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Love Overboard
Librarian's note: This edition shares ISBN 0060598840 / 9780060598846 with another edition.
Dear Reader:
In a previous life, before the time of Plum, I wrote twelve short romance novels. Red-hot screwball comedies, each and every one of them. Nine of these stories were originally published by the Loveswept line between the years 1988 and 1992. All went out-of-print immediately and then could be found only at used bookstores and yard sales.
I'm excited to tell you that those nine stories are now being re-released by HarperCollins. Love Overboard is second in the lineup, and it's presented here in almost original form. I've done only minor editing to correct some embarrassing bloopers missed the first time around. And I changed the title because I thought the original title (Ivan Takes a Wife) was boring!
Love Overboard is a romantic tale about a handsome ship's captain; a wary wench from Jersey City; a hundred-year-old, two-masted schooner; and an entire town of shoemakers. There's some getting naked, some blueberry pie, more getting naked, and at the end . . . Okay, I won't tell you about the end, but it's really good and it'll make you feel happy.I took my family on the road trip from heck to research this book. When we finally got to Maine it was all worthwhile because we fell in love with the boats and the people who sailed them.
Enjoy!
Dear Reader:
In a previous life, before the time of Plum, I wrote twelve short romance novels. Red-hot screwball comedies, each and every one of them. Nine of these stories were originally published by the Loveswept line between the years 1988 and 1992. All went out-of-print immediately and then could be found only at used bookstores and yard sales.
I'm excited to tell you that those nine stories are now being re-released by HarperCollins. Love Overboard is second in the lineup, and it's presented here in almost original form. I've done only minor editing to correct some embarrassing bloopers missed the first time around. And I changed the title because I thought the original title (Ivan Takes a Wife) was boring!
Love Overboard is a romantic tale about a handsome ship's captain; a wary wench from Jersey City; a hundred-year-old, two-masted schooner; and an entire town of shoemakers. There's some getting naked, some blueberry pie, more getting naked, and at the end . . . Okay, I won't tell you about the end, but it's really good and it'll make you feel happy.I took my family on the road trip from heck to research this book. When we finally got to Maine it was all worthwhile because we fell in love with the boats and the people who sailed them.
Enjoy!
244 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1989
731 people are currently reading
5274 people want to read
About the author
Janet Evanovich
332 books41k followersJanet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 547 reviews
August 13, 2022
I love a great mystery or a Romantic-Suspense, but sometimes I just want to laugh, and it is at those times that I turn to Janet Evanovich who is my go-to when I just want the world to fade away. In the late Eighties and early Nineties Janet wrote a series of what she calls Red-Hot Screwball Comedies. I agree wholeheartedly. These books are the tonic you need to drag yourself out of a bad mood or if you just want a chuckle. I love them and recommend to anyone who needs a mood adjustment. "Love Overboard" is sexy, humorous and has a touch of mystery with a chaser of ghost. It's fun!
Stephanie Lowe is a former cop from Jersey City who has bought a large home in Camden, Maine to turn it into a Bed and Breakfast. What she got is a money pit. In order to make the plumbing repairs she agrees to act as the cook for a one-week cruise on board a hundred-year-old, two-masted schooner. Just one problem - Stephanie can't cook. That little detail is not about to stop our girl, she is the can do, not the can't do kind of gal. When she gets up close and personal with the captain, all rules are thrown overboard, especially the no fraternization one.
Ivan Rasmussen comes from a long line of pirates who plundered the east coast for hundreds of years. He has no ambition to live up to the reputation of "Red" Rasmussen, his famous pirate ancestor, but he would sure like to take a shot at ravishing the sweet and delectable Stephanie Lowe, who is his cook for the week. He soon discovers there is a wonderful, enchanting woman under his slightly ditzy cook, and he soon finds himself hopelessly overboard in love.
Stephanie Lowe is a former cop from Jersey City who has bought a large home in Camden, Maine to turn it into a Bed and Breakfast. What she got is a money pit. In order to make the plumbing repairs she agrees to act as the cook for a one-week cruise on board a hundred-year-old, two-masted schooner. Just one problem - Stephanie can't cook. That little detail is not about to stop our girl, she is the can do, not the can't do kind of gal. When she gets up close and personal with the captain, all rules are thrown overboard, especially the no fraternization one.
Ivan Rasmussen comes from a long line of pirates who plundered the east coast for hundreds of years. He has no ambition to live up to the reputation of "Red" Rasmussen, his famous pirate ancestor, but he would sure like to take a shot at ravishing the sweet and delectable Stephanie Lowe, who is his cook for the week. He soon discovers there is a wonderful, enchanting woman under his slightly ditzy cook, and he soon finds himself hopelessly overboard in love.
July 2, 2016
Evanovich is obviously fond of the name Stephanie!
2.5★ & I'll tell you why.
This is a reissue of an old Loveswept. Originally written in 1988, Evanovich writes in the introduction that she only changed the title & edited to fix some minor bloopers, but the time period was changed to the 21st century. This doesn't work as there are for example, are no cell phones & a secondary character who dresses like an 80s punk. Above all a twenty nine year old virgin heroine who isn't Amish or an ex nun! This would already have been a hard sell in the 80s, let alone 2005! (date of reissue)
It took me two days to finish this book and normally I can read light romances in an afternoon. I simply couldn't find any enthusiasm to pick it back up. When I did, I fell asleep!
The pacing is a bit off at the start & the transition from aboard boat to land is clumsy. The second half of the book & the resolution made me want to slap every single character in the book, other than the hero & heroine.
Positives. The book is an early example of Evanovich's ability to describe attractive main characters & sexual attraction. There are a few flashes of Evanovich's wit & sense of fun.
I'm sure there was heaps of readers curious about Evanovich's early work. & I can remember reading & enjoying another of her Loveswept titles many moons ago, but this particular title should have been left to the normal fate of light romances - pulping or charity shops.
2.5★ & I'll tell you why.
This is a reissue of an old Loveswept. Originally written in 1988, Evanovich writes in the introduction that she only changed the title & edited to fix some minor bloopers, but the time period was changed to the 21st century. This doesn't work as there are for example, are no cell phones & a secondary character who dresses like an 80s punk. Above all a twenty nine year old virgin heroine who isn't Amish or an ex nun! This would already have been a hard sell in the 80s, let alone 2005! (date of reissue)
It took me two days to finish this book and normally I can read light romances in an afternoon. I simply couldn't find any enthusiasm to pick it back up. When I did, I fell asleep!
The pacing is a bit off at the start & the transition from aboard boat to land is clumsy. The second half of the book & the resolution made me want to slap every single character in the book, other than the hero & heroine.
Positives. The book is an early example of Evanovich's ability to describe attractive main characters & sexual attraction. There are a few flashes of Evanovich's wit & sense of fun.
I'm sure there was heaps of readers curious about Evanovich's early work. & I can remember reading & enjoying another of her Loveswept titles many moons ago, but this particular title should have been left to the normal fate of light romances - pulping or charity shops.
November 9, 2022
4 Stars for Love Overboard (audiobook) by Janet Evanovich read by C. J. Critt.
This was a fun audiobook. It’s interesting to go back and listen to an early book from Janet Evanovich. I think the story holds up well but you can definitely see the the author has refined her craft. And C. J. Critt did a great job with the narration.
This was a fun audiobook. It’s interesting to go back and listen to an early book from Janet Evanovich. I think the story holds up well but you can definitely see the the author has refined her craft. And C. J. Critt did a great job with the narration.
September 18, 2016
Love Overboard is a pre-Plum romance by American author, Janet Evanovich. Having just bought a house that seems to be developing one structural problem after another, ex-cop Stephanie Lowe takes a job as cook on a small cruise vessel in exchange for some plumbing work. The captain, Ivan Rasmussen, descendant of the infamous pirate, Red Rasmussen, is a notorious womaniser, but something about the quirky and feisty Stephanie grabs onto his heart.
This is an entertaining read: the characters are not one-dimensional, but there’s no great depth there. There’s a fair bit of slapstick, some intrigue, plenty of romance, a bit of sex, a disappearing corpse and a ghost to keep things lively. Some issues also contain an excerpt from another pre-Plum novel, Back to the Bedroom.
This is an entertaining read: the characters are not one-dimensional, but there’s no great depth there. There’s a fair bit of slapstick, some intrigue, plenty of romance, a bit of sex, a disappearing corpse and a ghost to keep things lively. Some issues also contain an excerpt from another pre-Plum novel, Back to the Bedroom.
not-going-to-finish
April 23, 2019I am sorry, Kaylie. I just can't do it.
I read the first 50 pages and skimmed the next 50. It is too horrid. The characters have, like, one conversation before making out and even during that one conversation all they can think about is physical attraction. And then I got to the part where the girl admits she's a 29 year old virgin because she didn't realize her boyfriend of 4 years was gay and...
I realized I couldn't put myself through another word.
There is literally nothing funny about this romantic comedy. It is just cringe. So much cringe. Lustful cringe.
I read the first 50 pages and skimmed the next 50. It is too horrid. The characters have, like, one conversation before making out and even during that one conversation all they can think about is physical attraction. And then I got to the part where the girl admits she's a 29 year old virgin because she didn't realize her boyfriend of 4 years was gay and...
I realized I couldn't put myself through another word.
There is literally nothing funny about this romantic comedy. It is just cringe. So much cringe. Lustful cringe.
May 18, 2022
3 stars
Janet Evanovich never fails. When you are looking for a book that is light-hearted, funny and sweet, hers are a sure thing!
Janet Evanovich never fails. When you are looking for a book that is light-hearted, funny and sweet, hers are a sure thing!
April 29, 2025
TLDR: this book was just fucking terrible and honestly a red flag about how the author sees women. The MMC basically admitted that he would sexually assault a women and he gave himself the same nickname as a RUSSIAN DICTATOR.
This book was all over the place. It started on what i thought was a pirate ship but i guess its actually like 2000s? I thought it was 1810s. Then we have ghosts involved? Then a haunted house? I was so lost the whole time. Zero chemistry between the main characters and then it was like BOOM "i love you" 🤷🏼♀️ Ivan gave me serious SA vibes. I mean "Lady, you’re not going to keep your virgin status very long if you go around kissing heterosexuals like you kissed me a minute ago.” SERIOUSLY?! "Its my job as a pirate to make women nervous" SIR NO. I watched to bitch slap him it gave me such an ICK and anything he said after that was just totally ruined even when it was things ive liked in other books. Just no. And calling him Ivan the Terrible just makes me think of the Russian dictator, not a hot pirate, mark missed.
While im on the pirate thing WHAT KIND OF BOAT IS THIS? Cause this man kept calling himself a pirate but kept saying that he did cruises?! Im so confused. I almost put the book down simply because he called himself a pirate 79203xs in 198 pages.
Also IF YOU CANT SAY VAGINA OR PUSSY IN YOUR WRITING DONT WRITE ABOUT IT AT ALL! This author used "Doo-Dah" to describe her vagina FAR too many times and i dont mind a virgin herione but this book gave off a patriarchial sense of virginity. The author made her a sex stupid helpeds damsel, like CMON 🤬
The POV writing in this book was the exact POV that I hate. One second im in her brain and the next im in his. Like gimme some separation by chapters and tell me whos speaking.
Dont get me started on the audiobook. Its only 4 chapters with random breaks of music that does NOT match the vibe of this book.
I would have DNF this book if it wasnt my book club book. First and last book by this author. The funny parts were mid tier funny anyway and half of my questions about this fucking ghost were not answered.
I originallh give it 2 stars simply because it was a new plot for me and some parts made me giggle. But it was far more bad than good and the MMC was awful. If I could give zero stars, I would First and last book by this author, it was the EPITOMY of "grocery store smut"
This book was all over the place. It started on what i thought was a pirate ship but i guess its actually like 2000s? I thought it was 1810s. Then we have ghosts involved? Then a haunted house? I was so lost the whole time. Zero chemistry between the main characters and then it was like BOOM "i love you" 🤷🏼♀️ Ivan gave me serious SA vibes. I mean "Lady, you’re not going to keep your virgin status very long if you go around kissing heterosexuals like you kissed me a minute ago.” SERIOUSLY?! "Its my job as a pirate to make women nervous" SIR NO. I watched to bitch slap him it gave me such an ICK and anything he said after that was just totally ruined even when it was things ive liked in other books. Just no. And calling him Ivan the Terrible just makes me think of the Russian dictator, not a hot pirate, mark missed.
While im on the pirate thing WHAT KIND OF BOAT IS THIS? Cause this man kept calling himself a pirate but kept saying that he did cruises?! Im so confused. I almost put the book down simply because he called himself a pirate 79203xs in 198 pages.
Also IF YOU CANT SAY VAGINA OR PUSSY IN YOUR WRITING DONT WRITE ABOUT IT AT ALL! This author used "Doo-Dah" to describe her vagina FAR too many times and i dont mind a virgin herione but this book gave off a patriarchial sense of virginity. The author made her a sex stupid helpeds damsel, like CMON 🤬
The POV writing in this book was the exact POV that I hate. One second im in her brain and the next im in his. Like gimme some separation by chapters and tell me whos speaking.
Dont get me started on the audiobook. Its only 4 chapters with random breaks of music that does NOT match the vibe of this book.
I would have DNF this book if it wasnt my book club book. First and last book by this author. The funny parts were mid tier funny anyway and half of my questions about this fucking ghost were not answered.
I originallh give it 2 stars simply because it was a new plot for me and some parts made me giggle. But it was far more bad than good and the MMC was awful. If I could give zero stars, I would First and last book by this author, it was the EPITOMY of "grocery store smut"
September 5, 2015
This was a fun book to read and a really good ending.
January 24, 2013
I listened to this book just to check out the author after being referred by a friend. I thought it was extremely juvenille with lack of any conflict what so ever. Most romance novels have an ounce of maybe he or she doesn't feel the same about me as I do them, but not this one. The author chose to, instead have the couple enamoured at first sight and bore me half to death with the rest. Even when you thouht it might be going somewhere it fizzled out. I like my romance steamier. I like my suspence more suspencful. If I were to allow my pre-teen to read a romance novel this would be it but she would probably put it down too.
February 20, 2016
This short paperback was published the first time, long ago. It never sold well but since the author has had much success since then, they re-released it. I was glad they did. It was a fun read about Stephanie, a former cop, turned owner of an ancestral home in Maine. The most recent owner has descended from pirates and owns a schooner where Stephanie and Ivan find they are very attracted to each other. The romance sizzles but there are also some beings that interrupt: like a lady ghost and a dead body that keeps coming down and disappearing near the windows of Stephanie's home. This book is a very enjoyable, entertaining adventure.
April 5, 2015
Loads of fun!! This was a quick read with all the romance and humor that Evanovich is known for. This time it's Ivan and Stephanie - Ivan is the handsome captain of the Josiah T. Savage and the direct descendant of a famous pirate. Stephanie is convinced to become his cook for a week when the regular cook is suddenly unavailable. There are sparks from the beginning and it is fun to watch their relationship develop.
July 14, 2022
Before Stephanie Plum, there was this Stephanie, in the first of Janet Evanovitch's published books, which has recently been re-released. As always there is a lot of humor and the relationships are hot, but not explicit. 3.5 stars
October 31, 2015
When I first read this back on July 16, 2010, I felt it Had the lighthearted part with its romantic conflicts but it lacked the depth of her other romances. That said, now that I've read it again — and it may well be that I needed something very lighthearted — I enjoyed this more.
Evanovich says this is second in the Loveswept Romance series, but I think she means this is the second of the nine "red-hot screwball comedies" that were originally published by Loveswept. This story revolves around Stephanie Lowe and Captain Ivan Rasmussen in Camden, Maine.
My Take
It's too funny and Evanovich leads us along, dancing those words just ahead of us, as she touches and teases, just waiting to sink in the rest of the conflicts. It's only eight pages in and already I'm almost sinking under 'em, laughing as I go! Dang, Stephanie has got her work cut out for her!
She's supposed to cook for twenty-six people on a wood stove, and she can barely heat food up in the microwave. Strangely enough, Ivan is attracted to her and keeps coming up with excuses to not try anything. Stephanie does have a few tricks of her own to keep him off.
Yep, it's an Ace on the make, and he's praying a ship's captain can't really marry anyone.
It's a fun story with a woman who desperately needs to learn how to have fun again, how to reconnect with life, how to use a woodstove to cook with, a man with too many worries, and a massive conspiracy behind the scenes as ghosts swing in and out, conspiracy comes to light, and Evanovich turns the tropes on their heads, lol.
To top it off, they have the punkish Melody with her everchanging hair and an embalmed swinger.
The Story
Stephanie will do anything for a free plumbing job, even if it does mean cooking for Ivan the Terrible for a week. That swindler sold her a house that was falling apart!
Only, Ivan knows there was nothing wrong with that house. In spite of the ghostly Aunt Tess.
The Characters
An undercover narcotics cop, Stephanie Lowe was fed up with her life, wanted to try something different, and bought Haben, Rasmussen's generations-long family house to turn into a B&B. Steve had been her boyfriend for four years; Roger is the roommate he decided to marry. Uncle Ed left her all his money when he died.
Captain Ivan "Ivan the Terrible" Rasmussen commands the Josiah T. Savage , a hundred-year-old sailing schooner, a windjammer. Red Rasmussen, an ancestor, was a pirate. Aunt Tess is three hundred years old, Red's wife, and a ghost who haunts Haben. Rasmussen Leather Products is a shoe factory. Lucy Pederson is Ivan's cook and Stephanie's cousin. Ace is her gallery helper and the pampered son of a corporate lawyer.
The guests on this cruise include…
…Skippy and Loretta Pease, Lena Neilson, Elsie, Mr. Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. Dembrowski, and Melody, the stowaway.
The guests at the B&B include…
…Frank and Eileen Platz (Sophia Schroth would be her envious neighbor while Aunt Rose talks to Walter Cronkite), Mrs. Kowalsky is hopeful, the Jacksons, the Billings, and more.
Stanley Shelton is the plumber Lucy ran off to marry. Amos Anderson is a federal agent. Ted Grisham, the factory foreman, owns the truck and taught Ivan how to make the best bombs. Cousin Joey, who works at Zembrowsky's Funeral Home, knows Mr. Kulecza. Whiskers will be the new wing chair cat.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a welcoming and cozy scene of an old Victorian in plum and lavender, perching above a rocky seawall with a path leading to its stairs and surrounded by a manicured lawn and framed by trees under a lovely summer sky. The author's name is in an embossed and deeper lavender while the embossed title is in script, arching above the house in a soft royal blue.
The title is what happens when the unexpected occurs and Love Overboard falls deep within a conspiracy.
Evanovich says this is second in the Loveswept Romance series, but I think she means this is the second of the nine "red-hot screwball comedies" that were originally published by Loveswept. This story revolves around Stephanie Lowe and Captain Ivan Rasmussen in Camden, Maine.
My Take
It's too funny and Evanovich leads us along, dancing those words just ahead of us, as she touches and teases, just waiting to sink in the rest of the conflicts. It's only eight pages in and already I'm almost sinking under 'em, laughing as I go! Dang, Stephanie has got her work cut out for her!
She's supposed to cook for twenty-six people on a wood stove, and she can barely heat food up in the microwave. Strangely enough, Ivan is attracted to her and keeps coming up with excuses to not try anything. Stephanie does have a few tricks of her own to keep him off.
Yep, it's an Ace on the make, and he's praying a ship's captain can't really marry anyone.
It's a fun story with a woman who desperately needs to learn how to have fun again, how to reconnect with life, how to use a woodstove to cook with, a man with too many worries, and a massive conspiracy behind the scenes as ghosts swing in and out, conspiracy comes to light, and Evanovich turns the tropes on their heads, lol.
To top it off, they have the punkish Melody with her everchanging hair and an embalmed swinger.
The Story
Stephanie will do anything for a free plumbing job, even if it does mean cooking for Ivan the Terrible for a week. That swindler sold her a house that was falling apart!
Only, Ivan knows there was nothing wrong with that house. In spite of the ghostly Aunt Tess.
The Characters
An undercover narcotics cop, Stephanie Lowe was fed up with her life, wanted to try something different, and bought Haben, Rasmussen's generations-long family house to turn into a B&B. Steve had been her boyfriend for four years; Roger is the roommate he decided to marry. Uncle Ed left her all his money when he died.
Captain Ivan "Ivan the Terrible" Rasmussen commands the Josiah T. Savage , a hundred-year-old sailing schooner, a windjammer. Red Rasmussen, an ancestor, was a pirate. Aunt Tess is three hundred years old, Red's wife, and a ghost who haunts Haben. Rasmussen Leather Products is a shoe factory. Lucy Pederson is Ivan's cook and Stephanie's cousin. Ace is her gallery helper and the pampered son of a corporate lawyer.
The guests on this cruise include…
…Skippy and Loretta Pease, Lena Neilson, Elsie, Mr. Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. Dembrowski, and Melody, the stowaway.
The guests at the B&B include…
…Frank and Eileen Platz (Sophia Schroth would be her envious neighbor while Aunt Rose talks to Walter Cronkite), Mrs. Kowalsky is hopeful, the Jacksons, the Billings, and more.
Stanley Shelton is the plumber Lucy ran off to marry. Amos Anderson is a federal agent. Ted Grisham, the factory foreman, owns the truck and taught Ivan how to make the best bombs. Cousin Joey, who works at Zembrowsky's Funeral Home, knows Mr. Kulecza. Whiskers will be the new wing chair cat.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a welcoming and cozy scene of an old Victorian in plum and lavender, perching above a rocky seawall with a path leading to its stairs and surrounded by a manicured lawn and framed by trees under a lovely summer sky. The author's name is in an embossed and deeper lavender while the embossed title is in script, arching above the house in a soft royal blue.
The title is what happens when the unexpected occurs and Love Overboard falls deep within a conspiracy.
August 11, 2016
Okay, so back in the days before Stephanie Plum, Janet Evanovich wrote a series of short romance stories. These were republished in about 2005 with minor changes made to modernise them. They weren't available in Australia, but a friend in the US knew that I was a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum series (at the time, anyway) and so she sent them all to me as birthday and Christmas presents. They take up a huge amount of space, but I feel like because they were gifts, I need to reread them before I decide whether or not to get rid of them.
This one was...not great. The basic story is that 29 year old Stephanie (not to be confused with Plum) recently quit the police force and bought a big house in Maine, with intentions of making it an inn. But the house turns out to be run down, and she finds herself working on the boat of the house's former owner who just happens to be totally hot. And named Ivan. Which is...not even remotely hot. Stephanie just got out of a four year relationship with a gay man (seriously) and is saving herself for marriage. Obviously, that lasts approximately two seconds once Ivan turns up, and they get engaged within a month of their first kiss.
In short, it's typical romance novel territory, which really isn't my thing at all. And the writing echoed that. There was talk of the "awesome bulge" in Ivan's jeans, and Stephanie's vagina apparently hums when she's horny, which would probably go down a treat on Patpong Road. But it also feels incredibly dated. Sure, Evanovich updated some stuff when it was republished, but it still feels like a book from the late 80s. Ivan tells Stephanie how sexy her full length nightgown with long ruffly sleeves is, and Stephanie wears high tops and slouch socks a lot. Hawt.
The point of view jumps constantly between Ivan and Stephanie, often within the same paragraph, and it was really grating to read. Honestly, the only thing that saved it from one star territory was the supporting characters, who were oddly hilarious. There were occasional funny moments, and it was a fast read. But that wasn't enough to save it from a trip to the great big bookshelf in the sky. Sorry, book. You're on the discard pile.
This one was...not great. The basic story is that 29 year old Stephanie (not to be confused with Plum) recently quit the police force and bought a big house in Maine, with intentions of making it an inn. But the house turns out to be run down, and she finds herself working on the boat of the house's former owner who just happens to be totally hot. And named Ivan. Which is...not even remotely hot. Stephanie just got out of a four year relationship with a gay man (seriously) and is saving herself for marriage. Obviously, that lasts approximately two seconds once Ivan turns up, and they get engaged within a month of their first kiss.
In short, it's typical romance novel territory, which really isn't my thing at all. And the writing echoed that. There was talk of the "awesome bulge" in Ivan's jeans, and Stephanie's vagina apparently hums when she's horny, which would probably go down a treat on Patpong Road. But it also feels incredibly dated. Sure, Evanovich updated some stuff when it was republished, but it still feels like a book from the late 80s. Ivan tells Stephanie how sexy her full length nightgown with long ruffly sleeves is, and Stephanie wears high tops and slouch socks a lot. Hawt.
The point of view jumps constantly between Ivan and Stephanie, often within the same paragraph, and it was really grating to read. Honestly, the only thing that saved it from one star territory was the supporting characters, who were oddly hilarious. There were occasional funny moments, and it was a fast read. But that wasn't enough to save it from a trip to the great big bookshelf in the sky. Sorry, book. You're on the discard pile.
December 14, 2012
Another of Evanovich’s early romance novel writing efforts, this one was either a very early work, or one of the later ones where she began to chafe at the confines of romance writing. The romance in this novel seems a bit by-the-book and doesn’t blend well with the characters and action. The book just isn’t smooth.
It begins with pirate descendant Ivan Rasmussen standing on the deck of his schooner when he sees Stephanie Lowe go tumbling down a hill. She’s on her way to his boat to work as ship’s cook in place of her cousin Lucy, who’s getting married. Stephanie has to cook on a woodstove, and has a few mishaps, but rallies okay. Ivan watches her with bemusement and a growing attraction. Throughout their working cruise, Stephanie and Ivan flirt a lot. When the cruise is over, Ivan winds up renting a room in Stephanie’s house, which she bought from him before the story began. Melody, another character they meet on the boat, also comes to stay and work at the inn the house has become. The house is supposedly haunted, and a corpse keeps showing up and disappearing. Stephanie falls into Ivan’s arms—and bed. Eventually, they perform a stake-out to find the cause of the strange nighttime happenings, and find that Melody and Stephanie’s cousin Lucy had been behind the tricks, hoping to get Ivan and Stephanie to fall in love. Embarrassed, Stephanie leaves town for a couple weeks, but decides she really does love Ivan. Ivan had waited for her, and they live happily ever after.
As usual, Evanovich’s characters were zany, had funny things happen to them, and delivered humorous dialogue. The romance was sprinkled evenly throughout, but sill didn’t quite gel with everything else. Not her best book, but I didn’t hate it.
It begins with pirate descendant Ivan Rasmussen standing on the deck of his schooner when he sees Stephanie Lowe go tumbling down a hill. She’s on her way to his boat to work as ship’s cook in place of her cousin Lucy, who’s getting married. Stephanie has to cook on a woodstove, and has a few mishaps, but rallies okay. Ivan watches her with bemusement and a growing attraction. Throughout their working cruise, Stephanie and Ivan flirt a lot. When the cruise is over, Ivan winds up renting a room in Stephanie’s house, which she bought from him before the story began. Melody, another character they meet on the boat, also comes to stay and work at the inn the house has become. The house is supposedly haunted, and a corpse keeps showing up and disappearing. Stephanie falls into Ivan’s arms—and bed. Eventually, they perform a stake-out to find the cause of the strange nighttime happenings, and find that Melody and Stephanie’s cousin Lucy had been behind the tricks, hoping to get Ivan and Stephanie to fall in love. Embarrassed, Stephanie leaves town for a couple weeks, but decides she really does love Ivan. Ivan had waited for her, and they live happily ever after.
As usual, Evanovich’s characters were zany, had funny things happen to them, and delivered humorous dialogue. The romance was sprinkled evenly throughout, but sill didn’t quite gel with everything else. Not her best book, but I didn’t hate it.
July 26, 2009
This is not my first Janet Evanovich book, but it IS the first one I've listened to on audio book. I definitely liked the story and I loved the characters in it. I think listening to it on audio book added more dimensions to the characters and I had more insight into their personalities.
I really liked the relationship between Steph and Ivan. They were funny together, and matched up very well. I also really enjoyed the storyline with the ghost of Tess, and the mysterious dead body that kept appearing everywhere at Haben (Haven? I was listening so I'm unsure how to spell it).
The only issue I had was that it was almost like there were TOO many stories going on at once. First they were on the boat and there was the ghost with the knife, then there was the ghost of Tess in the house that was causing all the problems there... and then the mystery of the disappearing and reappearing dead guy. I could have done without all of those plots going on at once, but it was still a great book that made me laugh and kept me occupied while I walk on the track.
Evanovich is always a great easy read, I'll definitely try to read more of these re-released pre Plum books.
I really liked the relationship between Steph and Ivan. They were funny together, and matched up very well. I also really enjoyed the storyline with the ghost of Tess, and the mysterious dead body that kept appearing everywhere at Haben (Haven? I was listening so I'm unsure how to spell it).
The only issue I had was that it was almost like there were TOO many stories going on at once. First they were on the boat and there was the ghost with the knife, then there was the ghost of Tess in the house that was causing all the problems there... and then the mystery of the disappearing and reappearing dead guy. I could have done without all of those plots going on at once, but it was still a great book that made me laugh and kept me occupied while I walk on the track.
Evanovich is always a great easy read, I'll definitely try to read more of these re-released pre Plum books.
March 16, 2013
This was a re-print of a book originally released in 1992 in the Loveswept series. I occasionally like to read these "snack" stories because they are quick and entertaining without being verbose. This one hit my shelf because I just fell in love with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.
There's no doubt in reading it that it predates Plum. The humor is there in the strong, funny lead female character that shows she's human with some average insecurities. The male character, while charming, is fully a dream. He falls in love immediately, he knows it despite being a confirmed bachelor and womanizer, and he tells her he loves her first. (Yeah, right!)
So it's one of those average quick reads by an author that displayed her talents in her first books. It's just what you expect: funny situations, fast-paced action and dialogue, likeable characters and, as the author says, "some getting naked".
PS. I've read a lot of books where men and women's genitals are called any number of things. This is the first (and hopefully the ONLY) time I've heard of a woman's privates referred to as her "doodah".
There's no doubt in reading it that it predates Plum. The humor is there in the strong, funny lead female character that shows she's human with some average insecurities. The male character, while charming, is fully a dream. He falls in love immediately, he knows it despite being a confirmed bachelor and womanizer, and he tells her he loves her first. (Yeah, right!)
So it's one of those average quick reads by an author that displayed her talents in her first books. It's just what you expect: funny situations, fast-paced action and dialogue, likeable characters and, as the author says, "some getting naked".
PS. I've read a lot of books where men and women's genitals are called any number of things. This is the first (and hopefully the ONLY) time I've heard of a woman's privates referred to as her "doodah".
November 27, 2024
2.5
So I was pretty upset with this at first, it was just not what I was expecting, very disappointed. But the writing style is fun so I kept thinking about it, 'why did I like this so much more in the past', not sure, but I decided to give it another shot keeping in mind that its not what I was hoping. And going into this with lower expectations was a LOT more enjoyable and I had fun. Still wouldn't say that I really liked it tho. It's silly and a little annoying but the writing is fun in an over the top, goofy kind of way which I can enjoy.
So I was pretty upset with this at first, it was just not what I was expecting, very disappointed. But the writing style is fun so I kept thinking about it, 'why did I like this so much more in the past', not sure, but I decided to give it another shot keeping in mind that its not what I was hoping. And going into this with lower expectations was a LOT more enjoyable and I had fun. Still wouldn't say that I really liked it tho. It's silly and a little annoying but the writing is fun in an over the top, goofy kind of way which I can enjoy.
September 28, 2012
This book grabbed me from the beginning. I liked the tumble and the reactions. The humor and suspense was blended greatly and kept me turning pages. I laughed and was frustrated and a few other emotions. I would definitely read this book again and am keeping it on my shelf.
September 3, 2016
This book is hilarious !!! You have to read it..........
June 19, 2019
Cute book!
July 16, 2020
Breezy romance and mystery besides. An early Evanovich novel that is a delight. I enjoyed the characters.
February 14, 2019
I felt like the romance wasn't very realistic and seemed too "instalove" to me. Some of the conversations the 2 main characters had seemed highly unrealistic as well such as her disclosing her past relationship details and very personal details so openly to a seemingly complete stranger. It wasn't bad, I just didn't enjoy some parts of this and found myself rolling my eyes a few times.
February 18, 2025
This is a funny and romantic book, especially the ending. Another master piece of Janet Evanovich that amazed me.
April 20, 2021
Was it a masterpiece? Definitely not. Was it entertaining? Certainly.
March 8, 2021
Janet never disappoints. This story is funny, sweet and very entertaining, love it!!!
February 4, 2025
fun read
This was a great rom-com book. The ending was not what I was expecting ~ it had a sweet ending.
This was a great rom-com book. The ending was not what I was expecting ~ it had a sweet ending.
January 11, 2019
Early Evanovich romantic nonsense with over the top scenarios and broad humour, the characters are pretty two dimensional and it is one of those books where they are either seemingly enemies or seemingly lovers with no middle ground, Pretty dire really.
December 4, 2012
28-year-old virgin („no sex before marriage“) Stephanie wants to start a new life and buys an old house at the coast of main in a tourist town, which she wants to turn into a bed & breakfast, it is in a bad state and to get the fiancé of her friend to do some repairs she takes over her job as a cook on a small tourist boat. Here she meets Ivan, the descnendent of a famous pirate, the captain of the ship and former owner of her new house.
I have a massive problem with the writing style of Ms. Evanovich, the perspective flips from the male to the female protagonist and we get insight into both heads during a conversation. I don't mind the perspective switching from chapter to chapter, this can be interesting, but in one scene I want to stay with one protagonist. She did the same in the only other book I read by her (The rocky road to romance).
The characters are ok, quite likeable, but described in a stereotype and often cheap way. Their banter in the first half was quite nice but their chemistry was too „described“ rather than „shown“. I often felt like the author thought of her readers as not very bright but keen to read as many descriptions of the flawless chest of the male hero as possible.
The setting was wonderful, the boat and the old mansion really came to life and were a great background for the story.
I did however enjoy the flow of the story and felt quite entertained.
I have a massive problem with the writing style of Ms. Evanovich, the perspective flips from the male to the female protagonist and we get insight into both heads during a conversation. I don't mind the perspective switching from chapter to chapter, this can be interesting, but in one scene I want to stay with one protagonist. She did the same in the only other book I read by her (The rocky road to romance).
The characters are ok, quite likeable, but described in a stereotype and often cheap way. Their banter in the first half was quite nice but their chemistry was too „described“ rather than „shown“. I often felt like the author thought of her readers as not very bright but keen to read as many descriptions of the flawless chest of the male hero as possible.
The setting was wonderful, the boat and the old mansion really came to life and were a great background for the story.
I did however enjoy the flow of the story and felt quite entertained.
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