Reviews

All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz

laurenjodi's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

All Night Long
4 Stars

Synopsis:
As a teenager, Irene Stenson discovered her parents’ bodies following what the police believed to be a murder/suicide. Now she is back in her home town after an old friend sends a cryptic email offering new information. Soon the bodies are piling up and the secrets are unraveling, and the only one Irene can turn to for help is innkeeper and former marine, Luke Danner, who has some serious issues of his own.

Review:
A clever plot with some surprising twists and turns as well as a few laugh-out-loud moments. The underlying premise is original but it takes a little too long for the threads of the mystery to come together. Nevertheless, once they do, the story becomes engrossing and the resolution is neither obvious nor obscure.

Krentz’s characterization and dialogue are excellent as always. Similar to most of her heroines, Irene is intelligent and independent. She copes well with her PTSD, doesn't wait around to be rescued and can handle herself in sticky situations. Luke is sensitive, caring and protective but secure enough to understand the he need not dominate Irene. Their relationship develops at a rapid but not inappropriate pace. However, it lacks the level of passion and intensity in another book of Krentz’s that I read recently, Sizzle and Burn.

The secondary characters are also entertaining, especially Luke’s family. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Luke and his youngest brother, Jason as well as the various tidbits of information about the different townsfolk. It would have been nice if some of these had been better developed. The ultimate villain was not easy to guess as there is just the right number of red herrings to lead the reader astray but not create too much confusion – I was only able to work it out just in time.

Overall, this is an entertaining read and I recommend it for lovers of Krentz’s books and fans of romantic suspense.

machapma's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A 4 for the first 3/4ths of the book. The last 1/4 seemed to be trying to tie up too many loose ends and I stopped caring for the characters.

syndi3's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I usually does not like suspense blended with romance. Most of the time, the suspense becomed silly and focusing too much on the romance. All Night Long is different. Miss Krentz knows very well to bring good combination of romance and the murder suspense. 

The romance is there but build it so slow that I am on my edge anticipating the suspence. There is also a bit of humor involving Luke's family. I am glad that I found this book. Looking forward for Miss Krentz next book. 

bxermom's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Excellent book. My first of Jayne Ann Krentz's but definitely not my last!
The book was full of suspense and kept me reading all night long just to finish it. I definitely didn't figure out the ending so I was kept intrigued throughout. I loved Irene. She had issues that alot of people could relate too...as did Luke with his overbearing family.

A great book and I look forward to reading more!

fishwitch's review

Go to review page

3.0

Nothing earth shattering. Had an interesting ending. It was fine for an audio book.

jessiebwriting's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I do enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz's stories.  All Night Long is definitely a top favorite of hers for me because I just couldn't put this book down. I was hooked on the mystery and the romance, to the point that I was up until 1 in the morning finishing the book. I love the characters Irene Stenson and Luke Danner! Krentz is fantastic at writing strong women who aren't afraid to do what is necessary to protect those they care for or get to the truth - which is exactly the kind of woman reporter Irene is. And Luke - well, how can you not like a Marine man that in an attempt to distance himself from his overprotective family, buys a lake-side cabin resort business but hates having to have guests. And their development throughout is well-done, specifically how they assist each other with accepting the pain from their past and finding strategies to move forward. The mystery is just gripping and becomes very dark as it unfolds. And I love the comedic moments sprinkled throughout the story, especially the banter between Irene and Luke. I can definitely see myself rereading this story in the future and I recommend this for anyone that enjoys a good mystery and romance.

wickedplutoswickedreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A couple of the sex bits had me laughing out loud at their sheer ridiculousness....but overall I enjoyed this. It's a romance novel yes.....but the plot is about so much more than the lovey dovey stuff. Enjoyed it alot even when things got soap opera ish.

ccgwalt's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Reread April 2011-- This book is such a great blend of humor, suspense, and romance. I enjoyed it as much or more the second time around.
4.5*

(Originally read November 2010) Well-plotted suspense with a good deal of humor and some great characters. The epilogue tries to tie up loose ends in too many neat, sappy bows, but otherwise I enjoyed the character interactions in this book, especially the growing relationship between Luke and Irene. Krentz doesn't tend to let too much tension build in her books, but she writes a few edge-of-your-seat moments here. Recommended.

readwithchey's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I did really enjoy this, but something about the writing style put me off a little. It felt repetitive and odd at times. But I did really like the mystery aspect and enjoyed both main characters- their relationship felt natural and had just the right amount of steam. Overall a good read, but not my favorite from her.

kdickin3's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0