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Flash
A blockbuster of sensual suspense from New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.
Sparkling with Jayne Ann Krentz’s irresistible blend of sassy wit and sheer suspense, this sizzling bestseller explodes into passionate pyrotechnics as a self-made millionaire and a charmingly disorganized entrepreneur team up to corner a killer. Soon, they find their unruly partnership has the power to set the night on fire….
Olivia Chantry may leave her desk in disarray, but she’s a business dynamo: her Seattle-based company, Light Fantastic, creates the promotional flash her clients need. Her marvelous success has almost made up for a crumbled marriage that has left her wedded to a career instead of a mate. But all that may change when Olivia inherits 49 percent of Glow, Inc., her uncle’s high-tech lighting firm, and she butts heads with the interloper who bagged the other 51 percent: Jasper Sloan, a venture capitalist and deal-maker known as an orderly man with all his ducks in a row.
From the start of their feisty business dealings, the so-called partners nearly crash and burn—and barely keep control of the sexual energy crackling between them. But when they discover a blackmailer is hard at work uncovering secrets inside Glow, Inc., Olivia and Sloan’s steamy joint venture faces the acid test of truth…and a need for absolute trust. For when extortion turns to murder, a union of their minds—and hearts—might be their only chance to stay alive.
Sparkling with Jayne Ann Krentz’s irresistible blend of sassy wit and sheer suspense, this sizzling bestseller explodes into passionate pyrotechnics as a self-made millionaire and a charmingly disorganized entrepreneur team up to corner a killer. Soon, they find their unruly partnership has the power to set the night on fire….
Olivia Chantry may leave her desk in disarray, but she’s a business dynamo: her Seattle-based company, Light Fantastic, creates the promotional flash her clients need. Her marvelous success has almost made up for a crumbled marriage that has left her wedded to a career instead of a mate. But all that may change when Olivia inherits 49 percent of Glow, Inc., her uncle’s high-tech lighting firm, and she butts heads with the interloper who bagged the other 51 percent: Jasper Sloan, a venture capitalist and deal-maker known as an orderly man with all his ducks in a row.
From the start of their feisty business dealings, the so-called partners nearly crash and burn—and barely keep control of the sexual energy crackling between them. But when they discover a blackmailer is hard at work uncovering secrets inside Glow, Inc., Olivia and Sloan’s steamy joint venture faces the acid test of truth…and a need for absolute trust. For when extortion turns to murder, a union of their minds—and hearts—might be their only chance to stay alive.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
961 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,171 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 10, 2015
3.5 stars for this stand-alone romantic suspense, set in contemporary Seattle. I first read it years ago. Now I'm listening to the audio, narrated by Kate Fleming (aka Anna Fields, who narrated for Susan E Philips). She's got a broad vocal range and portrays men well. Sadly, she passed on in 2006.
POV is 3rd person, switching between Jasper and Olivia, and occasionally some mysterious chess player.
Contents include a few explicit sex scenes, a little violence, minimal swearing or profanity, and no crude terms for female anatomy.
Why do I read JAK?? It's typically not for the suspense, even though that is usually interesting. The main reason I come back to this formulaic author is this: She writes about honorable men who are deeply alone. Misunderstood, or misjudged, or unwanted, or taken for granted. Whatever. I feel for these guys, even though they are tough, shrewd, sexy, and rich. I like them because -- true heroes -- they keep on doing the right thing, without fanfare, despite public opinion. I like the heroines, too. Krentz sells me on their HEA. It's heartwarming and satisfying, knowing the couple is going to take care of each other and contribute to the well-being of others.
Quibbles: Some dialogue felt like it went on a bit long at times. Olivia's internal reasoning also droned on, especially in audio format, where I cannot skim. The chess player POV felt out of place. Also, the big bad villain is a stretch.
This book begins with two prologues, running along parallel lines. In the first prologue, set 8 years in the past, the hero (Jasper Sloan) is burning some mysterious documents while tending to his newly adopted nephews, Kirby (age 10) and Paul (age12). Jasper's wife left him a year ago, when the boys moved in, after their father died. Their dad was Fletcher, Jasper's step-brother.
In the second prologue, set 3 years in the past, Olivia Chantry is also burning mysterious documents. Her artistic husband Logan Dane just died (gored, running with the bulls, haha! ). Olivia's cousin Nina and Logan's family blames her for driving him to it, by starting divorce proceedings. (His family include Sean Dane, etc.).
Fast forward to the present, in Seattle, where young Kirby and Paul (now in college) think Jasper's off his game, and fast approaching a midlife crisis. "Take a vacation!" they insist.
Meanwhile, Olivia runs a company called Light Fantastic. Using special lighting effects, she stages parties, conventions, trade-shows, etc. Her Uncle Rolly owns a lighting company called Glow. She uses his lighting equipment at her events, so it's a partnership. Jasper -- a venture capitalist -- is the money man, funding the business.
Then Uncle Rolly dies (early in the book) and everything changes at Glow and Light Fantastic, because Jasper owns 51%, controlling interest.
Jasper is orderly, organized, and logical. Conservative. Reserved. Olivia is his polar opposite. He's fascinated and bedazzled, but can they work together at Glow? Jasper makes it clear that he's in charge, but Olivia resists. She worries that Jasper will be hard on Chantry relatives who work at Glow (Aunt Rose, etc).
Other Plot Threads (minor spoilers):
POV is 3rd person, switching between Jasper and Olivia, and occasionally some mysterious chess player.
Contents include a few explicit sex scenes, a little violence, minimal swearing or profanity, and no crude terms for female anatomy.
Why do I read JAK?? It's typically not for the suspense, even though that is usually interesting. The main reason I come back to this formulaic author is this: She writes about honorable men who are deeply alone. Misunderstood, or misjudged, or unwanted, or taken for granted. Whatever. I feel for these guys, even though they are tough, shrewd, sexy, and rich. I like them because -- true heroes -- they keep on doing the right thing, without fanfare, despite public opinion. I like the heroines, too. Krentz sells me on their HEA. It's heartwarming and satisfying, knowing the couple is going to take care of each other and contribute to the well-being of others.
Quibbles: Some dialogue felt like it went on a bit long at times. Olivia's internal reasoning also droned on, especially in audio format, where I cannot skim. The chess player POV felt out of place. Also, the big bad villain is a stretch.
This book begins with two prologues, running along parallel lines. In the first prologue, set 8 years in the past, the hero (Jasper Sloan) is burning some mysterious documents while tending to his newly adopted nephews, Kirby (age 10) and Paul (age12). Jasper's wife left him a year ago, when the boys moved in, after their father died. Their dad was Fletcher, Jasper's step-brother.
In the second prologue, set 3 years in the past, Olivia Chantry is also burning mysterious documents. Her artistic husband Logan Dane just died (gored, running with the bulls, haha! ). Olivia's cousin Nina and Logan's family blames her for driving him to it, by starting divorce proceedings. (His family include Sean Dane, etc.).
Fast forward to the present, in Seattle, where young Kirby and Paul (now in college) think Jasper's off his game, and fast approaching a midlife crisis. "Take a vacation!" they insist.
Meanwhile, Olivia runs a company called Light Fantastic. Using special lighting effects, she stages parties, conventions, trade-shows, etc. Her Uncle Rolly owns a lighting company called Glow. She uses his lighting equipment at her events, so it's a partnership. Jasper -- a venture capitalist -- is the money man, funding the business.
Then Uncle Rolly dies (early in the book) and everything changes at Glow and Light Fantastic, because Jasper owns 51%, controlling interest.
Jasper is orderly, organized, and logical. Conservative. Reserved. Olivia is his polar opposite. He's fascinated and bedazzled, but can they work together at Glow? Jasper makes it clear that he's in charge, but Olivia resists. She worries that Jasper will be hard on Chantry relatives who work at Glow (Aunt Rose, etc).
Other Plot Threads (minor spoilers):
April 30, 2020
Olivia Chantry is known for her business acumen. She seems the perfect person to inherit Glow, Inc., her late uncle's high-tech lighting firm. But Olivia has inherited only 49 percent of the business. The other 51 percent has been given to Jasper Sloan, a venture capitalist who has his own ideas about running the company. As Jasper and Olivia circle each other, trying to figure out how to work together, they discover there is a blackmailer inside the new company. Trying to uncover the identity of the blackmailer could be deadly.
This is one of author's older books. It seemed to follow her usual formula of heroine with wacky family goes up against straight-laced hero. They both want the same thing and must work together, even when someone from the outside is trying to stop them. The story was entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is one of author's older books. It seemed to follow her usual formula of heroine with wacky family goes up against straight-laced hero. They both want the same thing and must work together, even when someone from the outside is trying to stop them. The story was entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
March 1, 2021
I read a sample at the end of one of her books. It seemed like a good book. Unfortunately the Kindle edition is 17.50$ (!!)
For a 1998 novel...
Pity
At the end I had to borrow it, its price is unbelievable and it has never been slashed. That said I liked it and would buy it (as soon as it gets reasonably priced). [I did buy it 08/2020]
For a 1998 novel...
Pity
At the end I had to borrow it, its price is unbelievable and it has never been slashed. That said I liked it and would buy it (as soon as it gets reasonably priced). [I did buy it 08/2020]
April 15, 2024
Entertaining romantic suspense from 1998
Nine years ago, Jasper Sloan took on the responsibility of guardian to his stepbrother's children when their parents died in a skiing accident. Kirby was 9 at the time, and Paul was 11. A few months after Jasper accepted that sacred responsibility, his wife divorced him, because she had no interest in being a mother to someone else's children. He has not been in a serious relationship in the years since, and for quite some time, he has not even been on a date.
Olivia Chantry was briefly married to a very talented artist. Three years ago, she was on the verge of divorcing him when he died in an accident, running with the bulls in Pamplona.
At the start of this story, Olivia's 80-something Uncle Rollie, who is the head of the Chantry clan and owns Glow, a big, prosperous company that has financially supported the entire Chantry family for many decades, dies in an accident. Olivia inherits 49% of Glow, and Jasper inherits 51%. He has worked for many years as a venture capitalist, and he made a private loan several years ago to Uncle Rollie for purposes of expanding the company. The 51% interest in the company was collateral.
Initially, Olivia is outraged that someone outside the family would take over running Glow, which Jasper insists he plans to do. He states that he is selling his own venture capital company to one of its top executives and is planning to go in an entirely new professional direction. On a personal level, now that his two nephews are both in college, Jasper is quietly contemplating the possibility of finally remarrying. Both he and Olivia are instantly attracted to each other, though it is not something either of them is willing to admit to themselves right away. Both have been burned in marriage, and each is determined to not make any rash, romantic decisions.
The prologues that begin this novel hint that both Olivia and Jasper are covering up something illegal, with the implication that it is something they themselves did. However, anyone who is a fan of JAK will instantly recognize that this is an intriguing smoke screen. JAK never writes criminal protagonists. Not too far into the novel, it is made clear that they are both acting protectively on behalf of family members they care deeply about.
The suspense portion of this story, which is something that is in all of JAK's novels, begins when Olivia's aunt is blackmailed. When Olivia and Jasper step in to try and help her, the blackmailer begins blackmailing them as well.
This novel was written in 1998. It has aged well in terms of the story itself, which is classic JAK, with a co-equal partnership between the FMC and MMC, as they work together to bring down evil villains. The technology, of course, is quite outdated, with no cell phones, frequent use of a fax to conduct business, and no mention of the internet in general or social media in specific.
No age is given for Olivia or Jasper. However, I can make an educated guess based on JAK's perpetual preference for the ages of her protagonists. The FMC in her contemporary romance is virtually always between 28-31, most often age 30. The MMC is virtually always between 37-39, most often age 39. Based on the indirect hints in this book, I would assume that Olivia is 30 and Jasper is 39.
Jasper is a very sympathetic MMC. We are encouraged to like and respect him from the first moment that he comes onstage in the prologue, which occurs eight years before the actual start of the story. We witness how compassionately and responsibly he is raising his orphaned nephews, and learn that he is reading lots of parenting books, rather than just winging it.
Olivia is equally responsible and compassionate toward her family members. She runs a top-notch event-planning business, and she employs many different Chantry relatives.
Similar to all of JAK's FMCs, Olivia is not described as beautiful but, as is the case for every romance novel's MMC, not just those of JAK, Jasper is extremely physically attracted to her. To him, she is the most compelling woman he has ever met. Olivia is never shown exercising or thinking about exercising, but from Jasper's perspective, it is clear to him that she must work out, to be so slender and fit.
Similar to every JAK MMC, Jasper is not conventionally handsome but, as is also essential in a romance, he is as arrestingly attractive to Olivia as she is to him. Though there is not a single mention of Jasper's going to a gym or exercising in any way, either, he has no middle-age spread on his physique. He is lean and well muscled, which is a genre expectation, however improbably presented.
Overall, this is not one of my all-time favorite novels by JAK, but it is an enjoyably entertaining read, with two sympathetic leads, who have exciting chemistry and complimentarily forceful personalities. In addition, the action-adventure portion of this novel definitely kept me guessing.
I received access to the audiobook version of this novel through Hoopla. It is narrated by the late, great Kate Fleming AKA Anna Fields, and it is a joy to listen to her performance.
Nine years ago, Jasper Sloan took on the responsibility of guardian to his stepbrother's children when their parents died in a skiing accident. Kirby was 9 at the time, and Paul was 11. A few months after Jasper accepted that sacred responsibility, his wife divorced him, because she had no interest in being a mother to someone else's children. He has not been in a serious relationship in the years since, and for quite some time, he has not even been on a date.
Olivia Chantry was briefly married to a very talented artist. Three years ago, she was on the verge of divorcing him when he died in an accident, running with the bulls in Pamplona.
At the start of this story, Olivia's 80-something Uncle Rollie, who is the head of the Chantry clan and owns Glow, a big, prosperous company that has financially supported the entire Chantry family for many decades, dies in an accident. Olivia inherits 49% of Glow, and Jasper inherits 51%. He has worked for many years as a venture capitalist, and he made a private loan several years ago to Uncle Rollie for purposes of expanding the company. The 51% interest in the company was collateral.
Initially, Olivia is outraged that someone outside the family would take over running Glow, which Jasper insists he plans to do. He states that he is selling his own venture capital company to one of its top executives and is planning to go in an entirely new professional direction. On a personal level, now that his two nephews are both in college, Jasper is quietly contemplating the possibility of finally remarrying. Both he and Olivia are instantly attracted to each other, though it is not something either of them is willing to admit to themselves right away. Both have been burned in marriage, and each is determined to not make any rash, romantic decisions.
The prologues that begin this novel hint that both Olivia and Jasper are covering up something illegal, with the implication that it is something they themselves did. However, anyone who is a fan of JAK will instantly recognize that this is an intriguing smoke screen. JAK never writes criminal protagonists. Not too far into the novel, it is made clear that they are both acting protectively on behalf of family members they care deeply about.
The suspense portion of this story, which is something that is in all of JAK's novels, begins when Olivia's aunt is blackmailed. When Olivia and Jasper step in to try and help her, the blackmailer begins blackmailing them as well.
This novel was written in 1998. It has aged well in terms of the story itself, which is classic JAK, with a co-equal partnership between the FMC and MMC, as they work together to bring down evil villains. The technology, of course, is quite outdated, with no cell phones, frequent use of a fax to conduct business, and no mention of the internet in general or social media in specific.
No age is given for Olivia or Jasper. However, I can make an educated guess based on JAK's perpetual preference for the ages of her protagonists. The FMC in her contemporary romance is virtually always between 28-31, most often age 30. The MMC is virtually always between 37-39, most often age 39. Based on the indirect hints in this book, I would assume that Olivia is 30 and Jasper is 39.
Jasper is a very sympathetic MMC. We are encouraged to like and respect him from the first moment that he comes onstage in the prologue, which occurs eight years before the actual start of the story. We witness how compassionately and responsibly he is raising his orphaned nephews, and learn that he is reading lots of parenting books, rather than just winging it.
Olivia is equally responsible and compassionate toward her family members. She runs a top-notch event-planning business, and she employs many different Chantry relatives.
Similar to all of JAK's FMCs, Olivia is not described as beautiful but, as is the case for every romance novel's MMC, not just those of JAK, Jasper is extremely physically attracted to her. To him, she is the most compelling woman he has ever met. Olivia is never shown exercising or thinking about exercising, but from Jasper's perspective, it is clear to him that she must work out, to be so slender and fit.
Similar to every JAK MMC, Jasper is not conventionally handsome but, as is also essential in a romance, he is as arrestingly attractive to Olivia as she is to him. Though there is not a single mention of Jasper's going to a gym or exercising in any way, either, he has no middle-age spread on his physique. He is lean and well muscled, which is a genre expectation, however improbably presented.
Overall, this is not one of my all-time favorite novels by JAK, but it is an enjoyably entertaining read, with two sympathetic leads, who have exciting chemistry and complimentarily forceful personalities. In addition, the action-adventure portion of this novel definitely kept me guessing.
I received access to the audiobook version of this novel through Hoopla. It is narrated by the late, great Kate Fleming AKA Anna Fields, and it is a joy to listen to her performance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2012
This is a weak three stars for me. I almost gave it 2.5 stars, but I decided to be generous. There was nothing seriously wrong with Flash, except that it followed Jayne Ann Krentz's formula too closely. The characters were people I've met before in her other novels. They were the same irritatingly-naive heroine and slightly-nerdy-but-still-deeply-masculine hero that show up in so many Krentz novels. I could predict everything they did, and even portions of their dialog. It's depressing when I sit down to read a new-to-me book, and it ends up feeling like a second or third read-through. If this had been the first Krentz novel I had read, I might have really enjoyed it (although I would have had some problems with the heroine, Olivia, who was annoyingly dense). But after having read dozens and dozens of Krentz's novels, I find that her style has lost its charm.
On the plus side, the mystery/suspense plot was mildly entertaining; I didn't have the villains' schemes figured out as early as I usually do in such novels. Also on the plus side for the audio book: Kate Fleming (aka Anna Fields) did a good job on the narration. My one complaint regarding her performance is that I didn't always love the way she read Olivia's dialog. Olivia said some dumb things over the course of the novel, and Fleming's delivery occasionally emphasized the inanity of the dialog. However, this is more Krentz's fault than Fleming's.
On the plus side, the mystery/suspense plot was mildly entertaining; I didn't have the villains' schemes figured out as early as I usually do in such novels. Also on the plus side for the audio book: Kate Fleming (aka Anna Fields) did a good job on the narration. My one complaint regarding her performance is that I didn't always love the way she read Olivia's dialog. Olivia said some dumb things over the course of the novel, and Fleming's delivery occasionally emphasized the inanity of the dialog. However, this is more Krentz's fault than Fleming's.
March 24, 2020
This is one of the "tough business man is forced to work with young woman" books by Krentz that I enjoy reading every so often. It's not, however, one of my favorites. I think it lacks interesting MCs and enough tension in the plot. Olivia and Jasper are likable but they don't ever come alive on the page. I think the story would be much more interesting if his nephews played a bigger part, as they make him feel more interesting. The plot mostly concerns people being blackmailed who don't really care so there's not much threat anywhere. Then there's the ending, which takes way too long to wrap up. If she'd combined the last 15 percent of so of the book down into a couple of chapters it would be a fantastic ending, but everything is so stretched out with mundane events in between that the impact is diluted. 2.5 stars
NB - I revisited this in audiobook form, and enjoyed it more the second time around. Perhaps I had lower expectations, but this time I didn't care as much that the plot has huge holes, though I did still think the ending went on too long. "What, there's another chapter???" What I liked more this time was a few bits of clever dialogue between the MCs, a bit like a screwball comedy. More of that would have livened the book considerably. Still 2.5 stars
NB - I revisited this in audiobook form, and enjoyed it more the second time around. Perhaps I had lower expectations, but this time I didn't care as much that the plot has huge holes, though I did still think the ending went on too long. "What, there's another chapter???" What I liked more this time was a few bits of clever dialogue between the MCs, a bit like a screwball comedy. More of that would have livened the book considerably. Still 2.5 stars
March 27, 2012
Dec 4 2010. 3 star for print edition. Good, not great. I liked the romance but would have enjoyed more time spent developing it. The suspense plot was very good in parts, but it hinged on something a little far-fetched, and that fact kind of ruined it for me. Still, light and fun, with some witty dialog.
Revisited on audio, narrated by the incomparable Kate Fleming/Anna Fields.
3/37/12- audiobook review 4* because the narrator brings up the rating.
Flash was more enjoyable in audio for the simple fact that Kate Fleming is a wonderful narrator. Her voices are great, even her male voices, and her timing is perfect. Listening to her deliver the lines made them more witty and clever. Unfortunately Fleming can't improve a slightly flawed plot line. The suspense plot isn't bad, just a little bit confusing at one point and somewhat unbelievable (or cliche?). But, honestly, it's a good book with fun characters, decent dialogue, and (if you buy it on audio) you get Kate Fleming to make it all even better!
Revisited on audio, narrated by the incomparable Kate Fleming/Anna Fields.
3/37/12- audiobook review 4* because the narrator brings up the rating.
Flash was more enjoyable in audio for the simple fact that Kate Fleming is a wonderful narrator. Her voices are great, even her male voices, and her timing is perfect. Listening to her deliver the lines made them more witty and clever. Unfortunately Fleming can't improve a slightly flawed plot line. The suspense plot isn't bad, just a little bit confusing at one point and somewhat unbelievable (or cliche?). But, honestly, it's a good book with fun characters, decent dialogue, and (if you buy it on audio) you get Kate Fleming to make it all even better!
March 29, 2024
3 Stars
Although Amazon has a release date of 2010 for this book, it was originally released in 1998. It dates itself with floppy discs and the mention of Fredrick's of Hollywood. (Today's reference would be Victoria's Secret.)
There are two prologue's. One for Jasper (H) and one for Olivia (h). As the story begins the nephews Jasper's been raising are in college. The nephews and the VP of Jasper's company push him to take a vacation...a month long getaway. When he gets back he's informed he's the 51% owner of a company he personally invested money in. The original owner, Rollie, has passed away. It's a family business and Olivia is Rollie's niece is 49% owner.
In Flash not only do Jasper and Olivia have to work together in the transition of leadership within the company Glow, but they also have a blackmailer hitting up several chapters within the book...including Jasper and Olivia. What secrets do they hold that's worth blackmail? Everyone has a secret that they prefer never sees the light of day.
Although Amazon has a release date of 2010 for this book, it was originally released in 1998. It dates itself with floppy discs and the mention of Fredrick's of Hollywood. (Today's reference would be Victoria's Secret.)
There are two prologue's. One for Jasper (H) and one for Olivia (h). As the story begins the nephews Jasper's been raising are in college. The nephews and the VP of Jasper's company push him to take a vacation...a month long getaway. When he gets back he's informed he's the 51% owner of a company he personally invested money in. The original owner, Rollie, has passed away. It's a family business and Olivia is Rollie's niece is 49% owner.
In Flash not only do Jasper and Olivia have to work together in the transition of leadership within the company Glow, but they also have a blackmailer hitting up several chapters within the book...including Jasper and Olivia. What secrets do they hold that's worth blackmail? Everyone has a secret that they prefer never sees the light of day.
June 19, 2010
good, but not a good as the other books by her.
July 4, 2019
I liked it all and all, but it was a bit (possibly a spoiler) disappointing that I knew the end of the mystery angle within the first 20% of my reading the story.
April 14, 2024
This was a reread for me and, I must say, I'm having fun with these older JAK books. They're fun and I like fun.
This time around, we have Olivia and Jasper. At first glance, these two couldn't be less alike. Jasper likes order and working off of solid information. Olivia is not as orderly and sort of goes with her gut on things. But Jasper also follows his gut and Olivia comes to appreciate Jasper's orderliness (I don't know that she'll ever be as organized as him, but she appreciates that he is).
Jasper's 51% of Glow and a little case of blackmail (that starts with one of Olivia's family members and soon spirals out to the two of them) has them forced to work with and trust one another. Given that the two of them have more than a few sparks, THINGS HAPPEN when they occupy space and soon they're working VERY closely together.
A little danger, a little compromise, a spooky storage unit, more than a few steamy kisses, a man who doesn't have the best timing when it comes to personal issues (but GREAT timing on other things), and a lady who ALWAYS gives the client what they're asking for. Yep, I'm enjoying revisiting some of these older JAK couples. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This time around, we have Olivia and Jasper. At first glance, these two couldn't be less alike. Jasper likes order and working off of solid information. Olivia is not as orderly and sort of goes with her gut on things. But Jasper also follows his gut and Olivia comes to appreciate Jasper's orderliness (I don't know that she'll ever be as organized as him, but she appreciates that he is).
Jasper's 51% of Glow and a little case of blackmail (that starts with one of Olivia's family members and soon spirals out to the two of them) has them forced to work with and trust one another. Given that the two of them have more than a few sparks, THINGS HAPPEN when they occupy space and soon they're working VERY closely together.
A little danger, a little compromise, a spooky storage unit, more than a few steamy kisses, a man who doesn't have the best timing when it comes to personal issues (but GREAT timing on other things), and a lady who ALWAYS gives the client what they're asking for. Yep, I'm enjoying revisiting some of these older JAK couples. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 4, 2024
Romantic suspense in 1990's Seattle
Written in the 90's, Flash paints a picture of that era. No Google or cell phones; faxes used for immediate timely communication ; paper filing systems. This is a romantic suspense. When the owner of a big lighting company passes away, ownership is transferred to Jasper, an investor, and Olivia, his niece. Blackmail threats begin surfacing almost immediately and Jasper and Olivia partner to investigate the shared threat. The sometimes over the top conspiracy is balanced with comic relief. Olivia owns an event planning company and some of her corporate extravaganzas are quite funny.
Written in the 90's, Flash paints a picture of that era. No Google or cell phones; faxes used for immediate timely communication ; paper filing systems. This is a romantic suspense. When the owner of a big lighting company passes away, ownership is transferred to Jasper, an investor, and Olivia, his niece. Blackmail threats begin surfacing almost immediately and Jasper and Olivia partner to investigate the shared threat. The sometimes over the top conspiracy is balanced with comic relief. Olivia owns an event planning company and some of her corporate extravaganzas are quite funny.
September 13, 2020
HATED the ending; the overall story was enjoyable, not fantastic but decent. It would have been 3 stars except for the ending.
December 10, 2024
3.5 stars — Fun, but not memorable
I enjoyed Flash, but I don’t think it’s going on my list of favorite Krentz books. I had read it 12 or 15 years ago, and had forgotten literally everything about it, which tells you something right there.
That said, there were plenty of things that worked for me in the novel. The main characters, Jasper and Olivia, have different — you might even say opposing — personalities and management styles, which leads to some entertaining clashes between them. At the same time, they both hold certain bedrock values (family, protecting those they care about), as well a shared purpose: the survival and growth of Olivia’s family’s firm, Glow Inc., now controlled by Jasper’s 51% majority share. Their commonalities make their developing relationship believable; their differences keep it interesting.
Krentz always injects some humor into her books, and there is just the right amount in Flash. Characters (particularly Olivia and Jasper) engage in witty banter and the occasional dryly ironic comment. Krentz also tosses in a few quirky side characters, like an aunt who starred in a soap opera for 20 years and an annoyingly persistent business journalist, whose interactions with Olivia made me chuckle more than once.
So why did I give the book 3.5 stars instead of 4 or more? Flash is a straightforward romantic suspense novel set in the corporate world. (Unlike many of Krentz’s more recent novels, there are no paranormal elements.) But despite a multi-villain plot , at least one death, and several confrontations with various opponents, I didn’t find the book particularly suspenseful. On the one hand, I never even suspected one of the villains (not seriously, anyway), so kudos to Ms. Krentz for keeping me in the dark. On the other hand, I missed the intensity of my favorite Krentz novels. The only time I was really concerned was in the first chapter, when Jasper’s car is nearly run off the road. All in all, the suspense fell a bit flat for me.
There are ways to immerse a reader in the story and in the characters’ own feelings of fear and awareness of danger, keeping the reader focused on the scene at hand — in effect, pushing the the genre’s promise of a happy ending to the back of the reader’s mind. Krentz is usually pretty good at this, which is one of the things that makes her books so much fun for me. I can enjoy a frisson of suspense in the moment, while that back-of-the-mind knowledge keeps my anxiety at bay. But that magic rarely materialized for me while reading Flash. I often felt more like an observer than like I was immersed in Olivia’s or Jasper’s experiences.
I’m glad I reread Flash, and I think most of Krentz’s fans would enjoy it. But I suggest that newer readers begin elsewhere — perhaps with River Road or All Night Long if you prefer contemporary romantic suspense, or with her Arcane Society series if you like a hefty dose of paranormal elements (psychic abilities, not vampires and shifters) along with your romantic suspense.
Challenges: The Backlist Reader Challenge (note: read over 10 years ago and completely forgotten, so it counts); COYER Unwind Chapter 1
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
I enjoyed Flash, but I don’t think it’s going on my list of favorite Krentz books. I had read it 12 or 15 years ago, and had forgotten literally everything about it, which tells you something right there.
That said, there were plenty of things that worked for me in the novel. The main characters, Jasper and Olivia, have different — you might even say opposing — personalities and management styles, which leads to some entertaining clashes between them. At the same time, they both hold certain bedrock values (family, protecting those they care about), as well a shared purpose: the survival and growth of Olivia’s family’s firm, Glow Inc., now controlled by Jasper’s 51% majority share. Their commonalities make their developing relationship believable; their differences keep it interesting.
Krentz always injects some humor into her books, and there is just the right amount in Flash. Characters (particularly Olivia and Jasper) engage in witty banter and the occasional dryly ironic comment. Krentz also tosses in a few quirky side characters, like an aunt who starred in a soap opera for 20 years and an annoyingly persistent business journalist, whose interactions with Olivia made me chuckle more than once.
So why did I give the book 3.5 stars instead of 4 or more? Flash is a straightforward romantic suspense novel set in the corporate world. (Unlike many of Krentz’s more recent novels, there are no paranormal elements.) But despite a multi-villain plot , at least one death, and several confrontations with various opponents, I didn’t find the book particularly suspenseful. On the one hand, I never even suspected one of the villains (not seriously, anyway), so kudos to Ms. Krentz for keeping me in the dark. On the other hand, I missed the intensity of my favorite Krentz novels. The only time I was really concerned was in the first chapter, when Jasper’s car is nearly run off the road. All in all, the suspense fell a bit flat for me.
There are ways to immerse a reader in the story and in the characters’ own feelings of fear and awareness of danger, keeping the reader focused on the scene at hand — in effect, pushing the the genre’s promise of a happy ending to the back of the reader’s mind. Krentz is usually pretty good at this, which is one of the things that makes her books so much fun for me. I can enjoy a frisson of suspense in the moment, while that back-of-the-mind knowledge keeps my anxiety at bay. But that magic rarely materialized for me while reading Flash. I often felt more like an observer than like I was immersed in Olivia’s or Jasper’s experiences.
I’m glad I reread Flash, and I think most of Krentz’s fans would enjoy it. But I suggest that newer readers begin elsewhere — perhaps with River Road or All Night Long if you prefer contemporary romantic suspense, or with her Arcane Society series if you like a hefty dose of paranormal elements (psychic abilities, not vampires and shifters) along with your romantic suspense.
Challenges: The Backlist Reader Challenge (note: read over 10 years ago and completely forgotten, so it counts); COYER Unwind Chapter 1
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
November 5, 2023
Thoroughly entertaining in typical Jayne Ann Krentz style, this book has it all - great characters, dialogue, humor, excitement, and a plot that keeps the reader hopping. Which is why I re-read it as often as possible. Every time I find something fun and new to appreciate. My favorite line, "He was in very dangerous territory without a map.", provokes a laugh every time, even after five or six readings. I also love the emphasis on Jasper's "timing" issues and especially like the way Jasper humorously describes his position in Glow as having the "corner office with the big windows". Olivia's coffee consumption also adds a touch of reality. It's these little details that make JAK's characters come alive and make me want to "visit" with them as often as possible.
October 19, 2014
I'm not much of a Krentz fan but when I discovered that Anna Fields narrated Flash, I had to listen. It was a DNF however. The leads had an interesting intro but then were thrown into a basic whodunit which dominated the story. Not interested.
Narration is, of course, 5 stars. Content - 2-3 stars.
Narration is, of course, 5 stars. Content - 2-3 stars.
April 7, 2022
I tend to have some issues with Krentz’s heroines. As a whole, they’re just a little much for me though I do still enjoy her books. This one though? I hated Olivia so so much, she was exhausting. Also the jump from the bad guy being an embezzler to the other thing was a lot. And so was the whole plot if I’m being honest.
March 29, 2017
This book was okay for me. It was an early one of JAK's novels. I just found it kinda mundane. The mystery of who dunnit was interesting. I wasn't totally satisfied with the chemistry of the 2 main characters.
May 24, 2015
Sweet and frustrating romance - heroine knows what she wants and the hero is heavy handed. It's a guess to who is more stubborn. Then when they are all fired up, the passion ignites.
December 13, 2012
***3,5***
May 14, 2016
When you buy a used book for $1.00 you get your money's worth if it entertains and passes the time. This one did that - no more, totally predictable but what do you expect for a buck:)
October 19, 2019
On oldie but goodie. Classic Jayne Ann Krentz book. Likable smart characters that have to work together to solve several concurrent mysteries. All neatly wrapped up in a firm HEA.
September 5, 2021
3.75 Stars for FLASH, an “Oldie” standalone Contempory Romance title (originally published 1998) by Jayne Ann Krentz (Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle). I’m a Jayne Ann Krentz fan and I’ve read FLASH a number of times over the years when I’ve been in the mood for a humor filled, easy escape. With the present global situation, this light read hit the spot. This time, I listened to the audio version of FLASH narrated by Kate Fleming (which was okay, but the male voices not always great. JMO). I still enjoyed FLASH, and own both an E format copy and an audio. I’ll be reading this again to get me through a funk or book hangover in the future, I’m sure.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= I lLIKED IT A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Venture Capitalist and owner of Sloan & Assocs Jasper Sloan/MMC, late 30’s-early 40’s, became an “Instant Dad” 8yrs earlier when his stepbrother and wife were killed during their skiing vacation. Jasper’s newly married wife divorced him shortly after he accepted guardianship to his 2 young nephews. Recently Glow Inc, to whom Sloan had borrowed considerable funds for expansion purposes, lost their founder in a vacation accident. Jasper now inherits 51% control in Glow Inc as was previously arranged with the former owner (in case of a situation like this).
Three yrs ago, Olivia Chantry/FMC, in her late 20’s-early 30’s, became a widow when her estranged and narcissistic artist husband was killed Running-With-the-Bulls while in Spain. Then Olivia’s uncle, founder of Glow Inc, died about a month ago. Upon his death, Olivia inherited 49% of his innovative lighting business. Olivia owns and operates her own business, Light Fantastic, a small but expanding event production business in Seattle, as well. The death of Olivia’s uncle pulls new co-owners Jasper and Olivia unexpectedly together as they work to stabilized Glow Inc’s market position and try to figure out the other’s motives. Meanwhile, additional tragic accidents continue to dog their steps. Are the mishaps simply coincidences or is someone attempting to remove obstacles and evidence? If so, why and Who?
Krentz writes in a variety of genres under her various names both in standalone titles or series (Amanda Quick/historical romance & historical romance suspense, Jayne Ann Krentz/contemporary romance & contemporary romance suspense, Jayne Castle/future-fantasy romance suspense). Krentz/Jayne Castle is known for her Ghost Hunter future-fantasy series with dust bunnies. All her books can be found at the JayneAnneKrentz website.
Krentz novels are best appreciated by readers looking for a light escape, with suspense, romance, humor, and a spunky dialogue. JAK’s MMCs are often alpha types, honorable, determined, and loyal. The men aren’t perfect but have good hearts and rather than being intimidated by complex women, they appreciate them. The FMCs tend to be independent, complicated, and opinionated and prefer men who are strong enough to accept them for who they are.
READER CAUTIONS -
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - G/PG. Off scene or briefly mentioned (with little detail) danger and threats.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several open door scenes of intimacy take place which could be skipped rather easily if desired.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= I lLIKED IT A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Venture Capitalist and owner of Sloan & Assocs Jasper Sloan/MMC, late 30’s-early 40’s, became an “Instant Dad” 8yrs earlier when his stepbrother and wife were killed during their skiing vacation. Jasper’s newly married wife divorced him shortly after he accepted guardianship to his 2 young nephews. Recently Glow Inc, to whom Sloan had borrowed considerable funds for expansion purposes, lost their founder in a vacation accident. Jasper now inherits 51% control in Glow Inc as was previously arranged with the former owner (in case of a situation like this).
Three yrs ago, Olivia Chantry/FMC, in her late 20’s-early 30’s, became a widow when her estranged and narcissistic artist husband was killed Running-With-the-Bulls while in Spain. Then Olivia’s uncle, founder of Glow Inc, died about a month ago. Upon his death, Olivia inherited 49% of his innovative lighting business. Olivia owns and operates her own business, Light Fantastic, a small but expanding event production business in Seattle, as well. The death of Olivia’s uncle pulls new co-owners Jasper and Olivia unexpectedly together as they work to stabilized Glow Inc’s market position and try to figure out the other’s motives. Meanwhile, additional tragic accidents continue to dog their steps. Are the mishaps simply coincidences or is someone attempting to remove obstacles and evidence? If so, why and Who?
Krentz writes in a variety of genres under her various names both in standalone titles or series (Amanda Quick/historical romance & historical romance suspense, Jayne Ann Krentz/contemporary romance & contemporary romance suspense, Jayne Castle/future-fantasy romance suspense). Krentz/Jayne Castle is known for her Ghost Hunter future-fantasy series with dust bunnies. All her books can be found at the JayneAnneKrentz website.
Krentz novels are best appreciated by readers looking for a light escape, with suspense, romance, humor, and a spunky dialogue. JAK’s MMCs are often alpha types, honorable, determined, and loyal. The men aren’t perfect but have good hearts and rather than being intimidated by complex women, they appreciate them. The FMCs tend to be independent, complicated, and opinionated and prefer men who are strong enough to accept them for who they are.
READER CAUTIONS -
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - G/PG. Off scene or briefly mentioned (with little detail) danger and threats.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several open door scenes of intimacy take place which could be skipped rather easily if desired.
September 15, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is a standalone.
Olivia and Jasper inherit the shares of a company upon the death of Olivia’s uncle which triggers a series of unexpected events including family upheaval, blackmail, repercussions in state politics, and a company reorganization. Olivia runs an event planning company and most of the people in the family look to her for advice as well reassurance that the new ownership will result in things staying more or less the same for them. Jasper was a venture capitalist which is how he met Olivia’s uncle. When he inherits the shares of the company, he takes over the management of it (he has received 51%, Olivia 49%).
Olivia is hardworking, smart, and loyal to her family and a little messy at work. Jasper is hardworking, smart, loyal to his family, and very organized at work. Once problems start cropping up, they begin to solve the problems together and learn to trust each other. The book happens over a few weeks but the author did a good job at developing a relationship between them.
The dialogue is realistic and sometimes funny. The pace is perfect. The secondary characters are well developed. The story alternates between Olivia and Jasper’s point of view.
I read this book after reading a different book written by the author under the pseudonym Stephanie James. There is no comparison. This book is better. I find the author’s early works to be rough and full of overbearing, chauvinistic males and bubbly females that put up with their attitudes or are attracted to it. In this book, there is a mutual respect between the two main characters and mostly equal behavior (a few times Jasper tries to run the show). I read this book more than 20 years after it was written and it is a bit dated but it was still a good read.
I will suggest that anyone who wants to give this author a try start with her later books.
This book is a standalone.
Olivia and Jasper inherit the shares of a company upon the death of Olivia’s uncle which triggers a series of unexpected events including family upheaval, blackmail, repercussions in state politics, and a company reorganization. Olivia runs an event planning company and most of the people in the family look to her for advice as well reassurance that the new ownership will result in things staying more or less the same for them. Jasper was a venture capitalist which is how he met Olivia’s uncle. When he inherits the shares of the company, he takes over the management of it (he has received 51%, Olivia 49%).
Olivia is hardworking, smart, and loyal to her family and a little messy at work. Jasper is hardworking, smart, loyal to his family, and very organized at work. Once problems start cropping up, they begin to solve the problems together and learn to trust each other. The book happens over a few weeks but the author did a good job at developing a relationship between them.
The dialogue is realistic and sometimes funny. The pace is perfect. The secondary characters are well developed. The story alternates between Olivia and Jasper’s point of view.
I read this book after reading a different book written by the author under the pseudonym Stephanie James. There is no comparison. This book is better. I find the author’s early works to be rough and full of overbearing, chauvinistic males and bubbly females that put up with their attitudes or are attracted to it. In this book, there is a mutual respect between the two main characters and mostly equal behavior (a few times Jasper tries to run the show). I read this book more than 20 years after it was written and it is a bit dated but it was still a good read.
I will suggest that anyone who wants to give this author a try start with her later books.
July 11, 2018
Enjoyable romance/thriller from Jayne Ann Krentz. I kept wanting to get back to the story every time I had to put it down...a sure sign of an interesting plot. The romance aspect was provocative, the dialogue was quick-witted and lively, and the thriller/mystery plot was complex and left you wondering Whodunit? until the very end. I very much liked Ms. Krentz's writing style, and I will be reading more of her other novels in the future.
Synopsis:
Sparkling with Jayne Ann Krentz's irresistible blend of sassy wit and sheer suspense, this sizzling bestseller explodes into passionate pyrotechnics as a self-made millionaire and a charmingly disorganized entrepreneur team up to corner a killer. Soon, they find their unruly partnership has the power to set the night on fire.... Olivia Chantry is a business dynamo: her company, Light Fantastic, creates the promotional flash her clients need. Her success has almost made up for a crumbled marriage that has left her wedded to a career instead of a mate. But all that may change when Olivia inherits 49% of Glow, Inc., her uncle's high-tech lighting firm, and she butts heads with the interloper who got the other 51% percent: Jasper Sloan, a venture capitalist and deal-maker. From the start of their feisty business dealings, the so-called partners nearly crash and burn -- and barely keep control of the sexual energy crackling between them. But when they discover a blackmailer is uncovering secrets inside Glow, Inc., Olivia and Sloan's steamy joint venture faces the acid test of truth...and a need for absolute trust. When extortion turns to murder, a union of their minds -- and hearts -- might be their only chance to stay alive.
Synopsis:
Sparkling with Jayne Ann Krentz's irresistible blend of sassy wit and sheer suspense, this sizzling bestseller explodes into passionate pyrotechnics as a self-made millionaire and a charmingly disorganized entrepreneur team up to corner a killer. Soon, they find their unruly partnership has the power to set the night on fire.... Olivia Chantry is a business dynamo: her company, Light Fantastic, creates the promotional flash her clients need. Her success has almost made up for a crumbled marriage that has left her wedded to a career instead of a mate. But all that may change when Olivia inherits 49% of Glow, Inc., her uncle's high-tech lighting firm, and she butts heads with the interloper who got the other 51% percent: Jasper Sloan, a venture capitalist and deal-maker. From the start of their feisty business dealings, the so-called partners nearly crash and burn -- and barely keep control of the sexual energy crackling between them. But when they discover a blackmailer is uncovering secrets inside Glow, Inc., Olivia and Sloan's steamy joint venture faces the acid test of truth...and a need for absolute trust. When extortion turns to murder, a union of their minds -- and hearts -- might be their only chance to stay alive.
November 7, 2020
I didn't even read the description for this. I saw it at a book sale for cheap and just went for it because I've read and enjoyed other books by the author.
I liked Jasper a lot. There's just something about obsessive business man characters like him that I enjoy. It's hard to explain.
This book felt a lot like an Arcane Society novel. I think it was written before those existed, but they definitely have the same feel. Jasper seemed like he would be a talent unaware of psychics existing. He was portrayed with a good sixth sense for business and danger. Olivia had a sense for danger, but that seems like a common thing. Anyway, I would not at all be surprised if this story existed somewhere in the world of Arcane. It seemed like it would fit right in.
The romance of the story was decent. Jasper claimed to have bad timing with that kind of thing, and I agree with him. The instances in which he chose to make a move seemed like they would backfire. I was surprised they didn't, but it wasn't uncharacteristic enough to take away from the story.
Overall, I liked it. It took a little bit to get into, but once it got going I enjoyed it.
I liked Jasper a lot. There's just something about obsessive business man characters like him that I enjoy. It's hard to explain.
This book felt a lot like an Arcane Society novel. I think it was written before those existed, but they definitely have the same feel. Jasper seemed like he would be a talent unaware of psychics existing. He was portrayed with a good sixth sense for business and danger. Olivia had a sense for danger, but that seems like a common thing. Anyway, I would not at all be surprised if this story existed somewhere in the world of Arcane. It seemed like it would fit right in.
The romance of the story was decent. Jasper claimed to have bad timing with that kind of thing, and I agree with him. The instances in which he chose to make a move seemed like they would backfire. I was surprised they didn't, but it wasn't uncharacteristic enough to take away from the story.
Overall, I liked it. It took a little bit to get into, but once it got going I enjoyed it.
February 6, 2023
This is another reread, and I enjoyed it as much as when I first read it. Olivia Chantry (our heroine) is a very focused, woman running her own events management company. Her goal is to ensure that her clients get what they wanted with their events. She inherits 49% of her uncle’s company with Jasper Sloan (our hero) inheriting the other 51%. While they are both very focused in managing their businesses, that is where their similarities end. When things start to get dangerous, they realise how much they have in common.
I did enjoy this book, both Olivia and Jasper were strong, driven stubborn characters, but with a lot of charm and humour. It was a fun light read, and I lived how Olivia clashed with Jasper and yet they managed to work together to solve the mysteries around them. The plot was believable, without any unnecessary sub plots. I thought that Jasper’s 2 nephews, added a bit of humour to the book. I did find the Chantry family a bit over the top, especially when they tried to run Olivia’s life. I thought that the Chess Player was a nice dramatic touch, giving us a puzzle to try and solve.
I did enjoy this book, both Olivia and Jasper were strong, driven stubborn characters, but with a lot of charm and humour. It was a fun light read, and I lived how Olivia clashed with Jasper and yet they managed to work together to solve the mysteries around them. The plot was believable, without any unnecessary sub plots. I thought that Jasper’s 2 nephews, added a bit of humour to the book. I did find the Chantry family a bit over the top, especially when they tried to run Olivia’s life. I thought that the Chess Player was a nice dramatic touch, giving us a puzzle to try and solve.
July 2, 2023
Wow! Flash proves why Jayne Ann Krentz remains on my Must Read bookshelf!
I first read "Flash" by Jayne Ann Krentz in hardcover back in 1990's when I waitlisted the new book at my local library. Re-reading it in 2023 as an e-book reminds me why I first listed Jayne Ann Krentz as a " Must read" author. She has a way of combining romance with mystery and suspense that captures my interest from the first page to the last. Her work is so exhilarating, it is impossible to put down once I start. And once I finish I am sorry I read it so quickly because now I have to wait until she publishes something else!
"Flash" is classic Jayne Ann Krentz. It has a steamy romance between two independent and strong-minded characters that are so relatable I can imagine them as my next door neighbors! The storyline is full of plot twists that keeping you guessing as to who is the real villain. And the settings are so vivid you are magically transported to the site without leaving your couch. What's even more amazing is that "Flash" is one of those great books that you never tire of reading over and over again.
I first read "Flash" by Jayne Ann Krentz in hardcover back in 1990's when I waitlisted the new book at my local library. Re-reading it in 2023 as an e-book reminds me why I first listed Jayne Ann Krentz as a " Must read" author. She has a way of combining romance with mystery and suspense that captures my interest from the first page to the last. Her work is so exhilarating, it is impossible to put down once I start. And once I finish I am sorry I read it so quickly because now I have to wait until she publishes something else!
"Flash" is classic Jayne Ann Krentz. It has a steamy romance between two independent and strong-minded characters that are so relatable I can imagine them as my next door neighbors! The storyline is full of plot twists that keeping you guessing as to who is the real villain. And the settings are so vivid you are magically transported to the site without leaving your couch. What's even more amazing is that "Flash" is one of those great books that you never tire of reading over and over again.
March 5, 2022
Stressful times, so I'm rereading. This is not quite top-of-the-line JAK, but almost. Jasper and Olivia have a real connection between them and you can feel the emotional chemistry (in my review from my previous read, I complained that there wasn't much physical chemistry, but that was not an issue for me this time). The family stuff was fun (more concentrated on Olivia's family than Jasper's, though), and I even had fun reading about their work. Olivia's parties sound legendary. I last read it soon after it came out, so things like business newsletters arriving every week by fax did not feel 'period' for me, but now they certainly do. The suspense subplot is quite prominent and mostly enjoyable, although it has the stupidly convoluted element of several villains operating independently that is JAK's trademark. I can sort of ignore that these days. Anyway, I enjoyed this a lot.
December 24, 2020
I really liked Olivia and Jasper. They would do anything to protect their families. Jasper has taken a vacation, very reluctantly, and has had just about enough of the relaxation when a car tries to run him off the road. That's when he decides vacation time is over and he finds out that he has inherited 51% of a company. He is ready for a change anyway. Then he meets Olivia who owns the other 49% of the company. They are a match made in heaven except they have both had disastrous marriages and are not ready to start anything, but the chemistry is too strong. When both of them are being blackmailed, they combine forces to find the blackmailer. It is a very convoluted trail and a little hard to follow. Will they find the blackmailer?
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