Second Sight (Arcane Society Series Book 1)

I've happily enjoyed Ms. Quick's Regency genre novels. Recently laughed my way through "Mistress," and consider it a keeper. Thus, I was quite disappointed to discover that the 1st in her Arcane Society series failed to please me...I mean, I went from thinking, "Oh, goodie! There's 5 or 6 more to go," to "Oh, dear. I wonder if it's worth trying the 2nd one?" Maybe it was just me, having a bad hair day, but I don't think so. The dialogue often seemed trite & forced, the handling of paranormal phenomena & psychic ability was often ham-fisted [incidentally, if you're into that sort of thing, "The Other Side of Midnight," is a wonderful book], the plot somewhat flimsy - I'm still not entirely sure what the ancestral alchemist's "potion" was supposed to be good for (enhancing whatever paranormal ability one might have?), why so many were searching for it, what anyone will do with it, and how a potion that must be taken simultaneously with its antidote would make sense in any way. To the extent that it's reliable, information about early photographic chemicals & techniques is of interest, as is the period fascination with hypnotism & spiritualism. Lots of plot twists - the plot is an intricate construction - but again somehow flimsy, failing to support & drive the story in a believable way (at least for me). A somewhat muddied grasp of how people with paranormal sensory apparatus experience & understand their condition, perhaps - e.g. Gabriel's character teeters on a brink between vampire-like predation and protective evil-guy-eradicator in both his own perception & the author's depiction of him. I did finish the book, but tempted to discard it several times.

I have to agree with the reviewers who weren’t blown away by this book. I have read probably more than 15 of her other books which I have usually given 5 stars.If it hadn’t been for the second half, I would have given it 3 stars, if I had even finished it.I realize these regency type mystery/romances require a suspension of reality, but this one pushed it past that much more than usual.The whole plot revolves around the main character setting out to have sex right at the first of the book for one time only. Considering she was a virgin and what the consequences could have been to have her character ruined and lose her ability to make a living to support her family, it was totally implausible. I won’t further give my other reasons.I almost quit reading after the first few chapters, but held on until the end.What I did like about it was that unlike many of her books, the main male character is the one who falls in love with the heroine first. It would have improved the book so much more if more time had been spent at the first of the book to show a burgeoning attraction. Not just this immediate “lets get down a dirty” for the sex itself. The plot picks up and if you can get past the whole premise of what happens at the beginning, it becomes much more like Amanda Quicks other books. That is why I ended up giving it 4 stars instead of 3. Yes, just like Quick’s other books, it is a cookie cutte romance with a varying mystery.She is an excellent writer and I never figure out the ending, which is what makes the book. I still can’t figure out how I can love these books, but find the Jayne Ann Krentz books totally lacking in a good plot and expert writing, because it sure doesn’t seem to be possible that they are written by the same author. I find those books to have both two dimensional characters and plots.As I have said before, her explicit description of the sex between them goes way too far.I agree with another reviewer who recommended reading the books in an order other than chronologically in order for the whole Arcane Society to “make sense.” If you had no prior knowledge of the Arcane Society, the explanation in this one is pretty lame.

The start of a new Series that begins in the late Victorian Age of England's Society that for the different Books will extend into other time era's, and yes even 2 other time writing selves of our brilliant author, Amanda Quick. This 5 STARS masterpiece is a beginning to what is promised a whirlwind of mystery, science of the mind meaning mind physical traits being as prominent as taste, or smell in some people and the strongest are usually members of The Arcane Society. Shush, don't fret, erotic sexual togetherness definitely explode in good taste as usual. RECOMMEND

After one night of passion, Venetia Milton is stunned to read of Gabriel Jones' death. However, the sizable fee she earned by photographing the artifacts belonging to the Arcane Society is enough for her to embark on a career as a society photographer. Taking on the persona of a widow, 'Mrs Jones' is doing quite well. Then Gabriel Jones miraculously returns from the dead, ready to take up his life as her husband.Of course, this barely scratches the surface of an intricate plot involving artifacts, secret society, and several attempts on Venetia's life.Quick never makes a misstep threading her way through the intricacies of plot, all the while weaving a skein of thread around the growing love between Venetia and Gabriel.

This is the story of Venetia Milton, a 19th-Century photographer who takes a job in a remote (I never could figure out where) location for a wealthy and attractive client, Gabriel Jones. Memorable sex ensues -- the flirtation prior to their encounter was probably the best part of the book -- followed by a home invasion of sorts and a disastrous fire. In their next encounter, months later in London, the two lovers have become distant and full of restraint. This is due, evidently, to Venetia's sense of propriety. They agree--for purposes of solving the Arcane House burglary and ongoing stalking--to cohabit and to appear married. It seemed very stilted to have her be so stand-offish (even some secret musings about her desire for Jones would have gone a long way), with the hunky Gabriel living in Venetia's attic and her bouncing out to run her photo studio or pursue her own leads every day. Overall, this book didn't work for me.

In this book we have a blend of HR, the paranormal and mystery – a concoction that should have created something beautifully absorbing especially given the author, Amanda Quick, who is one of my top HR authors, and yet my read of this first book in the Arcane Society series, was such a heavy disappointment, one that means I won’t be coming back to this series.Gabriel Jones and Venetia Milton, the main characters in this book did not manifest well in my imagination, and the connection between them felt lacklustre – I was indifferent to seeing how things would play out. I also felt that the relationship starts too quickly and a lot was skipped over when it came to the development of the relationship between the two. And when it come to the writing or the love scenes, especially towards the end, it just didn’t work, the writing didn’t flow smoothly.The book takes place during Victorian era, and the Arcane Society is an organisation made up of individuals who have extra-sensory abilities. Gabriel, a member of the organisation, has an extra-special gift.Gabriel and his cousin Caleb have discovered the vault where their ancestor Sylvester Jones was buried. Sylvester was an alchemist and the founder of their organization. They hire Venetia, a photographer, to document their collections. Almost one week goes by and Venetia is close to completing her job, and focuses on her goal of seducing Gabriel and ridding herself of her pesky virginity. Gabriel is unaware of her intent and reasons, but he senses their special connection and is growling mine pretty quickly – usually that would work for me, but it didn’t here. Before the evening is over trouble arises, but it was trouble that didn’t ensnare my attention.The mystery and paranormal elements of the book needed teasing out and layers. There was also a sharp need for some world-building, and for the story to flow better than it did.I found myself easily forgetting what I had read as soon as I took a break from the book, and the plot and characters didn’t draw me in.After the 55% mark I skim read A LOT on the commute home, something I hate doing but I wanted to see if things would get better – for me they didn’t, although there were some fleeting moments where my interest was raised, but then it plummeted.I’m still startled that I couldn’t get into this book given who the author is, 2 stars as I’m somewhat indifferent to the book and super disappointed by it, rather than hating it.

Completely plausible fiction, any adult will enjoy this romantic, detective story. There are well written sex scenes that are suitable for adults.I didn't want to stop reading this book; it is part of a series of similar books so I can read on. Ms Quicks' books are not inexpensive but worth every penny - you won't be disappointed.

Venetia Milton is a photographer (and aura reader) and is to catologue a private arcane society collection. Her new employer is Gabriel Jones. After a romantic encounter she later reads in the paper he has died and as a personal tribute she takes on the name Mrs Jones a respectable widow and starts a new career in London as a fashionable photographer. Mr Jones returns from the dead and then the adventures begin... I like this book and it is a way of finding out about the beginings of Arcane.

It was a very good read and a lot of historicalInsights into how a sort of secret society guards it’s secrets

Loved this book as I do all her books, always a very good read.