The Total Package: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – December 27, 2016

I have loved Stephanie Evanovich's other books, but this one drove me crazy. Yeah, I get the whole 'second chance' thing with Tyson, which is a positive spin on his history. Dani's character drove me crazy. The whole "child he doesn't know he has" story line is just so annoying. And her job as a sports analyst/announcer was just not believable or plausible. For the first time ever, returned a digital book.

**Spoilers**This is the third Stephanie Evanovich romance I've read. While there are overlapping characters, each book is a standalone. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other two, those romances were the start and development of the relationships. This one is a second chance secret baby romance. Tyson Palmer, quarterback extraordinaire, needs a tutor to graduate from college, enter Ella. A few years later, Tyson, addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol, is on the eve of a suspension, when he meets Ella again. She offers herself to him as a bed partner and for caring support. He took her up on the first and walked out on the second.Almost five years later, Tyson's life has turned around, and he is ready to retire from football. But, he excepts an offer to hang in one more year, Marcus his nemesis from his former team, is transferring from defense to offense and wants Tyson as his quarterback when he transfers to Tyson's team. Additionally, Marcus, a recluse, publicity-wise, wants a personal publicity mouthpiece, someone famous for dissing Tyson, Dani Carr, formerly Ella.While doing her job, Dani had sought out Tyson, wanting him to recognize her and he didn't. Now the three of them work for the same organization and Tyson finally recognizes his Ella Bella. Once he does, he wants to reestablish some kind of a relationship and Dani is unsure how to proceed with the secrets she's keeping. So, why has Marcus brought them all together and can Tyson and Dani overcome their past and have a loving relationship?

Who would have thought Janet Evanovich would write a fiction book about pro football? Certainly not me. Is it good? Absolutely. Does it reflect reality? Of course not. Rarely does a really good book of fiction reflect real life. It's a fantasy to take us away from the real world. Tyson Palmer comes from a broken home. But a gift for football makes him a high school star and gets him into a college where he can finesse that skill. But to graduate, he has to be tutored. Enter Ella, whom he nicknames Ella Bella. In spite of all his efforts, she is there to teach, not romance him. Once he graduates, he gets that pro contract. He forgets about her. But as a pro he develops an alcoholic addition and begins to abuse pain killers. When he hits a low, and is going to be suspended for a dirty drug test, he encounters Ella again. Her suppressed love for him takes over and she offers to lead him to recovery. He seems to accept, but breaks her heart as he walks out of her. This book is about his ability to turn his life around and where a sports reporter named Dani Carr and an opponent named Marcus LaRue who's demands on the Austin Maverick's owner have an effect to give Palmer everything he could ever ask for. But will he reach out and finally accept the offers of help? The kind of book you hate to see end.

I usually like Janet's books. I didn't even finish reading this one. I couldn't have cared less how it ended or about the characters. Save your money.

Love it - love everything by Janet Evanovich - if she writes it I buy it!! I have over 27 books of hers on Kindle...lost count...if she wrote it I have it - started with Stephanie Plum #20, went back to 1 and on till 24 - read her Fix & OHare (and discovered Lee Goldberg), Between The Plums, you name it. Fun, exciting, humorous!!!!

Sorry, I love this other's light mysteries. Unfortunately, this was not one of them. This read like an empty Lifetime movie. I suppose some might read this at the beach to pass the time. I was looking for something more compelling and comical.

I hadnt read any of Stephanie Evanovich and honestly think i bought it thinking it was Janet's work. Buy I really enjoyed it. It is a fast read a delightful welcome from my normal murdee, mutilation, and mayhem. I also liked the spicy scenes and minus the filthy terms. As soon as I finished this one I read another and on my 3rd Stephanie Evanovich!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The one thing I thought while reading “The Total Package” was how much I would love to watch a movie made from this book. Matthew McConaughey would be perfect for the role of Tyson Palmer.

I enjoyed parts of this book, what I did not like was the female getting her heart broken 3 times by the Jock. And she felt responsible for each break up. Then the fourth time she just let him in again no problem. Really!