Takedown Twenty

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The storyline was different enough to keep interest. After 19 books, it's hard to stay fresh. In this book, it felt like Stephanie's character was emphasized so we could better relate to her life. Her quirks, clumsy bad luck, and car woes endeared her even more to the reader. I'm not sure I would pick up the book without prior motivation, but since I've read all of the series, it feels like I can't give up now!

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Deadly Heat

Deadly Heat by Richard Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am confusing my characters since I am also a fan of the TV show, but it is a solid book. Hopefully it will bring in some fresh focus for the next book since the story lines mimic and echo the show. Some creative pieces, so overall an interesting read. Murder mystery that has some sly references to the show.

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Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Interesting combination of two stories, one present and one past. Eventually the two stories converge into a beautiful ending which reminds us why we like to read about happy endings - they make us feel good. Character emotions are very real and believable, making us remember that things aren't as black and white as we sometimes delude ourselves into believing. Present day couple Luke (bull rider/rancher) and Sophia (art history student) nicely complement the memories that introduce us to the history of Ruth (teacher with a passion for art) and Ira (clothier and soldier in WWII).

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Wedding Night

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Some awesome one-liners that made me laugh out loud, but overall disappointed in the book. It took a lot of pages to go full-circle. Knowing what I know, I'd probably still read it because there are some excellent lines. Just felt too drawn out for the story line.

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The Heist

The Heist by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the Stephanie Plum books . . . up until the story line became a bit repetitive. So when did the Diesel books and other attempts, I was excited and then disappointed. So I was a little hesitant to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised - it was a nice book, fun and quirky characters, and it felt fresh.

Female protagonist is an FBI agent who is after the slipperiest of scam artists. But the tables turn, and they end up working on the same side. Where exactly that side falls in terms of legality is a little shady, but there are a lot more options that way! My favorite part was the rocket launcher scene. Worth a read.

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Storm Front

Storm Front by Richard Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent read. Love the name dropping and show tie-ins. Any fan of Castle will enjoy this book. Had a few twists, complications, and plenty of smiles. Don't read for the spy thriller focus, but because it's a fun book with a great character.

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Step of Faith - Walk Series #4

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. A little different feel than the previous books. Still not used to the fact that he ends each time with such dramatic cliff-hangers. Frustrating when you are used to reading the entire journey in one book. Good storyline and relevant character feel. If you like his other books, this will fit in well, but 1) read in order and 2) wait for the entire series so you can read straight through!

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