From #1 blockbuster bestselling author Janet Evanovich comes a Stephanie Plum novel that takes adventure, action, suspense (and maybe even true love?) to new heights.
Watch your back…
Look both ways…
Because love is in the air…
And that means big trouble!
Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie -- and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: He'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more that he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping from Stephanie and the two men in her life -- Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie Plum in over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!
Given that I actually finished this book I am going to keep this brief.
This was billed as a between-the-numbers Plum book with a holiday theme (this time Valentine's Day), somewhat similar to the abysmal Visions of Sugar Plums (Christmas), and features one of the characters from that book, Diesel. Fortunately, I have to say that this second book featuring this character was a much better read.
First things first though.....where were Joe and Ranger? Both of them received a minimum of mentions throughout this book. I think Stephanie spoke to Joe on the phone once and received a message or something from Ranger if I remember correctly. Never fear though, Diesel lusts after Stephanie as well. It must be tough being irresistible.
This was more Stephanie Plum, with all that that means - Grandma Mazur, Lulu, and Stephanie's sister Valerie, her fiance Albert Kloughn and the kids were all there. I have to admit to getting a bit panicked when Valerie and Albert started getting involved because the last time they played a major part in one of the books I found them really annoying. This time though, they were in there, but they were there for a reason, and there was at least some resolution around their storyline!
The idea of Stephanie as a relationship consultant was a fun one as well. All in all, I am glad that I picked this one up. I thought about not doing so after the last holiday novella debacle, but this time around it wasn't too bad at all.
Rating 4/5
Maybe I should add this one to my frivilous and light March reading list. :-) I am relieved to hear you thought it was better than Visions of Sugar Plums. I admit that has been worrying me. Thanks for the review, Marg!
ReplyDeleteI agree, thanks for the review. I will now give this one a go. I too was worried what it would be like after Visions as well.
ReplyDeleteI read this the day it came out, and if it weren't for the fact that I own all the Plum's I probably wouldn't buy these between the number ones at all. I do enjoy the reading of them, just because they are Plum's, but spending the money on them? I don't know. This one was far better than VOSP, but it still felt more like a way for JE to exploit her readers more. Great review! ~Charity
ReplyDeleteI agree that if I had of bought this book then I would have felt a little ripped off because it is once again very short!
ReplyDeleteMarg - I haven't read this book yet, but you already know am fan of Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series :) But glad to hear you like it.
ReplyDeleteNow am just waiting for the next plum book...which will be book 13. Did you participate in the naming the titles for book 13? *grin*
Julia, I would have to be the least creative person in the world, so no, I didn't participate in the naming thing!
ReplyDeleteMarg - me too, the least creative person LOL. But it fun to try to come up with naming titles :)
ReplyDeleteI just only wish Janet Evanovich would visit my city *sigh*.....