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Totlandia #2

The Onesies: Winter

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IN BOOK 2 OF THE TOTLANDIA SERIES

Five mommies are just one misstep away from entry into the elite Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club. Everyone has a scandalous secret to hide, but who will be the next to fall?

As the club's founder, Bettina, ratchets up the stress level with a series of holiday-themed challenges, the cracks begin to show. Jade's past catches up to her in the most unlikely of settings. Jillian's struggles to make ends meet are complicated by Bettina's demands. Ally's work and home lives collide, threatening to expose all of her secrets. And Lorna's already fraying family ties are torn to shreds by a series of devastating events.

With just four spots remaining, will the five remaining ladies turn cutthroat? Or will their newfound friendships be strong enough to help them band together?

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

62 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Josie Brown

76 books701 followers
Josie Brown's forty-two novels are now in the hands of over two million readers.

She has been published by St. Martin's Press, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Books.

Read Josie’s books. You’ll get a good idea of her sense of humor. https://www.JosieBrown.com

You'll also find Josie on
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JosieBrownCA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiebrownau...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiebrownn...

Visit her podcast, where she discusses writing with other authors:
http://bit.ly/AuthorProvocateurApple

Josie is the author of these novels:

The Housewife Assassin Novel Series, including
- Handbook (Book 1)
- Guide to Gracious Killing (Book 2)
- Killer Christmas Tips (Book 3)
- Relationship Survival Guide (Book 4)
- Vacation to Die For (Book 5)
- Recipes for Disaster (Book 6)
- Hollywood Scream Play (Book 7) [2014, Signal Press]
- Killer App (Book 8) [August 2014, Signal Press]
- Hostage Hosting Tips (Book 9)
- Garden of Deadly Delights (Book 10)
- Tips for Weddings, Weapons, and Warfare Hosting Tips (Book 11)
- Husband Hunting Hints (Book 12)
- Ghost Protocol (Book 13)
- Terrorist TV Guide (Book 14)
- Deadly Dossier (Book 15 - SERIES PREQUEL)
- Greatest Hits (Book 16 )
- Fourth Estate Sale (Book 17 )
- Horrorscope (Book 18 )
- White House Keeping Seal of Approval (Book 19)
- Assassination Vacation Tips (Book 20)
- Antisocial Media Tips (Book 21)
- Manners, Missiles & Mayhem (Book 22)
- Gambit (Book 23)
- Underwater Assets (Book 24)

The Candidate (Steamy Political Thriller)

Extracurricular - 3 episodic Novels (2020; Signal Press)

Totlandia - 8 episodic Novels (2014-2017; Signal Press)

The Baby Planner
[2011, Simon & Schuster]

The Housewife Assassin Gets Lucky (written with Deborah Coonts)

Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives
[2010, Simon & Schuster 2014 Signal Press]]

Hollywood Hunk (Book 1 - True Hollywood Lies)
[2005, HarperCollins; 2010 Signal Press]

Her novel, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives (Simon & Schuster), is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer as a dramatic series for NBC-TV.

She is also the author of three non-fiction books: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Finding Mr. Right [Penguin/Alpha]; Marriage Confidential: 102 Honest Answers to the Questions Every Husband Wants to Ask, and Every Wife Needs to Know [Signal Press]; and Last Night I Dreamt of Cosmopolitans: A Modern Girl's Dream Dictionary [St. Martin's Press]

Before becoming a full-time novelist, Josie also worked in advertising (JWT, DDB/Needham, BBM&B) and radio (WPLO-AM, Atlanta; WZGC-FM, Atlanta).

As a journalist, Josie has interviewed Maya Angelou, Brenda Blethyn, Julian Bond, Kenneth Branagh, Jackie Collins, Costa-Gavras, Craig Ferguson, John Gray, Derek Jacobi, Debbie Reynolds, and John Woo. Her celebrity interviews and relationships trends articles have been featured in Los Angeles Times Syndicate International, Redbook, and Complete Woman, as well as AOL, Yahoo, AskMen.com, Divorce360.com, and SingleMindedWomen.com, where she serves as the Relationships Channel editor.

Josie's interviews for her podcast, Author Provocateur, and for the International Thriller Writers magazine THE BIG THRILL include such notable authors as David Baldacci, Samantha M. Bailey, C.J. Box, Allison Brennan, Lee Child, Deborah Coonts, Robert Dugoni, Barry Eisler, JT Ellison, Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew Gross, Kristan Higgins, Jon Land, John Lescroart, John Lutz, James Rollins, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Brad Thor, and Debra Webb.

Although born and raised (a Southern expression) in and around Atlanta, Georgia, Josie is proudly one-hundred percent Puerto Rican: her father was born in Ponce, and her mother was from Humacao. Does this make Josie a Georgiarican? She thinks so, and proudly claims that title.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband and two children.

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5 stars
175 (29%)
4 stars
210 (34%)
3 stars
178 (29%)
2 stars
31 (5%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Patrick.
37 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2013
I really wish I was kidding, but I'm giving this 4 stars. I'll tell you what it reminds me of.... My wife watches a lot of "Real Housewives of Who Cares What City." The same thing happens every time: I bitch about the trash that's about to come on TV and pick up a book in effort to get some reading done. It never gets done. I always get sucked into the train wreck and end up more involved than I like to admit. So embarrassingly, that's basically what this book is for me.

With that said, there are tons of characters for such a a short book. Their situations are well outlined if you can keep who is who straight.

Hate to admit it, but I'm off to buy the third one.
Profile Image for Meredith Schorr.
Author 15 books957 followers
September 14, 2015
I loved this book as much as the first if not more because I got to know all of the characters a little bit more. I love the way I care about them all and want (almost) all of them to be happy! The humor is wicked good and it's very steamy too but in a way that totally fits the story. I have to take a break to read my book club's monthly fix, but I'll be back to read 3 and 4 soon. LOVED.
Profile Image for Shawnee.
9 reviews
August 1, 2014
Could not...wait..Did not want to put the book down. The Moms were back to deal w/Bettina and not acrue ANY infractions. Oh my, the situations, the secrets and reactions were spot on. I really enjoy reading this series. Gotta give Lorna a high-five. I could NOT have kept my mouth shut. Bring on Book 3.
Profile Image for Mary  BookHounds .
1,303 reviews1,966 followers
December 13, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Book Two picks right up where Book One left off, as the five remaining mothers vie for four spot in the Pacific Heights Moms & Tot's Play Group. Now, with the secrets starting to spill between the four friendly ones, each now knows a bit more about the others. Jade's pole dancing comes to light when Bettina's husband recognizes her, although she already let that cat out of the bag to the others. Jillian's divorce is still a bit under wraps but after she waits on Lorna and Bettina, she had to admit to the group that she is in dire straights. Lorna, herself has finally admitted her own secret, well, at least to her husband about her son's condition and she has been an a pillar of support for the others even while she is the victim herself of viscous rumors. Ally admits that she is not married and uses her gay best friend as a front for the group.

As Kelly tries to manipulate Bettina towards the finish through the Thanksgiving holiday, she herself gets played much like a great episode of Survivor. I so enjoy this series and I am always stunned a bit sad when each book ends. At least there are more books to be released every three months, so the countdown is not that long. These stories are the perfect read to take along on your smart phone since each chapter can be easily read while waiting. I think it took me about two hours to get through this one. I swear I feel like a junkie with Josie Brown and I just can't get enough of these characters.

Profile Image for Patty.
1,210 reviews50 followers
January 10, 2013
Book 2 of the Totlandia series picks up where Book 1 left off with the probationary moms vying for too few spots in the exclusive Pacific Heights Moms and Tots Club. In this installment the women have all learned each others secrets and are becoming friends which is not good for Bettina and her rather snobby approach to dealing with women. I think she prefers to keep them slightly at war with each other than banding together.

It's a short read perfect to pick up when you don't have lots of time to dedicate to a book. That is what is so perfect about this type of delivery system - you don't have to worry about spending hours in a story and you can pick up with each "Book" quite easily from the last. Serialization is a delight for the busy reader.

The dilemmas presented in this chapter have more to do with interpersonal relationships than with club dynamics as the women are getting to know each other better. How will their knowledge of each others secrets play out as they go forward in life and love and how will they deal with the complications that life is now handing them.

I still do not understand the handling of the autism by Lorna despite a very nice note from the author but perhaps the next chapter will enlighten me further. If you are looking for a read that is rich in character development with intriguing plot points that will keep you looking for the next installment than join the Pacific Heights Moms and Tots Club.
Profile Image for Carrie Ardoin.
694 reviews32 followers
June 14, 2013
Things are heating up in the Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club as it's getting colder outside. Cuts are being made, and probationary members Kelly, Ally, Jade, Jillian, and Lorna are fighting to keep their one year olds in the group, while all of them have hellish personal lives to manage. It may be the holiday season, but cheer is hard to find.

In my review of the first book in the series, I said Totlandia was like a soap opera, and in this second book that's even more true. Even the most innocent seeming people have something to hide that could destroy their chances of staying in the group.

If I had one thing negative to say it would be that things in this book are TOO soapy...I don't watch soap operas in real life so I find some of these storylines a bit much. I don't know how some of these women put up with the things they put up with, from their husbands' indiscretions to the bitchy attitude of group leader Bettina.

The truth of each member's life is slowly starting to leak out, and I'm anxious to see whether the group will be destroyed or changed when it all comes out.
Profile Image for IRIFF.
110 reviews
May 9, 2016
I absolutely had the best time reading this book. So much drama, so much sordid scandal, so crazy, catty, cutthroat! Yes, it's very over the top, but that's what makes this story all the more entertaining.

I found the first book free on Amazon and I really enjoyed it for the light and edited writing style, and the fun, frivolous story line. The first installment was a guilty pleasure. When I get first-in-series freebies, I very rarely seek the next books. Not so with this series. The moment I got a coupon on my next Kindle purchase, I bought 2-5 of Totlandia and I'm so glad I did! Book 2 was even better than the first. The ending sets up the next book perfectly and I'm sure Ms. Brown won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Samantha March.
1,102 reviews326 followers
December 27, 2012
I received a copy of Totlandia: The Onesies, Book 2 in exchange for an honest review. I gave 5 stars to the first book in this series, and was more than happy to dive into the second. The story picks right back up and finally answered the burning question of who Madame Ovary is. More secrets are uncovered along the way, as the probationary moms (and dad!) try to win their spot in the coveted Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club. Some of what is revealed had my jaw hitting the floor, and I was once again riveted by this tale of scandal, friendship, and parenthood from Josie Brown. I hope book three in the series is here soon!
Profile Image for Christy.
127 reviews
April 26, 2016
These fast paced, fun books just end too soon. I hated to see both books 1 & 2 come to an end and I can't wait to start book 3 in the series! Josie Brown NEVER disappoints me!

In Totlandia Book 2 "The Onesies: Winter," the remaining pledges to the Pacific Heights Mom & Tots Club continue to vie for a spot in the exclusive play group. These parents will do anything to secure their spot in the club, but each one is harboring secrets that could jeopardize their place in the group.

Lies. Secrets. Deception. And maybe a friend or two along the way.
Profile Image for Aimee.
10 reviews32 followers
January 24, 2013
I have now read book 1 and book 2 in the Totlandia series and let me tell you... it just keeps getting better and better! I definitely found myself sympathizing with a few of the Moms, laughing at others and completely despising at least one of them. This is a super fun read that had me laughing the entire time and I can't WAIT to find out which Mom gets ousted next. Please keep them coming Josie Brown, I am dying to download book number 3!
423 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2013
Part two of the mean girls become parents attempt to gain admission to an elite playgroup for their offspring and thus ensure their success in life. Very funny take on wealthy helicopter parents, and career women trying to maximize their success as mothers.

WARNING -- book only covers the second few months of the quest to obtain admission to the group. Story continued in next booksso definitely divided to sell next volume.
Profile Image for Kaamna Bhojwani-dhawan.
Author 1 book8 followers
November 20, 2012
In book 2, things really start happening. the secrets get darker, the stakes higher and bettina, meaner! the bond between the ladies deepens as they realize that the club has given them something more important than elite access - it's given them friendship. the culmination is Bettina's holiday party where it all comes to a head.. book 3 is going to be fun!
9 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2013
This book was a great sequel to Book One. The character story lines just got better and juicier and a little steamier, too! I can't wait to see what Josie has dreamed up for Book Three! Anyone looking for a fun, entertaining light read should definitely pick up this book. It won't disappoint!
Profile Image for Dineen.
150 reviews
April 14, 2013
I love this series! Such a quick read and I love all the "secrets" that these moms have. So happy there's a 3rd book!
Profile Image for Jill.
48 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2016
The book was free on book bud.com. I gave it a chance and it was a quick, fun, full of fluff read.
Profile Image for Sarah.
209 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2017
A light beach type read. Everyone in this book has secrets. Sort of a what happens when Sanctimommies meet people with more money than sense. There are a lot of characters though and keeping track of all of their secrets is hard. I actually had to go back and reread book 1 because it had been so long. I did make a cheat sheet for future reference.
Profile Image for ★ℕłℂØℓҾ★ (Nix).
308 reviews38 followers
October 29, 2017
The train wreck continues. I really only read this one so I could get to the next one to read a book with a green cover for a challenge, but it was equal parts addicting and horrifying.
Profile Image for JT.
258 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2018
A great follow up! Can’t wait to read book 3!
279 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2020
Since I bought this book, even though the first one was horrible in my opinion, I decided to go ahead and read book 2. It was worse, I couldn’t even finish it.
510 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2020
I will read the next in series but I find it annoying that I have too instead of wanting too. It’s like several episodes of “Desperate Housewives”.
Profile Image for Sunny (Kindles & Wine Book Blog).
649 reviews13 followers
March 14, 2013
If you read my C+/3 Star review of Totlandia: The Onesies, Book 1: Fall, you know I had some issues with the characters. While they are still the same characters, I enjoyed Book 2: Winter quite a bit more. I found those I disliked are still very unlikeable, but those that I was on the fence about in Book 1 I began liking more and more in Book 2.

This "episode" of the elite play club had me once again enjoying the laugh out loud moments that Josie Brown is great at writing. It also gave me a stronger understanding of the main characters. There are five still in the running for the four spots in the Onesies group. They still all have secrets to hide, but they are opening up to each other and creating bonds that made me wish they would ditch Bettina's club and start their own!

The supporting characters are going to stab everyone in the back, so beware! They lie, cheat, and have secrets of their own. I find it odd that they are so quick to point out other's indiscretions, but don't see their own. Even though I don't like the supporting cast of the Totlandia series, they do give the book some necessary depth. What is a good competition without drama, right?

The bottom line for me is that even with the evil people portrayed in the book, I want to know about how they will be overshadowed by the good or perhaps change. By the end of book 2, the club had it's membership locked in. I want to know more about where the kids and adults that remain end up. Therefore, off to book 3 I go! :)


Review copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Dawn.
Author 4 books52 followers
March 20, 2013
I really enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait to read this one. This story is a light and easy afternoon read. On top of that it gives you a humorous outlook on how the other half lives. The characters are relatable, you either love them or hate and the kids are quite enjoyable. I'm almost sure Ms. Brown has a lifelong fan.
Profile Image for Tanya.
530 reviews38 followers
July 17, 2013
Josie Brown does it again! Another fun, light, enjoyable read. It's so easy to pick up this book and just get sucked into the story and enjoy the ride. The girls (and guys!) secrets get darker and harder to hide, and knowing who they can trust with the truth is more difficult to determine as the group approaches the final cut to see who will officially make it as a member of the Onesies!
13 reviews
March 20, 2015
I did not particularly care for the first book. The second installment in this series was much better. It left me wondering what will happen next with Bettina scorned? Will the dark secrets come out? What will happen if and when they do?
Profile Image for bubblegumpopper.
967 reviews18 followers
July 29, 2015
It was fun to read, but the characters kind of started acting irrationally and just plain confusing near the end. I still think that these should have been two books, tops, but it at least makes for a nice quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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