This is the first in a new series. I like the concept but I just couldn't seem to care about the main characters. I'll probably give it one more book before making a decision. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #TheRecoveryAgent

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich is a breath-taking adventure. While Evanovich's humor appears through a character, it is not as prominent as in her other novels. Gabriela and Rafer are two very likable characters who get twisted up with the treasure hunt for a ring, an old pirate tale and a sorcerer who believes he talks to a god of the underworld. While it is a quick read, as most of Evanovich's books are, I often found myself confused as to where exactly we were in the story's setting. And the ending was abrupt. Unless it is not an ending...maybe it is the beginning of a series?

This is the first book in a new series for Evanovich, and is also the first of her books for me. Our new heroine, Gabriela Rose is a recovery agent--if you need it back, she can get it for you. She's good at what she does and is paid well. But this time it's personal--she's on a treasure hunt from an old family legend that she hopes will help fund her home town's recovery from a recent hurricane. Before she's done it will reunite her with her ex-husband (who she thinks is an idiot) and take her up against a vicious drug lord...and maybe worse.

The Recovery Agent read very much like the novelization of a fast-paced adventure/action movie big on stunts, exotic graphics, and mythology. There's plenty of implausibility, as with any good example of the genre, and is driven by danger and adrenaline. This one doesn't get bogged down by dialogue or character development. I don't think this is the kind of book for me, but I do see it's appeal and understand why Evanovich is so popular.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Atria Books

I love Janet Evanovich! However, this book just didn’t do it for me. The plot just seems lacking and I didn’t connect with it.

2/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was disappointed by this one. I really loved the Stephanie Plum series and thought this would be fairly similar, but it wasn't and it to me, kind of just felt really generic. Don't get me wrong I still had several laughs and the wit and style is there, I just find the Stephanie Plum series to be better.

Janet Evanovich delivers an exciting and very fast-paced thrill ride through the world of ancient artifacts, myths and relentless action. The main characters are easy to sympathize with, although at times I wished that they would have been described deeper. The ideal book for friends of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft the speed with which the plot is told leaves the reader breathless, distracted by my wife with an undoubtedly important issue only I could solve (correct position of decoration items) I inadvertently skipped one sentence and found the high-tension situation I was reading about only one sentence earlier was already over and the aftermath of that passage was already described. Undoubtedly there will be several continuations of the adventures of Gabriela's and Rafer's adventures, I'm looking forward to reading them.

Dumb. Before the first chapter was over, I could tell this was another waste of time. Evanovich used to write a good and funny story. Now they are just plain dumb.

This is a new adventure, with new dumb people and dumb plots. Can you tell this book annoyed me? I only read 10% but it was not getting any better. The newest character is Gabriela who is a recovery agent (hmmm.... sound so similar to Stephanie the bounty hunter's role in her other series?) She has to recover the treasure map from the home of her ex, Rafer, who insists on coming along. These two losers are meant for each other.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion, but I won't be reading any more of her books. There are too many good books out there to waste time on ones like this.

Gabriella has become a kick-ass recovery agent and built a life for herself since leaving home, but when her parents (and hometown) need a large amount of cash to recover from a hurricane, she sets out to save them. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the action kept me reading.

Always fun to read Evanovich novels, and Gabriela is a great addition. Happy to have a new series, and enjoyed the classic humor and adventure. A sure fire hit, and I’m certainly happy to chat it up.

I adored the Stephanie Plum novels so reading this book I knew I was in for some laughs. Think SP, but if Michael Bay had a hand in the action scenes and sprinkle in Evanovich’s hilarious and witty characters. Yes it follows the same formula as the SP novels but instead of finding people, Gabriela finds treasures and heirlooms. A slightly more hilarious Lara Croft. The book was a quick read so if you want to settle in for a cozy day and devour this book, go for it!

Gabriela Rose is a recovery agent who retrieves stolen and/or rare artifacts. Gabriela decides to retrieve the Seal of Solomon, a priceless ring. She gets help along the way, including from Rafer, her ex-husband whom she still finds both infuriating and attractive. Drug operations, ancient cults, and ritualistic sacrifice abound as Gabriela tracks down the treasure.

Overall, this fell a little short for me. This was my first Janet Evanovich novel, but I've been seeing from other reviewers that the setup to this story is remarkably similar to that of her Stephanie Plum series. Even without having read any of that series, I feel like I could sense that this one felt a little 'uninspired', per se, which tracks with those who are saying that Gabriela is essentially a slightly tweaked Stephanie.

When it comes to the characters, I liked Gabriela and Rafer, and enjoyed their interactions with each other. I also especially enjoyed two of the side characters: Pepe and Caballo. There were many attempts at humor, but frankly they almost all fell flat for me. I thought the scenes where the characters were traversing jungle and exploring ruins were cool, but the action scenes, though plentiful, were not that exciting.

Ultimately, I'm going back and forth between 2.5 and 3 stars, because while I was underwhelmed, I didn't necessarily dislike this. I guess I was expecting more of a Lara Croft, Tomb Raider-esque thing, and was bummed when I didn't get it, so that could be on me! Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review!

This book is just a reinvention of Stephanie Plum novels. I was hesitant about requesting it and wish I would have gone with my gut feeling.

Thanks for a chance to read this ARC copy. I am a huge fan of Janet Evanovich, and this did not disappoint. While totally different from the Stephanie Plum books, it still had that style of Evanovich that her fans will love. There was plenty of action and adventure to keep you wanting more. The characters were unique, and quirky just like a true Evanovich character.

This was a fun read. If you enjoy Janet Evanovich books, you should enjoy this one. It strongly follows the Evanovich formula of crazy situations, quirky characters, reluctant romance, and lots of things blowing up. This is much more "Indiana Jones" than "Stephanie Plum" but it's an attention grabber and a humorous rollicking adventure complete with a hot ex-husband.. I think she has a new hit series with Gabriella Rose and I am looking forward to the next installment. Four and a half stars.

Very enjoyable, Action packed and fast paced. Your typical Janet book that everyone loves!
Gabriela is a recovery agent who does the most!!!
What's even better is its only the beginning, can't wait to hear more about Gabriela Rose's badass adventures with her EX-HUSBAND! Yes, I am here for it. She has that man wrapped around her finger.
also....more Pepe and cabello please.
I did find myself resorting to a map a lot and looking up different plants and animals. So this was a learning experience as well.
all in all a SOLID 4 out of 5 stars. awesome book.

It's been quite a while since I last read a Janet Evanovich novel. Her latest, The Recovery Agent, is a reminder of why I enjoy reading her work. She has a way of describing the quirkiest of characters, including enough action to keep me turning pages, and inducing an occassional giggle to kind of break things up. The Recovery Agent is a story about relationships, both past and present, and how they come together to work toward making things better in a time of despair. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I am unashamed in my love of the Stephanie Plum Series By Janet Evanovich, so I jumped at the chance to read this first book in a new series.

If you are familiar with the writing of Evanovich, you already know what to expect and you will wade into familiar territory. Gabriella rose is a recovery agent and is tracking down a valuable artifact that could save her hometown which has been decimated by a hurricane.

Gabriella is a savvy, wealthier, more capable Stephanie Plum. She will lead you on a Romancing the Stone type adventure with her Ex that although he annoys her she still finds painfully hot (sound familiar?) She has been sent on this treasure hunt by a quirky grandmother who speaks with a ghost of their ancestor.

If you are familiar with Evanovich you will be comfortable with the familiar formula. The characters may be different but they are all there. If you enjoy the formula and want to go on an adventure with a new character, you will enjoy this book.

If you are not familiar, you will really have to buy into your suspension of disbelief for much of this. Keep your expectations on the lighthearted and silly beach read and you will be in good shape.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review

Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC of this novel.

I have read quite a few Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich, so I was looking forward to a new character. I didn't get a new character. This novel reads like a procedural re-naming of character archetypes from the Stephanie Plum novels, but not as good. Stephanie Plum = Gabriela Rose. Joe = Rafer (ex and renewed love interest for protagonist, who annoys said protagonist with a nickname). Lola = Pepe. And a quirky grandma, to boot.

I had a very hard time getting through this novel and hate to give it 1 star, but that's my honest rating.

Loved the fun and entertaining writing style. Lots of action right from the start and it kept running right until the end. I love all of Janet’s books and I’m excited to see what’s next in this series.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

I'm usually a sucker for treasure hunt stories, but this didn't quite propel me through the chapters as a normal Evanovich book does. The Rom-Com component was entertaining and there is definitely some great dialogue and back and forth. I think Gabriela is an interesting protagonist and I can see this series developing into something great. As we learn more about Gabriela, I think fans will keep coming back for more.