The Ties That Bind

By: Jayne Ann Krentz

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Finally Shannon Raine decides to stop speculating about her dark, brooding neighbour on California's rugged Mendocino coastline - and just introduce herself. But the last thing she expects to find in this enclave of artists and writers is a Silicon Valley mogul. Garth Sheridan is cool, sensual and intriguing. And immediately Shannon knows the passion that flares between them will become intense and all-consuming. But the more intimate their desire becomes, the more Garth's life seems hidden from Shannon. She longs to understand this man and the other life he leads, far from the scenic haven they share. Somehow she has to convince Garth that he can trust her with the part of him that rules the ruthless, high-stakes arena of big money and corporate power. For only then can their two worlds become one.

©1986 Jane Ann Krentz (P)2014 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Old School Romance in Silicon Valley

I have vowed to read the entire library of JAK/JC/AQ books. I hadn't seen this one previously, and just got around to this on my TBR pile.

This audiobook was a real blast from the past. A contemporary romance in 1986, it certainly feels dated I'm many ways. However, I don't personally find either the H or the h to be poorly written. Maybe other readers that commented and dislike the H didn't finish the book or understand that early JAK males are kinda dunderheads at first. They come around, though. Maybe the book is a little dated relationship wise, but still relevant. The ending was satisfying. A little bit heavy on the explanations, but not unexpected on early JAK. I enjoyed checking this one off my backlog of JAK TBR pile

A note on the audio version: the narrator did a fine job, but the editor was obviously sleeping on the job. Odd spaces and the announcement to "insert the next disk" were sprinkled throughout the audiobook. Otherwise I enjoyed the listen.

Better than most of the early years' books

I'm completely a devoted fan of Jayne Ann Krentz' more recent books but back at this time written decades ago, Krentz was writing for different publishers than now, and was targeted to a different genre and preferences. That is to say, overly-controlling uber-macho men dominating and overriding meeker women. That's fine as occasional escapist amusement for confident, adult women, but can be misleading for young girls and women who are still working on forming their own understandings of healthy, safe, trustworthy relationships between lovers and spouses. Enjoy this one for what it is, but Krentz' more recent novels are better and more balanced.

Ghastly! Two tries, but no go.

The narrator's delivery is a flat monotone, and her ability to "do voices" is freakishly bad. The first time the male protagonist "spoke," I literally jumped it was so creepy.. I'm guessing this is one of Krentz's earlier books, many of which just aren't my cup of tea. I tried to get through this twice, but I just couldn't. Sorry, JAK. I usually love your books.

Perhaps better left in the past

I do love Jayne Ann Krentz's writing, but this one might be a miss for me. While the narration was good there were strange pauses throughout. The story is also outdated to the point of some places in it giving me a stalker-vibe creepiness.

Just Not For Me.

This is the second time I have tried to get through this audiobook. I just can't do it. The character narration is off-putting and awkward. I found the characters unlikable.