Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Crystal Gardens
    Crystal Gardens
    Crystal Gardens
    Audiobook10 hours

    Crystal Gardens

    Written by Amanda Quick

    Narrated by Justine Eyre

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Novelist and professional companion Evangeline Ames has rented a cottage in the outskirts of Little Dixby, far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds some pleasurable diversion in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.

    Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There is plenty of whispering about him already, with rumors of treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes.

    Immediately sensing each other’s psychic talents, as well as their mutual desire, Lucas and Evangeline find themselves with an even more pressing concern. Whoever tried to have her killed will try again. But who would want her dead?

    With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they share a common enemy. And as the dangerous energy emanating from Crystal Gardens grows stronger, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateApr 24, 2012
    ISBN9781611060126
    Crystal Gardens
    Author

    Amanda Quick

    Amanda Quick is the pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author, under various pen names, of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers; there are more than 35 million copies of her books in print. She lives in Seattle.

    More audiobooks from Amanda Quick

    Related to Crystal Gardens

    Titles in the series (3)

    View More
    View More

    Related audiobooks

    Historical Fiction For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      The Witch Finders

      Jul 16, 2020

      Beth pulled her cloak tightly around her. It was the very last day of October and the air was damp and chill. Dead autumn leaves lay in deep piles in the woods and smoke curled into the night air from her cottage. Not far to go now. She bent her head

      4 min read

    • Article

      THE Dark Light

      Oct 28, 2020

      THE Dark Light
      9 min read

    • Article

      Drowned World

      Sep 3, 2019

      Drowned World
      4 min read

    • Article

      Village Of The Damned

      Oct 27, 2020

      Village Of The Damned
      4 min read

    • Article

      Full-moon Adventures

      Aug 31, 2022

      Full-moon Adventures
      6 min read

    • Article

      Cricket League

      Apr 1, 2020

      Linden, age 9 Green Bay, WI Ophidia, the medusa, tried desperately to sketch a self-portrait. Later she would add color. Her problem was every time she looked into the lake at her reflection, the snakes of her hair were in a very different place. Sh

      8 min read

    • Article

      Summer Reading Special

      Dec 28, 2023

      Summer Reading Special
      11 min read

    • Article

      My First Dormouse Of The Year

      Aug 17, 2023

      SPONSORED BY SWAROVSKI OPTIK YOU WON’T find a bed of delphiniums blue and geraniums red in my garden, but you will find a dormouse. Walk feather-light with me and I will introduce you to my garden’s rarest residents. Just a few days ago I saw my firs

      4 min read

    • Article

      Equinox

      May 18, 2022

      In this strange world, where identities change with the rising and setting of the sun, supernatural forces are at work – and they’re causing trouble… St Leonars prison was an appropriately imposing building. It rose out of the surrounding shacks and

      5 min read

    • Article

      Summer Reading Special

      Dec 28, 2023

      The distinctive depth of characterisation shines in this tightly knitted story of therapist Nick and retired solicitor wife Zoe, as they decide to view a deconsecrated Victorian church which is for sale. It’s “even more picturesque than it looked onl

      11 min read

    • Article

      Not-so-deserted Island

      Mar 30, 2023

      Not-so-deserted Island
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Secret

      Sep 28, 2021

      The Secret
      6 min read

    • Article

      Abandoned

      May 24, 2022

      Abandoned
      5 min read

    • Article

      A Lost Prayer

      Feb 2, 2023

      A Lost Prayer
      10 min read

    • Article

      The Buck Stops Here

      Apr 29, 2020

      The Buck Stops Here
      5 min read

    • Article

      Amber Eyes Full Of Beauty

      Jun 24, 2020

      Hares are captivating animals. It’s easy to see why they have featured in a wealth of folklore and mythology over the years, and we are continuously drawn to ponder the secretive life of a creature that is graceful, cryptic and even ‘mad’. Brown hare

      4 min read

    • Article

      Meet A Real-life Ghostbuster

      Oct 31, 2019

      Meet A Real-life Ghostbuster
      1 min read

    • Article

      Cricket League

      Sep 1, 2022

      First prize 10 and under Tang Li, age 9 Palmetto Bay, FL My name is Anisa. I was in Hawaii on vacation. I enjoyed sipping refreshing drinks, overlooking the turquoise ocean, and dancing with others, before I overheard that the priceless Fire Ring wa

      10 min read

    • Article

      Abandoned

      Jun 3, 2021

      Abandoned
      5 min read

    • Article

      Practicing

      Mar 15, 2018

      This would have been her favorite season in the Allegheny woods. The shadows of the trees were rickety, and the wind had sap in its scent. But last week, Ty had left; now one day decayed into the next. Their house was abandoned. Only their father, si

      18 min read

    • Article

      Raiders From The Sea

      Sep 1, 2023

      CANNY LIFTED HER head from the swirls of gold and red and put down the brush, stretching her frozen fingers. The sun fell through the scriptorium window in warm panels, but the room was still cold, and she’d been at work on the manuscript in front of

      7 min read

    • Article

      Concerning The Future Of Souls

      Mar 19, 2024

      As a toddler she had caused a sensation in her family when she announced she wanted to live in a little hole like the ant. Not an ant, the ant. This might have been misheard. She was an easygoing child, not particularly thoughtful and stubbornly inar

      13 min read

    • Article

      On The Hunt For Muntzilla

      Oct 27, 2021

      On The Hunt For Muntzilla
      5 min read

    • Article

      Keys and TREES

      Mar 31, 2021

      Keys and TREES
      3 min read

    • Article

      10 Literary Witches To Hex Trump

      Mar 24, 2017

      In case you hadn’t heard, witches across America—including Lana Del Rey—are uniting to take down Trump via a binding spell, which calls on the spirits to keep the President from doing harm (it already seems to be working). Covens, communities, and so

      5 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Crystal Gardens

    3.5/5

    232 ratings35 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 2/5
      I wanted so much to like this book but in the end there were too many things that left me rolling my eyes for it to be more than okay. All of the dialogue, but especially Evangeline's, came across as affected and unrealistic to my ear. The constant use of the twee word "psychical" didn't help either. The romance between Evangeline and Lucas lacked any sort of tension. Lucas very quickly realized that he wanted to marry her and then that was it for his romantic plot arc, while Evangeline said the relationship would end after the danger was taken care of but then acted exactly the opposite. There were several plot points that just felt like they were never explored as fully as they should have been so that when they got wrapped up at the end, it all felt too neat - the final confrontation between Lucas and Judith, the confrontation with the murder that included six pages of dialogue explaining the murderer's motivation, and the really cute secondary romance that got one scene devoted to it before the couple ended up happily engaged offscreen. The last was disappointing because I would have really liked to see more of them. They seemed surprisingly well-suited to each other, but all I got was that one scene.There were good bits - the different suspense plots were interesting, and I always enjoy seeing family and friends work together and help each other - but so many things threw me out of the story that I couldn't immerse myself like I normally do and that significantly decreased my enjoyment of this book.
    • 5/5
      One of Quick's best works in my opinion. Nice cast of characters, nice romantic mystery, the supernatural elements were very fleshed out as well. I also liked the emphasis on stronger female characterization. Really enjoyable, romantic, and sweet.
    • 5/5
      I was fortunate to be chosen as an early reviewer for Amanda Quick’s Crystal Gardens. I enjoy all the paranormal novels of Jayne Ann Krentz, regardless of her pseudonym. I like her strong female protagonists, and this novel did not disappoint in this regard. In addition to the heroine, we also meet the other two ladies of Lantern Street who will no doubt feature in future books. As Amanda Quick, Krentz does an excellent job of capturing the sense of Victorian England. I found the conceit of the abnormal garden interesting, recalling the part plants played in Perfect Poison. The setting in a small town also enhanced the suspense. Jayne Ann Krentz remains on my must read list.
    • 5/5
      Evangeline Ames, who works as a hired companion and is trying to start her career as an author of sensational stories, has rented a cottage in Little Dixby for a month. Her employers have sent her out of town because they fear she has shattered nerves from an attempted murder in which the murderer died.She is finding the area a trifle boring and not very inspirational for her writing when she is awakened one night by someone breaking into her cottage. Evangeline flees to her landlord's estate and his mysterious garden where she encounters Lucas Sebastian and his man Stone who assist her in defeating the villain.Lucas has seen her before and been intrigued by her. He suggests that she move in with him until they find out who wants her dead. He calls on his aunt to be her chaperone. The aunt arrives with her maid and Lucas's younger sister Beth.Besides the problem of figuring out who wants Evangeline dead, they also have to deal with a garden filled with paranormal plants which seems to be getting more dangerous as time goes by and treasure hunters who are sure there is a secret hoard of Roman gold hidden in the garden somewhere.Both Lucas and Evangeline have paranormal powers which are useful in their careers. Lucas uses his to track down paranormal criminals at the request of Scotland Yard. Evangeline uses hers in her job as an inquiry agent who often goes undercover to ferret out fortune hunters preying on wealthy women of the upper classes.Neither had ever expected to find romance since they felt their gifts would make that impossible. They are completely suited to one another but Evangeline finds it hard to believe that a handsome and wealthy man like Lucas could ever love a poor, family-less woman like her. The story was entertaining and the narrator did a good job with the pacing and voices.
    • 3/5
      3.5 stars...I thought it was a good story. I listened to the Audio book & really liked the narrator. I felt like there should be a sequel though about "Crystal Gardens" but the sequel is actually about the ladies with the paranormal talent so was kind of dissapointed that we won't hear more about Lucas, Evangeline & the Gardens. Hopefully in the future, because I think Quick could do alot with the gardens. This was my second book by Quick & I can already see a lot of similarities with her characters, their attitudes and the storyline so I won't be reading all of her books in order, just one every now and then.
    • 4/5
      Evangeline has rented a cottage in Little Dixby for a month, partly to spend some time writing and partly to be near the Crystal Gardens. It’s personal property with a great deal of energy and the plants in the gardens are dangerous. When a man breaks into the cottage with the intent on killing her, she escapes into the gardens knowing it’s the only thing that could save her. Lucas Sebastian is at the estate to find out who killed his uncle and upon meeting Evangeline, finally finds someone who understands him as both have pretty strong paranormal abilities.There are 3 mysteries taking place in this book and that does lend more interest to the story; how did his uncle die, who wants Evangeline dead and why, as well as an ancient Roman treasure said to be hidden somewhere on the property.But like most books written under this pen name, the heroine is smart, capable and her thinking is ahead of her time and the hero could care less what the ton thinks. That can get old if you read every one of her books, but it’s not bad if you just read an occasional story An enjoyable read from the library.
    • 4/5
      Crystal Gardens is the beginning of a trilogy, A Ladies of the Lantern Street Novel. Writing this novel as Amanda Quick means the time period is in the past, and one of the few historical paranormal authors I read. New readers to Amanda Quick might think her books are too quirky and weird. Old timers like me would do just about anything to get their hands on one of her novels. It amazes me that Ms Quick can switch up the time periods in her novels without compromising the characters and the storyline.

      Evangeline Ames is a paid professional companion who is hiding out in the countryside after she was attacked in London. Her attacker, well, I can't go there without spoilers, sorry. Evie is fascinated by the paranormal and rents a cottage close to Crystal Gardens. She continually sneaks into the Gardens to study them. Thank goodness she does because another murder attempt sends her fleeing into the Gardens for safety. Much to her surprise and relief, she meets her landlord, Lucas Sebastian roaming the grounds. Lucas and his man send the attacker fleeing into the maze of the Garden. The Sebastian family has a history of being "different". And that's all I'm going to say on that.

      Amanda Quick has a gift for writing strong female leads even in the time period of ladylike correctness. Her heroines are smart, likable and just a bit naughty. The love interest is usually smart, intriguing, and somewhat alpha, but not overpowering. The mystery of her novels is not a deep dark secret from the reader. Usually you can figure out the villain but reading how the villain is caught is part of the fun of the books. The conversation and interaction is the other good part. The novel moves along at a good pace with some family angst thrown in for tension.

      Now, I've gone back and read some of the other reviews to see if I missed something or need to address anything. Here's my take. Ms Quick has a tendency to reuse certain words in her novels; that may irritate some new readers. If you've read her previous works, it's something you come to expect. That's her quirky side. As a fan of Ms Quick, I just accept it and move on. It has no bearing on the storyline. It's a trademark so to speak.

      This is by no means my favorite novel but it did just what I expected it to. It kept me entertained and provided many smiles. I'm looking forward to the next two installments.
    • 5/5
      This book was fantastic! Thrilling romance, clever dialogue, great characters, and a complex and interesting plot. Evangeline Ames is the ideal heroine! She's clever, daring, and very likable. Lucas Sebastian is handsome, unconventional, sexy and protective. The romance between the two is sizzling. The plot is engaging with lots of twists and story lines that seamlessly flow together for an exciting novel with just the right mix of adventure, paranormal elements, and romance. This was a fun read from beginning to end.

    • 3/5
      Fine little book. I like Quick/Krentz. There was nothing to change that.

      I did feel a bit of been there/done that, though. It just seemed all too familiar.

      I listened to the Aubible version. I like Justine Eyre, but I don't know that I enjoyed her rendition of the hero. The voice was just, well, annoying. But all other characters were well done. The hero was well done, just not what I think he would "sound" like.
    • 3/5
      I enjoyed this book, but definitely not as much as previous books I've read of hers. The characters felt very flat to me, and the plot was definitely lacking. There were too many things going on at once, and none of them made much sense. The idea was intriguing and I did enjoy it, but overall this book was forgettable and I'm not likely to re-read it.
    • 3/5
      I liked this first book in a new series. I loved the setting of rural England and especially the Crystal Gardens. The characters are interesting and the mystery is fast paced. Its an easy read and fun read.
    • 2/5
      A fast read, but fairly monotonous and boring all the same. The characters were all fairly stereotypical for romance novels and the plot was awfully trite. I could easily have stopped this one halfway through and still told you exactly how it would end...
    • 3/5
      Fine little book. I like Quick/Krentz. There was nothing to change that.

      I did feel a bit of been there/done that, though. It just seemed all too familiar.

      I listened to the Aubible version. I like Justine Eyre, but I don't know that I enjoyed her rendition of the hero. The voice was just, well, annoying. But all other characters were well done. The hero was well done, just not what I think he would "sound" like.
    • 5/5
      As usual Jayne Ann Krentz, aka Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Castle delivers.

      She writes her historical romantic suspense as Amanda Quick and this was a good one. The start of a new series, Crystal Gardens blends together all the things that Krentz/Quick is known for, searing romantic encounters, fun historical facts and fiction and a mystery that keeps people guessing. With a dash of the paranormal thrown in to complicate both the romance and the crimes.

      I've been reading Krentz under all of her names for years, in fact since her first traditional romance came out way back in the 80's. I haven't been disappointed yet and will continue to read everything she writes, no matter what name she decides to use.
    • 3/5
      Fine little book. I like Quick/Krentz. There was nothing to change that.

      I did feel a bit of been there/done that, though. It just seemed all too familiar.

      I listened to the Aubible version. I like Justine Eyre, but I don't know that I enjoyed her rendition of the hero. The voice was just, well, annoying. But all other characters were well done. The hero was well done, just not what I think he would "sound" like.
    • 2/5
      I used to love Jayne Krentz books -- I even purchased them. After a while the repetition started to get to me and stopped buying them and looked for them at the library. Lately I've stopped looking for them but I borrow one if I come across it. I'm having some reservations about even that. This book was the worst. The kind of book where the murderer doesn't kill his target but has lengthy conversations with them first, explaining all of his or her actions and any mysteries that might be involved. At that point, the target turns the table on the bad guy. O f course, there would be no book if the murderer didn't stop first and explain everything. This book has reached the nadir of that kind of plotting. There used to be humor and snappy dialog in the earlier books. This book is just deadly. Krentz must have some mix and match book factory or menu. Almost all the pieces are recycled from other books. I've seen these heroes and heroines multiple times. And even the paranormal elements are being recycled. Krentz knows that this formula has been successful for her and she's milking it to death.
    • 4/5
      Companion and sensational novel writer Evangeline Ames thought she'd find the atmosphere and countryside around the Crystal Gardens inspiring, not boring. Boredom in this case leads to trespassing in her landlord's garden via a hole in the wall. But getting caught turns out to be a good thing when a knife-wielding murderer comes calling and Evangeline is forced to flee into the night through the gap, straight into the arms of Lucas Sebastian, the estate's new owner. Determined to get to the bottom of his uncle's murder - and protect Evangeline (from herself if necessary) - Lucas has his hands full. Of course the happy ending is a foregone conclusion. No surprises, but if you like Quick/Castle/Krentz, there's nothing here to spoil your day.
    • 3/5
      Early Reviewer book, I read it a while ago and it got buried on my head board and so I didn't get my review done as promptly as I'd like.I have the majority of her books, under all the acronyms, so I expected to enjoy this book. I did, but it reminded me a lot of the books she writes as Jayne Castle (a colony – separated from earth) I kept looking for some of that world/storyline. Or maybe I just was thinking it was part of that group and that’s what was tripping up.Regardless, if you enjoy Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, Amanda Glass, etc. you’ll enjoy the book. Strong male and female leads, a mystery to solve, romance and danger all wrapped up in a semi-tidy bow. You have to leave something for the book.The book left me happy to have read another book by the Amanda Quick and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
    • 3/5
      I enjoy most of Amanda Quick's books, even though her heroine and hero are often cut from the same molds as all her previous heroines and heroes. That said, the new mythology and world building of this book was intriguing. When much of the character of the book is the paranormal, that often negates having the same type of characters to read about as a problem. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found it a fun, satisfying afternoon read, however, once I put the book down, it left very little impression on me other than "That was fun". It was entertaining and had a happy ending, like all of Quick's book, so that left me satisfied, but if you are looking for something that stays with you or resonates on a deeper level, this is not the book for you. This is a popcorn book - fun and entertaining but not filling. However, since that is what I wanted from a Quick novel (a quick novel) I have no complaints. The hero was dashing and heroic, the heroine smart and funny, and they were both very likable with very little stupidity to speak of. Therefore, this is a fun beach read or something to while away an afternoon with.
    • 4/5
      Evangeline Ames has rented a cottage on the outskirts of Little Dixby, she's recovering from recent adventures that left an unscrupulous man dead and her mentally scarred. She's attracted by the gardens and retreats to them when she's attacked by a man who breaks into her house with an intent to kill. She is rescued by Lucas Sebastian who is her landlord and is intrigued by her. Between the two of them and with help from family and friends they explore the mysteries of the gardens, the reasons Evangeline is being attacked and each other.It's pretty predictable but I really did enjoy the story and the characters. Evangeline was fun and I can imagine that she will continue to write and cause havoc in Lucas' life.
    • 3/5
      Classic (paranormal) Amanda Quick. I always enjoy her books and this was no exception. While her books can feel a bit repetitious, especially if you read a bunch in a row, they are usually fun with a decent mystery and nice romance. In this one, Lucas was great, possibly one of my favorite heroes of hers. I will say, though, I'm getting a little tired of the slightly exorbitant amounts of paranormal activity and power, but I think that might be something I'm feeling overall in the genre, not just in this book. Overall, a good, not great, book. I'll read the rest of the series :)
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed this book very much. It was a quick read, had a little paranormal, a little mystery, and romance! I want to read about the other two ladies of Lantern Street.
    • 4/5
      Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Ann Krentz, is a pro and knows what she's doing. This story delivers on expectations on all fronts. But perhaps because she's been doing it for so long, or perhaps because she writes so many books so quickly, I couldn't help feeling there was something perfunctory about this story, and that some elements you expect in romance and romantic suspense just weren't there. For instance, there isn't much in the way of obstacles to the hero and heroine getting together; they each recognize the other as a desired and available partner immediately.
    • 4/5
      For once, a paranormal romance from Quick with no (obvious) connection to her Arcane Society series. Evangeline is a paid companion, a writer of sensation novels--and a private investigator with psychic talents. When she is attacked for the second time in two weeks, she flees into the nearby Crystal Gardens, hoping that the psychic dangers with protect her from her assailant. The gardens' new owner, who has his own dark talents for investigation, vows to protect her. Sparks fly.
    • 5/5
      Evangeline Ames wakes up to the certainty that someone is breaking into her house and it quickly becomes apparent that it is not just a random burglary and she is in danger. Evangeline is forced to leave the cottage she is renting and try to get help from her landlord who lives in the estate next door, Crystal Gardens. Once on the property she is startled to find him and his manservant out on the property. The estate is an eerie setting suffused with paranormal energy and the burglar soon meets an unfortunate end in the strange maze situated in Crystal Gardens.Lucas Sebastian is the owner of the Gardens, having inherited from his uncle Chester. Lucas believes his uncle was murdered and has come to the estate to investigate. He and Evangeline make an instant connection on many levels. Evangeline has come to the village to recuperate after being attacked by a male acquaintance. Lucas recognizes that she has paranormal abilities as he does and they both work to help victims of criminal activities. This first night begins a story of attempted murder, treasure hunting and an unusual romance. Add three investigating women, curious siblings, a garden full of dangerous, possibly man eating plants, and you have a page turner in this book. I need to mention that the mysterious pools on the estate are HOT in more ways than one!Having read all of the Arcane Society series and subsequent books, I enjoy the fact that this new trilogy continues the paranormal theme. Lucas and Evangeline have abilities that they can’t categorize but know are real. Lucas has despaired of ever finding a woman who would be able to live with his abilities. Evangeline has been betrayed by love before and keeps men at a distance. Their abilities are a common bond that helps cement the relationship. Ms. Quick does a great job incorporating elements from earlier books that have been discovered and investigated by Arcane and others and placing them in this story as new and unexplainable. An example is a paranormal infused lantern and crystals that are a mystery to Lucas and Evangeline. She has also made the Crystal Gardens themselves a character in the story with a life of its own. The characters from the next two books make an appearance and whet the reader’s appetite for the next story. I for one can’t wait.
    • 3/5
      This is the first in a new series for Amanda Quick and seems to follow the formula she uses for most of her later books. (I do wish the word “psychical” could be changed to something less affected.) As usual, the book is well written and I liked the characters, but the book was just too shallow for me. I was left wanting more action (a lot happens off stage and is reported to us). I guess I felt like I read an extended synopsis rather than a novel. It seemed especially abbreviated since quite a bit of the book introduces the ladies who will be central in the next books of the series, but for me, the friendship wasn’t very deep or important as implied or described. I liked the book well enough to read the next in the series and can recommend it to anyone who likes Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick. I wouldn’t buy it as a hardback, but might as a paperback. Most likely, I will get it from the library.
    • 3/5
      Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick If I had seen the words ‘extraordinary’ or psychical’ one more time I may have plucked out my own eyeballs. Nevertheless, I suppose that complaint is unimportant, as the rest of the story did not live up to Ms Quick’s usual efforts.With several different story lines the author could investigate and take further, this book still fell flat for me. The romance (as thin as that is) progressed too quickly, the sex seemed contrived, and more elaborate than usual. The three story lines just came together too easily with all the ‘bad guys’ taken care of with no harm done to anyone.The story in a nutshell-Evangeline is trying to escape a horrific encounter in the city AND continue with the writing for a newspaper of her serialized novel. Soon, very soon, she is accosted in her lovely little cottage and take refuge into the suspect garden (The Crystal Gardens) of her landlord Mr Lucas Sebastian. Lucas swiftly comes to her rescue and her attacker is well and truly taken care of--- and disposed of by the garden in question.Naturally, they both have ‘hidden’ talent of the ‘psychical’ kind. Eventually they do consummate their relationship, find who, what and why Evangeline is being sought by unsavory characters. And they live happily ever after.I must say that the fact that Evangeline’s talent growing when they are needed the most to help out in a bad situation or to heal someone was a little suspect. This was merely an adequate display of Ms Quicks’ talents. I don’t understand it since she is usually an author that can grab me and pull me into a story no matter what it is about and keep me enthralled for hours. Not this time.
    • 3/5
      Regardless of genre, whether paranormal,historical, urban fantacy or contemporary a book will not hold my attention unless i like the characters. There was good character development even though I'd given up on this type of paranormal story line. I will probably read the rest of the books in this series when they come out. Thank you for the opportunity of an advanced copy.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed this book, and I love the brooding hero and the smart and daring heroine. These two were perfect together in a very faced paced plot, that I sped through in one eveing. Quick's characters are all so compelling and when it is a series she does a excellent job of introducing the future characters, can't wait for the next one.
    • 4/5
      Light-hearted, fast-paced story featuring standard JAK/AQ themes: an emotionally-restrained hero with dangerous psychical powers entranced by a sensible-but-artistic heroine with psychical powers of her own. Also features a vaguely gothic abbey, a garden full of man-eating plants, meddling family members and a small cast of potential villains.The plot and characters lack the focus and depth of the author's best works, but this was still an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.