Amaryllis (original 1996; edition 1998)

St. Helen's, a lush green world, is an earth colony founded by humans over two centuries before "Amaryllis" begins. The original humans, Founders, were stranded shortly after discovering the planet, and were forever cut off from their home on earth. They adapted to the new environment, utilizing native metals and materials, but much of the science and technology they brought with them was lost over time. Eventually the population of St. Helens evolved into two kinds of humans - "prisms" and "talents," both with psychic ability. Talents have significant degrees of paranormal ability, but cannot focus their energy without a prism. The necessary link between a "talent" and a "prism" has to be mutually consensual in order to accomplish any paranormal activity.

Amaryllis Lark, a professional, academically trained full-spectrum prism, is quite beautiful - but she's also a buttoned-up, prim, proper kind of gal who plays by the rules. Amaryllis is a top psychic detective at Psynergy, Inc., one of the best companies in the business. Lucas Trent, president of Lodestar Exploration and Mining, is a talent of the strongest degree, but he needs Amaryllis to work with him in order to focus his paranormal gifts, and assist him in a simple investigation. Needless to say, Lucas is definitely not prim or proper, nor does he have rules - but when the two join forces, sparks fly! Their business arrangement turns into a murder investigation, and a much closer merger than either of them bargained for.

Jayne Castle has a real winner with "Amaryllis." St, Helens is a fascinating world peopled with some real characters. Lucas and Amaryllis are polar opposites - she's Miss Priss, a real lady - and he lets it all hang out. That's why they're so good together. As a twosome they gravitate toward the middle and compromise, with many arguments and much humor along the way. The romance is steamy and the mystery exciting.