🎢 Book Review: Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich & Charlotte Hughes
A zany, fast-paced romantic mystery that blends political satire, quirky characters, and high-octane hijinks in small-town South Carolina.
Book two in the Full series, Full Tilt continues the adventures of Jamie Swift, a newspaper owner in Beaumont, South Carolina, and her enigmatic silent partner Max Holt, a tech mogul with a flair for danger and a talking car named Muffin. With a Goodreads rating of 3.80/5 from over 20,000 readers, this installment is praised for its humor, eccentric cast, and breezy storytelling.
🧠 Plot Overview
Jamie Swift is focused on keeping her struggling newspaper afloat and staying out of trouble. But trouble finds her anyway when Max Holt returns to town, ostensibly to support his brother-in-law Frankie Fontana, a former wrestler now running for mayor.
As Frankie’s campaign stirs up local corruption, Jamie and Max find themselves dodging bullets, unraveling conspiracies, and dealing with a cast of colorful characters—including two assassins, a washed-up stripper, and an unhinged poacher. Their chemistry simmers as they race to uncover the truth behind a series of threats that could upend the town—and their lives.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Quirky Humor: Evanovich’s trademark wit shines through, with laugh-out-loud moments and absurd situations.
- Romantic Tension: Jamie and Max’s slow-burn relationship adds emotional depth to the chaos.
- Fast Pacing: Short chapters and snappy dialogue keep the story moving at breakneck speed.
- Eccentric Sidekicks: Muffin, Max’s AI-powered car, adds a futuristic twist and comic relief.
📣 Reader Reactions
- “A fun romp with plenty of action and laughs. Not deep, but thoroughly entertaining.”
- “Max Holt is the perfect blend of mystery and charm. Jamie’s sass keeps him in check.”
- “The plot is wild, the characters are wilder. Great for fans of light romantic suspense.”
Some readers found the plot a bit over-the-top and the romance underdeveloped, but most agreed it’s a fun escape with plenty of personality.
🏁 Final Verdict
Full Tilt is a lighthearted, madcap mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly its charm. If you enjoy romantic thrillers with eccentric flair and a dash of political satire, this one’s a joyride worth taking.
