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laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Crystal Cove
3 Stars
Crystal Cove reminds me of the film Practical Magic only not nearly as entertaining or satisfying. It seems to have all the right ingredients but simply falls flat.
Justine starts out as a feisty, take no prisoners heroine but turns into a submissive doormat willing to forgive all transgressions merely because she has the hots for Jason. She is also the worst witch I've ever encountered.
Jason has potential as a tortured hero and his description as "a man without a soul" is very intriguing. Unfortunately, his character is underdeveloped and he ends up coming across as your typical manipulative jerk turned redeemed lover with no real explanation for his transformation other than the "love at first sight" trope, which is completely inconsistent with his characterization.
The elements of magical realism from the previous installments turn into fully fledged paranormal traits and the descriptions of magical potions, rituals and spells is excessive and adds little to the romance.
Zoe and Alex from book #3 have small cameo appearances but the other characters from the series are nowhere to be seen, which is unfortunate, as the sense of family and closeness is missing. The Fiveash family of witches almost compensate for this but it is too little, too late.
Overall, this latest installment in Lisa Kleypas's Friday Harbor series is a disappointment and emphasizes the fact that Kleypas foray into magical realism/paranormal romance is not all that successful. Perhaps she should return to the tried and true genre of historical romance.
3 Stars
Crystal Cove reminds me of the film Practical Magic only not nearly as entertaining or satisfying. It seems to have all the right ingredients but simply falls flat.
Justine starts out as a feisty, take no prisoners heroine but turns into a submissive doormat willing to forgive all transgressions merely because she has the hots for Jason. She is also the worst witch I've ever encountered.
Jason has potential as a tortured hero and his description as "a man without a soul" is very intriguing. Unfortunately, his character is underdeveloped and he ends up coming across as your typical manipulative jerk turned redeemed lover with no real explanation for his transformation other than the "love at first sight" trope, which is completely inconsistent with his characterization.
The elements of magical realism from the previous installments turn into fully fledged paranormal traits and the descriptions of magical potions, rituals and spells is excessive and adds little to the romance.
Zoe and Alex from book #3 have small cameo appearances but the other characters from the series are nowhere to be seen, which is unfortunate, as the sense of family and closeness is missing. The Fiveash family of witches almost compensate for this but it is too little, too late.
Overall, this latest installment in Lisa Kleypas's Friday Harbor series is a disappointment and emphasizes the fact that Kleypas foray into magical realism/paranormal romance is not all that successful. Perhaps she should return to the tried and true genre of historical romance.
shan198025's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I wasn't as good as the previous two but it was enjoyable.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
To me Crystal Cove was the weakest link in Friday Harbor series so far. After flirting with magical realism and paranormal in previous books, now we have full paranormal romance between witch Justine and Jason. I expected to like this book especially because Jason is geek and game developer but the chemistry is missing. Their attraction was too much insta-love for my taste, and although there were good reasons for that, I still like it more when it goes slower.
I can't wait to find out after magical realism, ghosts and witches what we will have in next part. :)
I can't wait to find out after magical realism, ghosts and witches what we will have in next part. :)
joth's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't like this book as much as the others in the series.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Listened for Review (Brilliance)
Overall Rating: 3.00
Story Rating: 3.00
Character Rating: 3.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I just never warmed up to the lead characters. Sometimes that just happens.
Speed Date Review
First Date: Crystal Cove started out sweet and in the beginning I felt a real connection to the environment. This was just the place I thought I would want to visit.
Second Date: Oh Jason why can't you be more likable? I want to like you, I really do but you are a little too arrogant for me. You are also making Justine a little less strong than she started out being.
Third Date: Jason and I are just not clicking. I am sure that you are a nice guy deep down BUT arrogance is just not my thing. I know you will work for others but we are just not meant to be.
Audio Date:
Tanya did a wonderful job with the narration. She is really good at doing different voices and I love the accents that she used. I think it worked perfectly for this story.
Relationship Status: I am still going to date Friday Harbor even though we had a rough patch.
Overall Rating: 3.00
Story Rating: 3.00
Character Rating: 3.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I just never warmed up to the lead characters. Sometimes that just happens.
Speed Date Review
First Date: Crystal Cove started out sweet and in the beginning I felt a real connection to the environment. This was just the place I thought I would want to visit.
Second Date: Oh Jason why can't you be more likable? I want to like you, I really do but you are a little too arrogant for me. You are also making Justine a little less strong than she started out being.
Third Date: Jason and I are just not clicking. I am sure that you are a nice guy deep down BUT arrogance is just not my thing. I know you will work for others but we are just not meant to be.
Audio Date:
Narrated by Tanya Eby/Running Time 8hrs 58min
Tanya did a wonderful job with the narration. She is really good at doing different voices and I love the accents that she used. I think it worked perfectly for this story.
Relationship Status: I am still going to date Friday Harbor even though we had a rough patch.
snarkymotherreader's review against another edition
4.0
Crystal Cove took a bit to get into. Jason and Justine, the main characters, were very flat in the beginning. There wasn't much substance to them, and the story itself seemed like it would be dull and contrite.
A few chapters in, it really started to shine. Rather than being the typical morally-grey alpha male characters authors seem to love, Jason turned into a loveable male lead. He was witty and considerate and didn't try to force himself on the heroine like so many "heroes" do. In fact, he blatantly rejects Justine's advances several times and even gives this beautiful bit of advice:
“It’s not an insult when a man wants to take it slow with you.”
“Then what is it?”
“A compliment.”
I wish more men and women understood this!
If you've started this novel and couldn't get into it, give it another chance! It ends up being a very sweet romance that will make you tear up at the end.
A few chapters in, it really started to shine. Rather than being the typical morally-grey alpha male characters authors seem to love, Jason turned into a loveable male lead. He was witty and considerate and didn't try to force himself on the heroine like so many "heroes" do. In fact, he blatantly rejects Justine's advances several times and even gives this beautiful bit of advice:
“It’s not an insult when a man wants to take it slow with you.”
“Then what is it?”
“A compliment.”
I wish more men and women understood this!
If you've started this novel and couldn't get into it, give it another chance! It ends up being a very sweet romance that will make you tear up at the end.
faustin2nd's review against another edition
5.0
There are many reasons why I loved this book. Jason Black was the main one. I loved his character. He was fascinating and mysterious, and perfect for Justine. I always wondered who she would end up with and LK exceeded my expectations.
And the book was written so beautifully. The language was poetic, not too descriptive, but almost hypnotic. I was lulled into the story, there was no point where I felt rushed, and even though there were moments it dragged for me a little bit, I liked the pace.
This book had a lot more sex than the other books, but I didn't mind. I think the writer pushed the envelope a little bit, and it was fine. I was surprised in some of the scenes, which was great.
I also liked the magic in this book,I liked how it was a little vague, because had it been more specific it would have taken away from the story. I thought it was mostly believable and I liked it.
Is it the best book in the series? No. Would I read it again? Probably not. But while I was devouring the pages, it was awesome.
And the book was written so beautifully. The language was poetic, not too descriptive, but almost hypnotic. I was lulled into the story, there was no point where I felt rushed, and even though there were moments it dragged for me a little bit, I liked the pace.
This book had a lot more sex than the other books, but I didn't mind. I think the writer pushed the envelope a little bit, and it was fine. I was surprised in some of the scenes, which was great.
I also liked the magic in this book,I liked how it was a little vague, because had it been more specific it would have taken away from the story. I thought it was mostly believable and I liked it.
Is it the best book in the series? No. Would I read it again? Probably not. But while I was devouring the pages, it was awesome.
lululovesbooks77's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmmm I didnt love this one…. The storey flowed, i just didnt love Jason’s character…. And all the witchy stuff (although i love paganism and reading about it). This one just seemed… offf…
faunasam2018's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
gtgirl1's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25