The Heist, by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Synopsis: 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 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 like 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 rag-tag team 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.

Thoughts: I love this new series, even more than the Stephanie Plum books Evanovich writes. Kate is a lot less inept than Stephanie, and she doesn't have to rely on someone like Joe or Ranger to save her when she gets into a dangerous situation.  Nick isn't as mysterious as Ranger, but he's still a fascinating character, and the two of them have great chemistry together. Kate's dad is a great resource for their scams, and I have a feeling he'll be dropping in to help them out quite often. Can't wait for the next installment.

My rating: Five stars