Helpful Score: 5
Crusie's best book to date, better than the first collaboration with Mayer. It has the exact right amount of thrill, kisses and funny. It reads very quick and gets better with every read. The chapter headers (snippets of Agnes' cooking column), are so funny I read them aloud to my husband. Makes me want to make pecan pancakes from scratch!
I think I'll read it again tonight...
I think I'll read it again tonight...
Helpful Score: 4
I completely LOVE the book "Agnes and the Hitman." I love the plot, the characters and the laugh-out-loud dialogue. I'm giving this one my top rating because it does such a good job of blending all the important elements of a stellar romance with a high degree of comedy. I could relate to Agnes wanting to be independent; the book left me wishing I could find a hitman.
Helpful Score: 4
I thought this book was great...it was a lot of fun to read, and I really liked how, despite the fact that it took place over just 1 week, it didn't seem like it. Relationships usually progress quite quickly in romances, and it sometimes drives me crazy when the main characters talk about how "they've never felt this way about anyone", even though it's only been a week. Their feelings for one another are clear, but they don't talk them to death. They just are.
I loved the characters, I loved Shane, and I really loved that Agnes appreciated food and was a normal sized woman :) I've read Jennifer Crusie once before and wasn't too impressed but I will definitely check out some more of her stuff, especially her other collaboration with Bob Mayer.
I loved the characters, I loved Shane, and I really loved that Agnes appreciated food and was a normal sized woman :) I've read Jennifer Crusie once before and wasn't too impressed but I will definitely check out some more of her stuff, especially her other collaboration with Bob Mayer.
Helpful Score: 3
Jennifer Crusie has created Cranky Agnes, a woman with a loser finance', a money pit of a house, a wedding to pull off for her god-daughter, a hitman lover, and his protective mob uncle. This is an enother extremely enjoyable book for those who like their female protagonist to have the guts to keep people from rolling right over them. If you liked Faking It, Bet Me, or Manhunting, you will like Agnes and the Hitman too.
Helpful Score: 3
This book made me laugh. I love the characters, and especially Agnes. She is Betty Croker with an attitude. Shane rolls into town looking to do a favor for his uncle. He believes he is there to protect a small child named Agnes, based on the way his uncle speaks of her, but he quickly finds out that is not so. Agnes is a feisty woman who needs someone to protect her, and keep her from killing the people around her. Let me just say she isn't a stranger to court appointed anger management. Good book. Funny characters and scenes.
Helpful Score: 2
Was not sure about this book at first but it grows on you and ends up being quite a good read. I found it entertaining and really enjoyed reading what was thrown at Agnes constantly from the attempts on her to the way she handles each crisis. A few minor twists and turns that kept me wondering and a crazy family that we all collect.
Helpful Score: 2
Ok, I have to say that I went into this with a "whatever" attitude. I'd never read anything by Jennifer Cruise, and the only reason I even HAD the audiobook is because it came along with FOURTH COMINGS which is the one I had ordered. That being said...
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely love this book!! I've re-read it numerous times and still laugh everytime. I loved Agnes and how she would go off on the men in her life. They would often end up physically harmed or dead. Frying pans and forks seem to be her weapon of choice. The way she was hearing her doctor in her head when she would become upset, hilarious! She's smart, corky, and independent! She and Shane are are a perfect match; she's crazy and a little violent, and he's a hitman. So sweet how he helped her out with her to-do list. lol :) I would really love to see a book #2 of Agnes. By far my favorite Jennifer Crusie book!
Helpful Score: 2
This book is EXCELLENT! I couldn't put it down and plan to read it several more times! The best of both Crusie and Mayer rolled into one.
This is a great read! Agnes is one of the most engaging characters to come along in a while!
Helpful Score: 2
I liked this book. Typical Crusie. Some of it was pretty far-fetched and if you are picky about that sort of thing, I wouldn't recommend it. But the characters are wonderfully written. I thought this was a throughly enjoyable, easy read!
Helpful Score: 1
Often for chick lit books like this, the contrived plot takes away the enjoyment. Here, although the plot is complicated, this book is just plain fun and I would recommend it. "Good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people -- that is what fiction means."
Helpful Score: 1
This is a book that I thoroughl enjoyed! I love Jennifer Crusie's books and this is no exception. I find Agnes to be wonderfully humorous and her beau is HOT HOT HOT! I also love that this book has a really good plot and loveable characters that remind me alot of my own dysfunctional family. Great light read!
Helpful Score: 1
Book is a hoot. I was in stiches both times I've read it. This is my favorite Crusie book so far.
Helpful Score: 1
I was already a big Crusie fan, but the collaboration between Crusie and Mayer is witty, fast-paced and full of fast paced action and romance.
In this book, Crusie brings another dog, Rhett, to life, plenty of low lifes and a handsome man named Shane.
In this book, Crusie brings another dog, Rhett, to life, plenty of low lifes and a handsome man named Shane.
Probably one of the best books I've read! Couldn't read it in public as I was laughing too hard and people would stare! Pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me going until the end. Highly recommended!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was a quick read and very enjoyable. Agnes is an interesting protagonist with a sharp wit. I zoomed through this book and was smiling the whole time.
Helpful Score: 1
Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer should write more books together. The two they have read were both excellent books. Very enjoyable. Would recommend to almost anyone.
Helpful Score: 1
A very funny romance and mystery. It was hard to put down once I started reading it.
Helpful Score: 1
Hillarious and fun. A good mystery and romance.
Helpful Score: 1
Agnes Crandall has her work cut out for her. She and her fiancé have recently purchased the home of her best friend's mother, wanting to turn it into a wedding venue. Part of the purchase agreement was having her goddaughter's wedding at the property. With just five days left until the wedding, things are not looking good. When a gunman breaks into her house and tries to kill Agnes, her "Uncle Joe" sends her help in the form of a hitman named Shane. The next things she knows, Agnes is facing dog-nappers, a cancelled flower order, a series of hitmen, a cheating fiancé, elderly mobsters, a moody bride, pink flamingos, and a grandmother of the bride who wants to make sure the wedding never takes place. Shane has his own problems. His boss has given him a target to take out, but his mind is on the quirky lady who is planning this wedding.
This book was just plain FUN! It took me a couple of chapters to sort out all of the characters and their relationships, but it was worth hanging in there. Agnes wasn't your typical heroine. She is smart, independent, and sometimes violent. She and Shane make a good team. The story itself is a wild ride. I never knew what was going to happen next or when the next dead body would pop up. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This book was just plain FUN! It took me a couple of chapters to sort out all of the characters and their relationships, but it was worth hanging in there. Agnes wasn't your typical heroine. She is smart, independent, and sometimes violent. She and Shane make a good team. The story itself is a wild ride. I never knew what was going to happen next or when the next dead body would pop up. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVED THIS BOOK. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. I have never read one written by these two and it was fanTAStic. I highly recommend it!!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It was so funny and fast paced. One of my new favorites from Jennifer Crusie! I wouldn't mind having a Shane around, either;-)
Helpful Score: 1
This is one funky book- and depending on the reader that can be a good thing or a frustrating thing. Basically, I think Crusie & Mayer were on crazy sugar highs and tried to outdo the other in "wackiness" in each subsequent section. We pingpong between Agnes and a government hit man. Some may go in expecting a romance based on Crusie's name, but that will only lead to dissapointment. This is a romp that's part action, crime story, mystery, slapstick, family drama- and ok- a little light romance.
I enjoyed the book but I didn't *love* it. It was readable, quickly paced and I closed the book on its last page satisfied, but I don't think the plot or the characters will stay with me. I love "wacky", unique stories and had high hopes based on that awesome title alone, but I was left a bit unfulfilled. If you're a fan of either author or enjoy fun fiction with a unique twist, I bet you'll find "Agnes" a hit! Oy, that pun hurt, sorry everybody!
I enjoyed the book but I didn't *love* it. It was readable, quickly paced and I closed the book on its last page satisfied, but I don't think the plot or the characters will stay with me. I love "wacky", unique stories and had high hopes based on that awesome title alone, but I was left a bit unfulfilled. If you're a fan of either author or enjoy fun fiction with a unique twist, I bet you'll find "Agnes" a hit! Oy, that pun hurt, sorry everybody!
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely loved this book! I did not want it to end! A comic caper and a sexy, racy romance...laugh out loud funny...a wild and fun ride. Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 1
If you're looking for an an enriching, literary masterpiece - look elsewhere. Looking for a fun experience? This is the place.
Helpful Score: 1
Cute romantic comedy. The leads do fall in love rather quickly, but a nice, fun read with likeable, fun characters, fast-paced with a good bit of activity. Quite enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
I love a Jennifer Crusie book but OMG this one! It wasn't bad but it was CRAZY! Hit men and would be hit men coming left and right, crazy grandma stealing and sabotaging and flamingos! Oh the flamingos!
Despite the chaos I enjoyed the story. Shane and Agnes make a really cute couple who I believe will have a really great future at Two Rivers. 4 Stars
Despite the chaos I enjoyed the story. Shane and Agnes make a really cute couple who I believe will have a really great future at Two Rivers. 4 Stars
Helpful Score: 1
This is another funny, wry book by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. The characters were well developed and the story line was hilarious.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first Jennifer Crusie....but definitely not my last. This is a laugh-out-loud book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Very engrossing book. Not your run of the mill, boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back. Highly recommend.
Good book, good read. Not as good as some of Jennifer Crusie's books.
I dearly loved this book. It kept me laughing the whole read!
I have enjoyed several Jennifer Crusie audio books, but this one was hard to follow. There were a lot of characters, and it took awhile to keep track of all of them. I think the problem could be that it is abriged, but it seemed like the plot moved ahead too quickly at times. I did not like this book.
I want to start out by saying that this book was so funny that I was laughing practically every page. The romance in it is good, but it doesn't seem like the main point of the story, and I was okay with that. The fact that Agnes gets together with the Hitman is not a big surprise, as much as how they deal with each other is. Remembering parts of this book still makes me grin. I think every girl should have a Shane (the Hitman) in their lives.
If I hadn't checked this book out of the library, I would probably pick it up and re-read it right now, just because writing up the review makes me remember how much I loved it. Reading this book also has made me a Jennifer Crusie fan (and although I read her and Bob Mayer's first collaboration "Don't Look Down", I'd still recommend this one more than that one.)
If I hadn't checked this book out of the library, I would probably pick it up and re-read it right now, just because writing up the review makes me remember how much I loved it. Reading this book also has made me a Jennifer Crusie fan (and although I read her and Bob Mayer's first collaboration "Don't Look Down", I'd still recommend this one more than that one.)
Crusie and Mayer get it together this time, in a slow-starting story about a cranky food columnist with a penchant for bopping people with frying pans, a flamingo-studded wedding, and a psycho bitch grandmother-of-the-bride who may or may not be sitting on five million dollars in cash.
This book made me laugh from the incredulous beginning to hilarious end! I gasped for breath as I read the funniest passages out loud to my sister, and bought the audio book so we could listen to it in the car. Wonderful read!
This book made me laugh out loud!! I loved it! The only drawback was a lot of language to wade thru. Not really needful in my opinion to make a good book!
Fairly smooth blend of two writing styles. I have read this book three times in two weeks and laughed at Agnes' conversations to herself every time.
Ok, I have to say that I went into this with a "whatever" attitude. I'd never read anything by Jennifer Cruise, and the only reason I even HAD the audiobook is because it came along with FOURTH COMINGS which is the one I had ordered. That being said...
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
Winning combination of wit, action, and romance. Crusie and Mayer create wonderful stories. Originality and sparkling wit.
A fun read, alittle different for Jennifer Crusie but I enjoyed it very much.
I was not overly impressed with this book, my first by these 2 authors. I admit mine was an abridged audio version, but it seemed a little too "way out" there and the killing seemed excessive and brushed off like it was no big deal to shoot and kill people. I guess it's just not my idea of entertainment when the laughs come from counting how many people died before a wedding could happen. I won't be reading any more books by these 2 authors. I much rather prefer the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.
I loved this book! Talk about LOL funny! Agnes and her temper were a hoot. It was funny how things just kept snowballing out of control no matter what they did. I also like how Shane "fell" for Agnes despite being a commitment-phobic hitman in the beginning. Terrific read!
This book turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. Every character is just a bit nuts in their own way. It's one of those books that's hard to read in public because you're trying not to laugh out loud. I'd recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor. (Though I did not like the first Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer attempt)
I had fun reading this. It was smart, funny and sexy. It's great when you find yourself laughing out loud while reading a book, although if you are in public people look at you kind of weird. Oh well.
Very Enjoyable.
What a joy of a read! I couldn't wait to get their next book, but it wasn't a sequel!!
I laughed my butt off reading this one!!
I laughed my butt off reading this one!!
A delightful and amusing romantic romp, this is an easy read that will definitely entertain you. Highly recommended.
Ok, I have to say that I went into this with a "whatever" attitude. I'd never read anything by Jennifer Cruise, and the only reason I even HAD the audiobook is because it came along with FOURTH COMINGS which is the one I had ordered. That being said...
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
I LOVED this one! At first, it was a bit slow as all the characters came into the picture, but after the first 1/2 hour of the 1st CD, I was hooked.
You could anticipate what was going to happen, so it didn't take rocket science to follow along. But the mishaps that befall Agnes, you feel so sorry for her and pray that everything comes together by Saturday's wedding.
I don't want to give away the pieces, so you'll just have to read or listen yourselves, but it was highly amusing, and will keep you giggling at all the bizarre characters that come together under Agnes' roof and drawn to her cooking. :)
Fast read, but not her best. still enjoyable
This is typical Crusie, fast and funny.
I very much enjoyed it.
I very much enjoyed it.
If you're looking for a romantic comedy, with a some suspense thrown in, this is a nice one. Crusie and Mayer have written together before and do so well. It's a fast read, good for when you just want to escape for a few hours. If you like Crusie's other books, you'll probably like this one, too.
You can't beat Jennifer Crusie. Add Bob Mayer and you get a book that has action to round out the romance. A winning combo. I have read it multiple times and each time is a lovely treat.
I **loved** this book! It was the perfect fast, light, romance for the day I read it. Don't expect depth, but if you want a fun, funny, non-traditional heroine, with some truly laugh-out-loud moments, give it a try. The character development worked for me, but then, I'm not hyper-critical; I just want to be entertained.
My second favorite Crusie novel next to Bet Me. Great dialogue between characters and zany circumstances that just make it fun.
Hated this book; couldn't get into it at all. Hopefully you'll enjoy it more.
I did not enjoy this book. I had to force myself to finish, hoping the story line would get better. Found it boring and not funny.
Agnes Crandall writes the âCranky Agnesâ cooking column and is engaged to Taylor, an up-and-coming local chef. The two of them have just worked out a deal to purchase Two Rivers from Brenda Fortunato Dupres. Brenda is the mother of her best friend, Lisa Livia (aka LL) growing up. Part of the deal is that Agnes and Taylor will cater the wedding for Maria â Brenda's granddaughter and Lisa Livia's daughter.
This will be Agnes and Taylor's first big catering event at the home which is on the river and has a barn for the catering events.
One evening, a young local comes to Agnes' home and tries to kidnap her dog. Agnes uses the nearest weapon she has at hand to stop him â a frying pan. (This is not the first time she's conked a guy on the head with a frying pan, either.) In the struggle, the intruder falls through a previous covered-up door in the kitchen and fatally falls to the floor of the previously hidden basement.
Shane is a government agent and is called in to help protect Agnes by his Uncle Joey, who is also a good friend of Agnes'.
While protecting Agnes, the two of them need to figure out why people keep trying to break into Agnes' home and Agnes' has to work to ensure that Maria's wedding takes place at her home because now Brenda is trying to set things up so that the wedding will get moved and then Agnes will have to come up with three months of actual mortgage payments or be foreclosed on.
I enjoyed this book better than the last Crusie/Mayer collaboration that I read (Don't Look Down.) The action and romance is better written and the story is a little easier to follow even though much of it is pretty far fetched.
This will be Agnes and Taylor's first big catering event at the home which is on the river and has a barn for the catering events.
One evening, a young local comes to Agnes' home and tries to kidnap her dog. Agnes uses the nearest weapon she has at hand to stop him â a frying pan. (This is not the first time she's conked a guy on the head with a frying pan, either.) In the struggle, the intruder falls through a previous covered-up door in the kitchen and fatally falls to the floor of the previously hidden basement.
Shane is a government agent and is called in to help protect Agnes by his Uncle Joey, who is also a good friend of Agnes'.
While protecting Agnes, the two of them need to figure out why people keep trying to break into Agnes' home and Agnes' has to work to ensure that Maria's wedding takes place at her home because now Brenda is trying to set things up so that the wedding will get moved and then Agnes will have to come up with three months of actual mortgage payments or be foreclosed on.
I enjoyed this book better than the last Crusie/Mayer collaboration that I read (Don't Look Down.) The action and romance is better written and the story is a little easier to follow even though much of it is pretty far fetched.
A fun, light read!
An old mobster supposely killed by is wife reappears at his granddaughters wedding. The murdering grandmother trys everything from cancalling the wedding cake to bribing the preacher to stop the wedding. Agnes, puts on a wedding dispite several murders and even finds love.
What does a Sarcastic Food Columinist and a Hitman have in Common? You need to read the book to find out. Lots of dead bodies and pink flamingos add to an intresting weekend wedding. The book has many twists and secrets. The characters are very likable. Though you are not routing for all the villians, you still like some of them.
A very good read.
A very good read.
Jennifer Crusie is a talented writer who can pull off the snappiest dialogue and some of the best humor/romance I have ever read. That's why I don't understand why she has to use foul language and explicit sex to get her point across. This story got lots of good reviews, but I couldn't get past the first 50 pages--the negatives turned me off before I could find the positives. Just not my cup of tea.
Agnes Crandall's promblems are roiling to a boil. First a dog-napper invades her kitchen, seriously hampering her attempts to put on a wedding that she's staked her entire net worth on. Then a man clims through her bedroom window to save her, "Shane" (no last name) may be Agnes's hero, but he's also a professional hitman--so he's no stranger to trouble himself.
Between a rival who wants to take him out and an uncle who may have lost five million bucks in Agnes's basement. Shane's plate is plenty full. Soon Agnes and Shane are tangled up with the lowlifes after the money, a gang of Southern mob wedding guests, a dog named Rhett, and -- most dangerous of all ---each other.
Between a rival who wants to take him out and an uncle who may have lost five million bucks in Agnes's basement. Shane's plate is plenty full. Soon Agnes and Shane are tangled up with the lowlifes after the money, a gang of Southern mob wedding guests, a dog named Rhett, and -- most dangerous of all ---each other.
Not my cup of tea, tried too hard to be quirky.
I love all of Jennifer Crusies' Books!
very cute, nice story, good characters, fun read that kept me interested.
Great, lots of fun.
