In a world somewhere beyond Earth and the present, some people have
evolved to have possess extrasensory powers. They come in varying degrees
of strength and ability, but one thing they all have in common, in order to
really employ these powers, they must rely on another being as a focus for
their abilities.
Amaryllis Lark is one such individual. She has trained long and hard to be
a focus for the powers of others. After leaving an academic career, she has entered the private sector where she intends to make some money for herself. Along comes her first big client, Lucas Trent, with his dashing good looks, wads of money, mysterious past and secret abilities, unregistered and vastly powerful. He needs someone to focus for him, knowing he has to have someone powerful enough to withstand his unregistered strength. Amaryllis suits his purposes, although she has grave reservations as to what she must do. He thinks she is up-tight and far too ethical to be real. She thinks he is on a wild goose chase, but incredibly handsome.
When they first link minds, Lucas is nearly overwhelmed by the power of the
link and his reaction to Amaryllis in a sexual way. Although she hides it,
she is just as thrilled by the link. But both of them know that they do not have a chance with each other. Strong talent and strong focus can never have a lasting relationship, much less marry. In this world, marriages are arranged by matchmaking agencies, carefully trained to test and discover the perfect mate for individuals on their rosters. Rogue marriages seem doomed. As Amaryllis has no powerful family backing her, and Lucas has been through an unsuccessful marriage, each is determined to ignore the pull they feel toward each other and abide by the decision of the agency.
Life has a way of intervening, however, in even the most careful plans.
Lucas and Amaryllis become involved in a quest to solve a murder. As they
face dangers, they also face the fact that they are falling in love with
each other. Lucas finds himself wanting to protect Amaryllis, she finds herself thinking of him when she fills out her matchmaking application.
This world Jayne Castle has created is very different from ours. The
synergistic relationships between people, the way they act and react with
one another, is Earth-like, but with that added extra-sensory perspective.
The shared powers enhance the story, but this is, after all, a romance.
The dangers are overcome, internal barriers are destroyed and two people who belong together beat the odds, take care of the bad guys and find happiness. The futuristic features which might turn off readers who do not care for "science fiction" stories only enhance the love story. There is nothing unbelievable in this far off place. And love, shining and bright and oh, so right, wins!
Irene Peterson
