of her own and she is not afraid of him. She is also not about to give up her claim on the crystal. 



A reckless and dangerous passion flares immediately between the pair as they flee into the night. But at dawn Leona disappears with the crystal. Thaddeus has no choice but to track her down. Not only is he fascinated by Leona -- the only woman who can resist his talent -- he knows that a ruthless hunter of preternatural skill is also hunting her. 



For those who are enjoying the series, Krentz has a whole history of the series and information on all the characters on her Website at www.jayneannkrentz.com. She has also recreated a new logo for the Arcane Society that was unveiled in a fan e-mail today. Above is a copy.

Quick will release Book #6, The Perfect Poison, on April 21. Here is a sneak peek at that book:
Plagued by rumors that she poisoned her fiancé, Lucinda Bromley manages to live on the fringes of polite society, tending her beloved plants—and occasionally consulting on a murder investigation. For the notorious botanist possesses a unique talent: she can detect almost any type of poison, especially ones that have their origins in the botanical kingdom.


But the death of a lord has shaken Lucinda to her core. At the murder scene, she picks up traces of a poison containing a very rare species of fern. So rare, in fact, that only one specimen exists in all of England—and it was stolen from her conservatory just last month. To keep her name out of the investigation and to find the murderer, Lucinda hires a fellow Arcane Society member. Caleb Jones runs a psychical investigation agency. A descendant of the founder of the Society, he is very good at protecting its secrets—and frighteningly good getting at the truth.

Immediately, Lucinda senses both a raw power and undeniable intensity in the imposing man.
But as a nearly overwhelming desire blooms between Caleb and Lucinda, they are drawn into the dark heart of a deadly conspiracy that can be traced to the early days of the Arcane Society—and to a legacy of madness that could plunge Caleb into the depths of his own tortured soul. . .

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Beware: Hitting the high notes can be deadly

Running Hot
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: An Arcane Society Novel
ISBN: 978-0-399-25521-5

YYYYY

Book Description:
Ex-cop Luther Malone, lifelong member of the secretive paranormal organization known as the Arcane Society, is waiting to meet Grace Renquist. Hired as an aura-reading consultant in the quest for a murder suspect, she's got zero field experience. She's from tiny Eclipse Bay, Oregon. She's a librarian, for heaven's sake.

As for Grace, she's not expecting much either from Malone, who walks with a cane and isn't so good with a gun. Nice resume for a bodyguard...

But even before they reach their hotel in Maui—where they'll be posing as honeymooners—Grace and Luther feel the electric charge between them. Problem is, they need to remain vigilant day and night, because it soon becomes clear there's more going on here. Rogue sensitives—operatives from the underground group Nightshade—are pouring into the luxury resort like there's a convention. Grace recognizes those dark spikes in their auras. She saw the same pattern in someone else in another life—a life she hasn't revealed to Luther or anyone else. And she understands how dangerous these people can be...especially with those para-hunters at their sides.

While the pair's employers at Jones and Jones scramble to get them backup, Luther and Grace have to think on their feet. The criminals in their midst aren't just high-level sensitives: They've enhanced their talents with a potent—and unpredictable—drug. And as grace knows all too well, if you don't control your powers, your powers will control you.

My View:
I'll admit I'm a Jayne Ann Krentz fan from way back. Over the years I've collected just about everything that Jayne has written under this name and her pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Stephanie James. I've read a few of the Amanda Quick series, but I'm not a real fan of historical romances, so I haven't been as diligent to read those. That said, when the new book came out I had to rush out to the bookstore and pick up my copy of her newest Arcane series and I wasn't disappointed.

To be honest I was a little worried about this one because I read the last Jayne Castle book Dark Light and it took me a little to get into it. Although, once I got past the repetitive first few chapters, it turned out to be a pretty good book. I didn't have the same problem with Running Hot. It was a fast read and action packed all the way through. I loved the characters and felt they worked well together.

Although Jayne pretty much explains the whole Arcane Society theme in Running Hot, I would recommend that those who haven't read the previous books in the series try them. It would be good to become familiar with the plot of the stories and some of the characters mentioned in this book. For example, Zack Jones is talked about several times in this book. He had his own story in the previous Arcane book Sizzle and Burn.

One other note: For those who are Jayne fans and read her Eclipse Bay series you might remember not all together there character Arizona Snow. Jayne reintroduces readers to Arizona Snow in Running Hot giving readers a completely new explanation on why Arizona acts the way she does. Bringing Arizona in was just a fun side note to this book. It's all just part of the charm that can be found in Jayne's books.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good love story with sweet love scenes. The paranormal angle takes the reader away from any sort of reality, but the ideas are original and the story line is clever.

It'll be interesting to see if Fallon Jones get the next Arcane Society book. The more we see Fallon in the series the more interesting his character becomes.