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Grand Passion
Cleopatra Robbins has imagined the moment when she'll meet the man of her dreams. When Max Fortune strides into her life, she knows it's him--even though he's all wrong. Max is looking for five priceless paintings bequeathed to him by his mentor; when he takes one look at Cleo, however, he nearly forgets his mission. Soon the duo are swept up in suspense and desire.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
248 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
399 books7,202 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 148 reviews
May 10, 2020
"Grand Passion" is the story of Cleopatra and Max.
WOW. What a wonderful adventure.
*WARNING*This review contains a lot of feels and gushing.
Meet our hero Max. Will he join my book husband harem? Read on..
Max coveted books almost as much as he coveted paintings.
He especially valued old and rare books, books that had a history, books that had meant something to someone. When he held an old book in his hands, Max knew a fleeting sense of connection with people who had lived before him. He felt as though he shared a small part of someone else's past. It was as close as he got to feeling like a member of a family.
Max is a loner. A connoisseur and collector of art and books. Growing up alone and without roots, he first found ambition working for Jason Curzon as his right hand man. When Jason passes away, he leaves behind a legacy promising five Luttrell paintings to Max, worth over a million dollars, that are in a remote tavern. The hero leaves his company, and travels to Robbins Nest Inn to claim his hidden inheritance.
It is there he meets Cleopatra Robbins, the confident, caring and eccentric owner of the coastal inn. He plans to come, take his paintings and leave, but as he rescues Lucky Ducky from a clogged toilet for little Sammy, circumstances lead to him getting employed as a daily wage worker for Cleo.
He was the man in the mirror. She had never seen his face clearly in her dreams, but the moment he had materialized, she had recognized him.
Cleo is a semi successful business owner and a budding writer. She's had a tragic past, with her parents dying in a "murder suicide", and thus suffers from frightening nightmares and PTSD. But she is moving on, having found a new family with the women from Cosmic Harmony as well as others that help her run her inn. When an enigmatic stranger comes questioning her, she is soon bound to trust him (after a few misunderstandings ofcourse) as she trusted the man who sent him- Jason- who was part of her family before he passed away. She never knew about Jason's reality, or that was a billionaire, hence when the hero shows up, she hires him as a helping hand. However, as her life starts having parallels with "The Mirror", the novel she wrote, she soon finds herself in turmoil, falling in love, escaping threats and eventually adding a permanent member to her clan.
There's a lot to love about this book. Be it secondary characters- Sammy, Slyvia, Trisha, Benjy, Andromeda, Daystar and O'Reilly- which are well constructed and equally intriguing- or the banter and humor that laces every chapter- from the naked men thumping the heroine's floors, to the heroine finally finding her ground as her identity is discovered, or the hero finding about about her inexperience (the whole Romantically challenged,relationship deprived,sexually impoverished, Differently experienced, sensually impaired conversation was hilarious!). I also liked how the mirror and rubber duck were characters in themselves.
The emotional and angsty scenes are definitely the heart of this book. Be it the moment the heroine fell in love (the hero's reaction to Sammy's painting), his fear about her possible refusal to his proposal, or their mutual insecurities.
With a soft exclamation of pain that was as deep as his own, Cleo leaped off the bed and ran across the room to where he stood at the window. She threw her arms around him and leaned her head against his bare chest.
“Max, I've got news for you. It doesn't work like that now.”
He touched her hair with a hesitant hand. “What do you mean?”
Cleo raised her head to meet his eyes. She framed his hard jaw between her palms. “You don't get kicked out of this family just because you are occasionally as stubborn as a mule and have an annoying tendency to govern by fiat.”
“I don't?” He searched her face with eyes that mirrored both grim acceptance of his fate and a tiny flame of hope.
“No.” Cleo stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “You're one of us now. It doesn't matter if you occasionally screw up, remember?”
Max's eyes were more enigmatic than Cleo had ever seen them. “You're sure?”
“I'm sure.” Cleo grinned. “Of course, in return, you have to learn to accommodate some of my little foibles, which may tend to irritate you now and again. For instance, I am not going to give up on this matter of going with you when you confront Spark. But that's family life for you. A little give and take. What the heck. Nothing's perfect.”
I liked the mystery that ran as the background plot of the novel. We were never sure of the hero's intentions or the heroine's trust, but we knew they were meant to each other, and that the heroine's home was the family that the hero always craved. Her confidence in their relationship was such a good balm for his fear of losing what he had found. He was sweet and a good father figure to Ben and Sammy, and definitely the perfect match for our kind Cleo. The lovemaking scenes were super sexy and tender, and the ending was SO HEARTWARMING.
Definitely would recommend this read. And thanks to the random reviewer who mentioned this book!
Safe
100/5
WOW. What a wonderful adventure.
*WARNING*This review contains a lot of feels and gushing.
Meet our hero Max. Will he join my book husband harem? Read on..
Max coveted books almost as much as he coveted paintings.
He especially valued old and rare books, books that had a history, books that had meant something to someone. When he held an old book in his hands, Max knew a fleeting sense of connection with people who had lived before him. He felt as though he shared a small part of someone else's past. It was as close as he got to feeling like a member of a family.
Max is a loner. A connoisseur and collector of art and books. Growing up alone and without roots, he first found ambition working for Jason Curzon as his right hand man. When Jason passes away, he leaves behind a legacy promising five Luttrell paintings to Max, worth over a million dollars, that are in a remote tavern. The hero leaves his company, and travels to Robbins Nest Inn to claim his hidden inheritance.
It is there he meets Cleopatra Robbins, the confident, caring and eccentric owner of the coastal inn. He plans to come, take his paintings and leave, but as he rescues Lucky Ducky from a clogged toilet for little Sammy, circumstances lead to him getting employed as a daily wage worker for Cleo.
He was the man in the mirror. She had never seen his face clearly in her dreams, but the moment he had materialized, she had recognized him.
Cleo is a semi successful business owner and a budding writer. She's had a tragic past, with her parents dying in a "murder suicide", and thus suffers from frightening nightmares and PTSD. But she is moving on, having found a new family with the women from Cosmic Harmony as well as others that help her run her inn. When an enigmatic stranger comes questioning her, she is soon bound to trust him (after a few misunderstandings ofcourse) as she trusted the man who sent him- Jason- who was part of her family before he passed away. She never knew about Jason's reality, or that was a billionaire, hence when the hero shows up, she hires him as a helping hand. However, as her life starts having parallels with "The Mirror", the novel she wrote, she soon finds herself in turmoil, falling in love, escaping threats and eventually adding a permanent member to her clan.
There's a lot to love about this book. Be it secondary characters- Sammy, Slyvia, Trisha, Benjy, Andromeda, Daystar and O'Reilly- which are well constructed and equally intriguing- or the banter and humor that laces every chapter- from the naked men thumping the heroine's floors, to the heroine finally finding her ground as her identity is discovered, or the hero finding about about her inexperience (the whole Romantically challenged,relationship deprived,sexually impoverished, Differently experienced, sensually impaired conversation was hilarious!). I also liked how the mirror and rubber duck were characters in themselves.
The emotional and angsty scenes are definitely the heart of this book. Be it the moment the heroine fell in love (the hero's reaction to Sammy's painting), his fear about her possible refusal to his proposal, or their mutual insecurities.
With a soft exclamation of pain that was as deep as his own, Cleo leaped off the bed and ran across the room to where he stood at the window. She threw her arms around him and leaned her head against his bare chest.
“Max, I've got news for you. It doesn't work like that now.”
He touched her hair with a hesitant hand. “What do you mean?”
Cleo raised her head to meet his eyes. She framed his hard jaw between her palms. “You don't get kicked out of this family just because you are occasionally as stubborn as a mule and have an annoying tendency to govern by fiat.”
“I don't?” He searched her face with eyes that mirrored both grim acceptance of his fate and a tiny flame of hope.
“No.” Cleo stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “You're one of us now. It doesn't matter if you occasionally screw up, remember?”
Max's eyes were more enigmatic than Cleo had ever seen them. “You're sure?”
“I'm sure.” Cleo grinned. “Of course, in return, you have to learn to accommodate some of my little foibles, which may tend to irritate you now and again. For instance, I am not going to give up on this matter of going with you when you confront Spark. But that's family life for you. A little give and take. What the heck. Nothing's perfect.”
I liked the mystery that ran as the background plot of the novel. We were never sure of the hero's intentions or the heroine's trust, but we knew they were meant to each other, and that the heroine's home was the family that the hero always craved. Her confidence in their relationship was such a good balm for his fear of losing what he had found. He was sweet and a good father figure to Ben and Sammy, and definitely the perfect match for our kind Cleo. The lovemaking scenes were super sexy and tender, and the ending was SO HEARTWARMING.
Definitely would recommend this read. And thanks to the random reviewer who mentioned this book!
Safe
100/5
December 20, 2023
I have read several books by Jayne Ann Krentz. I generally enjoy anything she writes; they are reliably a good light read. Grand Passion doesn’t escape from this fact. I reveled in it.
Max is a wealthy hotel executive. His mentor and friend Jason Curzon has recently died and left him six valuable paintings. Collecting art is a compelling aspect of his life. The paintings have been left with Cleo, who runs a small inn in the coast. So Max resigns from his job and goes to collect his inheritance. He’s in no hurry; for he hasn’t decided yet what to do professionally next.
Cleo bought the inn after the death of her parents, and runs it with the help of a motley group that became her ‘family’. When he arrives, she recognizes him as her dream man. While the moment Max steps into the reception, Cleo not only captivates him but gradually begins involving Max in the work of her business; starting with menial tasks such as fixing the plumbing and hoisting luggage for guests. It’s hilarious to see how this wealthy executive finds himself going up and down at her back and call.
I loved Max and Cleo. There are some hilarious misunderstandings along the way, like when she takes control without asking while he assumes he is in command. I loved that he’s slowly embraced into her family group without even realizing; filling a deep hunger that exists inside him that he thought he would never fulfill: to have a family of his own. It was beautiful to witness as he finds something much more valuable than the inheritance he expected to collect.
The plot is led by the romance, with the slowly developing relationship between Max and Cleo. There is also a mystery twist but it was secondary in the story, and it fits well into the whole. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, the small crowd involved in the inn were a lot of fun. The dialogue between Cleo and Max was well executed, as well as the conversations among their small clan. Moreover, it was great that while reading I could identify a feeling of authenticity.
A winner as a light entertainment, with you are looking for something good to enjoy a few hours. 4 stars, recommended.
Max is a wealthy hotel executive. His mentor and friend Jason Curzon has recently died and left him six valuable paintings. Collecting art is a compelling aspect of his life. The paintings have been left with Cleo, who runs a small inn in the coast. So Max resigns from his job and goes to collect his inheritance. He’s in no hurry; for he hasn’t decided yet what to do professionally next.
Cleo bought the inn after the death of her parents, and runs it with the help of a motley group that became her ‘family’. When he arrives, she recognizes him as her dream man. While the moment Max steps into the reception, Cleo not only captivates him but gradually begins involving Max in the work of her business; starting with menial tasks such as fixing the plumbing and hoisting luggage for guests. It’s hilarious to see how this wealthy executive finds himself going up and down at her back and call.
I loved Max and Cleo. There are some hilarious misunderstandings along the way, like when she takes control without asking while he assumes he is in command. I loved that he’s slowly embraced into her family group without even realizing; filling a deep hunger that exists inside him that he thought he would never fulfill: to have a family of his own. It was beautiful to witness as he finds something much more valuable than the inheritance he expected to collect.
The plot is led by the romance, with the slowly developing relationship between Max and Cleo. There is also a mystery twist but it was secondary in the story, and it fits well into the whole. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, the small crowd involved in the inn were a lot of fun. The dialogue between Cleo and Max was well executed, as well as the conversations among their small clan. Moreover, it was great that while reading I could identify a feeling of authenticity.
A winner as a light entertainment, with you are looking for something good to enjoy a few hours. 4 stars, recommended.
July 29, 2018
Max Fortune, CEO of a giant Arizona hotel chain, comes to the Robbin's Nest Inn looking for five priceless paintings left to him by his mentor, Jason Curzon. Max believes Cleopatra Robbins has these paintings since Jason stayed at her Inn the last years of his life. Cleo is at her wits end. Her inn is booked full, her handyman has disappeared, and Cleo needs help. When she offers Max room and board for his help at the Inn, Max decides to stay at the inn in order to find where the paintings are hidden.
This is a fast moving romantic suspense. Max is a bit of a loner and finds himself accepted into the quirky family that runs Cleo's inn. The supporting characters in this book bring the story to life. The suspense is light but well written. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is a fast moving romantic suspense. Max is a bit of a loner and finds himself accepted into the quirky family that runs Cleo's inn. The supporting characters in this book bring the story to life. The suspense is light but well written. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
August 11, 2016
4.5 stars. A winner on all fronts! Heartwarming, suspenseful, sizzling, and sometimes amusing. Plus, a standalone novel, set in contemporary Pacific-time USA. I first read this years ago, when it was published. Since then, I have revisited Robbin's Nest Inn several times. I loved seeing elegant, aloof Max Fortune fall headfirst for his polar opposite, the cheerfully rumpled Cleo Robbin, innkeeper with heart. She is just what he never knew he needed, this lonely millionaire. Soon, he's got a new goal: keep Cleo safe from a psycho-stalker, and preferably in his bed.
Loved the happy ending, served up with a welling sense of joy, as experienced from Max's POV.
The suspense was decent. In some books, Krentz gives too many clues, revealing the villain early on. Not so in this book.
I enjoyed all the secondary characters, too. Fun bunch, and of course with the requisite benevolent gay couple. The secondary romance was believable. Tugged on my heartstrings. Some sweet male-bonding scenes between Max and little Sammy, and where Max counsels young Ben through his fears.
One or two mildly funny scenes, like the he-man warriors drumming away butt naked.
This is not part of a series, so no time is wasted recapping prequels or leading into upcoming sequels.
Loved the happy ending, served up with a welling sense of joy, as experienced from Max's POV.
The suspense was decent. In some books, Krentz gives too many clues, revealing the villain early on. Not so in this book.
I enjoyed all the secondary characters, too. Fun bunch, and of course with the requisite benevolent gay couple. The secondary romance was believable. Tugged on my heartstrings. Some sweet male-bonding scenes between Max and little Sammy, and where Max counsels young Ben through his fears.
One or two mildly funny scenes, like the he-man warriors drumming away butt naked.
This is not part of a series, so no time is wasted recapping prequels or leading into upcoming sequels.
June 25, 2018
Dit boek kon me jammer genoeg niet echt boeien, het hoofdpersonage kon me niet boeien en ook de verhaallijn was maar matig. Jammer want de vorige boeken van deze schrijfster vond ik wel goed.
April 13, 2018
Still my favorite JAK.
January 5, 2026
A soft 3.5 stars rather than a strong 4. The story dragged a bit in a few places. The story is still enjoyable though. Classic AQ books.
December 9, 2014
Pleasant but predictable personal interaction. I wanted more meat. Audiobook narrator made it worse.
Cleo runs a small hotel/inn. Her parents were killed a few years ago. A small group of friends work at the Inn. They call themselves a “Family.” This book takes the prize for using the word “Family” more than any other book I’ve read. Max arrives. Because he was a friend of Cleo’s friend, she gives him a job at minimum wage doing maintenance. He also gets room and board. She tells him he is now part of the “Family.” He likes this because he was brought up in foster homes. In one part Max wasn’t able to do something and thinks he might leave, but Cleo says it’s ok if you don’t succeed when you are part of the “Family.” (By the way, Max is wealthy and recently worked as a corporate executive. But Cleo doesn’t know that.) When talking to a bad guy Cleo says “you’re a product of a dysfunctional family.”
Someone is threatening Cleo. Max hires O’Reilly a PI to investigate. As soon as O’Reilly arrives, he and one of the women have an instant attraction. He is now also part of the “Family” and will walk a young woman down the aisle at her coming wedding. Max and Cleo had an instant attraction with a marriage proposal that was too soon for me. Their relationship needed more time. It felt thrown in.
This was mostly people puttering around the Inn, interacting, and getting along with each other. That was pleasant and kept my interest. But I’m marking this down because the suspense parts of the book were weak. There are three mysteries/subplots: 1. Where are the paintings that are supposed to be in Cleo’s possession that she knows nothing about? 2. Who is threatening Cleo? 3. Max used to work for a large hotel chain. They want Max to come back to his old job. Things get resolved at the end but not in new or different ways. It’s like the author just ended things the way she always does.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR Richard Ferrone:
I did not like his emotional interpretations for both the hero and heroine - like he made someone sound whiny or like a little girl. He was not sexy doing Max. He overacted when doing the villain art dealer Spark. He had an awful voice for Sammy the little boy. At times I heard his breaths which were annoying.
OTHER BOOKS:
This author is hit and miss with me. I liked her following books. All Night Long, Trust Me, Running Hot, Deep Waters, Sizzle and Burn, Twist of Fate.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 39 mins. Swearing language: mild including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: around 1993 Washington. Book copyright: 1994. Genre: contemporary romance with some suspense.
Cleo runs a small hotel/inn. Her parents were killed a few years ago. A small group of friends work at the Inn. They call themselves a “Family.” This book takes the prize for using the word “Family” more than any other book I’ve read. Max arrives. Because he was a friend of Cleo’s friend, she gives him a job at minimum wage doing maintenance. He also gets room and board. She tells him he is now part of the “Family.” He likes this because he was brought up in foster homes. In one part Max wasn’t able to do something and thinks he might leave, but Cleo says it’s ok if you don’t succeed when you are part of the “Family.” (By the way, Max is wealthy and recently worked as a corporate executive. But Cleo doesn’t know that.) When talking to a bad guy Cleo says “you’re a product of a dysfunctional family.”
Someone is threatening Cleo. Max hires O’Reilly a PI to investigate. As soon as O’Reilly arrives, he and one of the women have an instant attraction. He is now also part of the “Family” and will walk a young woman down the aisle at her coming wedding. Max and Cleo had an instant attraction with a marriage proposal that was too soon for me. Their relationship needed more time. It felt thrown in.
This was mostly people puttering around the Inn, interacting, and getting along with each other. That was pleasant and kept my interest. But I’m marking this down because the suspense parts of the book were weak. There are three mysteries/subplots: 1. Where are the paintings that are supposed to be in Cleo’s possession that she knows nothing about? 2. Who is threatening Cleo? 3. Max used to work for a large hotel chain. They want Max to come back to his old job. Things get resolved at the end but not in new or different ways. It’s like the author just ended things the way she always does.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR Richard Ferrone:
I did not like his emotional interpretations for both the hero and heroine - like he made someone sound whiny or like a little girl. He was not sexy doing Max. He overacted when doing the villain art dealer Spark. He had an awful voice for Sammy the little boy. At times I heard his breaths which were annoying.
OTHER BOOKS:
This author is hit and miss with me. I liked her following books. All Night Long, Trust Me, Running Hot, Deep Waters, Sizzle and Burn, Twist of Fate.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 39 mins. Swearing language: mild including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: around 1993 Washington. Book copyright: 1994. Genre: contemporary romance with some suspense.
March 1, 2023
Standard JAK. Cleo has made a new family for herself at her inn and when Max shows up looking for his inheritance from his mentor, he finds something better than paintings, once he lets himself feel. The subplot with the Curzon hotel chain had some rocky points, but otherwise it was all good.
February 11, 2021
3.5 stars. I’ve owned the audiobook version of this book for a long time, but just couldn’t get into it because of the poor quality. Once I got past how annoying the recording quality is, this became a good story. It seems like there are multiple recorded versions of this book though, so I’m sure the newer versions are better.
The story itself kept my attention pretty well... I liked the hero & heroine, although I did find some nuances of this book annoying. Like the whole heroine is a 30 year old virgin thing... yeesh. It’s always the heroine who is chaste, and as I’ve said in about 100 other reviews... what an annoying double standard! Also, the way the author wrote the heroine, she’s basically the same as all the other heroines from the Amanda Quick books I’ve read. Smart, but not always making the best decisions. Also her “love” for the hero came out of literally nowhere. I literally had to rewind thinking that I missed something along the lines of “weeks later...” but nope.
The hero of this book is fine, but ofc he’s emotionally stunted so it takes the entire book for him to realize his feelings. 🙄 Overall though, I liked the story and the mystery. Tbh, I didn’t know what the resolution was going to be until it happened, so it was nice to not be reading a totally predictable story.
Safe; heroine was a virgin, hero was not but also not a manhoe. He was engaged in the past and ofc the woman has to make some major appearances in this book. He doesn’t care about her anymore and she doesn’t cause any real issues for the H&h although she does try.
The story itself kept my attention pretty well... I liked the hero & heroine, although I did find some nuances of this book annoying. Like the whole heroine is a 30 year old virgin thing... yeesh. It’s always the heroine who is chaste, and as I’ve said in about 100 other reviews... what an annoying double standard! Also, the way the author wrote the heroine, she’s basically the same as all the other heroines from the Amanda Quick books I’ve read. Smart, but not always making the best decisions. Also her “love” for the hero came out of literally nowhere. I literally had to rewind thinking that I missed something along the lines of “weeks later...” but nope.
The hero of this book is fine, but ofc he’s emotionally stunted so it takes the entire book for him to realize his feelings. 🙄 Overall though, I liked the story and the mystery. Tbh, I didn’t know what the resolution was going to be until it happened, so it was nice to not be reading a totally predictable story.
Safe; heroine was a virgin, hero was not but also not a manhoe. He was engaged in the past and ofc the woman has to make some major appearances in this book. He doesn’t care about her anymore and she doesn’t cause any real issues for the H&h although she does try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2015
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 1994
Length: 392 pages, 7441 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary, Harmony Cove.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent. Often closed door or fade to black.
Hero: Hotel Executive.
Heroine: Would-be author and Innkeeper.
A contemporary for fans of Krentz’s historicals written as Amanda Quick. Almost a direct transplant of historical to contemporary.
✔ Oddball background characters.
✔ Ditzy yet smart and strong heroine.
✔ Stoic yet charming and respectful hero.
✔ Easy but interesting mystery/suspense.
It works. And I really enjoyed it.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/grand-passion/
(ISBN ...)
-CR-
First published: 1994
Length: 392 pages, 7441 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary, Harmony Cove.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent. Often closed door or fade to black.
Hero: Hotel Executive.
Heroine: Would-be author and Innkeeper.
A contemporary for fans of Krentz’s historicals written as Amanda Quick. Almost a direct transplant of historical to contemporary.
✔ Oddball background characters.
✔ Ditzy yet smart and strong heroine.
✔ Stoic yet charming and respectful hero.
✔ Easy but interesting mystery/suspense.
It works. And I really enjoyed it.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/grand-passion/
(ISBN ...)
-CR-
March 7, 2018
Not the best of Krentz '90s romances, what I liked most about this book was the way the various towns people reacted to Cleo getting her book published. There was some good humor there, especially with the man who kept complaining that his manuscript was much better, if only publishers didn't want to please women readers by putting in all the "relationship stuff". I also found the final hospital scene amusing. Otherwise this story suffers from MCs who are pretty flat, and not strong enough minor characters to lift them up. Also the solution to both "mysteries" was obvious from the very beginning. So, though I did enjoy the humorous sections, over all this book was only OK.
May 15, 2020
I'm sorry to say that I couldn't connect to this one. Neither MC engaged my interest, I figured out the mystery of the missing paintings in the first 25% of the book (I give credit to all of my Nancy Drew reading), and the suspense element was too out of the blue to be enjoyable. And it really shouldn't have been a surprise to the cast of the story. It all just went to show that the PI wasn't very good at his job.
Annoying wannabe OW drama, but at least the H didn't seem like a manho.
Annoying wannabe OW drama, but at least the H didn't seem like a manho.
May 9, 2009
My apologies to any fans out there, but I found this read to be predictable, recycled and exasperating. There are far too many fantastic books out there- don't waste your time with this one.
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May 16, 2017The perfect marriage of romance and mystery. -- Skye W.
May 22, 2018
Grand Passion was another great book of Jayne Ann Krentz. Light but with growing suspense and amazing chemistry between Max and Cleo. I recommend it!
May 29, 2021
Mostly this is a classic Krentz romance with the brooding semifunctional male being rescues from an emotional desert by the heroine. There's also an unusual commune, a missing inheritance, and a killer with OCD. Interesting read every ten years or so.
Richard Ferrone has an interesting manner of narration.
Richard Ferrone has an interesting manner of narration.
July 25, 2021
Meh. Having read a lot by Krentz, it's easy to tell that this is one of her early works. The story had a lot of potential, but fell short in a lot of ways. There needed to be more character development, setting development, and more time spent on the plot itself. The whole story felt a little rushed, and it felt like there were too many things that Krentz was trying to tackle all in one book.
July 28, 2018
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
February 17, 2014
Max is a wealthy former hotel executive. His mentor has died and left him some very valuable paintings. The problem is, the paintings are supposed to be with a woman who runs a small inn and Max goes to recover his inheritance.
Cleo runs a successful small inn on the Washington coast. Her entire staff is made up of people who she considers to be her family. They are related by a sense of caring for one another. There is a sort of organized chaos and a feeling that makes the inn a haven for travelers. Each of the staff, including a precocious 5 year old, contribute to the atmosphere and sense of welcome at the inn.
Max is drawn in to the welcoming nature of the people and the he enjoys the sense of becoming a part of a family. The secondary characters are interesting and each has a back story that adds to their depth.
Cleo is being threatened by an unknown person. Max is determined to protect her and find out who and why the threats are coming to someone who is so well liked and not they type of person who normally would receive any threats on her life.
There are psychological issues in the background of both Cleo and Max. In spite of this, each of them is attracted to the other. Among other things, Cleo has written an erotic novel under an assumed name. That may or may not be the reason for the threats. It definitely makes the relationship between Cleo and Max interesting.
Krentz generally writes with a sense of humor and this is no exception. Her books tend to have strong sexual content and a secondary mystery which adds to the development of the plot and the entertainment of the reader.
I enjoyed this book and if you like strong romance with humor and mystery, this will be a book for you.
Cleo runs a successful small inn on the Washington coast. Her entire staff is made up of people who she considers to be her family. They are related by a sense of caring for one another. There is a sort of organized chaos and a feeling that makes the inn a haven for travelers. Each of the staff, including a precocious 5 year old, contribute to the atmosphere and sense of welcome at the inn.
Max is drawn in to the welcoming nature of the people and the he enjoys the sense of becoming a part of a family. The secondary characters are interesting and each has a back story that adds to their depth.
Cleo is being threatened by an unknown person. Max is determined to protect her and find out who and why the threats are coming to someone who is so well liked and not they type of person who normally would receive any threats on her life.
There are psychological issues in the background of both Cleo and Max. In spite of this, each of them is attracted to the other. Among other things, Cleo has written an erotic novel under an assumed name. That may or may not be the reason for the threats. It definitely makes the relationship between Cleo and Max interesting.
Krentz generally writes with a sense of humor and this is no exception. Her books tend to have strong sexual content and a secondary mystery which adds to the development of the plot and the entertainment of the reader.
I enjoyed this book and if you like strong romance with humor and mystery, this will be a book for you.
October 23, 2021
My first read by this author and I’m so glad I picked this one! Found this author entirely by chance from someone who commented on a Linda Howard book that one of the characters would’ve made a good MC for a JAK book!! I liked the quirky character and wondered what that said about JAK’s books and decided to check it out. I’m thanking my lucky stars now cuz I’ve discovered an author I plan to binge on!
This book is very low on angst but I had to keep reading anyway. Being a huge angst junkie, this is highly unusual for me - that should tell you something about the quality of the writing. Story is centered around rich, lonely art connoisseur Max (H) and kind, loving Cleo (h) and their journey to love and HEA. Max is so darn lovable and Cleo sees that in a way no one else had. There is also a mystery/suspense element throughout the book that I didn’t figure out until almost the end of the book. Read this book if you want to get to the end feeling warm and cozy and happy ❤️.
This book is very low on angst but I had to keep reading anyway. Being a huge angst junkie, this is highly unusual for me - that should tell you something about the quality of the writing. Story is centered around rich, lonely art connoisseur Max (H) and kind, loving Cleo (h) and their journey to love and HEA. Max is so darn lovable and Cleo sees that in a way no one else had. There is also a mystery/suspense element throughout the book that I didn’t figure out until almost the end of the book. Read this book if you want to get to the end feeling warm and cozy and happy ❤️.
October 5, 2010
Narrated by Richard Ferrone
Ferrone is not a favorite narrator for me but he did fairly well with this 1994 audiobook.
Krentz is, and always will be, a comfort read for me, I know the basics of what I'm going to get going in and I enjoy the new twists and turns she adds along the way.
Ferrone is not a favorite narrator for me but he did fairly well with this 1994 audiobook.
Krentz is, and always will be, a comfort read for me, I know the basics of what I'm going to get going in and I enjoy the new twists and turns she adds along the way.
February 15, 2014
Simple with a touch of mystery. Krentz has done better. Although I do enjoy the connections made by Max and Cleo, through their mutual traumatizing history. There is a mystery there that may surprise you once revealed.
July 22, 2014
4 stars
January 23, 2022
GRAND PASSION takes place in Harmony Cove, WA - a location readers of Krentz novels will probably recognize. GRAND PASSION is one of Krentz’s earlier standalone romance novels which I occasionally enjoy rereading. I listened to the audio version narrated by voice artist Richard Ferrone at 1.4 speed. At that speed the reading worked but I felt he wasn’t the best artist for this particular book. I can imagine him reading thriller novels. The audio may have decreased my enjoyment.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 to 3.5 Stars
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
FMC/Cleo, a single woman, is the owner of a quaint WA inn. Unknown to her, she apparently has 5 valuable pieces of art in her possession. When Max’s successful Seattle mentor, employer and friend lies dying, he tells MMC/Max, 35, to go locate his inheritance in artwork which is currently housed on the west coast in the bosom of a dear friend, Cleo - supposedly Jason’s recent and formerly unknown lover. When Max finally locates the elusive and surprisingly youthful Cleo, she proceeds to invite him to enjoy Jason’s “former arrangement.” Max decides to join Cleo’s unusual house of misfits believing his paintings will be easier to discover working from the inside her curious house of mysteries. It soon becomes apparent others seek the wealth hidden inside the walls of the quaint little Inn.
I have been a reader of JAK/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle novels for many years. I occasionally reread books she wrote years ago. Some have held up well over times, others not so much. I’m not sure whether my enjoyment was lessened by the passage of time or if it was the voice of the narrator which rubbed me wrong (which is a personal preference). Nevertheless, I didn’t enjoy GP as much as I remembered but it was a light, easy, simple and (as I prefer) low angst read. It passed the time with an occasional smile.
Profanity - Yes. Strong language is used.
Sexual Situations - Yes. Brief on-scene intimacy occurs.
Violence - G/PG. Suspense, not described in a dark or graphic fashion.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 to 3.5 Stars
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED IT; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
FMC/Cleo, a single woman, is the owner of a quaint WA inn. Unknown to her, she apparently has 5 valuable pieces of art in her possession. When Max’s successful Seattle mentor, employer and friend lies dying, he tells MMC/Max, 35, to go locate his inheritance in artwork which is currently housed on the west coast in the bosom of a dear friend, Cleo - supposedly Jason’s recent and formerly unknown lover. When Max finally locates the elusive and surprisingly youthful Cleo, she proceeds to invite him to enjoy Jason’s “former arrangement.” Max decides to join Cleo’s unusual house of misfits believing his paintings will be easier to discover working from the inside her curious house of mysteries. It soon becomes apparent others seek the wealth hidden inside the walls of the quaint little Inn.
I have been a reader of JAK/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle novels for many years. I occasionally reread books she wrote years ago. Some have held up well over times, others not so much. I’m not sure whether my enjoyment was lessened by the passage of time or if it was the voice of the narrator which rubbed me wrong (which is a personal preference). Nevertheless, I didn’t enjoy GP as much as I remembered but it was a light, easy, simple and (as I prefer) low angst read. It passed the time with an occasional smile.
Profanity - Yes. Strong language is used.
Sexual Situations - Yes. Brief on-scene intimacy occurs.
Violence - G/PG. Suspense, not described in a dark or graphic fashion.
May 28, 2018
2,5/5 ⭐
Mi segundo libro para el #RitaJACK no fue tan acertado como el anterior. Si bien empezó fenomenalmente, antes de llegar a la mitad comenzó a caer en picada.
Tenía de todo: unos personajes muy humanos, marcados no solo física sino emocionalmente (y con unos nombres super originales, aplausos a la autora), una búsqueda que sirviera de nudo a la trama, descripciones de arte plástico moderno, una premisa que involucraria a los protagonistas con un libro ficticio erótico, y por lo tanto, una gran tensión sexual en los primeros encuentros de los personajes. Todos los ingredientes para una novela atrapante desde la primera página.
Lamentablemente, todo eso quedo en la nada. La relación entre los protagonistas se sintió forzada, para nada real, y si nos ponemos a analizar en profundo, no del todo sana (si nos ponemos en minuciosos y tomamos en cuenta ciertas actitudes y frases que dicen los personajes, en especial Max); sin mencionar la necesidad de la autora de formar otras parejas innecesarias y de desperdiciar todo el potencial que tenía la historia ficticia de "El Espejo" para crear escenarios increíbles, que le hubieran conferido al libro un matiz mucho más atrayente.
Admás de fallas en la trama, incoherencias entre escenas y un final apresurado que deja medio sin sentido el misterio que se introduce después de los capítulos introductorios. Como si hubiese elegido al culpable/asesino a último minuto porque no se le ocurría a quien hecharle la culpa, ergo, escogió al menos pensado. Bah.
Si, tiene escenas muy divertidas y es rápido de leer; además los personajes secundarios condimentan a la trama de manera agradable, pero no es suficiente. Una lastima, porque me comí la primera mitad del libro en una tarde. Pero terminó siendo una historia olvidable y no muy recomendable, dado que sé que la autora puede hacerlo mejor.
Mi segundo libro para el #RitaJACK no fue tan acertado como el anterior. Si bien empezó fenomenalmente, antes de llegar a la mitad comenzó a caer en picada.
Tenía de todo: unos personajes muy humanos, marcados no solo física sino emocionalmente (y con unos nombres super originales, aplausos a la autora), una búsqueda que sirviera de nudo a la trama, descripciones de arte plástico moderno, una premisa que involucraria a los protagonistas con un libro ficticio erótico, y por lo tanto, una gran tensión sexual en los primeros encuentros de los personajes. Todos los ingredientes para una novela atrapante desde la primera página.
Lamentablemente, todo eso quedo en la nada. La relación entre los protagonistas se sintió forzada, para nada real, y si nos ponemos a analizar en profundo, no del todo sana (si nos ponemos en minuciosos y tomamos en cuenta ciertas actitudes y frases que dicen los personajes, en especial Max); sin mencionar la necesidad de la autora de formar otras parejas innecesarias y de desperdiciar todo el potencial que tenía la historia ficticia de "El Espejo" para crear escenarios increíbles, que le hubieran conferido al libro un matiz mucho más atrayente.
Admás de fallas en la trama, incoherencias entre escenas y un final apresurado que deja medio sin sentido el misterio que se introduce después de los capítulos introductorios. Como si hubiese elegido al culpable/asesino a último minuto porque no se le ocurría a quien hecharle la culpa, ergo, escogió al menos pensado. Bah.
Si, tiene escenas muy divertidas y es rápido de leer; además los personajes secundarios condimentan a la trama de manera agradable, pero no es suficiente. Una lastima, porque me comí la primera mitad del libro en una tarde. Pero terminó siendo una historia olvidable y no muy recomendable, dado que sé que la autora puede hacerlo mejor.
December 8, 2019
I started with the audio version. The narrator had a deep voice that made the book sound creepy when it really wasn't. Oddly enough, the deep voice was comforting if i was lying in bed at night, but other than that, it was often annoying and not the right voice for a romance novel i think.
I was a bit more than half way through the audio version when i found the book at a used book sale so i got it and started reading instead of listening. Unfortunately, i then became aware of the fact that the author used the words "softly" and "quietly" to describe the voice of every person who spoke and then i was annoyed with that.
The story itself was fun which is why it is getting 3 stars. Did I know where the paintings were immediately? Yes of course i did. And it amazed me that the characters didn't figure it out sooner, especially Max who was actively looking. But i got over it and went along for the ride.
I didn't figure out the identity of the bad guy until i started reading instead of listening. (My reading skills undoubtedly surpass my listening skills.) I guess I could have continued listening in blissful unawareness and then been surprised at the end. But then I would have missed that jolt of surprise I got when i read the name in print for the first time and had the realization. So I guess that's all good too. It's all about the journey every time I read. JAK is a favorite feel good author of mine.
I was a bit more than half way through the audio version when i found the book at a used book sale so i got it and started reading instead of listening. Unfortunately, i then became aware of the fact that the author used the words "softly" and "quietly" to describe the voice of every person who spoke and then i was annoyed with that.
The story itself was fun which is why it is getting 3 stars. Did I know where the paintings were immediately? Yes of course i did. And it amazed me that the characters didn't figure it out sooner, especially Max who was actively looking. But i got over it and went along for the ride.
I didn't figure out the identity of the bad guy until i started reading instead of listening. (My reading skills undoubtedly surpass my listening skills.) I guess I could have continued listening in blissful unawareness and then been surprised at the end. But then I would have missed that jolt of surprise I got when i read the name in print for the first time and had the realization. So I guess that's all good too. It's all about the journey every time I read. JAK is a favorite feel good author of mine.
October 9, 2023
Hubo una época allá en los noventa en que Krentz fue una de mis escritoras favoritas. De todo lo que leí de ella, este es uno de los que más me gustan, y creo que aguanta bien el paso del tiempo. La comenté en mi blog con motivo del Reto Rita 2.0. El millonario Max Fortune llega a una curiosa posada buscando unas pinturas. Cleopatra Robbins, que es quien lleva el negocio, nada más verlo le pone un desatascador en la mano y le dice que anda corta de personal, y que le arregle las cañerías. Él esperaba encontrar una fortuna en cuadros, y lo que halla son personas que lo aprecian y lo aceptan tal cual es, aunque no siempre acierte en sus decisiones.
Krentz en su mejor forma: diálogos fluidos, y sus toques de humor que te hacen sonreír a cada momento. Sobre todo, por los típicos grupos Nueva Era que buscan cosas como la reafirmación de la masculinidad, la iluminación espiritual o simplemente el secreto del éxito, todo ello excusas para llenar los bolsillos de los charlatanes de turno.
Krentz en su mejor forma: diálogos fluidos, y sus toques de humor que te hacen sonreír a cada momento. Sobre todo, por los típicos grupos Nueva Era que buscan cosas como la reafirmación de la masculinidad, la iluminación espiritual o simplemente el secreto del éxito, todo ello excusas para llenar los bolsillos de los charlatanes de turno.
January 18, 2026
I found this treasure in a used book store, and I am ever so glad I did. It's a lovely story of found family with a hero who's searching for the treasure of valuable paintings without realizing that the treasure he really needs is the quirky family forming around him in Robbin's Nest Inn. A former foster kid, Max is a dedicated loner who finds himself adrift after losing his closest friend and mentor. In search of his inheritance, he goes to Cleo's seacoast inn and discovers his wealthy mentor's secret life as an elderly handyman. Flummoxed, he is drawn into Cleo's employ in part by 6-year-old Sammy and his Lucky Ducky, both of whom are a delight in the story. Cleo, the author of two modestly successful books, one in her name and one in a pseudonym, is also on a journey to finding herself and resolving some questions from her past. Therein lies the danger that propels the mystery plot as Max and Cleo are increasingly drawn together. Lots of clever book discussions that any author will relate to and cheer for. Hard to put down.
August 14, 2019
Cleopatra Robbins is running a small inn on the Oregon/Washington Coast with the help of several "misfits". One of them, Jason Curzon, is really CEO of a major hotel chain. When he dies, he instructs his protege, Max Fortune, to go to Cleo to reclaim 5 pieces of valuable art work as his legacy. Max thinks she's Jason's mistress, but doesn't know what to think when he arrives. Cleo, in her spare time, is an author, having published a book of erotica under a pseudonym. Strange things start to happen which they think are because of the book, but are in fact, because her dead father testified against a hit man. Her parents were brutally murdered because of it, and the hit man, now out of prison, is out to get her too. Max learns to love, Cleo learns the truth and all of the other characters get what they want too. Some sex scenes, some mild erotica quotes. Mostly good read.
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