Helpful Score: 3
Good news LK fans: sexy love scenes have finally come to Friday Harbor. Any Lisa Kleypas fan knows that the woman can write some smokin' hot love scenes. So it came as a bit of a surprise and disappointment that the Friday Harbor series has been so...PG (by comparison.)
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
Helpful Score: 1
ASTRONOMICAL disappointment.
Helpful Score: 1
I just couldn't figure this book out. In one way it drew me in and captivated me. In others, like the very detailed sex scenes (even BDSM) it revolted me. Lisa Kleypas is a romance author, but she's never done anything this graphic before. The hero was not likeable, and did not deserve Justine. I did finish the book, even though a lot of pages were flipped without being read. I really wish the cover or a reviewer had mentioned the sexual details were so strong. Even though I loved the first 2 books in this series, I would not have read this one. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because I finished it.
Jen of Red Hot Books has the perfect review. It matches my thoughts exactly: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/516676776
Jen of Red Hot Books has the perfect review. It matches my thoughts exactly: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/516676776
Helpful Score: 1
Kleypas may add some supernatural elements in her books but this one falls fully onto paranormal romance category. I love paranormal romance so the first half of the book was pretty good for me. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Even though the sex scenes were graphic they weren't sexy. Just very cold and removed. I think Kleypas failed to illustrate the passion behind dominance sex play. It might have worked better with Zoe and Alex instead. Perhaps Jason was too contradicting to be naughty that way. Overall Jason's character wasn't put together well.
After Jason betrayed Justine, she basically turns into a huge pushover as a way to move the plot along. Because for a woman with trust issues she forgave way too quickly and believed what everyone told her at face value. And for someone who claims repeatedly she couldn't be bought, that's basically what he did. I lost all respect for her and ended up skimming the rest of the book. Their time together after that became more shallow.
The ending is extremely predictable and I was hoping Kleypas would put some surprises in there.
A huge disappointment, especially because the beginning was so good. Don't waste money or credits on it.
Even though the sex scenes were graphic they weren't sexy. Just very cold and removed. I think Kleypas failed to illustrate the passion behind dominance sex play. It might have worked better with Zoe and Alex instead. Perhaps Jason was too contradicting to be naughty that way. Overall Jason's character wasn't put together well.
After Jason betrayed Justine, she basically turns into a huge pushover as a way to move the plot along. Because for a woman with trust issues she forgave way too quickly and believed what everyone told her at face value. And for someone who claims repeatedly she couldn't be bought, that's basically what he did. I lost all respect for her and ended up skimming the rest of the book. Their time together after that became more shallow.
The ending is extremely predictable and I was hoping Kleypas would put some surprises in there.
A huge disappointment, especially because the beginning was so good. Don't waste money or credits on it.
Helpful Score: 1
I have to agree that this book was not a typical Lisa Kleypas and I was very disappointed. I didn't have a problem with the sex scenes, I just couldn't bond with the male character. She is still one of my fav authors and I will continue to read her.
Lehuanani C. (thecolomaboysmommy) reviewed Crystal Cove (Friday Harbor Series) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
All of the books in this series have had a touch of supernatural in them, but this one seems to be the main focus. It was okay, but I felt there wasn't enough depth into the characters like Kleypas has done in past books. I was also hoping to hear more about the characters from the previous books in this series.
Helpful Score: 1
To be honest, I have never finished a novel by Lisa Kleypas before. I just didn't like her style, so if I was buying books and saw hers, I never thought twice. This book, I picked up off a hospital cart of books and since I was waiting for my brother in surgery, I decided it didn't sound too bad. Well, I have to admit, I got pulled into the story and was finished reading it in two days. I loved it! I think now I'll try some more of her books! Every book comes to us at the right time and place. I'm glad this one did!
Helpful Score: 1
Good news LK fans: sexy love scenes have finally come to Friday Harbor. Any Lisa Kleypas fan knows that the woman can write some smokin' hot love scenes. So it came as a bit of a surprise and disappointment that the Friday Harbor series has been so...PG (by comparison.)
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
Hereditary witch Justine Hoffman runs a Bed & Breakfast on the small island of Friday Harbor. She knows something is missing from her life, but she doesn't realize what it is until she reads the grimoire that was passed down to her and finds he has been cursed to never love a man. Taking matters into her own hands, Justine breaks the spell, causing complications she didn't expect. Now she has met Jason Black, a mysterious man staying at the Bed & Breakfast who shows more than a passing interest in Justine. But Jason has secrets of his own, and isn't afraid to use Justine to get what he wants.
This book was very different for Lisa Kleypas. Her books in the Friday Harbor series have some paranormal elements included in the story. This one is a full blown paranormal romance where the plot hinges on a witch's curse. Some of the story just didn't work for me. I would have liked to see more romance and less curse. My rating: 4 Stars.
This book was very different for Lisa Kleypas. Her books in the Friday Harbor series have some paranormal elements included in the story. This one is a full blown paranormal romance where the plot hinges on a witch's curse. Some of the story just didn't work for me. I would have liked to see more romance and less curse. My rating: 4 Stars.
Good news LK fans: sexy love scenes have finally come to Friday Harbor. Any Lisa Kleypas fan knows that the woman can write some smokin' hot love scenes. So it came as a bit of a surprise and disappointment that the Friday Harbor series has been so...PG (by comparison.)
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
The bad news is that the improvement in the bedroom came at the price of a weak story and a kind of (gasp) forgettable hero. LK has long dabbled with the paranormal (anyone remember the ghost in MineTil Midnight, the first Hathaway book?). Friday Harbor has taken it to the next level by making it an element in each of the books. However in this book it comes front and center, magic being in fact the primary plot. Unfortunately, Kleypas just doesn't sell it here. It was easy to accept Justine as magical since that was revealed in previous books, but without revealing too much, there were other mystical elements as key plot devices that just didn't work for this reader. Furthermore, Jason just wasn't all that strong. He's not awful, but he isn't memorable. The soul thing really cost too much in terms of character and direction. I wish LK had found a different way to get the story to gel. And a small quibble: somewhere I'd gotten the impression that Jason Black was going to turn out to be a long lost bastard brother of the brothers Nolan, was I dreaming?
Complaints aside, the book did get me thinking about some of the assertions made about metaphysical stuff. Like can you really exist without a soul? Some theorize that the soul and life are not connected. Some say it is an integral fact of all human life, that the soul is what makes us aware, able to love or make choices that aren't just nature calling. It is interesting to think about.
Overall, even a less than perfect LK book is better than most other romance out there, and with those hot love scenes, she still gets my three stars.
Justine is a natural born witch. Unbeknownst to her, she was cursed as a baby. She will never find love. Jason is a mysterious billionaire in town to look at property to. He also happens to be after something else. So, of course, they are drawn to each other.
I really enjoyed the previous books. They had a little of a magical element to them; Lucy with her glass making, Zoe with her cooking. Granted that last one (Dream Lake) was even more paranormal with the ghost and what happened at the end. The one, Crystal Cove, is full on paranormal romance (IMO). I didn't work for me. *Gasp* Another LK book I didn't care for!! (Looking at you, Midnight Angel).
"Never read page thirteen..." Justine was told this by her mother, because telling someone to *not* to something (and to also not explain why) will make sure they *don't* do it! AmIright? I thought Justine being a witch would have been more cool had she known more about it and an active practitioner. Instead, it just seemed something she did when she wanted/needed something instead. The whole thing with her going out on the kayak with signs of an impending storm was stupid. Hey the app said the weather was fine, so it must be true!
I also wasn't crazy about Jason. I thought he was creepy. Then, after admitting he has "feelings" for her, scheming to steal something from her. Oops, I mean "borrow."
Another thing that ruined this book: "the witch's bane." WTF? Oh hell no.
And this too: one of the main characters didn't have a soul. Oh please.
read-2017
I really enjoyed the previous books. They had a little of a magical element to them; Lucy with her glass making, Zoe with her cooking. Granted that last one (Dream Lake) was even more paranormal with the ghost and what happened at the end. The one, Crystal Cove, is full on paranormal romance (IMO). I didn't work for me. *Gasp* Another LK book I didn't care for!! (Looking at you, Midnight Angel).
"Never read page thirteen..." Justine was told this by her mother, because telling someone to *not* to something (and to also not explain why) will make sure they *don't* do it! AmIright? I thought Justine being a witch would have been more cool had she known more about it and an active practitioner. Instead, it just seemed something she did when she wanted/needed something instead. The whole thing with her going out on the kayak with signs of an impending storm was stupid. Hey the app said the weather was fine, so it must be true!
I also wasn't crazy about Jason. I thought he was creepy. Then, after admitting he has "feelings" for her, scheming to steal something from her. Oops, I mean "borrow."
Another thing that ruined this book: "the witch's bane." WTF? Oh hell no.
And this too: one of the main characters didn't have a soul. Oh please.
read-2017
I really liked this book, It touched a little on witchcraft but was not weird. Most of all it was about a young woman, Justine, who wanted to experience real love, but had not been able to because of a spell her own mother had cast on her. The story tells how she went about removing the spell and how she found her dream man. It was very erotic in parts.
