Crystal Cove: A Friday Harbor Novel

This was definitely a step-out to a different style for Ms. Kleypas. Justine and Jason are a power couple, she is a natural witch with spell-casting powers, he is a power player in the world of video games - a legend and a man without a soul.

In order to move with this story I had to change my perspective and focus on the magic and why and how Justine was cursed by her mother, Jason didn't have a soul and the rules of magic that caused death and destruction when they were not obeyed. After I made that adjustment I was okay, the story is about magic, how its practiced, why there are specific rules and how all have to obey them or risk hurting someone. (At least that's how I see it).

This did not follow the lighter stories of the Nolan brothers, so it was an adjustment for me. The characters were great, Justine and Jason reminded me of Romeo and Juliet as star-crossed lovers. I do think this should have been a separate book but, since Justine was a character in the other books, I understand the reasoning.

The only reason I rated it a 4 was because it was a slow read for me. I wasn't enthralled all the way through but I did keep wondering what was going to happen next, so I kept on plugging away.

I think its worth the effort, not in her usual style but still well written and well done.

From one of my favorite authors to a huge disappointment in a just a few books; Lisa Kleypas what has happened to you. There is no relationship story arc here, besides stupid, contrived behavior especially by the man. Witches back story barely filled out. Random 50 shades of grey bondage thrown in. I couldn't finish it, which has almost never happened with a professionally published story. I liked the other Friday Harbor books, although not as much as her previous novels. I just wished I'd waited to read the reviews before I bought this one. I can handle fantasy elements, but this just wasn't well done at all. I'm actually kind of sad that it seems there won't be any more great Kleypas books coming, at least unless she gets this out of her system.

I've read everything Lisa has written, particularly enjoying her earlier series: Wallflowers, Hathaways, and especially her Bow Street series. Even the Travis trilogy, although I don't care much for 1st person narrative. The first three Friday Harbour books too ... but Crystal Cove lost me. Could be, in part, that I'm not a fan of paranormal writing, and I found the main characters quite lacking in depth and development; the chemistry between them appeared to me to be artificial and forced. Perhaps many readers found the discussion of the various kinds of witchcraft interesting, but, to me, it was tedious and overdrawn. And, I looked for, and missed, Lisa's droll, dry witticisms so often spoken as rejoinders by her characters! I'd so looked forward to this book, but my money was wasted and I plan to delete it from my Kindle. I do, however, hope to hear of further writings by this author, and perhaps I'll play it safe and wait for the library to carry them.

Witches, covens, spells and missing souls are not what I expect picking a romance novel. While all the characters were engaging, I would like a warning before I pick something with a storyline on the outermost fringes of my favorite genre. I can appreciate that Crystal Cove is a magical, mysterious place, but it was not the story I expected, or liked. It was implausible, it was unlikely, but most of all it was shallow and not at all what I expect from Lisa Kleypas.,

love all Lisa's books. seems she changed to match the fascination with 50 shades. enjoyed the increased steamy scenes and supernatural aspect. I just found it missing her usual wow. I will always read her books..

I have enjoyed many novels by Ms Kleypas. However, with this book I believe she has lost her focus. She seems to want to put too many different types of the things that are grabbing today's audience into this book and it left me confused. I didn't like it. She needs to stick to one genre at a time in her books.

Every one of the books in this series is delightful and riveting! Don't even start the first one unless you're prepared to read them all IMMEDIATELY? . .they won't release their spell until you've finished them all!

I really like Mrs. Kleypas books however this one was my least liked books. I'm not interested in concerns and witch stuff at all. It takes it out of the realm if possible. I also felt that the "spellbinding" sex was overdone. I really liked the other books in this series but this one was a dud for me.

This was an excellent read. Every ingredient for the perfect romance is included,mystery,witchcraft,sex and a compelling storyline. I really enjoyed the spell casting,and it's consequences. I could not put this book down.

Where has Lisa Kleypas gone? At one point I thought I was reading an attempt at 50 Shades of Grey. I think this book is the little engine that could not. Crystal Cove has to much magic, bad sex and witchcraft. I will probably buy the next one with the hope that Lisa has recovered from whatever is affecting her.

As much as I enjoyed Dream Lake... Crystal Cove was even better!
The character of Justine Hoffman had already been richly defined in the previous books of the Friday Harbor series, and the introduction of Jason Black was a perfect match for her.

Lisa Kleypas outdid herself with this one... a story very well written with enough detail to satisfy, but not bog you down. A great ending for the Friday Harbor trilogy.

I still want to visit there!

I think all the unfavorable reviews are from historical romance fans of this author. I am a fan no matter what. Being a wiccan lets me relate to this story in a unique way. I enjoyed this book completely. At this low price($1.99) it was a pleasant surprise. If you like Ms. Kleypas' books don't hesitate-- just enjoy it for the pleasure of her story-telling.

Ever since she has started writing this "magic" series, Lisa's writing has deteriorated to the point that I say "what is the point?". She was an excellent writer, but this stuff she is cranking out is just awful. Now, any minute her publishers will have a bunch of positive paid reviews placed on the store to drown us out, but maybe, just maybe Lisa or her editor will read one of the first 15 of the Crystal Cave reviews and just maybe there still is magic in this world, and Lisa of early years will return. Maybe Joe's story?

Absolutely loved this book !
It made me laugh out loud and it made me "teary"
This is no ordinary book, it's pure magic !!
Don't read the reviews just read the book !
Lisa Kleypas ... you are amazing :-)))

I have enjoyed hearing the stories of the group of friends who live in Friday Harbor. this one delves heavily into witchcraft. It is safe to say, I am no a believer in wichcraft, though I know people who claim to be wicckin. That goes against my religious principles.

Nice look at love overcoming some big differences and not always coming from where we expect it to.

How hard the struggle is between Mothers and Daughters and how difficult to always live up to their expectations! Great realistic characters!

Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors. Crystal Cove explores the consequences of choices, the meaning of love in many different forms and the power of love.

Strong characters and interesting twists.