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Brash & Brazen #3
The Sweetheart Kiss
Jess Lucas works hard at the all-female PI firm Brash & Brazen, and after a brush with death, she's determined to play hard too-preferably with a certain detective on the Ann Arbor police force... Jess was stuck at a frenemy's wedding, playing bridesmaid in a mustard-yellow monstrosity, when chaos erupted. First the bride's ex tried to stop the wedding. Then someone really put a damper on the big day by sending a bullet through a stained glass window and into one of the groomsmen. At least her ugly dress came in handy to stop the bleeding . . .
While the poor guy is rushed to the ER, Jess gets grilled by a gorgeous cop who's not thrilled to learn she's part PI and part pit bull. But he has to admit she's highly observant . . . and he observes that she's pretty hot, too.
The thing is, Jess was walking up the same aisle as the victim, and Sam suspects she was the real target. It's more than professional duty that makes him want to protect her-if he doesn't arrest her first for interfering in his investigation . . .
While the poor guy is rushed to the ER, Jess gets grilled by a gorgeous cop who's not thrilled to learn she's part PI and part pit bull. But he has to admit she's highly observant . . . and he observes that she's pretty hot, too.
The thing is, Jess was walking up the same aisle as the victim, and Sam suspects she was the real target. It's more than professional duty that makes him want to protect her-if he doesn't arrest her first for interfering in his investigation . . .
228 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2017
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Ann Smith
19 books201 followersA fan of historical romance fiction, author Cheryl Ann Smith combines a love of history and all things English to create stories that link both passions.
She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.
She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 17, 2017
4.5 Stars
My love of books started in grade school with The Nancy Drew mysteries. Mysteries are still the first section I visit in the bookstore. I can’t get enough. I enjoy reading them all, the dark, spine-tingling thriller and the light, fast-paced, amateur sleuths. The Sweetheart Kiss is on the light side with a good crime to solve, a budding romance and some funny moments are included for good measure.
The Sweetheart Kiss is the third book in the Brash & Brazen series by Cheryl Ann Smith. This is the first book in the series I read and I can confirm that the book stands on its own. It is so much fun meeting the Brash & Brazen characters that I immediately purchased the first two books in the series when I finished this one.
Brash & Brazen is an all-female private investigating firm that is the brain child of the very wealthy Irving. He recruited three cheerleaders and trained them to be top-notch investigators who form a solid team. The group is reminiscent of Charlie’s Angels with Irving as a more grandfatherly Charlie. The Sweetheart Kiss focus is Jessica (Jess) Lucas. She is not only the target of the crime but also the PI on the case.
The story begins with Jess as a bridesmaid for a woman she can’t stand. The bride-to-be stole Jess' high school boyfriend and Jess hasn’t forgiven her. The thing is Jess has a good heart, and the bride didn't have anyone else. As the bridal party enters the church, a gunman fires and hits Jess’ partner by mistake.
Detective Sam Wheeler of the Ann Arbor police is called to the scene. He knows the Brash PIs and butt heads with one of the ladies while on a prior case. He isn’t looking forward to working with another “ball buster” female PI at all--even if she is hot.
I like the characters, the plot, and, well everything about the story. Sam isn’t a man who gets into relationships. His house is immaculate and all male. He doesn’t bring women home because he likes the option of walking away on his terms. His home is his sanctuary. Sam was burned in the past and can't bring himself to trust women.
Jess isn’t big on relationships either. It's a shame these two are thrown together to solve this case. As hard as they try to keep their working relationship professional; things happen that make it hard to resist the attraction especially since Jess has been celibate for months..
The banter between Sam and Jess is well done with many funny moments as they build not only a smooth working relationship but also a personal one. I love how Jess invades Sam's bachelor space and makes him cringe by adding a feminine touch here and there.
Cheryl Ann Smith is a new author to me. She writes a nicely plotted whodunit romance with continuous action. The romantic sub-plot progresses at a consistently believable pace. I love the ancillary characters. They are some of the best I’ve read lately, especially the well-endowed “naked protestor.” They all gave me some laugh out loud moments.
If like me, you enjoy a fun, light-hearted mystery with romance you will love The Sweetheart Kiss . I am hooked on the series and look forward to reading more by Cheryl Ann Smith in the future.
4.5 STAMPS
My love of books started in grade school with The Nancy Drew mysteries. Mysteries are still the first section I visit in the bookstore. I can’t get enough. I enjoy reading them all, the dark, spine-tingling thriller and the light, fast-paced, amateur sleuths. The Sweetheart Kiss is on the light side with a good crime to solve, a budding romance and some funny moments are included for good measure.
The Sweetheart Kiss is the third book in the Brash & Brazen series by Cheryl Ann Smith. This is the first book in the series I read and I can confirm that the book stands on its own. It is so much fun meeting the Brash & Brazen characters that I immediately purchased the first two books in the series when I finished this one.
Brash & Brazen is an all-female private investigating firm that is the brain child of the very wealthy Irving. He recruited three cheerleaders and trained them to be top-notch investigators who form a solid team. The group is reminiscent of Charlie’s Angels with Irving as a more grandfatherly Charlie. The Sweetheart Kiss focus is Jessica (Jess) Lucas. She is not only the target of the crime but also the PI on the case.
The story begins with Jess as a bridesmaid for a woman she can’t stand. The bride-to-be stole Jess' high school boyfriend and Jess hasn’t forgiven her. The thing is Jess has a good heart, and the bride didn't have anyone else. As the bridal party enters the church, a gunman fires and hits Jess’ partner by mistake.
Detective Sam Wheeler of the Ann Arbor police is called to the scene. He knows the Brash PIs and butt heads with one of the ladies while on a prior case. He isn’t looking forward to working with another “ball buster” female PI at all--even if she is hot.
I like the characters, the plot, and, well everything about the story. Sam isn’t a man who gets into relationships. His house is immaculate and all male. He doesn’t bring women home because he likes the option of walking away on his terms. His home is his sanctuary. Sam was burned in the past and can't bring himself to trust women.
Jess isn’t big on relationships either. It's a shame these two are thrown together to solve this case. As hard as they try to keep their working relationship professional; things happen that make it hard to resist the attraction especially since Jess has been celibate for months..
The banter between Sam and Jess is well done with many funny moments as they build not only a smooth working relationship but also a personal one. I love how Jess invades Sam's bachelor space and makes him cringe by adding a feminine touch here and there.
Cheryl Ann Smith is a new author to me. She writes a nicely plotted whodunit romance with continuous action. The romantic sub-plot progresses at a consistently believable pace. I love the ancillary characters. They are some of the best I’ve read lately, especially the well-endowed “naked protestor.” They all gave me some laugh out loud moments.
If like me, you enjoy a fun, light-hearted mystery with romance you will love The Sweetheart Kiss . I am hooked on the series and look forward to reading more by Cheryl Ann Smith in the future.
4.5 STAMPS
May 25, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third in the series, and is just as good as the previous two! I would definitely recommend that you read them all, and whilst this could be a standalone, it is much better when read in order. This 'Charlie's Angel' like group of women are just so much fun.
The set up for this story with Jess in a truly awful bridesmaid dress in a wedding where she doesn't even want to be, then the guy in front of her gets shot, is just the start of the crazy. Lucky for Jess (and for Sam) Sam works out that she is the one who needs protection, and takes it upon himself to do just that - in fact they can hardly peel themselves off each other. The mystery is worth a read, let alone the super hot romance in the making.
For a really good fun and sexy read, pick up this book and enjoy. Thanks for another great installment, Ms Smith.
This is the third in the series, and is just as good as the previous two! I would definitely recommend that you read them all, and whilst this could be a standalone, it is much better when read in order. This 'Charlie's Angel' like group of women are just so much fun.
The set up for this story with Jess in a truly awful bridesmaid dress in a wedding where she doesn't even want to be, then the guy in front of her gets shot, is just the start of the crazy. Lucky for Jess (and for Sam) Sam works out that she is the one who needs protection, and takes it upon himself to do just that - in fact they can hardly peel themselves off each other. The mystery is worth a read, let alone the super hot romance in the making.
For a really good fun and sexy read, pick up this book and enjoy. Thanks for another great installment, Ms Smith.
June 5, 2017
Fun and fascinating story from a new author to me!
I don't usually go for the over-the-top type humor, but the author made it work here. It fit well with the characters, with the events, the crimes, even the culprits. The story is solid entertainment that held the enchantment all through the tale.
Jess and Sam seemed like total opposite at the first glance. Jess is brazen, loud, and determined to get her way. She is good at what she does, she knows what she wants, and she is not timid to go after it.
Sam is by the book detective. He likes order, peace, and quiet after demanding days at his job. He is not interested in a relationship, he does not want a partner, he does not want a roommate. But we don't always get what we want, we get so much more and better. Because the connection, the attraction, the passion stewing between Jess and Sam is hot, exceptional, and tangible. After awhile, they seemed to get each other, they center and calm the other, they fit well together, and they have fun with each other.
The odd attacks and harassment towards Jess are escalating and without any clues to take their case forward, all they can do it try to stay safe. Who is behind the attacks and malice comes as surprise, Jess and Sam really have to put an effort in to find the culprits.
I enjoyed the story immensely, the humor, the love, the adoration all were well bound together with the charming characters. The whole cast and crew are a lively bunch, amusing and enjoyable. I would recommend this book, and I am sure the whole series as well, to people who love Liliana Hart's early Addison Holmes Mysteries.
~Four Spoons
I don't usually go for the over-the-top type humor, but the author made it work here. It fit well with the characters, with the events, the crimes, even the culprits. The story is solid entertainment that held the enchantment all through the tale.
Jess and Sam seemed like total opposite at the first glance. Jess is brazen, loud, and determined to get her way. She is good at what she does, she knows what she wants, and she is not timid to go after it.
Sam is by the book detective. He likes order, peace, and quiet after demanding days at his job. He is not interested in a relationship, he does not want a partner, he does not want a roommate. But we don't always get what we want, we get so much more and better. Because the connection, the attraction, the passion stewing between Jess and Sam is hot, exceptional, and tangible. After awhile, they seemed to get each other, they center and calm the other, they fit well together, and they have fun with each other.
The odd attacks and harassment towards Jess are escalating and without any clues to take their case forward, all they can do it try to stay safe. Who is behind the attacks and malice comes as surprise, Jess and Sam really have to put an effort in to find the culprits.
I enjoyed the story immensely, the humor, the love, the adoration all were well bound together with the charming characters. The whole cast and crew are a lively bunch, amusing and enjoyable. I would recommend this book, and I am sure the whole series as well, to people who love Liliana Hart's early Addison Holmes Mysteries.
~Four Spoons
May 23, 2017
Jess was in a wedding she didn’t want to be in with a bride she didn’t like at all and had a headache the minute she put the very ugly bridesmaid dress over her head. Jess wanted alcohol and she had some at the bottom of her tote she had three minutes she just had to get rid of the groomsman # three. Jess knew she needed alcohol to get through Mandy’s wedding. Jess had just been through health scare but it had ended in good news. Outside of work Jess had kinda going along without a purpose. Her social life was boring and she hadn’t had an adventure in a very long time. After the scare Jess decided it was time to start living Jess hated Mandy at one time they had been friends but then Mandy had slept with Jess’s HS boyfriend- Darren-of two years. Then while walking down the aisle the groomsman ahead of Jess had been shot. Jess tried to stop the bleeding until the paramedics arrived. Then Detective Sam Wheeler took her to the bride’s suite to be questioned. Sam allowed Jess to change but saw her change because of a mirror. Sam couldn’t help but look and was now aroused as he felt Jess was hot. Jess worked for Brash & Brazen who were the pit bull of the P I trade. One of their P I’s had solved a case Sam was heading at the time. Then they discovered that if the flower girl hadn’t dropped her basket and stopped Jess would have been the one shot. When Jess stopped at the office Sam was already there and had talked to Jess’s boss but her boss wouldn’t make Jess stay away from the case then Jess found a knife in her tire and Sam pulled it out and kept it for evidence in the case and though Sam hated to agree with Jess keeping her close would help close the case since Jess was the person the shooter was after. Then Jess’s apartment was set on fire luckily Jess woke up as the fire detector had not worked. But then they found the batteries had been taken out. She ended up staying with Sam at his house. Then Jess got a dog from the pound who weighed about one hundred and fifty pounds but wasn’t a guard dog but she hoped the dog would scare off the sniper. Then her boss Irving was shot by the sniper. Jess was very angry and even though Irving was alive and had only been shot in his leg Jess loved him like a father /grandfather and someone would pay. Sam is attracted to Jess and even if Jess doesn’t like Sam she does think he is hot.
This was a very good story and I really enjoyed reading this. It did drag a little but still kept reading as it definitely kept my attention all though the story. This was a little predictable but still a good story. I loved that this story had a mystery as well as romance. I also liked the plot a lot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
This was a very good story and I really enjoyed reading this. It did drag a little but still kept reading as it definitely kept my attention all though the story. This was a little predictable but still a good story. I loved that this story had a mystery as well as romance. I also liked the plot a lot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
October 20, 2020
The Letdown Kiss
This is the third book in the series Brash & Brazen for authoress Cheryl Ann Smith. This series is about female PIs and how they meet their law enforcement or crime solving partners.
Here we find Jess Lucas being the tough PI and solving the case that has put her life at risk too. She didn't make that much of an appearance in the second book "The Sweetheart Game." So I was learning about her for the first time. I have not read the first book that involved Taryn that has made a regular appearance in book two and three.
Detective Sam Wheeler was also seen in the second series and was a great supporting character. In this book, he is cranky but cares a lot about Jess. However, as much as I enjoyed him in book 2, he felt slightly flat here. Although there are some good moments. There was so much character development that could have happened with his back story and the supporting characters but it was all left on the sidelines. I think the introduction of some sideline characters like Spike and Calvin took away from the story.
The mystery does not keep you on the edge of your seat but is pretty decent. There were some things that took me by surprise. What really made me a little peeved is that the editing was not done properly. There is mistake in that Heather was categorized as Taryn's sister instead of Summer's. And the Epilogue had a huge mistake with the pairing names. In addition, there are some small typos like the use of "where" when it should be "were". That took away from the enjoyment of the book.
In the second book, humour was a little too much and in this one it is very under rated. I hope the author has found a good balance. Also, there were some story lines that were not developed and could have added to the story to make it more robust. I bought these books as they were on sale and had a good description. However, my enjoyment was a little marred. I would give this one 3.5/5. Since I bought book 4, I will read it but I won't be reading this author again.
This is the third book in the series Brash & Brazen for authoress Cheryl Ann Smith. This series is about female PIs and how they meet their law enforcement or crime solving partners.
Here we find Jess Lucas being the tough PI and solving the case that has put her life at risk too. She didn't make that much of an appearance in the second book "The Sweetheart Game." So I was learning about her for the first time. I have not read the first book that involved Taryn that has made a regular appearance in book two and three.
Detective Sam Wheeler was also seen in the second series and was a great supporting character. In this book, he is cranky but cares a lot about Jess. However, as much as I enjoyed him in book 2, he felt slightly flat here. Although there are some good moments. There was so much character development that could have happened with his back story and the supporting characters but it was all left on the sidelines. I think the introduction of some sideline characters like Spike and Calvin took away from the story.
The mystery does not keep you on the edge of your seat but is pretty decent. There were some things that took me by surprise. What really made me a little peeved is that the editing was not done properly. There is mistake in that Heather was categorized as Taryn's sister instead of Summer's. And the Epilogue had a huge mistake with the pairing names. In addition, there are some small typos like the use of "where" when it should be "were". That took away from the enjoyment of the book.
In the second book, humour was a little too much and in this one it is very under rated. I hope the author has found a good balance. Also, there were some story lines that were not developed and could have added to the story to make it more robust. I bought these books as they were on sale and had a good description. However, my enjoyment was a little marred. I would give this one 3.5/5. Since I bought book 4, I will read it but I won't be reading this author again.
May 7, 2017
The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith.
The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith was a fun novel full of fun characters and hotness. While it was listed as a romance, which it was, it also had some mystery which allowed us to be introduced to a detective on the Ann Arbor police force, Sam.
Jess Lucas works for Brash and Brazen, an all female PI firm. She has been roped into a wedding ceremony as a bridesmaid and is regretting every minute especially with the nasty dress. As she was in the processional wedding march a bullet struck the groomsman and Jess was thrown into an investigation. It looks likely she was meant to be the victim and Sam goes into total male hotness overdrive and the next thing you know the situation between the two of them is total hotness factor times ten.
I enjoyed the novel and am delighted to know that there are two more novels before this one to enjoy. Obviously I did not read them in order and it didn’t matter. The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith was a good read!
The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith was a fun novel full of fun characters and hotness. While it was listed as a romance, which it was, it also had some mystery which allowed us to be introduced to a detective on the Ann Arbor police force, Sam.
Jess Lucas works for Brash and Brazen, an all female PI firm. She has been roped into a wedding ceremony as a bridesmaid and is regretting every minute especially with the nasty dress. As she was in the processional wedding march a bullet struck the groomsman and Jess was thrown into an investigation. It looks likely she was meant to be the victim and Sam goes into total male hotness overdrive and the next thing you know the situation between the two of them is total hotness factor times ten.
I enjoyed the novel and am delighted to know that there are two more novels before this one to enjoy. Obviously I did not read them in order and it didn’t matter. The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith was a good read!
July 12, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This is the third book in this series, I was not aware of that when I started reading, it can be read as stand alone, however I feel I should read others to familiarize myself better with characters. It was entertaining, at times far fetched, but it did contain a little of everything, romance, comedy, and drama. We have Jess who is the heroin and she was not a weak woman. Then we have a hot and sexy Sam. Jess is in a wedding from hell, in a horrible dress, when hell breaks lose, and in comes Sam, and story begins, I wont tell you, so you can read, but it will keep your interest. And, I do think there is another one coming, but who?
June 13, 2017
A lighthearted story with humor laced through...throw in romance and you have the perfect combination for a fun read. The third in the series has Brash & Brazen PI Jess chasing after a sniper with gorgeous cop Sam. Without having read the first two books in the series, I was able to catch on pretty quickly to the backstory of all the characters...though I would recommend reading the first two in order to catch the intricacies of those backstories.
This author is new to me and now has been added to my watch list (not in a stalkerish way) for her future books.
This ARC book is complimentary and provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This author is new to me and now has been added to my watch list (not in a stalkerish way) for her future books.
This ARC book is complimentary and provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
September 14, 2017
3 1/2 stars
After having read The Sweetheart Game and The Sweetheart Racket, I expected a similar read from The Sweetheart Kiss. Unfortunately the characters of Jess and Sam (who appeared in The Sweetheart Game) just didn’t have the same energy and spark as the couples of the preceding two novels and I didn’t feel as invested in their story.
Despite the fact that someone is stalking Jess and shooting at her from almost the very beginning of the novel, I didn’t feel the action picked up until later.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/09/1...
After having read The Sweetheart Game and The Sweetheart Racket, I expected a similar read from The Sweetheart Kiss. Unfortunately the characters of Jess and Sam (who appeared in The Sweetheart Game) just didn’t have the same energy and spark as the couples of the preceding two novels and I didn’t feel as invested in their story.
Despite the fact that someone is stalking Jess and shooting at her from almost the very beginning of the novel, I didn’t feel the action picked up until later.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2017/09/1...
October 23, 2017
The Sweetheart Kiss is the 3rd book in the Brash & Brazen series (but can be read in any order or as a stand alone)
This story focuses on former cheerleader Jess & the cop who is investigating a shooting at a wedding where Jess is a bridesmaid. The description of the bridesmaid's dress alone is worth reading book. There is also a massive dog & a hot naked protestor/protector.... just a fun, fun read
The author does such a great job creating unique & interesting characters. And the mystery part of the story is fascinating.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This story focuses on former cheerleader Jess & the cop who is investigating a shooting at a wedding where Jess is a bridesmaid. The description of the bridesmaid's dress alone is worth reading book. There is also a massive dog & a hot naked protestor/protector.... just a fun, fun read
The author does such a great job creating unique & interesting characters. And the mystery part of the story is fascinating.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 4, 2018
I love these ladies...and really like Jess, but this time the story sometimes works too hard to be funny! Which takes away from the story, the characters and the mystery. If you hang on past the silly-ness of Jess' "bodyguard," and the dog, the story picks up and gets better! Jess is an amazing character and love reading her HEA story. Yes, in spite of the "trying too hard" humor it is still a great read, and I recommend it.
May 9, 2017
entertaining and fast read with a feisty heroine in Jess and a hot romantic cop in Sam. I had not read the first two books in this series but I'll look for the next one because this is a happy and funny novel. Some of the madcap feels a tiny bit strained but I liked the characters. This reminded me of early Stephanie Plum. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
June 17, 2017
4.5 stars
I sound like a broken record, but I love mystery/romance. This is the third in the series and the first one I read. I like the whodunit and the characters especially the "well-endowed" naked protestor. The story has a lot of laughs, some angst, and great characters. I liked the all female PI team enough to buy the first two books in the series.
Full review on Badass Bloggettes:
I sound like a broken record, but I love mystery/romance. This is the third in the series and the first one I read. I like the whodunit and the characters especially the "well-endowed" naked protestor. The story has a lot of laughs, some angst, and great characters. I liked the all female PI team enough to buy the first two books in the series.
Full review on Badass Bloggettes:
May 5, 2017
This is a series that has just kept getting better with each new story. Great characters, interesting storylines, and sassy, quirky dialogue to add a little humour to the overall effect.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the series and the author's seamless writing style enhances every tale.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the series and the author's seamless writing style enhances every tale.
March 28, 2017
Sam just can't say no to his woman, “why not here?” She nipped his neck and hooked a leg around his. “We’re alone. Please, Sam.” How could he refuse? He tore at her clothes, and quickly realized she wasn’t wearing a bra..." I loved this book, Jess brought some chaos to Sam's life and the man really needed it.
April 1, 2017
netgalley
loved this book.
loved this book.
April 9, 2017
Jess Lucas is one very determined private investigator, especially after she manages to escape an attempt on her life. Luckily, the attempt disrupts her frenemy's wedding, allowing Jess to escape the horrible farce. However, this time instead of investigating alone, Jess finds herself teaming with Detective Sam Wheeler. Can they solve the crime without too much trouble while finding their happy ever after?
I have loved this series from the very beginning with the three women -- Jess, Taryn and Summer -- going from cheerleaders to private investigators and having to overcome the challenges they face along with the men they fall in love with. Challenges such as a difficult ex-boss that was out to hurt one of the women to solving an attempted murder case to finding who wants to hurt their boss. Each story delivers some really good twists and turns that kept me as a reader on the edge-of-the-seat, but this story had me totally ensnared with its action and suspense. So much so that I couldn't wait to see how Jess would manage to tick Sam off each time she did, so that he'd live up to the nickname she gives him.
As for the dialogue, it was intense and riveting due to the main characters back stories and the investigation into why someone would want to target Jess. Is it to do with a case she worked, or something else? However, the dialogue wasn't all intense. The teasing banter between the main characters throughout had me laughing several times. Certainly, Jess provides quite a challenge for Sam, which in turn has him fighting between wanting to arrest her, protect her or fight the urge to have her in his bed. Which option will he choose?
Both the main characters had me hooked by their back stories, especially the hero. Why did he quit playing baseball when he was so good? Is there a reason for him becoming a cop instead? Moreover, the hero is hard-working, loyal, and I loved how protective he was of Jess, because she had a habit of acting first and worrying about the consequences later. Instead of making sure she stayed safe while chasing down every lead and following police procedure. While Jess, she was such a delightful heroine. She's strong and brave having been through so much with the scare she had, which makes her want to start living her life to the fullest and hopefully finding love and happiness like her best friends have. She's also a pit-bull when it comes to the investigation, especially once things become more dangerous. Who is the real target? Is it Jess or someone else? Will they find the person responsible for the crimes being committed? Certainly, it was interesting to learn what the criminal's end game was and why they were committing the crimes.
Overall, Ms. Smith has delivered an exhilarating read in this book, which had me hooked from start to finish with its fast-paced plot, the support the secondary characters offer, and the strong chemistry between the hero and heroine. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because of the news the heroine has for the hero, which could either make him want to keep Jess close forever or could scare him away, especially after what happened with his last serious girlfriend. I would recommend The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Alexandra Ivy or Anne Calhoun. I would also recommend reading all three books of this series, and then wait for the next one to be released.
I have loved this series from the very beginning with the three women -- Jess, Taryn and Summer -- going from cheerleaders to private investigators and having to overcome the challenges they face along with the men they fall in love with. Challenges such as a difficult ex-boss that was out to hurt one of the women to solving an attempted murder case to finding who wants to hurt their boss. Each story delivers some really good twists and turns that kept me as a reader on the edge-of-the-seat, but this story had me totally ensnared with its action and suspense. So much so that I couldn't wait to see how Jess would manage to tick Sam off each time she did, so that he'd live up to the nickname she gives him.
As for the dialogue, it was intense and riveting due to the main characters back stories and the investigation into why someone would want to target Jess. Is it to do with a case she worked, or something else? However, the dialogue wasn't all intense. The teasing banter between the main characters throughout had me laughing several times. Certainly, Jess provides quite a challenge for Sam, which in turn has him fighting between wanting to arrest her, protect her or fight the urge to have her in his bed. Which option will he choose?
Both the main characters had me hooked by their back stories, especially the hero. Why did he quit playing baseball when he was so good? Is there a reason for him becoming a cop instead? Moreover, the hero is hard-working, loyal, and I loved how protective he was of Jess, because she had a habit of acting first and worrying about the consequences later. Instead of making sure she stayed safe while chasing down every lead and following police procedure. While Jess, she was such a delightful heroine. She's strong and brave having been through so much with the scare she had, which makes her want to start living her life to the fullest and hopefully finding love and happiness like her best friends have. She's also a pit-bull when it comes to the investigation, especially once things become more dangerous. Who is the real target? Is it Jess or someone else? Will they find the person responsible for the crimes being committed? Certainly, it was interesting to learn what the criminal's end game was and why they were committing the crimes.
Overall, Ms. Smith has delivered an exhilarating read in this book, which had me hooked from start to finish with its fast-paced plot, the support the secondary characters offer, and the strong chemistry between the hero and heroine. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because of the news the heroine has for the hero, which could either make him want to keep Jess close forever or could scare him away, especially after what happened with his last serious girlfriend. I would recommend The Sweetheart Kiss by Cheryl Ann Smith, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Alexandra Ivy or Anne Calhoun. I would also recommend reading all three books of this series, and then wait for the next one to be released.
May 14, 2017
If you like sexy cops, Charlie's Angel type P.I.s, you are going to love this book. Written with humor, it has mysteries, arson, sniper attacks,and HAWT interaction between investigator Jess Lucas and sexy Detective Sam Wheeler....it fairly flies by.
Great interaction between the characters and descriptions that evoke the scenes clearly.
I've added it to my book club's list as a must read for the young and young-at-heart crowd.
I requested and received an ARC copy and plan to buy for at least two friends.
Great interaction between the characters and descriptions that evoke the scenes clearly.
I've added it to my book club's list as a must read for the young and young-at-heart crowd.
I requested and received an ARC copy and plan to buy for at least two friends.
April 23, 2017
I had not read any books by Ms Smith and was curious about this one. What fun!!! I am now a fan.
This book centers around Jesse Lucas, a PI and Sam, a police Detective. Jesse works for Irving, who owns a company with his own set of “Charlie’s Angels”, Jesse being one of them.
The book is full of humor, mystery, a sniper, a humongous sweet dog, a naked man, a hunky and grumpy detective, and a badass PI , oh, and lots of sexual tension. How can you not love the book!
So, come and join the rest of the readers in this rollercoaster ride.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book centers around Jesse Lucas, a PI and Sam, a police Detective. Jesse works for Irving, who owns a company with his own set of “Charlie’s Angels”, Jesse being one of them.
The book is full of humor, mystery, a sniper, a humongous sweet dog, a naked man, a hunky and grumpy detective, and a badass PI , oh, and lots of sexual tension. How can you not love the book!
So, come and join the rest of the readers in this rollercoaster ride.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 26, 2017
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is May 9th, 2017.
This is book three of the Brash & Brazen series. I have followed the series from the very beginning and have had a good time with the series. I do believe that it would be possible to read this as a stand alone however you may miss some of the background of some of the secondary characters as a result.
This story read very fast to me. I sat down and had it finished in an afternoon and it was the exact distraction that I expected it to be. A stubborn headstrong character with Jess, and a sexy brooding cop with Sam, an humongous slobbery dog = the perfect mix of drama, romance & comedy.
As with the first two stories in the series, the mystery was a little bit far fetched, but it didn't really matter. What mattered was the fun that happened along the way and I enjoyed it. This is a great light series for those looking for a little romance with a little bit of kicking butt attached.
I thought this would be the last story in the series however I believe I read somewhere that there will be another. I am not sure who it will feature since we have already read about the three friends and there was no fourth girl on the team. Maybe Summer's sister? It doesn't matter, I will keep my eyes open for it and will indulge when it is released.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is May 9th, 2017.
This is book three of the Brash & Brazen series. I have followed the series from the very beginning and have had a good time with the series. I do believe that it would be possible to read this as a stand alone however you may miss some of the background of some of the secondary characters as a result.
This story read very fast to me. I sat down and had it finished in an afternoon and it was the exact distraction that I expected it to be. A stubborn headstrong character with Jess, and a sexy brooding cop with Sam, an humongous slobbery dog = the perfect mix of drama, romance & comedy.
As with the first two stories in the series, the mystery was a little bit far fetched, but it didn't really matter. What mattered was the fun that happened along the way and I enjoyed it. This is a great light series for those looking for a little romance with a little bit of kicking butt attached.
I thought this would be the last story in the series however I believe I read somewhere that there will be another. I am not sure who it will feature since we have already read about the three friends and there was no fourth girl on the team. Maybe Summer's sister? It doesn't matter, I will keep my eyes open for it and will indulge when it is released.
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