The holidays in Bohemia sparkle with fun under the palm trees, even if mixologist Pepper Revelle and her Bohemia Bartenders friends are working their glasses off. With all the cocktailians in town, the season promises to be festive—at least until a murky death in the swamp puts one of their friends under suspicion.
Rumor has it the victim was on the verge of a fantastic discovery, but Pepper and her would-be boyfriend Neil find nothing but questions surrounding it. What was she looking for among the alligators? And was it a motive for murder?
While Pepper and Neil search for answers and try to date among the disasters, Pepper’s dog Astra snubs distiller Mark’s impudent pup, and her ex Mr. Mixy gets into more trouble than he’s worth. When Pepper gets too close to the truth, will she be blasted like a cork from a bottle of bubbly?
SHOCKED BY CHAMPAGNE is the sixth book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These quasi-cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.
Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida's east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series and the jumping-off point for the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries. She's been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine. In her spare time, she chases tornadoes.
It's always great to get back with Pepper and the gang! This is one of my favorite series! Shocked by Champagne did not disappoint. So far, I think this is my favorite of the series. There's some intrigue into something that has happened in the past, and I'm anxious to see if/how it gets played out. If you love mysteries with some education thrown in, a little humor, and a little romance, then this is the series for you!
*I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review*
ITA Per chi fosse interessato questo libro fa parte di una lunga serie #1 RISKY WHISKEY #2 WRECKED BY RUM #3 VEXED BY VODKA #4 JIGGERED BY GIN #5 BEGUILED BY BOURBON #6 SHOCKED BY CHAMPAGNE
In questa nuova avventura l’evento per i cui i baristi protagonisti dovranno preparare il menù di cocktail da proporre avrà come “ingrediente” principale lo champagne, quello DOCG da Champagne. Durante una escursione in mezzo alla flora e alla fauna delle paludi si fermano in una casa dove una delle persone insieme a Pepper e altri ha appuntamento con una sua amica ricercatrice. Arrivati sul posto trovano il corpo senza vita della donna riverso nell’acqua. Partono le indagini quelle ufficiali dei vari agenti e quelle ufficiose di Pepper e dei suoi amici etc. Il libro è carino, come in quello precedente (gli unici due che ho letto) mi sono piaciute le alternanze della storia personale di Pepper, le descrizioni relative ai vari cocktail e la ricetta in fondo al libro, come anche le indagini. L’unica cosa che ho trovato a volte un po’ ripetitivo sono i pensieri di Pepper rispetto alla sua vita personale. Personaggi di punta: Mr. Mixy e Phantom, sua maestà l’alligatore. Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG For those interested, this book is part of a long series. #1: RISKY WHISKEY #2: WRECKED BY RUM #3: VEXED BY VODKA #4: JIGGERED BY GIN #5: BEGUILED BY BOURBON #6: SHOCKED BY CHAMPAGNE
In this new adventure, the event for which the star bartenders will have to prepare the cocktail menu to be offered will have as its main "ingredient" champagne, the AOCG one from Champagne. During a hike among the flora and fauna of the swamps, they stop at a house where one of the people, along with Pepper and others, has an appointment with a researcher friend of hers. Upon arriving at the site, they find the woman's lifeless body lying in the water. The investigation begins with the official ones by the various agents and the unofficial ones by Pepper and her friends, etc. The book is cute; as in the previous one (the only two I have read), I liked the alternations of Pepper's personal story, the descriptions regarding the various cocktails and the recipe at the end of the book, as well as the investigations. The only thing I found a bit repetitive at times were Pepper's thoughts with respect to his personal life. Top characters: Mr. Mixy and Phantom, its majesty the alligator. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s the Christmas and New Year holiday season and the Bohemia Bartenders are busy with parties. Mixologist Pepper Revelle is excited about the upcoming holiday season and her blossoming relationship with fellow mixologist Neil Rockaway. When tragedy strikes, the holidays turn into a murder investigation.
One of Pepper’s friends is under suspicion, and she can’t let that happen. Pepper and Neil team up with their friends to look for a killer. Unfortunately, this puts their own lives in danger.
It’s always fun to make the trip to Bohemia in Florida. Pepper knows how to make all of the Bartenders’ events exciting, perhaps a bit too exciting. There's never a dull moment in Pepper's life.
Each character is crafted to perfection. You either love or hate them or, in the case of Pepper’s ex Mr. Mixy, really find them annoying. They are a quirky group to say the least. For this reader, they feel like old friends and I’m always up for a visit with them.
The storyline is fast paced and kept me guessing to the end. I thought I knew who did it, but I was wrong. This is a cozy that mixes mystery, suspense, humor and even a little romance into one fun reading adventure.
Although the mystery is contained in this book, there is a continuing thread that runs through each book. So, it’s much more fun to begin this series with book #1 and get to know these offbeat characters. I know I’ve come to love them. It's the perfect book to read with a yummy cocktail.
Bring on book #7!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm so happy to be back with Pepper, Neil and the crew! This book is set in December and has them back in Florida, but of course many of our friends have shown up to celebrate the holidays and murder can't stay away from them. Lots of atmospheric writing as many scenes take place in the swamp. This time the Bohemian Bartenders are performing at benefit for the zoo being funded by someone we met back in New Orleans.
I always feel like I'm connecting with a group of old friends when I read these books and the cocktails always sound wonderful and of course, this time champagne is the main ingredient. We get to meet the charming French champagne owner who may or may not have a devious past. I'm as frustrated as Pepper with the slow and steady courtship Neil is conducting. And I'm ready to hear more about another relationship that seems to be heating up.
So dive on in t this new book, the weather is great at Bohemia beach, the holiday spirit is in the air and the alligators are chomping!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A suspenseful, cozy mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
3.5 stars rounded off to 4.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery that kept the suspense alive until the very end. It's a light whodunit novel with bartenders as the main "detectives." This was the most unique part of the book, which I really liked.
The pacing was slower than typical mystery stories, but this helped build up the plot and etch the numerous characters. I took my time with this book because it was not "unputdownable." However, that was not a bad thing because I came back to it every night.
I wish the author had cut down on the romance side plot because it distracted me. The couple was cute and had chemistry, but the protagonist's yearning for her partner became repetitive.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy mystery series during their vacation. Start with the first book, though, to enjoy it fully.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Boy, was this a fun book! Shocked by Champagne is the 6th installment in the Bohemia Bartenders Mystery series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. The action starts on Christmas Eve when local mixologist and amateur sleuth Pepper Revell, along with her love interest Neil and a cast of eccentric characters from the series, takes an airboat ride along the marshy Florida waterways. But what starts as a fun adventure takes a dangerous turn when they discover a dead body.
When one of Pepper’s friends becomes the prime suspect in the murder, Pepper can’t help but delve into the investigation (much to Neil’s chagrin!). Add in a salty airboat captain, a legendary alligator, and Pepper’s narcissistic but hilarious ex-boyfriend, Mr. Mixy, and you get a humorous who-dun-it filled with twists, turns, and, of course, lots of great cocktails! Excellent writing and witty dialogue round out this highly recommended read.
This is the sixth book in the Bohemia Bartenders series. Pepper Revelle and Neil whom she has been lusting after for quite sometime are definitely getting closer. They are heading to a swampy area to help and old friend out of a murder investigation. This friend had an acquaintance that was exploring plants in this area and ends up dead. But others thought she was looking for treasures. Of course Mr. Mixy invites himself along for all the exploring.
Phantom is a huge alligator that has been around there for awhile and he does let Mr. Mixy know he means business. This land is really wanted by a developing company and as Pepper and Neil try to figure out who could have killed the acquaintance they experience, airboat rides and obviously the bug ridden swamp. One of the funniest part was what Neil got Pepper for Christmas and what was going through her mind.
I received this ARC from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shocked by Champagne is like sipping champagne, each bit gets better and better. This is the 6th book in the Bohemia Bartenders series and can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Pepper Revell and her gang of mixologists start the party on Christmas Eve airboat ride in the swamp and the introduction of a crotchety alligator name Phantom. Pepper continues to live up to her name with some of the situations she gets into.
Mr. Mixy continues annoy and entertain. It is hard to believe one man can be so much trouble especially when he is an ex. Time for Neil to move forward in the story. A few twists and turns along with some great information on plants. The cocktails always sounds delicious. Maybe we should have a book signing and tasting.
I received a free copy of the book; thanks to the Book Sirens. My review is my own.
This is really great series and this sixth book is so much fun with mixologist,Pepper, Neil her sort of boyfriend and the Bohemia Bartenders gang. The book is set in December in Florida. The crew is working really hard for a benefit at a zoo. Pepper's ex Mr. Mixy who is a total pain constantly getting into trouble and has a big egotistical mouth shows up. But when Pepper and Neil take a sightseeing ride in the swamp, they find a biologist dead in the swamp. While Pepper and Neil investigate they are faced with so many twists and turns and suspects who all wanted the victim dead. Will they get to the truth. Will they find the murderer? You must read this book to find out. It is a fast read and so much fun with its quirkiness,that will make you want more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
This is book 6 in Lakestone's Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries series and can be read as a standalone. This is only the second in the series I've had the pleasure to read and I have to say I loved it just as much if not more than the last! A well written cozy mystery with a wonderful balance of mystery, humor and romance! A side story that started in the previous read is also addressed and I'm curious to see how that will all play out! I love that Lakestone kept me guessing as to the true culprit until the end. Love Pepper, Neil and the gang and can't wait to see what trouble they will find themselves in next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was so fun to meet up with Pepper, Neil and the whole Bohemian Bartenders as they try and figure out who killed their friend Alice.
I will never tire of Lucy’s writing, it’s so descriptive and flows perfectly. Each chapter takes you deeper into the story and finding out whodunnit.
I loved how Neil and Peppers relationship finally grew into a little more. Now if they’d just hurry up and seal the deal. 😆
In this book we are greeted with some new characters that helped with the stories development. We had plenty of the usual characters which add so much fun and laughter to the story.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries this series is a must! So glad to see there is another book lined up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fun, mysterious, light read. Shocked By Champagne is the 6th book of the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries and can be read as a standalone. It’s almost the holidays, Pepper is getting ready to celebrate with her bartender friends and her would-be boyfriend. Who shows up other than her Ex, he plans to join the crew for a while. If that wasn’t bad enough, they come across a dead body, the victim was on the verge of a fantastic discovery. Leaving them with a lot of questions, and one of their friends a suspect. I really enjoyed this book it was peppered with humor and easy to read. I will have to book one and read the rest. Thank you to BookSirens for this copy, which I reviewed, voluntarily on honestly.
Shocked by Champagne is book 6 in the Bohemia Bartenders by Lucy Lakestone.. It's the holidays and Neil and Pepper are about to tangle with a mass murderer… plus her ex Mr Mixy. Beau is still on the run and Pepper has her hands full. This book has so much action and I often laugh out loud. The author has written great characters and an enjoyable story. My heart was smiling at the end. Pepper and friends are heading to New Orleans for book 7, Why oh Rhy… I can hardly wait! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Pepper Revelle and her friends ,Royce her half-brother and Mark are on a trip to Bohemia . There is a murder at the Boyle Place . Alice Dalworth the Botanist was dead and Diana becomes a suspect. As the Boyle house has been sold to some developers, Pepper was puzzled how Alice was able to keep working in the swamp . Alice had been at the swamp Shack at Boyle Place where she had died. A exciting read. I received this book via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
This is a fantastic series and I absolutely love how Pepper always finds herself in the midst of a mystery and more often than not, danger. She’s constantly digging until she finds out the “who” and “why” and this story continues that theme. As Pepper uncovers clues to the murder of a researcher you want to cheer as she finds her relationship with Neil growing. Can’t wait to see what adventures Pepper and her friends get into next! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Bohemian bartenders are at it again, this time in the swamps in Florida. When their friend Diane discovers her colleague’s body in the area she was doing research they all come to her rescue. Pepper and Neil look for answers, twists and turns take you thru possible love matches, a giant angry alligator, past annoying boyfriend Mr Mixy , a handsome Frenchman and more.
Witty banter, rumors, possible motives and crazy interactions keep the pages turning.
Wasn’t expecting the outcome!
Fun read, ready for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
Easily read as a standalone, this is the 6th book in a series of 8. The mixologists are off to another big event but they have more sleuthing to do and are boat riding in a swamp with a notorious alligator to find their kidnapped friend. Action packed with fun characters and a fast paced story. Read and enjoy! I was provided an advanced reader copy and under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and book sirens for the opportunity to read this book.
First book I have read by this author and really enjoyed it. While taking an airboat ride Peppers group was alerted about a murder. It was at a place where she was to pick up a friend in the swamp. Her friend is a suspect so she and her boyfriend Neil must try to find real killer if the police decide it is murder and not an accident. Once police find it to be murder she really starts trying to find answers. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. Very good and suspenseful book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the sixth book in the Bohemia Bartenders series, but can work as a stand alone. I enjoyed the continued romantic interest between Pepper and Neil. Their relationship is slowly progressing. The mystery did keep me guessing. I really didn’t expect the killer to be the person it was.
Christmas in Bohemia Beach – Pepper and her bartending gang of mixologists are serving at a premiere New Year’s Eve Party. But first there’s Christmas. Pepper’s long lost stepbrother is in for a visit. They’re off in an airboat to visit a local biologist. There’s just one problem – a dead body.
Join the Bohemia Beach gang in a holiday murder. It’s a great story.
I enjoyed reading Shocked by Champagne, it has action, romance, beautiful descriptions of the swamp land in Florida, and a group of friends doing the impossible to learn who killed the botanist and why. The characters seem to be more robust and are really entertaining! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed both the Florida and the LA references. The characters were fun and relatable and it was easy and relaxing to read. I really liked it. I will be adding the rest of the series to my “to read” list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another awesome book with Pepper and the gang. Excited to see what happens in the next book with Pepper's parents and to wrap up this whole thing with Beau. Loved the storyline though. The mystery was fantastic and it was a very enjoyable story!
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review. Intreging. Witty dialogue. Fun. Well written. Fascinating characters. Interesting plot.
I could not turn the pages fast enough in this one. So intense. A few interesting twists along the way. Can’t wait to read to see what adventures are ahead in book 7