Title: The Heist (O'Hare and Fox, #1)
Authors: Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg
Publication date: June 18, 2013
Publisher: Bantam
Genre(s): Adult (Chick Lit/Humor)
Source: Publisher (Random House Canada)
Format: Finished Copy
Format: Finished Copy
Pages: 320
FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare is known for her fierce dedication and discipline on the job, chasing down the world’s most wanted criminals and putting them behind bars. Her boss thinks she is tenacious and ambitious; her friends think she is tough, stubborn, and maybe even a bit obsessed. And while Kate has made quite a name for herself for the past five years the only name she’s cared about is Nicolas Fox—an international crook she wants in more ways than one.
Audacious, handsome, and dangerously charming, Nicolas Fox is a natural con man, notorious for running elaborate scams on very high-profile people. At first he did it for the money. Now he does it for the thrill. He knows that the FBI has been hot on his trail—particularly Kate O’Hare, who has been watching his every move. For Nick, there’s no greater rush than being pursued by a beautiful woman . . . even one who aims to lock him up. But just when it seems that Nicolas Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: He convinces the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with Special Agent Kate O’Hare.
Problem is, teaming up to stop a corrupt investment banker who’s hiding on a private island in Indonesia is going to test O’Hare’s patience and Fox’s skill. Not to mention the skills of their ragtag team made up of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate’s dad. High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day’s work . . . if O’Hare and Fox don’t kill each other first.
This is why I love Janet Evanovich. The humor along with the exciting plot usually make up for a fantastic read, and as usual, when it comes to Janet Evanovich, this is a fact. I personally now pick up her books without even reading the synopsis because I know I'm going to love them. While this book is a collaboration with Lee Goldberg, their humorous characters, witty writing, and ability to make me laugh at the most serious situations (say getting attacked by pirates in the middle of nowhere) is why I read and ended up really enjoying The Heist.
I love how Evanovich's main female protagonists are always seriously kick butt. This book is no different. The main protagonist is Kate, an ex Navy SEAL and now FBI agent. men, are you intimidated now? good. I love how her women always speak their mind and aren't afraid to go after what they want like Stephanie Plum and her becoming a Bounty Hunter in the Stephanie Plum series, and now Kate O'Hare and dedicating years in order to catch Nick Fox, a professional con artist. However because this book is written by Evanovich, a plot twist has to exist and it is that Kate ends up partnering with Nick in order to catch a man who ran away with half a billion dollars by doing... a con. The back and forth banter between the characters is fantastic. One scene I loved was when Kate's boss, Jessup asked her if she's nervous:
"Got some butterflies in your stomach?" - Jessup
"Butterflies are awfully girlie for a woman who carries a Glock, don't you think?" - Kate
"Okay. African killer bees" - Jessup
"That's more like it" - Kate
Doesn't that just crack you up? This book was like an episode out of a comedy cop show. That is the best way I can describe it, with a fantastic main and supporting cast as well as a plot that would keep the people wanting more. I think the supporting, or secondary, characters had so much spunk and individuality, from Willie, the woman who can drive any moving vehicle, including an airplane and yacht, as well as Boyd, an actor that devotes his soul towards his characters, and a dad who's operative background always seems to come in handy in sticky situations. I think that is what always wins me over when it comes to Evanovich's books. Nothing is neglected, an independent and awesome female protagonist? check. A jerk but charming love interest? check. memorable secondary characters? check. An interesting plot? check. What more does a reader want? I can't wait for more books from Evanovich & Goldberg because what they are doing right now is brilliant.
Reviews of other books by Janet Evanovich
I remember you talking about this one in your tbr vlog and I know I was intrigued because author wrote the Stephanie Plum books (which I haven't read but heard really awesome things about!) and so now I'm kind of feeling this. I'll stick this on my wishlist/tbr and HOPEFULLY I'll find a way to get to it :D
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a book by this author before, but this one is going on my tbr! It sounds like a fun read! I love a good dose of humour and a kick-butt mc. Fab review! :)
ReplyDeleteThe author is new to me. And Kate and Nick sounds sooo great. I was a Deputy for 6 years, so I could easily relate to Kate too. :) Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Ooooh - A female ex-Navy SEAL? Awesome! Sounds like a great set-up.
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
Thanks for the great review of THE HEIST. I'm glad you liked it. That bit about the killer bees is one of our favorite exchanges, too.
ReplyDeleteLee
I don't read many adult books but this sounds like something I'd really like. Kate sounds like an awesome female protagonist. I love when the girls are kick butt and won't take no crap! Great review Juhina =)
ReplyDeleteLove your checklist! All I want in a book, an entire cast of great characters and a gripping story, too. Love the quote, lol! Fantastic review. I like Silence of the lambs where a FBI agent is also helped by a criminal, so I sure want to check this book out.
ReplyDeleteI tried reading a book by this author but it never worked out. Simply I can't enjoy chick-lit and I decided to stay away from it. I'm glad you enjoyed though. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Juhina :) Glad you enjoyed this book ;)
ReplyDeletePsst, about your comments on my IMM post last week and this week: The author was really mean to me a few years ago on twitter, she blocked me, and she still is blocking me :\ Tried sending her four emails, never got any respond. All I did was loving her book. Sigh. But still. I'm starting to get over it. Sort of. Maybe not. Anyway! This week: I do remember replying to you before about why I get a few copies of the same book :) But saying it again ;p When I love a book I need two copies of the hardcover. One to read and one to just look pretty and unread. Hih. Same with paperbacks, although both are usually for not reading (A)
Thank you for commenting on my mailbox last week. <3
Love, Carina @ Carina's Books