Sedona Snow was kidnapped and kept sedated in a waking dreamstate by the unscrupulous Dr. Blankenship until she was able to escape the catacombs using her distinct ability to open paranormal gateways. During that escape, she had to confront the fact that she's also acquired a talent for fire. Since multi-talents are extremely rare, and usually quite unstable, Sedona's life has taken an eerie turn.

When Sedona, and her dust bunny sidekick Lyle, finally emerge from the Underworld, her first destination is the home she shares with Brock Prescott, her Marriage of Convenience husband. However, Sedona is astounded to learn that Brock divorced her shortly after she went missing and has a new housemate.

Leaving her unhappy past behind, Sedona flees to Shadow Bay on Rainshadow Island, a place where misfits such as she are welcomed and embraced. She finally feels at home and in the past month, she's become the new manager of Knox's Resort & Tavern, where she meets Cyrus Jones. Cyrus, often referred to as Dead Zone Jones for his unique talent, is boss of the newly formed Rainshadow Ghost-Hunters Guild. The Rainshadow Foundation, controlled by the Sebastian family, has brought in the Guild to help neutralize the chaotic powers let loose after recent storms exposed a maze of ancient tunnels on the island, and to provide security for the hordes of thrill seekers who've arrived eager to explore Rainshadow's Underworld.

Cyrus is instantly attracted to Sedona and takes a keen interest in her welfare, especially when her ex makes an unexpected appearance on the island. Cyrus knows all about Sedona's past, the families who disowned her years ago and her talent as a gatekeeper. He came to Rainshadow with a precise agenda, but once he gets close to Sedona, things become more complicated. He's involved deeper than he could've ever imagine. Nothing is more important than protecting Sedona and the island, but will he be able to do so?

Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, gives her multitude of fans another wonderfully witty, futuristic-set romantic suspense with the incredibly exciting THE HOT ZONE. The diverse assortment of characters are realistic and blend seamlessly with the vividly intriguing plotline. THE HOT ZONE is a superb addition to the brilliant Rainshadow/Harmony/Arcane series. Whether writing as Jayne Castle (futuristic), Jayne Ann Krentz (current-day) or Amanda Quick (historical), this highly talented author never disappoints readers. I am always looking forward to her next novel.

Book Summary

The world of Harmony has its wonders, one of them being Rainshadow Island. Just beneath its surface, a maze of catacombs hides a dangerous secret…

Halloween—with its tricks and treats—is a dust bunny’s dream come true. Just ask Lyle, Sedona Snow’s faithful sidekick. But for Sedona, it’s a nightmare. Though her new job managing a small hotel and tavern on Rainshadow is helping her move on from her tragic past, a bizarre disaster down in the catacombs has brought a pack of rowdy ghost hunters to her inn.

And now, Sedona’s ex has arrived on the island, claiming he wants to get back together, just as a newcomer appears to have a strong interest in her. Cyrus Jones is the new Guild boss in town. He has his own agenda when it comes to Sedona, but even the best-laid plans are no match for the passion that springs up on Rainshadow…