wildflowerz76's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the blending of the woo-woo into this historical romance. In general, I've found that most authors tend to go a little overboard with the more supernatural aspects when they try to do this and it ends up coming out as a big mess. But this one worked for me.
I never felt connected all that much to any of the characters. I felt like they could have been better developed. But overall, I enjoyed this one and will probably read more.
I never felt connected all that much to any of the characters. I felt like they could have been better developed. But overall, I enjoyed this one and will probably read more.
eak1013's review against another edition
2.0
A paranormal historical romance mystery that was neither paranormal, historical, romantical, nor mysterious enough. So many deliciously schlocky elements that I should have adored (secret society! ye olde photographye! pretend-to-be-married! ye olde independente laydee! ::handwave:: magic!), but ho-hum enough in the execution that I just didn't care.
Alas.
Alas.
ainiali's review against another edition
2.0
2.9 🌟
I like the characters (love Edward), the setting & the plot but nearly 70% done, I was still confused of what Gabriel's psychic power really is. And that took away my enjoyment.
delaneybull's review
2.0
The premise was interesting, but I would have liked more worldbuilding around the Arcane Society. It was odd that this was so centered around mystical powers but didn't do anything more than focus on the two main characters' powers. Gabriel was also.....not hot, and his "powers" read EXTREMELY creepy. I would have liked this book had Gabriel never re-entered the narrative, especially since there was no chemistry between the two, and all the "romantic" scenes felt very out of place and false.
stitchsds's review against another edition
1.0
Not a bad read, but not as good as I had expected given the reviews I've read of the series. Maybe Nora Roberts and Linda Howard have spoiled me, but I had expected better from Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. I'll give a few more of this series a shot, but I was a little disappointed.
magshugs's review against another edition
3.0
This was an easy fun read. It had romance, action and mystery, which I thought was fun.
It was definitely a little predictable in the romance department but the mystery part of it was fun and not so easily figured out.
I'll probably read more in this series.
It was definitely a little predictable in the romance department but the mystery part of it was fun and not so easily figured out.
I'll probably read more in this series.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
4.0
Amanda Quick is one of many pseudonyms used by author Jayne Ann Krentz. Currently Ms. Krentz uses three: Jayne Ann Krentz for contemporary romances, Amanda Quick for historical romances, and Jayne Castle for futuristic romances. All her romances have common threads such as mystery and strong characters. Many, particularly lately, also have paranormal elements, including this novel.
The basic storyline has spinster Venetia Milton traveling to the secret and secluded Arcane House to make a photographic record of the holdings. When she meets Gabriel Jones, son of the Arcane Society head, she has an additional goal: to be swept off her feet and enjoy a night of elicit passion. Venetia gets her wish, but when intruders appear, Gabriel sends her to safety before they can talk.
Venetia is crushed to hear of Gabriel's death, adopting "Mrs. Jones" as her new name, starting a new life with her elderly aunt and younger brother and sister. Imagine her shock when, months later, Gabriel reappears alive and well. The two gifted individuals (Gabriel can literally smell evil and has a strong hunting instinct within him; Venetia can see people's auras) soon find themselves united in their search for a murderous thief, exploring their growing love on the way.
I enjoy Krentz's wonderful mixture of various elements. Her heroines are always strong-willed and Venetia is no exception. This also had the humor that adds to the enjoyment of the story. Definitely an enjoyable read!
This is the first of the Arcane Society novels, with four published to date - two historicals as Amanda Quick and two contemporaries as Jayne Ann Krentz. I'm looking forward to the second in the series. JAK is on my must buy list. :
The basic storyline has spinster Venetia Milton traveling to the secret and secluded Arcane House to make a photographic record of the holdings. When she meets Gabriel Jones, son of the Arcane Society head, she has an additional goal: to be swept off her feet and enjoy a night of elicit passion. Venetia gets her wish, but when intruders appear, Gabriel sends her to safety before they can talk.
Venetia is crushed to hear of Gabriel's death, adopting "Mrs. Jones" as her new name, starting a new life with her elderly aunt and younger brother and sister. Imagine her shock when, months later, Gabriel reappears alive and well. The two gifted individuals (Gabriel can literally smell evil and has a strong hunting instinct within him; Venetia can see people's auras) soon find themselves united in their search for a murderous thief, exploring their growing love on the way.
I enjoy Krentz's wonderful mixture of various elements. Her heroines are always strong-willed and Venetia is no exception. This also had the humor that adds to the enjoyment of the story. Definitely an enjoyable read!
This is the first of the Arcane Society novels, with four published to date - two historicals as Amanda Quick and two contemporaries as Jayne Ann Krentz. I'm looking forward to the second in the series. JAK is on my must buy list. :