The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle

                                       
 


4.5 out of 5 stars


The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick) is another imaginative and thought-provoking tale that explores the capability of the human mind with the complications inherent when artificial enhancements are explored without proper safeguards. Sedona Snow is the very talented Class 5 paranormal gatekeeper who runs afoul of those who are looking for a shortcut to enhancing their powers. Her encounters with the newly appointed Rainshadow Guild boss, Cyrus (Dead Zone) Jones, is just as life-changing as her adoption by the enigmatic dust bunny she names Lyle, she just has to decide whether she is willing to accept the new responsibilities each confers upon her, in his (or its) own way. Rainshadow has always been a place of secrets and Sedona may discover that some are far more deadly than others, but the two newcomers in her life will do their best to make sure that the secrets don’t prove fatal to the intriguing woman who has inestimable value to each of them.


  Dust bunnies rule! (and apparently like Halloween candy) This is another great addition to a fun series that is part of the ongoing saga that covers the past, present and future progression of humans with psychic powers. I alternate between my preferences for the various incarnations of this author’s titles but I have to admit that I have a distinct bias toward the various dust bunnies and the idea of the alien influence left behind on the planet of Harmony. I found this particular story to be more disconcerting as the contrast between MC (marriages of convenience) and CM (covenant marriages) is highlighted, but, as always, the repartee between the determined heroine and the self-deprecating hero is a wonderful facet of a creative story. The monsters that are roaming are a creepy element and the question of the alien influence on this planet adds a twist to the evolution of the humans who have found a way to survive and thrive on Harmony. I adore these stories because they combine romance, science fiction and human ingenuity in a delightful story AND they continue to gradually reveal more about the charismatic creatures who can go from cuddly chortling companion to a being that has created the reputation, “Once you see the teeth, it’s too late!”

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.