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Arcane Society #2
White Lies
Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
A woman with a psychic talent for perceiving deception meets a man who overwhelms her senses with premonitions of danger-and desire...
ACE #1
A woman with a psychic talent for perceiving deception meets a man who overwhelms her senses with premonitions of danger-and desire...
404 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 25, 2007
797 people are currently reading
2960 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
398 books7,193 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive 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 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
August 17, 2025
So you know I am a fan of the Arcane Society series, despite my initial reluctance to start it and the lateness in posting my reviews. Now I am in the processing of revisiting it all, and I am really enjoying reading it once more and going back and forth in time. I found it gives you a different perspective and added to my overall enjoyment. Whether as Jayne Ann Krentz or Amanda Quick, I love her writing and creative stories!
White Lies, is the kick of the Nightshade plotline set in contemporary Arizona. It has every ingredient of a great mystery with the addition of an instant and growing romance. I loved both Clare and Jake: they are strong people, solitary and complex due to their talents and suffered pasts. They are both strong paranormal sensitives, she is a ‘human lie detector’, while he is a hunter and in a secret mission for Jones &Jones. Very creative and vibrant plot, a page-turner White Lies is a great read!
White Lies, is the kick of the Nightshade plotline set in contemporary Arizona. It has every ingredient of a great mystery with the addition of an instant and growing romance. I loved both Clare and Jake: they are strong people, solitary and complex due to their talents and suffered pasts. They are both strong paranormal sensitives, she is a ‘human lie detector’, while he is a hunter and in a secret mission for Jones &Jones. Very creative and vibrant plot, a page-turner White Lies is a great read!
November 21, 2016
Murder, Mystery, Mayhem and Romance
This was a captivating read with all the necessary elements for a happy, satisfied reader. ( This was a re-read)
Clare Lancaster was feisty, stubborn and independent. The book opens with Clare meeting her half sister, Elizabeth for the first time. Elizabeth is convinced that her husband plans to kill her but nobody believes Elizabeth. Except Clare.
Some months later Clare is back in Arizona and stuck with Elizabeth's family and her father, Archer. Clare is at the wrong place, at the wrong time and someone is dead. Again.
Enters Jake Salter. He has his own agenda for being in Arizona but Clare is an irresistible distraction. Clare's presence irritates some people and Jake is happy to step in and smooth things over.
Both Jake and Clare were really strong characters. Neither would be dominated in a relationship or give in easily. This led to some witty banter & steamy scenes.
Their bond went deeper because they were exotic parasensitives - rare and their talents were linked to their instincts.
Jake was a hunter and Clare was a human lie detector. Their talents make it difficult for them to establish a normal relationship and romance is an afterthought.
Jake had a dry sense of humor while Clare's offbeat humor infuriated those around her. But I was delighted by it.
You are what they sometimes call an alpha male. Leader of the pack. Trouble is, in the modern world, there aren’t a lot of packs to lead so your natural talents get applied to whatever comes into your orbit. Family, spouse, business, whatever.”
The murder mystery was well written with lots of suspects and an unexpected mastermind. Spending time with her father's family added tension to the story.
Jayne Ann Krentz does it again. She weaves an impressive plot and her research always gets me thinking.
Clare's talent is linked to her fight or flight response. To cope with it, she has to think about lying with a unique perspective because each lie can be interpreted as a threat. This could be overwhelming at times.
The story also integrates plotlines from The Arcane series - the founders formula and the legendary Cabal. This established a link between the historical and contemporary series. It is a treat for loyal fans and adds complications and danger.
This was a captivating read with all the necessary elements for a happy, satisfied reader. ( This was a re-read)
Clare Lancaster was feisty, stubborn and independent. The book opens with Clare meeting her half sister, Elizabeth for the first time. Elizabeth is convinced that her husband plans to kill her but nobody believes Elizabeth. Except Clare.
Some months later Clare is back in Arizona and stuck with Elizabeth's family and her father, Archer. Clare is at the wrong place, at the wrong time and someone is dead. Again.
Enters Jake Salter. He has his own agenda for being in Arizona but Clare is an irresistible distraction. Clare's presence irritates some people and Jake is happy to step in and smooth things over.
Both Jake and Clare were really strong characters. Neither would be dominated in a relationship or give in easily. This led to some witty banter & steamy scenes.
Their bond went deeper because they were exotic parasensitives - rare and their talents were linked to their instincts.
Jake was a hunter and Clare was a human lie detector. Their talents make it difficult for them to establish a normal relationship and romance is an afterthought.
Jake had a dry sense of humor while Clare's offbeat humor infuriated those around her. But I was delighted by it.
You are what they sometimes call an alpha male. Leader of the pack. Trouble is, in the modern world, there aren’t a lot of packs to lead so your natural talents get applied to whatever comes into your orbit. Family, spouse, business, whatever.”
The murder mystery was well written with lots of suspects and an unexpected mastermind. Spending time with her father's family added tension to the story.
Jayne Ann Krentz does it again. She weaves an impressive plot and her research always gets me thinking.
Clare's talent is linked to her fight or flight response. To cope with it, she has to think about lying with a unique perspective because each lie can be interpreted as a threat. This could be overwhelming at times.
The story also integrates plotlines from The Arcane series - the founders formula and the legendary Cabal. This established a link between the historical and contemporary series. It is a treat for loyal fans and adds complications and danger.
January 1, 2015
This is a slightly confusing series. I read the first book in the Arcane Society and enjoyed the HR/PNR aspect of it then I was eager to read the second book in the series and I didn’t look at the synopsis or anything just picked it up and thought that maybe it would be about one of the siblings from the first book. Imagine my confusion when it wasn’t about a sibling from Second Sight or anyone from Second sight because it is set in present day.
I then thought that I had purchased the wrong book because it is written by a different author (actually same author different name) HR is Amanda Quick and contemporary is Jayne Ann Krentz and if I ever chance something set in the future it will be the pseudonym 'Jayne Castle'. WHY???
I didn’t really enjoy much in this book and it isn’t really the books fault. I wanted something different when I read it, I wanted the magic of a Historical Romance with paranormal elements. With so many other really well done UF/PNR set in contemporary worlds I’m really picky now. I give some leniency to heroines/heroes in HR that I don’t give contemporary stories. Also the audio narration of this is one of the worst I’ve ever listened to. Even with two narrators I didn’t enjoy the narration and the female narrator drove me a little crazy.
The Story is okay. It is the mystery of a murder and cover-up along with some paranormal elements. I figured out who the bad guy was super early on but didn’t get the big conformation until the end. The Hero Jake was interesting and he has all the aspects of perhaps a were-something without changing shape, his senses are acute and he has some predatory instincts going on. Then there is Claire who is a human lie detector which makes finding a suitable romantic situation really difficult. I liked them as a couple however I recently read Burn for Me which yes was written later but had a much better telling of a similar dynamic.
In the future I will most likely skip any of the Jayne Ann Krentz editions of this series as I really prefer the HR pseudonym Amanda Quick.
I then thought that I had purchased the wrong book because it is written by a different author (actually same author different name) HR is Amanda Quick and contemporary is Jayne Ann Krentz and if I ever chance something set in the future it will be the pseudonym 'Jayne Castle'. WHY???
I didn’t really enjoy much in this book and it isn’t really the books fault. I wanted something different when I read it, I wanted the magic of a Historical Romance with paranormal elements. With so many other really well done UF/PNR set in contemporary worlds I’m really picky now. I give some leniency to heroines/heroes in HR that I don’t give contemporary stories. Also the audio narration of this is one of the worst I’ve ever listened to. Even with two narrators I didn’t enjoy the narration and the female narrator drove me a little crazy.
The Story is okay. It is the mystery of a murder and cover-up along with some paranormal elements. I figured out who the bad guy was super early on but didn’t get the big conformation until the end. The Hero Jake was interesting and he has all the aspects of perhaps a were-something without changing shape, his senses are acute and he has some predatory instincts going on. Then there is Claire who is a human lie detector which makes finding a suitable romantic situation really difficult. I liked them as a couple however I recently read Burn for Me which yes was written later but had a much better telling of a similar dynamic.
In the future I will most likely skip any of the Jayne Ann Krentz editions of this series as I really prefer the HR pseudonym Amanda Quick.
January 31, 2022
Yes, I've gone on a romantic suspense kick these past 3 weeks, tearing through a bunch. For some reason...perhaps since it's January...I can't focus on my other book, The Bridge of Clay...plus I've been traveling and I wasn't going to risk damaging the signed hardcover of Bridge of Clay - signed to my daughter no less!
I picked this up because Jayne Ann Krentz was a special guest for one of my Seton Hill residencies and she is a lovely lady - also it was on sale ;) I enjoy it - the world was unique and interesting and the characters easy to like.
I picked this up because Jayne Ann Krentz was a special guest for one of my Seton Hill residencies and she is a lovely lady - also it was on sale ;) I enjoy it - the world was unique and interesting and the characters easy to like.
July 6, 2021
While romantic suspense isn't my go-to genre, I felt like I needed a change of pace. I really enjoyed this book about Clare (who has the power to tell if someone is lying) and Jake (who has powers of his own and is on assignment undercover). The mystery part of the story was intriguing and although I was pretty sure who the baddie was, it did keep me guessing. I really liked the romance, mostly due to the fact that Clare and Jake have never met anyone who understood them so well. They are a great match!
I read this out of order in the series, but I had no problem jumping into the story. I think this could be read as a standalone.
Safety
I read this out of order in the series, but I had no problem jumping into the story. I think this could be read as a standalone.
Safety
April 29, 2011
Jayne Ann Krentz ( and Amanda Quick etc) is always enjoyable. A great mystery, hot romance and The Arcane Society. Good stuff!
December 6, 2025
This is in the Arcane Society series and early in it. This series is fun, although very predictable. I liked the mystery in this one and while I figured it out, it was still a fun ride. Clare is a human lie detector called to visit the father she barely knows and pulled in to help her sister. Jake is working undercover for the prestigious J & J and realizes quickly that Clare will change everything. Against the odds the two team up and find that their talents work together almost as much as their chemistry.
February 26, 2009
There were a number of things I really enjoyed about this book.
This story had a strong suspenseful plot & being uncertain of the killer until 3/4 of the way through the novel was quite refreshing. I also thoroughly enjoyed the steamy romantic sub-plot.
Clare Lancaster is a level 10 parasensitive who's psychic ability is to read lies. Jake Salter is a level 10 hunter, freelancing for Jones & Jones an investigative agency in the Arcane Society, who's purpose is to protect the formula that can create a super psychic. I loved the chemistry between Clare & Jake, both strong personalities with a mutual understanding & appreciation of each others abilities.
Claire's ability to tell truth from deception is all that saved her half sister from death at the hands of her husband eight months prior. Now Claire is back in Arizona at the request of her father Archer Glazebrook and she's become the target of someone bent on revenge. Jake, masquerading as a business consultant for Glazebrook is determined to protect Clare after a barrage of coincidental threats. Together they "unravel a web of conspiracy & murder."
I really wanted to know more about the characters unique & fascinating abilities. Jake's powerful talent allows him to pick up the psychic spoor left by anyone in the grip of intense, violent emotion & Clare's abilities as a human lie detector affected her on a paranormal & physical level. I really enjoyed her take on lies, from white lies to ultraviolet (Clare's codeword for evil)"the ability to lie...I consider it to be value-neutral, sort of like fire." "You can cook a meal with fire or burn down a house. In the hands of a person with evil intent, lying can be used to cause enormous damage."
The descriptions of the Arcane Society are a little vague & unusual, maybe they were expanded upon in book 1? All parasensitives are registered with the Arcane Society & rated according to their gift & psychic strength. Not so unusual ... the weird factor increases when the reader discovers that not only can sensitives check out each others psychic statistics online, they can register at Arcanematch.com to find their perfect psychic mate... Ughh please!
That aside this was still an enjoyable read.
This story had a strong suspenseful plot & being uncertain of the killer until 3/4 of the way through the novel was quite refreshing. I also thoroughly enjoyed the steamy romantic sub-plot.
Clare Lancaster is a level 10 parasensitive who's psychic ability is to read lies. Jake Salter is a level 10 hunter, freelancing for Jones & Jones an investigative agency in the Arcane Society, who's purpose is to protect the formula that can create a super psychic. I loved the chemistry between Clare & Jake, both strong personalities with a mutual understanding & appreciation of each others abilities.
Claire's ability to tell truth from deception is all that saved her half sister from death at the hands of her husband eight months prior. Now Claire is back in Arizona at the request of her father Archer Glazebrook and she's become the target of someone bent on revenge. Jake, masquerading as a business consultant for Glazebrook is determined to protect Clare after a barrage of coincidental threats. Together they "unravel a web of conspiracy & murder."
I really wanted to know more about the characters unique & fascinating abilities. Jake's powerful talent allows him to pick up the psychic spoor left by anyone in the grip of intense, violent emotion & Clare's abilities as a human lie detector affected her on a paranormal & physical level. I really enjoyed her take on lies, from white lies to ultraviolet (Clare's codeword for evil)"the ability to lie...I consider it to be value-neutral, sort of like fire." "You can cook a meal with fire or burn down a house. In the hands of a person with evil intent, lying can be used to cause enormous damage."
The descriptions of the Arcane Society are a little vague & unusual, maybe they were expanded upon in book 1? All parasensitives are registered with the Arcane Society & rated according to their gift & psychic strength. Not so unusual ... the weird factor increases when the reader discovers that not only can sensitives check out each others psychic statistics online, they can register at Arcanematch.com to find their perfect psychic mate... Ughh please!
That aside this was still an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2020
Бавно я четох - не е книга, която се чете бързо. Крими и любов, необичаен сюжет. Много ми допаднаха героите и това, че са с необикновени способности. Бързо се забравя.
October 12, 2023
Being a human lie detector makes things tough when it comes to romance for Clare. To be fair, Jake's talent causes issues in the romance department as well. As you might guess, their rough edges work nicely together. Being forced to rely on one another as things get dangerous around them doesn't hurt either.
But before they get to the actual danger part, they have some tangled family dynamics to work around. Plus, Jake's almost-lies. Again, since Clare knows when people are lying, she knows something is off with her father's consultant. That's not a turn-off, though. She's more intrigued by him than repulsed. Since the same goes for Jake in regards to Clare, that works out nicely.
As for the danger side of things, Clare keeps finding dead bodies. Let's be honest, that doesn't put her in a good light. Especially since everyone seems to think she's the one causing the death in the first place. While she's determined to get to the bottom of these deaths, Jake's determined to keep her safe. And the bad guys don't want to be found out, so they're kind of determined to get her (and him, since he's now sticking his nose into their sensitive business) out of the way.
A little death, a few lies, a Jones & Jones connection that makes me laugh, and a first time skinny-dipper who REALLY ends up enjoying her swim. Good stuff all around!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But before they get to the actual danger part, they have some tangled family dynamics to work around. Plus, Jake's almost-lies. Again, since Clare knows when people are lying, she knows something is off with her father's consultant. That's not a turn-off, though. She's more intrigued by him than repulsed. Since the same goes for Jake in regards to Clare, that works out nicely.
As for the danger side of things, Clare keeps finding dead bodies. Let's be honest, that doesn't put her in a good light. Especially since everyone seems to think she's the one causing the death in the first place. While she's determined to get to the bottom of these deaths, Jake's determined to keep her safe. And the bad guys don't want to be found out, so they're kind of determined to get her (and him, since he's now sticking his nose into their sensitive business) out of the way.
A little death, a few lies, a Jones & Jones connection that makes me laugh, and a first time skinny-dipper who REALLY ends up enjoying her swim. Good stuff all around!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 14, 2018
4.5 stars I really like this author because I never know who the villain is until The Big Reveal. Unfortunately, that means I have a hard time putting it down. I sit down with a book when the baby goes to sleep and the next thing I know, I've finished the book and see that it's almost five in the morning. I need eye drops, my eyes are scratchy. It was worth it.
I liked our main characters, Clare and Jake. They were both alphas and I always enjoy that pairing when the woman isn't a bitch and the man isn't a raging asshole. They didn't immediately butt heads on principle, which tends to ruin the pairing for me. The enemies-to-lovers pairing only works for me when the people were legitimate enemies, not when they just hate each other on sight. But that's not what this story is, so I digress because I'm so tired I'm actually drunk.
ALphas. They're alphas. That was my point for some reason. Oh yes. Jake has this hunter thing going on, which made for some smoldering moments between him and Clare. And she handled it with aplomb. I loved her reaction - "Oh, you're the Big Bad Wolf? Okay. Are you going to eat that last slice of pizza?"
Shit. Baby's awake, so I gotta go. But I obviously enjoyed this one. I'll be checking out some more books in this series for my vacation next week.
I liked our main characters, Clare and Jake. They were both alphas and I always enjoy that pairing when the woman isn't a bitch and the man isn't a raging asshole. They didn't immediately butt heads on principle, which tends to ruin the pairing for me. The enemies-to-lovers pairing only works for me when the people were legitimate enemies, not when they just hate each other on sight. But that's not what this story is, so I digress because I'm so tired I'm actually drunk.
ALphas. They're alphas. That was my point for some reason. Oh yes. Jake has this hunter thing going on, which made for some smoldering moments between him and Clare. And she handled it with aplomb. I loved her reaction - "Oh, you're the Big Bad Wolf? Okay. Are you going to eat that last slice of pizza?"
Shit. Baby's awake, so I gotta go. But I obviously enjoyed this one. I'll be checking out some more books in this series for my vacation next week.
February 2, 2023
JAK is my favorite author so I'm always happy to re-read.
What I enjoyed:
* Clare. She was very independent and willing to go after what she wanted. And her philosophy on lying was pretty interesting, and necessary to her survival.
* Jake. He was a good match for Clare. Alpha, but willing to listen to her ideas.
* Clare's family was supportive. It was nice to see her dad doing his best to be a good father since he hadn't known about her very long.
*
What could have been better:
* Everything wrapped up too neatly.
What I enjoyed:
* Clare. She was very independent and willing to go after what she wanted. And her philosophy on lying was pretty interesting, and necessary to her survival.
* Jake. He was a good match for Clare. Alpha, but willing to listen to her ideas.
* Clare's family was supportive. It was nice to see her dad doing his best to be a good father since he hadn't known about her very long.
*
What could have been better:
* Everything wrapped up too neatly.
June 28, 2024
Another great book by this author. Although IMO it wasn't the best in the series it is still a great read. And as I have seen said about other authors "a less than stellar book by JAK is much better than some authors best efforts."
Re-read Feb 08, July 09, June 11
Re-read Feb 08, July 09, June 11
May 28, 2017
This is a re-reading of this book and it's the second in the Arcane Series. I love JAK and I really enjoyed this story and I love how she is mixing historical fiction and contemporary fiction in one series about the Arcane Society, a parapsychological organization made up of individuals who have extra- sensory abilities. This story is about Jake Salter who is sent by a detective agency associated with The Arcane Society to investigate a plot concerning the Founders Formula. He meets Clare Lancaster, who also has extra-sensory abilites and together they investigate what begins to appear to be a murder plot that involves her. JAK does a good job of weaving the differing plot elements and a developing love relationship between Jake and Clare. The chemistry between Jake and Clare is accentuated by their para - senses - he is a hunter and she is human lie detector. This makes for some interesting moments between them. Clare comes across as a little flat and the mystery doesn't really get going until the middle of the book, but it is still a good story.
February 7, 2010
Loved this book. I read this after Sizzle and Burn but the order didn't seem to matter. I'm now going to have to continue this series - probably as keepers rather than through the library - I can see I'll want to re-read these stories...
Read
April 29, 2017You can find this review in English below.
No hay absolutamente nada malo sobre esta historia si te gustan los romances con insta-lust, si te gustan héroes super-alfa y heroínas super-cabezonas que “nunca han sentido nada igual a lo que sienten ahora” y si no te preocupa que una heroína que ha sido atacada 4 veces (dos de ellas con intención de matarla) crea que la policía no tiene nada que hacer, que ya se encarga ella.
A mí me aburre tanto como me crispa, así que, otra historia que abandono.
:/
***
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this story if you like your romances with insta-lust, with super-alpha heroes and stubborn heroines whom “never in their life had felt like the felt right now about each other” and if it doesn´t bother you that even thought the heroine has been attacked at least in four occasions (two of them with the purpose of kill her) she won´t waste her time going to the police. She will deal with it.
I was both bored and exasperated, so there it goes, another dnf.
:/
No hay absolutamente nada malo sobre esta historia si te gustan los romances con insta-lust, si te gustan héroes super-alfa y heroínas super-cabezonas que “nunca han sentido nada igual a lo que sienten ahora” y si no te preocupa que una heroína que ha sido atacada 4 veces (dos de ellas con intención de matarla) crea que la policía no tiene nada que hacer, que ya se encarga ella.
A mí me aburre tanto como me crispa, así que, otra historia que abandono.
:/
***
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this story if you like your romances with insta-lust, with super-alpha heroes and stubborn heroines whom “never in their life had felt like the felt right now about each other” and if it doesn´t bother you that even thought the heroine has been attacked at least in four occasions (two of them with the purpose of kill her) she won´t waste her time going to the police. She will deal with it.
I was both bored and exasperated, so there it goes, another dnf.
:/
July 2, 2021
Read this years ago, so this was a reread. And I still loved it!
June 27, 2021
The Arcane series has always been my favorite of AQ’s paranormal books, but I’ve never read the contemporary ones. So I decided to rectify that.
I liked this one quite a bit. Set in the Arizona desert, it’s a romance between human-lie-detector, Clare Lancaster, and hunter, Jake Salter (who is really Jake Salter Jones).
I liked this one quite a bit. Set in the Arizona desert, it’s a romance between human-lie-detector, Clare Lancaster, and hunter, Jake Salter (who is really Jake Salter Jones).
July 13, 2020
Jake Salter is undercover for Jones & Jones, as a level 10 hunter who is investigating a secret organization (cabal) within the Arcane Society which is attempting to re-create the Founder's Formula once again...and infiltrate the upper echelons of Arcane Society in order to control it. He's in Arizona, pretending to be a consultant to Archer Glazebrook and hanging out with the family so he can find the traitor. He's surprised when Archer's illegitimate daughter, Clare Lancaster, a level 10 lie detector, unexpectedly shows up. She sets off a scandal because she discovered the dead body of her half-sister's husband and people aren't quite sure if she was his lover and also the killer. Jake sort of recruits Clare into his investigation without really breaking his cover. It soon becomes clear that someone wants Clare dead and Jake, who is certain that Clare is his "one," takes on a protective role and invites her to stay in his house (and sleep in his bed...which she's totally on board with). They work together and use their talents to uncover the cabal operative and killer of at least 2 people.
Yeah...much prefer this author's contemporary works to historical romances. Jake and Clare sort of have this vibe and just fall into a really good working relationship and romance. Plenty of chemistry and spark between them as well. Not much in the way of romantic tension or even angst, except for maybe wondering if the truth of Jake's identity will get in the way...but it doesn't. And Clare's ability gives her a really flexible take on dishonesty and the immorality of it, which I found refreshing. The suspense part of this was also pretty good. Lots of investigating going on, plenty of trust in Clare and her ability to take care of herself and a nice little mystery into who the villain is and why they're doing what they're doing. Some minor slow points as the characters stop to discuss (in abundance) and break things down into simple terms...this author does that a lot though. This was solidly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.
Yeah...much prefer this author's contemporary works to historical romances. Jake and Clare sort of have this vibe and just fall into a really good working relationship and romance. Plenty of chemistry and spark between them as well. Not much in the way of romantic tension or even angst, except for maybe wondering if the truth of Jake's identity will get in the way...but it doesn't. And Clare's ability gives her a really flexible take on dishonesty and the immorality of it, which I found refreshing. The suspense part of this was also pretty good. Lots of investigating going on, plenty of trust in Clare and her ability to take care of herself and a nice little mystery into who the villain is and why they're doing what they're doing. Some minor slow points as the characters stop to discuss (in abundance) and break things down into simple terms...this author does that a lot though. This was solidly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2010
Don't be fooled by the author's name. This is the second book in the Arcane Society series. Apparently Jayne Ann Krentz uses her real name for novels set in the present, the pseudonym 'Amanda Quick' for novels set in the past and the pseudonym 'Jayne Castle' for novels set in the future. Why? I have no idea! It certainly makes it confusing when she writes a series set in both the present and the past.
White Lies is set in modern day Arizona and features Jake Salter, level 10 parasensitive hunter contracted to paranormal detective agency Jones & Jones, and Clare Lancaster, level 10 parasensitive human lie detector. Clare has recently discovered that she is the illegitimate daughter of Archer Glazebrook, a wealthy businessman who is married with two adult children. Clare's half sister Elizabeth had contacted her in great distress and fearing for her life at the hands of her husband, Brad McAllister, a man whom everybody else adores. Clare knew Elizabeth was telling the truth and helped her escape from Brad, but when McAllister is murdered and Clare discovers his body, she is suspected of murdering him.
The suspicions surrounding her and the emnity directed towards Clare by Archer's wife, Myra, cause Clare to stay well away from Arizona and the Glazebrooks, but she is summoned there by her father, Archer. Clare arrives reluctantly, intending to stay only a few days to determine what Archer wants, but after a clumsy attempt on her life she finds herself caught up in a mystery that seems to have something to do with Brad and which is also of strong interest to Jake Salter.
Clare and Jake find themselves working together to solve the mystery and intensely attracted to each other.
I'm really enjoying this series. A great way to spend a horrible grey, windy, wet Sunday!
White Lies is set in modern day Arizona and features Jake Salter, level 10 parasensitive hunter contracted to paranormal detective agency Jones & Jones, and Clare Lancaster, level 10 parasensitive human lie detector. Clare has recently discovered that she is the illegitimate daughter of Archer Glazebrook, a wealthy businessman who is married with two adult children. Clare's half sister Elizabeth had contacted her in great distress and fearing for her life at the hands of her husband, Brad McAllister, a man whom everybody else adores. Clare knew Elizabeth was telling the truth and helped her escape from Brad, but when McAllister is murdered and Clare discovers his body, she is suspected of murdering him.
The suspicions surrounding her and the emnity directed towards Clare by Archer's wife, Myra, cause Clare to stay well away from Arizona and the Glazebrooks, but she is summoned there by her father, Archer. Clare arrives reluctantly, intending to stay only a few days to determine what Archer wants, but after a clumsy attempt on her life she finds herself caught up in a mystery that seems to have something to do with Brad and which is also of strong interest to Jake Salter.
Clare and Jake find themselves working together to solve the mystery and intensely attracted to each other.
I'm really enjoying this series. A great way to spend a horrible grey, windy, wet Sunday!
November 25, 2018
This is one of my favorite Krentz/Arcane novels. And I especially enjoy the audiobook version. The heroine, Clare, is a spitfire who has a strong will but is not domineering. She is regularly put in difficult situations and always impresses. Jake is a great alpha male who also enjoys a challenge and has a wonderful sense of humor. The dialog is snappy and sharp, and the action doesn't leave you lagging.
The narration is great with a woman narrating the women's voices and the chapters written from Clare's perspective. A man narrates Jake's perspective and all the men's voices. It provides a lot of flexibility, and they do read as though they are in the same room together.
I've read & listened to this book multiple times and always enjoy it.
The narration is great with a woman narrating the women's voices and the chapters written from Clare's perspective. A man narrates Jake's perspective and all the men's voices. It provides a lot of flexibility, and they do read as though they are in the same room together.
I've read & listened to this book multiple times and always enjoy it.
August 6, 2018
I quite liked this one. It's a weird series because half of them seem to be set in the present, and half a couple hundred years ago. Basically, they all seem to be stand-alone(ish) but set in the same world.
Anyway, I think it's possible that I may like JAK better when she writes in the present day. The flexibility in what she can do with her female characters (in terms of what would be appropriate behaviour for the time period) works in her favour. It also helps balance the domineering alpha-male stuff she tends to go for.
The family dynamics are fun in this one too. Also, I really liked the main couple's chemistry, and the dialogue is fun.
Though there are definite plot elements that she favours, and they apparently crop up regardless of time period.
Anyway, I think it's possible that I may like JAK better when she writes in the present day. The flexibility in what she can do with her female characters (in terms of what would be appropriate behaviour for the time period) works in her favour. It also helps balance the domineering alpha-male stuff she tends to go for.
The family dynamics are fun in this one too. Also, I really liked the main couple's chemistry, and the dialogue is fun.
Though there are definite plot elements that she favours, and they apparently crop up regardless of time period.
November 19, 2021
Бих казала интересна история. Но жалко че е втора книга от поредица. Защо Сторител качват директно втора книга, вярно че е писна с псевдонима й, но все пак? Така нищо не знаеш за самата организация, която толкова се споменава в книгата, другото е че трябва да започне човек да търси информация за другите книги.. дълга и широка. Но нека се върна към тази книга.
Давам средна оценка, защото свалям една звезда за прочита. Не съм слушала други книги от Десислава Знаменова, но едва изслушах тази, все едно не чете мистериозна-крими-леко любовна история, ами чете надписите на експонатите в някой музей. Монотонно и без особени белези когато говорят различните персонажи. Свалям и още една звезда, защото книгата на моменти ми изглежда претрупана и за хора които не са чели първата книга (мога само да гадая дали има повече информация), че е от поредица има много неизвестни покрай организацията, която се споменава, при положение, че са намесени и свръх сили, които хората притежават. Изслушах я, само защото почти до края беше мистерия, поне за чен.
Давам средна оценка, защото свалям една звезда за прочита. Не съм слушала други книги от Десислава Знаменова, но едва изслушах тази, все едно не чете мистериозна-крими-леко любовна история, ами чете надписите на експонатите в някой музей. Монотонно и без особени белези когато говорят различните персонажи. Свалям и още една звезда, защото книгата на моменти ми изглежда претрупана и за хора които не са чели първата книга (мога само да гадая дали има повече информация), че е от поредица има много неизвестни покрай организацията, която се споменава, при положение, че са намесени и свръх сили, които хората притежават. Изслушах я, само защото почти до края беше мистерия, поне за чен.
April 12, 2025
Terrific audiobook with a duet narration!!
Clare Lancaster is a 32-year-old, "off the chart," 10+ parasensitive, who is a human lie detector. She has lived all her life in San Francisco. She is the result of a one-night stand 31 years ago between her mother and her bio-dad, Archer Glazebrook. In a twist on the classic, "secret baby," romance trope, Clare herself is a secret baby. Her single mother asked her to wait until she was in college to contact her father but, by then, Clare had decided not to talk to him. She believed that her presence would damage the happy family Archer seemed to have established. But seven months ago, she impulsively contacted her half-sister, Elizabeth, by phone. What drew Clare into seeking out her second family in person six months ago was not the fact that Archer is an extremely wealthy real estate investor in Arizona, who could potentially financially benefit her. It was that Elizabeth begged Clare to come to Arizona and rescue her from her abusive husband, Brad. Elizabeth was convinced that Brad was going to kill her, but her father, Archer, and her mother, Myra, didn't believe her. Brad had convinced them that Elizabeth was mentally ill and on suicide watch. Because of her lie-detector talent, Clare could not be fooled by Brad's gaslighting. Soon after rescuing Elizabeth, Clare stumbled upon Brad's dead body at his and Elizabeth's home, and the police initially considered her a suspect. Fortunately, Archer's wealth and connections protected Clare from being wrongly accused of Brad's murder, but many among her father's elite circle of business acquaintances have continued to believe she is guilty.
The inciting incident of the present day events in this novel occur when Archer summons Clare to meet with him in person six months after Brad's murder. Claire learns from Archer that he feels guilty that he was never allowed to contribute any emotional or financial support during her childhood. He wants to make it up to her by offering her a job, since the suspicion of her having been involved in Brad's murder has caused her to be fired from her job working for a big charity in San Francisco.
The first night that Clare arrives in Arizona, she meets 30-something Jake Salter. Similar to Clare, he is an "off the chart," 10+ parasensitive, in his case, a hunter talent, with preternatural strength and speed, night vision, and the ability to perceive the psychic spore of violent criminals at crime scenes. Jake is currently posing as Archer's “business consultant,” while working as an undercover investigator from the Jones and Jones private investigation agency of the AS.
Both Clare and Jake are sympathetic protagonists and an excellent match for each other romantically. They are both ethical, courageous and assertive, which makes them active protagonists in this entertaining paranormal, romantic-suspense novel. They fall in love while working as coequal partners to solve multiple murders. In the process, they each barely escape with their lives from several attempts of evil villains to murder them. Theirs is a slowburn romance and, as is always the case with JAK, the infrequent sex scenes focus much more on passionate emotion than heaving body parts. There is also an exciting paranormal element to their lovemaking.
In addition to Clare and Jake, all of the significant subcharacters in this novel, including Clare's bio mother, Archer, Elizabeth, and Myra, are paranormally gifted members of the Arcane Society (AS), and Clare's mother also registered Clare in her infancy with the AS. All of the villains in this story are paranormally gifted as well.
This is one of the earliest books in the AS series, first published in 2007. Though it is almost 20 years old, other than the lack of the internet and ubiquitous cell phones, it does not feel terribly dated.
I own the audiobook version of this novel, which was recorded in 2008 by Brilliance Audio. It is a *duet* narration by Kathy Garver and David Colacci. By that I mean that KG performs all of the female characters, and DC performs all of the male characters. I love it every time I can find a romance novel audiobook produced this way. It is massively better than a *dual* narration, in which the male voice actor performs all of the characters in the chapters from the POV of the MMC, and the female voice actor performs all of the characters in the chapters from the POV of the FMC. It is very disorienting to experience the entirely different voice and personality interpretations of these characters from chapter to chapter. I wish romance audio recordings would either utilize only one narrator or, if they choose to employ two, do it in duet style like this novel.
Clare Lancaster is a 32-year-old, "off the chart," 10+ parasensitive, who is a human lie detector. She has lived all her life in San Francisco. She is the result of a one-night stand 31 years ago between her mother and her bio-dad, Archer Glazebrook. In a twist on the classic, "secret baby," romance trope, Clare herself is a secret baby. Her single mother asked her to wait until she was in college to contact her father but, by then, Clare had decided not to talk to him. She believed that her presence would damage the happy family Archer seemed to have established. But seven months ago, she impulsively contacted her half-sister, Elizabeth, by phone. What drew Clare into seeking out her second family in person six months ago was not the fact that Archer is an extremely wealthy real estate investor in Arizona, who could potentially financially benefit her. It was that Elizabeth begged Clare to come to Arizona and rescue her from her abusive husband, Brad. Elizabeth was convinced that Brad was going to kill her, but her father, Archer, and her mother, Myra, didn't believe her. Brad had convinced them that Elizabeth was mentally ill and on suicide watch. Because of her lie-detector talent, Clare could not be fooled by Brad's gaslighting. Soon after rescuing Elizabeth, Clare stumbled upon Brad's dead body at his and Elizabeth's home, and the police initially considered her a suspect. Fortunately, Archer's wealth and connections protected Clare from being wrongly accused of Brad's murder, but many among her father's elite circle of business acquaintances have continued to believe she is guilty.
The inciting incident of the present day events in this novel occur when Archer summons Clare to meet with him in person six months after Brad's murder. Claire learns from Archer that he feels guilty that he was never allowed to contribute any emotional or financial support during her childhood. He wants to make it up to her by offering her a job, since the suspicion of her having been involved in Brad's murder has caused her to be fired from her job working for a big charity in San Francisco.
The first night that Clare arrives in Arizona, she meets 30-something Jake Salter. Similar to Clare, he is an "off the chart," 10+ parasensitive, in his case, a hunter talent, with preternatural strength and speed, night vision, and the ability to perceive the psychic spore of violent criminals at crime scenes. Jake is currently posing as Archer's “business consultant,” while working as an undercover investigator from the Jones and Jones private investigation agency of the AS.
Both Clare and Jake are sympathetic protagonists and an excellent match for each other romantically. They are both ethical, courageous and assertive, which makes them active protagonists in this entertaining paranormal, romantic-suspense novel. They fall in love while working as coequal partners to solve multiple murders. In the process, they each barely escape with their lives from several attempts of evil villains to murder them. Theirs is a slowburn romance and, as is always the case with JAK, the infrequent sex scenes focus much more on passionate emotion than heaving body parts. There is also an exciting paranormal element to their lovemaking.
In addition to Clare and Jake, all of the significant subcharacters in this novel, including Clare's bio mother, Archer, Elizabeth, and Myra, are paranormally gifted members of the Arcane Society (AS), and Clare's mother also registered Clare in her infancy with the AS. All of the villains in this story are paranormally gifted as well.
This is one of the earliest books in the AS series, first published in 2007. Though it is almost 20 years old, other than the lack of the internet and ubiquitous cell phones, it does not feel terribly dated.
I own the audiobook version of this novel, which was recorded in 2008 by Brilliance Audio. It is a *duet* narration by Kathy Garver and David Colacci. By that I mean that KG performs all of the female characters, and DC performs all of the male characters. I love it every time I can find a romance novel audiobook produced this way. It is massively better than a *dual* narration, in which the male voice actor performs all of the characters in the chapters from the POV of the MMC, and the female voice actor performs all of the characters in the chapters from the POV of the FMC. It is very disorienting to experience the entirely different voice and personality interpretations of these characters from chapter to chapter. I wish romance audio recordings would either utilize only one narrator or, if they choose to employ two, do it in duet style like this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2012
Review of the Book - the book was ok, it was nothing to write home about. A typical contemporary with an uber ALPHA male, aka, a Hunter...and the wronged woman...ugh...I kinda figured out about half-way through who the bad guy/girl was. I'm def. going to say that i'm more a fan of JAK's historicals under the Amanda Quick name and not so much her contemporaries. That being said, I did like the first book in the series, and with this being the second, i'm going to give the third a chance (also under her JAK name) before deciding if i'll continue the series or not.
Review of the Narration - on a cheese factor scale of 1-10 with 10 being the cheesiest, this was easily an 8 or a 9. The dialogue was omg...and the narration didn't help much. David Colacci was ok and I could at least distinguish his various characters - Kathy Garver not so much...at one stage, 3 women were in the same scene and I had no idea who was talking because they all sounded alike...so it made for an interesting listening experience. I can't say that I will be rushing out to listen to either of their narrators again in the future.
Review of the Narration - on a cheese factor scale of 1-10 with 10 being the cheesiest, this was easily an 8 or a 9. The dialogue was omg...and the narration didn't help much. David Colacci was ok and I could at least distinguish his various characters - Kathy Garver not so much...at one stage, 3 women were in the same scene and I had no idea who was talking because they all sounded alike...so it made for an interesting listening experience. I can't say that I will be rushing out to listen to either of their narrators again in the future.
November 8, 2016
Clare the human lie detector and Jake the secretive liar.
Gotta say, I loved the MCs! The story though, kinda fizzles towards the end. At one point the author even has a bunch of the characters sitting around a room blah blah blahing about the the villains like an end scene from an Agatha Christie novel. Christie did it better though.
The Arcane society is on the hunt for the perpetrators of a new Cabal. All is going well, until Clare shows up and unknowingly throws a spanner into the works. She knows Jake is lying and normally this would give her a headache, but he does it so well! Jake should be annoyed that Clare is messing up his investigation, but he just can't be. There's no push and pull between the MCs, which was nice for a change. Just a sweet slow seduction and getting to know each other in between stumbling upon murder victims.
I love the way the author really thinks about the psychic powers she gives her characters and how they would impact their lives. It made the story an fun, intriguing read even though the plot got a little heavy handed towards the end.
Gotta say, I loved the MCs! The story though, kinda fizzles towards the end. At one point the author even has a bunch of the characters sitting around a room blah blah blahing about the the villains like an end scene from an Agatha Christie novel. Christie did it better though.
The Arcane society is on the hunt for the perpetrators of a new Cabal. All is going well, until Clare shows up and unknowingly throws a spanner into the works. She knows Jake is lying and normally this would give her a headache, but he does it so well! Jake should be annoyed that Clare is messing up his investigation, but he just can't be. There's no push and pull between the MCs, which was nice for a change. Just a sweet slow seduction and getting to know each other in between stumbling upon murder victims.
I love the way the author really thinks about the psychic powers she gives her characters and how they would impact their lives. It made the story an fun, intriguing read even though the plot got a little heavy handed towards the end.
June 12, 2014
I can always count on Jayne Ann Krentz for a fun, quick read, and this book was no exception. Her stuff is always so well written. This one was basically a murder mystery with the paranormal element thrown in for a little twist. The story is about the Arcane Society (members all have psychic powers of some sort, leveled 1-10, depending on their strength and abilities). There is a murder being investigated by Jake (level 10 psychic hunter), which could have dire consequences for the Arcane Society if not solved in a timely manner. He meets up with Clare (level 10 parasensitive/lie detector), who teams up with him for personal reasons of her own. Of course, both being level 10s, their chemistry is off the charts. I had quite a few guesses about what was going on, but really didn't figure out most things until the end of the story.
March 3, 2012
Second in the Arcane series, this one set in contemporary times.
Clare Lancaster, a level 10* lie detector talent, illegitimate daughter of Archer Glazebrook is our h. Jake Salter (Jones) is in Stoney Canyon on a secret J&J investigation, when Clare arrives on a visit to Archer and throws all his plans into disarray.
Jake is a level 10* Hunter and is trying to find the person connected to the disappearance & murder of various Lab technicians and the possible new Cabal promoting the Founders'Formula. To do so he is posing as a consultant for Archer.
This is PNR so Clare and Jake work together to solve the mystery and have their HEA.
Clare Lancaster, a level 10* lie detector talent, illegitimate daughter of Archer Glazebrook is our h. Jake Salter (Jones) is in Stoney Canyon on a secret J&J investigation, when Clare arrives on a visit to Archer and throws all his plans into disarray.
Jake is a level 10* Hunter and is trying to find the person connected to the disappearance & murder of various Lab technicians and the possible new Cabal promoting the Founders'Formula. To do so he is posing as a consultant for Archer.
This is PNR so Clare and Jake work together to solve the mystery and have their HEA.
October 23, 2015
As the blurb says it all, I will say only that I enjoyed this novel. I like the subtlety of the paranormals in the 'Arcane Society' series and the characters. Normal, except for their gifts. Even though this is a series, the stories are in different times and different characters as well as places. I'm starting to like these books by Jayne Ann Krentz. A bit of everything, romance, mystery, paranormal and suspense, but not too intense. Easy reading and a good mystery!
February 7, 2020
I love Krentz's humor, both in person and in print. This book was exactly what I needed to read, with all the chaos going on right now in the world. A riveting escape that had me turning the pages so quickly, my dog objected to the breeze I was creating. Jake and Clare are a great team of paranormal beings and I loved reading their story.
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