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Suds and Sam #5

Suds and Sam Go Viral

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A serial killer, a pandemic, and a neurotic cat. What could possibly go wrong?

To help pay the rent, Sam asks her dad for consulting work and the NYPD police chief hands off some cold cases. Now, y'all might think this would keep my partner both safe and sound during quarantine, but hell no. My little danger magnet finds a psycho strangler who gets his rocks off murdering people with a bunch of folks watching online.

Suddenly, there's a bullseye on my wife's pretty forehead.

Suds and Sam are at it again in this hilarious new adventure. Will they go stir crazy in their tiny apartment? Survive her cooking? How can they possibly solve a case while stuck inside?

This romantic comedy is dedicated to first responders, volunteers, and those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. In no way do I want to minimize your pain. Like Suds and Sam, we all need a little laughter to get through this.
Stay strong, stay smart, and stay safe. <3

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2020

65 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Stella Marie Alden

68 books529 followers
Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.

Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.

Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".

Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.

She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!

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5 stars
103 (69%)
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32 (21%)
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12 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Tracey .
832 reviews57 followers
July 19, 2020
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy, romantic, detective novel with an interesting case and a happily ever after ending. Suds and Sam have amazing chemistry! Sam's quirky family and cute cat are cause for much laughter. This novel is great as a stand alone, but better when read in order, as there are references to characters and events from previous novels. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Alden's outrageously funny adventures of Suds and Sam with great anticipation.
I received an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews113 followers
Want to read
May 14, 2024
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/14/2020)! 🎁
600 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2020
The Suds and Sam series is always good and this last one is no exception. I think it rounds off the series nicely. it could leave it open for more stories it was open enough for that. I am sure that like me people would love to read more about this lovable pair.
Profile Image for Frankie McKenna.
80 reviews
July 15, 2020
All I can say is woah Stella!

I started this book yesterday and can honestly say that I loved every second of it!
I love how it’s all up to date with what’s going on in the world and so relatable!

Poor Suds and Sam are stuck in their tiny apartment whilst the blasted COVID-19 is happening and as usual, Sammy gets itchy feet and needs something to do!

Being the “danger magnet” that she is and Suds knows her to be, of course she catches the eye of the current serial killer on the loose!! Only this time it was too close!! With Sammy’s time nearly at and end and a very unlikely hero saved both Sud’s and Sam’s necks! Quite literally!!

I love the entire Suds and Sam series but I especially love how relatable this is to current events... it made it feel like being able to understand the characters on a different level because they were going through the same thing as us.

They are every bit relationship goals!!
Such a lovely romantic story and exciting adventure story!!

Now I just need to see their big Italian wedding and little baby Sutcliffe’s please Stella!!

Well worth the read!! I couldn’t put my book down!!
Congratulations on another release Stella!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,165 reviews17 followers
July 14, 2020
This book takes into consideration what is going on in the world currently—the Coronavirus. Unfortunately is seems like Suds has it. I can’t imagine how scared Sam felt when Suds was so bad. Of course with Sam, there is always something happening with her. I thought it was hilarious how she doesn’t know how to cook and what she goes through to try cooking! I don’t think Sam knows how to stay out of trouble, even with being stuck in their small apartment. When Sam asks her father for a cold case to work on, she gets more than she bargained for. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
240 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2020
Once again Ms. Alden's newest book is right up there with the rest of the series. I have yet to have read a book I did not like. Her writing style is both entertaining and funny as all get out. Sam's efforts at cooking kept me in stitches. On the other hand, Ms. Alden's approach to the Coronian virus is very serious. Sam is at her wit's end worrying about Sud's illness. As far as the cold case is concerned Sam certainly did not expect the end product to be quite so perilous but that is Sam for you leaping before looking at the whole picture. This book like all the previous ones in this series is definitely a winner and more than worth reading.
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,668 reviews
July 14, 2020
I always look forward to the next instalment of suds and Sam and with the current pandemic this book really brings it home how we are all suffering together. The need for space within the confines of for walls, trying not to kill your other half and not being able to see and embrace our loved ones. On top of all that Sam still managed to upset her family and entice a serial killer into her life. All while suds battles his own war on keeping his new wife safe and battling a virus. Amazing book, I love the interaction with Sam's family. Uncle vinny is also a favourite, along with saint Mia and the ladies from the salon. I hope there's more to come.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,288 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2020
Suds has got a cough so goes home to lockdown, poor Sam has to cook, something she definitely is not good at, look after him and worry about his health. She decides to investigate a cold case and finds a connection between that and a new case.
The serial killer seems to have mad technology skills and even Jason isn't able to find out too much about him.
Then Sam realizes how he gets into the homes of the victims, and inadvertently sets herself up as bait. Suds is still weak from the after effects of coronavirus and Sam is taken unawares.
Will it all work out?

Another excellent read from Stella
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,327 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2020
Loved this next instalment of Suds and Sam. Even with the series topic of COVID-19, Stella is able to give us some laughs with the seriousness. Can’t imagine what it would be like to see me loved one sick like Suds was. Reading about Sam trying to learn how to cook did make me laugh! All the usual extras with the Salon Ladies and Uncle Vinnie just adds to the awesome story!

Received a free ARC in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,187 reviews44 followers
July 16, 2020
This is the last book in the Suds and Sam Series. The Corona virus has forced them to be quarantined in their small apartment. If you like romantic comedies, you'll enjoy this book. It will keep you laughing and guessing. To fight off boredom, Sam asks her father to let her work on some of his old NTC cases. And the fun and danger begin. Cute story with likable characters. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for LNC1012.
166 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2020
Suds and Sam are stuck inside their small loft due to the Corona virus. Sam is trying to learn to cook because Sud's gets sick and she needs to take care of him. Once Sud's starts feeling better Sam decides she needs something to do to occupy her time. She asks her dad the chief of police and he gives her a cold case to look into. Not only does she find it may be linked to another murder she also finds the killer may be watching every moves she makes.
Profile Image for Leslie Whitaker.
150 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2020
With each book, I love these two more and more! Love in a pandemic! In this one, Suds gets sick and while quarantined and taking care of him, Sam asks her father for some cold cases to work on. The Online Strangler case gets her researching and trying to figure it out. These books have great humor, love and mystery. Loved it!
2,024 reviews13 followers
July 15, 2020
Another enjoyable interlude into the lives of Suds and Sam! Lots of humorous situations which actually made me laugh out loud. This book also touched on a current international issue and dealt with it beautifully. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,908 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2020
If you can survive the pandemic, you can survive anything
Suds and Sam Go Viral by Stella Marie Alden is a fun and entertaining take on the current pandemic crisis without seeming indifferent or the seriousness it deserves. Suds and Sam find themselves in a predicament that they both might have enjoyed a bit more if it weren’t for Suds’ incapacitation with COVID himself!
I really enjoyed this entertaining read. Suds and Sam are so real and wonderful, flawed and absolutely perfect. With Sam’s need to keep busy and make a career for herself, she lands herself and Suds in hot water once again which boils over to their relationship. The ups and downs of the pandemic, the danger and emotional stress kept me completely and utterly engaged.
Overall, this Suds and Sam installment has everything any fan of this author loves; off the charts chemistry and steam, love and laughter as well as suspense for edge of your seat action adventure. Once again, these two save the day, work through their communication and continue their HEA for what I’m sure will be more and more adventures to come. Maybe even the potter patter of little feet?
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Mx Phoebe.
1,349 reviews
October 21, 2020
Stella Marie Alden takes a chance with Suds and Sam Go Viral by writing in real time aka pandemic time and it works. Alden keeps Suds and Sam in Brooklyn, New York where the virus hit hard and she keeps it real. The funny part of the story is that Sam really can find trouble even in isolation and during a pandemic.

The gang is all here in the book whether it be by phone, Zoom, or delivery at the doorstop. A secret gets out. One of the gang gets sick. Someone is trying new looks almost every day...and Sam takes on a cold case that is not so cold.

Go Viral mainly concentrates on Suds and Sam’s relationship as it goes through isolation and a major issue arises which usually they both can escape from, but due to the isolation they have to confront. Never mind the fact that the issue is then reinforced by an appearance of a serial killer. (laugh)

Alden keeps things hot and interesting in isolation. I love how Alden manages to make real-life manageable even when I am living in an unmanageable world right now. Thank you.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Anne (Izzie).
378 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
Another brilliant episode in lives of Suds and Sam, and it’s right up to date with what is happening in the world at the moment. Suds starts coughing, and Sam’s fears that he has caught Covid-19 are proved right as his temperature rises and he starts to have other symptoms. There’s a lot of humour along with the serious side, as Sam does her best to look after Suds, and proves that she really, really can’t cook. She decides that as they are quarantined she still needs to earn some money and contacts her father, the police chief, and asks for some cold cases to try and solve. As Suds slowly recovers, she gets started, with an unexpected outcome. As always the chemistry between Sam and Suds is steamy hot, and her big Italian family are an integral part of the story. Loved the book, and can’t wait for the next - it really can’t stop here, can it?

I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.
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Profile Image for Darcy.
2,089 reviews21 followers
July 19, 2020
Another stunning Suds And Sam. I absolutely adore these two. They have you laughing at the antics that they go through. It is absolutely amazing how someone can get into trouble when going through a quarantine. This is as usual superbly written and the characters are magnificent. Sam's family has you laughing and loving them in the best possible way. This entire series is a stunning and is not to disappoint. It has vivid descriptions that allows you to easily picture what is going on with the scenes and characters. This entire series is addictive and unable to be put down until you find out what happens. I loved how Stella Marie Alden takes a current and very scary situation as this pandemic we are facing and gives us a little something to make us all feel better. This is an absolute must read and doesn’t disappoint.
2,200 reviews
July 20, 2020
This is book five in the Suds and Sam series. I love the part of the book blurb "A serial killer, a pandemic, and a neurotic cat. What could possibly go wrong?", seriously, if you have read any of the books in this series you know that this dynamic duo can find trouble anywhere! Literally. I honestly do not know what is better the characters and all that they bring to the table themselves and together or the craziness that they find themselves a part of. This book of course is no exception where Suds and Sam are concerned and the reality twist of the pandemic just brings it all home. These books are always chalked full of chemistry, steam, suspense and the best - hilarious laughter. Another amazing read, enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for CharmaineW .
2,111 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I originally reviewed 20th July but forgot to review on Goodreads..naughty me.
I just love reading about Suds and Sam and thought....” how can you think of a plot during Covid” well, once again Stella has written another winner.
Sam asks her dad for a “cold case” and now that’s where the fun or danger starts. Add to the mix, poor Suds getting sick but my secret favourite is Catrina, their kitten. The love between Sam and Suds is so powerful and now he is ill...oh boy , you can feel all the worry and heartache between them. What doesn’t help is Sam trying to find a strangler!!!! Another great plot . Lots of funny humour too between family members.
All in all, a great story full of laughter, passion, danger and the cutest kitten ever. Just loved it
1,504 reviews
July 20, 2020
Suds and Sam are at it again, with their own eccentric brand of humor, while they try to save the world! Poor Suds is stricken with the Coronavirus and it's up to Sam to nurse him back to health while under quarantine. But how can taking care of him fill her days and keep her out of trouble? Besides, they are all by themselves and Sam has no cooking skills. To the rescue come her zany relatives with their usual brand of quirkiness and humor. Sam asks her dad to give her a cold case to work on and it is a tough one to crack. With "help" from Catrina the cat who makes a move to save the day, all is well with the world. This book is a fascinating combination of intrigue and humor, the signature of Stella Marie Alden. 
Profile Image for Shannon Patterson.
911 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2020
Talk about taking a risk! What’s more current and risky than bringing the real world pandemic into your story and have your characters deal with it? Suds and Sam is a fun, lighthearted series that has steam and keeps a smile on your face. Bringing COVID-19 into the mix I admit I was a little worried some of the magic might go away, I was crazy for worrying. Stella Marie Alden knows her characters so well they shine through in everything they experience. Even with the seriousness mixed in we still find our fun and get the cast of characters that make these books so great. I love this series!!!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,841 reviews16 followers
July 17, 2020
Suds and Sam go viral. Totally nailed this next chapter. Ms. Alden took a very relevant topic and infused some humour as well as seriousness in her story. The dialogue is hilarious between Sebastian and Samantha, as well as her cuckoo crazy family, it's never ending and its a pleasure to read. How can one person be that bad at cooking? How can a cat create such havoc? I had many burst out loud laughs while reading this book as well as the suspense while attracting a serial killer. What could go wrong? Totally recommend it.

I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,025 reviews22 followers
July 19, 2020
3 1/2 Quarantined Stars
I knew with the Corona Virus rearing its ugly head there would be an "outbreak" of romance books using the premise. So, even though I love Suds and Sam, I was apprehensive. Stella Marie Alden has done a decent job. Is it my favorite? No, but good none the less. Suds finds himself quarantined with the Covid Crud and Sam, probably one of the least adept caregivers, ever. She cant cook, gets inpatient, and looks for cold cases to solve. Sam is Sam, always looking, always curious, always looking into the next mystery. The book did feel rushed at the end, but overall a decent read.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Margarita Rose.
1,130 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2020
Stella has her groove with this series. Each book the characters develop more and you love them more. Now they are married in a locked apartment. This is were you really get to know each other. Sam is as usual the heart of the action. People are dying and sick from the pandemic and of course Sam gets the notice of a serial killer. Edge of your seat rollercoaster ride of highs and lows in the middle with lots of twists and turns. Unpredictable and unexpected revelations throughout the book. Couldn't put it down and can't wait to see what happens next. I received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sharon Means.
75 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2020
I love this series and this book was no exception. Stella took the very serious COVID Pandemic that is currently effecting all of our lives and brought us a funny, romantic depiction of how Suds gets sick and Sam’s well meaning but inept nursing and domesticated skills, all while reminding us how serious this Pandemic really is. Sam is board out of her mind and asks her Dad, the Chief of Police, to give Hera cold case to work on from home. As always with Sam, mayhem follows her every move but just wait to find out who saves her this time. Hilarious! I can’t say this was my favorite Suds & Sam book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Wolf.
35 reviews
December 13, 2021
Great book

I really like this series. This book was particularly good because it took place during the pandemic. It dealt with a real life issue that we all have had to face. It had all of the fun stuff that this series always has but it was different in a very good way. I read this book straight through because it was just that good. It was very entertaining. It made me more aware of what Covid is like if you get it. It also made me think about a few things that I am sure others have thought about. China being one of the main thing that I had thought about. This book is really worth reading. It makes you just feel good.
171 reviews
July 22, 2020
So what is going on right is so mirrored in the book. But with Stella's comedic take on it. Of course finds herself wound up in another murder all the way from quarantine but that will happen when you have a genius analyst with nothing else to focus on, right? Sam is the perfect genius with no common sense and someone who can't chew gum and walk at the same time. Cooking sounds like an explosion waiting to happen and I can't wait for little baby Suds. Another great book in the series glad to see it's not the last, cannot wait for the next one.
1,758 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2020
Just love this quircky couple...
Entertaining as ever, just can't wait for Suds & Sam to make some serious bucks so they can get a bigger & better place to live with their crazy cat. With Suds man down with the virus & lockdown taking its' toll Sam gets some cold cases from her police chief Dad which will hopefully bring in some money to pay the bills. Due to her efforts a psychopath strangler hones in on her. Can Suds recover sufficiently to keep her safe or will her shady criminal relatives save the day Funny & sexy, great combo. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
107 reviews
August 4, 2020
This series is a just what I need while coping with social distancing and COVID-19.

Sam and Suds get into some of the most unbelievable situations. Secondary character development borders on over-the-top stereotype and caricature. And you'll laugh out loud because it is so much like real life!

In the midst of what seems to be a farce is the very real confusion and frustration that Sam and Suds both experience in their relationship. Nuggets of great advice from friends and family are woven into the story.

I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1,028 reviews
July 17, 2020
Love this series

I love Suds and Sam. Suds is a great guy and puts up with a lot from Sam. She took very good care of him while he was down with COVID but she still managed to get herself in the middle of trouble once again. She had no nose for danger and self preservation is a foreign concept to her. Another fun and entertaining book in the series. I received an ARC copy of this book via book funnel in exchange for an honest review.
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