Homicidal Holiday

Gainfully Employed #1

by Sam Cheever

Dolfe Honeybun broke up with Blaise Runa because her party girl ways were driving him to distraction. Unfortunately, out of sight does NOT mean out of mind. And when his favorite party girl sees something she shouldn’t and finds herself being chased by a cold-blooded killer, reason shuts down and Dolfe’s heart takes over. If only he can get to her in time!

194 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2014

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.

Website: www.samcheever.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-c...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Ch...
Blog: https://samcheever.com/blog/

Reviews

[Molly]

If you like the super duo of Dolphe and Blaise, and have grown to love them, as I have done, this is a chance to find out a bit more of the couple in their earlier days.

before they were they rock solid, but they certainly seem to reach the there for each other no matter what - despite their temporary break-up.

Smart and sexy woman, hot and hunky man - desperate and dangerous situation.

Everything I love about any of the books featuring these two - and more.

Tune in for some hot and deadly holiday adventures!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nan]

Dolfe Honeybun and Blaise were first introduced in Shadow of a Honeybun, the first Honeybun Fever story. At the start of Homicidal Holiday Dolfe and Blaise have broken up, but when Blaise finds herself in danger she reaches out to Dolfe and he immediately races to help her. There’s an exciting mystery and a sweet romance with a very happy ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin]

HOHO Honeybun is the next installment in the Honeybun Fever series but this can however be read alone if your just in the Christmas spirit to see what the Honeybun series is about ;) I highly recommend all of them.

Dolfe Honeybun and Blaise Runa are the best characters ever. They drive each other crazy, lol. It's perfect. This book has some great action in it and of course Dolfe does whatever she wants which drives Blaise more crazy while there's a crazy murderer out there.

I have to admit this is a great series but this just added to it. Who doesn't love crime and hot steamy scenes.

[Nutnut1(Lornajean Ford)]

Awesome i really love the Honeybun's x

[Nadine]

The seedier side of life.

The book starts with Dolfe wanting to murder a guy for feeling up his ex. And I immediately disliked him for his aggressiveness and violence. He’s cocky and intense and it seems his only answer ever is to first punch and then ask questions.

Blaise isn’t much better; she’s unrelatable to me as well, with her manic need for parties. In her search for fun, there’s no room for someone else, not really.

So the book started out with a dark and negative feel to it. I didn’t like it, in fact, I even hated it. I need to like at least one of the main characters. So, this book and I - we started off on the wrong foot. But then the story got ahold on me. The suspense got ahold on me. Despite myself I found myself intrigued and wondering where things would go. The sharp edges of both Dolfe and the very different Blaise were softened down a bit and I started relaxing into the story. Started losing track of time, which is always a good sign. So, the middle part I loved. And then the story collapsed again for me. I can’t really say why, for fear of spoiling. To remain vague but give you an idea: stupid risks. Incredible as in not realistic.

All in all, I thought it was well-written and suspenseful, but it was too violent and harsh for me. I prefer the somewhat lighter, happier books. I have read several other books by this author from different series and loved each and every one of them enthusiastically. That I didn’t like this one as much, is mainly taste, preference. So if you don’t mind the darker, violent vibe, then I really do recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received no remuneration for it.

[Pete]

I thoroughly enjoy all of Sam Cheever's work, all the books are very well written with great characters, believable interplay between them and clever plots. This book doesn't disappoint on any of those qualities.
Blaise has just split up from Dolfe Honeybun and goes off for a 2 week party break to Florida, unfortunate y on her first night there she breaks off from partying to take a walk along the beach and witnesses a murder, and is chased by the murderer, she manages to call Dolfe to ask him to come and help her.
Needless to say Dolfe drops everything to come to her aid....
So why only 4 stars? well it is just down to the genre, 'romantic suspense' isn't my favourite type of book, and so, although I enjoyed it, I haven't yet read a book of this genre that rated 5 stars, just my personal preference.
I did receive an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.

[Douglas Williamson]

Trying to get away after a rough breakup, our heroine witnesses a murder and is in big trouble. Who does she call but her PI ex-boyfriend.

This is the first book in this series which I have read, but it won't be the last. The book functions really well as a standalone, giving you enough background that you never feel lost.

The story is more of a detective suspense story than a murder mystery because everyone knows who did it right away. The challenge is for our hero trying to play catch up and find his girl before it is too late. That action is quick paced and realistic, something I love in a detective mystery. The characters are also well crafted with flaws of their own and real emotions that make them come off the page. The story drew me in from the beginning and didn't let go.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Thomas]

When Dolfe Honeybun breaks it off with party girl Blaise Runa. She goes off with her best friend to Florida to party her way out of her funk. When the partying doesn't seem to do the job, Blaise goes for a walk on the beach. Her life will never be the same as she witnesses a young girl being murdered, then as she is running for her life, She is caught and learns that she will now be a sex slave to a very powerful and popular man in the Miami area.

With a desperate call to Dolfe. she sets in motion the one and only chance for her to be found and saved. Even if she does have to wait for him to find where she is, and then get there from Chicago.

A fun mystery with well developed characters, a few laughs and plenty of intrigue.

[Sue]

Our favorite couple Dolfe and Blaise have broken up because he just can put up with her partying ways. The couple are both unhappy and can’t seem to get over each other, so Blaise decides to go to Miami on vacation with a guy friend. Of course, she doesn’t tell Dolfe of her plans, which comes back to bite her. Her vacation ends up not so relaxing as she witnesses a murder and the murderer sees her. Will Blaise’s carefree lifestyle catch up to her and will she make it out of Miami alive?

There is a lot of madcap adventure, mystery, suspense, and even romance on the pages of this book. If you like great characters, lots of action, and a great storyline, then pick up a copy of this book today!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara]

This is another great Honeybun storyline. Wonderfully written with the humor, sassiness and suspense we have come to love from the Honeybuns (aka Ms Cheever’s clever writing style).

This story takes place during the time Blaise and Dolfe Honeybun broke up. While Blaise is on holiday in Florida she witnesses a crime and they are now after her. So she calls Dolfe. But before she can tell him where she is, the line goes dead. So in true Honeybun style he calls in reinforcements and takes off to not only save his woman but hopefully get her back.

2 Thumbs Up for this funny, sassy suspenseful book. A must read and a great addition to the world of the Honeybuns !!!

[Rachel]

Completely entertaining, with superior interplay between realistic leads. I love the Honeybuns. Anyone familiar with Ms Cheever's work will know to expect an extremely high standard, in both writing style and storyline. This book surpasses many others in the romantic suspense genre.

If you've never read a Sam Cheever novel, especially and specifically a Huneybun novel, you've been missing out! Don't keep that Cheever shaped hole in your reading, fill it as soon as possible - this would be a great starting point.

Alone or in reading order, this is worth more than the 5* maximum I can give.

[DianaRaven]

This is my first Sam Cheever story. Even with people being beat up and kidnapped you just can't help smile and enjoy. And, with names like Honeybun and Whotsnoggin how could you go wrong

Blaize is upset her boyfriend has dumped her, he just doesn't understand her need for having fun and going to parties. To help get her head straight, she heads to down ro Miami Beach where everything does wrong. How about murder, kidnapping, beatings, want me to go on?

I need to give five stars for this funny and entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[christina]

loved it

by nurse123

Dolfe and Blaise broke up over her partying ways. She feels she pushed him away. They still want each other though. Blaise goes on vacation to clear her head and witnesses a murder. The murderer saw her and is now after her. She calls Dolfe who is a private investigator but is unable to tell him whats going on. Dolfe goes to Florida to find Blaise and keep her safe. The deadly adventure begins. Will Dolfe find Blaise? Will Blaise survive her ordeal. a must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Lou Webb]

Honeybun to the Rescue

I love all of Sam Cheever's books. This book is well-written and well-plotted with delightful characters, even though you want to shake them when they misread each other. It's easy to root for the protagonists, and I wish I'd had a Dolph Honeybun in my life. Ms. Cheever has a real feel for understanding people and conveying real emotions to the reader.

If you like P.I. stories with little gore, plenty of adventure, and humor, then try this series (this is book 1).

[Sandy]

Dolfe is something else I love this character Blaise is a trip too. Broken up but not forgotten Blaise goes with a friend on vacation and the next thing you know she sees and murder and she is being shot at. Then she calls Dolfe and her white knight is on his way. I really enjoy Sam Cheever mysteries they are always full of non-stop action. She also writes such great characters. The ending is pretty good too. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Pat Eroh]

This author is a genius at story weaving as this story is gripping and fast-paced with wonderful characters. I became entrenched in this world with horrifying people stalking the beautiful main character and the fate that awaits the victims. A tough topic that reminds us to be careful when we are having fun, that we are not always able to trust those around us.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty Goan]

A wonderfully written entertaining, fun mystery romance that is written when Dolfe and Blaise are split up. It includes suspense, humor, adventure, and sassiness. When Blaise is in Florida she witnesses a crime and they are now after her. I was on the edge of my seat that is full of great characters, lots of action, and a great storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev]

Honeybun breaks up with Blaise, she is just too much of a partygirl for him. Blaise goes to Miami with a friend to try and move on, there she gets into a whole lot of trouble. Little does she know that Honeybun is on the way to save her....or is he too late? You will need to read this book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Janet Graham]

Christmas, Honeybun Style
This crazy story is about how Blaise and Dolfe got engaged. It is quite a hoot. It is a great crime/adventure type story with a fun romantic plot line as well. Like most things with Blaise and Dolfe, the fun never stops. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.

[Tanya]

She was trying to come to terms with losing the man of her dreams but worse happens when she sees a murder. Now she is danger. He left her because of her partying way but when he hears she is in danger he goes to help. He just needs to get to her before the killer. Will he? See if he can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bella]

Really enjoyed this well-written, quick read. Plenty of action, a bit of romance, and some great characters keep this story rolling on right to the end. A jolly good read which is part of a great series! Can't go wrong with Sam Cheever!

[Barbara]

A quick read of 141 pages, I will be reading this story over again. The first book in the Gainfully Employed Mystery series and I know I want to read the rest of the books. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie]

I loved this book. Another great book from Sam Cheever. The characters are amazing and the story to die for good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika Robles]

I love those Honeybuns. Once again miss Cheever outdid herself. Full of action, mystery and drama with a splash of humour this is a great start for a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl]

Oh boy

I was so disappointed when i finished the badger series, thinking that was the end. Oh, no, not in this! Here starts the offshoot aka cousin of the Honey men. Made my heart melt to know it's not over yet!

[Bianca]

Well this was quite enjoyable - I love the storyline on the Honeybun man. I look forward to reading more adventures...

[CoCoFierce]

Dolfe and Blaise the first couple in Sam Cheever’s Honeybun series finally get their follow up story in Christmas read HoHo Honeybun.

Out of all the Honeybun series Dolfe and Blaise were my favorite couple their story had spice and a little more depth than the rest. So when this book HoHo Honeybun came out I quickly one clicked. What could better than a Christmas read with that title and a good mystery? After the first 2 chapters I was sadly mistaken.

The story beings after the two have broken up. Dolfe can’t deal with Blaise party girl ways and her lack of regard for herself. Rightfully so. This girl finds herself in the most bizarre situations and with no thought process whatsoever. Battling a bad break up and on the brink of depression Blaise decides to take a trip with her male “friend.” Finding herself in Miami Beach alone and very much so lonely trouble quickly makes it way to the very young Blaise. Calling out to the only man she knows will help her Dolfe. She makes a plea for help. Being the Alpha male he is Dolfe comes running to the rescue except he has a bunch of hurdles to overcome to save this damsel.

This book started off so strong and then it shifted into the realm of ridiculousness. I understand we all have flight or fight and when adrenaline is pumping we may not make the best decisions. I don’t want to give too much of the story away but Blaise does not make the best decisions when it comes to her safety. She calls Dolfe for help and her vacation companion but then quickly decides she can save herself. I am all for a strong do it for yourself woman except Blaise was not. She witnessed a murder and now the bad guys are after her. Instead of telling someone where she is she makes all these decisions to make herself hidden in plain sight even considers going to the beach to be alone at night. Wait a second. You witnessed a murder, was chased down, and now you want to be on said beach alone again? How is that smart at all? Why not check into a seedy hotel get help and get out of Miami. She mentions that she has connections but doesn’t know how to use them. Well then you don’t have connections! What good is help if it doesn’t help?

I would say this book was more murder/mystery than a romance. The couple was not even together for a good majority of the book. The author does have a good premise for the story. Some of the themes like sex trafficking/sex slavery were handled poorly. It was a little unrealistic. I just wondered at what point did Blaise realized she needed help. One of the scenes she wakes up in a strange place with a strange man who feeds her a farce of a story about them being together but she can’t remember. Ok. But why would you be handcuffed to the bed?

Meanwhile Dolfe is doing his best to find his love and pulling every resource known to man to get to her. Calling out to help from his friend JJ who is very much so eccentric she agrees to help him search for her. JJ has been working on this case for a while but surprisingly so when Dolfe comes on the scene the case quickly unravels and everyone who you thought you could trust you can no longer. I actually liked JJ a bit more then Blaise she at least used her brain. I was more than annoyed that poor JJ was left with the captors and Blaise’s concern was getting back to the hotel to get her things. This story was just so problematic for me because it was so farfetched and on the surface. This book wasn’t all a mess at about 77% it does turn around and things come into perspective. I will say that it ends in a HEA. Unfortunately this wasn’t my cup of tea but I won’t discourage other readers who would like to read this book. Please judge this book for yourself and not based on this one review.

[Stacy McKitrick]

This was an impulse buy. I read an excerpt, saw the Santa hat on the cover and thought, why not? While this novella is part of a series I’ve never read before, I didn’t need to—I was never lost in that regard. A lot happens in this book (action-wise) and once I got past the farcical names (e.g. Honeybun and Whatsnoggin), I might be intrigued to read the rest of the series if I didn’t already have so many other series/authors/books to read.

[hana]

Romantic Suspense

This is my first time reading Sam Cheever book. Wonderfully written with humor and suspense. With names like Honeybun and Whotsnoggin what could go wrong. The story is short and fast pace, perfect for quick pick me up.

[Shathara]

one scene