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Gift #1
Gift of Gold
Destiny found them, and rapture, wild and free, opened their hearts...
As she fled to safety in the dark of the Mexican night, Verity Ames could not see the man who had saved her from attack... but he was determined to see her again. Two months later, Jonas Quarrel appeared at her California restaurant. He was a scholar--looking for work as a dishwasher! Yet the stranger on her doorstep was also a man with a special gift and a hidden mission. What was the subtle, mysterious power he exuded? How and why had he found her? All Verity knew was that his lips burned hers, awakening a passion far beyond her fantasies . . . and that soon, she and Jonas would have to face the secret fury that threatened their love.
As she fled to safety in the dark of the Mexican night, Verity Ames could not see the man who had saved her from attack... but he was determined to see her again. Two months later, Jonas Quarrel appeared at her California restaurant. He was a scholar--looking for work as a dishwasher! Yet the stranger on her doorstep was also a man with a special gift and a hidden mission. What was the subtle, mysterious power he exuded? How and why had he found her? All Verity knew was that his lips burned hers, awakening a passion far beyond her fantasies . . . and that soon, she and Jonas would have to face the secret fury that threatened their love.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
328 people are currently reading
1949 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,173 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 95 reviews
August 18, 2012
Oh god the heroine Verity was such a serious pain in the rear and a shrew and TSTL. I had a hard time liking her and didn't see what the hero Jonas saw in her. The romance also didn't work for me, like Verity I too questioned whether they were together because she could ground his psychometry and its tendency to over-whelm him with violent tendencies, something that made him walk away from his career five years ago and become a drifter. And the way she fell for the woman who orchestrated their friendship for Jonas's abilities made me question Verity's stupidity even more. I know there is a sequel for this book and curiosity may make me seek it but I am not sure I am upto Verity's dose of bitchiness.
May 16, 2020
"Gift of Gold" is the story of Verity and Jonas.
Months ago, our heroine was almost assaulted in Mexico, and was saved by a mysterious dark figure. Two months later, the hero shows up to her California restaurant, volunteering to be a dishwasher. But one look, and they are both aware that he is much overqualified for the position. Soon his past as a literary man and a renaissance expert is revealed, and the heroine realizes that his intellect is not the only truth the hero is hiding..
As things take a sharp turn, and we enter a world filled with psychometry, experiments, revenge, dark corridors, heavenly saviors, dark evil, anchors and sensual seductions.
If you like your romances filled with a paranormal touch, but also loads of drama, chase, trauma and bloodshed, this book will be the one for you. Yes, it has a strong but innocent heroine, and an obsessed, alpha hero- but they are all puppets to the dark and mysterious plot that forms this book.
Good one time read.
Safe
3/5
Months ago, our heroine was almost assaulted in Mexico, and was saved by a mysterious dark figure. Two months later, the hero shows up to her California restaurant, volunteering to be a dishwasher. But one look, and they are both aware that he is much overqualified for the position. Soon his past as a literary man and a renaissance expert is revealed, and the heroine realizes that his intellect is not the only truth the hero is hiding..
As things take a sharp turn, and we enter a world filled with psychometry, experiments, revenge, dark corridors, heavenly saviors, dark evil, anchors and sensual seductions.
If you like your romances filled with a paranormal touch, but also loads of drama, chase, trauma and bloodshed, this book will be the one for you. Yes, it has a strong but innocent heroine, and an obsessed, alpha hero- but they are all puppets to the dark and mysterious plot that forms this book.
Good one time read.
Safe
3/5
January 16, 2012
Another old favourite. It's probably one of the first romance book I've ever read with "psychic" elements. The hero Jonas has a gift of psychometry - he gets drawn into the violent emotions assoicated with old weapons. He quitted his PhD university position when he almost killed a lab technician during some psychic tests at the university and started drifting around the world.
On a chance encounter in Mexico, Jonas picked up the heroine Verity's earring and discovered that Verity is able to help him control his abilities. So he chased her all the way back to USA and convinced her to hire him on as the dishwasher in her restaurant.
The book is a bit dated, Jonas's attitude is at times quite archiac and is excused as being a "renaissance" man. But apart from spanking the heroine in one scene, I guess he's still the typical JAK hero.
The heroine Verity is also a typical JAK heroine. She is described as being a young Queen Elizabeth I, with red hair and very opinionated.
In this audio edition, Mary Peiffer as the narrator did a fair job of giving life to the characters and it was an enjoyable listen overall.
On a chance encounter in Mexico, Jonas picked up the heroine Verity's earring and discovered that Verity is able to help him control his abilities. So he chased her all the way back to USA and convinced her to hire him on as the dishwasher in her restaurant.
The book is a bit dated, Jonas's attitude is at times quite archiac and is excused as being a "renaissance" man. But apart from spanking the heroine in one scene, I guess he's still the typical JAK hero.
The heroine Verity is also a typical JAK heroine. She is described as being a young Queen Elizabeth I, with red hair and very opinionated.
In this audio edition, Mary Peiffer as the narrator did a fair job of giving life to the characters and it was an enjoyable listen overall.
July 19, 2013
All I have to say is that I'd forgotten how sexist some of those early Krentz heroes could be.
August 23, 2020
Gift of Gold
3 Stars
After a chance encounter with the woman who can anchor his unstable psychic ability, Jonas Quarrell traces Verity Ames back to a small town in California and insinuates himself into her life. Soon Jonas and Verity's psychic connection evolves into something more, but their love and lives are put in danger when a threat from the past emerges.
While this book is clearly a product of its time (late 1980s), the kernels of Krentz's Arcane series are evident and it is a fun read overall.
Although sexy as all get-out, Jonas is a typical overbearing and patronizing 1980s hero determined to show the "little tyrant" who is really the boss. Verity attempts to assert her independence, but often comes across as obstinate rather than strong-willed, and her stubborness leads to several TSTL moments. Despite these issues, the chemistry between Jonas and Verity is excellent and their banter is entertaining.
Jonas's psychometry is a forerunner to the various psychic abilities showcased in the Arcane Society books, and it is interesting to see the how this theme has developed over the course of Krentz's writing.
The suspense plot is intriguing with some exciting moments at the end. That said, the fact that
All in all, a delightful romp into the past (pun intended), and I look forward to reading the follow up book.
3 Stars
After a chance encounter with the woman who can anchor his unstable psychic ability, Jonas Quarrell traces Verity Ames back to a small town in California and insinuates himself into her life. Soon Jonas and Verity's psychic connection evolves into something more, but their love and lives are put in danger when a threat from the past emerges.
While this book is clearly a product of its time (late 1980s), the kernels of Krentz's Arcane series are evident and it is a fun read overall.
Although sexy as all get-out, Jonas is a typical overbearing and patronizing 1980s hero determined to show the "little tyrant" who is really the boss. Verity attempts to assert her independence, but often comes across as obstinate rather than strong-willed, and her stubborness leads to several TSTL moments. Despite these issues, the chemistry between Jonas and Verity is excellent and their banter is entertaining.
Jonas's psychometry is a forerunner to the various psychic abilities showcased in the Arcane Society books, and it is interesting to see the how this theme has developed over the course of Krentz's writing.
The suspense plot is intriguing with some exciting moments at the end. That said, the fact that
All in all, a delightful romp into the past (pun intended), and I look forward to reading the follow up book.
February 14, 2020
2.5 Stars
rounded up to 3 Stars. Having read Jayne Ann Krentz's The Arcane Society Series I was interested in exploring one of her earlier works. I was comfortable with the paranormal psychic plot with a side of romance along with the storyline being engaging, however my problem with the story lay solely with the main female character Verity. Her shrewishness was just too much over the top for me. Reading her dialogue gave me a visceral feeling akin to hearing fingernails scratching a chalkboard. I just couldn't stand her holy than thou and my way or the highway attitude. I had no connection nor sympathy for her through most of the story. I can see no possibility of an HEA in the long run for her since she constantly nags and niggles people who care for her unless she has a major attitude adjustment. Believe me even a saint would have trouble listening to her constant lectures and prattling all the time. Some reviewers have pegged her as TSTL, I prefer the label TATL (Too Annoying Too Live). With all this unsettling feeling towards one of the main characters of the story I just couldn't settle in and truly enjoy the book.
September 25, 2017
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 1988
Length: 373 pages, 5562 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary.
Sex: Very explicit. Very frequent.
Hero: Dishwasher. Former Historian.
Heroine: Restaurant owner.
Paranormal: psychometry
Trigger: Violent rape.
Includes: excerpt from Gift of Fire
You can see the Krentz/Castle/Quick of future books.
Our strong, independent, slightly naive heroine is finding her feet. She has a tendency to come off as tyrannical and shrewish (as Krentz tells us over and over again) - in later books her edges are polished off.
Our intelligent but drifting Hero has a blatant anchor in Verity. He needs her to save him; with her he finds his soul.
Krentz begins investigating the paranormal of the Arcane Society with Jonas' psychometry. He can sense the past of an object, particularly objects from the Renaissance period.
The sex is harsher than later books. It's more 1980s fighting for supremacy in the bedroom than 20-teens partnership.
And, overall, it's an interesting story. I wonder about the ending .
But it's a curious early story of a favourite author.
2.5 stars, rounded down. There are problems.
Gift:
Book 1 Gift of Gold
Book 2 Gift of Fire
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/gift-of-gold/
(ISBN …)
-CR-
First published: 1988
Length: 373 pages, 5562 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary.
Sex: Very explicit. Very frequent.
Hero: Dishwasher. Former Historian.
Heroine: Restaurant owner.
Paranormal: psychometry
Trigger: Violent rape.
Includes: excerpt from Gift of Fire
You can see the Krentz/Castle/Quick of future books.
Our strong, independent, slightly naive heroine is finding her feet. She has a tendency to come off as tyrannical and shrewish (as Krentz tells us over and over again) - in later books her edges are polished off.
Our intelligent but drifting Hero has a blatant anchor in Verity. He needs her to save him; with her he finds his soul.
Krentz begins investigating the paranormal of the Arcane Society with Jonas' psychometry. He can sense the past of an object, particularly objects from the Renaissance period.
The sex is harsher than later books. It's more 1980s fighting for supremacy in the bedroom than 20-teens partnership.
And, overall, it's an interesting story. I wonder about the ending .
But it's a curious early story of a favourite author.
2.5 stars, rounded down. There are problems.
Gift:
Book 1 Gift of Gold
Book 2 Gift of Fire
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/gift-of-gold/
(ISBN …)
-CR-
July 24, 2024
*** "Gift of Gold" is the eye color of Jonas, who chases Verity from Mexico to Colorado. Jayne Krentz always spins a sexy yarn. This is offside her regular series. I've read so many by her & aliases, she almost deserves 4-5* for so much & varied romance + suspense, paranormal, et al.
For me, Verity is too stubborn and sappy, and Jonas too stubborn and secretive. But where else does conflict arise?
Psychic perception is the hook that makes this story unusual. Jonas can not only tell if an artifact knife is genuine, he unites with the original violent crime. Verity, in spirit, can follow his mind tunnel and help control the threads that threaten to overwhelm Jonas and cause him to mistakenly stab an innocent.
Instead of one obvious villain, the plot interweaves a father in debt, a scarred painter seeking revenge, and a bleak cliff house that hid orgies and murder. The Renaissance party culmination is like the haunted basement that the reader keeps warning the heroine to avoid. So do authors trick readers into reading on.
For me, Verity is too stubborn and sappy, and Jonas too stubborn and secretive. But where else does conflict arise?
Psychic perception is the hook that makes this story unusual. Jonas can not only tell if an artifact knife is genuine, he unites with the original violent crime. Verity, in spirit, can follow his mind tunnel and help control the threads that threaten to overwhelm Jonas and cause him to mistakenly stab an innocent.
Instead of one obvious villain, the plot interweaves a father in debt, a scarred painter seeking revenge, and a bleak cliff house that hid orgies and murder. The Renaissance party culmination is like the haunted basement that the reader keeps warning the heroine to avoid. So do authors trick readers into reading on.
June 9, 2013
Somewhere in this book there is a cute story about a restaurant owner and her romance with her -- I was about to write "dishwasher" but that makes it sound like she's having a thing with a large kitchen appliance. Try again. This is a dreadful book that could have been cute. Instead it is glopped up with a bunch of nonsense about the Renaissance and psychic corridors and all kinds of random stuff with an artist, to say nothing of the poetry which I started skipping over because it is too embarrassingly bad to read. The normal romance novel bits are fine. The rest I could have done without.
August 8, 2017
An incredibly bad book by an author who's not know for brilliant works (to me). Her world (always the same) lacks any foundation or any other tract. But honestly world building is not the reasons people read her books. Neither are plots, I fear.
But alas neither these 2 points, while both true here, are the main reason why this book was painful to read. Characters were. I don't think I have ever read a book where all characters, and I mean all, were despicable, before Gift of Gold. None was salvageable, but none surpassed the heroine: a judgemental harpy, stupid, despicable, childish, without a single brain cell working... Excruciating to read about.
But alas neither these 2 points, while both true here, are the main reason why this book was painful to read. Characters were. I don't think I have ever read a book where all characters, and I mean all, were despicable, before Gift of Gold. None was salvageable, but none surpassed the heroine: a judgemental harpy, stupid, despicable, childish, without a single brain cell working... Excruciating to read about.
April 8, 2011
Verity is Jonas's long-awaited psychic muse. In the midst of dissertation hell, I'm compulsively re-reading old romance favorites. This book did not stand up to the test of time. I apparently didn't realize upon the first fifteen readings that Jonas is triggered into rage at the drop of a hat and apparently forgot all the oddities of the plot. Still, it was very fun to delve into the first iteration of the Orchid/Zinnia/Amaryllis books (which are beautifully developed from this starter dynamic) as well as the current Arcane Society books (which are not).
November 15, 2014
Another recommendation from the A/zon boardies (it is really lucky I work in a library or I would be stoney broke!). I read this one and it's sequel one after the other (which I don't normally do) This was a terrific read. I loved the interaction between Verity and Jonas. Great chemistry between the two and some laugh aloud moments. After reading this first one, I dived straight into the next and was never bored.
May 13, 2016
Jonas is incredible- romantic, strong, brave , with mega sense of humor. Verity is outspoken ,
shrewish , sarcastic . Vile Caitlin and strength of purpose was not able to stop them and their feelings ( mainly Jonas'). I wonder what they come up in the next section ...
shrewish , sarcastic . Vile Caitlin and strength of purpose was not able to stop them and their feelings ( mainly Jonas'). I wonder what they come up in the next section ...
November 21, 2008
This is the book that made me a Jayne Ann Krentz fan. I just read it again and it's still as good as I remembered!
June 7, 2024
Jonas has a gift that he is unable to control, until he meets Verity. He decides to insert himself into her life because he needs her anchoring. He shows up just in time because someone is trying to pervert his gift for their gain and it could cost him his life, possibly Verity’s too.
This did not age well. First published 1988, but I won’t talk about that.
The premise was interesting, but there were too many things that were unexplained, and we, the readers, were supposed to accept it at face value.
I was not thrilled with the artist's behavior and given her plans for Jonas and his possible demise; she got off too easy. I also don’t understand how a friendship was formed so easily between her and Verity. I guess that goes for Verity and Jonas as well. That relationship felt like it hinged on her being Jonas’ anchor. He complained about her so much but needed her in the corridor.
Verity’s father was a great addition, he added some levity to the serious plot.
The psychometry and the details around Jonas’ gift and how Verity helped were interesting, but I don’t think I will be reading book 2.
This did not age well. First published 1988, but I won’t talk about that.
The premise was interesting, but there were too many things that were unexplained, and we, the readers, were supposed to accept it at face value.
I was not thrilled with the artist's behavior and given her plans for Jonas and his possible demise; she got off too easy. I also don’t understand how a friendship was formed so easily between her and Verity. I guess that goes for Verity and Jonas as well. That relationship felt like it hinged on her being Jonas’ anchor. He complained about her so much but needed her in the corridor.
Verity’s father was a great addition, he added some levity to the serious plot.
The psychometry and the details around Jonas’ gift and how Verity helped were interesting, but I don’t think I will be reading book 2.
February 17, 2013
I had a hard time liking, and finishing this book. I usually love anything and everything Jayne Ann Krentz writes, under her various author names, but this particular book ... ugh. It's from 1988, so may be one of her earliest works. It is not up to the standard I have come to expect from her. It has a lot of the elements that I love ... strong & fiesty female lead, alpha male ; the fireworks when they meet and get sexy ; the elements of paranormal talent ; danger and mystery. I liked the kitchen, spa, evil house on a hill, settings, but overall, it just did not jell for me. I highly recommend this author, just not this title!
February 3, 2023
First in a two-part series (followed by Gift of Fire), this book is an excellent example of Ms. Krentz's writing. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intriguing, there is a bit of psychic drama thrown in, and the dialogue is well done. There are frequent funny moments and several places where the reader is horrified. There is suspense and action and food (Verity is a restaurant owner). No dog, however, and no children. Otherwise, great reading.
September 11, 2012
Occasionally it felt a bit hit-and-miss with the two main characters but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Jonas was the more entertaining of the two - witty and realistic (bar the talent) while Verity at times grated the nerves with her 'innocence' and 'shrewness'. Regardless I'll still read Krentz's books - at least she varies them!
August 18, 2010
The plot was interesting enough, although the supernatural element was badly executed. But the hero annoyed me, and so did the heroine's father. The heroine herself was better, but still irritating at times.
March 11, 2013
I am a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, but if this had been my first book from her, I would not read her again. Just not a fan of either protagonist and found the story extremely unbelievable and formulaic. There are hints of the talent later unleashed, but this is not one I recommend.
January 27, 2024
What a marvelous imagination Krentz has.
dnf
July 31, 2012This one was very dated. The book is full of gender stereotypes which are annoying and insulting. It might have worked in a historical romance, but not in a contemporary.
July 17, 2019
Love this tale of Jonas & Verity! The psychometry abilities of Jonas tied in with Verity's ability to anchor him in the time corridor add to the love story and to the mystery plotline.
October 17, 2012
Thought it was a good book. I like the idea of physchometry and I thought that it was a good addition/or start to her arcane novels (which I love). She is one of my favorite authors.
January 6, 2024
Jayne Ann Krentz has been one of my favorite authors for decades. This is one of her older books that was reissued recently in a package with Gift of Fire for an attractive price. No changes were made from the earlier edition so it has a 1980's vibe. I enjoyed the story, even though Jayne's characters tend to be more complex and mature these days. Like much of her work, it contains paranormal elements. Jayne's wit and gift for painting vivid pictures with words are timeless, so I'd recommend this book to younger readers who don't remember the 1980's, as well as to older folks like me.
January 22, 2019
What the what? This was pretty bad, even for a 1980s romance novel. I’ve come to expect better from this author. The hero was a chauvinistic prick, and the heroine was a waffling twit. Even the psychometric parts couldn’t save this train wreck.
September 18, 2024
Good character development, corny dialog, but a good foreshadowing of her psy series.
January 9, 2011
HER BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN. HIS SNEAK ATTACK IS BEING LAUNCHED. BUT IT ISN'T WAR...IT'S ROMANCE
Being a tough taskmaster and a great cook make Verity Ames a success with her Colorado restaurant. And her new employee, Jonas Quarrel, followed her orders to a "T" during working hours. It was when the day was done that his lazy smile and bedroom eyes threatened to make him the boss who could turn her from a she-cat into a kitten. So hot-tempered Verity taunted him that SHE would never surrender to a drifter like Jonas, who left a prestigious career as a Renaissance scholar to roam the world. But Jonas suspected the lady protesteth too much. His plan was to tame the shrew by seducing her; crumbling her defenses with nibbles, bites, and kisses; melting her resistance with his fiery passion; and making his love seem like heaven until his hellish past caught up with him. For Jonas had not arrived at Verity's kitchen by accident. She was the key to a chilling secret that had nearly destroyed him. And now he needed to woo her and win her--even if he endangered both of their lives and broke her heart!
Being a tough taskmaster and a great cook make Verity Ames a success with her Colorado restaurant. And her new employee, Jonas Quarrel, followed her orders to a "T" during working hours. It was when the day was done that his lazy smile and bedroom eyes threatened to make him the boss who could turn her from a she-cat into a kitten. So hot-tempered Verity taunted him that SHE would never surrender to a drifter like Jonas, who left a prestigious career as a Renaissance scholar to roam the world. But Jonas suspected the lady protesteth too much. His plan was to tame the shrew by seducing her; crumbling her defenses with nibbles, bites, and kisses; melting her resistance with his fiery passion; and making his love seem like heaven until his hellish past caught up with him. For Jonas had not arrived at Verity's kitchen by accident. She was the key to a chilling secret that had nearly destroyed him. And now he needed to woo her and win her--even if he endangered both of their lives and broke her heart!
March 24, 2013
An earlier Krentz novel that has the feel of her later books, but suffers from the attitudes of the time. The hero and heroine are both very likeable and engaging, but I grew to hate how he treats her. He is so demeaning and constantly puts her down, making her question herself. And she is inexperienced enough in relationships that she lets his snide remarks get to her.
This book has an early version of the psychometry that shows up in some of Krentz's later books. It is less well defined, and I found it a bit confusing. The psychic effects made it harder for me to follow the action, and the events the occurred psychically didn't seem to match the events that happened physically. There were also some limitations that made some sense, but didn't really hold up.
Overall I enjoyed this story because it has Krentz's voice, some witty dialog and quirky characters. It also lacked a murder mystery, which was refreshing, although it did have life-threatening situations and revenge.
This book has an early version of the psychometry that shows up in some of Krentz's later books. It is less well defined, and I found it a bit confusing. The psychic effects made it harder for me to follow the action, and the events the occurred psychically didn't seem to match the events that happened physically. There were also some limitations that made some sense, but didn't really hold up.
Overall I enjoyed this story because it has Krentz's voice, some witty dialog and quirky characters. It also lacked a murder mystery, which was refreshing, although it did have life-threatening situations and revenge.
February 23, 2014
Krentz at Her Best
Verify Ames was preparing for the dinner crowd when a knock came at the door of her No Bull Cafe. She thought about not opening it. She was very busy. Whoever was knocking was very persistent. When she answered the door at last, the man standing there said he was applying for the dishwashing job. This man, who called himself Jonas Quarrel was no dishwasher, Verify was certain. She was very uncertain about hiring him. Jonas was not going to let her deny him. After all, he had traveled a couple of thousand miles to get to know her.
This book has it all, a unique story line, well-developed, lovable characters, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, sizzling sex, and breath-taking romance. Jayne Ann Krentz is one of the best writers in the literary world in many genres. Her name, and that of her many pen names, Castle and Quick, to list a couple, on the cover are your guarantee of a first rate story.
Verify Ames was preparing for the dinner crowd when a knock came at the door of her No Bull Cafe. She thought about not opening it. She was very busy. Whoever was knocking was very persistent. When she answered the door at last, the man standing there said he was applying for the dishwashing job. This man, who called himself Jonas Quarrel was no dishwasher, Verify was certain. She was very uncertain about hiring him. Jonas was not going to let her deny him. After all, he had traveled a couple of thousand miles to get to know her.
This book has it all, a unique story line, well-developed, lovable characters, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, sizzling sex, and breath-taking romance. Jayne Ann Krentz is one of the best writers in the literary world in many genres. Her name, and that of her many pen names, Castle and Quick, to list a couple, on the cover are your guarantee of a first rate story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews