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Rainshadow #2
Deception Cove
The world of Harmony is home to secrets that have been kept for centuries, and treasure worth killing for...
Alice North is on the run. The mysterious death of her husband is casting a shadow of doubt on her innocence and even with her ability to make herself disappear - literally - Alice is finding it hard to avoid detection. It comes as a relief when a stranger shows up at her door, offering money and protection - for a price.
Drake Sebastian is on the hunt for two dangerous paranormal crystals, located on the mysterious and magical Rainshadow Island. Alice seems to hold the key to his success and a marriage will protect her from a murder accusation. A fair deal, right? It's merely convenience, after all . . .
But as passions start to flare, so do old demons. Alice's honeymoon on Rainshadow is guaranteed to be memorable, as the island-and the chemistry between her and Drake-is about to explode...
From New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz comes the third Jayne Castle book set on the mysterious Rainshadow Island
Alice North is on the run. The mysterious death of her husband is casting a shadow of doubt on her innocence and even with her ability to make herself disappear - literally - Alice is finding it hard to avoid detection. It comes as a relief when a stranger shows up at her door, offering money and protection - for a price.
Drake Sebastian is on the hunt for two dangerous paranormal crystals, located on the mysterious and magical Rainshadow Island. Alice seems to hold the key to his success and a marriage will protect her from a murder accusation. A fair deal, right? It's merely convenience, after all . . .
But as passions start to flare, so do old demons. Alice's honeymoon on Rainshadow is guaranteed to be memorable, as the island-and the chemistry between her and Drake-is about to explode...
From New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz comes the third Jayne Castle book set on the mysterious Rainshadow Island
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
About the author
Jayne Castle
65 books2,072 followersThe author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonyms:
Jayne Ann Krentz
Amanda Quick
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonyms:
Jayne Ann Krentz
Amanda Quick
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
December 12, 2016
We're back to the world of Harmony and Rainshadow Island!!!
I loved Deception Cove, the 2nd book in Jayne Castle's Rainshadow Series.
Magic shows, disappearing acts, magical dustbunnies, strange things happening in the island's Preserve, lost crystals...............romance.....fabulous characters............a total magical ride.
Alice North can disappear .....that's her talent and together with her fab dustbunny, Houdini...just love his name....have a magic act, which has come to an end when her show is cancelled. Without money or job potentials, she makes a deal with gorgeous billionaire businessman, Drake Sebastian, who needs her talent to finding some kind of crystals that will stop a terrible thing from happening on the island...yes, mad scientists, scorned lovers........marriage of convenience......and a HEA!!!
I love this weird and wonderful world that the author has created and the characters are so unforgettable.....Houdini and Darwina, with her Amberella doll - these two are the cutest and adorable dustbunnies ever!!!! The dustbunnies add a certain charm to the series and I can't get enough of them.
Yes, a fab read, yet again!!!
I loved Deception Cove, the 2nd book in Jayne Castle's Rainshadow Series.
Magic shows, disappearing acts, magical dustbunnies, strange things happening in the island's Preserve, lost crystals...............romance.....fabulous characters............a total magical ride.
Alice North can disappear .....that's her talent and together with her fab dustbunny, Houdini...just love his name....have a magic act, which has come to an end when her show is cancelled. Without money or job potentials, she makes a deal with gorgeous billionaire businessman, Drake Sebastian, who needs her talent to finding some kind of crystals that will stop a terrible thing from happening on the island...yes, mad scientists, scorned lovers........marriage of convenience......and a HEA!!!
I love this weird and wonderful world that the author has created and the characters are so unforgettable.....Houdini and Darwina, with her Amberella doll - these two are the cutest and adorable dustbunnies ever!!!! The dustbunnies add a certain charm to the series and I can't get enough of them.
Yes, a fab read, yet again!!!
May 23, 2017
She said, "I mean, how bad could it be if we had sex?"
"That's it, think positive."
Well, I have to say that I liked the female in this book. She had a good sense of humor, but also was very easy-going and took things in stride. She gets herself thrown into a quickie marriage - for the second time - and ends up on her honeymoon night fighting off giant, killer, mutant cockroaches with her new husband. And yet, she still had a good attitude.
Drake zapped another insect.
"I do realize that, as honeymoons go, this one is probably not going to make any woman's top ten list," he said.
"Now, see, there's where you're wrong," Alice said. "it's all a matter of perspective. I can promise you that this honeymoon is a lot more fun that my last one."
"Yeah?"
"Hey, this time my husband isn't trying to murder me. He's saving me from giant cockroaches."
"I like your glass-half-full attitude."
So did I!
Okay, is this the cutest meme or what?
So, another book in the series down. I've been reading this series for so long that I grew out my bangs during it. Ladies, you know how growing out bangs works. It's an unending nightmare of bad-hair days usually ending with a pair of scissors in the bathroom and the words "Fuck it! I look good in bangs!"
And hope this doesn't happen.
Anyway, if you haven't read any of this series, you don't want to start here. You'll be as lost as last year's Easter Egg. But, I enjoyed it overall.
"That's it, think positive."
Well, I have to say that I liked the female in this book. She had a good sense of humor, but also was very easy-going and took things in stride. She gets herself thrown into a quickie marriage - for the second time - and ends up on her honeymoon night fighting off giant, killer, mutant cockroaches with her new husband. And yet, she still had a good attitude.
Drake zapped another insect.
"I do realize that, as honeymoons go, this one is probably not going to make any woman's top ten list," he said.
"Now, see, there's where you're wrong," Alice said. "it's all a matter of perspective. I can promise you that this honeymoon is a lot more fun that my last one."
"Yeah?"
"Hey, this time my husband isn't trying to murder me. He's saving me from giant cockroaches."
"I like your glass-half-full attitude."
So did I!
Okay, is this the cutest meme or what?
So, another book in the series down. I've been reading this series for so long that I grew out my bangs during it. Ladies, you know how growing out bangs works. It's an unending nightmare of bad-hair days usually ending with a pair of scissors in the bathroom and the words "Fuck it! I look good in bangs!"
And hope this doesn't happen.
Anyway, if you haven't read any of this series, you don't want to start here. You'll be as lost as last year's Easter Egg. But, I enjoyed it overall.
January 29, 2017
This story takes us back to Rainshadow, an island which was a bioengineering lab for the Aliens. The island is drowning in unstable paranormal energy, the eccentric inhabitants won't move out.
Drake Sebastian is called in to fix the problems at the Preserve. Drake was wicked, mysterious and gorgeous. But he needs Alice North to save Rainshadow.
Alice has been in hiding for more than a year. She has ties to no one except her dustbunny, Houdini. Houdini loved the stage and Pizza. His priorities were sorted.
Alice is independent, she is a survivor and she must return to the place which forced her to run.
"You shouldn’t mess with a woman who has issues. Never say you weren’t warned.”
Alice and Drake have things in common, which was nice. Both are light talents, this makes them a great team. Both have trust issues due to their psychopathic exes.
"I was an idiot.”
He winced. “Been there, done that.”
Alice looked at him, startled. “You were an idiot in the romance department?”
“When it comes to family, the rules are always different. You’re my wife. I’d bend every rule in the book for you.”
Add some obsessed villains, magic acts, mad scientists, mutated creatures, private detectives and you get an entertaining read.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to finish the other Rainshadow novels.
Drake Sebastian is called in to fix the problems at the Preserve. Drake was wicked, mysterious and gorgeous. But he needs Alice North to save Rainshadow.
Alice has been in hiding for more than a year. She has ties to no one except her dustbunny, Houdini. Houdini loved the stage and Pizza. His priorities were sorted.
Alice is independent, she is a survivor and she must return to the place which forced her to run.
"You shouldn’t mess with a woman who has issues. Never say you weren’t warned.”
Alice and Drake have things in common, which was nice. Both are light talents, this makes them a great team. Both have trust issues due to their psychopathic exes.
"I was an idiot.”
He winced. “Been there, done that.”
Alice looked at him, startled. “You were an idiot in the romance department?”
“When it comes to family, the rules are always different. You’re my wife. I’d bend every rule in the book for you.”
Add some obsessed villains, magic acts, mad scientists, mutated creatures, private detectives and you get an entertaining read.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to finish the other Rainshadow novels.
September 2, 2015
This book is about par for the series. I wouldn't recommend starting with this one, and by the time you make it this far (even if you're only reading the Rainshadow series—of which this is the third), you know what to expect.
Alice is about standard, though a little bland, I thought. I liked that Drake had the psychopath ex. It's usually the girl with the crazy ex who just can't leave her alone and it was a nice twist. And the crazy ex was chillingly crazy in all the right ways, too.
Anyway, a good continuation of the series, if not terribly stand-out.
A note about Steamy: a touch below average for the series and on the low end of my steam ratings. There are two explicit sex scenes, but the first isn't terribly long and the second is downright short.
Alice is about standard, though a little bland, I thought. I liked that Drake had the psychopath ex. It's usually the girl with the crazy ex who just can't leave her alone and it was a nice twist. And the crazy ex was chillingly crazy in all the right ways, too.
Anyway, a good continuation of the series, if not terribly stand-out.
A note about Steamy: a touch below average for the series and on the low end of my steam ratings. There are two explicit sex scenes, but the first isn't terribly long and the second is downright short.
September 24, 2021
The paranormal energy on Rainshadow Island starts going wonky and threatens to destroy the entire island. Magician Alice North may hold the keys to saving it, so Security expert Drake Sebastian proposes a marriage of convenience so they can work together to save the island and shield Alice from some bad actors from her past.
That's as close as I can get to summing up a rather complex and interwoven plot.
The pros: The beginning started off with bang, and the end was exciting. Excellent world building. Dust bunny Houdini steals the show. Love the dust bunnies in this series!
The con: The middle dragged.
Overall, it's a solid, decent read.
That's as close as I can get to summing up a rather complex and interwoven plot.
The pros: The beginning started off with bang, and the end was exciting. Excellent world building. Dust bunny Houdini steals the show. Love the dust bunnies in this series!
The con: The middle dragged.
Overall, it's a solid, decent read.
September 5, 2013
So ... there is probably a sentimental 1/2 star in that rating ... let's face it, if you are a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle's "Harmony" series, you are going to read this anyway. :-)
I've said it before: one of the things I like about JAK's work is that I know what to expect. I read her under Amanda Quick, JAK and JC, and she is very consistent. Her books are rarely high action, and the tension in the story is rarely between the characters who form the main couple. The stories are good, the characters enjoyable, and there is always enough humor to make the story an entertaining ride. AND - I *always* get her books in audio format, because her narrators ROCK. Joyce Bean is fabulous here in her performance, and the book is worth a listen just for that.
We return to Rainshadow Island on the world of Harmony, and visit with the old friends we made there in previous books. The situation on Rainshadow has been getting progressively dire, and we get some resolution in this story. I think because Castle was wrapping up at least part of the 3-book story arc that got us here (yes, this is billed as Rainshadow #2, but we have had two previous books set there and carried over the previous characters, so in my mind it is #3), there was a LOT of exposition in this book. I wanted to know the information, and we learned a lot more about Rainshadow's and Harmony's history, more about the North and Sebastian lines, and most importantly, more about DUSTBUNNIES! :-) However, there were pages spent on characters just explaining things to each other, or recapping details. It would have been a bit "snoozy" if I weren't so invested in Harmony.
The other minor criticism I would offer is on the story's ending. I noticed that when we reached (what I considered to be) the plot's big climax, I still had an hour of audiobook left. And I acknowledged at that point that there were some loose ends to tie up, but I was pretty sure they didn't need that much time. Castle proceeded to give us what I can only describe as an extended epilogue, although it wasn't billed as such, and, well, I'll stop for spoilery reasons and just say the pacing was a bit strange at the end.
Those notes aside, I really enjoyed the story. Harmony is always a delightful destination for my reading time, and this trip did not disappoint. I want a dustbunny. (I will name it George, and love and hug it and squeeze it and pet it ...) And I say again - Joyce Bean ROCKS this narration! She is one of my favorites.
I've said it before: one of the things I like about JAK's work is that I know what to expect. I read her under Amanda Quick, JAK and JC, and she is very consistent. Her books are rarely high action, and the tension in the story is rarely between the characters who form the main couple. The stories are good, the characters enjoyable, and there is always enough humor to make the story an entertaining ride. AND - I *always* get her books in audio format, because her narrators ROCK. Joyce Bean is fabulous here in her performance, and the book is worth a listen just for that.
We return to Rainshadow Island on the world of Harmony, and visit with the old friends we made there in previous books. The situation on Rainshadow has been getting progressively dire, and we get some resolution in this story. I think because Castle was wrapping up at least part of the 3-book story arc that got us here (yes, this is billed as Rainshadow #2, but we have had two previous books set there and carried over the previous characters, so in my mind it is #3), there was a LOT of exposition in this book. I wanted to know the information, and we learned a lot more about Rainshadow's and Harmony's history, more about the North and Sebastian lines, and most importantly, more about DUSTBUNNIES! :-) However, there were pages spent on characters just explaining things to each other, or recapping details. It would have been a bit "snoozy" if I weren't so invested in Harmony.
The other minor criticism I would offer is on the story's ending. I noticed that when we reached (what I considered to be) the plot's big climax, I still had an hour of audiobook left. And I acknowledged at that point that there were some loose ends to tie up, but I was pretty sure they didn't need that much time. Castle proceeded to give us what I can only describe as an extended epilogue, although it wasn't billed as such, and, well, I'll stop for spoilery reasons and just say the pacing was a bit strange at the end.
Those notes aside, I really enjoyed the story. Harmony is always a delightful destination for my reading time, and this trip did not disappoint. I want a dustbunny. (I will name it George, and love and hug it and squeeze it and pet it ...) And I say again - Joyce Bean ROCKS this narration! She is one of my favorites.
March 17, 2024
Re-read. The review still stands, but now I read it in order. It's a real pity her publishing time line is so wacky, you can enjoy fully her titles only if you move from one of her nome de plume to the others, jumping genres and centuries. (The origin here is Quick's Crystal Gardens and I think Looking glass).
********
When I saw this title on offer, for once in my reading life I actually stopped to think (rather than go on with my usual magpie cry: oh shiny!).
I had read one of Ms Jayne Anne Krentz's futuristic novel Shield's Lady and, honestly, I disliked it quite a lot.
But my inner magpie won the battle and here I am.
Like Shield's Lady, the idea and the futuristic trapping beyond the story were interesting enough. Here, though, the romance didn't overwhelm the plot nor destroyed it. Unlike in many romantic stories, the leading couple doesn't fall in bed in the first pages (and giving that I just finished a book in which they start having sex in chapter 3 I am so happy of this delay...:). Of course, they do fall in lust at first sight, but at least they do wait.
Do not expect sci-fi nor depth, but as long as you are looking for a light read, fluffy and funny, this book fits the bill. It's a comfort food that's not too damaging to your health. As long as you don't overindulge.
********
When I saw this title on offer, for once in my reading life I actually stopped to think (rather than go on with my usual magpie cry: oh shiny!).
I had read one of Ms Jayne Anne Krentz's futuristic novel Shield's Lady and, honestly, I disliked it quite a lot.
But my inner magpie won the battle and here I am.
Like Shield's Lady, the idea and the futuristic trapping beyond the story were interesting enough. Here, though, the romance didn't overwhelm the plot nor destroyed it. Unlike in many romantic stories, the leading couple doesn't fall in bed in the first pages (and giving that I just finished a book in which they start having sex in chapter 3 I am so happy of this delay...:). Of course, they do fall in lust at first sight, but at least they do wait.
Do not expect sci-fi nor depth, but as long as you are looking for a light read, fluffy and funny, this book fits the bill. It's a comfort food that's not too damaging to your health. As long as you don't overindulge.
September 6, 2013
I’m addicted to Jayne Castle. This paranormal romance, her latest, is more romance than paranormal, as everything else the author writes under all her pen names. It’s light, fluffy, and predictable. I mean predictable in a good way. I knew I would have fun reading it and I wasn’t disappointed.
The heroes Alice and Drake live on the planet of Harmony. Mutual need brings them together, and sexual attraction strengthens the bond between them. They face danger together, outwit an enemy together, save an island together, and fall in love together, fortunately with each other.
Like in all the other novels of Harmony, a dust bunny Houdini, Alice’s pet, offers some comic escapades, and the mutated giant insects supply the original monsters.
The action is fast, the sex hot, the characters cartoonish, and the relationship formulaic, but the writer-reader dynamics is real and positive. I enjoyed this little story, and although I’ve already forgotten most characters’ names, I’m sure I’ll read the next Jayne Castle’s novel, and the next after that, and I’ll always have fun with them.
The heroes Alice and Drake live on the planet of Harmony. Mutual need brings them together, and sexual attraction strengthens the bond between them. They face danger together, outwit an enemy together, save an island together, and fall in love together, fortunately with each other.
Like in all the other novels of Harmony, a dust bunny Houdini, Alice’s pet, offers some comic escapades, and the mutated giant insects supply the original monsters.
The action is fast, the sex hot, the characters cartoonish, and the relationship formulaic, but the writer-reader dynamics is real and positive. I enjoyed this little story, and although I’ve already forgotten most characters’ names, I’m sure I’ll read the next Jayne Castle’s novel, and the next after that, and I’ll always have fun with them.
February 3, 2022
Deception Cove
4 Stars
Drake Sebastian enlists the aid of Alice North to discover the cause of the anomalies endangering Rainshadow Island.
This installment in the Ghost Hunters series has all of the elements that the previous book lacked. Drake and Alice have tangible chemistry from their first meeting, and their relationship goes from strength to strength throughout the book.
The mystery involving the mysterious Preserve and the strange occurrences resulting from the psi energy surrounding is finally resolved, and the explanation is interesting and contributes to the overall world-building of the series.
Overall, this is one of the more entertaining installments in the series with a satisfying balance between the mystery, the suspense and the romance.
4 Stars
Drake Sebastian enlists the aid of Alice North to discover the cause of the anomalies endangering Rainshadow Island.
This installment in the Ghost Hunters series has all of the elements that the previous book lacked. Drake and Alice have tangible chemistry from their first meeting, and their relationship goes from strength to strength throughout the book.
The mystery involving the mysterious Preserve and the strange occurrences resulting from the psi energy surrounding is finally resolved, and the explanation is interesting and contributes to the overall world-building of the series.
Overall, this is one of the more entertaining installments in the series with a satisfying balance between the mystery, the suspense and the romance.
August 31, 2013
What do JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, and JA Krentz (aka Jayne Castle) all utilize to terrify the good guys, and entertain readers?
Deception Cove has all the elements of a rollicking fun, über-fantastical romantic suspense: gigantic mutated insects, dangerous alien technology, psychic crystals, a resilient orphaned heroine, invisibility (enjoyed her magic show for the children), a token gay couple portrayed -- as always -- as good guys, a token dust bunny, a dark and rainy night, a rich, mysterious hero....etc.
It should be lots of fun, and it would be great fun, but I have read too many of Castle's books. Nothing new here, except the icon depicting a dust bunny. LoLoL. I love rabbits, too, but ...hee, hee. Seriously?
Recommended to those who haven't read a slew of these books, and just want brain candy with a simplistic suspense plot, no intent thought required.
Predictable. Comfort reading, as reliable as the sunrise.
Content: Mild violence, murder, minimal or no swearing, a few explicit sex scenes (but it didn't overwhelm the plot, and it didn't occur on the first date)
Deception Cove has all the elements of a rollicking fun, über-fantastical romantic suspense: gigantic mutated insects, dangerous alien technology, psychic crystals, a resilient orphaned heroine, invisibility (enjoyed her magic show for the children), a token gay couple portrayed -- as always -- as good guys, a token dust bunny, a dark and rainy night, a rich, mysterious hero....etc.
It should be lots of fun, and it would be great fun, but I have read too many of Castle's books. Nothing new here, except the icon depicting a dust bunny. LoLoL. I love rabbits, too, but ...hee, hee. Seriously?
Recommended to those who haven't read a slew of these books, and just want brain candy with a simplistic suspense plot, no intent thought required.
Predictable. Comfort reading, as reliable as the sunrise.
Content: Mild violence, murder, minimal or no swearing, a few explicit sex scenes (but it didn't overwhelm the plot, and it didn't occur on the first date)
August 31, 2013
4 Stars
Jayne Ann Krentz it's one of my fave authors in PNR world. From the first moment when i read the first book in the Arcane Society i was captivated and sucked into it.
Deception Cove is the 2 book in the Rainshadow series and the 10 book in the Harmony series and it's fair to say that i like it and enjoy reading it.
The only thing that did not worked for me it was the connection and the chemistry between the characters, it wasn't there as in the other books.
One of the other things i noticed lately is that the love and the sex scene they are more and more rarely or sometime non existent in the latest books published and i am quite disappointed by that but you can still enjoy them with out.
If you are a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz in any of her pen names this is another great book you can't miss reading.
Jayne Ann Krentz it's one of my fave authors in PNR world. From the first moment when i read the first book in the Arcane Society i was captivated and sucked into it.
Deception Cove is the 2 book in the Rainshadow series and the 10 book in the Harmony series and it's fair to say that i like it and enjoy reading it.
The only thing that did not worked for me it was the connection and the chemistry between the characters, it wasn't there as in the other books.
One of the other things i noticed lately is that the love and the sex scene they are more and more rarely or sometime non existent in the latest books published and i am quite disappointed by that but you can still enjoy them with out.
If you are a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz in any of her pen names this is another great book you can't miss reading.
January 8, 2017
I find myself liking this series. Especially the humorous dust bunnies!
March 10, 2024
Another paranormal mystery set on the futuristic/alternative world island of Rainshadow. In this one we get to learn a bit more about the aliens as well as some of the monsters surrounding the island. This dragged for me in parts, as the island is under seige, and our hero and heroine are separately battling various villains and monsters. I listened to this in audio and liked the narration.
September 21, 2013
Book two in the Rainshadow series and Book ten in the Harmony series Deception Cove is another great book by Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz). I love this series. I liked this series from the beginning. My favorites although are the St. Helens books Zinnia, Amaryllis, and Orchid. I had been waiting for her to tie in her Arcane series to both this series and her Regency books. But I am also glad she really didn't draw it out. This book I loved, I literally could not sleep until I finished it. I wish I could draw out her books but it's hard to do when you can't put them down.
Alice North is a rarity not only is she an orphan in a world that values family she is also has an unusual light talent that enables her to bend light to make her self invisible. She's also on the run, her first husband tries to kill her and then he died himself. Now his mother is dead set to have Alice take the fall for it whether or not she did it or not. She and her dust bunny Houdini have been hiding for a year working as a magician when Drake Sebastian shows up and asks for her help, just her luck he can see her even when she turns herself invisible.
Drake Sebastian is the head of the powerful Sebastian Inc. So intelligent and talented in the business world people call him the Magician, and is Psi-blind. He is a light talent who was blinded in a lab accident made him ultra sensitive to normal light so much that it impairs his talent. He can see light on the opposite end of the spectrum that everyone else does. He sees things differently then every one else, and Alice is not what he expected an instant attraction he can't explain.
Their Great Grandfathers were great pirates of the Amber Sea and they hid their treasure on Rainshadow Island. Now the island is running psi-hot, mutating the wild life and just may destroy the whole island. And all Drake asks is for her help to fix it, how can a girl turn that down she can't really especially when he offers to help her with her evil Mother-in-law in return. She accepts even though she has no idea how she can possibly help. Together they uncover the mysteries of Rainshadow Island and put everything to rights.
Alice North is a rarity not only is she an orphan in a world that values family she is also has an unusual light talent that enables her to bend light to make her self invisible. She's also on the run, her first husband tries to kill her and then he died himself. Now his mother is dead set to have Alice take the fall for it whether or not she did it or not. She and her dust bunny Houdini have been hiding for a year working as a magician when Drake Sebastian shows up and asks for her help, just her luck he can see her even when she turns herself invisible.
Drake Sebastian is the head of the powerful Sebastian Inc. So intelligent and talented in the business world people call him the Magician, and is Psi-blind. He is a light talent who was blinded in a lab accident made him ultra sensitive to normal light so much that it impairs his talent. He can see light on the opposite end of the spectrum that everyone else does. He sees things differently then every one else, and Alice is not what he expected an instant attraction he can't explain.
Their Great Grandfathers were great pirates of the Amber Sea and they hid their treasure on Rainshadow Island. Now the island is running psi-hot, mutating the wild life and just may destroy the whole island. And all Drake asks is for her help to fix it, how can a girl turn that down she can't really especially when he offers to help her with her evil Mother-in-law in return. She accepts even though she has no idea how she can possibly help. Together they uncover the mysteries of Rainshadow Island and put everything to rights.
September 2, 2013
I wanted to get away from Jayne Castle for a while because I've read too many of her books back-to-back lately and they're all too similar to each other. But I had Deception Cove on my TBR list for a while so I read it the day it came out.
Nothing new under the sun here: Hero/heroine fall for each other pretty much from the get-go, there's a murder mystery to be solved and hero/heroine form a mutual admiration society.
Something that was somewhat new: Hero/heroine both had evil exes. The hero's ex seduced him and blinded him (sort of) in a fit of rage when he tried to end the relationship and the heroine's ex married her to get his hands on a treasure, all the while planning to off her after said treasure was found.
Since this is a cookie book with 0 depth or meat to chew on, the hero and heroine sail right over the phases called "trauma" and "maybe I should be more careful while selecting my romantic partners" and are kissing passionately in an underground garage mere hours after their first meeting.
Now, there's no reason such a relationship can't be written convincingly if the author takes the trouble to carefully craft her book but it isn't the case here. There's a reason why JC's books are like cookies that are easily eaten but that also never leave a lasting impression on you. Deception Cove is a classic exemple. The bones for a good, gripping story are there but they're not fleshed out, thus leaving it in book limbo.
September 20, 2024
How can you go wrong with a book that has dust bunnies? Alice's dust bunny companion is Houdini which a quite an appropriate name for a bunny that is part of a magic act. Alice has been trying to make a go of it as a magician using her light talent which lets her disappear. She is being harassed by the mother of the man she entered into a Marriage of Convenience with. When he was found dead, his mother blamed Alice. Really, he had tried to kill her on their honeymoon on Rainshadow Island.
Now Drake Sebastian has found her. He wants her to go with him to Rainshadow Island because paranormal forces are going out of control and he hopes they will be able to stop them. Drake also convinces Alice to enter into a Marriage of Convenience. This one is quite different though because they both fall in love.
I like the Rainshadow series by Jayne Castle because it is futuristic romance. I like the world that she has created with psychic talents, strong family bonds, and all sorts of alien ruins and artifacts. I also like the romances which pair up strong characters who are lucky enough to find their perfect mates.
For a fun futuristic romance, Jayne Castle can't be beat.
Now Drake Sebastian has found her. He wants her to go with him to Rainshadow Island because paranormal forces are going out of control and he hopes they will be able to stop them. Drake also convinces Alice to enter into a Marriage of Convenience. This one is quite different though because they both fall in love.
I like the Rainshadow series by Jayne Castle because it is futuristic romance. I like the world that she has created with psychic talents, strong family bonds, and all sorts of alien ruins and artifacts. I also like the romances which pair up strong characters who are lucky enough to find their perfect mates.
For a fun futuristic romance, Jayne Castle can't be beat.
August 31, 2013
3.5 stars
This was exactly what I was in the mood for -- light, fast-paced and familiar.
Alice "invisible girl" North was a fun protagonist--a street-smart survivor who knows how to roll with the punches. The hero, Drake Sebastien, was a pretty typical JAK hero, although less well developed than I would have liked; his sole purpose seemed to be to fall in love with/protect Alice. (Which is fine, though I prefer when characters have other interests as well.)
The villain Zara was delightfully narcissistic, the dust bunnies and supporting cast were fun, the monster hunting scene on Deception Cove reminded me of the author's earlier futuristic romances.
Overall, a fun read, though a little more development of the h/h would have bumped this up to a solid 4 stars.
This was exactly what I was in the mood for -- light, fast-paced and familiar.
Alice "invisible girl" North was a fun protagonist--a street-smart survivor who knows how to roll with the punches. The hero, Drake Sebastien, was a pretty typical JAK hero, although less well developed than I would have liked; his sole purpose seemed to be to fall in love with/protect Alice. (Which is fine, though I prefer when characters have other interests as well.)
The villain Zara was delightfully narcissistic, the dust bunnies and supporting cast were fun, the monster hunting scene on Deception Cove reminded me of the author's earlier futuristic romances.
Overall, a fun read, though a little more development of the h/h would have bumped this up to a solid 4 stars.
September 5, 2013
The dust bunnies are always the best part of the story. I absolutely adored Houdini!
Harmony is one of those places that it is wonderful to visit, and I think I would want to live there. The story feels familiar and comfortable. There's no new ground broken, but it's fun and a pleasure to read.
It did take me a bit to remember what happened in the last book with the crystals. On the other hand, it was pretty obvious, although tons of fun, to see where the romance was going from the very beginning.
Second marriages were definitely the triumph of hope over experience in both their cases!
Harmony is one of those places that it is wonderful to visit, and I think I would want to live there. The story feels familiar and comfortable. There's no new ground broken, but it's fun and a pleasure to read.
It did take me a bit to remember what happened in the last book with the crystals. On the other hand, it was pretty obvious, although tons of fun, to see where the romance was going from the very beginning.
Second marriages were definitely the triumph of hope over experience in both their cases!
June 20, 2019
I really liked this one, especially the discovery about dust bunnies at the end of the book.
January 25, 2014
I can't wait to read this book !!!!!!
November 18, 2021
As usual, I loved the story, the heroes and the suspense
September 12, 2013
Alice North has grown up as an orphan, something really unheard of in a world where family is the most important thing. There are two kinds of marriage, The Full Covenant Marriage, which is very difficult and expensive to get a divorce from, and the “try-out” marriage called the Marriage of Convenience. But when there are children, a Marriage of Convenience is automatically updated to a full CM.
Alice was working in the gift shop in a little museum in Crystal City, when a rich young man tried to sweep her of her feet. She really fell for him, but something kept her wary. Perhaps it really was too good to be true, so Alice refused to marry Fulton Whitcomb in a full Covenant Marriage. She also refused to sleep with him just yet. But he had information about her past, a family she never knew existed, and that was more than enough to seduce her.
Apparently, she is the great-granddaughter of Nicholas North, and she is the heir to his rights of half of whatever of value is found on Rainshadow Island. Of course, after she did agree to the full Covenant Marriage, or if he got her pregnant by slipping her the antidote to her pregnancy preventing medicine, she would not have lived long. Making Fulton her heir.
They went on honeymoon to Rainshadow Island, and entered the preserve within, with the help of a map drawn by her ancestor, Fulton got his hands on. Fulton needs Alice and her light talent though to read the map, and lead them to the hidden treasure. When Alice refuses to steal the stones they find, but wants to talk to the Sebastian Family instead, Fulton tries to kill her. Alice manages to hide thanks to her light talents, and run away, but gets lost in the forest. With the help of a dust bunny, she eventually finds her way back to civilization, to discover that her husband has died. Unfortunately, her ex-mother in law believes that Alice killed her precious son, and uses all the considerable means at her disposal to ruin Alice’s life. Alice has been on the run from Ethal and her hired tugs ever since, trying to make a living with Houdini (the dust bunny that saved her and stayed with her ever since) as stage magicians.
And now, she is found by Drake Sebastian, who thinks she is the one who has stolen the precious stones. And if not, he needs her help to get them back, as Rainshadow Island is about to blow up. Communications are already down, and they have to de-rezz the alien energy fast.
He offers her a job, and a lot of money, and another Marriage of Convenience to get Ethel and her thugs of her back. And Alice finds herself agreeing. But this time, there is real attraction between her and her new husband …
Getting to Rainshadow Island is not easy, but thanks to Drake’s talent, they land safely in one of the coves at the Island, but will have to walk across the whole island to the only town. And Rainshadow Island is not safe at night….
I loved this book (do you get tired of me typing these words yet?). Jayne Ann Krentz/Castle has the perfect writing style for my taste in characters and world building. Her characters are strong and confident, they handle what comes their way without whining about it. There are no big misunderstandings due to lack of communication. They do know their own hearts, even if they are scared at first.
The world of Harmony is awesome. Colonists from Earth have been living here for a few hundred years now, and are still looking for the secrets of the Alien ruins and catacombs. More and more is discovered in each book though, and I love that. And over the years, the humans’ psychic powers are growing and expanding. And of course there are the dust bunnies. They add a lot of humor to the story, and they do protect their humans.
Drake admires Alice, she won’t give up or give in to Ethel and even though the professional matchmakers have pronounced him unmatchable, he knows Alice is his perfect match from the moment he meets her. Now to convince her of that fact … I liked how proud he is of introducing Alice as his wife, and how he has her back.
And while Drake is busy in meetings with the residents of Rainshadow Island, to concoct a plan to safe them all, Alice does not sit idly. She just sets out to help in the only inn/restaurant in town. Serving food, cleaning up, playing with the children, helping wherever she can. I liked that a lot.
The mystery, the dangerous part, that was very well done too. Of course I did have my suspicions right away, which came true, but it was the execution that was the big surprise.
It is not the best book in the series, but still a very good one. I do not recommend you start reading Jayne Castle books with this one though. There are some previous couples in this book who had their own story first.
9 stars.
Alice was working in the gift shop in a little museum in Crystal City, when a rich young man tried to sweep her of her feet. She really fell for him, but something kept her wary. Perhaps it really was too good to be true, so Alice refused to marry Fulton Whitcomb in a full Covenant Marriage. She also refused to sleep with him just yet. But he had information about her past, a family she never knew existed, and that was more than enough to seduce her.
Apparently, she is the great-granddaughter of Nicholas North, and she is the heir to his rights of half of whatever of value is found on Rainshadow Island. Of course, after she did agree to the full Covenant Marriage, or if he got her pregnant by slipping her the antidote to her pregnancy preventing medicine, she would not have lived long. Making Fulton her heir.
They went on honeymoon to Rainshadow Island, and entered the preserve within, with the help of a map drawn by her ancestor, Fulton got his hands on. Fulton needs Alice and her light talent though to read the map, and lead them to the hidden treasure. When Alice refuses to steal the stones they find, but wants to talk to the Sebastian Family instead, Fulton tries to kill her. Alice manages to hide thanks to her light talents, and run away, but gets lost in the forest. With the help of a dust bunny, she eventually finds her way back to civilization, to discover that her husband has died. Unfortunately, her ex-mother in law believes that Alice killed her precious son, and uses all the considerable means at her disposal to ruin Alice’s life. Alice has been on the run from Ethal and her hired tugs ever since, trying to make a living with Houdini (the dust bunny that saved her and stayed with her ever since) as stage magicians.
And now, she is found by Drake Sebastian, who thinks she is the one who has stolen the precious stones. And if not, he needs her help to get them back, as Rainshadow Island is about to blow up. Communications are already down, and they have to de-rezz the alien energy fast.
He offers her a job, and a lot of money, and another Marriage of Convenience to get Ethel and her thugs of her back. And Alice finds herself agreeing. But this time, there is real attraction between her and her new husband …
Getting to Rainshadow Island is not easy, but thanks to Drake’s talent, they land safely in one of the coves at the Island, but will have to walk across the whole island to the only town. And Rainshadow Island is not safe at night….
I loved this book (do you get tired of me typing these words yet?). Jayne Ann Krentz/Castle has the perfect writing style for my taste in characters and world building. Her characters are strong and confident, they handle what comes their way without whining about it. There are no big misunderstandings due to lack of communication. They do know their own hearts, even if they are scared at first.
The world of Harmony is awesome. Colonists from Earth have been living here for a few hundred years now, and are still looking for the secrets of the Alien ruins and catacombs. More and more is discovered in each book though, and I love that. And over the years, the humans’ psychic powers are growing and expanding. And of course there are the dust bunnies. They add a lot of humor to the story, and they do protect their humans.
Drake admires Alice, she won’t give up or give in to Ethel and even though the professional matchmakers have pronounced him unmatchable, he knows Alice is his perfect match from the moment he meets her. Now to convince her of that fact … I liked how proud he is of introducing Alice as his wife, and how he has her back.
And while Drake is busy in meetings with the residents of Rainshadow Island, to concoct a plan to safe them all, Alice does not sit idly. She just sets out to help in the only inn/restaurant in town. Serving food, cleaning up, playing with the children, helping wherever she can. I liked that a lot.
The mystery, the dangerous part, that was very well done too. Of course I did have my suspicions right away, which came true, but it was the execution that was the big surprise.
It is not the best book in the series, but still a very good one. I do not recommend you start reading Jayne Castle books with this one though. There are some previous couples in this book who had their own story first.
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
October 10, 2021
I found DECEPTION COVE, #3 a delightful and lite, fantasy-future, adventure novel. This was a thrice reread for me (this time with the audio version well narrated by Joyce Bean) and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time. I find the Ghost Hunter Fantasy Romance series a wonderful temporary escape from the negativity that surrounds us today.
DECEPTION COVE takes place on the planet of Harmony settled by colonists from earth and located somewhere in space in a far off distant future in earth’s time. Rainshadow Island is a secluded island, on planet Harmony. It is located a short flight or ferry ride across the Amber Sea from the nearest city or land mass. Rainshadow Island has been experiencing recent and increasingly unusual and unpredictable weather, as well as other unexplained phenomenon. The Preserve property, 75% of the island, seems to be the center of the disruption. Harry Sebastian, MMC, is future CEO of Sebastian Inc which owns the Preserve property and has arrived on Rainshadow Island to determine the cause of these unusual happenings and to prevent it from continuing. Alice North is the FMC; her great-grandfather discovered Rainshadow Island along with Nicholas Sebastian, Harry’s great-grandfather. Alice accompanies Harry to Rainshadow Island because of her interest into her previously unknown family’s past, but also because of personal questions as well. It is crucial that Harry and Alice join forces and discover what is happening on Rainshadow Island in time to prevent a catastrophe from injuring the villagers on the remote island.
The characters in Jayne Castle/Jane Anne Krentz novels are oftentimes imperfect heroes/heroines with strength built by surviving either hardship and/or poor past choices. They join together to solve a problem (in a Proximity/Danger type setting) and learn to trust each other, bringing out the best in the other. (A great scene in DECEPTION COVE is when Alice and Harry spend their Marriage of Convenience honeymoon evening literally sitting back-back zapping giant bugs which are attacking them - the creepy creatures hoping to devour them). I find Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle novels a wonderful temporary escape after a hard day/week. The narration by Joyce Bean was a great new way to enjoy this Pick-Me-Up read while commuting and working outside and well worth the purchase.
DECEPTION COVE is book #3 in the RainShadow Island 5 book series. The series begins with Canyons of the Night, #1 and Lost Night, #2; continuing with Hot Zone, #4 then concluding with Siren’s Call, #5. DECEPTION COVE can be read as a stand-alone title but I highly recommend the entire series for pure fun. Other Ghost Hunter novels by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Anne Krentz) tie loosely with the Rainshadow series. Readers who enjoy DECEPTION COVE should check out Jayne’s website for correct reading order. (jayneannekrentz.com).
READER CAUTIONS -
DECEPTION COVE does contain sexual intimacy between the 2 main characters which stems from a committed relationship and is somewhere between sweet and steamy in nature. It is an aspect of their relationship, not the main focus. Swearing is present but minimal.
DECEPTION COVE takes place on the planet of Harmony settled by colonists from earth and located somewhere in space in a far off distant future in earth’s time. Rainshadow Island is a secluded island, on planet Harmony. It is located a short flight or ferry ride across the Amber Sea from the nearest city or land mass. Rainshadow Island has been experiencing recent and increasingly unusual and unpredictable weather, as well as other unexplained phenomenon. The Preserve property, 75% of the island, seems to be the center of the disruption. Harry Sebastian, MMC, is future CEO of Sebastian Inc which owns the Preserve property and has arrived on Rainshadow Island to determine the cause of these unusual happenings and to prevent it from continuing. Alice North is the FMC; her great-grandfather discovered Rainshadow Island along with Nicholas Sebastian, Harry’s great-grandfather. Alice accompanies Harry to Rainshadow Island because of her interest into her previously unknown family’s past, but also because of personal questions as well. It is crucial that Harry and Alice join forces and discover what is happening on Rainshadow Island in time to prevent a catastrophe from injuring the villagers on the remote island.
The characters in Jayne Castle/Jane Anne Krentz novels are oftentimes imperfect heroes/heroines with strength built by surviving either hardship and/or poor past choices. They join together to solve a problem (in a Proximity/Danger type setting) and learn to trust each other, bringing out the best in the other. (A great scene in DECEPTION COVE is when Alice and Harry spend their Marriage of Convenience honeymoon evening literally sitting back-back zapping giant bugs which are attacking them - the creepy creatures hoping to devour them). I find Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle novels a wonderful temporary escape after a hard day/week. The narration by Joyce Bean was a great new way to enjoy this Pick-Me-Up read while commuting and working outside and well worth the purchase.
DECEPTION COVE is book #3 in the RainShadow Island 5 book series. The series begins with Canyons of the Night, #1 and Lost Night, #2; continuing with Hot Zone, #4 then concluding with Siren’s Call, #5. DECEPTION COVE can be read as a stand-alone title but I highly recommend the entire series for pure fun. Other Ghost Hunter novels by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Anne Krentz) tie loosely with the Rainshadow series. Readers who enjoy DECEPTION COVE should check out Jayne’s website for correct reading order. (jayneannekrentz.com).
READER CAUTIONS -
DECEPTION COVE does contain sexual intimacy between the 2 main characters which stems from a committed relationship and is somewhere between sweet and steamy in nature. It is an aspect of their relationship, not the main focus. Swearing is present but minimal.
August 14, 2014
The Mystery of Rainshadow Continues
The Mystery of Rainshadow Continues
DECEPTION COVE is the second in the Rainshadow series and the eleventh book in the Harmony series. Rainshadow is a strange island on the earth colony of Harmony. Even though this book is a futuristic book, it really is a paranormal romantic suspense with an overlayer of a earth colony that allows Castle to change the rules that would apply to your normal earth bound book. The book is not science fiction in the classic sense. I think of the book as romantic suspense in another venue.
Alice North has a talent that allows her to appear to disappear. She has been hunted for a year by her dead husband's mother who blames Alice for his death. She has resorted to appearing in a magic show with her dust bunny companion Houdini. On the night that her magic show closes, she encounters Drake Sebastian who, because of his ex-girlfriend, is now day-blind and has to wear dark glasses to allow himself any vision at all.
The story begins with great suspicion between the main players. Because of the mysterious happenings on Rainshadow, the two join forces to discover what is happening on the island. The two almost immediately end up in a marriage of convenience (which is a type of legalized affair on Harmony) and spend their wedding night on Rainshadow trying to stay alive.
I liked Alice and Drake. They have a nice chemistry although there are more pages devoted to the mystery suspense angle of the story than the romance. I felt that this time the couple did get more attention than in the previous books about Rainshadow. Although the characters both have trust issues because of their previous relationships, there isn't much angst going on in this story.
I enjoyed the plot of this story because the twists were interesting and just when I thought the story was over there was an additional obstacle that has to be overcome before the ending. Once again, much of the humor of the story is provided by the dust bunnies. Houdini is really cute.
I'd rate this one a 4.25.
The Mystery of Rainshadow Continues
DECEPTION COVE is the second in the Rainshadow series and the eleventh book in the Harmony series. Rainshadow is a strange island on the earth colony of Harmony. Even though this book is a futuristic book, it really is a paranormal romantic suspense with an overlayer of a earth colony that allows Castle to change the rules that would apply to your normal earth bound book. The book is not science fiction in the classic sense. I think of the book as romantic suspense in another venue.
Alice North has a talent that allows her to appear to disappear. She has been hunted for a year by her dead husband's mother who blames Alice for his death. She has resorted to appearing in a magic show with her dust bunny companion Houdini. On the night that her magic show closes, she encounters Drake Sebastian who, because of his ex-girlfriend, is now day-blind and has to wear dark glasses to allow himself any vision at all.
The story begins with great suspicion between the main players. Because of the mysterious happenings on Rainshadow, the two join forces to discover what is happening on the island. The two almost immediately end up in a marriage of convenience (which is a type of legalized affair on Harmony) and spend their wedding night on Rainshadow trying to stay alive.
I liked Alice and Drake. They have a nice chemistry although there are more pages devoted to the mystery suspense angle of the story than the romance. I felt that this time the couple did get more attention than in the previous books about Rainshadow. Although the characters both have trust issues because of their previous relationships, there isn't much angst going on in this story.
I enjoyed the plot of this story because the twists were interesting and just when I thought the story was over there was an additional obstacle that has to be overcome before the ending. Once again, much of the humor of the story is provided by the dust bunnies. Houdini is really cute.
I'd rate this one a 4.25.
September 16, 2013
I was tempted to give this book another star just because Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Anne Krentz, aka Amanda Quick) DIDN'T mention the Arcane Society even once (but I didn't.) I enjoyed this fluffy, future-based paranormal romance about as much as any of her works that I've read recently, although I feel she's somewhat in a rut.
The hero and heroine are likeable. The mystery feels urgent (unfortunately, not as compelling as those in some of her past books.) The supporting characters are appropriately quirky but competent. (No real family interaction, so we don't have the family recognizing that the two are in love before they do.)
I am a little tired of the paranormal being used as an excuse for love-at-first-sight and its subsequent "light show" as confirmation that the couple is meant to be together forever, but that's pretty much part of the formula for these books.
If you've liked the Harmony books in the past, you'll probably like this one, too. It doesn't cover much new ground (well, there's a little new stuff about dust bunnies at the end), but it covers the old ground competently.
The hero and heroine are likeable. The mystery feels urgent (unfortunately, not as compelling as those in some of her past books.) The supporting characters are appropriately quirky but competent. (No real family interaction, so we don't have the family recognizing that the two are in love before they do.)
I am a little tired of the paranormal being used as an excuse for love-at-first-sight and its subsequent "light show" as confirmation that the couple is meant to be together forever, but that's pretty much part of the formula for these books.
If you've liked the Harmony books in the past, you'll probably like this one, too. It doesn't cover much new ground (well, there's a little new stuff about dust bunnies at the end), but it covers the old ground competently.
September 22, 2013
Jayne Ann Krentz does it again with another entry in her Jayne Castle Harmony series.
On the run from a possible murder charge and a powerful, vindictive woman, Alice North is down to her last dollar, has just been fired from her latest job and now she's in a dark alley facing off against two thugs who are attempting to change this from her worst day ever to her last day ever. Cue good Samaritan Drake Sebastian. After rescuing her, Drake reveals that he actually shares a connection with Alice, and needs her help. Instinctively trusting the handsome stranger, Alice agrees to a crazy and dangerous plan that might solve both of their problems, if it doesn't kill them first.
As usual, Krentz has crafted a fast paced suspense story and populated it with two main characters that the reader gets immediately involved with. Alice is admirable with her rough past and determined nature, and although Drake has troubles of his own, I loved the way he still made Alice and their budding relationship a priority.
This was fast paced fun from the first page to the last.
On the run from a possible murder charge and a powerful, vindictive woman, Alice North is down to her last dollar, has just been fired from her latest job and now she's in a dark alley facing off against two thugs who are attempting to change this from her worst day ever to her last day ever. Cue good Samaritan Drake Sebastian. After rescuing her, Drake reveals that he actually shares a connection with Alice, and needs her help. Instinctively trusting the handsome stranger, Alice agrees to a crazy and dangerous plan that might solve both of their problems, if it doesn't kill them first.
As usual, Krentz has crafted a fast paced suspense story and populated it with two main characters that the reader gets immediately involved with. Alice is admirable with her rough past and determined nature, and although Drake has troubles of his own, I loved the way he still made Alice and their budding relationship a priority.
This was fast paced fun from the first page to the last.
April 21, 2023
Reread and found it a little dull. Lowering to 3 stars.
Original:
Deception Cove was the last of 10 Jayne Castle books I could borrow from our library's E book system. Darn. Now I have to wait for the libraries around the state to reopen so I can borrow this author's remaining two or three books.
The problem with reading so many books by the same author so quickly is they blur together. Her male leads especially tend to be the same from book to book, varying in their business position and talents, but all are smart, sexy, gifted with paranormal abilities and dedicated to helping/saving/protecting the ones they love. Jayne Castle's heroines vary more, different personalities, social standing, backgrounds, and are inherently more interesting than the guys.
Deception Cove is good, not great. I might have liked it more had I not OD'd on her novels the past week so I didn't lower the star rating. Plus it's entertaining!
You can read my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/dec...
Original:
Deception Cove was the last of 10 Jayne Castle books I could borrow from our library's E book system. Darn. Now I have to wait for the libraries around the state to reopen so I can borrow this author's remaining two or three books.
The problem with reading so many books by the same author so quickly is they blur together. Her male leads especially tend to be the same from book to book, varying in their business position and talents, but all are smart, sexy, gifted with paranormal abilities and dedicated to helping/saving/protecting the ones they love. Jayne Castle's heroines vary more, different personalities, social standing, backgrounds, and are inherently more interesting than the guys.
Deception Cove is good, not great. I might have liked it more had I not OD'd on her novels the past week so I didn't lower the star rating. Plus it's entertaining!
You can read my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/dec...
August 31, 2013
While I enjoyed this title very much, it was probably more for nostalgia (Favorite Series!! Favorite Author!!) than the story or character building.
I found it to be a vaguely shallow effort with no real emotional depth or physical peril. It honestly read more like an underdeveloped novella than the latest installment in a favorite series by a favorite author.
On the plus side, I am gladdened by the continued absence of the dramatic "my mind to your mind" connections (that while interesting at first, were becoming a bit too routine) between the earliest couples in the series.
Will I continue reading the series? Without a doubt.
I found it to be a vaguely shallow effort with no real emotional depth or physical peril. It honestly read more like an underdeveloped novella than the latest installment in a favorite series by a favorite author.
On the plus side, I am gladdened by the continued absence of the dramatic "my mind to your mind" connections (that while interesting at first, were becoming a bit too routine) between the earliest couples in the series.
Will I continue reading the series? Without a doubt.
December 2, 2023
Alice North is a light-talent who can make things, including herself, disappear. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to work with her ex-mother-in-law, who is stalking her because she believes Alice killed her son. Alice is innocent and is indeed the wronged party. In steps Drake Sebastian at a critical moment to save her. He offers to protect her in exchange for her help in fixing the problem caused by her ex on Rainshadow Island. This paranormal romance occurs in the colony of Harmony in the far future where psychical talent is the norm and alien technology is the unknown. I like this series and in this one a lot of the hanging issues are addressed.
January 9, 2024
Alice is a great character with her "stage face", never showing what she is thinking or feeling. Drake was a little harder to get a handle on, since he played his cards so close to his chest, but you get inklings that he is more than bowled over by Alice. You're just not sure whether it's only physical or if there's something more. What is happening to Rainshadow is alarming and there are frequent times when you wonder if any of the stranded are going to make it. Great read and a satisfying ending.
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