SHATTERING DAWN (The Lost Night Files Book #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz is the final paranormal romantic suspense book in The Lost Night Files trilogy. In this story, the third member of the Lost Night Files podcast members meets her HEA match, and all the dangling plotlines of the trilogy are resolved. While this can be read as a standalone romance, I feel it is much more enjoyable reading the trilogy in order.

Amelia Rivers wonders if she is going mad as her enhanced paranormal powers increase and are not under control. She has difficulty sleeping and has become terrified of the dark since her lost night with her two friends at Lucent Springs. She believes she is being stalked, and it may be tied to her lost night. She hires Private Investigator Gideon Sweetwater. Amelia is not sure if Gideon is right for the job, and Gideon has his own reservations, but he is intrigued. While both need to learn to trust the other, they are also wary of the chemistry between them.

Gideon Sweetwater feels an attraction to Amelia, but is skeptical of her story, until he disrupts a kidnapping at her apartment building. Amelia takes Gideon back to Lucent Springs, outside of San Diego to look for more clues and information, but there are people who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Amelia. What they did not count on was Gideon and his Sweetwater heritage.

Amelia and Gideon are so much fun as the H/h in this book of the trilogy. Amelia does not let the Gideon get away with his alpha tendencies as they learn to trust each other and their paranormal talents. I also enjoyed that Gideon was a Sweetwater and how he was a link between many of the other “Jayneverse” series and trilogies. The romance plot is fast paced with danger at their heels and both their physical and paranormal chemistry is explosive. The story’s suspense plotline is palpable throughout with many twists and surprises. All the intertwining subplots over the entire trilogy are tied together in this book and come together in a satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend this entertaining and fast paced finale to The Lost Night Files trilogy!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I've read the other two in the series, and liked them well enough, even with the paranormal/psychic aspect to it (not usually books that I read, but since I read the third in a series that features that, maybe I do now?). It was fine. The action was well done and the characters were likeable. I've never been a fan of insta-love books, but this one wasn't overly annoying in that aspect.

The conclusion to Krentz's Lost Night Files trilogy is another high-intensity story brimming with danger, action, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and plenty of twists, psychic and otherwise.

This book pulled me into the story from the opening pages and held my interest right through to the end. I love Krentz's psychic world. While logically I can tell myself that many of the events and abilities that inhabit her fictional world are just that - fiction - I still find myself wondering, what if? She immerses me in her imagination and makes it all seem so real.

Her characters have depths that make them relatable and layers that slowly reveal themselves throughout the story, both to the reader as well as one another. I was fascinated by both Amelia and Gideon, especially as those layers fell away and I learned more about who they were at their core. The romance is not the heart of the book but it definitely is a facet.

You could enjoy Gideon and Amelia's story as a standalone but I'm happy I read the three books in order. There is an overarching mystery that runs through the trilogy, as well as twists in Shattering Dawn that had a greater impact because of things that happened in the first two books.

I don't know what Jayne Ann Krentz has planned for her next book but I'm already looking forward to it.

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.

Amelia and Gideon are drawn together not only because she needs his help to investigate who has been stalking her, but also because they share a common background in a program that studied individuals with potential psychic abilities.

The world-building in *Shattering Dawn* keeps readers engaged as Gideon and Amelia work to uncover the identity of her stalker. I enjoyed their chemistry on the page; it felt authentic.

While there were some pacing issues throughout the story, I recommend adding this book to your TBR if you are a fan of romance and suspense.

Krentz brings her Lost Night Files trilogy to an end with an explosive conclusion that wraps up most of the story, while still leaving more to potentially come. A great mix of paranormal romance and suspense, Krentz is an automatic read for me!

The third installment in the Lost Night trilogy, this revolves around the last member of the podcast team Amelia Rivers. The format is the same as the other chapters, we find Amelia and an investigator Gideon Sweetwater both trying to come to terms with their psychic abilities and as expected romance and mystery are front and center. I made the mistake of reading all 3 books in quick succession so it seemed the same as the prior two Installments so the blame lays with me there.

FINAL DECISION: A satisfying blend of paranormal suspense and romance that successfully concludes the Lost Night Files trilogy, though it leans more heavily on suspense than romance. While I would have enjoyed more romantic moments between Amelia and Gideon, the well-crafted mystery and fascinating paranormal elements make this a satisfying end to the Lost Night Files.

THE STORY: This book, the third and final in the series, follows Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team, as she investigates a mysterious stalker who may be connected to her own haunting past. The story intertwines supernatural elements with romantic suspense, centered around a night of missing memories and unexplained phenomena.

Three years ago, Amelia Rivers and her two friends, Pallas Llewellyn, and Talia March, were lured to the Lucent Springs Hotel under the false premise of job opportunities related to its remodeling. That night changed their lives forever - they lost all memory of what transpired and emerged with paranormal abilities. This shared experience led them to form the Lost Night Files podcast, through which they discovered others with similar stories: some gained enhanced abilities, while others were driven to madness.

Amelia's particular gift allows her to perceive the night world in a landscape of colors and auras, which she captures through vintage photography equipment. When she becomes aware of a stalker, she uses her ability to photograph their aura before seeking help from private investigator Gideon Sweetwater.

Though skeptical of Amelia's claims and unsure whether she's paranoid or running a con, Gideon accepts the case.

OPINION: This final installment of The Lost Night Files trilogy was enjoyable. The book leans heavily into the suspense elements, which might be a slight adjustment for readers who, like me, typically prefer a stronger focus on romance. However, the story is so well-crafted that this didn't significantly impact my enjoyment.

What really works in this book is how the paranormal elements are woven into both the characters' personal development and the overall mystery. Amelia's supernatural abilities with auras and photography give her character interesting quirks, while Gideon's struggles with his nightmarish dreamscapes add depth to his personality. Like in other books by Krentz featuring paranormal talents, these abilities create an engaging energy that elevates the story beyond a standard suspense novel.

The relationship between Amelia and Gideon develops at a faster pace than in the previous books, and while their chemistry is genuine, the romantic moments are somewhat sparse. They spend most of the book working together to solve the mystery of Amelia's stalker, which gives their relationship a strong partnership feel. Their mutual acceptance of each other's paranormal abilities helps build their connection, even if the romantic elements sometimes take a backseat to the action.

The suspense storyline is particularly strong in this installment. The twists and turns are well-plotted and make perfect sense within the story's framework. Everything connects logically, with the foundation for each revelation carefully laid throughout the narrative. The return to Lucent Springs Hotel adds an extra layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.

As the conclusion to the trilogy, the book does an excellent job of bringing all the plot threads together while maintaining the high stakes established in the earlier books. While I would have enjoyed more romantic scenes between Amelia and Gideon, their relationship still feels authentic and satisfying. The paranormal aspects of the story continue to fascinate, giving both characters interesting challenges to overcome together.

WORTH MENTIONING: Plenty of Easter Eggs for longtime Krentz/Quick/Castle readers. It does not distract new readers, who probably will not even realize that there are references at all.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SHATTERING DAWN is the third book in the Lost Night Files series. The romance is self-contained, and while there is an overarching storyline, a reader could easily catch up and enjoy this as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley so that I could prepare this review before the release date. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

What an amazing end to the series, and hopefully the beginning of another!! I loved Amelia and her determination and strength. And Gideon is so cautious about EVERYTHING, it was so much fun watching him learn to trust and let go. Such a satisfying book in its own right, but also, a brilliant end! Loved it!!

Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz is the third novel in The Lost Files series. I have been enjoying this suspenseful paranormal romance series. This story focuses on Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team. When she suspects someone is stalking her, she turns to private investigator Gideon Sweetwater for help. Suspense, swoons and answers await readers.

The Lost Files began when three women, Pallas Llewellyn, Talia March and Amelia Rivers, lost a night at Lucent Springs Hotel. The three were lured there under false pretenses about jobs with the remodel. Three strangers that formed a bond through their lost night and formed the Lost Files Podcast searching for the truth. They soon discovered others had similar stories. Each had gifts that were enhanced after their experience and others went crazy.

This story belongs to Amelia. Amelia isn’t sure how to use her talent that turns the night into a landscape of colors and auras. Photography using old cameras allows her to capture what she experiences. Her intuition tells her someone is stalking her, and she takes steps to capture their aura before contacting Gideon Sweetwater. She believes he can assist her.

I liked sweet Amelia, and the first meeting with Gideon was a curious one. The tale that unfolds takes them back to where it all began at the Lucent Springs Hotel. We learned details as the two formed a relationship that moved beyond mutual appreciation. Gideon is a talent as well, and if you are familiar with Krentz’s works, you will recognize the family name. Gideon has his own issues involving nightmares, and I loved seeing these two work together as a team. Their relationship felt genuine, as did their chemistry.

The author did a wonderful job of building up the suspense, added some twists and keeping me invested until the end. This may or may not be the last book in the series, but I am hoping we see more stories set in this world.

The conclusion to the lost night! This book answered the questions left lingering from the previous books. There are little Easter eggs peppered throughout this story from other series. I loved each of them as it brings back fond memories of the different paranormal worlds Ms. Krentz created over the years. This book can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading the start of the Lost Night Files to see the whole picture.

Amelia is the last of the three women who lost a night of her life as a lab rat. Too bad she cannot prove it. She is getting close as she now crosses paths with Gideon Sweetwater. SWEETWATER! Yes, I recognize this family name. I am tickled pink. I digress. Her initial interactions with Gideon are expected. They rub each other wrong and Amelia is made to feel like she's a lunatic. This is one of the standard ways Ms. Krentz has her protagonist meet. We are privy to both perspective so it is a humour read for me. Because it is a miscommunication but not from a contrived conflict. More of a Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars mismatch.

What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book is the twist and turns. We also finally learn what happened to the three women and why. We also learn about the mastermind behind this project. Or do we? Whilst I do say this is the conclusion, Ms. Krentz is a pro at leaving just a little door open to allow for more creative and fun stories to pop up. This Lost Night Trilogy is a lovely blend of psychic and suspense. The dash of unlikely romance is the cherry on top. Recommended for paranormal romance readers who enjoy amateur sleuths.

I've been looking forward to the last book in the Lost Night Files trilogy. Even though each book has a different hero and heroine the main story is a cliffhanger until the very end of this book. With saying that I didn't feel like the prior books ended on a cliffhanger most likely because for me the romance didn't end on a cliffhanger. We had a wonder romantic ending to each of the couples.

The reason I'm summing up the whole trilogy in this review is because of the mystery cliffhanger. If I'll start out with my thoughts on the couple in Shattering Dawn.

With most of Krentz's books her couples aren't overly affectioned it each other. It's how they treat each other and think about them. They are the other half of each other. You will enjoy how they help each other to figure out what is going on and work it all out. I do wish we had a bit more personal information about them and had them interact about more than what was presently going on in their lives. But with even saying that I enjoyed their story.

As a whole the mystery story is a good one. I really enjoy how Krentz makes you understand what she's talking about without feeling not bright enough to follow along. If you've read her books, you know that many of them are on the same wavelength as this series. Sadly, I didn't feel like the story (mystery) is totally over. Yes, you know who the bad guy is but so many questions left open. I'm hoping the next series answers them.

I enjoyed the surprises we got in this story, and I think you'll like them too. You might have thought you already read about Sweetwater but not to worry the name comes up in another series. I'm looking forward to what Krentz has coming next.

A thrilling conclusion to the Lost Nights Trilogy.  Amelia is paranoid, afraid of the dark and now fears that she's being stalked.  Gideon Sweetwater the PI that she finds has his own share of issues but the two together make for some interesting chemistry and dry, dialogue in the best way.
Everything changed for Amelia and her friends during the lost night when they were kidnapped and left for dead. Now Amelia is being stalked and regardless of her sceptic Gideon is about her story he agrees to take on her case.  Soon he has proof that Amelia is not imagining things and so the two decide to go back to where it all began, the hotel room in Lucent Springs.
Suddenly things start to pop.  With Gideon's help Amelia is able to navigate the night and use her talent while keeping her fears of the dark under control.  As it turns out there was an eyewitness as well. Soon Gideon and Amelia are starting to make some serious headway in putting the clues together.
Along the way, Amelia is able to return the favor to Gideon and helps him identify and nullify his own stalker. I enjoyed the suspense and the fun of following the crumbs and working to solve the mystery with Amelia and Gideon.

Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krenz is the third and final book in her The Lost Night Files trilogy. Amelia Rivers is the last of the 3 ladies, from the Lost Night podcast. Amelia has the ability to see auras and energy prints, particularly at night; she has become aware that someone is stalking her. Amelia decides to hire private investigator, Gideon Sweetwater, since she feels, he can relate to her psychic abilities.

Gideon is a very good investigator, especially with an amazing psychic talent; and is currently using a cane as he was injured in his last case. Gideon accepts the case to help Amelia, but they both disagree often on what needs to be done.

Amelia and Gideon uncover more clues about Amelia’s (and her partners) lost night. Amelia herself has had her psychic gift enhanced; and slowly Gideon learns more about Ameila’s ability to see things in the dark. Learning more about their discoveries will lead both of them to know that a deadly enemy must be stopped; desperate to stop a killer and the those who are conducting illegal experiments with a dangerous drug that is designed to enhance psychic abilities. They investigate the haunting ruins of the old hotel where Amelia’s lost night occurred.

Both Gideon and Amelia begin to have feelings for each other, I really like them both, as they made a great team, as well as a couple. Shattering Dawn is an excellent contemporary romance and suspenseful story. The story was at times intriguing and intense, with psychic enhanced villains that will stop at nothing to kill. The epilogue ends the trilogy of the Lost Night Files, as Amelia, Pallas and Talia were able to resolve everything. There is a possibility that the three of them and their significant others will continue to investigate other paranormal cases. Once again, Jayne Ann Krentz gives us a fantastic book, as Shattering Dawn was very well written.

Amelia Rivers is a logical, practical woman with a problem. She has a stalker who is very likely connected to the night she and her friends lost to amnesia, their enhanced psychic talents, and the serious problems her friends have recently had (Sleep No More, The Night Island). There are people in the organization that experimented on them that don't want The Lost Night Files podcast to keep searching for the truth- and Amelia and her friends aren't about to stop. So she hires private investigator Gideon Sweetwater to help her with her stalker problem.

There's instant attraction between the two, even if Amelia has serious doubts about Gideon as a PI and is pretty sure he thinks she's crazy. But after stopping a kidnapping attempt Gideon realizes how serious things are- and that the hotel where Amelia's lost night occured may be the place to find the answers. The more time Gideon and Amelia spend together the more the get to know each other, which leads to fun misunderstandings, getting on each other's nerves, and learning how well they can work together.

Amelia is a fun character, dealing with everything life has thrown at her with stubborn determination. Her attempts to psychoanalyze Gideon and 'help' him would have sent most men fleeing for the hills and were pretty funny. Anyone who's read any of JAK's other books with members of the Sweetwater clan will be happy to add Gideon to their ranks. His curiosity, talent, and chemistry with Amelia are delightful. I enjoyed the witty one liners and banter between them.

Overall a fun way to wrap up the trilogy. You don't need to necessarily read the trilogy in order, though I think it is more fun that way.
Another excellent addition to the Jayne Anne Krentz cannon!

I received an DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley

Shattering Dawn concludes The Lost Night Files trilogy. However you categorize it, urban fantasy, paranormal romantic suspense, or private investigation with a paranormal twist, this one has it all. Thrills, chills, action, suspicion, and an unsettling investigation rapidly pull readers into the story line.

Amelia Rivers is a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team. She hires private investigator Gideon Sweetwater to catch the person who has been stalking her. Amelia suspects the stalker may be connected to the organization responsible for the night she and her two friends lost to amnesia. That night changed their lives and left them with paranormal talents. Gideon isn’t sure if Amelia is a paranoid or a con artist, but he takes the case despite his skepticism. Both are wary of the chemistry between them and unsure of the other. However, when someone attempts to kidnap Amelia, they must learn to trust each other.

Amelia isn’t an overachiever like the rest of her family. She barely getting by doing photography. However, she has determination, is somewhat lonely, and is subject to anxiety attacks. Additionally, she tends to be afraid of the dark and her new paranormal talent works best at night. Gideon is lonely, curious, focused, and has good intuition. He also has trouble sleeping. Both characters have depth and are dynamic.

The novel is set in contemporary times and mainly in San Diego, California with some scenes in Lucent Springs in the desert two hours away. It’s a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as they investigated who was stalking Amelia and how or if it relates to the night she can’t remember.

This story captivated me in the first chapter and gained momentum as the twists and turns unfolded. It’s also well-plotted with characters that had flaws, but who worked to overcome them. There are some surprising moments in the plot that added to enjoyment and the world-building is well-done. Full of action, investigation, paranormal experiences, and more, this book was hard to put down. My main quibble was that the romance part happened rather quickly. Other threads woven into the story include focus, control, trust, lack of trust, and much more.

Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. This story comes to a satisfying conclusion. However, I can see where a spin-off series or trilogy could go and hope that it happens. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels or urban fantasy, then I recommend you check out this trilogy.

Berkley Publishing Group and Jayne Ann Krentz provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 07, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

This was a fun read for one of my first books of the year. I've enjoyed this series and the other paranormal books from Jayne Ann Krentz but this one was especially enjoyable. I really liked Amelia and Gideon as individual characters and together as investigative partners.

I don't want to say too much as the plot of this one is closely linked to the previous two books and I don't want to give spoilers. I liked Amelia's insistence that they're going to be partners even when Gideon isn't as agreeable as well as how the plot progressed. The pacing in this one was really enjoyable and I finished the book on the second day at about 2AM if that gives you any idea of how much I enjoyed it!

I'm looking forward to seeing what Krentz comes up with next and if we will be revisiting the Lost Night podcast crew. I'm really hoping we haven't seen the last of them! If you're looking for some paranormal romantic suspense this is a fun and interesting series. The plot does build through the books so I do recommend starting with the first book (though you could probably skip the second one if you insist as it is only loosely related).

The Lost Night Files is one of my favorite series by Jayne Ann Krentz and her latest does not disappoint. Amelia hire PI Gideon to catch the person who has been stalking her. She is investigating the night she and 2 friends lost their memory of what happened. Is it related to illegal medical experiments? Will she and Gideon surrender to the passion between them before a killer strikes?

Ever since she woke up from a night she didn't remember, Amelia's talents for seeing people auras has magnified. She can't see them during the day, but at night, she sees a fog of emotions that people have left behind them. This new sight has made it so that she fears going out at night. She's even seeing a therapist for it. But now, her life has gotten stranger since there seems to be a man stalking her. So she calls in some help.
Gideon Sweetwater is a private investigator. He's wealthy enough to be able to pick his own cases. And he's interested in Amelia's. While he's not exactly sure she's actually seeing what she thinks she sees, he's willing to take a chance. And thank goodness he does, because there actually are some forces after Amelia and not everyone in her life is as they appear.
You don't HAVE to have read the other books in this series to enjoy it but it would help.

Four stars
This book comes out January 7th, 2025
The Lost Night Files #3
Follows The Night Island
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Shattering Dawn is a thrilling conclusion to the Lost Night Files trilogy, combining mystery, suspense, and a touch of paranormal elements as we are now used to exploring from the author .
Amelia Rivers, determined to uncover the truth about her stalker and her lost night, teams up with private investigator Gideon Sweetwater. Their chemistry is strong, and their growing trust adds a layer of romance to the fast-paced story.
The action is non-stop, with twists and turns as they uncover secrets about the shadowy organization tied to Amelia’s past. I loved the blend of paranormal elements and suspense, which kept me hooked. The resolution ties up most loose ends, but it also leaves room for future stories in the already loved author’s trademark.
Overall, Shattering Dawn is an entertaining, action-packed read with engaging characters and a satisfying mix of suspense and romance. Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz won’t be disappointed by this compelling series finale.

I don't think all romance is formulaic (using a trope is not the same thing as being "formulaic," and I have an essay I could write but I'll spare you). That said, I won't deny that Jayne Ann Krentz has a formula for her books. It just happens to be a formula that works really well for me - I just eat her books right up!

If you've read her, you'll notice some similarities to other books... Amelia was abducted and drugged about 5 months ago. After the abduction she developed psychic powers. (Actually, she was already psychic, but her powers have deepened since then.) Now, she thinks she's being stalked, so she hires a PI, Gideon Sweetwater, to find out about her stalker and about what happened to her 5 months ago. Oh, and BTW, she found his name on a list of other people who were tested for latent psychic powers. Gideon and Amelia experience an immediate attraction. Their auras mingle, it's fate! And they solve the mystery.

I'm not arguing that this does anything different in romance, or even in JAK's oeuvre, but I read it in one day and had a great time. These are comfort reads for me, and this hit the spot.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.