"OFF THE SHELF"

Jayne Ann Krentz captures the ups and downs of developing relationships in her contemporary novels, "SOFT FOCUS", "FLASH", "TRUST ME", "ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY", and one of my keeper favorites, "WILDEST HEARTS".

SOFT FOCUS

In her hardcover Putnam debut, bestselling author Krentz weaves a dramatic tale of romantic suspense while exploring the relationship betweeen corporate turnaround expert Jack Fairfax and financial wiz Elizabeth Cabot. Although the reunited lovers get off to a rocky start, they enter into an unbreakable contract to fund Jack's business venture. Jack is brillant at salvaging small family owned businesses which are at the brink of disaster. The couple finds themselves at odds over the hostile takeover where Jack reputely destroyed Elizabeth's long-time family friend. Their business venture is jeopardized when a technician is murdered and Soft Focus, a ground-breaking new optical crystal, disappears, along with its inventor, without a trace. To protect their investment, the passionate rivals work together to find the crystal. Laced with mystery, suspense, and passionate romance, Soft Focus is straight out of today's headlines. It's a must read.

TRUST ME

Stoic Sam Stark has just been stranded at the altar for the second time. A virtual human computer when it comes to emotions, Sam shrugs off the event and moves to settle the catering bill with Desdemona Wainwright. Sam is a solitary,self-made man, brilliant, logical, and self-repressed. Desdemona is warm, liquid, and emotional. They develop a business relationship which quickly blossoms into a torrid love affair. While Stark and Desdemona are in the middle of a heavy romance, family concerns from both sides interfere, and a murder mystery needs to be solved. Trust Me is filled with great fun, tingling suspense and charming characters. Krentz shifts romance into the computer age. It's definitely worth reading.

ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY

Unconventional Molly Abberwick, trustee of her late father's scientific foundation, is mad enough to fire her new consultant, Dr. Harry Trevelyn. A brilliant expert on new inventions, the handsome hero irritates Molly with his preposterous insistence that they have an affair--and that it could be planned, predicted, and run like a science project. Molly has a lot on her mind as her troubles escalate into violence and a mysterious stalker threatens her life. She turns to Harry's sixth sense for help and discovers the magic of love. Bright, sexy romance with just the right touch of mystery and the paranormal- best-selling author Jayne Ann Krentz absolutely, positively has another hit in this sparkling love story.

FLASH

Business dynamo Olivia Chantry creates promotional flash for her clients through her Seattle-based company, Light Fantastic. Her success almost made up for her crumbled marriage, leaving her wedded to her career instead of a mate. When Olivia inherits 49 percent of Glow, Inc., her uncles high tech lighting firm, she finds herself going head to head with her new partner, Jasper Sloan. A venture capitalist, deal maker and self-made millionaire, Sloan is well prepared for their feisty business dealings, but not for the sexual energy crackling between them. Olivia and Sloan discover a blackmailer uncovering secrets inside the company. Extortion turns to murder and their survival depends on the union of their minds and hearts, as they fight to stay alive.

WILDEST HEARTS

Annie Lyncroft has an outrageous scheme to save her missing brother's hot electronics company from the sharks who think he's not coming back. She proposes a marriage of convenience to Oliver Rain, the richest and possibly most dangerous man in the Pacific Northwest. To her surprise, Oliver actually says yes. His plan is to seduce the beautiful schemer. Love is the wild card that teaches these two strong-willed opposites a lesson in the passionate territory of the heart.

Jayne Ann Krentz has also written under several other names, i.e. Stephanie James, Amanda Glass, Jayne Taylor, and Jayne Bentley. Writing historicals as Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz delivers exciting adventure, witty, exhilerating dialogue, and quirky heroes and heroines. You can take a look at some of Amanda Quick's novels right "OFF THE SHELF" in THE PINK PAGES.

For a chronological listing of Jayne Ann Krents novels, check Jayne's page .

MYSTERY/THRILLERS

P Is For Peril

P IS FOR PERIL
Sue Grafton
ISBN 0060185422
St. Martin's Press

Get ready for Sue Grafton's 16th alphabet mystery coming in June 2001. In this long awaited novel, veteran Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone tackles the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Dowan Purcell, while trying to revive her lack luster love life. The missing person case yields a variety of suspects, including a hostile, jealous ex-wife, her beautiful, young replacement who's a former Las Vegas showgirl, and a host of strangely suspicious business partners. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda and the novel's tone conveys a sense of evil permeating its pages. Our nosy heroine's focus on solving the case and bringing a ruthless murderer to justice just might cost her life. Turns out that her new love interest was the principal suspect in the brutal murder of his parents and was almost convicted of the crime. Readers who have been waiting for this one won't be disappointed. Sweet number sixteen looks like another winner for Ms. Grafton.

SEVEN UP
Janet Evanovich
ISBN 0-312-26584-0
St. Martin's Press

Best selling mystery writer Janet Evanovich rolls the dice for lucky number seven, featuring New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. The wild, wacky heroine finds herself on the trail of aging bail jumper Eddie De Chooch. Crazy Eddie is trying to bring the heart of his deceased partner to a mob boss when he loses the container and winds up with a stolen pot roast instead. Who would have thought tracing Eddie would be so difficult or anticipated the series of adventures Stephanie encounters in the chase? With her new punk rocker hair dyed blonde, Stephanie and friend, Lula mix it up with the most famous female wrestlers in town. Even with her hands full, she still finds time for Joe Morelli, the man she loves and for sexy fellow bounty hunter, the irresistible Ranger. Seven Up is a fast, furious, funny romp with Evanovich at her sparkling best, scheduled for release June 19, 2001.

If you missed the first three books in this series, get the all-new omnibus THREE PLUMS IN ONE, published by Scribner. This hardback contains the complete and unabridged novels ONE FOR THE MONEY, TWO FOR THE DOUGH, and THREE TO GET DEADLY in a single edition and is available now.

HIGH FIVE
by Janet Evanovich

The hottest thing going in the mystery genre right now is Janet Evanovich's sexy, sassy heroine New Jersey Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum. HIGH FIVE is the fifth thriller of the series and it's funny and enjoyable.
At her mom's request, Stephanie sets out to find her missing Uncle Fred. She finds a dismembered body in a garbage bag, a deadly killer she helped put away is released from jail, and her car is bombed, stolen, and towed. Just a normal routine week for our herione Stephanie. Add lustful hunk, Detective Joe Morelli, and mentor bounty-hunter Ranger into the mix of complications and Stephanie needs more than a multivitamin and a glass of orange juice to shake it all out.

The series include ONE for the MONEY, TWO for the DOUGH, THREE to GET DEADLY, FOUR SCORE and HOT SIX, the newest addition. Join the readers who love funny, lovable Stephanie and her mad cap crew of lively characters.

Author Janet Evanovich has received numerous awards from Mystery Booksellers and the Crime Writers Association, including Last Laugh and Silver Dagger awards, Left Coast Crime's Lefty award and the Dilys award, setting the pace for the comic mystery field competition. Janet lives in New Hampshire, where she is at work on her next Stephanie Plum adventure.

DEEP SOUTH
NEVADA BARR
ISBN 0425178951
Berkley Pub Group

Best-selling author Nevada Barr offers another Anna Pigeon adventure as the feisty park ranger signs on for a promotion down south in Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway. Being a yankee and a woman doesn't make the new job any easier, but Anna is up to the challenge. Anna does what she must to find the murderer of a 17 year old girl who's killed on prom night and found with a KKK style sheet covering her head. Local sheriff Paul Davidson is on hand to give a helping hand. Expect suspense, danger, and a group of interesting characters. After reading this thriller, you'll be hooked and clamoring for more. Grab Ms. Barr's new hardcover, BLOOD LURE.

The award winning author has eight previous Anna Pigeon mysteries including the New York Times bestseller DEEP SOUTH. She lives in Mississippi, where she was most recently a ranger on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

HEARTBREAKER
by Julie Garwood

After the death of his parents, the kindly Buchanan family raised Tom Madden, but his younger sister, Laurant, grew up in a posh Swiss boarding school. Although circumstances kept them miles apart, the two remained in close touch. Now, a homicidal killer involves the siblings in a twisted, dangerous game. In the shadow of the confessional, the psychopath reveals his murderous past to Father Tom and terrifies his confessor with a plan to kill again. His next intended victim is Laurant Madden. Heartbreaker loves a challenge and dares the authorities to catch him in a chilling game of cat and mouse. Father Tom calls upon his trusted friend, FBI agent Nick Buchanan, to track down the mysterious killer. In spite of her immediate attraction to Nick, Laurant resents his protective manner and take charge attitude. As the stalker gets closer and the danger increases, Nick and Laurant are drawn closer together and ultimately fall in love.

Julie Garwood keeps the reader captivated by the breathtaking suspense, rapid pacing, and shattering climax. She's in familiar territory with the steamy sensuality her readers experienced in her best-selling historical romance novels. The passionate love scenes are sure to please. There are several subplots for added interest. One reviewer describes HEARTBREAKER as a pinch of Psycho and a generous helping of General Hospital. I rate Ms. Garwood's first venture into contemporary romantic suspense as an overwhelming success.

BLACK HEAT
Norman Kelley
ISBN 0060185422
HarperCollins

Norman Kelley pulls out all the stops in his new hardcover mystery, BLACK HEAT. Take a twenty year old murder, a missing persons case and a resurgence of Black Nationalism, add a gritty private investigator with heavy baggage and raging hormones and you have a riveting novel that keeps you breathless from beginning to end. Former prosecutor Nina Halligan has her hands full when she agrees to find the daughter of former movie queen Victoria Thorn and slain civil rights leader Malik Martin. Victoria has just been released from confinement after suffering a breakdown when she witnessed her husband's assassination. P. I. Nina butts head with NYPD cops suspected of involvement in Malik's death, then conservative followers of the slain leader's replacement kidnap her. Several bodies surface during her investigation and attempts to silence her jeopardize her life.

If you like a gun-toting supersleuth in high heels, reminiscent of Sara Paretsky's V. I. Warshawski or J. D. Robb's Eve Dallas, you'll love this Nina Halligan mystery. To check out J. D. Robb's Mystery Thrillers in the "In Death" Series featuring one of the hottest couples in the romance genre, click here.

MORE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

THE WEDDING
ISBN 038531437
Delacorte Press Hardcover

Danielle Steele's forty-eighth best selling novel, THE WEDDING, tells a tale straight out of today's Hollywood headlines. It's the story of the prominient, well respected Tinseltown family of movie producer Simon Steinberg and television writer Blaire Scott. The major focal point is twenty-nine year old entertainment lawyer Allegra Steinberg who spends her time attending to the interests of her celebrity clients which diverts her attention from her less than perfect private life. Just as her long-term relationship is shattered by infidelity, she meets a New York writer who turns her life inside out. The next thing she knows, she is planning a wedding to sexy Jeff Hamilton and is bombarded on all sides by chaos and confusion. Last minute details, final arrangements, unexpected surprises and mounting frustration take Allegra on a battering roller coaster ride.

THE WEDDING is typical of the type of family gatherings that bring out the best and the worst in everyone. It becomes a time for soul searching, reflection, unruly emotions, and renewed committments. The parents, Simon and Blair, are strengthened by the complex series of events that sweep the entire family into a whirlwind of emotion. All the characters are realistic, down to earth, and familiar. As THE WEDDING unfolds, Allegra puts aside the failed past and emerges ready to face the challenges of her future. As expected, Danielle Steele continues to deliver.

Danielle Steel's popularity is reflected in the 410 million copies of her novels that have sold throughout the world. Her long list of international best sellers include BITTERSWEET, SILENT HONOR, MALICE, MIRROR IMAGE, IRRESTIBLE FORCES, FIVE DAYS IN PARIS, and THE LONG ROAD HOME. Danielle also authored HIS BRIGHT LIGHT, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death.

THE LAST GOOD MAN
Kathleen Eagle
ISBN 0-380-81014-X
Avon Books

New York Model Savannah Stephens had it all-beauty, fame, and fortune, until a devastating illness resulting in everything slipping through her fingers. When she seeks the familiar comfort of her childhood home in Sunbonnet, WY, local gossips buzz while her longtime best friend, Clay Keogh, celebrates her return. His love has never wavered, despite an ill-fated first marriage. Clay is determined to heal the scars that Savannah tries to hide and to care for her and the beautiful child she brings with her.
Kathleen Eagle weaves a powerful love story with complex, contemporary issues. Expect characters with substance, a compelling plot, and a heart wrenching romance. This novel enlightens, entertains, and inspires while tugging at your heartstrings. The heroine is tough and unyielding, yet needy and vulnerable while the down to earth, hard working hero is every woman's dream- strong, sexy, and sensitive. Nothing frivolous about this one, but it's an unforgettable journey to love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Virginia and raised in New England, best selling author Kathleen Eagle set aside a gratifying seventeen-year teaching career on a North Dakota Indian reservation to become a full-time novelist. The Lakato Sioux heritage of her husband and three children inspired many of her stories.

Kathleen has more than thirty books published and has received many awards and honors for her work. She received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times, the Midwest Fiction Writer of the Year Award, and Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award. Library Journal named her novel WHAT THE HEART KNOWS one of the five best romances of the year. You may write her c/o Midwest Fiction Writers, P.O. Box 24107, Edina, MN 55424-0107.

ANGEL FALLS
Kristin Hannah
ISBN 0449006344
Ballatine Books

Angel Falls is a wonderful romance. No dashing hero, sweet damsel in distress, or contrived drama in this novel. Author Kristin Hannah presents a compelling story of love and marriage featuring ordinary people facing real live issues. The story, set in northwest Washington State, takes off when Mikaela (Mike) Campbell falls from her horse, hits her head and laps into a coma. Her husband Liam must care for their two children and hold on to his faith that Mike will recover despite medical opinions to the contrary. He visits his wife every day and also takes care of the day to day things for his family, trying to keep everything as normal as possible. Here's a true hero. Liam stumbles upon souvenirs and pictures from his wife's hidden first marriage to Julian True, international movie star. He realizes that Julian may be the key to bringing his wife back to life. By calling upon Julian for help, Liam risks losing her and changing their lives forever.

The story will melt your heart. You'll fall in love with the hero and cheer the heroine as she discovers the difference between childish dreams and mature love. It's a two hanky read, but you'll enjoy every minute.

WATER'S EDGE, Judith McNaught

At thirty-two, Broadway star Leigh Kendall has a dazzling career and is engaged to be married. she never imagines anyone would want to hurt her. But driving home one night, her car is forced off the road and plunges into a river. As she sinks into the murky depths, Leigh can only question who would do this to her. When she drifts back to consciousness, she finds herself in a stone-cold medieval setting in which she plays the role of a lady locked in a power struggle with a notoriously cruel British warlord. As she struggles to make sense of the events that propelled her to her current predicament, she strings together clues to where and who she is. Leigh soon discovers that she has actually set out on a compelling mystery: Solving her own murder.

NIGHT WHISPERS, Judith McNaught

Sloan Reynolds is a policewoman in a small Florida community. A sudden invitation arrives from her long absent father and her sister, Paris, asking Sloan to meet them and indulge in the Palm Beach social season. Although she is unmoved by the long-overdue parental gesture, she agrees to enter her father's life to assist FBI agent Paul Richardson in his investigation of fraud, conspiracy and murder. Against her deepest instincts, Sloan finds herself attracted to one of the chief suspects, Noah Maitland, a multinational corporate player. When a shocking murder shatters the seductive facade of wealth and glamour, Sloan maneuvers through a maze of deceit and passion to find the truth.

For more "OFF THE SHELF" reviews focused on contemporary romance, visit our sections featuring the novels of Nora Roberts or other miscellaneous contemporary authors or our Multiculturalselections.

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