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Dark Legacy #1
Copper Beach
A rare book. An ancient code. An all-new novel from the New York Times-bestselling master of passion and the paranormal.
Within the pages of very rare books some centuries old lie the secrets of the paranormal. Abby Radwell's unusual psychic talent has made her an expert in such volumes-and sometimes taken her into dangerous territory. After a deadly incident in the private library of an obsessive collector, Abby receives a blackmail threat, and rumors swirl that an old alchemical text known as The Key has reappeared on the black market.
Convinced that she needs an investigator who can also play bodyguard, she hires Sam Coppersmith, a specialist in paranormal crystals and amber-"hot rocks." Passion flares immediately between them, but neither entirely trusts the other. When it comes to dealing with a killer who has paranormal abilities, and a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to obtain an ancient alchemical code, no one is safe.
Within the pages of very rare books some centuries old lie the secrets of the paranormal. Abby Radwell's unusual psychic talent has made her an expert in such volumes-and sometimes taken her into dangerous territory. After a deadly incident in the private library of an obsessive collector, Abby receives a blackmail threat, and rumors swirl that an old alchemical text known as The Key has reappeared on the black market.
Convinced that she needs an investigator who can also play bodyguard, she hires Sam Coppersmith, a specialist in paranormal crystals and amber-"hot rocks." Passion flares immediately between them, but neither entirely trusts the other. When it comes to dealing with a killer who has paranormal abilities, and a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to obtain an ancient alchemical code, no one is safe.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
512 people are currently reading
3617 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,169 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 578 reviews
March 17, 2013
3.5 stars, rounded up for the sake of nostalgia -- gone are the days when I gobbled Krentz like candy. I've read so many, they all sound similar now. But nice for a predictable comfort read, and always well written.
This paranormal romance series includes Jayne's trademark crystals, auras, and psychic energies, similar to her Arcane and Vanza lore, but it's (thankfully!!!) not linked to her historical Arcane Society novels, penned under alias Amanda Quick. It's an enjoyable suspense romance, filled with warmth and wit, typical of JAK. I liked this more than some of her recent books.
Characters: Wealthy and powerful Sam Coppersmith lives on an island off Seattle, called Copper Beach. He falls for Abby, an expert in antique books, able to decrypt psychically hot books. Krentz did a decent job developing the relationship, even though they do jump into bed the first night, totally ruining the anticipation, sadly. Sam knows instantly that Abby is "the one" but Abby takes a bit longer. Like a day or two ( the whole story takes less than a week). Abby has a dog named Newton. I enjoyed the scenes with her dog -- a nice change from dust bunnies.
Plot: Sam has a powerful ring made of a Phoenix stone that his dad (Elias) unearthed from a mine 40 years ago. All the Phoenix stones are charged with psychic energy. Lander Knox wants the Phoenix stones, and the notebooks, and the location of the mine the stones came from. He needs Abby to decrypt the lab notebook to learn how to activate and control the stones. He will kill to get his hands on Abby or the stones. Sam Coppersmith will kill to protect Abby and keep the dangerous stones out of enemy hands. That's the plot, in a nutshell.
I expect these powerful Phoenix stones will figure in each book in the developing series, along with Sam's two siblings, Judson and Emma. Their stones are apparently the "dark legacy" from their father -- hence the series title. But the dark legacy is also the paranormal ability that Sam, Judson, and Emma got when the powerful energy in the mine "zapped" the DNA in the three not-yet-born children's father, Elias.
The story is told in 3rd person, mainly Abby or Sam. From Sam's POV:
A fun read, slightly better than average and well written, but not a keeper or repeater. Plus, the author lost points because of the lengthy info dumping scene, towards the end.
This paranormal romance series includes Jayne's trademark crystals, auras, and psychic energies, similar to her Arcane and Vanza lore, but it's (thankfully!!!) not linked to her historical Arcane Society novels, penned under alias Amanda Quick. It's an enjoyable suspense romance, filled with warmth and wit, typical of JAK. I liked this more than some of her recent books.
Characters: Wealthy and powerful Sam Coppersmith lives on an island off Seattle, called Copper Beach. He falls for Abby, an expert in antique books, able to decrypt psychically hot books. Krentz did a decent job developing the relationship, even though they do jump into bed the first night, totally ruining the anticipation, sadly. Sam knows instantly that Abby is "the one" but Abby takes a bit longer. Like a day or two ( the whole story takes less than a week). Abby has a dog named Newton. I enjoyed the scenes with her dog -- a nice change from dust bunnies.
Plot: Sam has a powerful ring made of a Phoenix stone that his dad (Elias) unearthed from a mine 40 years ago. All the Phoenix stones are charged with psychic energy. Lander Knox wants the Phoenix stones, and the notebooks, and the location of the mine the stones came from. He needs Abby to decrypt the lab notebook to learn how to activate and control the stones. He will kill to get his hands on Abby or the stones. Sam Coppersmith will kill to protect Abby and keep the dangerous stones out of enemy hands. That's the plot, in a nutshell.
I expect these powerful Phoenix stones will figure in each book in the developing series, along with Sam's two siblings, Judson and Emma. Their stones are apparently the "dark legacy" from their father -- hence the series title. But the dark legacy is also the paranormal ability that Sam, Judson, and Emma got when the powerful energy in the mine "zapped" the DNA in the three not-yet-born children's father, Elias.
The story is told in 3rd person, mainly Abby or Sam. From Sam's POV:
"She needed time to recognize and accept the bond between them, he thought. But meanwhile, he did not have to like the fact that he was playing second fiddle to a cat burglar and a psychic who reads auras for a living, to say nothing of a dog."I liked the side-story about Abby's blended family, including her stepbrother Dawson and her unkind step-grandmother, versus her "chosen" family, Nick and Gwen. Abby, Nick, and Gwen were best friends since their teens, when all three were incarcerated at the Summerlight Academy. Gwen is an aura reader and Nick is a sexy, sneaky cat burglar / book finder. He's the token charming gay character ubiquitous to JAK novels.
A fun read, slightly better than average and well written, but not a keeper or repeater. Plus, the author lost points because of the lengthy info dumping scene, towards the end.
October 12, 2018
The mystery around this book was ok, but I don’t believe in supernatural powers, so this was a downfall for me. 4 stars for the love story and for family ties... oh, and for Newton! He was a brave dog and made the story funny sometimes.
May 10, 2013
This author used to be one of my old favourites, but I honestly have not enjoyed any of her books in years. This book is another example of how her writing has stagnated with the same basic plot that has been reused in countless books now. Personality deprived main characters form an alliance for business reasons, instantly realize they are meant to be together for no apparent reason and fall into an intimate relationship within hours of meeting, then a lot of nonsensical paranormal drivel happens before a slightly climatic ending in a showdown with a mentially unbalanced villain. Give the female protagonist a cute pet, and this book is the same as the last dozen and doubtlessly the next dozen. Count me out, I'm done.
August 5, 2021
The more you advance in the book, the more you're invested and interested in the story, right? Well no. The more pages I read, the more bored I got.
Normally I like all of Krentz's books but the para/psi series are definitely not my thing. The author usually writes amazing main female characters but in this book, it's obvious that Sam boyo was the MC. Abbey was just this two dimensional character that asks occasional questions and has no idea what's happening around her. The descriptions of everything and anything occupied the first 360 pages of the book and all of the issues were poorly resolved in the last 20 pages.
Thoroughly disappointed.
A short edit: shout to Newton the dog. 🥰
Normally I like all of Krentz's books but the para/psi series are definitely not my thing. The author usually writes amazing main female characters but in this book, it's obvious that Sam boyo was the MC. Abbey was just this two dimensional character that asks occasional questions and has no idea what's happening around her. The descriptions of everything and anything occupied the first 360 pages of the book and all of the issues were poorly resolved in the last 20 pages.
Thoroughly disappointed.
A short edit: shout to Newton the dog. 🥰
July 18, 2014
Sadly 1 star – Contemporary/Paranormal Romance/Romantic Suspense
This is marketed as the first book of the Dark Legacy series, but I felt like I was missing something regarding world, background, and characters. I haven’t read anything by this author previously, so maybe this is meant to be more of an extension/spin-off? Perhaps I might have enjoyed this more had I read the author’s Arcane Society books or other works beforehand. However, as a standalone read, this fell completely flat for me.
This is marketed as the first book of the Dark Legacy series, but I felt like I was missing something regarding world, background, and characters. I haven’t read anything by this author previously, so maybe this is meant to be more of an extension/spin-off? Perhaps I might have enjoyed this more had I read the author’s Arcane Society books or other works beforehand. However, as a standalone read, this fell completely flat for me.
November 29, 2021
There is a rare book coming available that needs someone with an unusual talent to unlock it. Although Abby has worked hard to keep her abilities to a select few, word is spreading fast and she is a wanted woman. She seeks Sam to find out who is blackmailing her and to keep her safe. Sam needs Abby to find that rare book.
Jayne Ann Krentz is a witty author. The book was suspenseful and fun. The journey of looking for the book and the crystals was interesting. It felt like an adventure.
Jayne Ann Krentz is a witty author. The book was suspenseful and fun. The journey of looking for the book and the crystals was interesting. It felt like an adventure.
April 19, 2012
Meh.
I didn't really feel any chemistry between Sam and Abby, but was told over and over and over that they had some mystical connection.
I buy every book Ms. Krentz publishes, but I think it's simply a matter of she's written so much (and I've read them all), that I have trouble differentiating her characters and her plots from her earlier ones. Sam and Abby could have been switched out with any hero and heroine from pretty much any of her books, and I probably wouldn't have noticed.
Add to that the dog. *shakes head* Newton was a dust bunny and just didn't know it (those who have read her Jayne Castle novels will know what I'm talking about).
So in the end, well, meh.
3/5 Stars.
I didn't really feel any chemistry between Sam and Abby, but was told over and over and over that they had some mystical connection.
I buy every book Ms. Krentz publishes, but I think it's simply a matter of she's written so much (and I've read them all), that I have trouble differentiating her characters and her plots from her earlier ones. Sam and Abby could have been switched out with any hero and heroine from pretty much any of her books, and I probably wouldn't have noticed.
Add to that the dog. *shakes head* Newton was a dust bunny and just didn't know it (those who have read her Jayne Castle novels will know what I'm talking about).
So in the end, well, meh.
3/5 Stars.
May 9, 2014
3.5/5; 3 stars; B+
I haven't read anything from JAK for quite a while and enjoyed this story very much. I know that Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz has stronger books out there but compared to other contemporary PNR I've read this was a solid book. I enjoyed the characters and their paranormal talents as well as the mystery and world building. I both read and listened to this book. Tanya Eby is an excellent narrator.
I haven't read anything from JAK for quite a while and enjoyed this story very much. I know that Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz has stronger books out there but compared to other contemporary PNR I've read this was a solid book. I enjoyed the characters and their paranormal talents as well as the mystery and world building. I both read and listened to this book. Tanya Eby is an excellent narrator.
January 15, 2012
And JAK does it again. Again. If there's an author that succeeds in blending suspense, romance, and paranormal in an engrossing, believable, rather realistic, and understandable book, it's her.
Though I haven't seen this book mentioned as part of the Arcane Society series, it's safe to say it's a spin-off. Because you'll find all the Arcane elements in it. Instant attraction between H/h, a bond forged by their intertwined psi, both H/h are strong talents (though their talents aren't categorized as they are in Arcane), some sinister crystals are mentioned, a twisted villain is shadowing their every step, there's a red-herring toward the end, lots of dead bodies, lots of gripping suspense, and lots of hot, psi-infused sex.
I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more about the Coppersmith family, which I suppose will feature prominently in the future books since Sam (the hero) has a sister, Emma, and a brother, Judson, who are still single.
A great start to a great new series (trilogy?).
Though I haven't seen this book mentioned as part of the Arcane Society series, it's safe to say it's a spin-off. Because you'll find all the Arcane elements in it. Instant attraction between H/h, a bond forged by their intertwined psi, both H/h are strong talents (though their talents aren't categorized as they are in Arcane), some sinister crystals are mentioned, a twisted villain is shadowing their every step, there's a red-herring toward the end, lots of dead bodies, lots of gripping suspense, and lots of hot, psi-infused sex.
I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more about the Coppersmith family, which I suppose will feature prominently in the future books since Sam (the hero) has a sister, Emma, and a brother, Judson, who are still single.
A great start to a great new series (trilogy?).
March 30, 2012
TCL Call#: FICTION Krentz J
Madeleine - 1 star
Ugh! This was just so bad. And I like me some romantic fiction and some Amanda Quick (one of the alternate pen name of this author). Maybe this pen name is for her fiction writing - less romance - but I'm thinking she's not so good at that. All the dialogue was stale and expected and normally she has her characters in fun quirky conversations. Not to mention the redundancy of all the "para" talk. And auras, and psi, and dreamscapes. Felt like I fell into a hippie store on Haight with no way out. That's odd, too, as I'm pretty sure I read another book under the Quick name set in Regency time where the lead female as all into alternative realities and her male lover was most definitely not but I felt the author handled that so much better. I recall there being witty dialogue between the believing female and the skeptic male and that drove the story - it never demanded that you believe the "para" stuff unlike this one that basically sits down in a pile of it and wallows. Nothing drives this story but tedium.
Madeleine - 1 star
Ugh! This was just so bad. And I like me some romantic fiction and some Amanda Quick (one of the alternate pen name of this author). Maybe this pen name is for her fiction writing - less romance - but I'm thinking she's not so good at that. All the dialogue was stale and expected and normally she has her characters in fun quirky conversations. Not to mention the redundancy of all the "para" talk. And auras, and psi, and dreamscapes. Felt like I fell into a hippie store on Haight with no way out. That's odd, too, as I'm pretty sure I read another book under the Quick name set in Regency time where the lead female as all into alternative realities and her male lover was most definitely not but I felt the author handled that so much better. I recall there being witty dialogue between the believing female and the skeptic male and that drove the story - it never demanded that you believe the "para" stuff unlike this one that basically sits down in a pile of it and wallows. Nothing drives this story but tedium.
March 11, 2012
Fairly nice read if you like JAK. She is a comfort read for me. This book felt very similar to most of her stuff lately. I kept wondering when/if there would be any mention of the Joneses. Surely these people would have some truck with them and the Arcane society. It was too similar in feel to make me believe she was going for an entirely new "world."
There was psychic stuff and working through crystals which felt like the stuff that takes place on Harmony after humans come through the curtain and I wondered if the crystals might be alien artifacts...There was all that stuff about psychic burn which we are used to in that series.
Still this one was more of a stand alone although I'm sure that there will at least be books about the hero's brother and sister.
So if you like her recent stuff, you should enjoy this one. There's nothing astonishing or different but it's comfortable, well written and decently plotted.
There was psychic stuff and working through crystals which felt like the stuff that takes place on Harmony after humans come through the curtain and I wondered if the crystals might be alien artifacts...There was all that stuff about psychic burn which we are used to in that series.
Still this one was more of a stand alone although I'm sure that there will at least be books about the hero's brother and sister.
So if you like her recent stuff, you should enjoy this one. There's nothing astonishing or different but it's comfortable, well written and decently plotted.
July 3, 2016
Not one of my favorite Krentz titles, but still enjoyable for the most part.
As with most of the other Krentz/Quick/Castle books that deal with those possessing paranormal psychic talents, there is some degree of insta-love/lust happening due to the lead couple's auras linking up or whatever. I can usually deal with it, though I'm not big on insta-love as a trope. But this book took place over the course of a few days, so I had a little trouble buying into Sam and Abby's HEA.
Also, I wish the author would come up with some alternate phrases for one heightening one's abilities. She relies on the word 'jacked', and it grows a little tiresome after awhile.
There was a doggie character, though. I loved the dog!
As with most of the other Krentz/Quick/Castle books that deal with those possessing paranormal psychic talents, there is some degree of insta-love/lust happening due to the lead couple's auras linking up or whatever. I can usually deal with it, though I'm not big on insta-love as a trope. But this book took place over the course of a few days, so I had a little trouble buying into Sam and Abby's HEA.
Also, I wish the author would come up with some alternate phrases for one heightening one's abilities. She relies on the word 'jacked', and it grows a little tiresome after awhile.
There was a doggie character, though. I loved the dog!
July 12, 2016
I enjoyed this first Dark Legacy book, it follows the formula of Krentz/Castle's Arcane Society/Harmony books with a Psy-powered leading pair whose 'auras' click, connecting them in a forever kind of way, while they solve a mystery aided by a special pet-this time a dog. The framework doesn't detract from my enjoyment of Castle' s contemporaries,because her leading men may be dangerous but they are always excellent partners to their leading ladies - not growly alpha males- and her leading ladies are always intelligent.
This is my first time trying one of these in audio and it worked exceedingly well in that format, so .much so that I'm off to spend another one of my carefully hoarder credits on the next book.
This is my first time trying one of these in audio and it worked exceedingly well in that format, so .much so that I'm off to spend another one of my carefully hoarder credits on the next book.
February 10, 2012
*3.5 Stars*
Typical JAK, reliably good, but not necessarily great. I liked the story in this book and the characters, but found it odd that it so closely paralleled the world of the Arcane with no acknowledgement of it. They used the same terminology - they had "talent" and ran "hot" and so on, it just felt like not mentioning Arcane was odd.
Of the audio version, I have listened to or tried to listen to several books with this narrator, Tanya Eby, and I will definitely think twice before doing so again. In this books she had a pronounced lisp that was quite irritating.
Typical JAK, reliably good, but not necessarily great. I liked the story in this book and the characters, but found it odd that it so closely paralleled the world of the Arcane with no acknowledgement of it. They used the same terminology - they had "talent" and ran "hot" and so on, it just felt like not mentioning Arcane was odd.
Of the audio version, I have listened to or tried to listen to several books with this narrator, Tanya Eby, and I will definitely think twice before doing so again. In this books she had a pronounced lisp that was quite irritating.
August 23, 2015
Pleasant, but not scintillating.
August 14, 2017
Увлекателна история, макар и прекалено паранормална за вкуса ми. Все пак продължавам с втората книга, защото ми допадна стила на авторката.
February 28, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
It's been a while since I read anything by Jayne Ann Krentz. I'm not sure why. It could be that I just read so much of her that I just needed a break. Or it could but that for her historical's at least I didn't care for where they were going.
To be honest it was a little bit of both. I loved her historical's or at least her older ones, and when she moved on to her last few I moved on too. I think when I gave them up and she didn't write any more Castle's which I love those, I just stopped reading her.
So this month I got a bug up the you know what and decided to read her again and grabbed what I had on my shelf. I then put it back because it was book two and grabbed the first one in the trilogy.
I was glad that I did. As I read Copper Beach I remembered why I like her books so much. It made me really miss her as a author. I was able to get into the story right away and enjoy it. I loved the mystery of it and the interaction between Sam and Abby.
The way they acted together made me fall in love again with Krentz. She just makes me smile as I read her books.
I loved Sam, not only does he have a my favorite hero's name he was just a great alpha man who didn't down play what Abby could do. He set out to help her and protect her and did both smashingly. Love these two together.
You have to feel for Abby who has lived most of her life trying to hide what she is from her family because they are horrible people. Uncaring, unloving assholes the whole lot of them. Okay, her half sisters aren't. They seem to really like Abby. The rest...suck!
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It's been a while since I read anything by Jayne Ann Krentz. I'm not sure why. It could be that I just read so much of her that I just needed a break. Or it could but that for her historical's at least I didn't care for where they were going.
To be honest it was a little bit of both. I loved her historical's or at least her older ones, and when she moved on to her last few I moved on too. I think when I gave them up and she didn't write any more Castle's which I love those, I just stopped reading her.
So this month I got a bug up the you know what and decided to read her again and grabbed what I had on my shelf. I then put it back because it was book two and grabbed the first one in the trilogy.
I was glad that I did. As I read Copper Beach I remembered why I like her books so much. It made me really miss her as a author. I was able to get into the story right away and enjoy it. I loved the mystery of it and the interaction between Sam and Abby.
The way they acted together made me fall in love again with Krentz. She just makes me smile as I read her books.
I loved Sam, not only does he have a my favorite hero's name he was just a great alpha man who didn't down play what Abby could do. He set out to help her and protect her and did both smashingly. Love these two together.
You have to feel for Abby who has lived most of her life trying to hide what she is from her family because they are horrible people. Uncaring, unloving assholes the whole lot of them. Okay, her half sisters aren't. They seem to really like Abby. The rest...suck!
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July 28, 2024
Entertaining offshoot of the Arcane Society
Thirty-year-old Abby Radwell’s psychic power is releasing magically locked paranormal books. She makes a living obtaining and selling rare, expensive paranormal books to wealthy collectors.
Thirty-seven-year-old Sam Coppersmith was born with innate psychic power, which is enhanced by a ring that is set with a paranormal stone, which was obtained from a paranormal mine his father discovered 40 years ago. An explosion in that same mine affected the DNA of his father, and Sam and his two siblings are convinced that their paranormal abilities were passed on to them via their father. Sam has degrees in geology and engineering and is head of the R-and-D lab of Coppersmith, Inc., a multi-billion-dollar mining corporation that his father built from the ground up. He and his older brother Judson have had their own private investigation agency, Coppersmith Consulting, for the past 15 years. Six months ago, a woman Sam was dating, who also had paranormal abilities and was an employee of CI, was murdered in his underground laboratory on Copper Beach, an island in the San Juans, off the coast of Washington State, which is owned by the Coppersmith family. Sam was cleared by the police of any involvement in the murder, because he was not on the island at the time and had a good alibi. He has been holed up in his house on Copper Beach ever since, avoiding almost everyone, and his family assumes it is because he is broken-hearted over the death of this woman.
Abby and Sam first meet when she comes to Copper Beach to enlist his services in an investigation. After a frightening incident in the private library of a collector of rare paranormal books, Abby receives a blackmail threat that greatly concerns her. She is referred to Sam by an 80-year-old collector and seller of rare and extremely valuable paranormal books, who is her mentor and friend.
This novel follows a familiar romantic-suspense structure for JAK, with the FMC and MMC partnering up to solve a mystery, which typically involves one or more murders. That format works well for me, because it always produces an exciting, co-equal relationship between the FMC and MMC. In this particular book, I really liked Sam and Abby. They are both strong, active protagonists and all-round decent human beings. I was convinced from the start that these two are made for each other, both in terms of their compatible personalities and psychic abilities, and the fact that there is lots of emotional and physical chemistry between the two of them.
This novel also includes a trope that is one of my very favorites, the concept of a found family AKA family of affiliation. Abby has two close friends, who have very strong paranormal abilities as well, whom she developed a sibling relationship with in a special school for troubled teens that housed quite a few psychically talented kids.
The suspense plot is intriguing and well conceived, but most importantly, it never overshadows the romance plot.
I have read and enjoyed this novel many times over the years, and several of those times I experienced it in the excellent audiobook version, as was the case this time around.
This story is not officially part of the Arcane society, because until the very end of the second book in the series, the Coppersmiths had never heard of the Arcane Society. But it is definitely an offshoot of the AS. Descendants of the fascinating Coppersmith family show up in JAK's Harmony series, and they are still involved in the mining business.
It is clear that this series was originally intended to be a trilogy, with Sam's younger sister as the FMC of the third book. It is really too bad that book was never written, because I would have loved to read about her and the man who is strongly foreshadowed, in the existing two novels of this series, to be her MMC in an "enemies to lovers" plot.
Thirty-year-old Abby Radwell’s psychic power is releasing magically locked paranormal books. She makes a living obtaining and selling rare, expensive paranormal books to wealthy collectors.
Thirty-seven-year-old Sam Coppersmith was born with innate psychic power, which is enhanced by a ring that is set with a paranormal stone, which was obtained from a paranormal mine his father discovered 40 years ago. An explosion in that same mine affected the DNA of his father, and Sam and his two siblings are convinced that their paranormal abilities were passed on to them via their father. Sam has degrees in geology and engineering and is head of the R-and-D lab of Coppersmith, Inc., a multi-billion-dollar mining corporation that his father built from the ground up. He and his older brother Judson have had their own private investigation agency, Coppersmith Consulting, for the past 15 years. Six months ago, a woman Sam was dating, who also had paranormal abilities and was an employee of CI, was murdered in his underground laboratory on Copper Beach, an island in the San Juans, off the coast of Washington State, which is owned by the Coppersmith family. Sam was cleared by the police of any involvement in the murder, because he was not on the island at the time and had a good alibi. He has been holed up in his house on Copper Beach ever since, avoiding almost everyone, and his family assumes it is because he is broken-hearted over the death of this woman.
Abby and Sam first meet when she comes to Copper Beach to enlist his services in an investigation. After a frightening incident in the private library of a collector of rare paranormal books, Abby receives a blackmail threat that greatly concerns her. She is referred to Sam by an 80-year-old collector and seller of rare and extremely valuable paranormal books, who is her mentor and friend.
This novel follows a familiar romantic-suspense structure for JAK, with the FMC and MMC partnering up to solve a mystery, which typically involves one or more murders. That format works well for me, because it always produces an exciting, co-equal relationship between the FMC and MMC. In this particular book, I really liked Sam and Abby. They are both strong, active protagonists and all-round decent human beings. I was convinced from the start that these two are made for each other, both in terms of their compatible personalities and psychic abilities, and the fact that there is lots of emotional and physical chemistry between the two of them.
This novel also includes a trope that is one of my very favorites, the concept of a found family AKA family of affiliation. Abby has two close friends, who have very strong paranormal abilities as well, whom she developed a sibling relationship with in a special school for troubled teens that housed quite a few psychically talented kids.
The suspense plot is intriguing and well conceived, but most importantly, it never overshadows the romance plot.
I have read and enjoyed this novel many times over the years, and several of those times I experienced it in the excellent audiobook version, as was the case this time around.
This story is not officially part of the Arcane society, because until the very end of the second book in the series, the Coppersmiths had never heard of the Arcane Society. But it is definitely an offshoot of the AS. Descendants of the fascinating Coppersmith family show up in JAK's Harmony series, and they are still involved in the mining business.
It is clear that this series was originally intended to be a trilogy, with Sam's younger sister as the FMC of the third book. It is really too bad that book was never written, because I would have loved to read about her and the man who is strongly foreshadowed, in the existing two novels of this series, to be her MMC in an "enemies to lovers" plot.
August 22, 2015
Paranormal romance genre? Check. Sizzling manflesh on the cover? Check. Smexy roller coaster thrill-ride? Whoops, followed by head smack. I knew I forgot something.
Let's review:
Love chemistry: blah
Who-done-it mystery: meh
Witty dialogue: huh?
Spunky heroine: um...
Tall, dark, and handsome: where?
Even though I've been on an urban fantasy/paranormal romance kick lately and will devour just about anything that resembles that, I can't say Copper Beach can hurdle even my (fairly) low threshold. The stilted, formal dialogue sounds like it's coming from a bad Victorian novel. A parody of a bad Victorian novel. A fanfic of a parody of a bad Victorian novel.
Not only is there no witty banter, but the author mangles the meet-cute, as well. When the two characters meet for the first time, both feel an "electric charge," and Sam (the love interest) immediately decides no other woman has ever made him feel that way. Abby and Sam's love at first sight is really just a lazy setup so the author can wrestle these two into bed as quickly as possible.
Their lame dialogue is insipid. Frigid even. It sounds more like a customer service call. A really bad customer service call. Like Time Warner cable bad. Not exactly a convincing beginning for an epic love...
I could forgive a bad romantic beginning if it got better somewhere along the line, but their chemistry is never believable. Not even my deaf and blind granny would be convinced. I blame Krentz's bad writing.
Even the action limps along half-heartedly. And the climax? It's resolved with back-and-forth dialogue between Sam and the bad guy. That's right. They talk it out. Share some feelings, have a little broment; warm and fuzzy, really. I've had boyfriends with less communication skills.
Let's review:
Love chemistry: blah
Who-done-it mystery: meh
Witty dialogue: huh?
Spunky heroine: um...
Tall, dark, and handsome: where?
Even though I've been on an urban fantasy/paranormal romance kick lately and will devour just about anything that resembles that, I can't say Copper Beach can hurdle even my (fairly) low threshold. The stilted, formal dialogue sounds like it's coming from a bad Victorian novel. A parody of a bad Victorian novel. A fanfic of a parody of a bad Victorian novel.
Not only is there no witty banter, but the author mangles the meet-cute, as well. When the two characters meet for the first time, both feel an "electric charge," and Sam (the love interest) immediately decides no other woman has ever made him feel that way. Abby and Sam's love at first sight is really just a lazy setup so the author can wrestle these two into bed as quickly as possible.
Their lame dialogue is insipid. Frigid even. It sounds more like a customer service call. A really bad customer service call. Like Time Warner cable bad. Not exactly a convincing beginning for an epic love...
I could forgive a bad romantic beginning if it got better somewhere along the line, but their chemistry is never believable. Not even my deaf and blind granny would be convinced. I blame Krentz's bad writing.
Even the action limps along half-heartedly. And the climax? It's resolved with back-and-forth dialogue between Sam and the bad guy. That's right. They talk it out. Share some feelings, have a little broment; warm and fuzzy, really. I've had boyfriends with less communication skills.
May 7, 2013
With absolutely no idea what to expect, I am pleased to report that I enjoyed this book. I think it was a good start to a new (for me, anyways) paranormal series and I'm thinking that I might actually continue reading these books. It's not as exciting or gritty or sexy as many of my fav series' but it was solidly written, interesting, and had a new spin on the paranormal genre that didn't feel overdone.
I think my only real complaint was with a few of the sex scenes. I'm not sure if it was the author's writing or if it was the reader (I listened to this one, btw)...but the scenes seemed a bit brushed over...it was almost like the author felt embarrassed to be writing them. Now, I'm sure that's not the case...so maybe it was just how the reader read the the words in front of them. One of the later scenes seemed forced, mechanical and way to fast. My feeling always is...if you want to make a sex scene quick, make them hot and move on. Don't bother trying to write a mediocre oral sex scene if you're not into it...it just leaves the reader feeling weird. And not it a good way! ;)
I think my only real complaint was with a few of the sex scenes. I'm not sure if it was the author's writing or if it was the reader (I listened to this one, btw)...but the scenes seemed a bit brushed over...it was almost like the author felt embarrassed to be writing them. Now, I'm sure that's not the case...so maybe it was just how the reader read the the words in front of them. One of the later scenes seemed forced, mechanical and way to fast. My feeling always is...if you want to make a sex scene quick, make them hot and move on. Don't bother trying to write a mediocre oral sex scene if you're not into it...it just leaves the reader feeling weird. And not it a good way! ;)
January 12, 2013
I always enjoy a new book by JAK. This is the first in a long time that isn't part of the Arcane Society, but it still has paranormal in it. Abby can break codes on books locked paranormally and seems to be the only one around who can (which makes you wonder who was making all the locks...). She gets blackmailed and goes to Sam for help. Sam is smitten, plus thinks she is the key to finding a dangerous lab notebook that suddenly everyone is searching for. Abby has a great dog named Newton and a family she has little to do with. Sam has a close family (I believe his siblings will be the leads in the next books) and an affinity for crystals. Like all JAK books, there is a little danger to keep things interesting. I liked that they talked out their issues and listened to each other. Looking forward to the next one.
August 10, 2015
I would give this book 4 stars if only it wasn't the I don't know which number of the same book by Ms. Krentz. I like her books, I like her style, but lately it seems to me she's writing the same thing over and over. Maybe I should stop expecting romance? Because where is the romance in meeting, deciding something clicked, having sex a few times and getting engaged? Little emotion, no conflict or doubts, nothing unexpected or really exciting.
If I wanted to read a suspence I would pick some other author, because, with all due respect, the plot was too predictable to be really satisfying.
I don't mind the paranormal aspect of her books, but why can't she write as good romance stories as when the paranormal wasn't there? A real shame.
If I wanted to read a suspence I would pick some other author, because, with all due respect, the plot was too predictable to be really satisfying.
I don't mind the paranormal aspect of her books, but why can't she write as good romance stories as when the paranormal wasn't there? A real shame.
January 20, 2016
3.75 Stars. Although this is supposed to be a move from the Arcane series, it felt exactly the same. Luckily I didn't mind it and it felt entirely comfortable. Now having said that, I am ready for a something different from JAK, she has some writer's chops, but I haven't seen them lately from any of her pseudonyms.
December 22, 2014
It was OK. An average story by Krentz. I would like more relationship development.
January 15, 2015
Bit of romance, bit of a guilty pleasure which doesn't require to much thinking about the story.
October 30, 2016
Contrary to other reviews, I liked this book. I will read Dream Eyes after this.
April 1, 2022
Copper Beach
3 Stars
Series note:Although set in the same world as the Arcane novels, this series involves a completely new set of characters, and aside from the psychic powers, there is no mention of the Arcane Society or any of its members.
This first book in the Dark Legacy trilogy follows the same formula as most of Krentz's other works whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic. In fact, the tone and style of writing, as well as the inclusion of crystals and a Dust Bunny-like canine, are more in line with the Ghost Hunters series written under her Jayne Castle pseudonym. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable read as the characters are likable and the mystery is intriguing.
Sam and Abby are sweet together and Sam's parents, especially his eccentric father, are very entertaining. The mystery is comprised of various different threads that are skillfully developed throughout the story and ultimately converge into a cohesive whole. That said, some readers may become confused with the confusing amount of information and detail. Moreover, the resolution to one particular plot point is rather anti-climactic - .
The next book in the trilogy focuses on Sam's brother, Judson. Unfortunately, it appears that Krentz discontinued the series before Emma's book. Perhaps she will return to it in the future.
3 Stars
Series note:Although set in the same world as the Arcane novels, this series involves a completely new set of characters, and aside from the psychic powers, there is no mention of the Arcane Society or any of its members.
This first book in the Dark Legacy trilogy follows the same formula as most of Krentz's other works whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic. In fact, the tone and style of writing, as well as the inclusion of crystals and a Dust Bunny-like canine, are more in line with the Ghost Hunters series written under her Jayne Castle pseudonym. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable read as the characters are likable and the mystery is intriguing.
Sam and Abby are sweet together and Sam's parents, especially his eccentric father, are very entertaining. The mystery is comprised of various different threads that are skillfully developed throughout the story and ultimately converge into a cohesive whole. That said, some readers may become confused with the confusing amount of information and detail. Moreover, the resolution to one particular plot point is rather anti-climactic - .
The next book in the trilogy focuses on Sam's brother, Judson. Unfortunately, it appears that Krentz discontinued the series before Emma's book. Perhaps she will return to it in the future.
Read
July 6, 2020DNF--I have a really really hard time getting into this so quit. Maybe read but if not oh well.
June 30, 2013
The crux of the matter is that, if you're a fan of JAK's, then you know exactly what you'll be getting with this book, in terms of characterization, pacing, the amount and type romance, and yes, even predictability. She has not reinvented the wheel here, either in terms of romance novels, in general, or even her books, in particular. So, if you like her work, you'll enjoy this. If you started out as a fan of hers, but have found your interest in her books dwindling lately due largely to that aforementioned predictability and the "familiarity breeds contempt" syndrome kicking in, then you might want to skip this one, as it could be both disappointing and frustrating.
For all of the readers new to JAK, what you'll find is a. . . comfortable read. I won't go into plot specifics, as they've been covered so well by other reviewers; instead, I'll mostly focus on generalities and overall impressions. The paranormal aspects in the story - "hot" books and crystals, etc. - are fairly interesting, but neither those elements nor the overarching mystery (or mysteries, I should say) will keep you on the edge of your seat. As for the latter, the identity of the villain of the piece is quite easy to pinpoint very early on in the book, so if you prefer having a story rich with twists and turns, this will not yield any such intrigue. The romance is nice - Sam and Abby are both quite likable, and their attraction and emotional connections develop at a good, realistic pace, as do the love scenes. (Very slight spoiler alert - the one aspect of their relationship and interaction that is highly enjoyable as it deviates from the trope of "alpha male is instantly attracted to heroine, but fights an emotional connection to her for most of the book," is that Sam recognizes immediately that he not only wants Abby, but he also wants to be with her for the long term; it is Abby who is resistant to the idea of being in a relationship.) The chemistry between them is lovely and believable, but does not yield all that much (relatively speaking) in the way of intensity or heat, so if you prefer that kind of thing, the material in this book may be a bit on the tame side for you.
One more (slightly significant) spoiler alert . . . . .Sam is concerned a great deal with the death of his former girlfriend. While that is understandable, I wasn't such a fan of that storyline, as I personally tend to not like huge amounts of time and attention being devoted to the hero's former (and relatively recent) girlfriend(s). [I didn't deduct points for that, though, because I know that that's just a personal quirk of mine, and not something that bothers lots of other readers.)
The bottom line is that this is pretty good - it's an easy read that provides a bit of escapism and enjoyment, especially for those who prefer their books to adhere to clear formulas. If you like reads high on suspense and creativity, then this book could wind up verging on boring for you.
For all of the readers new to JAK, what you'll find is a. . . comfortable read. I won't go into plot specifics, as they've been covered so well by other reviewers; instead, I'll mostly focus on generalities and overall impressions. The paranormal aspects in the story - "hot" books and crystals, etc. - are fairly interesting, but neither those elements nor the overarching mystery (or mysteries, I should say) will keep you on the edge of your seat. As for the latter, the identity of the villain of the piece is quite easy to pinpoint very early on in the book, so if you prefer having a story rich with twists and turns, this will not yield any such intrigue. The romance is nice - Sam and Abby are both quite likable, and their attraction and emotional connections develop at a good, realistic pace, as do the love scenes. (Very slight spoiler alert - the one aspect of their relationship and interaction that is highly enjoyable as it deviates from the trope of "alpha male is instantly attracted to heroine, but fights an emotional connection to her for most of the book," is that Sam recognizes immediately that he not only wants Abby, but he also wants to be with her for the long term; it is Abby who is resistant to the idea of being in a relationship.) The chemistry between them is lovely and believable, but does not yield all that much (relatively speaking) in the way of intensity or heat, so if you prefer that kind of thing, the material in this book may be a bit on the tame side for you.
One more (slightly significant) spoiler alert . . . . .Sam is concerned a great deal with the death of his former girlfriend. While that is understandable, I wasn't such a fan of that storyline, as I personally tend to not like huge amounts of time and attention being devoted to the hero's former (and relatively recent) girlfriend(s). [I didn't deduct points for that, though, because I know that that's just a personal quirk of mine, and not something that bothers lots of other readers.)
The bottom line is that this is pretty good - it's an easy read that provides a bit of escapism and enjoyment, especially for those who prefer their books to adhere to clear formulas. If you like reads high on suspense and creativity, then this book could wind up verging on boring for you.
December 20, 2011
Abby Radwell antiquarian and para psi book finder is in over her head when it becomes obvious that someone wants her to find a certain para coded lab book missing for forty years and they won’t stop at anything to get what they want. Abby also knows what it means to be a loner so when Sam Coppersmith in all his testosterone filled glory comes to the rescue Abby doesn’t know how to handle him or the fever she seems to have when Sam is around.
Sam Coppersmith is on the trail of a lab notebook that disappeared forty years ago when the mine his father and partners were working in exploded, it was always assumed that all the notes were lost with the partner who didn’t survive the blast. Now there are sure signs that the notebook is out there and he’s determined to get it to stop it from falling into the wrong hands but he needs help from one very talented psi book de-coder. When they meet there is more heat in the room than he can ever remember feeling and he knows right from the start that she’s going to be trouble and she’s going to be permanent, now he just has to convince her. Together Sam and Abby search for the lost book with murder and mayhem all around them and some unlikely help along the way. Will they survive to see where this attraction leads or will they be psi-murdered like others before them.
What I expect from Ms. Krentz is a marvelous contemporary tale with great suspense, hot romance and maybe a touch of woo-woo, what I didn’t expect was for her alter ego Jayne Castle to show up, but that’s exactly what happened when Castle meets Krentz in this one of a kind story. We get the contemporary of Krentz mixed with the over abundance of paranormal we’d expect from Castle only in a contemporary setting instead of sometime in the distant future and on a distant planet. With characters all across the realm from super good to super bad and a little dog to boot instead of a dust bunny. Her hero and heroine are very enigmatic and will pull readers in right from the start with the independence of Abby and the protectiveness of Sam Ms. Krentz as usual puts all the good traits into her special couple but doesn’t stop there as her other characters are all important to the tale. The romance is great and the conclusion is obvious to everyone but Abby right from the start. The love scenes will psi-sizzle right off the page.
If you’re looking for something to warm up the coldest days of the year, start with a sure thing because if you’re a fan you’ll know you can’t go wrong with this amazing author in all her incantations, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick.
Need something to get over the after holiday blues, this will start you right up, want the first must read of the new year, it’s between these pages.
Thank you Ms. Krentz for another incredible journey through your incredibly imaginative world.
Sam Coppersmith is on the trail of a lab notebook that disappeared forty years ago when the mine his father and partners were working in exploded, it was always assumed that all the notes were lost with the partner who didn’t survive the blast. Now there are sure signs that the notebook is out there and he’s determined to get it to stop it from falling into the wrong hands but he needs help from one very talented psi book de-coder. When they meet there is more heat in the room than he can ever remember feeling and he knows right from the start that she’s going to be trouble and she’s going to be permanent, now he just has to convince her. Together Sam and Abby search for the lost book with murder and mayhem all around them and some unlikely help along the way. Will they survive to see where this attraction leads or will they be psi-murdered like others before them.
What I expect from Ms. Krentz is a marvelous contemporary tale with great suspense, hot romance and maybe a touch of woo-woo, what I didn’t expect was for her alter ego Jayne Castle to show up, but that’s exactly what happened when Castle meets Krentz in this one of a kind story. We get the contemporary of Krentz mixed with the over abundance of paranormal we’d expect from Castle only in a contemporary setting instead of sometime in the distant future and on a distant planet. With characters all across the realm from super good to super bad and a little dog to boot instead of a dust bunny. Her hero and heroine are very enigmatic and will pull readers in right from the start with the independence of Abby and the protectiveness of Sam Ms. Krentz as usual puts all the good traits into her special couple but doesn’t stop there as her other characters are all important to the tale. The romance is great and the conclusion is obvious to everyone but Abby right from the start. The love scenes will psi-sizzle right off the page.
If you’re looking for something to warm up the coldest days of the year, start with a sure thing because if you’re a fan you’ll know you can’t go wrong with this amazing author in all her incantations, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick.
Need something to get over the after holiday blues, this will start you right up, want the first must read of the new year, it’s between these pages.
Thank you Ms. Krentz for another incredible journey through your incredibly imaginative world.
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