Step into the sizzling world of the Max Holt/Full series, where romance, mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor collide in the charming town of Beaumont, South Carolina! Co-authored by Janet Evanovich, the queen of witty crime fiction, and Charlotte Hughes, a maestro of romantic comedy, this six-book series follows the irresistible Max Holt and feisty newspaper editor Jamie Swift as they unravel scandals, dodge danger, and spark undeniable chemistry. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a steamy twist, Max Holt/Full is your ticket to a wild, heartwarming escape.
From small-town gossip to high-stakes adventures, the series captures the essence of Southern charm while delivering fast-paced plots and quirky characters. Whether you’re new to Evanovich’s world or a longtime fan of her Stephanie Plum novels, Max Holt/Full offers a fresh, addictive blend of suspense and romance that’s hard to put down.
How Max Holt/Full Began
The Max Holt/Full series was born from the dynamic collaboration between Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes, two authors with a knack for blending humor and heart. Evanovich, already a bestseller with her Stephanie Plum series, teamed up with Hughes, whose romantic comedies had topped bestseller lists, to create a new world distinct from Plum’s New Jersey antics. Set in the fictional Beaumont, South Carolina, the series debuted in 2002 with Full House, introducing readers to a playful mix of romance and mystery. Their goal? To craft stories that were equal parts thrilling and hilarious, with characters as vibrant as the Southern setting.
The Heart of Max Holt/Full
The series kicks off with Full House, where polo instructor Nicholas Kaharchek falls for Billie Pearce, a divorced mom whose stable life gets turned upside down by his charm and a whirlwind of chaos. In Full Tilt, Jamie Swift, a dedicated newspaper editor, meets Max Holt, a millionaire with a knack for trouble, as they tackle a political scandal and assassins. Full Blast turns up the heat when Jamie’s personal ads section sparks murders, forcing her and Max to solve a deadly mystery. Finally, Full Scoop, the series finale, follows pediatrician Maggie Farnsworth as her past catches up, with FBI agent Zack Madden adding romance and protection to the mix.
Beaumont itself is a character, with its gossip-fueled ice cream parlors, risque fortune cookies, and quirky residents like psychic Destiny Moultrie. Themes of love, trust, and second chances weave through the series, wrapped in Evanovich’s signature humor and Hughes’ romantic flair. The stories balance steamy tension with cozy mystery vibes, making each book a standalone delight while rewarding fans who read in order.
Why Max Holt/Full Resonates
Max Holt/Full stands out for its ability to blend genres seamlessly, appealing to readers who crave romance, suspense, and humor in one package. Fans praise the series for its lively characters and unpredictable plots, with reviews highlighting the “laugh-out-loud antics” and “sizzling chemistry” that keep pages turning. While not as famous as Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Max Holt/Full has carved a niche among cozy mystery and romance readers, offering a lighter, Southern-flavored alternative. Its enduring appeal lies in its escapist fun—perfect for anyone needing a break from reality.
The collaboration between Evanovich and Hughes also showcases their complementary strengths, creating a series that feels both familiar and fresh. For fans, it’s a reminder of why they love Evanovich’s quirky heroines and Hughes’ knack for heartfelt romance, making Max Holt/Full a hidden gem worth rediscovering.
- Number of Books: 6
- First Published: 2002 (Full House)
- Last Published: 2006 (Full Scoop)
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Grab Full House and dive into the Max Holt/Full series’ world of steamy thrills and Southern charm! Whether you’re solving mysteries with Jamie and Max or laughing at Beaumont’s antics, this series promises a rollicking good time.