Review - Love in a Nutshell

Title - Love in a Nutshell

Author - Janet Evanovich

Series - Culhane Family

Genre - Mystery Romance

Published - January 3rd 2012

Publisher - St Martin's Press

Format - Kindle

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Number one bestselling author Janet Evanovich teams up with award-winning author Dorien Kelly to deliver a sparkling novel of romantic suspense, small-town antics, secretive sabotage, and lots and lots of beer 

Kate Appleton needs a job. Her husband has left her, she’s been fired from her position as a magazine editor, and the only place she wants to go is to her parents’ summer house, The Nutshell, in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate’s plan is to turn The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast. Problem is, she needs cash, and the only job she can land is less than savory.

Matt Culhane wants Kate to spy on his brewery employees. Someone has been sabotaging his company, and Kate is just new enough in town that she can insert herself into Culhane’s business and snoop around for him. If Kate finds the culprit, Matt will pay her a $20,000 bonus. Needless to say, Kate is highly motivated. But several problems present themselves. Kate despises beer. No one seems to trust her. And she is falling hard for her boss.

Can these two smoke out a saboteur, save Kate’s family home, and keep a killer from closing in…all while resisting their undeniable attraction to one another? Filled with humor, heart, and loveable characters, Love in a Nutshell is delicious fun.

Review

For the final week of my words with friends challenge I decided to finish off with one of my favorite authors. Kate’s life has hit the bottom so when the chance to reinvent herself comes up she has to jump at the chance. Kate’s ok with saying goodbye to the past she doesn't need the cheating ex-husband or the magazine editor job. Determine to turn her parent’s cottage The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast Kate sets out for Keene’s Harbor. However her problems just keep adding up after losing her job at the local brewery, the cottage has mold, bad plumbing, and bees to start.

Her landlord Matt offers her a deal she can't refuse when he asks her to spy on his brewery and see if she can figure out what’s really going on. Only two problems with working in a brewery first Kate doesn't like to drink beer it makes her sick. Plus she’s working for Matt who Kate can’t deny she’s that there is chemistry between the two. However Kate is determined not to fall for Matt but he won’t make it easy because he’s the perfect guy. He even goes above and beyond to get her dog Stella back who she was forced to give to her ex in the divorce.  Will she get her Bed and Breakfast off the ground, find out what’s really going on at the brewery and who’s doing it?

I love Kate her life is in a nutshell a disaster. Kate doesn’t give up she’s willing to do what it takes to succeed but falling for Matt isn't in her plans. Both Matt and Kate aren't looking for love but with the undeniable chemistry between the two they can’t fight it. What can I say about Matt he’s just perfect for Kate he is willing to do anything for Kate.

I've been a longtime fan since I was in high school of Janet Evanovich. So when I heard she had a new series out I knew it is a must read for me. Dorien Kelly is a new author to me and I think they partnered well creating a fantastic story. Love in a Nutshell is exactly what I've come to expect from Janet Evanovich a brilliantly written first installment. Love in a Nutshell is a fast paced mystery filled with humor and romance that keeps you guessing till the end. The characters are memorable; they are easy to connect with and kept me smiling even after finishing the book. Kate reminds me a lot of Steph but she has her own unique quirks that kept me laughing. I had a hard time putting Love in a Nutshell down if not for a dog walk and three year old I would have finished the book in one morning. I’m super excited to check out the next book in the Culhane Family series we have a taste of future family members for later books. For me Love in a Nutshell is another home-run for Janet Evanovich.  

4 out of 5 stars