Title: Hidden Talents
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Published: January 1, 1993
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Age Rating: 18+
Tropes: Contemporary, Grumpy Hero, Sunshine Heroine, Suspense, Small Town
Hidden Talents Book Review
Jayne Ann Krentz has great writing skills in Romantic suspense, and Hidden Talents is just another great read by her.
If you’re looking for a comfortable yet intriguing read – a story rife with suspense, amazing characters (the main and the supporting), and hot romance, this book should be your next read.
Although categorized as Contemporary, the story may seem a bit dated – as it was published in 1993, there are a lot of things you’ll find missing such as phones or online stores (alternative to mail orders). It’s not glaringly obvious in the story.
Serenity Makepeace was born and brought up in a small town called Witt’s End, and watching it dwindle economically, she’s all set to revive the town and make it grow. This town is all she’s known, and her affection for it runs deep, as the people there have loved her and supported her throughout her life. However, she needs help due to her lack of business acumen.
Caleb Ventress is one of the best start-up consultants, and Serenity hopes that with his help, she can bring her new business idea to life.
Both have a rocky start, but as the story progresses and the suspense builds, both Caleb and Serenity need to figure out the answers – behind Caleb’s secrets and the threat that may ruin their blossoming romance.
Serenity is an interesting character. She is down to earth, and naive, and seems to not notice the obvious at times. I liked her loyalty towards her town and people. She is determined to achieve her goals and is quite kind to the people she knows despite their eccentricity.
Caleb… He is an alpha male. Duty-bound to his family, and torn up about his past, he has a strict reign over his emotions and doesn’t seem to show them much. However, when he meets Serenity, he wants her. She seems to bring out the life in him. And I loved watching him grow from a sullen bear to a loving bear (LOL).
Caleb doesn’t understand the concept of love, but he knows he needs Serenity in his life and pursues her with all his heart. With the mystery building and a threat against Serenity looming, Caleb’s protective and possessive self unleashes and he’ll do what’s necessary to keep her safe and with him.
The plot is intricate and there are several sub-plots with their own suspenseful element going throughout the story. It makes the reader all the more interesting.
The supporting casts are amazing, every person has a unique 3-dimensional personality and I love how all of these aspects are brought together.
Jayne has made the entire town of Witt’s End come to life with her writing style. You feel like you’re a part of the quirky small town, and you are friends with the people there as you have gotten to know them so well.
There’s a sprinkle of humor throughout the story – and you’ll find it a quick easy read.
I recommend this book if you enjoy small-town romantic suspense with well-developed characters in a well-built setting.
Jayne Ann Krentz Hidden Talents Blurb:
Serenity Makepeace knows a lot about whole-grain bread, but she doesn’t know beans about business. She’s expanding her natural foods emporium to sell local handicrafts by mail—which she hopes will benefit her offbeat artist community in Witt’s End, Washington. But she needs a crack financial adviser to make her dream a reality—so she charms her way into the office of Caleb Ventress, a handsome wolf in conservative clothing.
An expert in the art of the deal, Caleb isn’t sure what to make of the unconventional Serenity—but there’s no doubt he’s attracted. A pass from a paragon of conformity—even one as handsome as Caleb—is more than free-spirited Serenity bargained for. But when a lethal blackmailer threatens her plans and perhaps her life, she puts her whole trust in the man who seems her complete opposite—and the net result might be true love.
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About Jayne Ann Krentz:
The author of over 50 New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 35 million copies of her books in print.
Other Books by Jayne Ann Krentz:
