Book ~ "Smokin' Seventeen" (2011) Janet Evanovich

From Amazon ~ Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke.

This is the latest in the Stephanie Plum series.

After the last one, Sizzling Sixteen, I said I would continue to read the series but I wouldn't buy them anymore. And I didn't ... I borrowed an ecopy from the library.

Though I enjoyed this book, I'm glad I didn't pay $30+ for it.

I like the writing style of this series ... they are quick and funny. We've gotten to know and love the quirky characters.

The author continues to follow with her formula. Stephanie is lusting after Morelli and Ranger ... check. Grandma Masur needs a drive to the funeral home and tries to look at the bodies when the casket is closed ... check. Stephanie's mom's nerves are shot so she irons irons irons ... check. Stephanie's dad is surly and rude ... check. Grandma Morelli hates Stephanie and put hexes on her ... check. Lulu is eating all the time and is gets violent when someone calls her fat ... check. The people Stephanie has to track down because they skipped bail are colourful characters ... check.

Without giving anything away, I wasn't crazy with some of the choices Stephanie made with Morelli and Ranger. It was very convenient because of the hex Grandma Morelli put on her but still Stephanie crossed a line. Stephanie acknowledges in this book that she loves both Morelli and Ranger but isn't it about time she makes a choice?! Or moves on? Both love her but neither take her out ... they just want to sleep with her.