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Island Affairs #3
Silver Linings
An island adventure romance from New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.Mattie Sharpe is never late but getting lost on a winding island road that dead-ended in the mountains set her back by two full hours. Nerves already frayed from the delay left her unprepared for what she found at her destination--Paul Cormier slowly bleeding to death on the white marble floor of his pristine mansion. Had she been on schedule, Mattie would have suffered the same fate.Now she's on the run with the only man who can keep her safe, Hugh Abbot. Trouble is, he's the same man who walked out on her several months ago; the one man she vowed never to see again. Hugh is a man who understands priorities. Getting Mattie safely off the island is at the top of his list. He's got a lot of challenges -- he can deal with a closed airport, a plane in flames and a jungle. But convincing Mattie that she can trust him is the biggest problem of all.Reissue.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1991
477 people are currently reading
880 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 124 reviews
February 29, 2020
After a one night stand with her artist sister's ex-fiance (hero)*, the art gallery-owner heroine begs hero to take her with him to his tropical island where he starting up a charter/cargo airline. Hero rejects her and then changes his mind a couple of months later. Heroine, now a woman scorned, refuses to communicate with him.
They meet again a year after their one night stand when the heroine finds herself in the middle of a coup on the island of Hades (or Purgatory - can't remember which one). Heroine had been visiting to acquire an antique sword, but it was really an arranged excuse for the hero to meet up with her. Unfortunately, the dead body (owner of the sword), trip through claustrophobic caves, and stealing a boat from other thugs harsh the hero's attempt at romance.
Not that this Neanderthal hero is very good with romance. He calls the heroine "babe" all the time, he prides himself on his forceful love-making, and he can't understand why the heroine would now be reluctant to leave her business and friends when she made the offer a year before.
Heroine finds her inner action hero (she saves herself from the villain) and hero finds his inner sensitive side (he's willing to re-locate) and the true villains are caught for an HEA. Heroine agrees to sell her gallery and also finds two budding artists in the course of the story and is going to help an aging-out prostitute start her own clothing line on the tropical island.
Bottom line: lot's going on, but not much of a romance.
*yes, hero did have sex with both sisters.
They meet again a year after their one night stand when the heroine finds herself in the middle of a coup on the island of Hades (or Purgatory - can't remember which one). Heroine had been visiting to acquire an antique sword, but it was really an arranged excuse for the hero to meet up with her. Unfortunately, the dead body (owner of the sword), trip through claustrophobic caves, and stealing a boat from other thugs harsh the hero's attempt at romance.
Not that this Neanderthal hero is very good with romance. He calls the heroine "babe" all the time, he prides himself on his forceful love-making, and he can't understand why the heroine would now be reluctant to leave her business and friends when she made the offer a year before.
Heroine finds her inner action hero (she saves herself from the villain) and hero finds his inner sensitive side (he's willing to re-locate) and the true villains are caught for an HEA. Heroine agrees to sell her gallery and also finds two budding artists in the course of the story and is going to help an aging-out prostitute start her own clothing line on the tropical island.
Bottom line: lot's going on, but not much of a romance.
*yes, hero did have sex with both sisters.
dnf
August 23, 2021DNF @ 10%
- the H is bumbling moron when it comes to women. 😐Typically, “caveman” = “jealous possessive and controlling”, but in this case it just means he’s completely clueless about women. Not cute. He uses “babe” incessantly. That might be cute within a sweet established relationship but it is smarmy coming from a man who very likely just can’t remember the heroine’s name. 👀😐 I bet this dufus is just *aces* in bed. 👌🏻
I was willing to persevere through that 👆🏻 stupidity, but then we learn that our h is mad at him because she legit threw herself at him the same night he broke off his engagement to HER SISTER, and after he reluctantly sexed her up (eww) he told her she wasn’t his type and left her. Nice. Of course the sister is prettier, more talented, and way more fun than the h ever was. Awesome. I then went running to the reviews, because I was not excited about how this was unfolding…. And find that yes, the H did sex up the sister during their short engagement, and apparently had the most exciting sex of his life with her. Something that the sister relays to the h in detail. Fantastic. (For the record, I don’t have a particular aversion to the sister’s fiancé trope, but it needs to be written in a way that the h isn’t the consolation prize.)
You know what’s even more fun?? 🥳 Apparently this isn’t the first time the h has gone after the sister’s cast-offs. 😬 (now THAT, right there, I definitely have an aversion to… eeeeewwww)
Also, we hear from the H that, yeah, the h isn’t all that cute or interesting next to her sister, but she’s good for his ego and he’s pushing 40 and lonely, so she’ll do. 👀😐🤡
I can already tell this is gonna nosedive into politically correct ultra girl-power feminism that depicts the h as the strong one and the H as a whipped puppy begging for scraps… the h will show him the error of his stupid ways. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
I don’t like these people enough to keep going. ✌🏻 #next
- the H is bumbling moron when it comes to women. 😐Typically, “caveman” = “jealous possessive and controlling”, but in this case it just means he’s completely clueless about women. Not cute. He uses “babe” incessantly. That might be cute within a sweet established relationship but it is smarmy coming from a man who very likely just can’t remember the heroine’s name. 👀😐 I bet this dufus is just *aces* in bed. 👌🏻
I was willing to persevere through that 👆🏻 stupidity, but then we learn that our h is mad at him because she legit threw herself at him the same night he broke off his engagement to HER SISTER, and after he reluctantly sexed her up (eww) he told her she wasn’t his type and left her. Nice. Of course the sister is prettier, more talented, and way more fun than the h ever was. Awesome. I then went running to the reviews, because I was not excited about how this was unfolding…. And find that yes, the H did sex up the sister during their short engagement, and apparently had the most exciting sex of his life with her. Something that the sister relays to the h in detail. Fantastic. (For the record, I don’t have a particular aversion to the sister’s fiancé trope, but it needs to be written in a way that the h isn’t the consolation prize.)
You know what’s even more fun?? 🥳 Apparently this isn’t the first time the h has gone after the sister’s cast-offs. 😬 (now THAT, right there, I definitely have an aversion to… eeeeewwww)
Also, we hear from the H that, yeah, the h isn’t all that cute or interesting next to her sister, but she’s good for his ego and he’s pushing 40 and lonely, so she’ll do. 👀😐🤡
I can already tell this is gonna nosedive into politically correct ultra girl-power feminism that depicts the h as the strong one and the H as a whipped puppy begging for scraps… the h will show him the error of his stupid ways. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
I don’t like these people enough to keep going. ✌🏻 #next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2019
When Mattie Sharpe shows up late to her meeting, she finds Paul Cormier bleeding from gunshot wounds. It's too late to help him. She needs to get out of his mansion and off the island before the killer returns. Hugh Abbott is her only hope. He can lead her through the jungle and keep ahead of the soldiers who are on the island. Mattie is happy to have Hugh around, except for the fact that she has been avoiding him for nearly a year since he refused to take her with him after a one-night stand. Now they are running for their lives, staying only a few steps away from death.
This is one of Jayne Ann Krentz's early romantic suspense novels. It certainly feels dated. Hugh is a Neanderthal who continually calls Mattie "Babe". That drove me nuts. He never explains to her what is happening and thinks she should do everything he tells her to. Mattie isn't a bad heroine. She fell for Hugh when she met him last year. Now she wants to keep some distance between them. He doesn't agree. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This is one of Jayne Ann Krentz's early romantic suspense novels. It certainly feels dated. Hugh is a Neanderthal who continually calls Mattie "Babe". That drove me nuts. He never explains to her what is happening and thinks she should do everything he tells her to. Mattie isn't a bad heroine. She fell for Hugh when she met him last year. Now she wants to keep some distance between them. He doesn't agree. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
September 7, 2015
This was the weakest book by Jayne Ann Krentz I read so far.
Basically the story wasn't too bad... but I really hated the overuse of "babe".
The highlights of this book were the minor characters Silk and Evangeline.
Basically the story wasn't too bad... but I really hated the overuse of "babe".
The highlights of this book were the minor characters Silk and Evangeline.
August 16, 2019
I absolutely adore JAK but I loathed this book...although really what I loathed was Hugh more than anything else. This jackass ignores everything Mattie says, assumes she will dump everything and follow him anywhere AFTER he turned her down when she offered to do just that. I loved Mattie, I thought she was fascinating. But Hugh...I was disgusted by him.
Also, having sex with the drunk chick who made it clear she doesn’t want to have sex with you is RAPE. Just in case you were wondering.
Also, having sex with the drunk chick who made it clear she doesn’t want to have sex with you is RAPE. Just in case you were wondering.
December 3, 2014
synopsis:
a year ago, mattie asked her sister's ex-fiance to take her with him to his island home after one night of passion. hugh refused, but a couple of months later, realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to see mattie again. until she lands on an island in the middle of a revolution, hugh can't make that happen. mattie is on the island to pick up a sword for her aunt, and hugh flies in after her after she's changed her itinerary once again to avoid seeing hugh. mattie finds a dying man, and she and hugh have to escape through the jungle. once they are away from the island, hugh tries to convince mattie that he really wants to be with her, but she doesn't want to take any more risks, and decides to head back to seattle. hugh follows her to try and convince her that they are meant to be together.
what i liked: i liked hugh and mattie. hugh is fairly laid back with regards to life and mattie is wound up tighter than anything. she's always taking something to deal with the stress of not fitting in with her family. they are great together.
what i didn't like: not much. there was a little mystery, a lot of humour and plenty of off-beat characters.
a year ago, mattie asked her sister's ex-fiance to take her with him to his island home after one night of passion. hugh refused, but a couple of months later, realizes that he has made a mistake and tries to see mattie again. until she lands on an island in the middle of a revolution, hugh can't make that happen. mattie is on the island to pick up a sword for her aunt, and hugh flies in after her after she's changed her itinerary once again to avoid seeing hugh. mattie finds a dying man, and she and hugh have to escape through the jungle. once they are away from the island, hugh tries to convince mattie that he really wants to be with her, but she doesn't want to take any more risks, and decides to head back to seattle. hugh follows her to try and convince her that they are meant to be together.
what i liked: i liked hugh and mattie. hugh is fairly laid back with regards to life and mattie is wound up tighter than anything. she's always taking something to deal with the stress of not fitting in with her family. they are great together.
what i didn't like: not much. there was a little mystery, a lot of humour and plenty of off-beat characters.
February 2, 2011
Whatever name she's writing under, Krentz's books are among my favorite guilty pleasures. Formulaic - you bet! Do I care - nope! When I want a happy ending with fun verbal sparring, the unconventional heroine, the brooding alpha male, I know I can pick up a Krentz novel and be happy, no matter how many times I've read the story before (and after a while, they can start running together). Except for this one.
It lost me when I found out that Mattie declared her love for Hugh and begged him to marry her THE DAY HER SISTER BROKE OFF THEIR ENGAGEMENT! (Yep - she went after her sister's ex-fiance.) Then she gets pissed because he said no. Really? I lost all respect for the character and had no idea why Hugh changed his mind.
It lost me when I found out that Mattie declared her love for Hugh and begged him to marry her THE DAY HER SISTER BROKE OFF THEIR ENGAGEMENT! (Yep - she went after her sister's ex-fiance.) Then she gets pissed because he said no. Really? I lost all respect for the character and had no idea why Hugh changed his mind.
January 12, 2013
Loved the suspense, murder, mystery, and love story!! Strong main characters as well. Another great book by Jayne Ann Krentz :)
August 31, 2018
This is a laugh out loud romantic suspense novel from the early 90s that I've somehow not read before. During this time Krentz wrote light romances which I really enjoy, with businessmen who are emotionally blocked and heroines who are smart, strong and quirky. Maddie is visiting the Pacific island of Purgatory when she gets caught in a coup d'état. She's rescued by her old flame, of course. These are two imperfect characters who banter back and forth in a way that made me think of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn - but more risque. (Or Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd from Moonlighting.) This isn't a book to take seriously, but one to read when you want a fun romp that takes you away from anything resembling real life. At least for the first 30%.
Then it gets odd when the pair hits another island, and frankly I didn't like it. Fortunately they move on to Seattle, and some of the fun returns, along with a menace from the islands and Hugh's past. I liked the way the author skewered the pretentious side of the art world. I actually guffawed when Hugh meets one of Maddie's friends at a gallery opening and the friend, eyeing Hugh, says, "I told you that you should have invited me along when you went on vacation. Send you out to the wilds of the Pacific alone and look what happens. You come back with a really tacky souvenir." lol I also liked Maddie's assertiveness - rather surprising for a heroine from this era.
Some readers panned the backstory for these two, and I understand that it not realistic. But it didn't spoil the story for me, in part because I didn't take any of this book very seriously. But also, I see Maddie as a woman who once, for one night, wildly took a big chance and did something way outside her comfort zone. When Hugh shot her down she was angry, of course, but most of that anger is fueled by humiliation and embarrassment, and those emotions can stick with you for a long time. But you grow out of those feelings eventually.
Though the book felt uneven, I enjoyed it enough to give it 3.5 stars, maybe 4.
NB - I'm a big fan of Amy McFadden's narration of these books, and this one is no exception.
Then it gets odd when the pair hits another island, and frankly I didn't like it. Fortunately they move on to Seattle, and some of the fun returns, along with a menace from the islands and Hugh's past. I liked the way the author skewered the pretentious side of the art world. I actually guffawed when Hugh meets one of Maddie's friends at a gallery opening and the friend, eyeing Hugh, says, "I told you that you should have invited me along when you went on vacation. Send you out to the wilds of the Pacific alone and look what happens. You come back with a really tacky souvenir." lol I also liked Maddie's assertiveness - rather surprising for a heroine from this era.
Some readers panned the backstory for these two, and I understand that it not realistic. But it didn't spoil the story for me, in part because I didn't take any of this book very seriously. But also, I see Maddie as a woman who once, for one night, wildly took a big chance and did something way outside her comfort zone. When Hugh shot her down she was angry, of course, but most of that anger is fueled by humiliation and embarrassment, and those emotions can stick with you for a long time. But you grow out of those feelings eventually.
Though the book felt uneven, I enjoyed it enough to give it 3.5 stars, maybe 4.
NB - I'm a big fan of Amy McFadden's narration of these books, and this one is no exception.
September 19, 2017
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 1991
Length: 5057 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. (Fictional?) Islands near Hawaii and Seattle.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent. Rapid.
Hero: Owns a plane charter company.
Heroine: Owns an art gallery in Seattle.
Krentz/Castle/Quick has a formula that works, whether it’s an Amanda Quick historical or a Jayne Ann Krentz contemporary.
~ Stoic Hero. Doesn’t really understand the heroine but loves her with a passion. Aids people despite his own intentions because she wants him to. Has a hidden past.
~ Intelligent heroine. Her good heart gets her caught in high jinx, but he always finds a way to get her out.
~ Kooky secondary characters. They add lots of colour and are often brought into the MCs circle by our heroine.
~ A mystery he tries to keep her out of, but she influences the outcome regardless.
~ He becomes convinced marriage is the solution and how he will keep her “under control”, kerb her more outlandish desires. She accepts him, but teaches him that she is fine, just the way she is.
~ Sex.
And it’s a really enjoyable read. Okay, there are problems with it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It made me smile.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/silver-lini...
(ISBN …)
-CR-
First published: 1991
Length: 5057 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. (Fictional?) Islands near Hawaii and Seattle.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent. Rapid.
Hero: Owns a plane charter company.
Heroine: Owns an art gallery in Seattle.
Krentz/Castle/Quick has a formula that works, whether it’s an Amanda Quick historical or a Jayne Ann Krentz contemporary.
~ Stoic Hero. Doesn’t really understand the heroine but loves her with a passion. Aids people despite his own intentions because she wants him to. Has a hidden past.
~ Intelligent heroine. Her good heart gets her caught in high jinx, but he always finds a way to get her out.
~ Kooky secondary characters. They add lots of colour and are often brought into the MCs circle by our heroine.
~ A mystery he tries to keep her out of, but she influences the outcome regardless.
~ He becomes convinced marriage is the solution and how he will keep her “under control”, kerb her more outlandish desires. She accepts him, but teaches him that she is fine, just the way she is.
~ Sex.
And it’s a really enjoyable read. Okay, there are problems with it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It made me smile.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/silver-lini...
(ISBN …)
-CR-
June 26, 2016
While i was reading i wanted to punch Hugh ! The primal caveman , which in general ... do not listen to Mattie . He just assumed that she's his , and he felt that it was enough. Good lesson was constantly meet people who reminded him that he was Ariel's fiance ( Mattie' sister ) from the time the element of Fire.And the fact that he had so long grovel and apologize . That was satisfying.
However, I must admit right that Mattie has terrible timing - when Hugh broke up with Ariel He was really shocked! I do not blame Hugh in that moment. Ariel deserved to be punish - what a selfish woman. Hugh has a good effect on Mattie - she's finally stopped control herself. And Evangeline - businesswoman (smile). Great fun and relaxation with a wink.
However, I must admit right that Mattie has terrible timing - when Hugh broke up with Ariel He was really shocked! I do not blame Hugh in that moment. Ariel deserved to be punish - what a selfish woman. Hugh has a good effect on Mattie - she's finally stopped control herself. And Evangeline - businesswoman (smile). Great fun and relaxation with a wink.
October 9, 2016
A nice piece of mental candy floss for when you want something to read but not something too complicated.
October 16, 2023
If someone could just Ctrl+H "babe" and replace it with "Mattie," this book would be much more enjoyable. It's a product of its time, but it's hard to read today.
May 31, 2018
O rază de speranță de Amanda Quick este o carte încântătoare, plină de umor, aventuri, personaje pitorești și replici spumoase. Cuplul Mattie-Hugh este adorabil, în ciuda sau tocmai datorită diferențelor flagrante dintre ei, demonstrându-ne pe deplin teoria conform căreia contrariile se atrag.
O carte caldă, romantică, cu o acțiune alertă și foarte amuzantă, un adevărat medicament de bună dispoziție, care te convinge că dragostea își țese magia în cele mai neobișnuite situații!
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/o-r...
O carte caldă, romantică, cu o acțiune alertă și foarte amuzantă, un adevărat medicament de bună dispoziție, care te convinge că dragostea își țese magia în cele mai neobișnuite situații!
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/o-r...
June 29, 2023
Harlequin, contemporary, romantic-suspense novel from 1991
A little less than a year ago, when Mattie was 30, she made the most daring choice of her quietly conventional life, when she seduced sexy, mysterious, 39-year-old Hugh, her wealthy grandmother's freelance security consultant. Unfortunately, Mattie's timing was drastically off. Hugh had just been dumped that very day by Mattie's gorgeous, colorful, artistic older sister, who had become his fiancee during a whirlwind courtship in romantic Italy. The morning after their passionate interlude, Mattie impulsively proclaimed her love to Hugh, assured him she would make him a good wife, and stated that she was willing to follow him anywhere, including to the fictional South Pacific Island of St. Gabriel, where he makes his home. Understandably startled by this unexpected declaration, and far from ready to begin any rebound romance whatsoever, let alone one with the younger sister of his ex-fiancee, Hugh bungled his rejection of Mattie's offer, by telling her she was not his type and all but running out the door. However, given the fact that he was pushing 40 and more than ready to settle down and start a family, within a few weeks after callously rejecting Mattie, it suddenly occurred to Hugh that he had chosen the wrong sister to be his wife. He considered Mattie quite attractive in her own unobtrusive way, and she would certainly be a better bet as the future mother of his children than her flighty sister. After arriving at this pragmatic conclusion, Hugh has made multiple attempts, over the many months since he blew his chance with Mattie, to get back in touch with her and inform her of the happy news that he is all hers. Inauspiciously for Hugh's optimistic plans for Mattie's future, however, she is nursing a full-on case of woman-scorned, humiliated resentment and wants nothing to do with him.
Running out of patience with his elusive quarry, and feeling increasingly desperate to get a chance to plead his case with the recalcitrant Mattie, Hugh colludes with her grandmother, who is quite fond of him and would be happy for him to marry any of her granddaughters, to create an opportunity for Mattie to run into him on a small South Pacific island, which is close to St. Gabriel. Unfortunately, soon after Mattie arrives at her island destination, a revolution breaks out, and it's up to Hugh to get the two of them out alive.
This romantic suspense novel from very early in JAK's career is not one of her better works. It is an extreme example of an "opposites attract" romance, between an old-fashioned, domineering alphahole romance protagonist, who likes to call all the shots, and an extremely polite woman, who has to go against every inclination of her sensitive, "go along to get along" nature in order to stand up to him. One of Hugh's most obnoxious habits is continually calling Mattie, "Babe," no matter how many times she insists that he stop. In addition, which is very counter to how virtually every romance hero is presented, as a virtuoso in the sack, we are informed, via Mattie's thoughts, that her first night with Hugh was a non-orgasmic bust. The babe thing and the clumsy sexual performance issue actually wouldn't be too bad if they were presented in a comic light, but they are not in this novel.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook, which I obtained through Hoopla. The narrator does a very good job. Actually too good, because she portrays Hugh quite realistically, in all his macho, misogynistic glory, making him even harder to swallow than if one were reading this book in print and able to skim over some of his more objectionable, sexist attitudes.
A little less than a year ago, when Mattie was 30, she made the most daring choice of her quietly conventional life, when she seduced sexy, mysterious, 39-year-old Hugh, her wealthy grandmother's freelance security consultant. Unfortunately, Mattie's timing was drastically off. Hugh had just been dumped that very day by Mattie's gorgeous, colorful, artistic older sister, who had become his fiancee during a whirlwind courtship in romantic Italy. The morning after their passionate interlude, Mattie impulsively proclaimed her love to Hugh, assured him she would make him a good wife, and stated that she was willing to follow him anywhere, including to the fictional South Pacific Island of St. Gabriel, where he makes his home. Understandably startled by this unexpected declaration, and far from ready to begin any rebound romance whatsoever, let alone one with the younger sister of his ex-fiancee, Hugh bungled his rejection of Mattie's offer, by telling her she was not his type and all but running out the door. However, given the fact that he was pushing 40 and more than ready to settle down and start a family, within a few weeks after callously rejecting Mattie, it suddenly occurred to Hugh that he had chosen the wrong sister to be his wife. He considered Mattie quite attractive in her own unobtrusive way, and she would certainly be a better bet as the future mother of his children than her flighty sister. After arriving at this pragmatic conclusion, Hugh has made multiple attempts, over the many months since he blew his chance with Mattie, to get back in touch with her and inform her of the happy news that he is all hers. Inauspiciously for Hugh's optimistic plans for Mattie's future, however, she is nursing a full-on case of woman-scorned, humiliated resentment and wants nothing to do with him.
Running out of patience with his elusive quarry, and feeling increasingly desperate to get a chance to plead his case with the recalcitrant Mattie, Hugh colludes with her grandmother, who is quite fond of him and would be happy for him to marry any of her granddaughters, to create an opportunity for Mattie to run into him on a small South Pacific island, which is close to St. Gabriel. Unfortunately, soon after Mattie arrives at her island destination, a revolution breaks out, and it's up to Hugh to get the two of them out alive.
This romantic suspense novel from very early in JAK's career is not one of her better works. It is an extreme example of an "opposites attract" romance, between an old-fashioned, domineering alphahole romance protagonist, who likes to call all the shots, and an extremely polite woman, who has to go against every inclination of her sensitive, "go along to get along" nature in order to stand up to him. One of Hugh's most obnoxious habits is continually calling Mattie, "Babe," no matter how many times she insists that he stop. In addition, which is very counter to how virtually every romance hero is presented, as a virtuoso in the sack, we are informed, via Mattie's thoughts, that her first night with Hugh was a non-orgasmic bust. The babe thing and the clumsy sexual performance issue actually wouldn't be too bad if they were presented in a comic light, but they are not in this novel.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook, which I obtained through Hoopla. The narrator does a very good job. Actually too good, because she portrays Hugh quite realistically, in all his macho, misogynistic glory, making him even harder to swallow than if one were reading this book in print and able to skim over some of his more objectionable, sexist attitudes.
April 15, 2012
This is Krentz at her best. I like everything she’s written between 1990 and 2005, no matter under which of her three nom de plumes – Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, or Jayne Castle – a novel is published. This one is a contemporary romance, and despite the lack of internet and cell phones, it reads as well today as it did in 1991.
On page one, the protagonist Mattie stumbles upon a dying man on the floor of his island villa. You don’t get more in medias res than that. Upon exiting the villa in a state of shocked panic – entirely understandable: the man had a bullet hole in his chest – Mattie runs headlong into Hugh, a guy who had rejected her love a year ago. He takes her on a jaunt through the jungle to escape the bad guys, and of course, romantic tangles ensue, inescapable and exciting.
As it should be in a formulaic romance, the action rolls non-stop from the start, packed tightly like sardines in a tin. The dialog is sharp and exaggerated, fun to read. The locale is exotic and the relationship steamy. And the protagonists are of course the opposites that attract. While she is a gallery owner, sophisticated and reserved, a refined urbanite, he is at home in a jungle, a former mercenary with a past. The author paints him as a mix between a Neanderthal with fast reflexes and a knight in shining armor. I admit I’ve never met such a man. He doesn’t seem real, more like a woman’s dream, but it’s nice to dream sometimes.
Every time my mood plummets, I pick up one of Krentz’s novels, and they serve me faithfully, better than any antidepressant. I own many of them. Like salve for the soul, they’re swift and sweet, although utterly interchangeable. No literary nourishment, just a reading candy, and this one is no exception. I’ve read it at least three times and I still enjoyed it.
I must add that in my view, Krentz is peerless at building her plot arch. In most of her novels, this one included, the story structure is extremely focused, elegant in its transparency. As a beginner writer, I learned story structure from Krentz’s books, analyzed them like writing manuals. I’d recommend them for every new writer, as guidebooks on constructing a good plot. I’d also recommend them to any fan of romance novels, although you should pay attention to the publishing date. Anything published before 1990 or after 2005 is a suspect. Anything published during the above-mentioned interval is either a bestseller or a darn-good book.
On page one, the protagonist Mattie stumbles upon a dying man on the floor of his island villa. You don’t get more in medias res than that. Upon exiting the villa in a state of shocked panic – entirely understandable: the man had a bullet hole in his chest – Mattie runs headlong into Hugh, a guy who had rejected her love a year ago. He takes her on a jaunt through the jungle to escape the bad guys, and of course, romantic tangles ensue, inescapable and exciting.
As it should be in a formulaic romance, the action rolls non-stop from the start, packed tightly like sardines in a tin. The dialog is sharp and exaggerated, fun to read. The locale is exotic and the relationship steamy. And the protagonists are of course the opposites that attract. While she is a gallery owner, sophisticated and reserved, a refined urbanite, he is at home in a jungle, a former mercenary with a past. The author paints him as a mix between a Neanderthal with fast reflexes and a knight in shining armor. I admit I’ve never met such a man. He doesn’t seem real, more like a woman’s dream, but it’s nice to dream sometimes.
Every time my mood plummets, I pick up one of Krentz’s novels, and they serve me faithfully, better than any antidepressant. I own many of them. Like salve for the soul, they’re swift and sweet, although utterly interchangeable. No literary nourishment, just a reading candy, and this one is no exception. I’ve read it at least three times and I still enjoyed it.
I must add that in my view, Krentz is peerless at building her plot arch. In most of her novels, this one included, the story structure is extremely focused, elegant in its transparency. As a beginner writer, I learned story structure from Krentz’s books, analyzed them like writing manuals. I’d recommend them for every new writer, as guidebooks on constructing a good plot. I’d also recommend them to any fan of romance novels, although you should pay attention to the publishing date. Anything published before 1990 or after 2005 is a suspect. Anything published during the above-mentioned interval is either a bestseller or a darn-good book.
October 21, 2019
~ Audible Review ~
This audio book was good. I liked the narrator’s voice, she did a great job with both the MCs and the secondary characters. Overall, the story delivered on the blurb and it was easy to follow along. My low rating is based on the story itself. I definitely get emotionally invested when I read/hear a book and Mattie and Hugh’s story came with a twist that isn’t my preferred choice when it comes to romance.
Granted it’s been years since I’ve read a Jayne Ann Krentz book but I remember I used to really like them. Silver Lining was missing that extra spark for me and it didn’t help any that it had one of my biggest pet peeves. Sibling double-dipping.
Yup, Mattie, the shy, understated heroine fell in love with Hugh while he was engaged to her older, more beautiful, outgoing, dramatic sister, Ariel. She ends up the one night stand/rebound when Ariel dumps Hugh. But when she confesses her love, Hugh freaks out, claims she’s not his type and leaves for his island home.
It’s my own fault (I know) but I kept at it on the off chance Hugh and Ariel whirlwind engagement was just whirlwind enough that nothing too explicit happened between them but no. Mattie has to hear it from her sister (several times) about what they did sexually while they were together. Blahhh! TMI!!!
Personally, I could never be with someone that knows my sibling in the biblical sense so this whole concept is foreign to me. The fact that Mattie has a lot of issues with being overlooked and belittled because of her sister makes me question the fact that she fell for one of Ariel’s cast-offs.
Hugh was also a pretty crappy Hero. He apologizes but then badgers Mattie at every turn for not instantly rolling over and marrying him. Hello? He used and humiliated her and now, just because he decides he’s willing to take her, everything is forgiven?!?! Just No. There was definitely not enough romance here. Chemistry? Yes, these two had sparks but I needed Mattie to be wooed not bulldozed and pushed into a marriage that is solely conveniento the Zero.
In all honesty I’m not even sure how or when she fell in love with him in the first place. They both freely admit that during his short engagement to Ariel, he never even noticed Mattie and they had only spoken a handful of words to each other until the night he gets dumped and accepts a dinner invitation from Mattie that leads to his drunken one night stand with her. After his infamous Wham-Bam-Thank you-M’aam moment, an embarrassed Mattie avoids him for almost a year before they meet again.
Definitely not JAK’s best. Thanks to Libby for the audible loan!
This audio book was good. I liked the narrator’s voice, she did a great job with both the MCs and the secondary characters. Overall, the story delivered on the blurb and it was easy to follow along. My low rating is based on the story itself. I definitely get emotionally invested when I read/hear a book and Mattie and Hugh’s story came with a twist that isn’t my preferred choice when it comes to romance.
Granted it’s been years since I’ve read a Jayne Ann Krentz book but I remember I used to really like them. Silver Lining was missing that extra spark for me and it didn’t help any that it had one of my biggest pet peeves. Sibling double-dipping.
Yup, Mattie, the shy, understated heroine fell in love with Hugh while he was engaged to her older, more beautiful, outgoing, dramatic sister, Ariel. She ends up the one night stand/rebound when Ariel dumps Hugh. But when she confesses her love, Hugh freaks out, claims she’s not his type and leaves for his island home.
It’s my own fault (I know) but I kept at it on the off chance Hugh and Ariel whirlwind engagement was just whirlwind enough that nothing too explicit happened between them but no. Mattie has to hear it from her sister (several times) about what they did sexually while they were together. Blahhh! TMI!!!
Personally, I could never be with someone that knows my sibling in the biblical sense so this whole concept is foreign to me. The fact that Mattie has a lot of issues with being overlooked and belittled because of her sister makes me question the fact that she fell for one of Ariel’s cast-offs.
Hugh was also a pretty crappy Hero. He apologizes but then badgers Mattie at every turn for not instantly rolling over and marrying him. Hello? He used and humiliated her and now, just because he decides he’s willing to take her, everything is forgiven?!?! Just No. There was definitely not enough romance here. Chemistry? Yes, these two had sparks but I needed Mattie to be wooed not bulldozed and pushed into a marriage that is solely conveniento the Zero.
In all honesty I’m not even sure how or when she fell in love with him in the first place. They both freely admit that during his short engagement to Ariel, he never even noticed Mattie and they had only spoken a handful of words to each other until the night he gets dumped and accepts a dinner invitation from Mattie that leads to his drunken one night stand with her. After his infamous Wham-Bam-Thank you-M’aam moment, an embarrassed Mattie avoids him for almost a year before they meet again.
Definitely not JAK’s best. Thanks to Libby for the audible loan!
October 20, 2015
This was the first JAK I ever read and as such it is special to me. It has everything I expect - an original heroine with family issues, an alpha hero with an old score to settle and some interesting secondary characters.
I like the idea of St. Gabe, especially once it gets a tiny bit more mainstream.
I like the idea of St. Gabe, especially once it gets a tiny bit more mainstream.
December 30, 2011
Meh. I just could not work up any enthusiasm for this book. The characters fit a little too well into typical romance stereotypes (macho-manly hero, wishy-washy heroine). There was some fun-- I did enjoy the scene where our prim heroine received a makeover from a friendly prostitute-- but my overall impression was blah.
July 15, 2023
3 1/2
A neurotic heroine and a Neanderthal hero, but the story worked because they grew up as characters. It was really good seeing the hero realize her life was as important as his. It could have been 'revolutionary' if the thought had been developed to the end :P
A neurotic heroine and a Neanderthal hero, but the story worked because they grew up as characters. It was really good seeing the hero realize her life was as important as his. It could have been 'revolutionary' if the thought had been developed to the end :P
March 23, 2011
This was okay. I've read better by JAK. The main male character annoyed the heck out of me.
January 3, 2024
I liked.
August 16, 2019
Mattie finds herself in the middle of an adventure when she stops at the island of Purgatory to pick up an ancient sword for her aunt and finds the murdered body of the sword's owner. Fleeing the scene, she runs into the last person that she wanted to see on her island vacation. Hugh Abbot is the man who turned down her marriage proposal, broke her heart, and took off for parts unknown. She's been avoiding him for a year.
Hugh regrets hurting Mattie but it was really the wrong time to begin a new relationship. He had just broken his engagement to her sister Ariel and was questioning his own judgment. Some thought convinced him that Mattie was the woman for him. The only problem is that she isn't eager to hear what he now believes.
Hugh rescue Mattie from danger and they head off to a nearby island. Hugh is ready to resume their relationship, marry her and take him back home to his island where he is in the process of setting up a charter airline business. But Mattie has had time to think too and she isn't at all certain that she wants to trust Hugh with her heart again. Worst of all, following Hugh means giving up her life in Seattle where she is a successful art gallery owner.
Having successful careers in two very different places would be enough of an obstacle to romance but there's more: an old enemy of Hugh's has resurfaced and Hugh needs to take care of him. After all, he tried to kill Hugh and did murder his friend on Purgatory.
This novel was written in 1991 and it shows in a few ways. Lack of cellphones which likely wouldn't have worked on Purgatory anyway is one of the things that make its age know. Most of all though, the attitudes indicate the book's age. Hugh's unwillingness to hear the word "no" in sexual situations was a little troubling even if Mattie was willing to be convinced.
This story does have Krentz's trademark quirky characters and crisp dialog. It has independent women and men who are heroes with slightly rusty armor. It was an enjoyable reread since I hadn't revisited it since buying and reading it first in 1991.
Hugh regrets hurting Mattie but it was really the wrong time to begin a new relationship. He had just broken his engagement to her sister Ariel and was questioning his own judgment. Some thought convinced him that Mattie was the woman for him. The only problem is that she isn't eager to hear what he now believes.
Hugh rescue Mattie from danger and they head off to a nearby island. Hugh is ready to resume their relationship, marry her and take him back home to his island where he is in the process of setting up a charter airline business. But Mattie has had time to think too and she isn't at all certain that she wants to trust Hugh with her heart again. Worst of all, following Hugh means giving up her life in Seattle where she is a successful art gallery owner.
Having successful careers in two very different places would be enough of an obstacle to romance but there's more: an old enemy of Hugh's has resurfaced and Hugh needs to take care of him. After all, he tried to kill Hugh and did murder his friend on Purgatory.
This novel was written in 1991 and it shows in a few ways. Lack of cellphones which likely wouldn't have worked on Purgatory anyway is one of the things that make its age know. Most of all though, the attitudes indicate the book's age. Hugh's unwillingness to hear the word "no" in sexual situations was a little troubling even if Mattie was willing to be convinced.
This story does have Krentz's trademark quirky characters and crisp dialog. It has independent women and men who are heroes with slightly rusty armor. It was an enjoyable reread since I hadn't revisited it since buying and reading it first in 1991.
January 22, 2025
This is one of my very favorite Jayne Ann Krentz romance novels, which is why this is my third time around with it. This book has just about everything a reader of the genre would expect, and more. It has great characters, a vivid setting, and plenty of fast action.
The book opens with protagonist Mattie Sharpe standing over a dying man on the South Pacific island of Purgatory. Mattie has walked in on a military coup.
Her aunt sent Mattie there to retrieve an ancient sword with a curse. That certainly doesn't bode well for the young Seattle art gallery owner.
Added to that, she immediately runs into the last man on earth that she wants to encounter.
Hugh Abbott had spurned her a year earlier, after a single night of passion. He had been the fiancee of Mattie's older sister, Ariel. When Ariel broke off their engagement, Mattie offered herself as replacement. He wanted a wife to take back to his island home, but apparently Mattie would not do.
Hugh learned to regret this action when he finally "admitted to himself that he had picked the wrong sister" from the outset.
Now Mattie wants nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, Hugh is now the only person who can rescue her from Purgatory and the dangerous situation she finds herself in.
Many exciting adventures follow: escaping through secret hallways, traversing a network of caves, and stealing a boat to escape the island. On the next island, Mattie meets a hooker named Evangeline Dangerfield. This is when the story turns downright hilarious.
And so it goes, back and forth as Mattie and Hugh spar while encountering a variety of interesting people. This well written tale is frought with danger.
The reader AND Mattie are also kept wondering about Hugh's mysterious past. From the colorful island settings to Seattle's art world, peril follows them throughout. It takes most of the book, however, before the two to finally admit that they love one another.
But "all's well that ends well," as William Shakespeare once wrote. This IS, after all, a typical Krentz novel.
The book opens with protagonist Mattie Sharpe standing over a dying man on the South Pacific island of Purgatory. Mattie has walked in on a military coup.
Her aunt sent Mattie there to retrieve an ancient sword with a curse. That certainly doesn't bode well for the young Seattle art gallery owner.
Added to that, she immediately runs into the last man on earth that she wants to encounter.
Hugh Abbott had spurned her a year earlier, after a single night of passion. He had been the fiancee of Mattie's older sister, Ariel. When Ariel broke off their engagement, Mattie offered herself as replacement. He wanted a wife to take back to his island home, but apparently Mattie would not do.
Hugh learned to regret this action when he finally "admitted to himself that he had picked the wrong sister" from the outset.
Now Mattie wants nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, Hugh is now the only person who can rescue her from Purgatory and the dangerous situation she finds herself in.
Many exciting adventures follow: escaping through secret hallways, traversing a network of caves, and stealing a boat to escape the island. On the next island, Mattie meets a hooker named Evangeline Dangerfield. This is when the story turns downright hilarious.
And so it goes, back and forth as Mattie and Hugh spar while encountering a variety of interesting people. This well written tale is frought with danger.
The reader AND Mattie are also kept wondering about Hugh's mysterious past. From the colorful island settings to Seattle's art world, peril follows them throughout. It takes most of the book, however, before the two to finally admit that they love one another.
But "all's well that ends well," as William Shakespeare once wrote. This IS, after all, a typical Krentz novel.
December 3, 2018
Island hopping fun.
Mattie is caught in a family of artistic uber-achievers who delight in drama and emotional discharge. Mattie unfortunately is normal. Her sister Ariel changes men to match her artistic output. Hugh is a macho, rough but true ex-fiancee who had a one nighter with Mattie right after breaking up with Ariel. Mattie has been avoiding him since and this plunges her into danger, violence, romance and finally a HEA.
A older book by Krentz features a more macho type hero than is currently the vogue. Nevertheless he has charm and sincerity making him attractive. Always the Krentz plots are action packed with adventure and fun to read with witty dialogue to spice things up.
Mattie is caught in a family of artistic uber-achievers who delight in drama and emotional discharge. Mattie unfortunately is normal. Her sister Ariel changes men to match her artistic output. Hugh is a macho, rough but true ex-fiancee who had a one nighter with Mattie right after breaking up with Ariel. Mattie has been avoiding him since and this plunges her into danger, violence, romance and finally a HEA.
A older book by Krentz features a more macho type hero than is currently the vogue. Nevertheless he has charm and sincerity making him attractive. Always the Krentz plots are action packed with adventure and fun to read with witty dialogue to spice things up.
March 7, 2022
Bottomline: This is my all time favorite book. Like an old friend, I re-read it every year.
If you like romance and action, this is the gold star of that genre. JAK is widely regarded as a leader in the romance genre and this is her best book (IMO). The book has tons of action, from the first page you are on a whirlwind adventure. With memorable characters, exotic locations and a truly heroic lead - it's always a winner for me.
The hero archetype might be a bit dated for 2022. He's arrogant and has a bit of old fashion ideas but I still find him hot. I always get a laugh out of certain scenes and hold my breath through one part. If you need an escape I couldn't recommend anything higher than Silver Linings by JAK.
If you like romance and action, this is the gold star of that genre. JAK is widely regarded as a leader in the romance genre and this is her best book (IMO). The book has tons of action, from the first page you are on a whirlwind adventure. With memorable characters, exotic locations and a truly heroic lead - it's always a winner for me.
The hero archetype might be a bit dated for 2022. He's arrogant and has a bit of old fashion ideas but I still find him hot. I always get a laugh out of certain scenes and hold my breath through one part. If you need an escape I couldn't recommend anything higher than Silver Linings by JAK.
September 12, 2023
I’m actually shocked that this book made it to publication. The main character is dull, everyone always walks all over her and she just never speaks up. The main ‘hero’ is misogynistic and disrespectful all the time. He’s constantly dictating how the main character is meant to feel, what she’s meant to do, how she’s meant to behave and she rarely corrects him. He constantly belittles women and clearly has no respect for them. For me, the worst part was the how the non-consensual sex seems to perfectly acceptable. He basically rapes her in one scene and it’s complete romanticised. What’s worse is every time she tells him no, he ends up getting his way with her anyway. An incredibly uncomfortable listen with some very concerning views on what’s acceptable behaviour.
July 28, 2019
In general I love all the books I've read by Jayne Ann Krentz under whatever nom de plume. I read them over more than once, and they are my favorite comfort reads. The heros are all men I wish were mine, and I admire the feisty spirit of most of the heroines.
This one, though, I just don't like. I don't like the clueless heroine, and I can't stand the obnoxious jackass hero. I've never managed to read it a second time, and I'm considering getting rid of the book entirely, and if you ever saw my shelves you would know how radical that is.
What can I say? Every author is entitled to a few flops. Won't stop me from buying everything else she writes as soon as it comes out.
This one, though, I just don't like. I don't like the clueless heroine, and I can't stand the obnoxious jackass hero. I've never managed to read it a second time, and I'm considering getting rid of the book entirely, and if you ever saw my shelves you would know how radical that is.
What can I say? Every author is entitled to a few flops. Won't stop me from buying everything else she writes as soon as it comes out.
September 2, 2019
This may be one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I have enjoyed many of Ms Krentz’s stories - which is the only reason I didn’t give up on it half way through. Free on audible - and now I know why! Maddie and Hugh barely know each other, rarely listen to one another, he is a brute and a bully and pretty much a misogynistic asshat for about 2/3 of the book. And not in a good way. At practically the end, they started to come together, listen and things happened - at which point it started to redeem itself. But too little wayyyyy to late. I did like a few of the supporting characters, but that was about it. If it not free, skip it - and even then, think hard before you start.
June 27, 2023
This book was unhinged. It started off interesting with the FMC meeting an old flame over a dead body. This MMC saves her from danger, and then we find out the MMC was previously engaged to FMC’S sister!? The whole thread of the FMC stealing her sister’s men was weird….
In general the dynamic between the two MCs was a little off and the FMC was kind of annoying to ignore all of MMC’s advice when they got into danger. Add in the lazy names of an artist named “shock value” and an island named “purgatory” and my overall rating was a 2/2.5. I do think this may appeal to certain people nostalgic for 90s healthy nuts, gruff men, and soap operas.
In general the dynamic between the two MCs was a little off and the FMC was kind of annoying to ignore all of MMC’s advice when they got into danger. Add in the lazy names of an artist named “shock value” and an island named “purgatory” and my overall rating was a 2/2.5. I do think this may appeal to certain people nostalgic for 90s healthy nuts, gruff men, and soap operas.
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