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Ghost Hunters #2
After Glow
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Return to Harmony—where nothing is as it seems.
Life is complicated for Lydia Smith. She’s working at a tacky, third-rate museum, Shrimpton’s House of Ancient Horrors, trying to salvage her career in para-archaeology—and dating the most dangerous man in town. Just when she thinks she might be getting things under control, she stumbles over a dead body and discovers that her lover has a secret past that could get him killed. Just to top it off, there’s trouble brewing underground in the eerie, glowing green passageways of the Dead City.
Descending into these twisting catacombs, Lydia will learn just what it’s like to put her heart—and life—on the line…
Includes a preview of Jayne Castle’s Rainshadow Novel DECEPTION COVE
Return to Harmony—where nothing is as it seems.
Life is complicated for Lydia Smith. She’s working at a tacky, third-rate museum, Shrimpton’s House of Ancient Horrors, trying to salvage her career in para-archaeology—and dating the most dangerous man in town. Just when she thinks she might be getting things under control, she stumbles over a dead body and discovers that her lover has a secret past that could get him killed. Just to top it off, there’s trouble brewing underground in the eerie, glowing green passageways of the Dead City.
Descending into these twisting catacombs, Lydia will learn just what it’s like to put her heart—and life—on the line…
Includes a preview of Jayne Castle’s Rainshadow Novel DECEPTION COVE
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2004
402 people are currently reading
2059 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castle
55 books2,159 followersThe author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, 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.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonyms:
Jayne Ann Krentz
Amanda Quick
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonyms:
Jayne Ann Krentz
Amanda Quick
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
August 28, 2016
And now I'm mentally kicking myself for not reading this book sooner! I don’t know why I kept postponing it for months. After Glow, the second installment in Ghost Hunters series was absolutely amazing! If I had known it would be so much better, I would have started it right after I finished the first one.
The story was so gripping, and it kept me up late turning page after page because I couldn’t put it down until I found out what really happened to Lydia in the tunnels seven months ago. As the story went on, the more Emmett and Lydia investigated the cases, the more complex they became. And when the pieces of the puzzle gradually fell into place, finally the truth was revealed, well, I never saw that coming! The clever twist ending totally knocked me off my stride.
And I can tell that I was thoroughly satisfied with the conclusion to the mystery of Lydia's lost weekend. Very much.
I loved everything about this book: the brilliant plot, the characters, the future planet of Harmony, and the ending. These were all the things I wanted! Oh, and I loved Fuzz. He’s a super cute dust-bunny, a smart creature who saved Lydia’s life many times. And he loves to eat pretzels! Cute, cute, cute!
I admired the way Lydia handled the crisis. She seemed more mature, less impulsive, and good news, her former stubbornness seemed to disappear too.
By the way, this is by far one of the most compelling books by this author. On top of that, it kept me excited, guessing, and wondering throughout the entire story.
Five solid stars then!
The story was so gripping, and it kept me up late turning page after page because I couldn’t put it down until I found out what really happened to Lydia in the tunnels seven months ago. As the story went on, the more Emmett and Lydia investigated the cases, the more complex they became. And when the pieces of the puzzle gradually fell into place, finally the truth was revealed, well, I never saw that coming! The clever twist ending totally knocked me off my stride.
And I can tell that I was thoroughly satisfied with the conclusion to the mystery of Lydia's lost weekend. Very much.
I loved everything about this book: the brilliant plot, the characters, the future planet of Harmony, and the ending. These were all the things I wanted! Oh, and I loved Fuzz. He’s a super cute dust-bunny, a smart creature who saved Lydia’s life many times. And he loves to eat pretzels! Cute, cute, cute!
I admired the way Lydia handled the crisis. She seemed more mature, less impulsive, and good news, her former stubbornness seemed to disappear too.
By the way, this is by far one of the most compelling books by this author. On top of that, it kept me excited, guessing, and wondering throughout the entire story.
Five solid stars then!
April 25, 2017
Remember when I finished the first book yesterday and complained about the lack of any real information on this world? Well, I'm thinking this may have been a thing, because the info-dumps in this second book are vast and numerous.
I was glad she tried to use her words to describe the world a little better.
So, that was great! Got what I asked for...
Except, maybe she went a bit too far in the 'splaining department.
Here's what I mean. Let's say you go to the movies with 3 friends. When you get back from the movies, do you all sit and take turns telling each other what the movie was about, play by play? Of course not, that would be weird. You're not a freak.
But, that is what is happening in these books. They go through some big experience to solve the mystery, or a part of the mystery, and then they sit there and tell each other what happened and everything they learned. That would be fine if one person didn't know, or someone new came along and asked what happened, but no. There was a conversation between 4 people at the end where they each took a turn telling the others how the mystery was solved. Literally, they took turns speaking. And, gave each other the information that each of them already had. It was super awkward.
Wrong, it was.
Let the info flow naturally. Or, at least have someone come in the room so they can explain it to that chump.... ""Hey guys! Will you please tell me how you solved the mystery and caught the bad guys? And, please take turns telling the story. I need to hear each of your voices in turn. We'll start with you, Jim. Then, after a couple of sentences, let Bob speak for a few, then Lisa, then Sue. Then, we'll keep going round until the whole story comes out." Take a note from Scooby Doo. At least they always have the sheriff show up to tell the story to.
Or, Batman and the pantsless Robin. That works too.
Other than that, I liked the story a bit better than the story of the first book. We finally find out what happened to the heroine that made her lose some memories. The romance was fine. Oh, I just thought another funny little thing: the heroine talks about looking for a mover in the yellow pages. A phone book? Seriously? On another planet, in the future, they are printing phone books? Yeah, I'm not buying it.
Oh, and I still really want a Dust Bunny! Fuzz is my favorite book-pet ever!
I was glad she tried to use her words to describe the world a little better.
So, that was great! Got what I asked for...
Except, maybe she went a bit too far in the 'splaining department.
Here's what I mean. Let's say you go to the movies with 3 friends. When you get back from the movies, do you all sit and take turns telling each other what the movie was about, play by play? Of course not, that would be weird. You're not a freak.
But, that is what is happening in these books. They go through some big experience to solve the mystery, or a part of the mystery, and then they sit there and tell each other what happened and everything they learned. That would be fine if one person didn't know, or someone new came along and asked what happened, but no. There was a conversation between 4 people at the end where they each took a turn telling the others how the mystery was solved. Literally, they took turns speaking. And, gave each other the information that each of them already had. It was super awkward.
Wrong, it was.
Let the info flow naturally. Or, at least have someone come in the room so they can explain it to that chump.... ""Hey guys! Will you please tell me how you solved the mystery and caught the bad guys? And, please take turns telling the story. I need to hear each of your voices in turn. We'll start with you, Jim. Then, after a couple of sentences, let Bob speak for a few, then Lisa, then Sue. Then, we'll keep going round until the whole story comes out." Take a note from Scooby Doo. At least they always have the sheriff show up to tell the story to.
Or, Batman and the pantsless Robin. That works too.
Other than that, I liked the story a bit better than the story of the first book. We finally find out what happened to the heroine that made her lose some memories. The romance was fine. Oh, I just thought another funny little thing: the heroine talks about looking for a mover in the yellow pages. A phone book? Seriously? On another planet, in the future, they are printing phone books? Yeah, I'm not buying it.
Oh, and I still really want a Dust Bunny! Fuzz is my favorite book-pet ever!
October 14, 2016
AFTER GLOW reintroduces Lydia Smith, a tangler, whose psychic gift is the ability to untangle illusion traps and Emmett London, a powerful Guild member, who is able to summon and kill ghosts, who we first met in AFTER DARK, the previous book in Jayne Castle's fabulous Harmony Series.
I am so getting into this amazing world that the author is building. The storyline is really good. And we finally discover the secret of Lydia's forgotten days in the Dead City....totally unexpected revelation. Romance, suspense, unforgettable characters, paranormal, sci-fi....and so much more.
I adored Lydia and Emmett. They are engaging and so likeable. Enjoying seeing the development of their relationship. And the witty dialogue was another thing I really liked.
And then there's Fuzz, the four-eyed, six-legged dust-bunny who remains Lydia's devoted protector. I am absolutely and totally in love with dust-bunnies!!! The last page of this book left me with the biggest smile on my face!!!
I loved this book.
I am so getting into this amazing world that the author is building. The storyline is really good. And we finally discover the secret of Lydia's forgotten days in the Dead City....totally unexpected revelation. Romance, suspense, unforgettable characters, paranormal, sci-fi....and so much more.
I adored Lydia and Emmett. They are engaging and so likeable. Enjoying seeing the development of their relationship. And the witty dialogue was another thing I really liked.
And then there's Fuzz, the four-eyed, six-legged dust-bunny who remains Lydia's devoted protector. I am absolutely and totally in love with dust-bunnies!!! The last page of this book left me with the biggest smile on my face!!!
A great addition to this series.
June 9, 2025
A great sequel to After Dark, in After Glow we meet Lydia Smith and Emmett London again. I was unsure how good proceeding with the same hero/heroine would work, there was the risk that it could turn out dull or sluggish. However, Jayne Castle/ Jayne A. Krentz is highly successful in delivering another captivating and thrilling romance. Set in the futuristic planet of Harmony, colonized by Earth, it has a good mix of paranormal, murders and mystery, and a romance based on a more trusting and progressing relationship.
I liked Lydia better here for she wasn’t as bitchy; she is on her way to build her private consulting business with an important new client. But she keeps discovering dead bodies... The hero is even more delightful than in the previous book, although very busy is his new position. The mystery is gripping with plenty of suspense.
We have all our questions from After Dark answered. Lydia’s ‘lost week-end’ in the catacombs slowly comes back to her and solves itself. Emmet assumes the Hunter’s Guild temporarily, to her consternation. But even that turns out ok.
This book is a brisk and very enjoyable read with all the mysteries wrapped up and a happy ending. Great series, highly recommended!
I liked Lydia better here for she wasn’t as bitchy; she is on her way to build her private consulting business with an important new client. But she keeps discovering dead bodies... The hero is even more delightful than in the previous book, although very busy is his new position. The mystery is gripping with plenty of suspense.
We have all our questions from After Dark answered. Lydia’s ‘lost week-end’ in the catacombs slowly comes back to her and solves itself. Emmet assumes the Hunter’s Guild temporarily, to her consternation. But even that turns out ok.
This book is a brisk and very enjoyable read with all the mysteries wrapped up and a happy ending. Great series, highly recommended!
August 31, 2024
Even better than the first. I love Fuzz, the dust bunny--he really comes into his own in this installment. Lydia keeps stumbling upon bodies and Emmett is playing the political game; Guild issues push their relationship. There more action and explanation and world-building. Fun, fast read.
My thanks to BookAddict La Crimson Femme for bringing this series to my attention.
My thanks to BookAddict La Crimson Femme for bringing this series to my attention.
May 17, 2023
I don't believe I have ever read a book that actually had real, live dust bunnies in the story...although I may have encountered some that I believe were alive and reproducing in the corners of my house:) Anyway...I learned that this is the second story with Emmett London and Lydia Smith....why didn't I see that to start with? Things seem to be going along great for them. They are dating...hoping for some type of wedding in the future, and of course they have the usual problems that most normal couples encounter. I became bored with the two of them...confused by all the activity taking place in their alternate world... and wished the entire book could have been just about those cute little dust bunnies. I have to admit, in case you haven't guessed... this is NOT...in any way, shape or form...my type of book, but it fit into...what else???...yelp.... filling a category of a challenge! So, I can't and am not going to be too critical. I knew what I was getting myself in for before I reached the second chapter. I saw that it was only the 2nd book with those dust bunnies that do tend to take over the story...and quite frankly was the reason I continued to read...challenge or no challenge. It's not badly written...the characters are well drawn...if a reader likes this kind of story, it will be their "cupa tea". This author writes under several different names... Jayne Castle...Jayne Ann Krentz...and Amanda Quick. I guess all her books under any of those names, have something in common like her couple characters always being allowed to fall in love. One thing I'm sure they don't have are...DUST BUNNIES!
Actual rating 2.75
Actual rating 2.75
January 10, 2022
4.5/5.0
Loving this series! It’s unique and very creative. The romance is definitely the weak point but only because it isn’t nearly fleshed out enough. Still I adore both Lydia and Emmett and the trouble they get into and work their way out of together!
Loving this series! It’s unique and very creative. The romance is definitely the weak point but only because it isn’t nearly fleshed out enough. Still I adore both Lydia and Emmett and the trouble they get into and work their way out of together!
August 7, 2015
This one was a clear improvement on the first. I think Castle has a better idea of where she's going with the books and it made a difference in the setting, particularly the side characters. Lydia and Emmet were both better, too, and their relationship was as or more fun. So yeah, a clear step up.
As with most series, I'd definitely read the first one before this one; you really need the details of their relationship and Lydia's professional life. That this book is better is something to look forward to.
Not that this book is a clear win. The beginning has long expository pieces that felt awkward, at best. The information was needed for the story, but the clumping was noticeable. Oh, and the mystery was the weakest element again, though stronger as well.
I really enjoyed the continuance of the romance from the first, and that surprised me a little. Their relationship is pretty strong right from the beginning and while they make some amateur (for the characters, not the author) mistakes, they're honest mistakes and they recover gracefully enough. Starting that strong didn't give the relationship that much room to grow, though, which is why it surprised me I was as interested as I was. I mean, each individually knows they're in love with the other (at least, internally) almost from the beginning. From there, all that's left is making things explicit. That I enjoyed that journey speaks for how much I connect with Castle's style, I suppose.
I'm a little torn on the final rating. The book is a solid 3.5 for me, but I'm reluctant to round up. It's better than a three, but not quite a full-on four. I think I'll round to four, though, if only because I liked Fuzz so much and loved the role he played.
A note about Steamy: Middle of my range, but on the low side. There are three explicit scenes, but the last one is uber short and the other two aren't that long, either. The middle one after Emmet defuses a large ghost was rather fun, though... :)
As with most series, I'd definitely read the first one before this one; you really need the details of their relationship and Lydia's professional life. That this book is better is something to look forward to.
Not that this book is a clear win. The beginning has long expository pieces that felt awkward, at best. The information was needed for the story, but the clumping was noticeable. Oh, and the mystery was the weakest element again, though stronger as well.
I really enjoyed the continuance of the romance from the first, and that surprised me a little. Their relationship is pretty strong right from the beginning and while they make some amateur (for the characters, not the author) mistakes, they're honest mistakes and they recover gracefully enough. Starting that strong didn't give the relationship that much room to grow, though, which is why it surprised me I was as interested as I was. I mean, each individually knows they're in love with the other (at least, internally) almost from the beginning. From there, all that's left is making things explicit. That I enjoyed that journey speaks for how much I connect with Castle's style, I suppose.
I'm a little torn on the final rating. The book is a solid 3.5 for me, but I'm reluctant to round up. It's better than a three, but not quite a full-on four. I think I'll round to four, though, if only because I liked Fuzz so much and loved the role he played.
A note about Steamy: Middle of my range, but on the low side. There are three explicit scenes, but the last one is uber short and the other two aren't that long, either. The middle one after Emmet defuses a large ghost was rather fun, though... :)
November 10, 2019
Lydia and Emmett's story's conclusion, where loose ends are tied, mysteries are solved and our heroes get their happy ever after future.
Interesting world, flawed characters and a conspiracy theory made this an engaging read.
The series continues with Ghost Hunter and a new couple's story.
Previous book reviews:
✦ After Dark (Harmony, #1) ~ ★★★ (20/09/2014)
✦ Bridal Jitters (Harmony, #0.5) ~ ★★★ (19/02/2013)
Interesting world, flawed characters and a conspiracy theory made this an engaging read.
The series continues with Ghost Hunter and a new couple's story.
Previous book reviews:
✦ After Dark (Harmony, #1) ~ ★★★ (20/09/2014)
✦ Bridal Jitters (Harmony, #0.5) ~ ★★★ (19/02/2013)
July 9, 2019
Contd. from the prequel 'After Dark' review -
March 13, 2018
3.5 stars bumped up for the dust bunny.
I enjoyed this more than the first in the series (although I didn't hate the first book). It continues from where book #1 left off. Maybe one of the reasons I liked it more is that Lydia and Emmett's relationship is more stable. I also liked Melanie (Lydia's friend).
This is an interesting world, and I'll continue reading the series.
I enjoyed this more than the first in the series (although I didn't hate the first book). It continues from where book #1 left off. Maybe one of the reasons I liked it more is that Lydia and Emmett's relationship is more stable. I also liked Melanie (Lydia's friend).
This is an interesting world, and I'll continue reading the series.
August 17, 2015
3.75/5...I liked this one a lot. Good story with a fun paranormal thread. Add in the romance & voila! I'm a happy reader! :)
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. You may remember that this series takes place on Harmony, an alien world that seems a lot like Earth except that instead of flipping a light switch you psychically resonate with some amber. There are also alien ruins, Ghost Hunter Guilds, and cute little alien organisms with four eyes and six legs called "dust bunnies."
This is a continuation straight on from the HFN of After Dark. If you want to see Emmett and Lydia's HEA, added complexity for the first novel's cardboard cutout villain, and some really hot wedding night sex, then you've come to the right book.
7-Word Summaries:
Meg: Dust bunnies, cults, and psychics - oh my!
Laine: What's better than conversation? Insta-marriage of convenience.
This is a continuation straight on from the HFN of After Dark. If you want to see Emmett and Lydia's HEA, added complexity for the first novel's cardboard cutout villain, and some really hot wedding night sex, then you've come to the right book.
7-Word Summaries:
Meg: Dust bunnies, cults, and psychics - oh my!
Laine: What's better than conversation? Insta-marriage of convenience.
May 4, 2016
I love this story. It's just as fantastic a read for me as was/is the first one, if just a bit more satisfying because this is the true "end" of Lydia's story. (This is not to say that the first book, After Dark, ended in a cliffhanger. It didn't even end in an open-ended fashion. I was very satisfied after finishing it, years before this sequel was even published.) What I love about this story is that it was dedicated to me and my fellow dust-bunny aficionados. And it ended with :-)
In this story we also learn the truth about Lydia's Lost Weekend. She was right in thinking it was a conspiracy, but wrong about the conspirators. And what fun it was to find out who was truly behind it! :-)
There are several specific scenes and lines in this book that I can share. I loved every word of this story, of course, but these next four items are worthy of special note:
1) In Chapter 12, on pages 122-123, Melanie is helping Lydia shop for a gown for the Restoration Ball. Lydia is in a distracted frame of mind, but her attention is caught by a gown done in silver lamé:
2) At the end of Chapter 12, Lydia was accosted by the press as she was leaving the dress shop and made a rather impulsive statement. Chapter 13 is from Emmett's POV and gives us his perspective of the phone call Lydia makes to tell him of the trouble she's landed him in. What I love about this scene, and it never fails to make me laugh a little, is that, on page 131, Emmett lol Just imagining the looks and manners of these two men in this moment never fails to make me chuckle just a bit. ;-)
3) I always - always - smile so much during Verwood's speech on pages 200-202 (Chapter 20) that my cheeks hurt. Verwood seems like the strong and silent type. But given the opening, he goes on and on about Lydia's good points and it rather takes her aback. I really love this scene. And, like I said, I smile a LOT during it. :-D
4) My last share-worthy quote comes from page 238, in Chapter 24. Emmett lol!!! I LOVE this! :-)
Anyway, that's enough on this book, I think. I loved it, blah blah blah. ;-)
Oh! But then there's the end, where we see a bit of If this scene had lasted just a bit longer, I'd have cried for sure. As it was, I came pretty close. And also as it was, it was pretty darn perfect. :-) And then of course we segue to the true finale, :-)
And the book ends with this wonderful line that always leaves me smiling: :-)
And. . .that's enough on this book. (But I just have to say - once more - that I really loved it.) ;-)
In this story we also learn the truth about Lydia's Lost Weekend. She was right in thinking it was a conspiracy, but wrong about the conspirators. And what fun it was to find out who was truly behind it! :-)
There are several specific scenes and lines in this book that I can share. I loved every word of this story, of course, but these next four items are worthy of special note:
1) In Chapter 12, on pages 122-123, Melanie is helping Lydia shop for a gown for the Restoration Ball. Lydia is in a distracted frame of mind, but her attention is caught by a gown done in silver lamé:
"That's rather nice," she said.I LOVE this scene. Melanie seems rather flaky and she's a confirmed flirt, but she established herself as my BFF in that moment. (But since I can't have her as my BFF, I'm happy she's Lydia's.) :-)
"Are you out of your mind?" Melanie made a face. "I could carry it off but you would look like a high-class hooker in that thing."
The next offering was pink.
Melanie lost her patience. She scowled at Mrs. Davies and the assistant. ...
2) At the end of Chapter 12, Lydia was accosted by the press as she was leaving the dress shop and made a rather impulsive statement. Chapter 13 is from Emmett's POV and gives us his perspective of the phone call Lydia makes to tell him of the trouble she's landed him in. What I love about this scene, and it never fails to make me laugh a little, is that, on page 131, Emmett lol Just imagining the looks and manners of these two men in this moment never fails to make me chuckle just a bit. ;-)
3) I always - always - smile so much during Verwood's speech on pages 200-202 (Chapter 20) that my cheeks hurt. Verwood seems like the strong and silent type. But given the opening, he goes on and on about Lydia's good points and it rather takes her aback. I really love this scene. And, like I said, I smile a LOT during it. :-D
4) My last share-worthy quote comes from page 238, in Chapter 24. Emmett lol!!! I LOVE this! :-)
Anyway, that's enough on this book, I think. I loved it, blah blah blah. ;-)
Oh! But then there's the end, where we see a bit of If this scene had lasted just a bit longer, I'd have cried for sure. As it was, I came pretty close. And also as it was, it was pretty darn perfect. :-) And then of course we segue to the true finale, :-)
And the book ends with this wonderful line that always leaves me smiling: :-)
And. . .that's enough on this book. (But I just have to say - once more - that I really loved it.) ;-)
March 10, 2020
After I listened to the audiobook of the first book in this series, I looked at the icon for the second book on my computer and figured it was as good as anything to listen to while doing other things. So I queued it up. I do silly things like that now and then.
And there they all were, the issues that annoyed me in the first book: repetition galore, long moments and lost weekends even moreso, one fluffy creature standing in for the entire native fauna of a planet, and rezzing. So much rezzing. And rezzes. Hey, look, I can do a search through Google Books: there are rez-shrinks and mag-rez locks and para-rez and rez-jazz and rez-screens and instincts going into high rez and oh lord what does that even mean? Oh, and rez-tea, for heaven's sake. It's as though instead of actual world-building the author decided to just add "rez-" to everything. Dinner rezzes on the stove. Characters rez a lock or the ignition of the stand-in for a car or the stand-in for a tv. (The latter two things are absolutely indistinguishable from plain old televisions or cars. Again, what's the point?) All the rezzing irritated me more in this outing. Obviously.
The word "munch" is wildly overused, too. Somebody needs to use a word cloud or something.
The writing in general annoyed me more in this one. Dialogue is simultaneously stilted – how many people really say things like "I clutched it"? – and too current; this book takes place in the very, very distant future, since it's over a thousand years after the curtain closed between here and there, and the curtain opened somewhere around now. And yet someone names an off-limits place "Area 51"… and as I mentioned in my review of the last one otherwise the whole thing could easily take place in 2016 Milwaukee with just a few simple changes.
Characters have a habit of asking questions that were answered about a minute ago – "They found [so-and-so's] body…" "Dead?" Yes, that is usually what that means. And Captain Obvious is an unbilled star … as, for example, when the explorers come across thousand-year-old skeletons. Lydia: "I remember them. They were here last time." WERE THEY?? So – you were there within the last thousand years, then? Got it.
There's no point in arguing the finer points of writing with these books; they're meant as pure popcorn. As someone in a podcast I listen to said a while ago, "popcorn fare" keeps the muscles warm, but doesn't give your brain a workout. My mistake is trying to make things make sense – like why this is supposedly set so far away in space and time when the writer obviously doesn't feel like making much effort at incorporating that into her world or writing. Or why characters are so insta-jealous with absolutely no cause – they just are, maybe because the author finds it entertaining. I must remember to put these books on my just talk to each other shelf, because the diffident "I'm not worthy" nonsense coming from the heroine and the primal "my woman, other men must stay away or I will kill them" crap coming from the hero is … nonsensical crap.
So these two books killed a few hours, and perhaps a few brain cells, and my patience. I don't quite regret the time spent listening to them. But they are sure as sure can be the last books by this author I ever try. (Note to self: investigate writer's pseudonyms in order to avoid them.)
And there they all were, the issues that annoyed me in the first book: repetition galore, long moments and lost weekends even moreso, one fluffy creature standing in for the entire native fauna of a planet, and rezzing. So much rezzing. And rezzes. Hey, look, I can do a search through Google Books: there are rez-shrinks and mag-rez locks and para-rez and rez-jazz and rez-screens and instincts going into high rez and oh lord what does that even mean? Oh, and rez-tea, for heaven's sake. It's as though instead of actual world-building the author decided to just add "rez-" to everything. Dinner rezzes on the stove. Characters rez a lock or the ignition of the stand-in for a car or the stand-in for a tv. (The latter two things are absolutely indistinguishable from plain old televisions or cars. Again, what's the point?) All the rezzing irritated me more in this outing. Obviously.
The word "munch" is wildly overused, too. Somebody needs to use a word cloud or something.
The writing in general annoyed me more in this one. Dialogue is simultaneously stilted – how many people really say things like "I clutched it"? – and too current; this book takes place in the very, very distant future, since it's over a thousand years after the curtain closed between here and there, and the curtain opened somewhere around now. And yet someone names an off-limits place "Area 51"… and as I mentioned in my review of the last one otherwise the whole thing could easily take place in 2016 Milwaukee with just a few simple changes.
Characters have a habit of asking questions that were answered about a minute ago – "They found [so-and-so's] body…" "Dead?" Yes, that is usually what that means. And Captain Obvious is an unbilled star … as, for example, when the explorers come across thousand-year-old skeletons. Lydia: "I remember them. They were here last time." WERE THEY?? So – you were there within the last thousand years, then? Got it.
There's no point in arguing the finer points of writing with these books; they're meant as pure popcorn. As someone in a podcast I listen to said a while ago, "popcorn fare" keeps the muscles warm, but doesn't give your brain a workout. My mistake is trying to make things make sense – like why this is supposedly set so far away in space and time when the writer obviously doesn't feel like making much effort at incorporating that into her world or writing. Or why characters are so insta-jealous with absolutely no cause – they just are, maybe because the author finds it entertaining. I must remember to put these books on my just talk to each other shelf, because the diffident "I'm not worthy" nonsense coming from the heroine and the primal "my woman, other men must stay away or I will kill them" crap coming from the hero is … nonsensical crap.
So these two books killed a few hours, and perhaps a few brain cells, and my patience. I don't quite regret the time spent listening to them. But they are sure as sure can be the last books by this author I ever try. (Note to self: investigate writer's pseudonyms in order to avoid them.)
October 25, 2017
This is the second in the series set on the remote planet of Harmony, which was colonised from Earth before being cut off by the closure of the energy cloud called the Curtain, which had enabled such far distant travel. Two centuries later, Harmony has returned to about the level of 20th century Earth technology, but with various important differences, due to the development of psychic abilities among the colonists.
The sequel to 'After Dark', this book stars the two main characters of the first volume, Lydia Smith and Emmett London. A couple of months have passed and they are dating, though not totally over the prickliness which marked their relationship previously. This isn't helped by the attempted assassination of Mercer Wyatt, head of the ghost hunter Guild, early in the story, and Emmett's temporary appointment as acting Guild head. Given Lydia's grudge against ghost hunters - the testimony of two of them after she was lost underground for two days was instrumental in getting her fired from a career she loved - she worries that Emmett will be pushed into taking the job permanently, and has graver concerns that he will be the next target.
As with the first story, this begins with them finding a dead body, this time of an ex- professor who had phoned Lydia saying he had important information about what happened to her during her Lost Weekend as she calls it. Conveniently, he has died of a drug overdose, but evidence eventually emerges which convince both Lydia and Emmett that someone wanted to silence him. Bodies start to pile up, with a strange connection to the supposed deaths of some rather odd people a decade or more previously, as well as to the century ago rebellion, led by a man called Vance, who tried to use his own private army to take over Harmony. It was that conflict which led to the setting up of ghost hunter Guilds in each city and town, as private militia. These days, the Guilds handle training of youngsters - mostly boys - who exhibit the ability to deresonate the dangerous green energy clouds which form a hazard to anyone exploring the catacombs under the alien ruins each city and town has been built around, and also rents out the services of adult ghost hunters to protect official expeditions like the one on which Lydia was lost.
As with book 1, the murder mystery and the characters' own conflicts are interwoven, plus the appearances of a cute furry animal - known as a dust bunny - which has adopted Lydia. The final scene which stars him and a female of the species is the most cute in the book. I did find though that the shopping scenes were a bit tedious - Lydia has a friend who guides her in what to buy for her various social occasions - and slowed down the story. There are misunderstandings between Lydia and Emmett who turns out to have a romantic side she didn't appreciate. As the relationship has now been consummated, there is a little too much low level description of plumbing for my taste; less is more really or sex scenes can become farcical. A good read on the whole, but not spectacular, so it merits 3 stars from me.
The sequel to 'After Dark', this book stars the two main characters of the first volume, Lydia Smith and Emmett London. A couple of months have passed and they are dating, though not totally over the prickliness which marked their relationship previously. This isn't helped by the attempted assassination of Mercer Wyatt, head of the ghost hunter Guild, early in the story, and Emmett's temporary appointment as acting Guild head. Given Lydia's grudge against ghost hunters - the testimony of two of them after she was lost underground for two days was instrumental in getting her fired from a career she loved - she worries that Emmett will be pushed into taking the job permanently, and has graver concerns that he will be the next target.
As with the first story, this begins with them finding a dead body, this time of an ex- professor who had phoned Lydia saying he had important information about what happened to her during her Lost Weekend as she calls it. Conveniently, he has died of a drug overdose, but evidence eventually emerges which convince both Lydia and Emmett that someone wanted to silence him. Bodies start to pile up, with a strange connection to the supposed deaths of some rather odd people a decade or more previously, as well as to the century ago rebellion, led by a man called Vance, who tried to use his own private army to take over Harmony. It was that conflict which led to the setting up of ghost hunter Guilds in each city and town, as private militia. These days, the Guilds handle training of youngsters - mostly boys - who exhibit the ability to deresonate the dangerous green energy clouds which form a hazard to anyone exploring the catacombs under the alien ruins each city and town has been built around, and also rents out the services of adult ghost hunters to protect official expeditions like the one on which Lydia was lost.
As with book 1, the murder mystery and the characters' own conflicts are interwoven, plus the appearances of a cute furry animal - known as a dust bunny - which has adopted Lydia. The final scene which stars him and a female of the species is the most cute in the book. I did find though that the shopping scenes were a bit tedious - Lydia has a friend who guides her in what to buy for her various social occasions - and slowed down the story. There are misunderstandings between Lydia and Emmett who turns out to have a romantic side she didn't appreciate. As the relationship has now been consummated, there is a little too much low level description of plumbing for my taste; less is more really or sex scenes can become farcical. A good read on the whole, but not spectacular, so it merits 3 stars from me.
September 26, 2019
After Glow
4 Stars
Series note: This is the sequel to After Dark and should be read in order as the story continues directly following the events of the previous book.
When para-archeologist Lydia Smith stumbles upon another dead body, she and her lover Emmett London are swept up in the investigation, which may be linked to the events in the underground passageways that caused Lydia's localized amnesia.
This installment provides more in-depth world-building and additional characterization, and the mystery surrounding Lydia's amnesia is resolved.
Lydia and Emmet's romance is very appealing and they have excellent chemistry.
All in all, a very satisfying conclusion to the story arc, and the next book will focus on different characters.
4 Stars
Series note: This is the sequel to After Dark and should be read in order as the story continues directly following the events of the previous book.
When para-archeologist Lydia Smith stumbles upon another dead body, she and her lover Emmett London are swept up in the investigation, which may be linked to the events in the underground passageways that caused Lydia's localized amnesia.
This installment provides more in-depth world-building and additional characterization, and the mystery surrounding Lydia's amnesia is resolved.
Lydia and Emmet's romance is very appealing and they have excellent chemistry.
All in all, a very satisfying conclusion to the story arc, and the next book will focus on different characters.
June 28, 2024
4 stars.
June 2024 - re-listened.
_____________
June 2021 - re-listened.
Saw an interview JAK did that she said her books where she has the same H/h in multiple books don't tend to sell. I don't know why she believes that. I really like that we had the same couple from After Dark in this book. Similarly, I enjoyed Gift of Gold and Gift of Fire which was another duology where she had the same main characters for both books. I actually wish she would do a continuing series that feature a couple. I for one would be all for that.
_____________________
After Glow continues from After Dark with the same H/H. I also liked the continuity of having the same narrator for both books. Joyce Bean did a pretty good job.
June 2024 - re-listened.
_____________
June 2021 - re-listened.
Saw an interview JAK did that she said her books where she has the same H/h in multiple books don't tend to sell. I don't know why she believes that. I really like that we had the same couple from After Dark in this book. Similarly, I enjoyed Gift of Gold and Gift of Fire which was another duology where she had the same main characters for both books. I actually wish she would do a continuing series that feature a couple. I for one would be all for that.
_____________________
After Glow continues from After Dark with the same H/H. I also liked the continuity of having the same narrator for both books. Joyce Bean did a pretty good job.
March 24, 2023
We're back with Lydia and Emmett and things...are a little complicated. These two might have figured their basic compatibility out, but there's still a lot they need to learn about one another.
And when Emmett has to step in as acting Guild Boss when Mercer is injured...well, let's just say Lydia doesn't have the greatest opinion of the Guild and having her hunny-bunny as the head honcho is a tough pill to swallow.
Actually, that's not entirely accurate. She'd be okay with Emmett doing the Guild Boss thing (temporarily, at least) if she was less worried about the physical danger that came with the role. Which kind of throws Emmett for a loop because he's not used to people being worried about him like that.
MEANWHILE, Lydia's in the middle of something dangerous herself and soon she's using her smarts to find her way out of the danger. Fortunately, she has Emmett on her side as well as her dust-bunny buddy.
I'm seriously digging getting back into this series and all the fun paranormal shenanigans that come with adventures on Harmony.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
And when Emmett has to step in as acting Guild Boss when Mercer is injured...well, let's just say Lydia doesn't have the greatest opinion of the Guild and having her hunny-bunny as the head honcho is a tough pill to swallow.
Actually, that's not entirely accurate. She'd be okay with Emmett doing the Guild Boss thing (temporarily, at least) if she was less worried about the physical danger that came with the role. Which kind of throws Emmett for a loop because he's not used to people being worried about him like that.
MEANWHILE, Lydia's in the middle of something dangerous herself and soon she's using her smarts to find her way out of the danger. Fortunately, she has Emmett on her side as well as her dust-bunny buddy.
I'm seriously digging getting back into this series and all the fun paranormal shenanigans that come with adventures on Harmony.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 25, 2015
awwww, I loved this storyline! And I also just enjoy Harmony as a world. Good ol' Jayne Castle/Amanda Quick.
December 27, 2025
Review from 12/27/2025:
Today was my latest re-listen to the excellent Joyce Bean audiobook narration of this wonderful novel. I completely agree with my previous glowing review below.
To the great joy of myself and other devoted fans of Harmony, Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz) has created three additional books in this terrific paranormal-romance series in the years since I wrote that review.
Review from 1/1/2021:
2004 Sequel to After Dark from 2000, fabulous paranormal romance
This novel begins immediately after the final events of After Dark. Lydia Smith is still working at Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors while attempting to salvage her career in para-archaeology. She continues to be in the midst of a passionate affair with Emmett London, a mysterious and powerful ghost hunter, whose secret past has put both their lives in danger.
I originally bought this futuristic romance novel when it was first released in 2004 as a mass market paperback. I have since re-purchased it in Kindle and audiobook format, and I have read and listened to it numerous times. I love it, and I never get tired of it.
I’m a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, and I have read almost every book she has ever written (the vast majority of which have been re-released in Kindle format, and many in audiobook format as well). During the course of her incredibly prolific writing career, stretching back to 1979, she has written 187 books, and counting, as of the end of 2020. Though she has definitely written many, many entertaining series over the years, for my personal taste, the Harmony series is the best of her best.
In the case of this particular novel, JAK did something she has rarely done. It is a sequel to After Dark. Since I absolutely adore Lydia and Emmett, and have always been grateful that JAK revisited this terrific couple.
JAK wrote 11 other books in the series, most published yearly, up until 2016. There has been nothing since, but we diehard fans of Harmony live in hope that JAK will, someday, revisit Harmony.
This is the whole Harmony series, so far:
1. After Dark, 2000, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
2. After Glow, 2004, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
3. Ghost Hunter, 2006, audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington
4. Silver Master, 2007, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
5. Dark Light, 2008, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
6. Obsidian Prey, 2009, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
7. Midnight Crystal, 2010, audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby
8. Canyons of Night, 2011, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
9. Lost Night, 2012, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
10. Deception Cove, 2013, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
11. Hot Zone, 2014, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
12. Siren's Call, 2015, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
13. Illusion town, 2016, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
The audiobook versions of all the books in this series are very well done, and they are all a real treat to experience. I must say, though, that my absolute favorite narrator, of the four different actors who have narrated these books, is the inimitable Barbara Rosenblat. She is absolutely fabulous!
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
World-building: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Suspense Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Today was my latest re-listen to the excellent Joyce Bean audiobook narration of this wonderful novel. I completely agree with my previous glowing review below.
To the great joy of myself and other devoted fans of Harmony, Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz) has created three additional books in this terrific paranormal-romance series in the years since I wrote that review.
Review from 1/1/2021:
2004 Sequel to After Dark from 2000, fabulous paranormal romance
This novel begins immediately after the final events of After Dark. Lydia Smith is still working at Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors while attempting to salvage her career in para-archaeology. She continues to be in the midst of a passionate affair with Emmett London, a mysterious and powerful ghost hunter, whose secret past has put both their lives in danger.
I originally bought this futuristic romance novel when it was first released in 2004 as a mass market paperback. I have since re-purchased it in Kindle and audiobook format, and I have read and listened to it numerous times. I love it, and I never get tired of it.
I’m a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, and I have read almost every book she has ever written (the vast majority of which have been re-released in Kindle format, and many in audiobook format as well). During the course of her incredibly prolific writing career, stretching back to 1979, she has written 187 books, and counting, as of the end of 2020. Though she has definitely written many, many entertaining series over the years, for my personal taste, the Harmony series is the best of her best.
In the case of this particular novel, JAK did something she has rarely done. It is a sequel to After Dark. Since I absolutely adore Lydia and Emmett, and have always been grateful that JAK revisited this terrific couple.
JAK wrote 11 other books in the series, most published yearly, up until 2016. There has been nothing since, but we diehard fans of Harmony live in hope that JAK will, someday, revisit Harmony.
This is the whole Harmony series, so far:
1. After Dark, 2000, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
2. After Glow, 2004, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
3. Ghost Hunter, 2006, audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington
4. Silver Master, 2007, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
5. Dark Light, 2008, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
6. Obsidian Prey, 2009, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
7. Midnight Crystal, 2010, audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby
8. Canyons of Night, 2011, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
9. Lost Night, 2012, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
10. Deception Cove, 2013, audiobook narrated by Joyce Bean
11. Hot Zone, 2014, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
12. Siren's Call, 2015, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
13. Illusion town, 2016, audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
The audiobook versions of all the books in this series are very well done, and they are all a real treat to experience. I must say, though, that my absolute favorite narrator, of the four different actors who have narrated these books, is the inimitable Barbara Rosenblat. She is absolutely fabulous!
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
World-building: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Suspense Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
December 21, 2020
2.5 stars
Was this a great read? Eh...
Was it worth an Audible credit? Probably not, but I'm not sure I could have done it any other way.
Did I have to read it because I'd read the previous one and needed to wrap up the story line for the sake of my own sanity? You bet.
I've been trying to get through this one for a while. Part of the reason it took so long had nothing to do with the book itself and everything to do with my own personal peculiarities. Basically, the library only had epub and no Kindle copies. Therefore I had to read it on my phone or tablet at first (as opposed to my Paperwhite which is easier on my eyes), and that wasn't working for me. I knew I was going to regret spending an Audible credit on it, but in the end, it was driving me crazy not to finish the story line.
This is a direct sequel to After Dark and picks up soon after the first one left off. We have Lydia and Emmett, who are still dating, but are also pretty new to each other. Pretty early on the local guild boss, Mercer Wyatt has been shot and needs Emmett to take over the Hunter's Guild while he recuperates. Because of her experiences with that group (as detailed further in the first book), Lydia is cautious, but she's all in with Emmett so it isn't the drama he (and I) expected.
As hoped, I got some answers to the loose ends from the first book regarding Lydia's "Lost Weekend". Were they entirely satisfying? No. They really were not. Unfortunately, the way it worked felt more, Hey! I thought of this after I'd already written the first book and we're just going to pretend it all lines up, 'kay?
Still, not knowing what happened was bothering me enough in this instance that I needed to finish it.
For the record, I think I did enjoy the first one more because in spite of the plot holes, it ultimately felt more planned than this one did. This one... I dunno... it felt like a Christmas present that someone ran out of wrapping paper on and just did their best to make it all fit and the result was slightly sloppy mess.
As far as the narrator goes, no complaints. Full stars.
Was this a great read? Eh...
Was it worth an Audible credit? Probably not, but I'm not sure I could have done it any other way.
Did I have to read it because I'd read the previous one and needed to wrap up the story line for the sake of my own sanity? You bet.
I've been trying to get through this one for a while. Part of the reason it took so long had nothing to do with the book itself and everything to do with my own personal peculiarities. Basically, the library only had epub and no Kindle copies. Therefore I had to read it on my phone or tablet at first (as opposed to my Paperwhite which is easier on my eyes), and that wasn't working for me. I knew I was going to regret spending an Audible credit on it, but in the end, it was driving me crazy not to finish the story line.
This is a direct sequel to After Dark and picks up soon after the first one left off. We have Lydia and Emmett, who are still dating, but are also pretty new to each other. Pretty early on the local guild boss, Mercer Wyatt has been shot and needs Emmett to take over the Hunter's Guild while he recuperates. Because of her experiences with that group (as detailed further in the first book), Lydia is cautious, but she's all in with Emmett so it isn't the drama he (and I) expected.
As hoped, I got some answers to the loose ends from the first book regarding Lydia's "Lost Weekend". Were they entirely satisfying? No. They really were not. Unfortunately, the way it worked felt more, Hey! I thought of this after I'd already written the first book and we're just going to pretend it all lines up, 'kay?
Still, not knowing what happened was bothering me enough in this instance that I needed to finish it.
For the record, I think I did enjoy the first one more because in spite of the plot holes, it ultimately felt more planned than this one did. This one... I dunno... it felt like a Christmas present that someone ran out of wrapping paper on and just did their best to make it all fit and the result was slightly sloppy mess.
As far as the narrator goes, no complaints. Full stars.
October 29, 2010
As I mentioned in my review of "After Dark," the first half of this duet, I was kind of annoyed that I had to read another book in order to get the rest of the story. My feelings didn't really change after I finished this. I continue to feel that this is one of Jaynce Castle's weaker stories by any psuedonym and her weakest under this one. I'd say it took her a couple of books to get into writing science fiction, but with the possible exception that she didn't lay the groundwork very well (in the first book, she told us so little about the world that if I hadn't read later books, I can't imagine it would hae made sense and in this book, she started some seroius information dumping), the world building and speculative elements were sound.
My biggest problem with these two books is that the chemistry between Emmett and Lydia didn't work for me. In this book, they both start out already knowing they love the other and the big climax is that they finally admit it -- what I call a quest for the three magic words romance (not my favorite). I found the sex scenes tedious and largely irrelevant.
I hate being so hard on this book, especially because if my fairness meter were on, I couldn't give this below 3 stars -- I've given 2 stars to much worse books -- but I've come to expect more from this author and life's not always fair. :=)
I recommend skipping the first 2 books in the Harmony series and maybe coming back to them if you've got time later on.
My biggest problem with these two books is that the chemistry between Emmett and Lydia didn't work for me. In this book, they both start out already knowing they love the other and the big climax is that they finally admit it -- what I call a quest for the three magic words romance (not my favorite). I found the sex scenes tedious and largely irrelevant.
I hate being so hard on this book, especially because if my fairness meter were on, I couldn't give this below 3 stars -- I've given 2 stars to much worse books -- but I've come to expect more from this author and life's not always fair. :=)
I recommend skipping the first 2 books in the Harmony series and maybe coming back to them if you've got time later on.
July 30, 2014
Sequel That Answers Questions
Sequel That Answers Questions
AFTER GLOW is the second novel in the Harmony series. It features the same couple as AFTER DARK, Lydia Smith and Emmett London. In the first book, readers were introduced to the earth colony of Harmony where humans have developed paranormal abilities. Lydia last her job when she had a lost weekend where she has 48 hours of memory loss. Lydia and Emmett began arelationship in the first book.
In this book, the relationship is finally resolved. This book feels more personal because the two are moving forward with their relationship. The questions that were raised in the first book about what happened to Lydia are also answered.
This book really needs to be read in conjunction with the first book because knowledge of that book is assumed. This book also gives readers more information about Harmony and the rules that apply in this world. The real conflict in the story is the external ones about the mystery of Lydia's experience and whether or not someone is trying to kill Emmett. The characters themselves have already resolved most of their personal conflict and while there is a little angst over marriage, from the beginning it is clear Lydia and Emmett are a team. I appreciated that the characters did not move back from the process they made in AFTER DARK.
Fuzz, the dust bunny, has an important role here.
Sequel That Answers Questions
AFTER GLOW is the second novel in the Harmony series. It features the same couple as AFTER DARK, Lydia Smith and Emmett London. In the first book, readers were introduced to the earth colony of Harmony where humans have developed paranormal abilities. Lydia last her job when she had a lost weekend where she has 48 hours of memory loss. Lydia and Emmett began arelationship in the first book.
In this book, the relationship is finally resolved. This book feels more personal because the two are moving forward with their relationship. The questions that were raised in the first book about what happened to Lydia are also answered.
This book really needs to be read in conjunction with the first book because knowledge of that book is assumed. This book also gives readers more information about Harmony and the rules that apply in this world. The real conflict in the story is the external ones about the mystery of Lydia's experience and whether or not someone is trying to kill Emmett. The characters themselves have already resolved most of their personal conflict and while there is a little angst over marriage, from the beginning it is clear Lydia and Emmett are a team. I appreciated that the characters did not move back from the process they made in AFTER DARK.
Fuzz, the dust bunny, has an important role here.
October 3, 2014
Captivating and thrilling, full of unsuspecting plot twists.
Series: Harmony 2, Ghost Hunter 2, Curtain 4
Characters: Lydia & Emmett
Setting: Alien planet, Old Cadence
Mature Themes: Sex, Drug references
Picking up a few weeks after the events in After Dark, Lydia and Emmett are still feeling their way through their relationship with one another. Lydia's private consulting is picking up and with a new client, her job at the museum, and the ongoing investigating she's doing into her Lost Weekend.
The plot was full of twists and unsuspecting information doled out by the author in bite sized pieces, my attention kept through the whole read. Small revelations, secrets and even long planned lies fill the story and keep you reading long into the night.
The dynamic between Lydia and Emmett has also evolved into more stable and trusting relationship and continues to grow as the book progresses. Lydia always has plan when a situation gets rough, even if she's holding out hope for Emmett to come and save her. She's a strong woman who can fight for herself and yet knows that she and Emmett have something special enough that he'll always have her back.
Recommendation: A sweet and sinister mix of love and deception, Lydia and Emmett take the reader on an even more wild ride than book one and scratch the itch of both a great paranormal and light romance genre.
Series: Harmony 2, Ghost Hunter 2, Curtain 4
Characters: Lydia & Emmett
Setting: Alien planet, Old Cadence
Mature Themes: Sex, Drug references
Picking up a few weeks after the events in After Dark, Lydia and Emmett are still feeling their way through their relationship with one another. Lydia's private consulting is picking up and with a new client, her job at the museum, and the ongoing investigating she's doing into her Lost Weekend.
The plot was full of twists and unsuspecting information doled out by the author in bite sized pieces, my attention kept through the whole read. Small revelations, secrets and even long planned lies fill the story and keep you reading long into the night.
The dynamic between Lydia and Emmett has also evolved into more stable and trusting relationship and continues to grow as the book progresses. Lydia always has plan when a situation gets rough, even if she's holding out hope for Emmett to come and save her. She's a strong woman who can fight for herself and yet knows that she and Emmett have something special enough that he'll always have her back.
Recommendation: A sweet and sinister mix of love and deception, Lydia and Emmett take the reader on an even more wild ride than book one and scratch the itch of both a great paranormal and light romance genre.
May 28, 2013
** "After Glow" follows "After Dark", among other (better?) similar-plot fantasy explicit romances by Jayne Castle aka Krentz, set in futuristic planet Harmony. A 'hunter' can tune thought waves through amber to gather or disperse 'ghost' energy radiating from crystal.
The series suffers from excess amber and jargon such as 'rez' for power. If her heroines believe hunter Guilds are criminal mobs, why do they date 'thug' bosses and manipulate marriages? Action seems jerky, fits and starts, such as two pages dress payment argument, instead of building and exploding tension.
In chapter one, curator Lydia, finds a body, and boyfriend newly promoted Guild chief Emmett finds them. In two, we meet her savior after the amnesiac hours, adorable pet dust-bunny Fuzz, and hot human tongues tangle. In three, boring made-up details remind us the author has a history degree.
Finding the villain behind Lydia's weekend of amnesia, lost underground, involves the Greenie cult, guarded caverns, multiple disappearances, and dangerous confrontations. Overall, I like Krentz and her series, they are reliable for what they deliver, but can become tiresome.
The series suffers from excess amber and jargon such as 'rez' for power. If her heroines believe hunter Guilds are criminal mobs, why do they date 'thug' bosses and manipulate marriages? Action seems jerky, fits and starts, such as two pages dress payment argument, instead of building and exploding tension.
In chapter one, curator Lydia, finds a body, and boyfriend newly promoted Guild chief Emmett finds them. In two, we meet her savior after the amnesiac hours, adorable pet dust-bunny Fuzz, and hot human tongues tangle. In three, boring made-up details remind us the author has a history degree.
Finding the villain behind Lydia's weekend of amnesia, lost underground, involves the Greenie cult, guarded caverns, multiple disappearances, and dangerous confrontations. Overall, I like Krentz and her series, they are reliable for what they deliver, but can become tiresome.
April 8, 2012
SOA Reading Challenge 2012 Surprise Me by Quarter: Quarter 2
Choice #3 – Rounding Out the Family – Listen to a romance where a child (under 18) or pet plays a significant role. (Fuzz, the dust bunny)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
2.5* rounded up to 3*
Grade C+
Mildly entertaining futuristic suspense novel hampered by clunky writing and too much telling. I generally enjoy JAK in all her permutations, but this isn't one of her best. Lydia and Emmett skirted around actually talking about their true feelings for most of the book. That's a cliched romance novel trope, but it could've been used to create a little angst and distant between them, which could potentially have set the stage for an emotional confrontation/discussion. Instead, the tension basically was allowed to fizzle in one half-hearted conversation.
The suspense plot was decent, but convoluted, and there were too many plot holes.
Choice #3 – Rounding Out the Family – Listen to a romance where a child (under 18) or pet plays a significant role. (Fuzz, the dust bunny)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
2.5* rounded up to 3*
Grade C+
Mildly entertaining futuristic suspense novel hampered by clunky writing and too much telling. I generally enjoy JAK in all her permutations, but this isn't one of her best. Lydia and Emmett skirted around actually talking about their true feelings for most of the book. That's a cliched romance novel trope, but it could've been used to create a little angst and distant between them, which could potentially have set the stage for an emotional confrontation/discussion. Instead, the tension basically was allowed to fizzle in one half-hearted conversation.
The suspense plot was decent, but convoluted, and there were too many plot holes.
December 26, 2021
I felt that "After Glow" was a stronger book than the first book in the series, "After Dark". Which is good, as "After Dark" was enjoyable, but had room for improvement.
The characters established in the previous book are back again in book 2. They are just as enjoyable to read about this time around, and there was some good growth on both Lydia and Emmett's parts. We got to see both of them shine in their areas of expertise at various points in the book.
The magic system in this book was clearer this time around. Not sure if that's anything to do with the author's writing, or if by the third book I've read in this world (I read "The Lost Night" before backtracking to "After Dark") I'm just finally getting a hang of the terminology.
We got some good answers to questions left open at the end of "After Dark", and brought the main arc of Lydia and Emmett's story to a good conclusion. Looking at the synopsis for book 3, we move onto other characters there, and I'm ok with that given how things wrapped up in "After Glow".
It's still not the most amazing book I've read, but it's enjoyable and that all I really look for.
The characters established in the previous book are back again in book 2. They are just as enjoyable to read about this time around, and there was some good growth on both Lydia and Emmett's parts. We got to see both of them shine in their areas of expertise at various points in the book.
The magic system in this book was clearer this time around. Not sure if that's anything to do with the author's writing, or if by the third book I've read in this world (I read "The Lost Night" before backtracking to "After Dark") I'm just finally getting a hang of the terminology.
We got some good answers to questions left open at the end of "After Dark", and brought the main arc of Lydia and Emmett's story to a good conclusion. Looking at the synopsis for book 3, we move onto other characters there, and I'm ok with that given how things wrapped up in "After Glow".
It's still not the most amazing book I've read, but it's enjoyable and that all I really look for.
January 15, 2019
Solid 4 ☆s
I won’t go into major details in this story because there's a ton of info within other reviews….so there’s not need to rehash.
After The Curtain closed, humans who colonized Harmony were now stuck there. They had to adapt to their new world without the help or supplies from Earth. As time passed they began to realize they had paranormal abilities….some had more ability than others. Which of course lead to greed and power struggles for many. After Glow is a continuation of After Dark. Lydia & Emmit are still tangled up in figuring out who the murderer is and why. This is all achieved in this romantic, sci-fi, mystery which is being played out on Harmony.
I won’t go into major details in this story because there's a ton of info within other reviews….so there’s not need to rehash.
After The Curtain closed, humans who colonized Harmony were now stuck there. They had to adapt to their new world without the help or supplies from Earth. As time passed they began to realize they had paranormal abilities….some had more ability than others. Which of course lead to greed and power struggles for many. After Glow is a continuation of After Dark. Lydia & Emmit are still tangled up in figuring out who the murderer is and why. This is all achieved in this romantic, sci-fi, mystery which is being played out on Harmony.
February 18, 2017
The beginning of this book contradicted the end of the previous book..After Dark. It kinda irritated me that several things through out the story did as well. I liked that it had the same pretense as the other harmony books and of course the dust bunny!
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