#RomanceLite #Paranormal #SciFi #Mystery
Two unlikely allies search for the secrets of their pasts while on the run within the Alien world of Harmony in the thrilling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.
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.
#Review
I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. I express my own reading experience.
When I started reading this book, I realized jumping into the world mid-series would be just fine. There is a great note from the author at the beginning of the book that helps you understand the world quickly. I also discovered that it was the second book in a mini-arc and I needed to go back and read the book before it. I was glad I did. There were lots of little nuggets I wouldn’t have understood without that. But overall, this series lends itself to reading out of order. Something I appreciate in very long series’.
Let me explain the feel of this book and why I label it #RomanceLite. There are threads in this story. Lots of pieces that come together to build an enjoyable read. The main thread is a mystery. There are lots of little crumbs that the two main characters do a good job of gathering up. Mystery is the primary feel to this book. Next there is a thread of paranormal talents. They come into play throughout the story but are not the main focus. They make things interesting. The world itself is sci-fi. Harmony is a distant planet generations in the past were able to colonize. The aliens that had lived there gone. And finally, there is a romance that takes place. It’s the kind of romance that happens when two people meet and share an adventure together. They get to know each other. They learn to trust each other. They realize how much they have in common, how much they are willing to do for each other. Over the course of their adventure, they realize they don’t want to be without each other. In that way, this book is a romance.
I enjoyed reading this book as much as if not more than the previous one, People In Glass Houses. The characters did it for me. Both Leona and Oliver felt real to me. They had doubts and had been hurt by many events in their lives. At their heart, they are good people willing to do the right thing. I enjoyed watching them grow closer together and learn to trust each other. They made this book.
The star of the show was Roxy. Her chortles and protective nature was the best. You could trust her senses to know if you were safe or not. She was so much fun. When someone didn’t like Roxy (which surprisingly did happen), it was clear that person could not be trusted. And I loved the amusement park. Silly Roxy. Nothing better than a dust bunny that adopts you as their own.
If you’re the kind of person who wants a good world with a great story line that doesn’t just revolve around two people’s love life, then this is a good choice for you. It’s a fast enjoyable read!
Have you read this book? What are you reading?
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