Truth or Dare

After reading the negative reviews on this book I tried to keep those complaints in mind when I sat down with my copy. I have to say that, for me, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. JAK delivered on all accounts as far as I'm concerned. We get more insight into Ethan and Zoe's relationship, which is beautiful and steamy as they share their insecurities. Ethan having been left by 3 previous wives causes him to question how long before Zoe does the same. And Zoe, knowing Ethan isn't big on the psychic "woo-woo" thing is afraid that he'll never fully know/accept her differences. Previous characters share in the story but not the "spotlight." That can be annoying, I know, but these are characters that you love to hear about and that also carry major roles in this Mystery and in no way detract from the story. I also love the fact that we follow a multitude of Ethan's cases. Some intertwine, while others are an added layer of interest. In my opinion you can't go wrong with this author, she is very talented. This is a romance/mystery mild on the suspence, not at all like Karen Rose or Anne Stuart darker novels. JAK is what she is, in my opinion always enjoyable.

Reviewers here have panned this book in comparison to other of Krentz's efforts, but I don't have that particular prejudice. As a fairly new Krentz reader, I found this book just the right companion for a boring evening alone. The quirky characters and dialogue made me smile. Descriptions of the locations were riveting and logically presented so that action is easy to follow, and the story moved right along. What's not to like? Krentz doesn't pretend to be a literary novelist. Thank goodness! A year or so ago, I wrote a very negative review of my first Krentz book, Summer in Eclipse Bay, which I felt was so bad I didn't pick up another of her titles until now. Glad I did. This one is in another league altogether. A nicely balanced book. Very entertaining!

Like a raft caught in a strong current, JAK's writing carried this reader along on a fascinating journey full of mystery, romance, companionship and good fun. I enjoyed the many story lines, woven together. I liked getting to know the 'old' characters better, and watched them wrestle with different angst than the typical romance. (The chapter with Singleton talking with Jeff about his murdered father was particularly poignant.) I laughed aloud several times. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

Newlyweds, Ethan and Zoe Truax work at their marriage amid the various mysterious happenings. This second in the Whispering Springs series, has various plot lines and scintillating characters. The two work at their marriage and at the same time try to protect their friends. Krentz has written a winner. She has decided to flesh out the main characters, much to this reader's liking and I hope that she will write a third novel in this series. Thank you for an enjoyable read over the holidays.