One for the Money

With the release of Smokin’ Seventeen only a few days away, I thought it would be nice to share a little about the first installment of the Stephanie Plum Series.

One for the Money takes place in Trenton, New Jersey where donuts are a food group, gun carrying is the norm, and the funeral home is the happening place to be.  Janet Evanovich weaves a wonderful mystery that will keep you guessing while delivering just enough humor and romance to have you pleading for more. 

Let’s break it down…

Stephanie Plum

After getting laid off, Stephanie takes a job as a bounty hunter.  With the intent of making all her financial woes disappear, she agrees to bring in Joe Morelli, a former classmate, lover, and pain in her you-know-what. 

Joe Morelli

A handsome vice cop wanted for murder, Morelli refuses to let Stephanie bring him in, insisting instead to try to prove his innocence.                                                                                                                                

Ranger

Yes.  He only needs one name.  An expert bail bondsman (among other things), Ranger gets called in for help finding Morelli.  He’s big, domineering, and incredibly sexy… will Stephanie be able to concentrate long enough to learn anything?

Grandma Mazur

In a word: crazy.  You can’t help but love Grandma Mazur and her wild antics throughout this book!  She’s a character you’ll quickly grow to love!

RATINGS

Characters        9/10                                                                                                                

Writing Style    9/10

Storyline           9/10

OVERALL         9/10

Read.  This.  Book.  ;)   

*Kindle Users:  Get it here!*

*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here.* 

Sizzle

Let me just start by saying, if you’re looking for a book with memorable characters that makes you think and feel and beg for more… this is not the book for you.  If you’re more interested in a nice, light mystery and romance that keeps you fairly entertained and maybe even makes you blush occasionally… you have a winner!  Julie Garwood’s Sizzle is full of quirky characters that are sure to make you laugh a time or two.  Add this to the raw attraction shared between Lyra and Sam and the almost-but-not-completely predictable mystery and you have an enjoyable summer read!

Let’s break it down…

Lyra Prescott

A film student in Los Angeles, Lyra is quickly coming up on graduation.  While traveling back and forth between her near-campus apartment and her grandmother’s house, she inadvertently throws herself in the middle of one menacing scenario.  Even while being forced to stick with a body guard, she can’t seem to catch a break.  Throughout the story, Lyra must also juggle working on her final film project, as well as two she’s doing on the side, and dealing with her preposterously selfish parents.  

Sam Kincaid

Although his place in this novel is completely predictable, you can’t help but like this FBI agent with his Scottish brogue and dashing good looks. 

Gigi

If there IS anything you remember from this book, it will be Lyra’s holy water stealing grandmother.  Gigi is funny, feisty, and an entertaining addition to Sizzle!

RATINGS

Writing Style:  6/10

Characters:      4/10 (for predictability)

Storyline          5/10

OVERALL              5/10

I wouldn’t rush this one to the top of your book queue; but, if you want a poolside read that doesn’t require too much thought, this is the book for you!

*Kindle Users:  Get it here*