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Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries #1
Sprinkled
LACEY LUZZI RESUME
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT: MOBSTER (in training)
2 YEARS: LAUNDROMAT WENCH
TOO MANY YEARS: MANAGER AT STRIP CLUB
1 NIGHT: MISERABLY FAILED STRIPPER
8TH GRADE – SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lacey Luzzi’s rollercoaster of a life has been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She just never expected the lows to be so… sparkly.
After falling on her face during an attempt to follow in her recently-deceased mother’s stripper-boots, Lacey realizes she’s not cut out for life on stage. She sets out on a year-long investigation to find her true family, never expecting she’ll find it with a capital “F.”
With a rumbling stomach, a need for money (check engine lights don’t fix themselves!), and a conscience that operates at 78% on a good day, Lacey is sucked into a whirlwind of Family secrets, hard-as-cement cookies, and mysterious, sexy men who unfortunately shoot guns, sometimes aimed at her face. The long-lost-granddaughter of Carlos Luzzi, the Godfather of the Italian Mafia, Lacey accepts her first assignment for the mob: finding fifteen million dollars of ‘the good stuff.’
Even after she enlists the help of her mouthy best-friend and her cousin, a technical genius and social disaster, she finds that going toe-to-toe with the rival Russian mob is more dangerous than expected.
No one chooses their Family, but Lacey Luzzi will be lucky if she can survive hers.
** **
Lacey Luzzi: Sprinkled, is a full-length, laugh-out-loud, humorous cozy mystery with a strong female protagonist in the spirit of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, albeit one working for the wrong side of the law…
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT: MOBSTER (in training)
2 YEARS: LAUNDROMAT WENCH
TOO MANY YEARS: MANAGER AT STRIP CLUB
1 NIGHT: MISERABLY FAILED STRIPPER
8TH GRADE – SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lacey Luzzi’s rollercoaster of a life has been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She just never expected the lows to be so… sparkly.
After falling on her face during an attempt to follow in her recently-deceased mother’s stripper-boots, Lacey realizes she’s not cut out for life on stage. She sets out on a year-long investigation to find her true family, never expecting she’ll find it with a capital “F.”
With a rumbling stomach, a need for money (check engine lights don’t fix themselves!), and a conscience that operates at 78% on a good day, Lacey is sucked into a whirlwind of Family secrets, hard-as-cement cookies, and mysterious, sexy men who unfortunately shoot guns, sometimes aimed at her face. The long-lost-granddaughter of Carlos Luzzi, the Godfather of the Italian Mafia, Lacey accepts her first assignment for the mob: finding fifteen million dollars of ‘the good stuff.’
Even after she enlists the help of her mouthy best-friend and her cousin, a technical genius and social disaster, she finds that going toe-to-toe with the rival Russian mob is more dangerous than expected.
No one chooses their Family, but Lacey Luzzi will be lucky if she can survive hers.
** **
Lacey Luzzi: Sprinkled, is a full-length, laugh-out-loud, humorous cozy mystery with a strong female protagonist in the spirit of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, albeit one working for the wrong side of the law…
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
1446 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Gina LaManna
74 books1,472 followersOriginally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 17, 2017
If you like the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich, try this series. It's light, funny and full of quirky characters.
January 6, 2016
I read roughly 13% of this book before giving up, but my problems were pervasive enough that it felt like a good call.
I know this may seem odd, but I don't require my humor novels to be funny. Yes, I know that sounds, on the surface, like it would defeat the purpose of the endeavor, but there's a logic here. I've read a fair number Jim Butcher and Christopher Moore books, even though I find both authors deeply, almost achingly unfunny. But they tell fast-paced, engaging stories, often with characters I like despite the jokes. It's a bit like older relative whose company you enjoy despite corny stories and dated jokes lifted from old television.
That's fine. Humor is subjective. We're all unfunny to someone. Many of us are unfunny to most people. (Sorry to point this out, but sometimes your friends laugh at your jokes because they like you.) I don't begrudge people for telling jokes that don't land. This author in particular feels a bit like a Cathy comic strip, where the character brags about her vices like that confidence is hilarious. It's up there with people who constantly post Facebook image jokes about how funny it is to be addicted to coffee.
But it gets annoying when it's unrelenting. I was briefly acquainted with a guy who desperately wanted the people around him to find him funny. He'd throw out jokes that had the structure of something that should have played, but lacked the sort of feel for the room, that low level empathy for the audience that helps even a mediocre joke land, and there was no charisma to boost the soggy material. It made him exhausting to be around, because the jokes felt like something that everyone mentally tripped on.
And that's what LaManna does here. She mentally trips me up with endless banter and lame jokes every time I start trying to invest in the story. It kills the pacing, it wrecks the flow, and at times the quips feel like a substitute for real character interaction.
The characters also seem to lack self-awareness. The writer thinks the way these characters behave is awesome and hilarious, so there's no room for any sort of earnest exploration, or the sort of self-deprecating humor that might actually ground this sort of thing. It's a wish fulfillment where the protagonist gets to riff all their hilarious one liners, and no one is around to make them feel crappy when they don't land. Everyone who doesn't laugh is either dense or a killjoy.
And the focus on jokes seems to have left a lot of mechanical and structural issues. The book starts in medias res, but then vomits up a ton of exposition, killing the excitement. It's also sometimes pretty unclear what the characters are doing, or what actions are happening in what sequence. It felt like it needed another draft or a better editor.
Which is a shame, because it's not a bad premise, and the plot, when it reared its head, had potential, but it felt like trying to cross a shopping mall where every shop is a Spencer's Gifts.
I know this may seem odd, but I don't require my humor novels to be funny. Yes, I know that sounds, on the surface, like it would defeat the purpose of the endeavor, but there's a logic here. I've read a fair number Jim Butcher and Christopher Moore books, even though I find both authors deeply, almost achingly unfunny. But they tell fast-paced, engaging stories, often with characters I like despite the jokes. It's a bit like older relative whose company you enjoy despite corny stories and dated jokes lifted from old television.
That's fine. Humor is subjective. We're all unfunny to someone. Many of us are unfunny to most people. (Sorry to point this out, but sometimes your friends laugh at your jokes because they like you.) I don't begrudge people for telling jokes that don't land. This author in particular feels a bit like a Cathy comic strip, where the character brags about her vices like that confidence is hilarious. It's up there with people who constantly post Facebook image jokes about how funny it is to be addicted to coffee.
But it gets annoying when it's unrelenting. I was briefly acquainted with a guy who desperately wanted the people around him to find him funny. He'd throw out jokes that had the structure of something that should have played, but lacked the sort of feel for the room, that low level empathy for the audience that helps even a mediocre joke land, and there was no charisma to boost the soggy material. It made him exhausting to be around, because the jokes felt like something that everyone mentally tripped on.
And that's what LaManna does here. She mentally trips me up with endless banter and lame jokes every time I start trying to invest in the story. It kills the pacing, it wrecks the flow, and at times the quips feel like a substitute for real character interaction.
The characters also seem to lack self-awareness. The writer thinks the way these characters behave is awesome and hilarious, so there's no room for any sort of earnest exploration, or the sort of self-deprecating humor that might actually ground this sort of thing. It's a wish fulfillment where the protagonist gets to riff all their hilarious one liners, and no one is around to make them feel crappy when they don't land. Everyone who doesn't laugh is either dense or a killjoy.
And the focus on jokes seems to have left a lot of mechanical and structural issues. The book starts in medias res, but then vomits up a ton of exposition, killing the excitement. It's also sometimes pretty unclear what the characters are doing, or what actions are happening in what sequence. It felt like it needed another draft or a better editor.
Which is a shame, because it's not a bad premise, and the plot, when it reared its head, had potential, but it felt like trying to cross a shopping mall where every shop is a Spencer's Gifts.
February 15, 2015
Too similar to other books
Felt like Lacey is a Stephanie Plum wannabe but not as funny or savvy or likeable. She just seemed kind of dumb and did embarrassing things. I couldn't tell if she was supposed to be 18 or 19 or older (til she says she's 28 towards the end). She couldn't figure something out that was pretty obvious. Keeping characters straight was confusing. N I won't continue the series.
Felt like Lacey is a Stephanie Plum wannabe but not as funny or savvy or likeable. She just seemed kind of dumb and did embarrassing things. I couldn't tell if she was supposed to be 18 or 19 or older (til she says she's 28 towards the end). She couldn't figure something out that was pretty obvious. Keeping characters straight was confusing. N I won't continue the series.
February 1, 2018
What caught my eye about this book wasn't only the premise, it was the author's name. There just aren't as many Gina's out there as you think there would be.
Secondly, and more importantly, I like a good laugh and this delivers. For example, check out the main character's resume as it appears on Amazon:
LACEY LUZZI RESUME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT: MOBSTER (in training)
2 YEARS: LAUNDROMAT WENCH
TOO MANY YEARS: MANAGER AT STRIP CLUB
1 NIGHT: MISERABLY FAILED STRIPPER
8TH GRADE – SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
You have to admit - that grabbed your attention, right? It made you smile, come on, admit it. Laundromat wench? Any one of us who has had a washing machine break down and finds themselves trudging to the local Suds Your Duds joint knows it's not much fun. Inside you'll find people folding worn undies, gray socks, thousands of onesies, and fighting with fitted sheets. I maintain that folding a fitted sheet qualifies as cardiac exercise. It's guaranteed to raise your heart beat and probably piss you off. I digress....laundry wenches - we can all relate to that, even the guys among us.
When you read about the extreme highs and lows in Lacey's life, you'll appreciate the mundane task of doing laundry.
Secondly, and more importantly, I like a good laugh and this delivers. For example, check out the main character's resume as it appears on Amazon:
LACEY LUZZI RESUME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT: MOBSTER (in training)
2 YEARS: LAUNDROMAT WENCH
TOO MANY YEARS: MANAGER AT STRIP CLUB
1 NIGHT: MISERABLY FAILED STRIPPER
8TH GRADE – SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
You have to admit - that grabbed your attention, right? It made you smile, come on, admit it. Laundromat wench? Any one of us who has had a washing machine break down and finds themselves trudging to the local Suds Your Duds joint knows it's not much fun. Inside you'll find people folding worn undies, gray socks, thousands of onesies, and fighting with fitted sheets. I maintain that folding a fitted sheet qualifies as cardiac exercise. It's guaranteed to raise your heart beat and probably piss you off. I digress....laundry wenches - we can all relate to that, even the guys among us.
When you read about the extreme highs and lows in Lacey's life, you'll appreciate the mundane task of doing laundry.
July 11, 2023
Lacey Luzzi grew up with a single mother who worked as a stripper so she would leave no paper trail. When she died, Luzzi did some research and found out she was a mafia granddaughter. All of that happened before this book opens, so I've spoiled absolutely nothing.
Lacey is employed by her grandfather as a low level look out and is barely making ends meet, when she gets a chance to move on up a bit. This is billed as a humorous cozy mystery, so I suppose it is. While it is funny at times, and I might read another for a reading challenge, this isn't anything at all mentally challenging and Lacey is often TSTL--sort of like horror movie dumb woman meets mafia comic action. It was a easy read, I'll give it that, and I am rounding it up to 3 stars.
Lacey is employed by her grandfather as a low level look out and is barely making ends meet, when she gets a chance to move on up a bit. This is billed as a humorous cozy mystery, so I suppose it is. While it is funny at times, and I might read another for a reading challenge, this isn't anything at all mentally challenging and Lacey is often TSTL--sort of like horror movie dumb woman meets mafia comic action. It was a easy read, I'll give it that, and I am rounding it up to 3 stars.
September 22, 2016
Sad
This series was compared to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum...well, it's a sad ripoff. LaManna should be ashamed... Never was there a more inept heroine...could be developed into an interesting series but please make Lacey capable of something worthwhile. And this really wasn't funny... Stephanie and her family make me laugh out loud. There wasn't a funny line or situation in this whole book... I'm sorry I've already purchased the next installment. Please don't expect this to live up to the Stephanie Plum standard; you'll be disappointed.
This series was compared to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum...well, it's a sad ripoff. LaManna should be ashamed... Never was there a more inept heroine...could be developed into an interesting series but please make Lacey capable of something worthwhile. And this really wasn't funny... Stephanie and her family make me laugh out loud. There wasn't a funny line or situation in this whole book... I'm sorry I've already purchased the next installment. Please don't expect this to live up to the Stephanie Plum standard; you'll be disappointed.
February 2, 2015
Uh... no
I felt this character was too similar to the Stephanie Plum -Janet Evanovich series. Unfortunately it came off as a cheap read for me. Very generic and predictable. I wanted to like this book but ended up feeling like that's 4 hours I won't be getting back. If you've ever read Janet's books with Stephanie's character, you would notice the similarities. It was just plain bad.
I felt this character was too similar to the Stephanie Plum -Janet Evanovich series. Unfortunately it came off as a cheap read for me. Very generic and predictable. I wanted to like this book but ended up feeling like that's 4 hours I won't be getting back. If you've ever read Janet's books with Stephanie's character, you would notice the similarities. It was just plain bad.
July 4, 2025
Ok guys this is a review for the entire series 😅.
🎧 I did the audios (which was such a mess and highly disappointing) so
I’m gonna break down this whole series without any major plot spoilers but this will have relationship spoilers and the series character progression spoilers.
I wanted a good long audio series. It was my main reason for picking this up!
Overall this was..
Romcom
Suspend disbelief
Silly antics
Mafia family- but also not really done well
Over the top antics
Light and mostly fun listening
Cozy mystery
Crazy reacurring side characters
‼️Book 1-3….
🎧audio was good w a narrator who did voices and personalities.
The first 3 books was hard for the romance. I didn’t like that she was dating OP and that Anthony was wishy washy. I also would have liked confirmation that he wasn’t dating and hooking up w OW.
I didn’t enjoy the weird way the author tried to write a love and romance. She dragged it out way too much and not in a fun way.
😡Why is she still hooking up w her looser ex!
And why is the H waiting so long and sending mixed signals for 4books??!!!
😡Also making the h pathetic isn’t attractive. She was legit in the next room while her ex he was hooking up w OW and she has seen him w a revolving door in his bed. Why is she still hooking up w him in book 3 when Anthony has told her multiple times he wants her and they have had more then one make out sess? It makes her come off as so gross and cheap w no self respect.
Way to much push and pull with Anthony the H. Makes him seem like a douche.
‼️ Book 4-
🎧Audio is the same and still good!
By the end we are finally getting somewhere with the romance! And FINALLY Lacy seems to be growing a bit.
‼️Book 5-
🎧HORRID! We went to VIRTUAL VOICE🫨 after having a great narrator w personality.
Also the story is FINALLY getting better and better and the romance was stating to get super sweet. So I was bummed about the audio big time!
‼️Book 6-
NO AUDIO AVAILABLE!!! WTF I did Alexa reading to me. What a freaking mess!
Also since the romance and story anew literally getting better w each book this is ruining my experience.
‼️Book 7-10-
🎧ALL VIRTUAL VOICE! 🫨 I guess it was better than Alexa reading it to me but WTF I mean this author really needs to get consistent with her audios.
The story was great though these were my fav of the series. We had character growth. Super sweet romance that I loved. And we got some fun storylines and mysteries. TO ME THESE BOOKS WERE THE BEST IN THE SERIES AND WHERE RHE SERIES PEAKED.
Such a shame about the audios! 😭😭😭
‼️Books 11- 12-
🎧BACK TO NARRATION! So great audios
But man the characters and the storylines took a plummet for me. Lacy was annoying me and so was Meg. Anthony turned into her useless husband. I mean he was head security for the mafia and couldn’t keep her safe! And Lacy was pregnant and putting herself in danger. I was annoyed. It’s not cute when you have real adult stuff happening to be acting like an immature child.
‼️Book 13-
🎧Back to ZERO AUDIO!
Fucking hell!!!!!! I mean really!? And I’m over it and ready for this series to end.
‼️Overall my experience of this series was def positive and I did enjoy the majority of the mysteries and stories.
I love the romance after book 4.
But to much stuff dragged to long w the characters and their growth and development.
The audios were a freaking mess! And had I known I wouldn’t have spent money buying the first 4!
By the time the series ended I felt sad to see it go but also ready. I did enjoy watching to romance bloom and grow and then get married and have kids but like I said other factors also made my experience less enjoyable to.
Overall safe.
Book 1-4 not really cause she is hooking up w her ex douche bag BF
No clue is Anthony is hooking up w OW.
After book 3 No OP at all.
Anthony never had serous GF
Lacy had plenty of experience and her ex bf wanted to marry her.
🍭🎂ALSO SIDE NOTE BUT NO GROWN WOMAN CAN EAT ALL THAT SUGAR! IT WAS OK AT FIRST BUT ANGUGE TURN OFF WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT!
Not cute just gross.
🎧 I did the audios (which was such a mess and highly disappointing) so
I’m gonna break down this whole series without any major plot spoilers but this will have relationship spoilers and the series character progression spoilers.
I wanted a good long audio series. It was my main reason for picking this up!
Overall this was..
Romcom
Suspend disbelief
Silly antics
Mafia family- but also not really done well
Over the top antics
Light and mostly fun listening
Cozy mystery
Crazy reacurring side characters
‼️Book 1-3….
🎧audio was good w a narrator who did voices and personalities.
The first 3 books was hard for the romance. I didn’t like that she was dating OP and that Anthony was wishy washy. I also would have liked confirmation that he wasn’t dating and hooking up w OW.
I didn’t enjoy the weird way the author tried to write a love and romance. She dragged it out way too much and not in a fun way.
😡Why is she still hooking up w her looser ex!
And why is the H waiting so long and sending mixed signals for 4books??!!!
😡Also making the h pathetic isn’t attractive. She was legit in the next room while her ex he was hooking up w OW and she has seen him w a revolving door in his bed. Why is she still hooking up w him in book 3 when Anthony has told her multiple times he wants her and they have had more then one make out sess? It makes her come off as so gross and cheap w no self respect.
Way to much push and pull with Anthony the H. Makes him seem like a douche.
‼️ Book 4-
🎧Audio is the same and still good!
By the end we are finally getting somewhere with the romance! And FINALLY Lacy seems to be growing a bit.
‼️Book 5-
🎧HORRID! We went to VIRTUAL VOICE🫨 after having a great narrator w personality.
Also the story is FINALLY getting better and better and the romance was stating to get super sweet. So I was bummed about the audio big time!
‼️Book 6-
NO AUDIO AVAILABLE!!! WTF I did Alexa reading to me. What a freaking mess!
Also since the romance and story anew literally getting better w each book this is ruining my experience.
‼️Book 7-10-
🎧ALL VIRTUAL VOICE! 🫨 I guess it was better than Alexa reading it to me but WTF I mean this author really needs to get consistent with her audios.
The story was great though these were my fav of the series. We had character growth. Super sweet romance that I loved. And we got some fun storylines and mysteries. TO ME THESE BOOKS WERE THE BEST IN THE SERIES AND WHERE RHE SERIES PEAKED.
Such a shame about the audios! 😭😭😭
‼️Books 11- 12-
🎧BACK TO NARRATION! So great audios
But man the characters and the storylines took a plummet for me. Lacy was annoying me and so was Meg. Anthony turned into her useless husband. I mean he was head security for the mafia and couldn’t keep her safe! And Lacy was pregnant and putting herself in danger. I was annoyed. It’s not cute when you have real adult stuff happening to be acting like an immature child.
‼️Book 13-
🎧Back to ZERO AUDIO!
Fucking hell!!!!!! I mean really!? And I’m over it and ready for this series to end.
‼️Overall my experience of this series was def positive and I did enjoy the majority of the mysteries and stories.
I love the romance after book 4.
But to much stuff dragged to long w the characters and their growth and development.
The audios were a freaking mess! And had I known I wouldn’t have spent money buying the first 4!
By the time the series ended I felt sad to see it go but also ready. I did enjoy watching to romance bloom and grow and then get married and have kids but like I said other factors also made my experience less enjoyable to.
Overall safe.
Book 1-4 not really cause she is hooking up w her ex douche bag BF
No clue is Anthony is hooking up w OW.
After book 3 No OP at all.
Anthony never had serous GF
Lacy had plenty of experience and her ex bf wanted to marry her.
🍭🎂ALSO SIDE NOTE BUT NO GROWN WOMAN CAN EAT ALL THAT SUGAR! IT WAS OK AT FIRST BUT ANGUGE TURN OFF WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT!
Not cute just gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2018
Funny and addictive
A great new to me series! Similar but not a copy of Janet Evonovitch by any means. Fun, action packed and filled with quirky characters!
A great new to me series! Similar but not a copy of Janet Evonovitch by any means. Fun, action packed and filled with quirky characters!
November 5, 2016
I found this author through an ad on Facebook. I read the first two books in her Magic & Mixology Mystery series, which was touted as a cross between Stephanie Plum and Harry Potter. (It's not but that's a different review.) I didn't hate them so I decided to take a chance on her other books. The premise of this story seemed to have promise, I admit to being a bit of a sucker for the Stephanie Plum-ish type heroine, and the entire series is on Kindle Unlimited (the main selling point), so I gave it a try.
I actually got 67% through the book before I gave it up. Driving a crappy car, having a crappy job you are completely inept at, and liking doughnuts does not make one Stephanie Plum. Or even a very pale imitation in this case. The book tries very hard to be funny. It fails. There are some funny moments but I'm hard pressed right now to remember what they were.
The main character, Lacey, isn't particularly likeable; the backstory is weird and somewhat confusing at times. Her mom runs away from her family so that her daughter won't grow up around the Mafia but she's a stripper. So yeah, that's an interesting life choice. After the mom dies, Lacey tracks down her mob-boss grandpa and goes to work for him. And somehow her dead mom's nipple tassles end up hanging in the hallway of her grandparent's home.
As for the actual storyline... Every hot guy Lacey meets wants to date her and she lives with her roommate/cousin in a crappy apartment that neither of them ever clean. Throw in some Russians, a white panel van, a yellow sweatshirt, a spray painted front step, and a drunken batch of chocolate chip cookies, and basically that's the story. Wait, did that not make sense? Good, that's exactly how the book feels so I described it correctly.
I kept reading thinking that it would get better and because I felt like I wanted to know who did it. But then I realized two things: 1. It wasn't going to get better, and 2. I didn't care who did it. I didn't pay for the book (thank you, sweet baby Jesus in the manger) but I kind of feel like I deserve a refund anyway.
I actually got 67% through the book before I gave it up. Driving a crappy car, having a crappy job you are completely inept at, and liking doughnuts does not make one Stephanie Plum. Or even a very pale imitation in this case. The book tries very hard to be funny. It fails. There are some funny moments but I'm hard pressed right now to remember what they were.
The main character, Lacey, isn't particularly likeable; the backstory is weird and somewhat confusing at times. Her mom runs away from her family so that her daughter won't grow up around the Mafia but she's a stripper. So yeah, that's an interesting life choice. After the mom dies, Lacey tracks down her mob-boss grandpa and goes to work for him. And somehow her dead mom's nipple tassles end up hanging in the hallway of her grandparent's home.
As for the actual storyline... Every hot guy Lacey meets wants to date her and she lives with her roommate/cousin in a crappy apartment that neither of them ever clean. Throw in some Russians, a white panel van, a yellow sweatshirt, a spray painted front step, and a drunken batch of chocolate chip cookies, and basically that's the story. Wait, did that not make sense? Good, that's exactly how the book feels so I described it correctly.
I kept reading thinking that it would get better and because I felt like I wanted to know who did it. But then I realized two things: 1. It wasn't going to get better, and 2. I didn't care who did it. I didn't pay for the book (thank you, sweet baby Jesus in the manger) but I kind of feel like I deserve a refund anyway.
November 14, 2016
I purchased the first four books in this series, made it through 25% of the first one and returned them all. I so wanted to love this series - as I had been a huge fan of the Plum series by Evanovich that many suggested this was similar to. Um, no. While she lives in a dump, drives a rust bucket, and has a penchant for sweets, she is no Stephanie Plum. The protagonist in this book is an utter bimbo, throwing out silly (but not clever) retorts at every turn. I just couldn't get over her lack of self-awareness and some of the inconsistencies in her back story. I am currently reading LaManna's Hex on the Beach. Same kind of issue where she is so desperately trying to make her protagonists like Steph (to the point of her love interest being called Ranger X). But I digress. I had hoped for a cozy cute little mystery and got a clueless 20something trying clumsily to advance at a job she's completely inept at (but has because it's family).
September 3, 2015
I got a copy free from Amazon and I also received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. Well, I didn't hate it, but there were a lot of mistakes in the book a good editor would have helped with.
Lacey dumpster dives then climbs into bed without a shower?
Why does she refer to her grandfather Carlos' wife as Nora and not grandmother, did I miss that she may be a stepgrandmother?
You have to suspend belief that without any training, guidance or concrete verification of what the item that she is to find that she is sent on her mission.
At 16 she gets a necklace from her grandmother, but it said she didn't meet her family until her mom died three years ago when she was 26.
Chocolate box becomes chocolate bag.
The roommate/cousin with the bicycle shorts...ugh.
The story needed a lot more development.
Lacey dumpster dives then climbs into bed without a shower?
Why does she refer to her grandfather Carlos' wife as Nora and not grandmother, did I miss that she may be a stepgrandmother?
You have to suspend belief that without any training, guidance or concrete verification of what the item that she is to find that she is sent on her mission.
At 16 she gets a necklace from her grandmother, but it said she didn't meet her family until her mom died three years ago when she was 26.
Chocolate box becomes chocolate bag.
The roommate/cousin with the bicycle shorts...ugh.
The story needed a lot more development.
June 17, 2018
Funny with a whole lot of action and dashed of romance
Just recently discovered this author, but have thoroughly enjoyed her other books. This book was no exception! The characters were quirky and fun. The plot was interesting although twists to keep you turning the pages. I couldn't make myself set the book down and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Just recently discovered this author, but have thoroughly enjoyed her other books. This book was no exception! The characters were quirky and fun. The plot was interesting although twists to keep you turning the pages. I couldn't make myself set the book down and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 23, 2022
I don’t usually go for series.. this one was okay, a light, quick read but nothing that kept me hooked or anything substantial that made me want to pick up the book when I wasn’t reading. I’ll probably try the second book in the series when I need a light read
July 8, 2025
I picked this up cause I grew up and loved reading the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich and saw a referral to check out this series.
This just fell flat for me..since it was a quick read I got through it but it was predictability and nonsense over and over. I won't be continuing the series
This just fell flat for me..since it was a quick read I got through it but it was predictability and nonsense over and over. I won't be continuing the series
June 7, 2021
The mystery was easily solved but I LIVED for the characters and their messed up family.
November 28, 2016
Lacey Luzzi: Sprinkled by USA Today bestselling author Gina LaMamma is a cozy mystery series starring Lacey Luzzi, whose mom was a stripper and grandpa is a Mafia don. She’s obsessed with high-calorie snacks to sustain her and gets tangled up in a job for her Mafia family, many potential suitors, with lots of laughs and twists thrown in. It took me awhile to get into this read but I am blown away by how prolific and inventive Ms. LaManna is. She has 9 books in this series – all published since December 2014, and two or three other series that she is pumping out. Wow. What is her secret sauce? I loved the wry humor in this and the sidekicks Lacey has.
I picked up Sprinkled as a free featured deal on BookBub just over a year ago. Shocking that so much time passed before I read it. I know it was free because I can grab those but I can’t buy the $0.99 or $1.99 deals on BookBub (from Sweden/France I can’t get the Countdown deals). So on BookBub I only ‘buy’ the freebies, unfortunately. What I realized is that my Kindle is peppered with free books that I am less likely to read because they were free. But also because I haven’t gotten to know the author, if I’m honest. When I get to know an author even through FB or Twitter I’m more likely to take the time to read their book. Engagement, huh?
A short time ago, I decided to read all of my freebies. Would you like to, too? Let’s start a #readyourfreebies movement because I think there are a ton of high-quality reads in our Kindles. I think we’ve all ended up accumulating a stack of TBR’s – to-be-reads. We click “Want to Read” on GoodReads but never remember to go back and buy or read those books. It feels good to start on those freebies. Great reading karma….!
I’m glad I read Sprinkled. I’ll read more of Gina LaManna’s work because a) I love how prolific she is, that’s inspiring, b) I enjoy reading something lighter and funny in between reading more chilling books and c) I enjoyed Lacey Luzzi as a character.
I picked up Sprinkled as a free featured deal on BookBub just over a year ago. Shocking that so much time passed before I read it. I know it was free because I can grab those but I can’t buy the $0.99 or $1.99 deals on BookBub (from Sweden/France I can’t get the Countdown deals). So on BookBub I only ‘buy’ the freebies, unfortunately. What I realized is that my Kindle is peppered with free books that I am less likely to read because they were free. But also because I haven’t gotten to know the author, if I’m honest. When I get to know an author even through FB or Twitter I’m more likely to take the time to read their book. Engagement, huh?
A short time ago, I decided to read all of my freebies. Would you like to, too? Let’s start a #readyourfreebies movement because I think there are a ton of high-quality reads in our Kindles. I think we’ve all ended up accumulating a stack of TBR’s – to-be-reads. We click “Want to Read” on GoodReads but never remember to go back and buy or read those books. It feels good to start on those freebies. Great reading karma….!
I’m glad I read Sprinkled. I’ll read more of Gina LaManna’s work because a) I love how prolific she is, that’s inspiring, b) I enjoy reading something lighter and funny in between reading more chilling books and c) I enjoyed Lacey Luzzi as a character.
March 9, 2016
AUDIBLE AUDIOBOOK EDITION. http://audiothing.blogspot.com.au
MY REVIEW
This is not quite your usual cozy, I would guess that if there is such a genre as "Chick Lit Cozy" then this fits the bill just perfectly. The author has written a story about young women and for (in my opinion) young women which, unfortunately, counts me out! This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, I did, but, well, you know, the ways of young women can be so irritating to old fogeys like me. Our heroine and her sidekick live a fast paced, on the edge, pull out all the stops, risk taking lifestyle. I don't think they quite meant to, but that makes it all the more adventuresome and funny. Quite a clever, well written storyline full of steam (the lovin' kind) and humourous situations that can only come from a fertile and imaginative mind. Not my kind of book, but only because, in my opinion, it is aimed at a younger demographic. I can't mark it down because of that though. Highly recommended for those who love a bit of chick lit spiced up with a bit of steamy action and adventure.
NARRATION
Great narration by Caitlin Kelly whose style is just perfect for this type of story, she captures the youthful, exuberant and chirpy style of the protagonist just right. She also captured the humour in the storyline. Her pacing and rhythm again, perfectly matched the style of the story. Good job done.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
MY REVIEW
This is not quite your usual cozy, I would guess that if there is such a genre as "Chick Lit Cozy" then this fits the bill just perfectly. The author has written a story about young women and for (in my opinion) young women which, unfortunately, counts me out! This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, I did, but, well, you know, the ways of young women can be so irritating to old fogeys like me. Our heroine and her sidekick live a fast paced, on the edge, pull out all the stops, risk taking lifestyle. I don't think they quite meant to, but that makes it all the more adventuresome and funny. Quite a clever, well written storyline full of steam (the lovin' kind) and humourous situations that can only come from a fertile and imaginative mind. Not my kind of book, but only because, in my opinion, it is aimed at a younger demographic. I can't mark it down because of that though. Highly recommended for those who love a bit of chick lit spiced up with a bit of steamy action and adventure.
NARRATION
Great narration by Caitlin Kelly whose style is just perfect for this type of story, she captures the youthful, exuberant and chirpy style of the protagonist just right. She also captured the humour in the storyline. Her pacing and rhythm again, perfectly matched the style of the story. Good job done.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
July 9, 2015
I want more!
I have always been a late bloomer, but sometimes it works in your favor. I can now go straight into Book 2 without having to wait!
My book buddies have been raving about this series to me for a while and I have been meaning to start it but my TBR list kept getting longer. But better late than never!
Lacey is one funny gal. She gets herself into all sorts of trouble. She has some great friends to help her out, one being a hot bodyguard, oops I mean trainer. Lacey has joined the family business, and I mean The Family! Her grandfather is the head of the mafia. In this first book, Lacey is given her first job, to find the stolen goods, the good stuff. If she only knew what that meant. There are a few hilarious moments on the road to recover the items, it is not an easy job, but Lacey is determined to make her grandfather proud.
If you like your books to have humor, romance and mystery, you are going to love this series. Don't be a dummy like me, get straight in to them.
Thank you Gina LaManna for an awesome book.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.
I have always been a late bloomer, but sometimes it works in your favor. I can now go straight into Book 2 without having to wait!
My book buddies have been raving about this series to me for a while and I have been meaning to start it but my TBR list kept getting longer. But better late than never!
Lacey is one funny gal. She gets herself into all sorts of trouble. She has some great friends to help her out, one being a hot bodyguard, oops I mean trainer. Lacey has joined the family business, and I mean The Family! Her grandfather is the head of the mafia. In this first book, Lacey is given her first job, to find the stolen goods, the good stuff. If she only knew what that meant. There are a few hilarious moments on the road to recover the items, it is not an easy job, but Lacey is determined to make her grandfather proud.
If you like your books to have humor, romance and mystery, you are going to love this series. Don't be a dummy like me, get straight in to them.
Thank you Gina LaManna for an awesome book.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.
September 26, 2015
Couldn't finish the first chapter.
This was a big "no" for me. In order of wrongness, I'd say 1) your mother spent her whole life working as a stripper to protect you from your mafia family so now that she's dead you immediately go get criminally involved with them, and that's supposed to be funny? And 2) your requisite loud, big-boobed fat friend who talks in an exaggerated dialect about food all the time and throws herself on a bag of garbage, that's supposed to be funny? Haha, you might have mustard on your butt. That might be noodles. So funny.
This might be great and "humorous" for you, but I'll beware next time I see all the gushing comparisons to Stephanie Plum; they really mean badly drawn caricature of Stephanie Plum. And she wasn't a mob killer so she was actually likable..
I'm feeling extra generous giving this two stars.
This was a big "no" for me. In order of wrongness, I'd say 1) your mother spent her whole life working as a stripper to protect you from your mafia family so now that she's dead you immediately go get criminally involved with them, and that's supposed to be funny? And 2) your requisite loud, big-boobed fat friend who talks in an exaggerated dialect about food all the time and throws herself on a bag of garbage, that's supposed to be funny? Haha, you might have mustard on your butt. That might be noodles. So funny.
This might be great and "humorous" for you, but I'll beware next time I see all the gushing comparisons to Stephanie Plum; they really mean badly drawn caricature of Stephanie Plum. And she wasn't a mob killer so she was actually likable..
I'm feeling extra generous giving this two stars.
August 7, 2015
A Witty Cozy mystery...
I received this audiobook as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. I found this book "Sprinkled" to be witty and quite hilarious at times, along with being a cozy mystery. It is well written & has lots of danger at the same time. This book even has the mafia in it. There was a segment about beeches (not a typo) that had me roflmao!
The author, Gina LaManna did a great job writing this book. it is thoroughly entertaining. The plot is fantastic and I would never have guessed the ending! The narrator, Caitlin Kelly did a fine job delivering this story to us. I loved all her voices and found her Russian accents to be very good! Great job to you both!
I received this audiobook as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. I found this book "Sprinkled" to be witty and quite hilarious at times, along with being a cozy mystery. It is well written & has lots of danger at the same time. This book even has the mafia in it. There was a segment about beeches (not a typo) that had me roflmao!
The author, Gina LaManna did a great job writing this book. it is thoroughly entertaining. The plot is fantastic and I would never have guessed the ending! The narrator, Caitlin Kelly did a fine job delivering this story to us. I loved all her voices and found her Russian accents to be very good! Great job to you both!
November 8, 2018
** I was given a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review **
This was soooooooo much fun, I enjoyed it immensely!!! The story, the narration, ALL OF IT!!!! Lacey is an Italian girl who has a mob related family....there not bad so much as kind of over whelming...she finally gets her chance to do a big job, and hi-jinks in-sue! She meets all kinds of funny characters a long the way..and really is clueless who to trust...but he gets it done in the end!! GREAT LISTEN....i TOTALLY NEED BOOK 2!!
Thank You, Audiobookblast(dot)com
LOVED IT A SECOND TIME TOO!!!
This was soooooooo much fun, I enjoyed it immensely!!! The story, the narration, ALL OF IT!!!! Lacey is an Italian girl who has a mob related family....there not bad so much as kind of over whelming...she finally gets her chance to do a big job, and hi-jinks in-sue! She meets all kinds of funny characters a long the way..and really is clueless who to trust...but he gets it done in the end!! GREAT LISTEN....i TOTALLY NEED BOOK 2!!
Thank You, Audiobookblast(dot)com
LOVED IT A SECOND TIME TOO!!!
August 29, 2015
Funny
This was cute, fun, fluff. Just what I needed after a long miserable week. Sometimes you just a good cozy with whacky characters to put a smile on your face. This book will do just that.
This was cute, fun, fluff. Just what I needed after a long miserable week. Sometimes you just a good cozy with whacky characters to put a smile on your face. This book will do just that.
January 8, 2017
If you're a fan of Janet Evanochich's "Stephanie Plum" series, then you'll also enjoy this book. It's strikingly similar: Italian family connections (check), danger (check), lack of skills (check), love of sweets (check), overweight sidekick (check), sexual innuendo (check)...
May 29, 2020
So I originally tried reading this book and couldn’t get past the first chapter, so I decided to give another try and at least read the 2nd chapter before quitting. Well I ended up reading the whole book and getting the rest of the series. So good !
April 11, 2015
The cover drew me in and the plot had me interested. I loved this book. Hilarious and well written!
July 19, 2023
I don't remember how I found out about the Lacey Luzzi series. It was probably a recommendation during the time I was reading Hope Callaghan's "Made in Savannah" series which is about a Family (there's a reason that's with a capital F *wink).
I have a very long list of books and series to read and as a note next to Lacey Luzzi's, I put "Mafia chick cozy series". I do like when a woman is packing heat and is an all around bada$$. However, upon reading this book I've discovered Lacey doesn't carry a gun. That's ok though, because she's got her big mouth that tends to get her out of trouble (but more often INTO Trouble). Don't worry about her though, because she's got her Bestie, Meg who has her back whenever she needs! Here's an excerpt from when Lacey calls Meg and I feel it attests to exactly how good of a friend Meg is:
“Megggggggg,” I drawled as she picked up. “Guess where I’m at?”
Meg: “Drunk town. I’ll come get you. Gimme an address.”
Meg is a person who drops everything whenever Lacey calls or drops by to ask if she can serve as backup. Backup?, you may ask. Yes, because Lacey often races into disaster headfirst without thought of what the outcome may be. And as I mentioned, she's got a big mouth so you just never know if her next adventure will be her last. Meg is a "retired" cop (more like she was fired for roughing up people one too many times while on duty) who isn't afraid of anything or anyone and she knows all about Lacey and how she earns her money and Meg is always more than happy to be a sidekick... an armed sidekick.
Lacey is given an... assignment by her Grandfather Carlos (he's a Don) to find the "good stuff" that someone stole from him. During her investigation, Lacey meets 3 men that are essentially "clues" that will ultimately get her to her goal of finding the "Good Stuff". Three very hot men. Three men she has lustful thoughts about, but she tells Carlos she has accepted dates from two of them so she can research their history and present to find out if they'll lead her to the Stuff. She also wants to find out which one of the Three is a thief. She’s undercover. Well, she wishes she was undercover as in under the covers with one of the hotties.
The problem is, Lacey doesn't know what she's looking for. What's the "Good Stuff"?? Well, she assumes it's drugs, but she doesn't know for sure and during her search she runs into Russians and Italians and is shot at and she even sees a dead guy. Looking into the dead eyes of a murder victim doesn't seem to phase her. She's got the "It's simply the hazards of my job" attitude rather than freaking out like most people would when in the presence of a corpse.
Her home life: she shares an apartment with her cousin, Clay. Clay is a computer genius who also works for Carlos. She rarely pays rent and when she does it isn’t the amount expected (half). Clay is the one who always pays, but that’s because he makes a hefty profit from Carlos.
I can picture the shared apartment which I'm certain is dirty based on the description of the dirty dishes in the sink piled so high that they are referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the fact that on Lacey’s To Do List laundry is always on the top but never done is another sight that clothes must be all over the house.
I was actually going to skip this series altogether once I saw the 3-point something stars reviews, but I figured people like different things and having so few stars doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy the story. I also figured I’d just start reading and I could put the book down, mark it as Books to Read, and start a different book; however, it didn’t take long for me to begin enjoying Lacey’s wild life.
Next is Book 2, Sparkled. Now that two of the three men are finito, my hope is that Lacey will be spending more time with Third Time’s a Charm man Three. Plus, if this chick doesn’t get an outlet for all of her man drooling, I’m the one who will go crazy! She’s always turned on! But she hasn’t gotten any sessy out of her system yet and I think number Three will be a huge help. :-P
I have a very long list of books and series to read and as a note next to Lacey Luzzi's, I put "Mafia chick cozy series". I do like when a woman is packing heat and is an all around bada$$. However, upon reading this book I've discovered Lacey doesn't carry a gun. That's ok though, because she's got her big mouth that tends to get her out of trouble (but more often INTO Trouble). Don't worry about her though, because she's got her Bestie, Meg who has her back whenever she needs! Here's an excerpt from when Lacey calls Meg and I feel it attests to exactly how good of a friend Meg is:
“Megggggggg,” I drawled as she picked up. “Guess where I’m at?”
Meg: “Drunk town. I’ll come get you. Gimme an address.”
Meg is a person who drops everything whenever Lacey calls or drops by to ask if she can serve as backup. Backup?, you may ask. Yes, because Lacey often races into disaster headfirst without thought of what the outcome may be. And as I mentioned, she's got a big mouth so you just never know if her next adventure will be her last. Meg is a "retired" cop (more like she was fired for roughing up people one too many times while on duty) who isn't afraid of anything or anyone and she knows all about Lacey and how she earns her money and Meg is always more than happy to be a sidekick... an armed sidekick.
Lacey is given an... assignment by her Grandfather Carlos (he's a Don) to find the "good stuff" that someone stole from him. During her investigation, Lacey meets 3 men that are essentially "clues" that will ultimately get her to her goal of finding the "Good Stuff". Three very hot men. Three men she has lustful thoughts about, but she tells Carlos she has accepted dates from two of them so she can research their history and present to find out if they'll lead her to the Stuff. She also wants to find out which one of the Three is a thief. She’s undercover. Well, she wishes she was undercover as in under the covers with one of the hotties.
The problem is, Lacey doesn't know what she's looking for. What's the "Good Stuff"?? Well, she assumes it's drugs, but she doesn't know for sure and during her search she runs into Russians and Italians and is shot at and she even sees a dead guy. Looking into the dead eyes of a murder victim doesn't seem to phase her. She's got the "It's simply the hazards of my job" attitude rather than freaking out like most people would when in the presence of a corpse.
Her home life: she shares an apartment with her cousin, Clay. Clay is a computer genius who also works for Carlos. She rarely pays rent and when she does it isn’t the amount expected (half). Clay is the one who always pays, but that’s because he makes a hefty profit from Carlos.
I can picture the shared apartment which I'm certain is dirty based on the description of the dirty dishes in the sink piled so high that they are referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the fact that on Lacey’s To Do List laundry is always on the top but never done is another sight that clothes must be all over the house.
I was actually going to skip this series altogether once I saw the 3-point something stars reviews, but I figured people like different things and having so few stars doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy the story. I also figured I’d just start reading and I could put the book down, mark it as Books to Read, and start a different book; however, it didn’t take long for me to begin enjoying Lacey’s wild life.
Next is Book 2, Sparkled. Now that two of the three men are finito, my hope is that Lacey will be spending more time with Third Time’s a Charm man Three. Plus, if this chick doesn’t get an outlet for all of her man drooling, I’m the one who will go crazy! She’s always turned on! But she hasn’t gotten any sessy out of her system yet and I think number Three will be a huge help. :-P
January 15, 2021
I don't even know where to start with this book.
For the first couple of chapters, I thought that the book wasn't bad. I could see there was potential there and was almost excited to see where it would go next. Yes, the MC was a hot mess but I thought that as the book progressed that she'd settle down and things would get better.
I was wrong.
They got worse.
The MC is a raging imbecile and idiot. She is clumsy to the point of ridiculous. Think Three Stooges on crack. That's Lacey. She's also disgusting and has no morals. Hygiene seems to be an afterthought with her given that she can't be bothered to do laundry and make sure she doesn't smell. She doesn't clean her apartment, ever. The author acts like this makes her more interesting, it doesn't. She will sleep with any guy who gives her a glance. She's one of those too-stupid-to-live types. She can't see the obvious if it walks up and slaps her in the face. She's completely inept at her job or basically life. There is nothing likable about her because the author doesn't allow her any growth in this book.
The potential love interests were all controlling socio/psychopaths. Yes, even Anthony with his lies and his aggressiveness. Her grandfather is no better. All of this is supposed to be charming, it's not. Not even close.
Her friend Meg is the most disgusting of the bunch. The author takes great joy in letting us know how overweight and gross she is but she tries to hide this by having Meg state that she's owning it.
Speaking of disgusting, the MC only eats junk and sugar. I guess that's supposed to make her cooler or something?
I wasn't sure about reading a book that tried to make the mafia cute but I decided to give it a try. I regret not listening to my instincts. This book could have been good, if the MC wasn't such an idiot and the rest of the characters so unlikable.
2-stars because I actually finished this hot mess although I really wanted to give it 1-star.
For the first couple of chapters, I thought that the book wasn't bad. I could see there was potential there and was almost excited to see where it would go next. Yes, the MC was a hot mess but I thought that as the book progressed that she'd settle down and things would get better.
I was wrong.
They got worse.
The MC is a raging imbecile and idiot. She is clumsy to the point of ridiculous. Think Three Stooges on crack. That's Lacey. She's also disgusting and has no morals. Hygiene seems to be an afterthought with her given that she can't be bothered to do laundry and make sure she doesn't smell. She doesn't clean her apartment, ever. The author acts like this makes her more interesting, it doesn't. She will sleep with any guy who gives her a glance. She's one of those too-stupid-to-live types. She can't see the obvious if it walks up and slaps her in the face. She's completely inept at her job or basically life. There is nothing likable about her because the author doesn't allow her any growth in this book.
The potential love interests were all controlling socio/psychopaths. Yes, even Anthony with his lies and his aggressiveness. Her grandfather is no better. All of this is supposed to be charming, it's not. Not even close.
Her friend Meg is the most disgusting of the bunch. The author takes great joy in letting us know how overweight and gross she is but she tries to hide this by having Meg state that she's owning it.
Speaking of disgusting, the MC only eats junk and sugar. I guess that's supposed to make her cooler or something?
I wasn't sure about reading a book that tried to make the mafia cute but I decided to give it a try. I regret not listening to my instincts. This book could have been good, if the MC wasn't such an idiot and the rest of the characters so unlikable.
2-stars because I actually finished this hot mess although I really wanted to give it 1-star.
April 8, 2020
Sprinkled, the first book in Gina LaManna's Lacey Luzzi Mysteries, is an entertaining/action packed read. It is different than most cozies I've read because the heroine's grandfather is the Don of the Italian Mafia! Carlos Luzzi is actually the St. Paul mob boss! When Lacy Lizzi's mother dies, she looks for the family she's never known. She is soon sucked into a whirlwind of family history and twisted secrets. Lacey has some quirky sidekicks to fall back on. She lives with Clay, her 32 year old tech-whiz cousin, and her cat Tupac. Her best friend is Meg, an ex-cop who owns a bar called Shotz. Lacey works as the front desk attendant for the Luzzi Family Laundromat. Her grandfather gives her her first "gig". She is supposed to act as a lookout for a deal going down and make sure that the transaction goes smoothly. Turns out Lacey is a little inept! Later her grandfather tells her she can be operations manager for the mob. It is a no hands on gig, purely strategic involving investigating. The Russians stole 15 million dollars of "stuff" that she needs to rescue. Once she agrees to take on this gig, her life becomes an adventure in staying alive! This book is filled with humor and fun lines. "If his teeth were bowling pins, I'd be scoring a pretty solid game." "Hair more orange than a glass of Sunny Delight." After reading Sprinkled, I am ready to read more books in this unique series.
February 11, 2023
"Sprinkled" seemed familiar right from the start, so much so that the reason come to me in seconds - it's firmly rooted in the Janet Evanovich 'Stephanie Plum' novels, in particular those featuring Lula.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's been a decade since I read a Stephanie Plum book but I remember them fondly.
Lacey Luzzi only found out that she had a family after the death of her mother. Family with a capital 'F' - as her uncle Carlos is a Mafia crime boss in Minneapolis.
With no skills (she failed as a stripper, however she did win a spelling bee back in eighth grade) she's employed in a laundromat but, two years, later, gets promoted to a vaguely described junior management position in the illicit empire. The morality of what she is doing, or is prepared to do, is rather confused.
Like Lacey "Sprinkled" is nice, distracted, and almost completely random.
When she's given the task of recovering unspecified stolen items the mystery unfolds around her. She's just got a knack for being there when things happen and for meeting strangers who are, almost to a man, eye candy.
It's all too chaotic for my liking - this is the sort of book you need to be in the humour for and I definitely wasn't.
It's not a bad read but it is by no means a good one.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's been a decade since I read a Stephanie Plum book but I remember them fondly.
Lacey Luzzi only found out that she had a family after the death of her mother. Family with a capital 'F' - as her uncle Carlos is a Mafia crime boss in Minneapolis.
With no skills (she failed as a stripper, however she did win a spelling bee back in eighth grade) she's employed in a laundromat but, two years, later, gets promoted to a vaguely described junior management position in the illicit empire. The morality of what she is doing, or is prepared to do, is rather confused.
Like Lacey "Sprinkled" is nice, distracted, and almost completely random.
When she's given the task of recovering unspecified stolen items the mystery unfolds around her. She's just got a knack for being there when things happen and for meeting strangers who are, almost to a man, eye candy.
It's all too chaotic for my liking - this is the sort of book you need to be in the humour for and I definitely wasn't.
It's not a bad read but it is by no means a good one.
2.5 Stars, reduced to 2 Stars.
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