LOVE OVERBOARD

Stephanie Lowe is an ex-cop with attitude. The old house she buys in Maine is falling apart and might be haunted. For some free plumbing, Stephanie agrees to be the cruise cook for schooner captain Ivan Rasmussen. Of course, it’s lust at first sight, but the inevitable steamy sex can’t happen immediately because Stephanie just might be the last virgin over 25 in the twentieth century. C.J. Critt performs the novel, first published in 1989 as IVAN TAKES A WIFE, with her usual expertise. She makes the most of Evanovich’s rapid-fire repartee, keeping a tight rein on what could easily be a predictable romantic comedy. Fans of Janet Evanovich will enjoy a peek into the wisecracking, smart-alecky style that has won her kudos in the Stephanie Plum series. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]