Book two in the Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series opens with America Jones in search of Phaeton Black who has been shanghaied.. in Shanghai of all places. They arrive separately in London within a day of each other, faced with what might just work up to be a worlds-shattering catastrophe. A metaphysical assault not just on this world, but an alternate world that exists cheek by jowl with the London they know. The irrepressible America Jones and cannily dangerous Phaeton Black are joined by a group of dangerous and delightful characters in a grimy Steampunk world threatened by monsters and megalomaniacs and infused with powerful magic.

Unusually intense love scenes keep the romance going but the story line is much more a gutsy, energizing fantasy with plenty of action and a meaty plot instead of a standard paranormal romance. I loved the characters' forays into the Outremer, which bears a striking (albeit disturbing) resemblance to our modern London. I also enjoyed the use of Lovecraft as a character as well as referencs to such authors as Ellis Peters and H.G. Wells

THE MOONSTONE AND MRS. JONES is a thoroughly enjoyable Steampunk adventure, rife with humor, lusty encounters and thrilling action scenes. And when you least expect it, heart-rending moments with an emotional depth that moved me to tears.

It is the first book I've read by Jillian Stone, but it definitely will not be my last. Book one in the series is The Seduction of Phaeton Black. Book three, The Miss Education of Doctor Exeter, follows in Summer, 2013.

Book Summary

Barely escaping the clutches of a succulent succubus, Phaeton Balck returns to London only to get sucked into another unearthly scheme. Professor Lovecraft has been tinkering with the secrets of life and death, replacing body parts with the latest mechanical marvels. To succeed, he needs to tap the power of the fabled Moonstone--and he needs Phaeton's help. Of course, Phaeton would prefer to investigate the more interesting body parts of Miss America Jones. Perhaps, bringing his lady friend along for the ride won't be to too much trouble. . .