The final book of a trio set on the far-off planet of St Helens. Like the first two, it's not all romance and love-making; there's murder, mystery, and a bit of corporate espionage. Not at the top of my list, but a good enough read.

Writing as Jayne Castle, Judith Ann Krentz has a series of books set on far off worlds, originally colonized by Earth, but now cut off from their home world. Amaryllis, Zinnia, and Orchid are the first (in that order), set on the planet of St Helens where psychic energy is evolving to replace no-longer working Earth-based technology.

In these first forays into a futuristic setting for this author, the off-world details occasionally feel a little awkward. None of these 3 made me feel like reading an entire book in one sitting. That said, They kept my interest, the characters are interesting, and there is a mystery to solve as the hero and heroine fall in love in each book. From Amaryllis to Orchid, the books seem to become more polished and entertaining as the series develops.

The other-world marriage customs (using matchmaking agencies) were believable, but some of the descriptions of the technology and psychic powers felt less real, and the author just did NOT know what to do with other-worldly plants, animals, and by-products. In particular the practice of naming plant and animal items on the new planet with hyphenated versions of Earth names, drove me *crazy,* i.e. coff-tea, "shaggy six-legged ox-mules," honey-syrup, bee-flies, twin-snakes. Argghhh! And yet, they have (non-hyphenated) cars, trees, clocks, and phones.

If the frequent consuming of coff*hyphenated*tea doesn't get to you like it did me, you will enjoy getting into Ms. Castle's new universe.

This is my favorite alternate universe book. Love it.

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[from the back cover] A top psychic for exclusive Psynergy Inc., Orchid Adams doesn't expect even the best marriage agencies on the space colony of St. Helen's to find her a husband who measures up to her dreams. It's just as well, because she's go her hands full with a baffling murder. One thing is certain: her new client, Rafe Stonebraker, is definitely NOT marriage material. But Rave--primitive, elemental, powerful, perhaps dangerous--is perfect for an affair...

An unlicensed private eye with an edgy reputation and a psychic tlent so awesome he hides its true power, Rafe has some serious secrets. Will their mind/body merger spark a rollicking and rocky partnership, just as his latest case threatens to end their world?

Really like this series.

This book was excellent.

A top psychic, Orchid Adams doesn't expect even the best marriage agencies on the space colony of St. Helen's to find her a husband who measures up to her dreams. Her new client, Rafe Stonebraker, is definitely not marriage material. Butr Rafe, primitive, elemental, powerful, perhaps dangerous, is perfect for an affair...

good paranormal story

Wonderful book. The third in a series about New Seattle..... And the paranormal happenings on that side of the curtin.

A top psychic for exclusive Psynergy Inc., Orchid Adams doesn't expect enen the best marriage agencies on the space colony of St. Helen's to find her a husband who measures up to her dreams. It's just as well, because she's got her hands full with a baffling murder. One thing is certain; her new client Rafe Stonebraker, is definately not marriage material. But Rafe--primitive, elemental, powerful, perhaps dangerous--is perfect for an affair... An unlicensed private eye with an edgy reputation and a psychic talent so awesome he hides its true power, Rafe has some serious secrets. Not only is he trying to solve a strange theft, he is about to replace his grandfather as CEO of Stonebraker Shipping and is fighting to ward off a hostile takeover. He needs a wife--and fast--to salvege his credibility. Orchid Adams doesn't fit the profile he had in mind, but she fits in his arms. Will their mind/body merger spark a rollicking and rocky partnership, just as his latest case threatens to end their world?

Psychic romance novelist Orchid Adams has yet to meet her match on the space colony of St. Helen's--until an assignment with a lone-wolf private investigator puts her mind and her heart on a collision course.

I had read this quite a while back and just wanted to reread it for fun. I like the futuristic elements and the characters. The only thing that is a bit goofy is the hyphenated words scattered throughout (example: a beverage called cof-tea). Overall a great series from a great author.

This is Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle.A physic looks for a husband and finds a private eye.

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