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The Legend of the Crystal Lens
Note: This book is Out of Time re-titled as The Legend of the Crystal Lens.
SHE'S GOT THE SIGHT
For museum curator Jillian Talbot, her ability to see an object's history is her little secret. She never expects it to land her in the middle of a deadly battle for money and power between dangerous underground elements. The object of their greed: an ancient crystal lens that can unlock mysteries from the past... but only for someone with the sight. The one person who doesn't seem to want her dead is a cynical tomb raider who Jillian can only hope is worthy of her trust...
HE'S IN TOO DEEP
Simon Bonner has paid the last of his debts and is out of the looting game...until the lens lands on his doorstep. The other half of the crystal's secret is locked inside the eyes of a straitlaced psychic who still believes in doing the right thing. Now he must track the mystery deep into Mexico , where his desire to stay alive and his growing passion for the sexy seer make every move a dance with danger.
OUT OF TIME
Tomorrow could be history.
SHE'S GOT THE SIGHT
For museum curator Jillian Talbot, her ability to see an object's history is her little secret. She never expects it to land her in the middle of a deadly battle for money and power between dangerous underground elements. The object of their greed: an ancient crystal lens that can unlock mysteries from the past... but only for someone with the sight. The one person who doesn't seem to want her dead is a cynical tomb raider who Jillian can only hope is worthy of her trust...
HE'S IN TOO DEEP
Simon Bonner has paid the last of his debts and is out of the looting game...until the lens lands on his doorstep. The other half of the crystal's secret is locked inside the eyes of a straitlaced psychic who still believes in doing the right thing. Now he must track the mystery deep into Mexico , where his desire to stay alive and his growing passion for the sexy seer make every move a dance with danger.
OUT OF TIME
Tomorrow could be history.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Graves
9 books11 followersPer the author's website, this person also writes under the pen name "C.J. Barry."
Go to: http://www.cjbarry.com/
Click on Romantic Suspense and it takes you to "Samantha Graves."
http://www.samanthagraves.com/
Go to: http://www.cjbarry.com/
Click on Romantic Suspense and it takes you to "Samantha Graves."
http://www.samanthagraves.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 11, 2021
What sold me on this book was that it was a mix of Lara Croft meets Indians Jones- and let’s be honest who doesn’t want that in a romance book? In fact I need MORE of these romances! This book gave me an ancient treasure, tomb raiding, action, a psychic heroine and romance. Yes please.
Our heroine is gifted in a way that she can see impressions left on objects by those with strong emotional connections to the object. She is thrown into a race for treasure when her abilities get out and she is the only one who can see through a special artificial to find an ancient treasure. Our hero has no choice but to kidnap our heroine and persuade her to help him find the treasure first as someone’s life is at stake.
I loved the couple’s adventure as well as their burgeoning relationship. However I wish there was more tomb raiding (I can’t help myself 😂). Something else I loved about this book- right at the end the author leaves a couple of discussion points not only about the couple’s relationship and future but also around ancient treasures and knowledge and not only did they make me properly think but I think it will also make this book stay with me for a while.
Our heroine is gifted in a way that she can see impressions left on objects by those with strong emotional connections to the object. She is thrown into a race for treasure when her abilities get out and she is the only one who can see through a special artificial to find an ancient treasure. Our hero has no choice but to kidnap our heroine and persuade her to help him find the treasure first as someone’s life is at stake.
I loved the couple’s adventure as well as their burgeoning relationship. However I wish there was more tomb raiding (I can’t help myself 😂). Something else I loved about this book- right at the end the author leaves a couple of discussion points not only about the couple’s relationship and future but also around ancient treasures and knowledge and not only did they make me properly think but I think it will also make this book stay with me for a while.
October 20, 2018
Definitely had 'Romancing the Stone' vibes. Enjoyed it a lot more than expected. Fast paced action with a good dash of romance and betrayal. Thumbs up from me.
December 1, 2019
x-rated. Graves feels like a reliable hot fast author. Tomb raider "real man" vs slim blonde Jeep no-license driver over Mexican ruts racing from layers of betrayers. The first kidnap con is obvious.
May 20, 2024
3.5* Fun little romp. Very Indiana Jones, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns -esque though set more contemporarily (and no undead creatures).
August 19, 2012
Thanks to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to read this.
To unearth the secret of ancient civilizations, a museum curator must team up with a tomb raider who’s stolen the history she’s dictated to protect.
To beat the other tomb raiders, they’ll have to partner up — because suddenly Jillian and Simon are in a race just to stay alive.
The treasure hunt kept me intrigued, but the romantic tension kept me up late! Simon Bonner is one of the most unique heroes I have read in a very long time, and I won't soon forget him! I loved the intense attraction between Simon and Jillian and really enjoyed their banter. If you've been wishing for a light Romantic Suspense with plenty of action and steamy heat, then you’ve find it within this story. This was a fast and fun read: a good mix between a love story and an adventure/thriller story. I liked the characters and I am looking forward to reading Sight Unseen which precedes this book; it is Raven Callahan’s story - Jillian's sister.
To unearth the secret of ancient civilizations, a museum curator must team up with a tomb raider who’s stolen the history she’s dictated to protect.
To beat the other tomb raiders, they’ll have to partner up — because suddenly Jillian and Simon are in a race just to stay alive.
The treasure hunt kept me intrigued, but the romantic tension kept me up late! Simon Bonner is one of the most unique heroes I have read in a very long time, and I won't soon forget him! I loved the intense attraction between Simon and Jillian and really enjoyed their banter. If you've been wishing for a light Romantic Suspense with plenty of action and steamy heat, then you’ve find it within this story. This was a fast and fun read: a good mix between a love story and an adventure/thriller story. I liked the characters and I am looking forward to reading Sight Unseen which precedes this book; it is Raven Callahan’s story - Jillian's sister.
July 27, 2015
Simon Bonner, tomb raider extraordinaire, has left his house pretty quickly after an old acquaintance dies after giving him the news that Simon’s ex-wife, Celina, has been kidnapped. In return the kidnappers want the crystal lens and a woman named Jillian Talbot in order to find the Archives of Man.
Jillian Talbot is a museum curator and as she leaves the museum she is held at gunpoint, terrified she allows her kidnapper to escort her to their car, but as they begin to move, a guy comes along and saves her. At first she is extremely grateful, but soon realises he’s just kidnapped her from the kidnappers!
After a while she learns and understands Simon’s motives and together they have to navigate their way through a mystery they don’t fully understand with bad guys on their tail, all the while learning to trust each other and ignore their growing attraction.
Some time ago I read License to Steal by Samantha Graves and quite enjoyed it. However, I found that rather than a romantic adventure it was more down the route of just a romantic suspense. Looking at the cover of The Legend of the Crystal Lens, I was hoping for more adventure this time around. So, did I get it? Well, in some ways yes. There is a little more in the adventure department, but it only happens near the end of the novel when Simon and Jillian eventually enter the Mexican jungle to find the Archives of Man. Unfortunately, for most of the book we see Simon and Jillian run from one place to the next. This was more ‘suspense’ whereas searching through the jungle is more ‘adventure’.
However, I did enjoy the ride and the romance. But again I wanted more. The romantic aspect didn’t really start to kick in until well over the 100 page mark and even then, for any real action, I had to wait a lot longer than that.
There were a few inconsistencies with the writing that niggled. For instance:
One sentence states she knew exactly how Celina was feeling, then she contradicted herself in the next by saying she couldn’t imagine what Celina was going through. This sort of inconsistency does bug me, especially as it was in the same paragraph!
I liked the fact that Jillian was not a walk over. At first I thought the same as Simon, that she was a little naive and way over her head. But we should have known better. Jillian comes from a family of art thieves and her sister, Raven (the heroine from License to Steal) is pretty badass, so when the following scene happened, it not only made me laugh but also reminded me that you shouldn’t think you know someone just because of the way they look:
I enjoyed Jillian and Simon as a couple but they didn’t set the world on fire. It was good to see their growing trust and friendship and I liked how they put aside all their feelings, fears and past problems to get to the bottom of the mystery of the crystal lens.
I think I should mention that as the same with License to Steal, The Legend of the Crystal Lens does contain certain paranormal elements. Jillian has the ability to see things from the past when touching an object, which is the reason she is so valuable to the kidnappers. There are a few twists to the story that were somewhat predictable, about half way through the book I had already figured the main one out, which was a little disappointing.
The romance and mystery were wrapped up nicely at the end, and was fitting. The baddies got what they deserved and Jillian and Simon realised they loved each other and walked off into the Mexican sunset…
The Legend of the Crystal Lens is a fun book. It doesn’t quite deliver on the romance or the adventure aspect, as I would have liked more, but I did enjoy reading it and would read more from Graves.
Jillian Talbot is a museum curator and as she leaves the museum she is held at gunpoint, terrified she allows her kidnapper to escort her to their car, but as they begin to move, a guy comes along and saves her. At first she is extremely grateful, but soon realises he’s just kidnapped her from the kidnappers!
After a while she learns and understands Simon’s motives and together they have to navigate their way through a mystery they don’t fully understand with bad guys on their tail, all the while learning to trust each other and ignore their growing attraction.
Some time ago I read License to Steal by Samantha Graves and quite enjoyed it. However, I found that rather than a romantic adventure it was more down the route of just a romantic suspense. Looking at the cover of The Legend of the Crystal Lens, I was hoping for more adventure this time around. So, did I get it? Well, in some ways yes. There is a little more in the adventure department, but it only happens near the end of the novel when Simon and Jillian eventually enter the Mexican jungle to find the Archives of Man. Unfortunately, for most of the book we see Simon and Jillian run from one place to the next. This was more ‘suspense’ whereas searching through the jungle is more ‘adventure’.
However, I did enjoy the ride and the romance. But again I wanted more. The romantic aspect didn’t really start to kick in until well over the 100 page mark and even then, for any real action, I had to wait a lot longer than that.
There were a few inconsistencies with the writing that niggled. For instance:
If it wasn’t for the blue light on the horizon, it would be a perfect night.
You have a gift, Jillie.
Not quite, she thought sadly. The fact, right now she’d give up just about anything to get rid of it. A woman’s life was in her hands. Jillian knew exactly how Celina felt. Less than a year ago, Jillian had been kidnapped and terrorised by a man exacting revenge on her father. She couldn’t imagine what poor Celina was going though.
One sentence states she knew exactly how Celina was feeling, then she contradicted herself in the next by saying she couldn’t imagine what Celina was going through. This sort of inconsistency does bug me, especially as it was in the same paragraph!
I liked the fact that Jillian was not a walk over. At first I thought the same as Simon, that she was a little naive and way over her head. But we should have known better. Jillian comes from a family of art thieves and her sister, Raven (the heroine from License to Steal) is pretty badass, so when the following scene happened, it not only made me laugh but also reminded me that you shouldn’t think you know someone just because of the way they look:
“Dammit” he muttered and slammed the glass to the counter. Was she trying to get herself kidnapped again? Did she have any idea how dangerous it was for her to be out there alone in the middle of the fucking night? That was all he’d need – for her to disappear. Kiss Celina good-bye.
He slipped out the veranda doors that led to the beach, where she was standing looking up at the moon. A warm gulf breeze swept over him as he crouched through the low grass. Jillian stood a few inches into the surf, wearing a thin robe that wrapped around her thighs and fluttered in the breeze. No one around. No one to hear her scream if someone took her.
She never heard him come up behind her. He grabbed her around the waist and put his hand over her mouth. He was about to whisper, “This is how easy it would be to kidnap you” when she reacted
Her elbow knifed his belly, and her head snapped back to bash him in the nose. Stars and agony shot through his head as he grabbed for his face. His eyes were closed when she delivered the knee to his groin. He went down in a heap of pain.
For a moment, his brain disconnected from his body, and then Jillian dropped down next to him in the sand. “Simon! What in God’s name were you doing? I thought you were an attacker.”
He rolled to his side and squinted at her. “Trying to teach you a lesson.”
I enjoyed Jillian and Simon as a couple but they didn’t set the world on fire. It was good to see their growing trust and friendship and I liked how they put aside all their feelings, fears and past problems to get to the bottom of the mystery of the crystal lens.
I think I should mention that as the same with License to Steal, The Legend of the Crystal Lens does contain certain paranormal elements. Jillian has the ability to see things from the past when touching an object, which is the reason she is so valuable to the kidnappers. There are a few twists to the story that were somewhat predictable, about half way through the book I had already figured the main one out, which was a little disappointing.
The romance and mystery were wrapped up nicely at the end, and was fitting. The baddies got what they deserved and Jillian and Simon realised they loved each other and walked off into the Mexican sunset…
The Legend of the Crystal Lens is a fun book. It doesn’t quite deliver on the romance or the adventure aspect, as I would have liked more, but I did enjoy reading it and would read more from Graves.
July 11, 2023
I'd give this a 4.5. Such a fun and exciting adventure and romance. The ending was bit rushed for me, but I really loved everything about this book. I loved the tomb raider and historian put together. It was an enjoyable summer read!
September 16, 2017
Want to say this was up there with some of my other authors that I read and love. Full of mystery and intrigue. Great read. Thank you
April 13, 2020
I needed a book to read in the bath, so my boyfriend passed me this one as a joke. I wish he hadn't.
September 26, 2010
Romantic suspense about a psychic woman helping a tomb raider. There were some good lines and some interesting characters.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I debated between 3 stars and 4 stars, but I went with 4 because I was chuckling or laughing several times during the first third of the book. The last 2/3 of the book was less surprising and more like a typical romantic suspense. It was good but not great. There was a lot of intrigue, with different groups of people wanting the ancient treasure. Different bad guys were able to follow Simon throughout his trek. One did it through the GPS on his cell phone; another had a GPS on his rental jeep. Later he changes cars, so I wasn’t sure how the different groups were tracking him. I guess it wasn’t that important to know how he was being followed so easily. I enjoyed the collection of characters. This is the second book in the series, which is about Jillian who gets psychic impressions through sight. The first book “Sight Unseen” is about Jillian’s sister Raven who gets psychic impressions through touch. Raven sounds like a stronger and more interesting character (an ex-thief). Jillian was more of the good girl from the beginning.
STORY BRIEF:
This is an Indiana Jones type story. Simon is a tomb raider who wants to quit. A fellow tomb raider Jackson asks Simon for help. Jackson’s wife has been kidnapped. The ransom is an ancient treasure they want Jackson to find and bring to them. Jackson gives the information to Simon shortly before Jackson dies. Simon needs Jillian’s psychic help to be able to find the treasure. He goes to her to obtain her help. How he meets her and gets her to help him is fun to read.
DATA:
Story length: 316 pages. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 6. Setting: current day New York City, Boston and various locations in Mexico. Copyright: 2008. Genre: paranormal romantic suspense.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, the author has written two romantic suspense books under the name Samantha Graves. Both books are published with different titles in the UK. My reviews are:
2.5 stars. Sight Unseen (UK title: A License To Steal). Copyrt 2007. Review Date: 11-15-09.
4 stars. Out of Time (UK title: The Legend of the Crystal Lens). Copyrt 2008. Review Date: 11-22-08.
The author has also written several futuristic romance stories under the name CJ Barry.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I debated between 3 stars and 4 stars, but I went with 4 because I was chuckling or laughing several times during the first third of the book. The last 2/3 of the book was less surprising and more like a typical romantic suspense. It was good but not great. There was a lot of intrigue, with different groups of people wanting the ancient treasure. Different bad guys were able to follow Simon throughout his trek. One did it through the GPS on his cell phone; another had a GPS on his rental jeep. Later he changes cars, so I wasn’t sure how the different groups were tracking him. I guess it wasn’t that important to know how he was being followed so easily. I enjoyed the collection of characters. This is the second book in the series, which is about Jillian who gets psychic impressions through sight. The first book “Sight Unseen” is about Jillian’s sister Raven who gets psychic impressions through touch. Raven sounds like a stronger and more interesting character (an ex-thief). Jillian was more of the good girl from the beginning.
STORY BRIEF:
This is an Indiana Jones type story. Simon is a tomb raider who wants to quit. A fellow tomb raider Jackson asks Simon for help. Jackson’s wife has been kidnapped. The ransom is an ancient treasure they want Jackson to find and bring to them. Jackson gives the information to Simon shortly before Jackson dies. Simon needs Jillian’s psychic help to be able to find the treasure. He goes to her to obtain her help. How he meets her and gets her to help him is fun to read.
DATA:
Story length: 316 pages. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 6. Setting: current day New York City, Boston and various locations in Mexico. Copyright: 2008. Genre: paranormal romantic suspense.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, the author has written two romantic suspense books under the name Samantha Graves. Both books are published with different titles in the UK. My reviews are:
2.5 stars. Sight Unseen (UK title: A License To Steal). Copyrt 2007. Review Date: 11-15-09.
4 stars. Out of Time (UK title: The Legend of the Crystal Lens). Copyrt 2008. Review Date: 11-22-08.
The author has also written several futuristic romance stories under the name CJ Barry.
August 27, 2012
ABOUT THE BOOK:
SHE'S GOT THE SIGHT
For museum curator Jillian Talbot, her ability to see an object's history is her little secret. She never expects it to land her in the middle of a deadly battle for money and power between dangerous underground elements. The object of their greed: an ancient crystal lens that can unlock mysteries from the past... but only for someone with the sight. The one person who doesn't seem to want her dead is a cynical tomb raider who Jillian can only hope is worthy of her trust...
HE'S IN TOO DEEP
Simon Bonner has paid the last of his debts and is out of the looting game...until the lens lands on his doorstep. The other half of the crystal's secret is locked inside the eyes of a straitlaced psychic who still believes in doing the right thing. Now he must track the mystery deep into Mexico, where his desire to stay alive and his growing passion for the sexy seer make every move a dance with danger.
OUT OF TIME
Tomorrow could be history.
REVIEW: This was actually a bit out of the normal for romantic suspense that I’ve read. In a way, the whole time I was reading it I was thinking Indiana Jones meets When Harry Met Sally. Out of Time is packed full of non-stop action that has you gripping the pages and turning them as fast as you can.
The romantic elements were just right and provided just the right amount of build within Jillian and Simon. I loved the development of characters and the great twist at the end. I can see this piece turning into a series and would definitely pick up the next books if that were the case.
The only downside I had to the piece was at times the writing bothered me to a degree. It seemed like there were a lot of extra words but overall, it doesn’t distract from the story too much.
I did enjoy this and found my Sunday whooshed away in this fantastic piece. It’s one you want to read. Go get it now. Four out of five stars.
SHE'S GOT THE SIGHT
For museum curator Jillian Talbot, her ability to see an object's history is her little secret. She never expects it to land her in the middle of a deadly battle for money and power between dangerous underground elements. The object of their greed: an ancient crystal lens that can unlock mysteries from the past... but only for someone with the sight. The one person who doesn't seem to want her dead is a cynical tomb raider who Jillian can only hope is worthy of her trust...
HE'S IN TOO DEEP
Simon Bonner has paid the last of his debts and is out of the looting game...until the lens lands on his doorstep. The other half of the crystal's secret is locked inside the eyes of a straitlaced psychic who still believes in doing the right thing. Now he must track the mystery deep into Mexico, where his desire to stay alive and his growing passion for the sexy seer make every move a dance with danger.
OUT OF TIME
Tomorrow could be history.
REVIEW: This was actually a bit out of the normal for romantic suspense that I’ve read. In a way, the whole time I was reading it I was thinking Indiana Jones meets When Harry Met Sally. Out of Time is packed full of non-stop action that has you gripping the pages and turning them as fast as you can.
The romantic elements were just right and provided just the right amount of build within Jillian and Simon. I loved the development of characters and the great twist at the end. I can see this piece turning into a series and would definitely pick up the next books if that were the case.
The only downside I had to the piece was at times the writing bothered me to a degree. It seemed like there were a lot of extra words but overall, it doesn’t distract from the story too much.
I did enjoy this and found my Sunday whooshed away in this fantastic piece. It’s one you want to read. Go get it now. Four out of five stars.
October 19, 2008
Out of Time by Samantha Graves
Mass paperback release date: August 1st, 2008
Rating 4 ½ stars
Out of Time by Samantha Graves is another fantastic paranormal romance with action, mystery and very likeable, gutsy characters. I stumbled upon her first book Sight Unseen and was not disappointed to read her sequal. While the first book focuses on the elusive and adventurous Raven, the second centers on ‘quiet’ and orderly sister Jillian.
Jillian has been surrounded by a colorful family and seeks stability and comfort in her job as a museum curator. But Jillian has a secret, she can ‘see’ into the past and someone knows about her talent. She is kidnapped and drawn into the unsavory world or dishonest tomb robbers.
Simon Bonner is tired of living on the edge and wants to retire from his disreputable past. But his plans are suddenly changed when his ex-wife is taken hostage by relic hunters and he is given an ultimatum. Find the lost treasure or else. Simon must enlist Jillian’s help searching for the lost treasure but he is distracted by their unexpected attraction to each other.
This is a wonderful story. It reminded me of a fun Indiana Jones flick with a surprisingly spunky heroine, an admirable hero, an endearing sidekick and the (required) despicable villains. What made this book particularly engrossing was the main characters’ journey of self-discovery. Although faced with adversity, they both found unexpected strength and honor within themselves.
Reviewed by Steph at Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Mass paperback release date: August 1st, 2008
Rating 4 ½ stars
Out of Time by Samantha Graves is another fantastic paranormal romance with action, mystery and very likeable, gutsy characters. I stumbled upon her first book Sight Unseen and was not disappointed to read her sequal. While the first book focuses on the elusive and adventurous Raven, the second centers on ‘quiet’ and orderly sister Jillian.
Jillian has been surrounded by a colorful family and seeks stability and comfort in her job as a museum curator. But Jillian has a secret, she can ‘see’ into the past and someone knows about her talent. She is kidnapped and drawn into the unsavory world or dishonest tomb robbers.
Simon Bonner is tired of living on the edge and wants to retire from his disreputable past. But his plans are suddenly changed when his ex-wife is taken hostage by relic hunters and he is given an ultimatum. Find the lost treasure or else. Simon must enlist Jillian’s help searching for the lost treasure but he is distracted by their unexpected attraction to each other.
This is a wonderful story. It reminded me of a fun Indiana Jones flick with a surprisingly spunky heroine, an admirable hero, an endearing sidekick and the (required) despicable villains. What made this book particularly engrossing was the main characters’ journey of self-discovery. Although faced with adversity, they both found unexpected strength and honor within themselves.
Reviewed by Steph at Bookaholics Romance Book Club
May 10, 2014
This book is a whole bunch of things I like mixed together: smart protagonists, original situation and setup, great secondary cast (Paulie!), fantastic setting, a bit of romance, some danger, a little life-affirming nookie, mystery, local colour, some paranormal abilities, good research well presented, love, hate, betrayal ... the list goes on, but let's stop there.
I first encountered Samantha Graves on a podcast called "Will Write For Wine" she (or her alter ego, C.J. Barry), hosted with another author I like, Lani Diane Rich. (If you're a writer, check out those podcast archives, by the way. Fun and educational!) It has taken me forever (well, a year or two) to get around to reading one of Samantha/CJ's books, and I'm glad I finally did.
This is solid clear writing that pulls you into and through the story, peppering the way with hints and clues that intrigue and plant ideas in the reader's mind without actually giving anything away too soon. The pace varies but never drags or outruns the reader. This is a romantic action/adventure, and the tone is reminiscent of the movie "Romancing the Stone" (which I loved). I need to read the next book in the series.
I first encountered Samantha Graves on a podcast called "Will Write For Wine" she (or her alter ego, C.J. Barry), hosted with another author I like, Lani Diane Rich. (If you're a writer, check out those podcast archives, by the way. Fun and educational!) It has taken me forever (well, a year or two) to get around to reading one of Samantha/CJ's books, and I'm glad I finally did.
This is solid clear writing that pulls you into and through the story, peppering the way with hints and clues that intrigue and plant ideas in the reader's mind without actually giving anything away too soon. The pace varies but never drags or outruns the reader. This is a romantic action/adventure, and the tone is reminiscent of the movie "Romancing the Stone" (which I loved). I need to read the next book in the series.
July 10, 2024
Although it's not noted on the GoodReads info or on FantasticFiction, this definitely feels like the second in a series after Sight Unseen, which I have not read. Hopefully the small paranormal element is better-explained in the first book, as it is just sorta dropped in: apparently the main character's sister has a similar gift, but they keep it a secret for fear of not being believed. Does that mean they are the only 2 people in the world? What's behind it, where does it come from? This aspect of the universe is not addressed, so paranormal/fantasy readers should skip.
The treasure isn't very believable, once it's finally revealed, and no suggestions are made that adequately explain it's source.
The romance is spicy, but not my taste: people who are morally opposed to each other, but just have physical chemistry doesn't feel like a basis for a healthy relationship.
There are a lot of characters, but the action moves along. Best for readers who will be carried away by the suspense and action.
approved for the eARC from NetGalley but didn't get to it in time; read courtesy of my local public library.
The treasure isn't very believable, once it's finally revealed, and no suggestions are made that adequately explain it's source.
The romance is spicy, but not my taste: people who are morally opposed to each other, but just have physical chemistry doesn't feel like a basis for a healthy relationship.
There are a lot of characters, but the action moves along. Best for readers who will be carried away by the suspense and action.
approved for the eARC from NetGalley but didn't get to it in time; read courtesy of my local public library.
July 21, 2016
Jillian Talbot is a psychic who can see the past. When she touches an antiquity she can see people who have a strong connection to it, often the creator. However, her talent has not lent her credit in the art world, so she has kept it hidden. Until an attempted kidnapping and rescue lands her in the middle of a plot to locate ancient treasure. Simon Bonner, ex-tomb raider, is thrown back into the hunt when his ex-wife is kidnapped forcing him to find the treasure to save her. A crystal lens and Jillian's sight are the key and they must search Mexico to find it. Even that is not enough plot, there are 2 other groups on the hunt as well. Lots of action, multiple betrayals, romance and some humor make for a good story.
February 22, 2009
This is a Clive Cussler-type adventure/thriller with an archaeological theme, with a paranormal twist. The female lead is a museum curator that has visions of the creation of a piece when she seems it, and is apparently a Seer that needs to save civilization from the bad guys. The hunky tomb raider male hero that helps her in her quest is a former bad guy with a heart of gold. Cue romance storyline. It ends like you'd expect, but it's a light suspenseful ride to get there.
January 26, 2015
I picked this book up on a whim. I do enjoy mystery, suspense, psychic abilities, and some romance. I was surprised to find it very readable and engrossing.
Kind of an Indiana Jones story with romance and intrigue thrown in. The characters race through Mexico to find a hidden treasure. There were many story lines and the author held them all together well.
I look forward to finding her other books.
Kind of an Indiana Jones story with romance and intrigue thrown in. The characters race through Mexico to find a hidden treasure. There were many story lines and the author held them all together well.
I look forward to finding her other books.
April 2, 2013
This was a pretty typical book for this theme. It was well enough written, and story and characters were full enough, but.... It was just average. I didn't find anything special about the book at all. And as usual, crazy in love within days, and I'm sick of every author thinking that the destruction of beauty/history is a good read/watch (Hollywood does this all the f**king time!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2016
When I chose this book , I was looking for a Noir Thriller---- this book is billed as a noir ----- but it reads like a mystery/romance to me. Story was ok. The editing of the Kindle version was shoddy. The point of view changes in mid paragraph. This author has some other books with sister characters, but I don't think I am interested at this time. The author did not make me like he characters.
June 18, 2012
Not really very impressed it promised a lot on the cover but didn't really deliver. I am maybe bored with the ancient artefact, tomb-robber/archaeologist, save the world, bury it so no one else can get it genre. Read the end again!
July 2, 2012
Interesting premise, but at about the halfway mark realized when I wasn't bored I was annoyed with Jillian's inconsistencies/melodrama, so decided to give up. I usually run hot or cold on cheesy romantic suspense, and this was definitely on the cold side for me.
March 27, 2013
I enjoyed this - a swashbuckling adventure romance and a great page turner. Got a bit confused about who was betraying who towards the end, but ultimately I enjoyed the journey.
When does Paulie get HIS story told, though?!
When does Paulie get HIS story told, though?!
July 18, 2008
Cookie cutter fluff.
What I needed at the time.
What I needed at the time.
January 29, 2010
Decent, but it seemed vaguely familar for some reason. I was a little annoyed that Jillian's personality seemed to change overnight though.
August 5, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was a great car read - quick paced with great characters.
August 6, 2015
This was $4 newsagent fare, but let's not be snobby about it. An interesting enough read flavoured with overtones of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider.
December 27, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read, looking forward to more by this author.
February 2, 2017
Big Lara Croft/Nathan Drake/Indiana Jones fan, so I really enjoyed this novel
July 27, 2010
I ended up skimming this - not really as good as I'd hoped
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