Plum Lovin'

Stephanie Plum #12.5

by Janet Evanovich

Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie--and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: He'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more than he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping from Stephanie and the two men in her life--Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie Plum in over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Crime

164 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2007

About the author

Janet 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.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review
3 out of 5 stars to Plum Lovin', an "in-between" novella in the "Stephanie Plum" cozy mystery series, written in 2007 by Janet Evanovich. There are 4 of these "in-between" cross-over novels, where Stephanie works with Diesel (from another one of Evanovich's book series) to solve a case and/or fall in love -- you can't always tell for certain! In this one, the focus is around love and Valentine's Day, as a matchmaker has gone missing after supposedly committing some crimes. Stephanie avoids falling for Diesel, ignoring Ranger and Morelli, and searches for some answers. It's a cute mini-book that crosses the two series and hopefully brings new fans and/or a needed respite from the formula in either series. It's fun and cute, little substance, but will make you laugh enough that it's worth the read.

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Cute. And, Diesel always shows up for these half-books. He's totally delicious and willing to whip out his dimples when necessary.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a hard time with the 'Between the Numbers' books. I like Stephanie Plum as a character - she is just real enough for you to think - Been there! and yet still gets in situations that are just not possible, which allows for that absurd humor to shine through in the writing. (I am pushing 40 and I have never really blown a car up - I'm just saying.)

That aside, I think this was still worth reading if you are a Plum fan. It's really not a commitment in time because you can whip through it in one long bath soak. I just pity the people who run out and pay full price for it. But I suppose you have got to support the author too - so maybe they are thinking that? It kills me to pay full price for a book, so I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.

Anyway - If you have never read an Evanovich I think you would be better of hitting "One for the Money" and the other number books before juming on the 'Between' books. Once you are addicted then you can jump into these little books and they won't turn you off.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice screwball comedy and better than #12.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie takes on a job that has her having to get couples together for Valentines day. Its quite a struggle with the quirky couples. Then there is Lula and Diesel who are interesting, fun characters. Also Steph' s grandma Mazur , a live wire for her age. It's a fun quick read.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! A little in-between the numbers with the gorgeous Diesel. Much better gift for Valentine's Day than chocolate and flowers..well maybe with them.


May 2016-- Still lovin' it!

May 2018—Diesel shows up and convinces Steph to become a ‘relationship expert.’
Yes. You heard that right. The girl who can’t decide between Ranger and Morelli is given the job to help others find love. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie plays Cupid for Valentine’s Day. The dialogue flows and the humor is spot on, unlike in some of the later series which seems forced.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Valentine’s in Jersey and Steph and the gang get a visit from Diesel. He’s looking for his “unmentionable” enemy Wolf. But Diesel has a lot of secrets he’s not willing to share and it might get everyone hurt.

While on the lookout for this love doctor Stephanie plays matchmaker to the locals but doesn’t for herself. As always I am rooting for anyone but Morelli but the heart wants what the heart wants.

Le Sigh 😞!! This was laugh out loud funny and it made my night just fly away from me. Here’s to many more Stephanie Plums and “cough cough” the rest of the Lizzy and Diesel series at least. I just need more of the giggles 🙊 !!

Happy reading everyone 🥰🥰😍😍

[Christopher Febles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie Plum celebrates Valentine’s Day…with Diesel and the Unmentionables!

Our bumbling and brave bounty hunter teams up with the oddly talented shadow agent to track down her skip, the “relationship expert” Annie Hart. Diesel helps her on one condition: she leads him to the kooky Bernie, a creep with a talent for causing unexplained rashes. They have to stop him from getting some form of revenge, and what it means is that Steph has to step in for Annie and solve a bunch of matchmaker issues.

Right there, that’s funny and cute: Steph playing Cupid! She’s out of her league yet again, and you know something’s gonna go awry…and it does. Maybe not in the slapstick way to which I’ve been accustomed, but there’s plenty of silliness here. Like always, she makes it work through her friends, determination, and pure luck.



The side characters here were more believable and fun than the last “Between the Numbers” novella (Visions of Sugar Plums). I liked the Valentine’s Day gimmick, and the stories of the people Steph tries to match were gratifying. I’m starting to enjoy the fantasy, even the sci-fi, among the characters Diesel’s chasing: I’m leaning into the idea of all their weird powers, and I couldn’t help but smile. All the primaries are there, and they do their things: Grandma gets into a mess, Lula throws around her…uh…personality, and Steph’s mom crosses herself. I liked Diesel a bit more in this one, too.

And Lorelei King does it again. All those voices, all those accents! She’s Steph to the core, and no one does it better.

Always a pleasure to visit my best literary friend in her hometown of Trenton. Just one more to go before I finish the Stephanie Plum canon!

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Ms. Evanovich's books are a hoot, and this one is no exception.
Stephanie Plum is the daring bond jumper huntress and she goes from one crazy problem to another.
This time she has to take over a matchmaker's last five clients before Valentine's Day.
And the matchmaker is a bail jumper. But not to worry. One of Stephanie's close friends, Diesel, start matchmaking in their own style. Which isn't really style, they wing it.
Now add in a bad guy, and the man who gives others hives when he is upset, and you now have a romping good time.
Did I forget to mention the nonmarriage of Stephanie's and Diesel's wedding?
Hope that is enough information to get you to read a fun book. And who knows. you may start reading all of Ms. Evanovich's books, and what could be more fun? Well, there are a couple of things, but this is a G-rated review.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 3.89 ***

I am actually upping my rating on second read! This was sweet, it was adorable, absurd and hilarious, and once again Stephanie and the gang made my day! 😊😃🤟

[✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Jacalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many things I think of, when I hear the name Stephane Plum. Cupid is not one of them.

I would go to Stephanie Plum for advice on making my hair bigger than Mt Rushmore or what boots might make my husband sweat behind his knees. Relationship advice from the largest commit-phobe in all of Trenton probably would not get me very far.

This is one of the only books where Stephanie doesn't destroy a car and Grandma Mazur manages to not cause hairy-kairy at a funeral, but the laughs abound none the less.

Shorter than the number books, grab this between the numbers book for a good laugh as Stephanie runs around trying to do Cupid's dirty work.

While it's a quick read, I'd highly recommend not reading this over morning coffee or lunchtime. Unless you like the idea of wasting good food to spew on your book!

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not in the same category as her Stephanie Plum mysteries but it was a quick read on a busy weekend.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unmentionables



This is mostly entertaining, but if I'd skipped it, I don't feel like I would've missed a thing. These "between the numbers" books delve into the... paranormal is probably the best word for them. Don't get me wrong, I like Diesel, but Stephanie Plum stepping in for Cupid (or someone with similar skills) doesn't fit the bill. She's a walking train wreck especially when it comes to relationships.

It is entertaining, and Diesel keeps things fun. The two of them teaming up is a bit like her and more playful version of Ranger together. I will admit to liking how Valerie finally gets her man. It's dastardly and amusing.

I listened to the audio book. The narrator is Lorelei King.

Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.7x

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of four. I read book one from my local library

Stephanie Plum and Diesel are tasks with finding love 💘 for couples. It is a wild fun 🌙 time for the two of them. But all ends happy.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I love Janet Evanovich, I love the Stephanie Plum series. It is the sole series of books that every single time I read them, they cause me to laugh out loud. Every one of them has been clever and well written and absolutely hilarious.

This is a "between the numbers" book, meaning she just wrote a small Plum book to keep us entertained after releasing #13 recently. In it, Stephanie agrees to help out a match maker with her most difficult clients, one of whom is her sister Valerie's fiance, who faints at the idea of getting married.

Very short book, not overly taxing, but a whole lot of fun!!! If you love Plum, you'll enjoy this.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read...cover to cover took only about 2 1/2 hours. There wasn't much to it...not a lot of suspense or intrigue or really much interesting. I've been looking forward to reading this author for a long time, not only because she lives in NH but because everyone seems to be reading her stuff. I hope the rest of her books are more interesting than this one! I guess this would be a good beach/pool read...you know, when you're a little bit too distracted to pay attention to elaborate plots & you don't really care if you get sand in the pages.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun having another story with Diesel in it, definitely makes me want to pick up his series and start it as well.
This was very classic Stephanie with all the gang which was a lot of fun and always good for a laugh or ten.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was complicated and I had a little trouble keeping track of all the names. It is always entertaining to read about Stephanie and her sidekicks. Janet Evanovich excels at developing those quirky supporting characters and they never disappoint.

[Bree]

I imagine Diesel looks like Thor :)

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being much shorter than the full-length novels, the Between-the-Numbers stories have just as many laughs (maybe even more) than the full-length books.

In Plum Lovin', Diesel once again appears in Stephanie's kitchen with a strange request: she must play matchmaker. Vinnie is on her case about bringing in a high-bond FTA and it just so happens that the FTA is connected to Diesel and his odd task. She has limited time for both jobs -- all of the people on the matchmaking list must be "matched" by Valentine's Day and that's merely a few days away.

The Between-the-Numbers novels, while being loads of fun, suffer from continuity problems. In this story, Stephanie is back to driving her yellow Escape. Problem is, the Escape met with some misfortune in the 11th book, and she subsequently bought a Mini Cooper in the 12th book. She also talks about her apprehension in the sex store, Pleasure Treasure, which happened in book 12 when she acquired the "Herbert Horsecock model", so the sequence of events is a little off if she's driving the Escape vs the Mini. Normally I get overly irritated when continuity is out of whack, but you know what? I don't care when it comes to Stephanie Plum. Seriously. Because an impromptu porn party with Lula, Grandma Mazur, an almost-40 year old virgin, and Stephanie more than make up for that :D

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little addition. Great change of pace with my favorite Jersey Girl. She was a wonderful matchmaker, and the clientele were extraordinary. The absence of her main men added to the focus of her change in work for the day in order to secure her bonded person. So fun, a great addition to this series.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun "in-between-the-numbers" novella in the Stephanie Plum series. Crazy people & shenanigans abound. Just what I needed after some more serious fare.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little Valentine’s story, keeping in tune with each book only being a matter of weeks/short months apart. I’m not entirely sure if we ever learn who/what Diesel is; it’s been MANY years since I read the little novellas.

[Meg]

🎧

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plum Lovin’
Stephanie Plum, Book 12.5

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Stephanie Plum:
Diesel:
Grandma Mazur, Lula, Connie, Tank,

The Story:

I’m not sure how I feel about these between the number books. Barely and Joe or Ranger, Diesel is questionable, little action and Stephanie didn’t even blow up a car. She did have a minor crash so I suppose that’s something.

Overall this left me pretty lukewarm. I’ll continue the series because I love the characters.

The Random Thoughts:

#2020PopSugarChallenge #2020BookBingo #2020LibraryLoveChallenge

The Score Card:



3.5 Stars

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Look, the Between-the-Numbers books are vaguely fun. But they're also totally weird in that it takes a well established crime/chick lit series and reinvents it as tangentially paranormal. It also basically turns the existing love triangle into a love square with the addition of Diesel to Steph's List of Guys Who Randomly Appear In Her Apartment, and NO THANK YOU PLEASE.

This one made MARGINALLY more sense than Visions of Sugar Plums, in that it's basically Steph being roped into helping a bunch of people have a good Valentine's Day. It was fine. But it was also nothing special or particularly memorable. So. There's that.

[Aoibhínn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love all the regular Stephanie Plum novels but I'm not sure I like these between the numbers novellas. I was very disappointed by this one. Nothing much happened in it and it was extremely dull and boring. It wasn't anywhere near as funny as the regular novels do be and I really hate the supernatural element in these novellas. Janet Evanovich you can do better than this! To fans of the series, just jump to the next number in the series – don't bother with this one!

[Kym Gamble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, 3.5-hour book about Stephanie Plum trying to get couples together. With the help of Diesel, they try to make people fall in love and get Stephanie's sister married. It was a fun ride, very top-level, not too deep. She is a fun character to follow.