Publishers Weekly
Set in Beaumont, S.C., the fifth installment in Evanovich's Full series (after 2004's Full Blast) gets off to a raucous start. When photographer Wes Bridges comes looking for a room at Annie Fortenberry's B&B, a former bordello that's supposedly haunted, Annie mistakes him for her drunken handyman and hits poor Wes on the head with her rolling pin. Hilarity ensues as Annie and her cast of eccentric boarders provide first aid to Wes in the form of a local veterinarian who specializes in livestock tranquilizers. The comedy gives way to murky mystery when the police locate the body of Annie's philandering husband, Charles, who disappeared three years earlier, and arrest Annie for his murder. The romance between Wes and Annie heats up the sheets, even as the list of suspects grows. Unfortunately, the plot flattens out, and even boarder Destiny's efforts to provide the B&B's ghost with therapy fail to rekindle the novel's earlier humor. While readers will be amused by the wacky first few chapters, the mystery never reaches the intensity of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels, and fans will likely be disappointed with this less than stellar entry. (Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Both of these novels feature spirited women, appealing men, and a rollicking plot. In Manhunt, which is more complex than some in the genre, Alaskan pilot Michael Casey is well drawn, and although it may strain credulity to believe that Wall Street whiz Alexandra Scott would trade her life in Manhattan for a business and home in Alaska (sight unseen), Evanovich makes it plausible. C.J. Critt narrates with great spirit and strength and a facility for defining characters; she's having such a good time that the listener can't help but be drawn into the story and want to stride into the Alaskan wilderness. Full Bloom is part of a series loosely connected by a town and earlier characters who show up in minor roles. Here, Annie Fortenberry is running a B&B in the home an ancestor ran as a brothel. Wes Bridges checks in just before Annie's husband, who disappeared three years before, is found buried on the property. It seems Wes is not just a photographer but also a P.I. There is more peril here than in the earlier book (Full Blast), a cast of eccentrics, and a resolution with unexpected twists. Lorelei King narrates with a smooth, wry voice that captures the mood, the sexy moments, and the farcical aspects of the story. Her rendition of minor characters is fully formed and adds to the humor. Both books are recommended for Evanovich fans.-Melody A. Moxley, Rowan P.L., Salisbury, NC Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
Thoroughly enjoyable.” —Romance Junkies on Full Speed
“Uproarious, amusing.” —Midwest Book Review on the Full series
“Fast and furious and totally hilarious.” —Old Book Barn Gazette on Full Tilt
“A truly delightful madcap mix...fun, funny, and exhilarating.” —RT Book Reviews (A Top Pick) on Full House
“Bursting with action, adventure, and amusement.” —The Road to Romance on the Full series
“The Jamie Swift and Max Holt series moves to a new level…as always, the dialogue and events are outrageous, wacky, and just plain fun.” —Romantic Times on Full Blast
AUG/SEP 07 - AudioFile
This little romantic mystery doesn't take itself too seriously, and the result is delightful. Lorelei King lends sparkle to the fifth book in Evanovich and Hughes’s “Full” series. King portrays B&B owner Annie Fortenberry with natural confidence. When Annie accidentally whacks a handsome Harley-riding visitor with a rolling pin, sparks fly. The steamy romance is interrupted by the discovery of a body in Annie's garden that turns out to be her philandering husband. King provides a sultry voice for Annie's psychic friend, Destiny, and skillfully differentiates Annie and her best friend, Jamie. Aside from the high-pitched squeak used for Annie's elderly boarder, King capably brings the parade of wacky characters to life. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
