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The Bartender Babe Chronicles #2
Think Before You Speak: a Hilarious Southern Mystery Romance
Vicki Bohanan is at it again, and this time she’s sporting a whole new reputation. On the eve of preseason football, blackmail lands at her feet – and for a woman with an attitude the size of Texas, it’s gonna take more than a pigskin to plug her pie-hole.
Especially when the old reputation continues to nip at her like a never-ending hangover. A Texas Ranger, her undercover boss, and a patron affectionately dubbed ‘Radioman’ walk into the bar and keep Vicki’s head whirling like a ride at the state fair. All she wants is to move back into her remodeled apartment to escape the madness. So when her Aussie model sometimes squeeze invites her to San Antonio for a shootout at the Alamo – cameras this time – Vicki saddles up for a ride.
Then runs smackdab into an unexpected hitch by the name of Reginald von Braun. Reggie’s got secrets hidden behind secrets, and someone else has discovered the truth. With blackmail in the bargain, Vicki must determine the culprit who has threatened to expose Reggie’s past right when he’s on the cusp of finding a future.
All while protecting his revelations, hard to do when you’ve got that dreaded disease known as foot-in-mouth – and when you’re fighting off multiple men with an eye on your goods.
How many men can one woman fend off? As many as Vicki can handle in book two of the Bartender Babe Chronicles. Bring it on, boys.
Especially when the old reputation continues to nip at her like a never-ending hangover. A Texas Ranger, her undercover boss, and a patron affectionately dubbed ‘Radioman’ walk into the bar and keep Vicki’s head whirling like a ride at the state fair. All she wants is to move back into her remodeled apartment to escape the madness. So when her Aussie model sometimes squeeze invites her to San Antonio for a shootout at the Alamo – cameras this time – Vicki saddles up for a ride.
Then runs smackdab into an unexpected hitch by the name of Reginald von Braun. Reggie’s got secrets hidden behind secrets, and someone else has discovered the truth. With blackmail in the bargain, Vicki must determine the culprit who has threatened to expose Reggie’s past right when he’s on the cusp of finding a future.
All while protecting his revelations, hard to do when you’ve got that dreaded disease known as foot-in-mouth – and when you’re fighting off multiple men with an eye on your goods.
How many men can one woman fend off? As many as Vicki can handle in book two of the Bartender Babe Chronicles. Bring it on, boys.
- GenresCozy Mystery
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2022
About the author
D.A. Bale
10 books82 followersSometimes life emulates fiction.
Life is filled with tragedy and Ms. Bale's writing reflects this reality. However, there is always a silver lining...even if one must spend their entire life searching for it.
In her previous career, Ms. Bale traveled the United States as a Government Relations Liaison, working closely with Congressional offices and various government agencies. This experience afforded her a glimpse into the sometimes "not so pretty" reality of the political sphere. Much of this reality and various locations throughout her travels make it into her writing.
She dreams of the day she can return to visit Alaska.
Life is filled with tragedy and Ms. Bale's writing reflects this reality. However, there is always a silver lining...even if one must spend their entire life searching for it.
In her previous career, Ms. Bale traveled the United States as a Government Relations Liaison, working closely with Congressional offices and various government agencies. This experience afforded her a glimpse into the sometimes "not so pretty" reality of the political sphere. Much of this reality and various locations throughout her travels make it into her writing.
She dreams of the day she can return to visit Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 8, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
The nice thing with having a gay friend is that they love hugs and kisses from just about everyone - and you don't have to worry about them feeling you up like a testosterone-fueled teenager.
George must've been dredged from the bottom of their combined gene pool.
No, I don't cry in my beer, folks. That'd mess up the taste.
I'm a thirty-something divorcee with two kids. If that's not enough to send a man running home in terror, I've got stretch marks to rival a roadmap, a butt that screams mom-jeans no matter what brand I wear, and boobs already well into a permanent southerly migration. At this rate, you might as well put me out to pasture or send me off to the glue factory.
My Review:
Think Before You Speak is yet another sparkling Bartending Babe story from D. A. Bale, who is my new favorite author. This gal has mad skills and has been found treasure for me this week. I adore her clever and vibrant characters and dynamic and amusing writing style. This story also had a bit of frisky business with Vicki pondering her relationship choices, new and old, and among several potentials.
My beloved and beleaguered favorite bartender was experiencing another chaotic and eventful period in her life, which began with a friend seeking her assistance in solving an extremely vexing issue that would expose his past and threaten his livelihood. Vicki's take-no-prisoners confidence and well-meaning blundering were endlessly entertaining, although while second guessing her rashness, she miraculously finds clues, ideas, and assistance from unexpected sources along the way. Her startling experiences in the midst of solving this new mystery brings about a humorous self-appraisal and personal accounting, something she has typically avoided in the past in favor of seeking out more pleasant pursuits and distractions. Vicki is growing up! Meanwhile, she deals with blackmail, more snide mean girl and elitist behavior, gang members, shootings - of guns and fashion, new and old relationship issues, and all while reconsidering her career choice and family concerns. Vicki's life is just so eventful and exciting - I am chartreuse with envy! I am hopelessly addicted to this new series and eager to see what she stumbles into next.
The nice thing with having a gay friend is that they love hugs and kisses from just about everyone - and you don't have to worry about them feeling you up like a testosterone-fueled teenager.
George must've been dredged from the bottom of their combined gene pool.
No, I don't cry in my beer, folks. That'd mess up the taste.
I'm a thirty-something divorcee with two kids. If that's not enough to send a man running home in terror, I've got stretch marks to rival a roadmap, a butt that screams mom-jeans no matter what brand I wear, and boobs already well into a permanent southerly migration. At this rate, you might as well put me out to pasture or send me off to the glue factory.
My Review:
Think Before You Speak is yet another sparkling Bartending Babe story from D. A. Bale, who is my new favorite author. This gal has mad skills and has been found treasure for me this week. I adore her clever and vibrant characters and dynamic and amusing writing style. This story also had a bit of frisky business with Vicki pondering her relationship choices, new and old, and among several potentials.
My beloved and beleaguered favorite bartender was experiencing another chaotic and eventful period in her life, which began with a friend seeking her assistance in solving an extremely vexing issue that would expose his past and threaten his livelihood. Vicki's take-no-prisoners confidence and well-meaning blundering were endlessly entertaining, although while second guessing her rashness, she miraculously finds clues, ideas, and assistance from unexpected sources along the way. Her startling experiences in the midst of solving this new mystery brings about a humorous self-appraisal and personal accounting, something she has typically avoided in the past in favor of seeking out more pleasant pursuits and distractions. Vicki is growing up! Meanwhile, she deals with blackmail, more snide mean girl and elitist behavior, gang members, shootings - of guns and fashion, new and old relationship issues, and all while reconsidering her career choice and family concerns. Vicki's life is just so eventful and exciting - I am chartreuse with envy! I am hopelessly addicted to this new series and eager to see what she stumbles into next.
Want to Read
April 16, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Vicki Bohanan is at it again, and this time she’s sporting a whole new reputation. On the eve of preseason football, blackmail lands at her feet – and for a woman with an attitude the size of Texas, it’s gonna take more than a pigskin to plug her pie hole.
Especially when the old reputation continues to nip at her like a never-ending hangover. A Texas Ranger, her undercover boss, and a patron affectionately dubbed ‘Radioman’ walk into the bar and keep Vicki’s head whirling like a ride at the state fair. All she wants is to move back into her remodeled apartment to escape the madness. So when her Aussie model sometimes squeeze invites her to San Antonio for a shootout at the Alamo – cameras this time – Vicki saddles up for a ride.
Then runs smackdab into an unexpected hitch by the name of Reginald von Braun. Reggie’s got secrets hidden behind secrets, and someone else has discovered the truth. With blackmail in the bargain, Vicki must determine the culprit who has threatened to expose Reggie’s past right when he’s on the cusp of finding a future.
All while protecting his revelations, hard to do when you’ve got that dreaded disease known as foot-in-mouth – and when you’re fighting off multiple men with an eye on your goods.
How many men can one woman fend off? As many as Vicki can handle in book two of the Bartender Babe Chronicles. Bring it on, boys.
Blurb:
Vicki Bohanan is at it again, and this time she’s sporting a whole new reputation. On the eve of preseason football, blackmail lands at her feet – and for a woman with an attitude the size of Texas, it’s gonna take more than a pigskin to plug her pie hole.
Especially when the old reputation continues to nip at her like a never-ending hangover. A Texas Ranger, her undercover boss, and a patron affectionately dubbed ‘Radioman’ walk into the bar and keep Vicki’s head whirling like a ride at the state fair. All she wants is to move back into her remodeled apartment to escape the madness. So when her Aussie model sometimes squeeze invites her to San Antonio for a shootout at the Alamo – cameras this time – Vicki saddles up for a ride.
Then runs smackdab into an unexpected hitch by the name of Reginald von Braun. Reggie’s got secrets hidden behind secrets, and someone else has discovered the truth. With blackmail in the bargain, Vicki must determine the culprit who has threatened to expose Reggie’s past right when he’s on the cusp of finding a future.
All while protecting his revelations, hard to do when you’ve got that dreaded disease known as foot-in-mouth – and when you’re fighting off multiple men with an eye on your goods.
How many men can one woman fend off? As many as Vicki can handle in book two of the Bartender Babe Chronicles. Bring it on, boys.
November 13, 2021
Bartender Vicki Bohannon, the mouth of the South, is investigating again - this time someone is blackmailing her friend, posh decorator Reginald 'Reggie' von Braun.
In the end the blackmailer outs himself having apparently reached the decision that waiting for Vicki to find him would have doubled the size of the book - all that was missing, to slightly misquote Scooby Doo, "And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for your meddling."
"Think Before You Speak" is the second piece of fluff in the "Bartender Babe Chronicles" series and shows signs of Vicki maturing (I'm sure she'll get over it!)
It's a fast and funny read, though not as funny as it could have been largely through repetition from "Look Before You Jump."
3 Stars.
In the end the blackmailer outs himself having apparently reached the decision that waiting for Vicki to find him would have doubled the size of the book - all that was missing, to slightly misquote Scooby Doo, "And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for your meddling."
"Think Before You Speak" is the second piece of fluff in the "Bartender Babe Chronicles" series and shows signs of Vicki maturing (I'm sure she'll get over it!)
It's a fast and funny read, though not as funny as it could have been largely through repetition from "Look Before You Jump."
3 Stars.
March 4, 2026
This book followed bartender Vicki Bohanan as she investigated a blackmail scheme threatening her friend while navigating chaos, secrets, and plenty of witty banter. The mystery moved quickly and delivered a light, humorous tone, though it felt a bit repetitive compared to the first book in the series. If you like fast-paced, light, and eccentric mysteries with a sarcastic lead, you’ll like this read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
More than I need to know!
I won't read anymore books in the series because it has too much sexual content for me. It has some worthwhile content on growing up and such and relationships, but I like the heroes in my books to be on the less
slutty side .
I won't read anymore books in the series because it has too much sexual content for me. It has some worthwhile content on growing up and such and relationships, but I like the heroes in my books to be on the less
slutty side .
June 29, 2023
Vicki is at ir again and did nor disappoint. Glad to see she is slowly getting more responsible but keeping her edge.
November 7, 2024
Vicki Bonahan wants to help a friend but once again has met with people who could make he disappear. The kind Grady and Zeke want her to stay away from.
March 6, 2025
Cute, fun, quick read.
February 16, 2026
Great book!
Loved this book. I enjoy the humor and mystery in this author’s books. So interesting and hard to put down! Great read!!!
Loved this book. I enjoy the humor and mystery in this author’s books. So interesting and hard to put down! Great read!!!
March 14, 2017
Sexy Mystery!
One of the other reviewers called Vicki Bohanan a Texas Stephanie Plum, & I'd have to agree, although she is much better taking care of herself than Stephanie. I found Vicki to be sexy, funny, & brash. She is starting to mature, realizing after a few near death experiences that some things are more important than others. Definitely a high energy thrill ride that I had a hard time putting down!
One of the other reviewers called Vicki Bohanan a Texas Stephanie Plum, & I'd have to agree, although she is much better taking care of herself than Stephanie. I found Vicki to be sexy, funny, & brash. She is starting to mature, realizing after a few near death experiences that some things are more important than others. Definitely a high energy thrill ride that I had a hard time putting down!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews