When I read a story written by Jayne Ann Krentz, I know I’m going to get a romance about trust and partnership. It doesn’t matter the landscape—contemporary, historical or paranormal—or what pseudonym she uses. The author’s characters seek loyalty and honor in each other.
There’s also an underlying message in Krentz’s work that a woman takes more risks when it comes to a relationship. Therefore, trust is essential in the foundation of the romance. It’s more than a question of fidelity. The hero knows instinctively that his woman will never betray him, just as the heroine believes her lover will fight for their relationship. This level of trust is intertwined with the love and respect they share.
The need to protect is a required trait in a Jayne Ann Krentz hero. It’s part of his value system to look after his tribe. The heroines in the author’s stories also take care of their own. They will make sacrifices and assume a mission for a loved one even if it means facing danger head-on. A Krentz heroine often possesses a nurturing quality as well as a warrior mentality. They frequently provide a home life these heroes have never experienced, and at the same time, have the inner strength to pull their men back from the brink of self-destruction.
Jayne Ann Krentz currently writes romantic suspense but she has released some of her earlier work as eBooks. These stories were previously category romances and each contains a mystery or suspense subplot. Readers looking for stories about heroic men and women should try these vintage contemporary romances.
The Ties That Bind
Garth and Shannon come from different worlds. He’s used to the betrayal and suspicion of the corporate arena and she’s an artist who approaches life in an honest and straightforward manner. Garth knows he should stay away from Shannon, not wanting to taint her way of life with his, but he’s compelled to be with her. He becomes her weekend lover and makes sure she’s far away from his cutthroat environment. Garth wants to protect her from his world and at the same time create a refuge for himself. Shannon, however, wants more and she’s willing to fight for it.
Originally published in 1986 for the Harlequin Temptation line, this opposites attract story also includes a corporate espionage subplot. Like many of Krentz’s heroes, Garth is a dangerous man but he has his emotions and power under fierce control. He’s very protective of the woman he loves, and while he’s suspicious of most people, his trust in Shannon is absolute.
The Pirate
In this story, Kate meets Jared when she vacations on his island. She finds Jared arrogant and uncivilized. However, since he owns the island, this is his kingdom and his decisions go unchallenged. Jared thinks Kate is prickly but he admires the way she stands up to him. He thought he wanted a sweet and gentle lady in his life but what he really needs is a passionate woman who could put up with him.
First published as a Harlequin Temptation in 1990, this sexy romance also includes a mystery subplot. The trust Kate has in Jared is tested when he refuses to reveal secrets about the island. The heroine in this story has many traits expected from a Krentz heroine. She’s resourceful, curious and willing to take risks. Kate is confident and brave but she has moments of uncertainty, especially when she knows she doesn’t qualify as Jared’s ideal woman.
Serpent in Paradise
Jase lives in the moment and is free of commitment. He owns a seedy bar on a lawless island and has learned not to think too much about the future. When Jase meets Amy, a tourist whose wholesomeness is almost exotic to him, he offers her a vacation fling. Amy isn’t interested in a sexual souvenir. She doesn’t trust men and has never relied on one. They have a tendency to break promises and abandon their responsibilities for adventure. Yet when she’s in jeopardy and needs help, she knows Jase has her back.
Previously published in 1983 as a Silhouette Intimate Moment, Serpent in Paradise is a steamy romance with a suspense subplot. Jase is very possessive of Amy and knows the trust she has in him is a rare gift. When Amy falls in love with Jase, she’s aware that all she has to offer him is a home and family. She’s not sure he’ll take up her offer of domesticity when he’s living the commitment-free life most men envy.
To find out more about Jayne Ann Krentz and her work, visit the author’s website.