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Paranormal in Manhattan #1
Wicked for Hire
Medical student Amanda Meyers thought she had her life all planned out until people started dying the moment they touched her. Being cleared of any wrongdoing didn’t stop the medical school from expelling her, and it didn’t rid her of the unfortunate nickname Grim Reaper.
Luckily, having a rep as the harbinger of death isn’t a total resume killer. Rick Rowling, Special Agent for the FBI’s Paranormal Cases Division recruits her to work for the Bureau. But the sexy, brilliant, outrageous loose cannon proves to be just as untouchable as the mysterious creature or creatures that may be responsible for the seemingly unsolvable murder that becomes their first case together.
Instead of treating patients, Amanda’s life becomes a test of her patience and a wild ride into the wicked paranormal world where her new boss runs the show. Together they face a ghoulish force that could destroy the entire city and a grueling family dinner that could leave Amanda contemplating harakiri.
It’s a battle of life and debt [student debt, that is] and saving the world has never been so funny.
Luckily, having a rep as the harbinger of death isn’t a total resume killer. Rick Rowling, Special Agent for the FBI’s Paranormal Cases Division recruits her to work for the Bureau. But the sexy, brilliant, outrageous loose cannon proves to be just as untouchable as the mysterious creature or creatures that may be responsible for the seemingly unsolvable murder that becomes their first case together.
Instead of treating patients, Amanda’s life becomes a test of her patience and a wild ride into the wicked paranormal world where her new boss runs the show. Together they face a ghoulish force that could destroy the entire city and a grueling family dinner that could leave Amanda contemplating harakiri.
It’s a battle of life and debt [student debt, that is] and saving the world has never been so funny.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
1588 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
February 24, 2018
The idea for the story was interesting, but the main characters were very poorly written. The guy was arrogant, unprofessional and a sexual harasser. Not the best qualities to be leading an FBI team (those were the only personality traits he had). The woman had no personality at all. The grammar and the structure both need a lot of work as well.
January 19, 2019
Is there an editor in the house?
This book was right up there with some of the worst writing I've come across. The author seems to be unacquainted with the niceties of English grammar. This extends to the differences between nouns and adjectives and proper use of prepositions. Much of the verbiage could have been left out and we'd have been left with better-constructed sentences. Certain phrases are overused and add nothing to the narrative. Nearly every page had some sort of problem.
NOT recommended.
This book was right up there with some of the worst writing I've come across. The author seems to be unacquainted with the niceties of English grammar. This extends to the differences between nouns and adjectives and proper use of prepositions. Much of the verbiage could have been left out and we'd have been left with better-constructed sentences. Certain phrases are overused and add nothing to the narrative. Nearly every page had some sort of problem.
NOT recommended.
August 21, 2017
My Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author's representative. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
I'll start with the cover since that's what gets your attention in the very beginning. I really am attracted by a great cover! The ones in this series are very good, too! But when you meet the star of the series in Chapter 1, she doesn't seem to match the gal on the cover. At least her description of herself doesn't match. The one on the cover is svelte, sassy-looking, and tall. Mandy describes herself as "5'4", and I'm a size of two--or maybe three--larger than her dress size." She was referring to Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games when she said her. Yes, the gal on the cover is wearing heels, but 5'4"? Okay, no big deal I suppose. It just seemed to bother me for some reason. But she certainly is sassy, and it gets her into trouble over and over. It's also 50% of the humor in the book.
The interaction between Mandy and her new boss is hilarious! Rick Rowling (yes, Rowling) is Good-Looking, Arrogant, Intelligent, and Wealthy. You noticed those were all capitalized, right? That was intentional. Everything about Rick is capitalized. Oh, he's also quite Taken with our Mandy girl. From the way she looks to the way the bad guys drop dead after she touches them. He just wants her to keep her mouth shut. Remember the sassy part? Their relationship is volatile.
The story happens so fast that all I can remember is their relationship. The story really is skimpy and needs fleshing out. Or is it just the vehicle for their fun and games? Well, I will have plenty of opportunities to find out because I bought all six of the books in the series based on the first book. Still, I only gave this first one three stars because of the sketchy story. No, there is no logic to that other than maybe I can't resist a sale. Even that doesn't explain buying six books you're not sure you will want to read. But I keep coming back to their relationship hijinx. Try this first book and see what you think. Ms. Smith's books are almost always on sale, I think.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
I'll start with the cover since that's what gets your attention in the very beginning. I really am attracted by a great cover! The ones in this series are very good, too! But when you meet the star of the series in Chapter 1, she doesn't seem to match the gal on the cover. At least her description of herself doesn't match. The one on the cover is svelte, sassy-looking, and tall. Mandy describes herself as "5'4", and I'm a size of two--or maybe three--larger than her dress size." She was referring to Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games when she said her. Yes, the gal on the cover is wearing heels, but 5'4"? Okay, no big deal I suppose. It just seemed to bother me for some reason. But she certainly is sassy, and it gets her into trouble over and over. It's also 50% of the humor in the book.
The interaction between Mandy and her new boss is hilarious! Rick Rowling (yes, Rowling) is Good-Looking, Arrogant, Intelligent, and Wealthy. You noticed those were all capitalized, right? That was intentional. Everything about Rick is capitalized. Oh, he's also quite Taken with our Mandy girl. From the way she looks to the way the bad guys drop dead after she touches them. He just wants her to keep her mouth shut. Remember the sassy part? Their relationship is volatile.
The story happens so fast that all I can remember is their relationship. The story really is skimpy and needs fleshing out. Or is it just the vehicle for their fun and games? Well, I will have plenty of opportunities to find out because I bought all six of the books in the series based on the first book. Still, I only gave this first one three stars because of the sketchy story. No, there is no logic to that other than maybe I can't resist a sale. Even that doesn't explain buying six books you're not sure you will want to read. But I keep coming back to their relationship hijinx. Try this first book and see what you think. Ms. Smith's books are almost always on sale, I think.
Read
November 28, 2018.
I was really looking forward to this find, a nice long paranormal mystery series, available through Amazon Unlimited. Unfortunately, I didn't get far into the reading of this book to determine that it is not for me!
I don't appreciate the profanity, immorality, grammatical errors, and lack of introduction of the characters from two distinctly different lifestyles, neither of which I can identify with.
Since I prefer my literary adventures to provide me with inspiration, humor, and H.E.A.'s - none of which I found in the parts I read of this book, I have chosen to skip this choice in favor of something more conducive to my preferences.
I was really looking forward to this find, a nice long paranormal mystery series, available through Amazon Unlimited. Unfortunately, I didn't get far into the reading of this book to determine that it is not for me!
I don't appreciate the profanity, immorality, grammatical errors, and lack of introduction of the characters from two distinctly different lifestyles, neither of which I can identify with.
Since I prefer my literary adventures to provide me with inspiration, humor, and H.E.A.'s - none of which I found in the parts I read of this book, I have chosen to skip this choice in favor of something more conducive to my preferences.
June 9, 2017
I really didn't enjoy this read. First of all, the book seriously needs editing. Less grammatical, that was okay, but the structure oh the whole storyline was just off. Way too many jumps back and forth. And boy does she think and tell us much, instead of showing.
But what really turned me off was the characterizations overall. One cliche after the other, no real emotions, most of the cast seemingly more a caricature than real people you can feel any sympathy with.
But what really turned me off was the characterizations overall. One cliche after the other, no real emotions, most of the cast seemingly more a caricature than real people you can feel any sympathy with.
December 7, 2021
Wicked for Hire is billed as a mystery. But there didn’t seem to be much in the way of solving a mystery about it. This seems to be primarily a vehicle for the humor and the romantic comedy angle. A fun book not to be taken too seriously.
Curiously, nearly every contemporary fantasy or paranormal mystery-type series I have read recently has some sort of agency or branch of the United States government devoted to keeping the paranormal people and creatures in line. In some, such as Drew Hayes’ Fred the Vampire Accountant series, or P.G. Alison’s Missy the Werecat, it’s a freestanding agency of its own. In others, such as The Nate Temple series by Shayne Silvers the paranormal cases are handled by the FBI, which has its own division devoted to solving crimes committed by or against paranormals. Evidently this Paranormal in Manhattan series is another such series, in which the paranormal crimes are investigated by the FBI.
Amanda Meyer has just been kicked out of medical school because three people died after she touched them. A guy named Rick Rowling showed up and convinced the police and the medical school that she was the “Grim Reaper”. Now he has convinced the FBI to hire her as his personal assistant. Since nobody else will have her, and since she has massive student loan debt, she is sort of forced to take the job.
Rick Rowling is an arrogant, insufferable know-it-all. But he is good looking, and that apparently neutralizes a lot of bad feelings. Mandy is a nice person, although just a bit clumsy at times. She is not the total bimbo she occasionally seems; her hard-won medical knowledge proves to be helpful in unraveling the case, which involves paint that turns into a people-eating monster.
Together, they solve the mystery. But what that mostly amounts to is Rowling telling Mandy – and anyone else who happens to be around – what has happened, why, and how. Without looking for clues, and apparently with hardly any other input. He drives Mandy crazy with his attitude. He would drive me crazy too. But, as I said, a bit of good looks must cover a multitude of sins. And there are a lot more books in this series. He must become less obnoxious eventually, as they later marry.
Curiously, nearly every contemporary fantasy or paranormal mystery-type series I have read recently has some sort of agency or branch of the United States government devoted to keeping the paranormal people and creatures in line. In some, such as Drew Hayes’ Fred the Vampire Accountant series, or P.G. Alison’s Missy the Werecat, it’s a freestanding agency of its own. In others, such as The Nate Temple series by Shayne Silvers the paranormal cases are handled by the FBI, which has its own division devoted to solving crimes committed by or against paranormals. Evidently this Paranormal in Manhattan series is another such series, in which the paranormal crimes are investigated by the FBI.
Amanda Meyer has just been kicked out of medical school because three people died after she touched them. A guy named Rick Rowling showed up and convinced the police and the medical school that she was the “Grim Reaper”. Now he has convinced the FBI to hire her as his personal assistant. Since nobody else will have her, and since she has massive student loan debt, she is sort of forced to take the job.
Rick Rowling is an arrogant, insufferable know-it-all. But he is good looking, and that apparently neutralizes a lot of bad feelings. Mandy is a nice person, although just a bit clumsy at times. She is not the total bimbo she occasionally seems; her hard-won medical knowledge proves to be helpful in unraveling the case, which involves paint that turns into a people-eating monster.
Together, they solve the mystery. But what that mostly amounts to is Rowling telling Mandy – and anyone else who happens to be around – what has happened, why, and how. Without looking for clues, and apparently with hardly any other input. He drives Mandy crazy with his attitude. He would drive me crazy too. But, as I said, a bit of good looks must cover a multitude of sins. And there are a lot more books in this series. He must become less obnoxious eventually, as they later marry.
October 13, 2017
A fun filled fantastic beginning to a must read paranormal cozy mystery series!
Playboy and ego driven Rick an FBI agent hires Mandy who was expelled from medical school for what they though was that she was the Grim Reaper who when she touched 3 of her patients they died all of a sudden. With many school loans to pay off, she reluctantly takes the job as Rick's assistant and the big boss of the FBI said basically her job was to keep control as much as possible of Rick and his unorthodox antics. This book is a fast read with lots of humor and angles you don't expect. Mandy's snarkiness and Ricks self-centerness class and is a challenge to Rick who seems to enjoy his confrontations with Mandy. I really enjoy this series and you should too if you like a light paranormal cozy mystery that you can breeze through and enjoy!
Playboy and ego driven Rick an FBI agent hires Mandy who was expelled from medical school for what they though was that she was the Grim Reaper who when she touched 3 of her patients they died all of a sudden. With many school loans to pay off, she reluctantly takes the job as Rick's assistant and the big boss of the FBI said basically her job was to keep control as much as possible of Rick and his unorthodox antics. This book is a fast read with lots of humor and angles you don't expect. Mandy's snarkiness and Ricks self-centerness class and is a challenge to Rick who seems to enjoy his confrontations with Mandy. I really enjoy this series and you should too if you like a light paranormal cozy mystery that you can breeze through and enjoy!
October 15, 2016
Wicked for Hire by Lotta Smith was a fun little story that introduces readers to Amanda Meyers and Rick Rowling. Amanda was cute and funny as she is trying to make sense of her life now that it has fallen apart. Rick is rich and egotistical; but he's also very smart and really does understand the paranormal side of life. I did wonder how Rick "found" Amanda and what his reasoning was for hiring her as his personal assistant. Especially since he's the one who tagged her with the nickname Grim Reaper. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 15, 2016
Funny
Was not sure I was going to like the book, with the closeness of the file similarity but it's was pretty funny. So I cannot wait till the next storyline, the male character is typical yet different and funny.
Was not sure I was going to like the book, with the closeness of the file similarity but it's was pretty funny. So I cannot wait till the next storyline, the male character is typical yet different and funny.
June 29, 2017
Lots of laughs
Clearly the "mystery" is just a vehicle for funny characters and situations. A police procedural this isn't, but there's a laugh on every page. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Clearly the "mystery" is just a vehicle for funny characters and situations. A police procedural this isn't, but there's a laugh on every page. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 24, 2017
I loved the book!
Amanda was expelled from Medical School + Labeled the Grim Reaper.
Now she is working for the FBA in the paranormal division.
Her new boss is Rick Rowling.
She does not what to make of him. ( Is he for real ? )
It seems that Rick Rowling has a reputation.
This was a fast paced read.
I loved the storytelling.
Great Ending.
Amanda was expelled from Medical School + Labeled the Grim Reaper.
Now she is working for the FBA in the paranormal division.
Her new boss is Rick Rowling.
She does not what to make of him. ( Is he for real ? )
It seems that Rick Rowling has a reputation.
This was a fast paced read.
I loved the storytelling.
Great Ending.
July 8, 2017
Cute cozy
Cute fun read with no hea (more of a cozy mystery), sort of a part one in a serial. Definitely would read series.
Cute fun read with no hea (more of a cozy mystery), sort of a part one in a serial. Definitely would read series.
October 14, 2019
Fun and fast story. I loved the interactions between Rick and Amanda. It made me think it was kinda like giving Beetlejuice an assistant!
April 4, 2020
Cute book wish there would of been more to it. Character buildup or history would of rounded out this short book.
March 22, 2017
Whoopie
Wicked was great fun. I enjoyed every minute of it. From beginning to end Wicked is a hilarious romp. Thanks.
Wicked was great fun. I enjoyed every minute of it. From beginning to end Wicked is a hilarious romp. Thanks.
September 12, 2017
4.5 stars - Short and sweet read that had me chuckling and grimacing! I enjoyed the small element of romance in the paranormal mystery. Interesting murder topic from the suspect - makes you wonder. An intriguing read for a rainy day!
June 6, 2017
A fun fast paced read. I enjoyed the characters, and their chemistry. Perfect story for some light reading.
February 13, 2018
Really fun and funny story
I enjoyed this story very much. The premise is a little unusual, the characters are interesting and there were some laugh out loud moments. Looking forward to reading more.
I enjoyed this story very much. The premise is a little unusual, the characters are interesting and there were some laugh out loud moments. Looking forward to reading more.
August 25, 2017
Great Unigue Story Comedic and Mysterious
Great read. Read this in one sitting. Could not put it down. The dynamic between Rick and Mandy is great. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Please read this story. I guarantee you will be hooked on the dynamics between the characters.
Great read. Read this in one sitting. Could not put it down. The dynamic between Rick and Mandy is great. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Please read this story. I guarantee you will be hooked on the dynamics between the characters.
January 11, 2018
Wicked for hire
I loved this book and I'm working on reading the whole series. Thank you for the entertainment and making me use my imagination
I loved this book and I'm working on reading the whole series. Thank you for the entertainment and making me use my imagination
September 23, 2017
This may be funny, but how would you feel if you knew that you worked for the craziest, most self-centered, egomaniac boss in the entire world? Would that make you frustrated? Afraid for your job? Annoyed all of the time? Amanda Meyers has it all made. She is a medical student, has a good life and knows that she will go far...that is until two people die right after she touches them. Then she is known as the Grim Reaper and can kiss her career in the medical field goodbye. That is how she ends up with the craziest, most self-centered, egomaniac boss in the entire world. He goes by Rick Rowling and he's a Special Agent the the FBI's Paranormal Cases Division.
At first, entering into this new world seemed like a joke. The Paranormal Cases Division? Who are they kidding? Better yet, where are the cameras? After meeting Rick, the one person who helped aide her with getting termed the "Grim Reaper" with a comment of his during the investigation of both deaths, he hires her and shows her around. The paranormal world won't stop for her so that she can learn the ropes first though. Immediately after joining, they have a case to solve involving heaps of clothing, teeth, bones, and odd disappearances. Can Mandi work with Rick or will she get fired in her first couple of days on the job?
Smith has a superb story-line and exceptional character development. All of her characters are fun and have playful personalities. The pace was absolutely terrific; it was fast-paced which made it really easy to fly through the pages. The plot is very creative and entertaining. If you are a reader of paranormal mystery and women's fiction, you may want to pick this one up.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by CLP Blog Tours, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a five-star rating for Wicked for Hire by Lolita Smith.
At first, entering into this new world seemed like a joke. The Paranormal Cases Division? Who are they kidding? Better yet, where are the cameras? After meeting Rick, the one person who helped aide her with getting termed the "Grim Reaper" with a comment of his during the investigation of both deaths, he hires her and shows her around. The paranormal world won't stop for her so that she can learn the ropes first though. Immediately after joining, they have a case to solve involving heaps of clothing, teeth, bones, and odd disappearances. Can Mandi work with Rick or will she get fired in her first couple of days on the job?
Smith has a superb story-line and exceptional character development. All of her characters are fun and have playful personalities. The pace was absolutely terrific; it was fast-paced which made it really easy to fly through the pages. The plot is very creative and entertaining. If you are a reader of paranormal mystery and women's fiction, you may want to pick this one up.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by CLP Blog Tours, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a five-star rating for Wicked for Hire by Lolita Smith.
April 8, 2017
Amanda goes to work for the paranormal division of the FBI. Working with her quirky boss, they set out to solve a murder. Very interesting characters and some bizarre happenings.
July 26, 2017
This was odd and cute!
October 7, 2017
Wickedly Entertaining
One of the most fun books I've read in quite awhile (and I read a lot)!!! Fast paced, entertaining and just the right length for a very enjoyable read!!!
One of the most fun books I've read in quite awhile (and I read a lot)!!! Fast paced, entertaining and just the right length for a very enjoyable read!!!
August 8, 2017
Wicked
Wicked certainly describes this book, as in wickedly funny!! Kick ass premise with humor and bite. Can't wait to start next book in this series.
Wicked certainly describes this book, as in wickedly funny!! Kick ass premise with humor and bite. Can't wait to start next book in this series.
February 3, 2019
I had no idea!
I really had no idea who the author really was but lo’ and behold my all time favorite! What a surprise! Great story that makes you fall in love with the oddball characters!
I really had no idea who the author really was but lo’ and behold my all time favorite! What a surprise! Great story that makes you fall in love with the oddball characters!
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June 4, 2019This is the second book I have read recently with a prologue that really wasn't necessary. It simple served to confuse me especially as it consisted of two totally disparate scenes, one in 'first person/present tense' and the other in third person/past tense.
The actual story -when i got to it -was in first person/past tense, which confused my brain somewhat, but I soldiered on, hoping for a 'cozy mystery' with a touch of the paranormal.
The problem I had was that neither of the main characters were in any way likeable. Rowling is just obnoxious. I guess he is meant to come across as quirky and slightly weird, but it didn't work for me. He was just plain rude and patronising. He may look like a Greek god, but if a man has zero personality, there's not to like about him. Mandy didnt really have a lot to say for herself and I never got the sense that her 'curse' had utterly devastated her life (as it should have done). It seemed to be more of an inconvenience.
I gave up at 49% having read through pages of info-dumps about tardigrades and a chap called Tremellius. Too much dull info, not enough plot.
Not rating at this moment in time.
The actual story -when i got to it -was in first person/past tense, which confused my brain somewhat, but I soldiered on, hoping for a 'cozy mystery' with a touch of the paranormal.
The problem I had was that neither of the main characters were in any way likeable. Rowling is just obnoxious. I guess he is meant to come across as quirky and slightly weird, but it didn't work for me. He was just plain rude and patronising. He may look like a Greek god, but if a man has zero personality, there's not to like about him. Mandy didnt really have a lot to say for herself and I never got the sense that her 'curse' had utterly devastated her life (as it should have done). It seemed to be more of an inconvenience.
I gave up at 49% having read through pages of info-dumps about tardigrades and a chap called Tremellius. Too much dull info, not enough plot.
Not rating at this moment in time.
February 15, 2018
This series isn't for me. Too incredulous, no world building and frankly, rather ludicrous.
December 17, 2018
I almost didn't finish as I was so annoyed by this book. The cardboard characters lacked depth. Mandy was cute, curvy and clumsy. Rick was rich, handsome and impatient, bordering on irresponsible. It's a shame because it's a neat idea for a plot but it seemed almost an after thought. Instead of trying to figure out why Mandy kills people with her touch, she's content to be led around doing a job she only took because she is drowning in student debt. A point made WAY TOO MANY TIMES! Perhaps the series gets better with each subsequent book. I won't know because I'm not going to read them. Especially after reading the preview at the end of the e-book.
September 28, 2016
Amanda Meyers has just lost everything she has worked her whole life for. She has been thrown ot of Medical School based on an ugly yet semi accurate rumor that she is death... No she isn't ACTUALLY death but the last three men she has tended to during her internship (all of whom happen to be disgusting humanbeings) have died after being touched by her.
Read the rest of my review here-
http://wp.me/p6xCpp-zU
Read the rest of my review here-
http://wp.me/p6xCpp-zU
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