Dangerous Magic

I have yet to read a book by Jayne Ann Krentz that I haven't liked! She knows how to tell a story like no one else. I was riveted from start to finish!

WADE TAGGERT REALLY MESSED UP WITH ELISSA WHEN HE ACCUSED HER OF ACCEPTING A BRIBE TO GET A PROMOTION AND SLEEPING HER WAY TO THE TOP, WHEN HE REALIZED THE ERROR OF THE JUDGEMENT IT WAS REALLY WONDERFUL READING TO WATCH HIM TRY AND GET OUT OF THE MESS. I HAVE READ JUST ABOUT EVERY BOOK JAYNE ANN KRENTZ HAS WRITTEN AND THIS BOOK IS ONE OF HER BEST, I LOVE HER PLOTS AND HOW THE MAIN CHARACTERS TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I THINK ANYONE WHO READS THIS BOOK WILL FIND IT VERY ENTERTAINING AND ENJOYABLE

Dangerous Magic is a terrific novel - I fell in love with the characters within the first two chapters and I practically smiled all the way through it when I read it. If there ever was a book illustrating the "mating/love" dance that women and men go through when they develop their relationship. Elissa believes she's tricking Wade (i.e she wants revenge on his offensive accusations) while all the time he is a step ahead of her and tricking her (he realises he's made a mistake and hopes to win her over with love, before apologising!) The quick wit and thrusts and parries of the verbal dialogue were enjoyable and the characters are adorable. With that said, the main characters do portray the normal desirable characteristics in romance novels (i.e the woman is no pushover, she's smart, intelligent, brave, beautiful etc. and the man is the typical "Alpha" male, gorgeous, powerful, arrogant, ruthless, smart etc.) However, it you don't like "cute" stories then this novel is not for you as I guess it is one that does bring that description to mind. For those who haven't read the novel... The first chapter of the novel starts dramatically with Wade (Elissa's superior in their workplace) accusing Elissa of sleeping with a married colleague to advance her career, saying that she slept with the wrong man and she is welcome to try her wiles on him! He blackmails her into having an affair with him. Elissa, furious is very tempted to quit her job but the idea of making him eat his words is too satisfying so she sets out to prove him wrong the next night, presenting proof of her innocence. In any case, he still doesn't believe her and continues to "blackmail her" into an affair. Elissa is sorely tempted to quit her job and move on to pastures new BUT...the idea of sweet revenge is just too tempting to pass up...she plans to manipulate him into falling in love with her, and when he's on his knees begging her to marry him...to fling his ring in his face and throw the job back in his face (leaving the firm). Alas, she falls in love with him during their affair.

Reviewed by: Sondrea Cash The meetings between Elissa Sheldon and her friend Martin Randolph after work were only to plan his wife's surprise birthday party. Perfectly innocent. Only it didn't appear that way to her boss, Wade Taggert. A lovely, young woman meeting an older man -- a married older man -- who just happened to have recommended her for a promotion...it all seemed pretty clear to him. When Elissa shows up at Wade's office expecting the promotion, she doesn't get it. Instead, she is accused of trying to sleep her way to the top, of choosing the wrong man, and invited to try again with the right man...HIM. Incensed by Wade's refusal to believe her explanation, Elissa resolved to teach Wade a lesson he'd never forget, and ended up learning a lesson of her own...in love. Dangerous Magic was the first Jayne Ann Krentz book I read, and thus is my sentimental favorite. However, it wasn't sentiment that made me read this book over 100 times in the past 16 years. It was the characters. I fell in love with them, especially the hero. Wade has all the expected Krentz alpha hero characteristics -- intelligence, strength, honor, humor. But there is more. Intriguing flashes of vulnerability allow you to see beyond the surface so that you can feel his need for Elissa. Not just in a sexual sense, but for HER. This is important, as it provides an understanding of his actions, and keeps him from becoming overbearing. When you combine a hero like Wade with an equally compelling heroine, plenty of sexual tension, and a truly romantic ending, you have the ingredients for Dangerous Magic. Let it work its spell on you.

From back cover "The Boss's Word was Law. Elissa Sheldon had fought her way up the corportate ladder using her skills and intelligence--but Wade Taggert didn't believe her. Oh, Wade admitted her work was excellent, but he believed she had seduced the wrong man. Because 'he' could give her the job...if she really wanted it.**Elissa was furious at Wade's assumptions--and determined to make him see the truth. She'd get the job and the man. And it would be on her own terms. But..."