Flash

September 28, 1998
Bestselling author Krentz (Sharp Edges) once again displays her expertise in contemporary romance thrillers. As in most of her fiction, an attractive hero and heroine are set up as antagonists, then fall in love. Here she pits Jasper Sloan, successful venture capitalist-turned-CEO of GLOW Inc., against Olivia Chantry, who possesses 49% of the stock and is the niece of the company's recently deceased owner. Both powerhouses in their own right, the two expect to dislike each other, but, not surprisingly, the attraction between them leads to steamy encounters. Romance takes a back seat when a mysterious intruder threatens blackmail, and Jasper and Olivia join forces to prevent their respective family secrets from being exposed. Krentz provides the requisite inside look at the glamorous life. Olivia's special events company, Light Fantastic, provides "flash" for product launches, political fund-raisers and corporate happenings, replete with over-the-top interior designs, sumptuous catering and state-of-the-art technology. Though Krentz's hometown of Seattle, Wash., is the setting, there is little local background; the action might as well take place in any major city where financial wizards and corporate executives hobnob with politicians, nosy journalists and gossipy columnists. Yet Krentz delivers on her tried and true formula: charismatic though uncomplicated main characters, a compelling plot with equal parts romance and suspense, and a surprise denouement that neatly ties up all the loose ends. Editor, Linda Marrow.

August 1, 1998
Krentz adds this dazzling tale to her string of 23 best-sellers. Jasper Sloan, a self-made millionaire and venture capitalist, is burned out and in pursuit of a new thrill when he learns of the death of a colleague, a business partner who has left him 51 percent of an up-and-coming company. GLOW, Inc., has always been a family operation, so Jasper's arrival is greeted with the suspicion that he will gut the company and sell it. The other 49 percent of GLOW is held by Olivia Chantry, the niece of the late owner. As Jasper and Olivia lock horns over the future of the company, he realizes that the excitement he's been missing is right before his very eyes in the form of his lovely new business partner. As they argue over the best way to run the company, yet another player enters the field, one determined to destroy Jasper, Olivia, and the people they hold dear. With superb style and skill, Krentz creates a series of false trails that cloak the identity of the threat to GLOW until the final, dramatic unveiling. This new element of suspense, plus Krentz's trademark family squabbles and strong characters, will thrill her fans. ((Reviewed August 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)