Source: Publisher
Description: Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.
Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.
Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.
Genre: Mystery - Paranormal, Romantic Suspense
Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoyed the previous book in the series and wanted to see more of Leona.
My Impression: This was absolutely bonkers in the most fun, readable way and it starts off fast. Leona is at a gala-style event when she notices things aren't quite right and things quickly go awry. We also meet Oliver pretty quickly in though who he really is and his motives take awhile to be revealed. I read the book previous to this one and enjoyed it though it took a bit to get used to the world. In this book the author included a quick explanation of the setup that I found really helpful. There is a mystery (or four) and there some pretty intense cat and mouse action. There are also dust bunnies which are my absolute favorite. I very much enjoyed them in the previous book and was thrilled to see their appearance in this book.
Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoyed the previous book in the series and wanted to see more of Leona.
My Impression: This was absolutely bonkers in the most fun, readable way and it starts off fast. Leona is at a gala-style event when she notices things aren't quite right and things quickly go awry. We also meet Oliver pretty quickly in though who he really is and his motives take awhile to be revealed. I read the book previous to this one and enjoyed it though it took a bit to get used to the world. In this book the author included a quick explanation of the setup that I found really helpful. There is a mystery (or four) and there some pretty intense cat and mouse action. There are also dust bunnies which are my absolute favorite. I very much enjoyed them in the previous book and was thrilled to see their appearance in this book.
I love Castle's world building and the connections to other books in other series under her Amanda Quick and Jayne Ann Krentz names. This was such a fun escapist story with intriguing characters and story arcs that really caught my attention. Is it one that will keep me up thinking about the characters? No probably not but it was one I looked forward to reading and enjoyed from the first page. I now really want to do a big reading binge of all of this author's books to get a real understanding of Harmony itself and the Foundation and everything else which I think is a good sign!
If you're looking for a fun action-packed escapist read I really recommend this book and this series as all. While it is part of a long running series I didn't have too much trouble jumping in - especially with the author's note at the beginning of this one.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I always enjoy this author's books and now I want to collect the rest of the books in this series and have a reading binge.
Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely! If you're looking for a fun summer read and like a bit of paranormal or urban fantasy in your reads this is a fun choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely! If you're looking for a fun summer read and like a bit of paranormal or urban fantasy in your reads this is a fun choice.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
She's a para-archaeologist? How cool is that? I totally need to check this series out. :D
ReplyDeleteI read several of this author's books, not necessarily so many under the Jayne Castle name, but some under Jayne Ann Krentz or Amanda Quick. I think most of the books I read were part of her Arcane Society series. Long time back though. She is really prolific and I remember really liking the ones I read. Good luck if you decide to have 'binge' - ha!
ReplyDeleteI can't decide about these. I should like them because psychics and romantic suspense are favorites of mine. Maybe. I've had mixed feelings about the books I've read of hers, not in this series.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I always enjoyed Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick's books, but I don't think I ever read her Jayne Castle books. This one sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteYay. The great part about this series is that each truly works as a standalone. You can dive in anywhere.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, nothing like a book you're happy each time to pick up. Good sign. I think I read an earlier book in the series. Must look it up.
ReplyDelete