Mercy Pennington simply did not get in over her head. She was a smart, savvy, successful former librarian-turned-businesswoman. Mercy had owned and operated her second hand bookstore--and turned a profit while she was at it--for three years now. So when she came across a very old, somewhat rare piece of erotic literature, Mercy was ready to try her hand at dealing in antique books. She had everything planned. Everything except Croft Falconer.

Croft had devoted his life to the philosophy of violence. He understood and respected the power. He owned three martial arts academies, all rooted in his own personal blend of the ancient Asian martial arts. He was supremely controlled in everything he did. Until he met Mercy. Discovering she had a book that should not have existed anymore, he was determined to get his hands on it. When Mercy told him that she had already sold the book to someone else, Croft invited himself along when she went to deliver it. That book was tied to someone in his past. It was a loose end that needed tying. That was something he could have done easily--if thoughts of Mercy didn't keep intruding on his concentration. Used to doing things his own way, and on his own as well, Croft wasn't prepared for her. Well, she'd show him that she wasn't just for decoration and sex. Even if it was exceptionally great sex!

When Croft and Mercy found themselves in danger, they had no choice but to trust each other. And even though trust did not come easily to either of them, their faith in each other was absolute. Neither Croft nor Mercy seemed surprised to discover that they had forged a bond that went beyond the physical. And just as soon as this mess with the book was over and Croft completed his unfinished business, they would get around to convincing each other that their love could make each of them whole again. Croft--a creature of the night--and Mercy, a creature of sunlight. Together they were complete.

MIDNIGHT JEWELS is one book you simply can't put down until the very last word! I could feel the heat between Mercy and Croft in every encounter they had! The suspense just added to the sexual tension. The talent of Ms. Krentz lies in her ability to take an unrealistic plot and make it completely believable to her readers!

MIDNIGHT JEWELSreminds us once again why we love Jayne Ann Krentz! You can't help falling in love with her characters, and picturing yourself in the middle of the story. Ms. Krentz has the ability to wield her pen like a magic wand, and she whisks us all along on the magic carpet ride!

Reviewed by Tracy Atencio
© August 2004