Crystal Cove

Written by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by Tanya Eby

Justine Hoffman has made a comfortable life for herself on the island of Friday Harbor. She is the proprietor of a successful boutique hotel, and she has the safe, predictable life she has always wanted. Growing up with her flighty, nomadic mother, Marigold, has instilled in her a deep longing for stability. But in spite of everything Justine has achieved, there is still something missing. Love. And after years of waiting and dreaming, she is willing to do whatever it takes to change her destiny.

What Justine soon discovers is that someone cast a spell on her when she was born, with the result that she will never find her soul mate. Determined to change her fate, Justine finds a way to break the enchantment, never dreaming of the dangerous complications that will follow.

And when Justine meets the mysterious Jason Black, she accidentally unleashes a storm of desire and danger that threatens everything she holds dear…because Jason has secrets of his own, and he wants more from her than fate will ever allow.

"Bestselling Kleypas proves that she has perfected her recipe for emotionally nourishing, richly rewarding love stories." -Booklist (starred review) on Dream Lake

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781455886203

Lisa Kleypas

New York Times Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. Her historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels are published in forty different languages, and are bestsellers all over the world. Currently she lives in Southern California with her husband Gregory.

Reviews for Crystal Cove

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Justine has known that she is forever cursed to never have love in her life. Of late she has been aching for it, especially seeing her best friend Zoe falling in love. She wants a special connection with someone. Justine is a witch, and has the means to work at getting the curse broke, what she doesn't expect is to have are the consequences. Then she meets Jason, and everything gets off course in her plans. Jason has made a successful life, has more money than any man ever should. With all the money and power at his disposal. When he comes to Friday Harbor, he stays in the inn that Justine owns. Justine is instantly attracted to Jason, like bee's to honey, he is sexy and more handsome than any man needs to be, but what draws her most to him is his caressing gaze that makes her feel like molten heat. Jason has known for quite some time that he is a man without a soul, and has searched and searched for a way to live as long as he can, and that way may be in Justine. Jason is keeping a secret from her, but there is a stronger connection between Justine and Jason that surpasses any hidden agenda, and strikes straight to the heart, but will their love be strong enough to save them both from fate?I saw Crystal Cove on the shelf at my local library...and I almost went into shock since this one just came out a couple months ago. And usually with such a popular author, it would take 3-4 months before I would be able to get my hands on this. Normally I would have wanted to read Dream Lake first, but I take books when they are available, so I was hoping I wouldn't be too lost when I started to read this. As a fan of Lisa Kleypas there hasn't been a book of hers that I haven't liked. There were quite a few things that I liked about this book, a few things that I didn't like. But overall I totally learned to love this story. Jason, is definitely ALPHA WOW Male LOL, he is deliciously yummy, but needs to be in control of every situation. Although the way he is with Justine was almost priceless. He is the type where everyone jumps to attention whenever he is around, but Justine doesn't. She stands on her own, and doesn't give in to his every demand =which I really liked about her. Justine has been raised a witch, but doesn't practice in fully, until she discovers her curse. Justine craves a real relationship and being able to find someone to love. After she meets Jason, his life is so different from hers, but she feels a connection to him, where she feels able to laugh and play and the ability to open her heart to someone for the first time in her life. The story line was full of everything that makes for a strong story. I found it to have a beautiful magical tone. Now for a couple of things that I didn't like so much. One is the powerful tone of magic that is shown through this story, the sense of Jason not having a soul--it was a bit disturbing at times. I felt like it just wasn't Kleypas style in ANY way. The past books in the series, had a lighter tone to magic, but I felt like this book, it was a major element to the story. Which sometimes works, but there was almost something off kilter about it. Second is that there was a certain bed scene that had a bit of bdsm element to it, which was very unexpected and I didn't really like it. I am not a fan of bdsm at all, and I really didn't like it in this story. I felt like it was a bit too much for the story and for the author's style. I know as time progresses, authors style of writing sometimes changes and all, but It just felt like it almost unbalanced the tone of their relationship a bit. Maybe it was just me, but I just felt like it wasn't fully necessary. However despite a couple of things I didn't really like, I felt like this story really called out to me in a powerful way. It was very different than the rest of Kleypas' books. Crystal Cove showed all the romance talent that Lisa Kleypas has the ability of portraying through her stories. Powerfully written, heart breaking characters, sensual love scenes, and a riveting tale with a paranormal element to a contemporary story that has a magical ring to it. A STAR of a read!!

[jbarr5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Crystal Cove by Lisa KleypasMy favorite parts: She runs the B&B and he's the only guest staying there, he bought the whole place to ensure his privacy.Justine was on her way to visit her Wicca friends in her kayak because they live at the lighthouse but she capsizes.Jason comes to her rescue and now he feels like he is in charge of protecting her/her life forever.The ladies talk to her more about her powers and they can't understand why they are so powerful as she tells them about some episodes with other boyfriends.They also explain why Jason has no soul...Love this series and all the twists and turns and learning about new powers and how she uses them over time...Locale is just perfect. Hot sex scenes are multiplied with her powers.Love this series and can't wait for moreI received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[liz_57-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was struggle to finish, characters were one dimensional.

[jnut1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought this series started out so normal.

But then the ghost happen in book three and the crafters in this book. Just not my favorite.

No soul, sharing a soul?

So many things that made this book by Lisa less enjoyable for me.

[azacia · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an enjoyable book, but not a favorite. Justine Hoffman is a non-practicing witch who occasionally uses spells when things seem to go awry in her life. Never in love, she realizes that someone must have put a curse on her. Despite the warnings that breaking the curse can cause unforeseen negative consequences, she goes ahead and does it anyway.

Jason Black is a powerful man with more money than is plausible and no soul. Despite not having a soul, he quickly falls in love with Justine, but still steals her most precious possession (not sure why he didn't just ask to borrow it or for her to use it?). Arrogant, demanding, and a bit too bossy for my taste, he's willing to give up everything, including his life for Justine.

Add a few odd old witches, some rednecks, strange powers, and independent people who are willing to compromise everything for each other and you've got the story.

I generally really like Lisa Kleyas as an author, but this one just missed the mark for me.

Hero: 2/5
Heroine: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
Steaminess: Not sure what to rate this - it was explicitly steamy, but in a manner I found distasteful.
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Side characters: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

[cranberrytarts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous Friday Harbor novels, but I still felt it was a strong read. I found myself becoming frustrated with the characters toward the middle of the book. I felt there needed to be a lot more groveling on the part of the hero.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[dawn772 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This paranormal romance was okay. It had too much hocus pocus for my taste. I kind of felt the heroine accepted the betrayals with insufficient atonement. Justine laments her lack of true love and at the same time the very rich Jason checks into her hotel.

[bugetta-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was beautifully written -- Lisa Kleypas has a way with words but something was missing and the romance just sort of fell flat for me.

[judithdcollins · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I liked the other books in this series; however, was very disappointed with this book. It was all I could do to get through this one, as if had not purchased this Nook Book probably would have passed and stopped before half through. Basically about casting spells, and meeting the mysterious Jason Black. Loved the other characters in past books; however, this one was not my style and would not recommend. It would take a great book for me to go back to this author. Very boring!

[bette_hansen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My least favorite of the series but still enjoyable. While magic has been an underlying concept in each of the books it is the primary them in this one. Recommended read.

[tanaise-968201 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

meh. not her finest work.

[aribookzilla · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Friday Harbor series are probably the only Lisa Kleypas books that I have read and loved. I love the way she mixes your everyday stories with just a touch of paranormal to give it that extra spark.

This book is the heaviest on paranormal elements so far, and that was too much for my liking - almost everything that happened was thanks to or because of magic, and it's not what I expected. Which is why this book, sadly, only get's a 3.5 from me.

I loved Justine in the previous two books, she seemed like the kind of person I'd like to be friends with. This book didn't change my mind about that, and I completely understood her loneliness and why she wanted someone, but I'll say that she did come off as a bit gullible and too forgiving for my liking.

I knew I'd like Jason at the very mention of him in Dream Lake. Though he has secret agenda, I was reasoning with myself that I would do the same thing, and yeah, I did end up liking him. I loved his quiet confidence, his pragmatic mind and that he owns up to his mistakes in the end.
"Because that’s what life is. One problem after another. You can’t control any of it. All you can do is reach out for something good whenever you can. And hold on no matter what.”
These two are a good match, there's great chemistry between them, but I couldn't get over insta-love. It just seemed so unbelievable, not to mention the whole love-potion scene which completely put me off their romance. I'd also like to think that Justine did the right thing in being so forgiving, but in all honesty, she should have made him grovel.

Lisa Kleypas's writing is beautiful as always, and there are tons of amazing, beautiful quotes about love and life in this book, I highlighted so much of it I can't even use them all in this review. She makes Friday Harbor come alive with wonderful descriptions. I loved a little bit of Zoe and Alex we got, and the new characters, Sage and Rosemary, the cute witch duo, and Priscilla. I especially liked all the Japanese elements she added to it (kinbaku alert!) She also deals with the theme of personal choices in this, which I loved, throughout the book the characters learn that choices have consequences - and that some things, like falling in love, are not by choice at all.
Love, she reflected bitterly, wasn’t something you bargained with or negotiated terms with … it lived by its own rules. Love appeared when you didn’t want it and refused to go. It was like an invasive species that entered your garden without warning, and proceeded to grow wildly out of control, resistant to every method employed to kill it.
Basically, love was pigweed.
Like I said, I didn't like that there wouldn't have been a story if it weren't for magic. I was hoping beyond hope it wouldn't go there, and of course, insta-love, Justine getting over Jason's betrayal so easily, but eh...
Yeah, there are a couple of graphic sex scenes in this, one of which wasn't really... my favorite.

I don't know if this is the last book in the Friday Harbor series, but if it is, it's a nice conclusion. You don't have to read the other books to get this one. Like every other book in this series, it works well as a standalone, too.
I wish I liked it more, seeing I really did like both Justine and Jason, but it just wasn't what I expected it to be.

[darkand27 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Kleypas has gifted us with another beautiful and lyrical story. This time, Justine (a natural born witch) and Jason (a soulless video game developer) are drawn together as only opposites can be. The writing of this tale is just so amazing to me. The phrasing and descriptions remind me that even in a sometimes ugly world there is still a fantastic amount of sheer beauty and magic, if you just look for it. Her prose seems to unlock my sense of wonder and suddenly, I feel like I can breathe again - and the air is fresh and clean. I haven't read any of her other series, just because I really don't enjoy the historical romances. I can't seem to get into the Lady of somewhere or other swooning, breasts heaving, fainting into the arms of Duke such-and-such BUT I may have to make an exception for Ms. Kleypas - if her historicals are ANYthing like the Friday Harbor series.

[2sunny_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed every book in this series but this book was my favourite. The heroine Justine, we have all met in real life before. The person who is there for you when you need it and who steps so easily into the background at other times. We have met Justine in the previous books and seen that the character remains the same there as well. She is a witch but doesn't want any part of the coven. She has huge magical powers that she never bothered to learn how to use. She just wants to be normal.

Jason Black, is a driven software creator with a highly successful business. Anything he wants he can have, one way or the other but he doesn't use this power to hurt just to make his world comfortable. He is handsome, well built, of slightly mixed heritage and many women's dream. He has come to Friday Harbour to close a land accumulation deal with Alex. The builder we met in the last book. He and his business party are staying at Justine's Inn while in the area.

There is no way of describing this magical plot without giving spoilers. It is extremely well thought out and includes an ending that you know will happen but how it happens is beyond the wildest imagination. Except of course Ms. Kleypas'. She accomplishes it...easily. Loved this book. I enjoy the takes many authors make on witches and their craft. This is yet another view unique from the rest.

[jyl22075 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of the entire Friday Harbor series and this book was a great addition to it. I have seen a host of mixed reviews on this one, so let me breakdown why it worked for me:

1. Jason (our hero) came across as really dark initially and I wasn't sure I would like him, but as Justine started to get to know him I was pleased to see he was hiding a sense of humor under his whole dark, soulless, billionaire persona. Also, every now and then he would say something nerdy and I so enjoy nerdy guys.

2. The much discussed BDSM in this book is very much BDSM-light. There is some bondage (it's only one scene) and I didn't find it too shocking. (Of course, I also read my fair share of erotica, your mileage may vary.)

3. I have been a fan of Justine since I was introduced to her so seeing her finally find someone that makes her happy was very satisfying for me.

4. The love-at-first-sight aspect worked for me in this book (this is not true for every book I read.) I almost got the feeling they were fated to be together based on how everything is wrapped up which made the whole thing come together for me. Plus, it seemed to fit Jason's personality in a way. He's decisive and makes choices without a lot of drama.

I had a few small issues, I would've liked to have seen more of the characters from previous books (I understand why they weren't in there, but it would've still made me happy.) I also thought Marigold was a bit too villainous and that the ending wrapped up a bit quicker than I expected.

Overall, a really good read. I think Jason is a character that I will remember for a while. He had layers and part of me wishes I could read more about him just so I could keep peeling them back and seeing what else is hidden there.

Bonus points to Lisa Kleypas for throwing in that little bit about Jason's game needing patched and the patch causing the dragons to fly ass-backward. The nerdy gamer inside of me couldn't help chuckling over that reference.

[robinbrz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Crystal Cove is Justine's story. She is the owner of the B & B called Artist's Point where she works with her best friend and cousin Zoe. In Dream Lake Justine made a reference to her relationship with magic when she offered to put a curse on Zoe's boyfriend. It turns out that Justine, like her mother, is a hereditary or a natural born witch with magic in her DNA. Justine has built a good life for herself. After a nomadic childhood, she has a stable home, a prosperous business and terrific friends. Everything that she ever wished for, except true love. No matter how hard she tries, she is incapable of falling in love and finding her soul mate. All because of an enchantment (or is it a curse?) cast by her mother to protect her from the pain of a broken heart.Jason Black is visiting Friday Harbor on business. An uber rich computer wizard he is dark, demanding, mysterious and used to getting what he wants. He says that he is on the island to finalize a deal for the purchase/construction of a training and retreat facility for his corporation. But he has another project in mind, and this one involves Justine. When these two dynamic personalities get together sparks fly in more ways than one.Ms. Kleypas has constructed a story that is full of "the good parts"! Her skill as a wordsmith is outstanding and her descriptions have a poetic quality that I find wonderfully evocative. When I read, "The afternoon was deep and full-slip ripe. Dandelion light slanted through the scalded red branches of a single madrone, and gilded the brown tassels of alder catkins." I was transported.Along with the ability to create breathtaking images she brings romance and passion to this story in a way that makes me feel like I'm reading a (racy) fairy tale for grown ups. There is the right amount of the Prince Charming with a little bit of bad boy and a dash of loveable nerd mixed together together to create the perfect romantic fantasy. The couple's interactions are deliciously spicy and incredibly sensitive. Again her descriptions resonate with images that make me swoon. Who can resist a line like, "I want to talk to you until we've used up all the oxygen in the room."? I should mention that there is a whole lot more than talking going on, and there are several intimate encounters (which is a bit different than the other books).There is so much more to the story than I can share with you here. As much as I want to talk about it, I don't want to spoil it for you! Crystal Cove is an entertaining read. I really enjoyed the elements of magic and the paranormal that have been part of each book. I think the way that the unexpected is blended together with the "conventional" makes it seem like anything is possible, and who doesn't want to believe in magic? I know I do!

[mrsdanaalbasha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

[Thursday, January 03, 2013] Justine Hoffman is a very interesting character, I liked her a lot in the previous two books, especially in the last one, she is tough, funny and very loyal, add to the mix a WITCH! I think Jason Black is the guy who wanted to buy a real estate from Zoe and Justine.

It was a beautiful book but not a 5 for me, I can't remember why exactly now, but I'm planning to reread the whole series again for the upcoming book.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read from February 21 to 26, 2013Listened for Review (Brilliance)Overall Rating: 3.00Story Rating: 3.00Character Rating: 3.00Audio 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 ReviewFirst 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 58minTanya 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.

[tundra_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was so excited to read this since I am a big fan of Lisa Kleypas, and really loved Dream Lake (though my heart is in her historicals). I did not like the hero in this book at all. The bondage was a surprise too, and would have worked better if I hadn't been imagining the worst would happen through the entire scene.