Siren's Call

June 1, 2015
The ultraprolific Jayne Ann Krentz dons her Castle pseudonym for the steamy fourth Rainshadow novel (after The Hot Zone), exploring Rainshadow Island’s alien tunnels and psychic powers. After perennial bridesmaid Ella Morgan unmasks a friend’s bridegroom at the altar as a two-time wife-killer, she blasts his mind with her hidden and rare psionic talent, which she’s sure renders her unmarriageable. Then she meets smoldering-hot Rafe Coppersmith, and for most of the rest of this torrid fantasy adventure, she repeatedly declares her disbelief that he not only doesn’t fear her but is intrigued by the notion of a confident, monster-slaying woman. Castle’s involved plot features the accustomed assortment of baddies, but Ella’s psionic ability (and her helpful companion, Lorelei, a bouncy creature called a dust bunny) defeats them all before Ella and Rafe reach matching high notes of ecstasy. Though entirely predictable and couched in standard romance genre language, this is still a pleasant pas de deux in which a liberated woman meets a dangerous hunk who lusts after both her curves and her cerebrum. Castle adroitly lets the sparks fly in this cozy escapist story.

Starred review from August 1, 2015

Paranormal music talent Ella Morgan is caught off guard when magnetic, powerful Rafe Coppersmith walks through the door of her dream counseling firm and asks for help in dealing with ancient alien monsters on remote Rainshadow Island that lure their prey with paranormal songs. She surprises them both by agreeing to do it, but someone is determined that they don't succeed. It will take all their skill--and a little help from some resourceful dust bunnies--to make sure all turns out well. VERDICT A woman with the ability to sing men to their deaths and a man who needs the siren's love and comfort find a paranormal bond that is much more than passion. This lively, deliciously sensual, laughter-laced adventure nicely expands Castle's mysterious, addictive futuristic world and features a doughnut-loving, wedding veil-obsessed dust bunny that is hard to forget. Castle (The Hot Zone) lives in the Seattle area.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2015
The first thought that crosses Ella Morgan's mind when Rafe Coppersmith enters her new office is that he is three months too late. After all, when they first met, Rafe did ask Ella if she would like to go out for coffee with him. Since Rafe didn't call to follow up, Ella figured he never really intended to ask her out. What is important, however, is that he did keep his word about not telling anyone that Ella is a Siren, a singer with paranormal powers. As it turns out, the reason Rafe is now calling on Ella is because he needs her unique musical talents. Adding the Coppersmith Mining Company to her list of clients would certainly boost the cachet of Ella's fledgling business, but Ella also knows that even if Rafe is one of the good guys, that doesn't make him any less dangerous to be around. Like a siren herself, Castle (a.k.a. best-selling Jayne Ann Krentz) expertly lures readers in with inventive plotting, wit-infused writing, and flawless characterization in the latest deliciously sexy addition to her consistently entertaining, fantasy-laced Rainshadow series, following The Hot Zone (2014).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)