Copper Beach is one of Jayne Ann Krentz’s newest contemporary novels. Her heroine, Abby Radwell, has paranormal abilities that not only make her special, but kidnapped worthy as a special book comes on the market detailing how crystals could not only be used as tools, but as weapons. Everyone with some money and a god-complex are more than ready to get their hands on the book. Some are even willing to kill for it. There is only one problem with the book. It is useless unless opened by a uniquely skilled individual who can penetrate the psychic lock. Abby Radwell is that individual.

Life is not that exciting for Abby. No boyfriend, no chance of one in the future either. Guys tend to veer away from chicks who are different. Business is okay, except when she had to stun the crazy felon in the library. As for her family what is left of it, her father the brilliant therapist, and his do over kids and his heiress wife make the perfect cover for the back of his book about having harmonious families. Too bad, it is all a fraud, and good thing she keeps her distance too. They have no use for someone who isn’t quite normal. Then she hears about the book from her mentor who sends her to Sam Coppersmith for protection.

Sam Coppersmith is part of the powerful Coppersmith family. Instead of being a mover and shaker, lately all he’s done is hang out at his private island. Some folks think he’s mourning the death of his fiancée. He’s not. He’s wondering how he could be so stupid to be played by a female who only wanted access to the vault. Of course, it ended bad for her because her accomplice killed her and tried to set Sam up to take the blame. No one believed it because a Coppersmith knows where to hide the bodies. The best he can figure is that he was lonely, and hoped she was the one. When Abby Radwell lands on his isle to seek his services, he realizes she is the one.

Abby and Sam find themselves in a quandary with bodies dropping, and thugs trying to kidnap her. It all seems to be over a small lab book that has just come on the market. It is a guessing game whom to trust because even her friends are in the race to grab the book. The one thing Abby can be sure of is her growing attraction to the mysterious Sam Copperfield who seems to have no issues with her being different.

The book roars to life from page one Krentz showing why she is a master at romantic fiction. Sam and Abby are two lost souls who manage to save one another, while having a very good time in the process. All secondary characters are fleshed out and interesting, no cardboard stereotypes. You have the lushness of the Pacific Northwest with its mists and waters.

Copper Beach is a fine tale for any lover of romance. I would highly recommend it.