One Tequila

Althea Rose Mystery #1

by Tricia O'Malley

This is the original cover edition of ASIN: B0106QTOAO. The alternate cover edition is here.

Tequila Key is just like any other small town and I'm just like any other small town psychic. Scratch that. Tequila Key is a world onto itself and some people might think that I am one crayon short of the box.

And, if we're being totally honest, Tequila Key is just like any other small town – if that town boasts a voodoo priestess and a few white witches for flavor. Turquoise blue water and the best margaritas this side of Mexico make it hard to leave.

I'm Althea Rose, co-owner of Luna Rose Potions & Tarot Shop, and I've just stumbled into a love triangle while trying to save my best friend from being accused of murder.

See? Just like any other small town.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction

263 pages, ebook

First published July 16, 2015

About the author

As an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.

An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.

To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

For Goodreads....
I'm genuinely confused why this has so many good reviews. I don't think I've read anything so sloppily put together before. The murder mystery takes forever to start as we wallow in her "perfect life". I think it doesn't start until after 25% in, but the reason I finished this is because the book is so short. This is big on trying to be emotional, but mostly it's ridiculous.

The worst things that come to mind:

The relaxed surfer dude, who's a romance option, goes all jealous alpha male so early in the book that I couldn't help but think that the main character was just a moron for not realizing his true personality.

There's a drunk kiss to excuse cheating.

The main character is an annoying waffler when it comes to romance. Though to be sure. Chase apparently sprung jealousy on her, and is completely unlikable, so mostly I'm confused why she's attracted at all.

The murder mystery is horrible.

The villains, especially the one that was always the villain, are extremely horrible and eyerolling.

The police officer is stupid and annoying and is meant to be teeth grinding, corrupt, and make us hate someone and not trust the law and give her more adversary.

The magic was honestly stupid. It's not well defined, and things like gris gris charm are just mentioned and not explored at all. Like, you want your story to be organic, and I knew enough about gris gris to have an idea what they are in this world, but how are they different here. What is she using or abandoning.... give us some grounding in this magic so the spells at the end don't seem so ridiculous.

And those are just the big things.

So yeah, I wasn't too impressed. At least the last romance fantasy I read had a competent world building and a romance I could believe. Even if it was boring. This makes me appreciate that book more.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great light-hearted mystery that was a nice change from some other heavier books I have read recently.
Althea is a psychic who is best friends with a white witch, Luna. They live in a small coastal town called Tequila Keys where they live a happy and comfortable life. However, things soon start to go wrong and the ladies can sense danger is coming their way.
A lovely mix of mystery, paranormal, romance and comedy. I am looking forward to more in this series.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am not much interested in "magical stuff" I love this mystery. Althea and Luna are so different but complementing each other so well. There was a lot going on and I couldn't stop reading...I was hooked. Can't wait to read more in this series.

[Ricardo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more of a mystery but got it as dressing for a love triangle amidst the perfect independent woman's life by the beach. It was quick enough to warrant reaching the end, although the characters were mostly a sucession of clichés and the murder mystery itself was as deep as a grownup version of Nancy Drew. Got it as a freebie; wouldn't know if I'd feel cheated if I paid a few dollars for it. All in all, didn't feel like a waste of time.

[Snarktastic Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one in one sitting. Mostly because it was short. This is another one of those 3 star reviews that should not throw you off a book. It isn't great - but it is enjoyable. I enjoyed the relationship between Althea and Luna and the characters in this story. I did, however, feel that there was very little character development. There is a mystery - but I pretty much solved it. ;) Early. There is also a love triangle. Pointless love triangle. Or is that redundant? Which didn't happen until I purchased the book after reading the sample.

It is barely paranormal - definitely a romance. A little mystery. Enjoyable characters. Something to read when you are between series or just need something to entertain for a couple hours. The paranormal comes in in that Althea is a psychic and Luna is a witch. But, the world isn't paranormal - no one believes in these things.

I enjoyed it. Not rushing out to buy the next. But, I would if I needed something to read.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this series, but it just fell flat. The mystery didn't happen until almost 50% and it's a short book. Then with the time that was left only a little was spent solving the mystery. Most of Althea's thoughts were about two men. This book is romance with a love triangle period.

[Aimee Nicole Walker]

One Tequila is my first book by this author. There’s a lot I really enjoyed about the story. I appreciated the mystery but especially like Althea’s relationship with her friends. I’m not sure how I feel about the love triangle aspect, but I am committed to reading on to see how this goes.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this audio book quite by accident and ever so happy that I did! Althea and her best friend, Luna, run a unique shop in a little town called Tequila Key. However, it isn't just any shop as Luna is a white witch and Althea Rose is a psychic, albeit a hesitant one. The characters in this book are so very unique and diverse from their best friend who owns a bar and to the Voodoo Priestess that lives down the street. Toss in a murder, a love triangle and a little bit of magic and you have the perfect entertainment for the day! I've already downloaded the second book to listen to so I can see where these characters are headed next.

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted something light and easy to read after the previous book, which was depressing and awful. This book filled the bill, for the most part. There was way more romance than I expected (or wanted). And apparently the author loves scuba diving, so she felt it was necessary to go into excruciating detail about all the technical aspects of the equipment used for diving. Lots of skimming there. Also, it was incredibly easy to figure out who the guilty party was. When an author dresses a character up like a mobster, seriously, either it's a huge red herring or it's the villain. In this case he was basically assisting the villains.

I gave three stars because it was basically a fun read except for the descriptions of scuba diving equipment. It's a shame I didn't like it more. I would probably have read some of the other books in this series. Now I've got to find a new series that has less romance and a little more excitement.

[✴ Cindy ✴ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was barely mediocre. The characters were one dimensional and while the women were likable the two men vying for Althea's attention were not. Trace, her friend of 6 years is suddenly interested in her just when he hears that she has a date with a hot rich new comer to the island. Please... I'd tell him to take a hike. Obviously she watched him parade woman after woman around and now he's interested. I don't buy it.

I won't be continuing the series.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, another that has been on my TBR for awhile now. Always enjoy Florida Keys settings, ocean settings in general, and MCs with unusual occupations (in this case she had two such). She had a couple of awesome best friends, as well, and a cool love interest (I have absolutely no problem with romance in a cozy). Have definite plans to read the second one.

[Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Nook 'Free Friday'. Combining a murder mystery, love triangle, and witchcraft it was a harmless/mindless read. I honestly don't know how people can rate this a 5-star. Of those, I ask, how do you rate truly great literature?!

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of liked this... I kind of didn't. I like the idea behind the story but I really didn't enjoy the characters.

I will read on probably because they are free books but ehhhh.. I was hoping for a Stephanie Plum type book.. and it sort of was but it also wasn't.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good mystery, I hate love triangles, they ruin a good story for me. Ughh the mystery was good the constant angst over Cash and Trace just didn’t work for me at all and ruined the flow of the book (personal preference)

[Ted Tayler · Rating 2 out of 5]

"So mote it be"

This is the literary equivalent of easy listening. I keep trying different cozy mystery offerings in the hope that something excites me. When will I ever learn? Crammed full with the usual array of stock characters in a beautiful coastal setting, this version even has the added ingredient of magic to help things along. It had no chance of getting me under its spell.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. A cozy mixed with magic. This book has fun, adventure, good relationships and likeable characters. The mystery is good and involves the usual suspects for drugs, money, etc. What I most enjoyed was the combination of mystic aspects of the book (psychic, white witch and voodoo) with the adventure of diving and underwater photography. I will be reading more from this series.

[Ruth Caves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drugs

Interesting read. It's always more difficult to prove innocence than guilt, especially when the powerful are setting you up to take the blame for their misconduct.
Blend the occult, spirituality, sex, and drugs and get excitement!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging romance/mystery involving a "white witch" and a psychic who team up tp solve a mystery that the police are determined to pin on one of them.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun surprise this book was for me! My first book to read by Tricia O'Malley. The Althea Rose Mystery series, 9 books in the series. This series pushed so many "enjoy!" buttons for me. First of all, it is set on Tequila Key, a small Florida coastal town. The main character, Althea, is a renowned psychic, her best friend Luna is a white witch, and they share adjoining businesses in this quaint town. Add to it Althea's fun, loveable Boston Terrier named Hank (a great dog in the series, always a big plus for me). Then there is the good looking gay friend, Beau, who is the owner of a fabulous bar and grill - Margaritas! - I mean, how could it go wrong? This was an exciting murder mystery, and add a bit of magic, voodoo and witchcraft - and I loved it. I really thought the magical aspect might be off-putting to me, but instead it added to the fun. Who can't do with a little fantasy when they need it? What a fun series, I expect to stick with it! As long as the romance part doesn't get too hot and heavy... (shudder....) PS: added bonus: This series is on Kindle Unlimited.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled into this series and it is kinda a fun ride. For one thing it is free on my kindle and for another thing the premise is that in a small key in southern Florida resides a psychic, a White Witch, and a VooDoo High Priestess with an enamored pirate ghost bodyguard. What could possibly happen? Well lots so it seems . And all the men gay or straight are drop dead gorgeous if they are good guys. Quick fun read with the promise of lots more.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and breezy. I loved the Florida Keys setting and the magic was fun, but the mystery ended up being pretty lame and the love triangle felt too contrived. There were also some really cliched side characters- the gay best friend, the voodoo lady (and her slightly problematic way of talking)...

[Tina Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! Likable characters, interesting plot. I read it pretty quickly because I kept coming back for more! I will definitely check out the next one. If you like a good cozy mystery, this one delivers with white magic, voodoo, a psychic, 2 potential love interests and a dog. The fast paced story keeps you guessing until the end. Loved it!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Exciting first book of the series! Characters are complicated and intriguing. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

great, fun read

This book was such a fun read. I loved the characters and how real they felt. The storyline was great too, and it kept me guessing the whole way.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun light mystery/murder series. Kind of reminds me of Janet Evanovitch books. I'll try another one. Good beach read probably if that kind of thing is still done.

[Linda Reim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting the whole series from the library! Loved this! Caribbean, diving, fun book.

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a mystery with a little romance, comedy, and magic thrown in; it’s a light hearted book that’s easy to read. The main character and her best friend are a practicing psychic and a white witch, respectively. They are both best friends with a young gay man who owns a successful bar that brings a lot of tourists into town. Another young man, who runs a tour boat and dive service, frequently doing rescue work for the Coast Guard, is carrying a torch for the main character, and is none too pleased when a handsome young man shows up in town to compete for her attentions. Hijinks and mystery and danger ensue as they try to figure out who is behind a local murder, to keep the main character's best friend from going to jail for it. The setting is a small tourist town off the beaten track in the Florida Keys. Everyone knows everyone else, and also what you did last night before you even wake up the next morning. All in all it is a very light hearted and endearing read that will leave you feeling a little better than you did when you picked it up. I wouldn’t mind reading the rest of this series.

[Barbara K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just misses the mark

I wanted to like it. The book has a lot to recommend it. It is a paranormal mystery in the vein of Amanda M. Lee. I enjoyed the location, the plot and the characters - except the protagonist, Althea Rose. She ruined it for me. A beautiful daughter of famous parents, a business owner, a mind-reading psychic but she still acts like a confused teenager around men. Life threatening situations, dead bodies, nothing diverts Althea from her examination of "rippling muscles" and "electric" tingles when hands brush hers. It is lust at first sight with a total stranger, but she is shocked to realize a life - long friend has feelings for her. But once she finds out, she lusts after him, too. Who to choose? Who cares. Is it so hard to create a female lead who is confident and doesn't need a man protecting her? I am all for relationships, but, how about an adult, equal one.

[Kyjuliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the Mystic Cover series and Ms. O’Malley’s writing so when I finished I hoped on over and picked up One Tequila. I give this book 4.5 Stars. While I found this series not as heart warming as the Mystic books, it was a cute light hearted read full of quirky people and a little mystery thrown in for flavor and I enjoyed it enough to purchase the rest of the series.



This series is written in first person, and while I generally prefer third person there is enough dialogue to get to know all of the characters and who they are. Very nicely done.



Althea and Luna are fun and feisty, throw in a best friend who owns a bar, the most powerful Voodoo Priestess in the world and some smoking hot men and let the fun begin.

[Shego · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, it was a quick read, I liked the idea of it and side characters. I also liked the beach town, thought of psychics, and a town asshole. I just couldn’t get past both love interests being gross and honestly displaying behavior that is borderline abusive. One man had one date with her, and the other is her long time friend and is now making his interest known. Neither of these men are in a committed relationship with the MC. The two stars are for the dog, and Elva. I don’t care for men fighting over women they have no claim on, or drunk kisses and then declaring the woman can’t “blame it on being drunk.” 😒