Now or Never: Stephanie Plum 31

Stephanie Plum #31

by Janet Evanovich

She said yes to Morelli. She said yes to Ranger. Now Stephanie Plum has two fiancés and no idea what to do about it. But the way things are going, she might not live long enough to marry anyone.

While Stephanie stalls for time, she buries herself in her work as a bounty hunter, tracking down an unusually varied assortment of fugitives from justice. There’s Eugene Fleck, a seemingly sweet online influencer who might also be YouTube star Robin Hoodie, masked hero to the homeless, who hijacks delivery trucks and distributes their contents to the needy. She’s also on the trail of Bruno Jug, a wealthy and connected man in the wholesale produce business who is rumored to traffic young girls alongside lettuce and tomatoes. Most terrifying of all is Zoran—a laundromat manager by day and self-proclaimed vampire by night with a taste for the blood of pretty girls. When he shows up on Stephanie’s doorstep, it’s not for the meatloaf dinner.

With timely assists from her stalwart supporters Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie uses every trick in the book to reel in these men. But only she can decide what to do about the two men she actually loves. She can’t hold Ranger and Morelli at bay for long, and she’s keeping a secret from them that is the biggest bombshell of all. Now or never, she’s got to make the decision of a lifetime.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Romance, Chick Lit, Cozy Mystery

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.

Reviews

[J Bridge]

All I’m saying is that I’m a Ranger girlie all the way.

[Geraldine Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

She made the wrong choice

So disappointed that the author chose the wrong man for Stephanie. A man nobody would want for her daughter. And not true to who Stephanie was or all she was capable of.

[Kimbot the Destroyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Stephanie Plum made me feel betrayed and grouchy. She and Jack Reacher are static, comforting characters with formulaic stories that hit the spot. Stop changing them! It's like biting into your mom's meatloaf and discovering she added herbes de provence because she saw it on the Food Network. I don't care if it's good, I hate it.
And that choice? ...Babe.

[My Reading Resources · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think that Janet Evanovich is writing the Stephanie Plum books anymore...at least not all by herself. In this one, Lula says, "I can't remember no vampires." But they did bring in a vampire in Smokin' Seventeen. His name was Ziggy and he gave Lulu a hickey. I think she would remember. And the ending! What a travesty! After 31 books, Stephanie finally chooses between Morelli and Ranger. There's a wedding, but it's all over and done with in just a few pages. We readers deserve better! We have been cheated!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thinking that if I was Stephanie I wouldn't be able to choose between Morelli and Ranger either.

I think Morelli feels like home to Stephanie, he's like family, funny, loving, warm and familiar but I think if she married Joe, she'd end up like Grandma staring out the window longing for adventure. Also I don't think Joe is the faithful type.

With Ranger there will always be parts of himself that will always be a mystery, his job will always be a priority because it's a calling. He understands Stephanie, he sees her need for adventure and he doesn't want to curb it, in fact he loves it but he'll never be a domesticated type and he will never be homey.

Whoever she chooses, if she ever does choose, I know it will be a fun, laugh out loud adventure getting therr.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Stephanie Plum book,
with a bit more added.
It was a fun and silly adventure,
as usual. 😊

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I wanted this to be the end of the series with how this book ended it better not be because even though Stephanie made a choice the ending left me VERY unsatisfied and in need of greater resolution. Still full of all the trademark drama, suspense and laugh out loud humor with over the top hijinks you can only find in a Janet Evanovich book. This was good on audio and a quick, entertaining read. Here's hoping we get more from these characters that we have all grown to know and love so dearly.

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, witty, charming - easy read to soothe the soul. who did she end up with???? Exactly who I thought she would …….

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thirty-Two I'm Leaving You? Will that be the next title? I loved the story and the performance by Lorelei King until the end, then I was left confused and disappointed. I feel like their relationship is destined for divorce.

Edited to add:
Stephanie had to marry Morelli to get him out of her system. That's the only thing that makes sense to me. She will never be happy in a traditional marriage with him, and it's certain to end in divorce. Ranger obviously knows this. It must just be part of her journey as her character grows and matures. She will probably end up as a single mom still flirting with Ranger for several more years.

I just hope this isn't really the end of the series. My one star rating remains for now.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

not a safe choice, not a good choice, stupid writing decision.

poor Morelli's gonna end up dead, he is NOT (as written) up to saving Stephanie's life on a continual basis and when he tries he just ends up in the hospital and damned near dead. Not to mention he belittles her on a regular basis, what kind of BS is that? Or are you just going to kill him off now and then she's burned her bridges with Ranger and such is life and she ends up dead over this asinine choice?

Talk about writing yourself into a corner. While Ranger has suggested she consider some of her behaviors, he NEVER belittles her, what moron would marry a person who treats them like that? what the actual hell?????

[Lori Kral-Boemer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fans waited for 30 books for Stephanie to choose Joe or Ranger (no spoilers). The lead up and cliffhanger in the last book was excellent.
I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but it wasn’t just another basic Stephanie Plum book with a two page blurb at the very end about who she married. We didn’t even get to see the wedding!

The very last words were “NOT the end”, which means more books are coming and we likely haven’t seen the end of the love triangle.

In Stephanie’s words? Oy

As for the other 7 hours of listening time? Pretty boring. A non scary main villain whom we hardly see, a non-scary mob boss, and a weirdo who follows Stephanie around in an annoying but harmless way. Aka, Three characters we see in most of these books.

There weren’t any laugh out loud moments: Bob didn’t eat anything funny, Grandma didn’t have her gun, and no cars blew up. So while that was a refreshing change, it also made this book something of a snoozer.
Credit as always to Lorelei King. Love her voice work.

[Lawson Little · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t typically write reviews because no one really cares what I think right?! But I feel so bamboozled. A few books ago I had to stop reading. The books didn’t feel as fun and light as they once did. They started to feel more like a chore. I remember laughing out loud as I read the adventures of Stephanie Plum and Lula but the longer the series went on the less I cared about the characters. When I saw that the book was coming out this week that would seemingly end the series (maybe?) I got excited. A final conclusion?! A happily ever after?! I got the book before this one as it seemed that had important information about how she got engaged to both me (like wtf?! How does that happen.) I read it in less than a day so I could be ready for this one. I finished this one and I’m feeling. So. Unsatisfied. This is the worst case of novel edging I’ve ever experienced. I’m so over these jerks. The end of the book just pissed me off. Why choose if you’re going to f it all up anyway later. I’m not going to even talk about the choice she made. Cause I’m sure some people are into that. But like. What. Aaaaaarrrrggggg. Never again.

I gave it two stars because I liked Big and the general story was ok. 😑

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now or Never by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis /

She said yes to Morelli. She said yes to Ranger. Now Stephanie Plum has two fiancés and no idea what to do about it. But the way things are going, she might not live long enough to marry anyone.

While Stephanie stalls for time, she buries herself in her work as a bounty hunter, tracking down an unusually varied assortment of fugitives from justice. There’s Eugene Fleck, a seemingly sweet online influencer who might also be YouTube star Robin Hoodie, masked hero to the homeless, who hijacks delivery trucks and distributes their contents to the needy. She’s also on the trail of Bruno Jug, a wealthy and connected man in the wholesale produce business who is rumoured to traffic young girls alongside lettuce and tomatoes. Most terrifying of all is Zoran—a laundromat manager by day and self-proclaimed vampire by night with a taste for the blood of pretty girls. When he shows up on Stephanie’s doorstep, it’s not for the meatloaf dinner.

With timely assists from her stalwart supporters Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie uses every trick in the book to reel in these men. But only she can decide what to do about the two men she actually loves. She can’t hold Ranger and Morelli at bay for long, and she’s keeping a secret from them that is the biggest bombshell of all. Now or never, she’s got to make the decision of a lifetime.


My Thoughts /

Book #31 in the Stephanie Plum series – and I've missed book #30 because I needed to read a book starting with "N" and I knew Stephanie Plum would entertain me. Little did I know…………

Holy smokes, Batman!

I need a doughnut.

No. I need a double glazed doughnut.

I need chicken. Maybe some coleslaw. Also, some biscuits.

And I definitely need a lie down.

I'm sorry, but y'all SPOILER ALERT Stephanie Plum just got married. I'm still in shock. It's only taken 31 books, but I never thought she'd ever get there – like EVER.

I didn't read the blurb. I never do with Stephanie Plum. And of all the things I was expecting – her car exploding; her flat being fire-bombed; breaking up a fight at a funeral viewing and rounding up FTA's – THIS scenario was never in the mix!

I need a lie down.

It all started out as per usual:

My name is Stephanie Plum and I’m a fugitive-apprehension agent working for my cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds business in Trenton, New Jersey. I have my BA from Rutgers University and an advanced degree in doing dumb things, destroying cars, and finding love in too many places.

Chasing FTAs – a young gamer called, Eugene Fleck who lives with his mum. A social media-savvy FTA known only as Robin Hoodie. Robin Hoodie steals deliveries from the rich and distributed them to the poor and films the exploits uploading them to social media. An elderly gangster-come fruit magnate Bruno Jug who is accused of trafficking young women. And lastly, Zoran – who's been described as dark and creepy; a wannabe vampire and quite possibly a serial killer. Zoran appears to have his sights set directly on Stephanie – yeah go figure.

I should have realised something was amiss. There was no mud wrestling in this story. No food fights. The deli didn't get blown up; her car; or her apartment. As if those warning signs weren't enough – I missed the biggest red flag of all. Stephanie had bullets in her gun – oh yes people, real bullets – PLUS – she aimed, fired and hit her target!

Did I tell you I needed to have a lie down? I must be in the twilight zone.

I'm going to wake up soon and read book #32 and all will be back to normal surely.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After thirty delightful Stephanie Plum novels, it is Now or Never. Stephanie is engaged to both very hot men in her life, Ranger and Joe Morelli, and she finally chooses to marry one of them!

Stephanie Plum fans will be pleased to know that book #31 is classic Stephanie Plum at her finest. Janet Evanovich's writing always provides light comedic relief to some of the heavier types of books I may be reading. I never seem to tire of her witty cast of characters or their antics. I was laughing out loud by the sixth page and continued throughout the story. I love Lula and Grandma Mazur, and all the other crazy characters.

I simply adored this book and hope that this is not the ending to the series.

[Amanda Villegas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think a lot of people rated this book before it was even published based on previous series enjoyment. Once you read this you might change your mind. When a strong character bends for affection it’s gross. I feel like this whole series has been ruined for me which stinks because I’ve been following it for over 15 years.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now or Never shows that there are no signs of Janet Evanovich's ending her beloved Stephanie Plum series ending any time soon. In fact, the series will be heading in a whole new direction because Stephanie finally makes her decision between long time cop boyfriend, Joe Morelli or her man on the side, Ranger. I'm not going to reveal who Stephanie chooses, but for me as a long time reader of the series, I was satisfied with her choice. Stephanie's misadventures in bounty hunting continues with a flasher who's proud to put his privates on display, a man who broke into his neighbor's house to retrive an old photo, and a modern day Robin Hood who's become a local hero. Stephanie's main mission who kills women as if he were a vampire. His crimes are more gruesome then Stephanie's usual cases, but I found to be a good change of pace. The usual crew consisting of Lula, Stephanie's sidekick, her Grandmother Mazur, and her highly strung mother contribute to the outrageously funny scenes in the story. A new Stephanie Plum book has become a yearly event for me. After I finished Now or Never, it's safe to say I'll be back for the annual Plum games

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

I use to love this series, but not anymore. I use to laugh when I read a book from this series, but not anymore.

Stephanie is engaged to 2 guys, Ranger and Morelli and still a bounty hunter. First off I don't think she loves either of these men nor do I think either love her. Second, when is she going to grow up?! She's getting more and more annoying in each book. Third, I felt this book had too much going on and felt it was written in a rush or something. I wasn't a fan of the last chapter either. Overall, kind if regretting that I spent time reading this book. I went in with hopes this one would have the same humor and spice that the earlier ones had, but it just disappointed me

[Sharon M. Kofmehl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I’m finally done with this character and series. I have read all of them. This was so disappointing to me. It is the same old, same old, and boring. After #30, I swore I was done, but I thought the engagements might freshen up the story, so I bought #31. What I hoped for was the story of two engagements and all that should have gone with it. What I got was the SAME story lines, the SAME geographical descriptions, NO romance, not enough Morelli, hardly any Ranger. And, what was with the vampire! Janet Evanovich, you’ve lost me as a reader. SO DISAPPOINTED.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe or Ranger? That has been the question for 30 years and 31 books. Is it answered in this book? Maybe. Why wreck a good thing? I'm not one who needs to see this eternal question answered. I greatly enjoy the wonderful, fun, zany trip these books have taken me on. They are the ultimate escape from reality for me and the Joe-Ranger question can continue many more years and I'll be happy to read every book. As always to narration by Lorelei King is awesome, she is one of the best and makes the book come alive.

Stephanie, you Slut! She got engaged to both Ranger and Morelli. Stephanie, you Slut! And, she "celebrated" with both of them. (Not at the same time, get your mind out of the gutter!) Stephanie, you Slut! Then she discovers her birth control pills are looooong expired. Stephanie, you Slut! Now, she has to wait to see if she's preggers. Stephanie, you Slut!!!

Soooo while waiting to see if she has a bun in the oven and avoiding both Ranger and Morelli, Stephanie continues her job as a Bond Enforcement Agent and the FTAs she chases run the gamete. From hysterical funny YouTube Robin Hoodie who robs the rich to give to the poor, to downright creepy Zoren who thinks he's a vampire and wants Stephanie for his next victim, with a mob connected dude, Bruno Jug, in the mix too. Throw in a semi stalker, Herbert, and you have a wonderful Stephanie Plum tale. And, it's Not The End.

[courtney simmons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly don’t feel like Janet has anything to do with these books anymore. This has to be AI or a ghost writer. It started with feeling, it started with heart and laughs. Now it’s watered down garbage and I’m just waiting to see how it ends because I’m on this 31 book ride. I’m 100000000 percent disappointed. Everyone who has read this book has been robbed of time and dignity. Was this always a silly fun read, yes, was this always for goofs and romance and mystery, yes. So I’m not expecting the next great American novel. I do however, expect a little more effort. I’m so bored. This was a struggle for me.
The characters are no longer lovable and exciting. Just stale crackers and cliches.
This book is an upturned spoon in the sink of literary accomplishments and I’m mad at myself.

[Nichole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ughhhhhh

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!! ⚠️ 📢 🚨 ⚠️









I am 100% TEAM RANGER! that being said, I am highly disappointed. Stephanie married Morelli! Why Morelli!?!? 😭😂

[Suzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

She married the wrong guy. I'm done with this series.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

i can’t think of a time i’ve left a one star review AND written an actual review but like. i have been reading this series since i was in middle school (lol @ millennial childhood!), and i’m somehow roughly steph’s age now / still (mid-thirties). i legitimately have been reading this series for more than 20 years. i quit for a while when the books were in the teens, but i have always ended up coming back somehow to check in.

this book was bad. continuity, full scale regressing of steph’s ability to do anything while also somehow acting like it’s the ~first time ever~ she’s learned to shoot comfortably? she had that realization already, friends. herbert felt like a weird redo of Moon. and for the love of all things, even ignoring the fact that i think ranger is better for her in literally all ways, i cannot wrap my head around the character i so loved being like, yep i’m engaged to two people and i chose one and now am getting married in 48 hours? that’s not the character growth whatever ghost writer was trying for, that’s pure laziness. but. the implication (wishful thinking?) that she had a full on honest conversation about being engaged to both of them only with ranger is hilarious to me, because of course. because she can be herself — her full hot mess of a self — with ranger, and she literally cannot with morelli. but sure, marry the person you 90% lie to.

i am just so disappointed, and so frustrated. it feels legit disrespectful.

that said: i laughed out loud when lula as a side comment that was never re-mentioned was like, “well you’re not getting any older, either”

truly, though, what the fuck. bring back whatever the glorified fanfic one was that was a true numbers book with Diesel and much Ranger and weird supernatural shit. at least that one made me laugh
at the absurdity. this, though. i was just so bored.

might reread 1-6 as a palate cleanser tbh.

[Emilie Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Who the hell is Mary Ann, the very least the ghost writer could do was learn the characters. Terrible.

[Jessica Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't the best installment of the Stephanie Plum series. We had very little of the usual antics: no explosions, no naked FTAs, minimal humor, and not enough of Ranger or Morelli.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I sent a file to Connie’s printer. “This is a sick person. He needs to be found before he kills someone else. And it’s what we do, right? We find people.” “Yeah, but we aren’t all that good at it,” Lula said. “And I’m not sure he’s a people… "Do you think we should call the police?” Herbert asked. “No,” I said. “I think we should mash the potatoes.” I figured this was like sex. Every now and then you run into a situation where it’s just best to fake it and move on. So, I dredged up some bravado and did my best impression of a kick-ass, cool-as-snot Jersey girl. I’ve got a raving lunatic vampire stalking me. Big deal. Bring it on."

It might have been more than a decade ago when I gave up reading the Stephanie Plum books that my beloved left on the coffee table. They were easy beach reading and they seemed to all follow a pattern. *
*happy to supply the pattern to those who don’t care about any spoilers

To my knowledge, I never felt the need to review any.
I liked the choice of venue: Trenton, New Jersey.
I liked the job “bail bond repo”
I got tired of Stephanie Plum making mostly the same mistakes both in her work and her love life.

On the other hand, Evanovich hits just the right notes and Stephanie’s discussions, whether around the family dinner table or at her Cousin Vinnie’s place of work often brought a smile or laugh.
The following exchange will tell you whether this is a series for you:

"“Most women die from heart disease and breast cancer, but my daughter is going to get killed by Bruno Jug,” my mother said. “A bullet to the brain.”
“Not necessarily,” Grandma said. “It depends who does his wet work. If he uses Jimmy the Pig, she could get bludgeoned. And sometimes people just disappear, and you don’t know if they’re in the landfill or dumped offshore.”
My father stopped eating and picked his head up. “Who’s getting dumped offshore?”
“Stephanie,” my mother said. “She’s going after Bruno Jug. He didn’t show up for court and now she’s going to put him in cuffs at Larry Luger’s viewing.”
“Larry Luger died?”
“Aneurysm,” Grandma said. “Come on him all of a sudden while he was brushing his teeth.”
“Hunh,” my father said. “Brushing his teeth.” And he went back to eating his shells."

We have Stephanie’s family crazies; her office crazies; her perpetrator crazies; and, her crazy love life. Since it is central to the plot, it is not a spoiler to tell you that she has partied with both Morelli and Ranger and could be pregnant from either one. They both have proposed to her and she has said “yes” to both.

This should be enough, but I’m going to add this exchange:
A grade school acquaintance who still has a crush on Stephanie has re-entered the picture. "Herbert said. “Heck, when I’m in a relationship it’s all the way.”
“We aren’t in a relationship. I’m engaged. I’m not interested in another relationship….“Do you think we should call the police?” Herbert asked. “No,” I said. “I think we should mash the potatoes.” I figured this was like sex. Every now and then you run into a situation where it’s just best to fake it and move on. So, I dredged up some bravado and did my best impression of a kick-ass, cool-as-snot Jersey girl. I’ve got a raving lunatic vampire stalking me. Big deal. Bring it on."

3*

[Christopher Febles · Rating 4 out of 5]

(sort of)

What a good feeling it is to be all caught up! That made this a novel to anticipate. Kind of like when I had to wait for the next Incredible Hulk episode to come out on our tube TV. I think I ordered this over the summer, so I had plenty of time to twiddle my thumbs.



Now, here’s the thing: waiting for Trenton’s favorite bounty hunter means getting a solution for the Dirty Thirty cliffhanger. But that gives away a spoiler from THAT novel…which also means a spoiler for THIS one.

So, if you don’t wanna know, avert your eyes and skip to the next paragraph.

When we last left Steph (yes, I’m a poet and I didn’t realize), after decades of wooing, she got not one, but TWO proposals from the men in her life: Morelli and Ranger. Best ending of all the Steph novels for my money. And, to start 31, she misses a visit from Aunt Flo. Could she be carrying a little Joe or Ranger?

But back to the mysteries: Steph’s got 3 FTAs in the works:

1. Eugene, a young gamer living with his mom, who might just be “Robin Hoodie,” a social media sensation who steals deliveries and gives them to the poor.
2. Bruno Jug, an elderly gangster and fruit magnate who’s accused of trafficking in young women.
3. The dark and creepy Zoran, a laundry manager, drug addict and would-be vampire who could be a serial killer.

Great storylines, all. For those just joining the series, expect a little less slapstick. Yeah, I kinda miss it when she screws up royal. I don’t recall her being covered in garbage or wrestling in the mud in this one. She also learns to shoot straight (which I felt happened before?). But she also needs luck and a few favors to bring in her skips. I also feel like the danger ramps up a bit, with a true murderer on the loose. She’s always been tough, but she’s getting smart and savvy. As Lula might say, “Huh.”

How do you feel about that? Was she more fun when she was incompetent? Discuss.



Don’t fear, all the principles are here: Granda Mazur, Mom, Vinny, Connie, Lula. There’s Cluck in a Bucket, Pino’s, and Stiva’s. And how does the car get blowed up in this one? Well…no more spoilers!

And once again, another great audiobook from the voice of Stephanie Plum, Lorelei King!

And the worst part of all this? I have to wait another YEAR to see Steph again!

(Unless I read the rest of the “between the numbers” stories…stay tuned!)

[Rania Rannouch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to give it a chance but after 2 chapters i just skipped to the end cause i had a feeling she's gonna take the wrong decision well no surprises there so unfortunately i can't keep reading the series if it got no promises for ranger and her decisipn isn't correct at least ranger is a mystery that you can discover in the next books but with morelli what do you expect. It's the end for me unless you bring back a future with ranger

[Ivy Tomlinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ

okay I’ve had a couple of days to sit on this….. I definitely liked the story and it was the usual silly, fun storyline with our favorite characters BUT I hated that she waited until the literal last page of the book to tell us she married Joe and we don’t even get to see the wedding. WTH?!

3.5/5

[Tammy Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a disappointment. First of all, it just wasn’t as entertaining as Stephanie’s stories used to be but, mostly, her picking Morelli over Ranger??? Now that’s a travesty.