Rating: 3.5 Stars
Source: Library
Description: Grace Elland is in the wrong time at the wrong place when she discovers the murdered body of her boss, positive thinking guru Sprague Witherspoon, one morning. This isn't the first murder she's come across though both have featured rather prominently placed vodka bottles. When daily affirmations start showing up in her email sent from her murdered boss's email account.
When her friends set her up on a disastrous blind date with former Marine and Venture Capitalist, Julius Arkwright, she starts out furious but as the emails increase and more and more ties to her past start appearing it begins to seem like Julius may just be the perfect date after all.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Why I Picked This Book:I really enjoyed River Road last year and the premise on this looked interesting.
My Impression: I've been in a romantic suspense mood lately and the latest Jayne Ann Krentz was one I just couldn't pass up. It didn't disappoint! Both Grace and Julius are very good at what they do but their outlooks couldn't be more different. Grace is all about seeing the upside and positive thinking whereas Julius' personal mantras are "Trust No One" and "Everyone has a hidden agenda." I liked that they both respected each other despite being so different. Julius encouraged Grace to be more careful and Grace encouraged Julius to be more positive but at no point was there any belittling or dismissing. I really liked that this wasn't insta-love. In fact, they don't really like each other at the beginning but Grace needs advice and Julius needs a project. While their relationship developed quickly as is usually the case in this genre it never felt forced. Mostly, I just loved that they listened to each other.
The mystery itself was interesting and the loose ends were tied up nicely. There were some fairly minor plot holes and the reveal felt very sudden. I wouldn't say this is the most unpredictable of books as I had a pretty good idea what was going from pretty early but that didn't effect my enjoyment. This also isn't a book that will really stick with me but it was definitely lots of fun while I was reading it!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Definitely! These are perfect summer reads.
Would I Recommend this Book?: If you've enjoyed Krentz's previous books or are in the mood for a romantic suspense this is a good choice.
Challenges Met? Library Challenge, Reading Road Trip (Washington)
I've read a bunch of this author's books in the past. Have not read the River Road book or this one. Want to do that. And, I kind of have to be in the mood for romantic suspense, but I do get in that mood at times. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteRomantic suspense isn't a genre I read all that often and Jayne Ann Krentz, is a new name to me.
I was a bit put off straightaway, by the fact that Jayne came up with names for her characters like Sprague Witherspoon and Julius Arkwright, they immediately shout romantic comedy to me :)
I do have to admit that I would be quite attuned to Julius though, in his outlook and expectations of life! Everyone tells me that I am the eternal pessimist and my cup is always half empty, rather than half full.
The way I look at it, if I set my expectations on the low side, then I won't be too disappointed when things don't go according to plan!
Sometimes these lighthearted and forgettable reads, are just what the doctor ordered and I am pleased that you enjoyed it :)
Yvonne.
This does sound like a fun read, Katherine. I have never read anything by this author before.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was fun!
ReplyDeleteIf I read romantic suspense I would probably read her And the cover of both this and River Road are nice, and appealing. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteThis was a good one and one of my faves by her despite the plot holes and the reveal and some convenient happenings. I really liked both Julius and Grace, they made the book for me.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I used to read Jayne Ann Krentz all of the time a few years ago and we loved her. For the life of me I don't know why I stopped but your review makes me want to pick this book up for sure. I think you hooked me on, "...wasn't insta-love." A natural, well-paced romance with a great mystery will win me over every time. I will also have to let me sister know about this book because she is a huge fan.
ReplyDeleteSince I am just really jumping back into the swing of things, I am going to have to go and check out your other reviews. I only have a few more ARCs to read and I can move on to the things I really want to read. Thanks for a great review!
It's always good to have a great read. I used to read her.
ReplyDeleteDon't know this author - thanks for the intro!
ReplyDeleteI have so many of her newer ones to get to. I used to binge read hers all the time. Glad this one worked out for ya. I love that clashing personalities bit they have going. That's always fun to see :D
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one, too, but I had to send it back to the library before I got around to writing the review. I need to borrow it again to refresh my memory! I agree with you wholeheartedly about Grace and Julius's relationship - and let's hear it for no insta-love!
ReplyDeleteRomantic suspense can be a good mix, I get a bit bored with a straightforward romance and love the edge that this gives. Sounds like a good beach read.
ReplyDelete