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Liz Danger #1
Lavender's Blue
From the NY Times Bestselling duo that wrote Agnes and the Hitman, the first book in the Liz Danger series.
Liz Danger has returned home after fifteen years to deliver a giant teddy bear for her mother’s birthday (Guilt Red) when a cop with a great ass picks her up for speeding, fixes the missing lug nuts on her back wheel, pulls her out of a ditch, doesn’t give her a ticket, and helps her avoid her family. This is a man with real potential. The rest of the day goes downhill, starting with her finding out that the only man she’s ever loved is getting married to Lavender Blue, the most beautiful woman in southern Ohio. Really, the best thing in her day is that cop with the lug nuts.
Vince Cooper still isn't sure about being a cop in Burney, Ohio, a place he just moved to six months ago, since Burney is full of some fairly odd people spaced between long stretches of boredom. Still, considering the dangerous, difficult life he had before Burney as an Army Ranger and New York City cop, boredom is good. Then he picks up Liz Danger for speeding and life gets a lot more interesting. And when he picks her up again in the local bar the next night, he starts to realize that “interesting” doesn’t begin to describe what’s going to happen to him if he pulls Liz into his arms and his life
As Liz navigates her dysfunctional family, her flamboyant boss phoning in from Chicago, her still-interested ex, her bridesmaid dress from hell, a dachshund with issues, a disaster of a wedding, assault, murder, and three hundred and ninety-three teddy bears, Vince shows up to get her through, even though he knows that the real peril for him in Burney is the one who came with her own warning label, Liz Danger.
Liz Danger has returned home after fifteen years to deliver a giant teddy bear for her mother’s birthday (Guilt Red) when a cop with a great ass picks her up for speeding, fixes the missing lug nuts on her back wheel, pulls her out of a ditch, doesn’t give her a ticket, and helps her avoid her family. This is a man with real potential. The rest of the day goes downhill, starting with her finding out that the only man she’s ever loved is getting married to Lavender Blue, the most beautiful woman in southern Ohio. Really, the best thing in her day is that cop with the lug nuts.
Vince Cooper still isn't sure about being a cop in Burney, Ohio, a place he just moved to six months ago, since Burney is full of some fairly odd people spaced between long stretches of boredom. Still, considering the dangerous, difficult life he had before Burney as an Army Ranger and New York City cop, boredom is good. Then he picks up Liz Danger for speeding and life gets a lot more interesting. And when he picks her up again in the local bar the next night, he starts to realize that “interesting” doesn’t begin to describe what’s going to happen to him if he pulls Liz into his arms and his life
As Liz navigates her dysfunctional family, her flamboyant boss phoning in from Chicago, her still-interested ex, her bridesmaid dress from hell, a dachshund with issues, a disaster of a wedding, assault, murder, and three hundred and ninety-three teddy bears, Vince shows up to get her through, even though he knows that the real peril for him in Burney is the one who came with her own warning label, Liz Danger.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2023
1767 people are currently reading
1924 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Crusie
80 books7,792 followersJennifer Crusie is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and the editor of three essay anthologies.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
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November 13, 2023
Lavender's Blue (Liz Danger Series, #1) by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Synopsis /
Liz Danger has returned home after fifteen years to deliver a giant teddy bear for her mother’s birthday (Guilt Red) when a cop with a great ass picks her up for speeding, fixes the missing lug nuts on her back wheel, pulls her out of a ditch, doesn’t give her a ticket, and helps her avoid her family. This is a man with real potential. The rest of the day goes downhill, starting with her finding out that the only man she’s ever loved is getting married to Lavender Blue, the most beautiful woman in southern Ohio. Really, the best thing in her day is that cop with the lug nuts.
Vince Cooper still isn't sure about being a cop in Burney, Ohio, a place he just moved to six months ago, since Burney is full of some fairly odd people spaced between long stretches of boredom. Still, considering the dangerous, difficult life he had before Burney as an Army Ranger and New York City cop, boredom is good. Then he picks up Liz Danger for speeding and life gets a lot more interesting. And when he picks her up again in the local bar the next night, he starts to realize that “interesting” doesn’t begin to describe what’s going to happen to him if he pulls Liz into his arms and his life.
As Liz navigates her dysfunctional family, her flamboyant boss phoning in from Chicago, her still-interested ex, her bridesmaid dress from hell, a dachshund with issues, a disaster of a wedding, assault, murder, and three hundred and ninety-three teddy bears, Vince shows up to get her through, even though he knows that the real peril for him in Burney is the one who came with her own warning label, Liz Danger.
My Thoughts /
3.5 stars (sailing into outlier waters)
Lavender's Blue you have created a little bit of a review conundrum for me.
The last time I read a book collaboration between two authors?? I would have to go back through my 'read' list but, I could say with certainty that it's been a long time. Both Crusie and Mayer are successful authors, and both have a ton of literary expertise. Jennifer Crusie has written twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and is the editor of three essay anthologies. Bob Mayer has had over 80 books published and sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
I finished this a few days ago now and have been sitting with my thoughts trying to figure out how to write a review for something that I really liked; yet didn't. So, bear with me, as I try to put down my thoughts in a (hopefully) somewhat meaningful dissection.
The story opens. On a cold April day, thanks to an awful card my awful Aunt ML had sent me, I was driving down Route 52 along the Ohio River toward my home town for the first time in fifteen years.
For thirty-three-year-old Liz Danger, life growing up in Burney was never easy; and the same can now be said of her return.
'Here's how this works', I said into the phone. 'The Cleveland Blues are the top of Burney society. Cleve's been dead for a while and now so is his son Navy, so it's pretty much Lavender, Skye, and their mother Faye. There is also Navy's widow, Margot, and their daughter Periwinkle. At the bottom of the hill are the second tier Blues, my aunt ML, my uncle Day, and my cousin Molly'. 'Further down the street and the social ladder are the Untouchables. The Dangers - that's my mom and me - and the Porters, Kitty and her kids, Cash, Ken, Willie, and Patsy'.
I've attempted to draw you a family tree as best I can remember, as it is a little ah, er, complicated. Cut and paste this onto a separate page as you read and hopefully it will help (disclaimer: it probably won't!).
The Dangers:
Mary-Beth (MB) Danger m. Jack Danger - d. Elizabeth (Liz) Magnolia Danger
The Porters:
Kitty Porter m. Johnny Porter - d. Patsy; s: Cash, Kenny, and Willie
The Blues:
Fay Blue m. Cleveland Blue - d. Lavender and Skye and s. Navy
Navy m. Margot Wilcox - d. Periwinkle
Mary Louise (ML) Blue m. Dayton Blue - d. Molly (Liz's cousin)
There is also a cast of cops, politicians, business owners, rogue teenagers, Liz's employer Anemone, and a blonde dachshund called 'Veronica'.
Believe me when I tell you that this would have come in very handy for me at the beginning of the book. So think of this as my present to you. You're welcome.
From the beginning it was looking like I was going to be a huge fan of this one; but then IT happened. The 'murder'. And from then on, as sometimes happens after a murder (except of course in a Stephanie Plum book) all the fun just - well - died.
Now I don't know if that's where one author stopped writing and the other one took over?? I have read somewhere that Crusie had written all of Liz's chapters and Mayer had written the chapters with Vince's POV - but I just don't know. What I do know is that the mood changed heavily at this point. There were no more zany characters, no more clever repartee to-ing and fro-ing, no more light-hearted banter, and snort worthy dialogue. I was, suddenly, faced with a cop trying to solve a murder in a small town, where most everyone is keeping secrets, and everyone can't wait to implicate someone else for the crime.
There are also some strong underlying themes bubbling their way to the surface. Alcoholism, autonomy, social pressures, infidelity, and the performance of strict gender roles and accompanying expectations. So, forgive me if I'm a little confused, as the first genre shelf tagged to this book is 'romance'.
We were privy to quite a bit of background information on Liz Danger, and I thought that contextually, that was great.
The investigation surrounding the murder was wrapped up well and indeed, I hadn't guessed the perpetrator - so there's that. I loved the cover - so there's that. I do have the next book downloaded to my kindle and it too has a cute cover - so there's that. Will I read it? Most likely, but I'm not in any screaming hurry.
Synopsis /
Liz Danger has returned home after fifteen years to deliver a giant teddy bear for her mother’s birthday (Guilt Red) when a cop with a great ass picks her up for speeding, fixes the missing lug nuts on her back wheel, pulls her out of a ditch, doesn’t give her a ticket, and helps her avoid her family. This is a man with real potential. The rest of the day goes downhill, starting with her finding out that the only man she’s ever loved is getting married to Lavender Blue, the most beautiful woman in southern Ohio. Really, the best thing in her day is that cop with the lug nuts.
Vince Cooper still isn't sure about being a cop in Burney, Ohio, a place he just moved to six months ago, since Burney is full of some fairly odd people spaced between long stretches of boredom. Still, considering the dangerous, difficult life he had before Burney as an Army Ranger and New York City cop, boredom is good. Then he picks up Liz Danger for speeding and life gets a lot more interesting. And when he picks her up again in the local bar the next night, he starts to realize that “interesting” doesn’t begin to describe what’s going to happen to him if he pulls Liz into his arms and his life.
As Liz navigates her dysfunctional family, her flamboyant boss phoning in from Chicago, her still-interested ex, her bridesmaid dress from hell, a dachshund with issues, a disaster of a wedding, assault, murder, and three hundred and ninety-three teddy bears, Vince shows up to get her through, even though he knows that the real peril for him in Burney is the one who came with her own warning label, Liz Danger.
My Thoughts /
3.5 stars (sailing into outlier waters)
Lavender's Blue you have created a little bit of a review conundrum for me.
The last time I read a book collaboration between two authors?? I would have to go back through my 'read' list but, I could say with certainty that it's been a long time. Both Crusie and Mayer are successful authors, and both have a ton of literary expertise. Jennifer Crusie has written twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and is the editor of three essay anthologies. Bob Mayer has had over 80 books published and sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
I finished this a few days ago now and have been sitting with my thoughts trying to figure out how to write a review for something that I really liked; yet didn't. So, bear with me, as I try to put down my thoughts in a (hopefully) somewhat meaningful dissection.
The story opens. On a cold April day, thanks to an awful card my awful Aunt ML had sent me, I was driving down Route 52 along the Ohio River toward my home town for the first time in fifteen years.
For thirty-three-year-old Liz Danger, life growing up in Burney was never easy; and the same can now be said of her return.
'Here's how this works', I said into the phone. 'The Cleveland Blues are the top of Burney society. Cleve's been dead for a while and now so is his son Navy, so it's pretty much Lavender, Skye, and their mother Faye. There is also Navy's widow, Margot, and their daughter Periwinkle. At the bottom of the hill are the second tier Blues, my aunt ML, my uncle Day, and my cousin Molly'. 'Further down the street and the social ladder are the Untouchables. The Dangers - that's my mom and me - and the Porters, Kitty and her kids, Cash, Ken, Willie, and Patsy'.
I've attempted to draw you a family tree as best I can remember, as it is a little ah, er, complicated. Cut and paste this onto a separate page as you read and hopefully it will help (disclaimer: it probably won't!).
The Dangers:
Mary-Beth (MB) Danger m. Jack Danger - d. Elizabeth (Liz) Magnolia Danger
The Porters:
Kitty Porter m. Johnny Porter - d. Patsy; s: Cash, Kenny, and Willie
The Blues:
Fay Blue m. Cleveland Blue - d. Lavender and Skye and s. Navy
Navy m. Margot Wilcox - d. Periwinkle
Mary Louise (ML) Blue m. Dayton Blue - d. Molly (Liz's cousin)
There is also a cast of cops, politicians, business owners, rogue teenagers, Liz's employer Anemone, and a blonde dachshund called 'Veronica'.
Believe me when I tell you that this would have come in very handy for me at the beginning of the book. So think of this as my present to you. You're welcome.
From the beginning it was looking like I was going to be a huge fan of this one; but then IT happened. The 'murder'. And from then on, as sometimes happens after a murder (except of course in a Stephanie Plum book) all the fun just - well - died.
Now I don't know if that's where one author stopped writing and the other one took over?? I have read somewhere that Crusie had written all of Liz's chapters and Mayer had written the chapters with Vince's POV - but I just don't know. What I do know is that the mood changed heavily at this point. There were no more zany characters, no more clever repartee to-ing and fro-ing, no more light-hearted banter, and snort worthy dialogue. I was, suddenly, faced with a cop trying to solve a murder in a small town, where most everyone is keeping secrets, and everyone can't wait to implicate someone else for the crime.
There are also some strong underlying themes bubbling their way to the surface. Alcoholism, autonomy, social pressures, infidelity, and the performance of strict gender roles and accompanying expectations. So, forgive me if I'm a little confused, as the first genre shelf tagged to this book is 'romance'.
We were privy to quite a bit of background information on Liz Danger, and I thought that contextually, that was great.
The investigation surrounding the murder was wrapped up well and indeed, I hadn't guessed the perpetrator - so there's that. I loved the cover - so there's that. I do have the next book downloaded to my kindle and it too has a cute cover - so there's that. Will I read it? Most likely, but I'm not in any screaming hurry.
September 20, 2023
I am overjoyed that one of my favorite authors has not only a new book but a whole new series! I can't wait to read it! Welcome back Jennifer Crusie!!!! You are one of my favorite authors and I am soooo happy that you and Bob Mayer are teaming for this series. It is everything I could have wished for and more. Mystery, romance, humor and some serious issues. I just love that Jennifer is writing the Liz chapters and Bob is writing the Vince chapters. Love It!!
Liz Danger beat feet out of Burney, Ohio before the ink was even dried on her High School Diploma and hasn't been back for fifteen years. And, she probably wouldn't be back except her Aunt ML sent her a cryptic message about her mother. What she finds is that the more things change, the more they stay the same, except for the hot new cop on the force who has just pulled her over as she has a change of heart and is quickly leaving Burney in her rearview. Her day just goes from bad to worse when she also finds that her high school sweetheart is getting married to the most beautiful and rich woman in town, Lavender Blue. Oh, and everyone wants her to break them up.
Vince Cooper pulls over a speeder and ends up gob smacked. And the next night when he meets up with Liz Danger again, he knows that his life will never be the same. But when Liz is attacked, he realizes that maybe she had good reasons for staying away for fifteen years and when she is implicated in a murder, Vince is all about being personal, very personal, protection until he can figure out who really did it.
Life for Liz in Burney was never easy and life on her return is just insane. Her mother hordes Teddybear's, her aunt hated her, she is going to lose a bonus if she can't get her famous client to cooperate and finish her book and she ends up as maid of honor in the wedding from hell. Life could be worse.
Liz Danger beat feet out of Burney, Ohio before the ink was even dried on her High School Diploma and hasn't been back for fifteen years. And, she probably wouldn't be back except her Aunt ML sent her a cryptic message about her mother. What she finds is that the more things change, the more they stay the same, except for the hot new cop on the force who has just pulled her over as she has a change of heart and is quickly leaving Burney in her rearview. Her day just goes from bad to worse when she also finds that her high school sweetheart is getting married to the most beautiful and rich woman in town, Lavender Blue. Oh, and everyone wants her to break them up.
Vince Cooper pulls over a speeder and ends up gob smacked. And the next night when he meets up with Liz Danger again, he knows that his life will never be the same. But when Liz is attacked, he realizes that maybe she had good reasons for staying away for fifteen years and when she is implicated in a murder, Vince is all about being personal, very personal, protection until he can figure out who really did it.
Life for Liz in Burney was never easy and life on her return is just insane. Her mother hordes Teddybear's, her aunt hated her, she is going to lose a bonus if she can't get her famous client to cooperate and finish her book and she ends up as maid of honor in the wedding from hell. Life could be worse.
July 19, 2024
It's currently #21 in Small Town Romance Kindle Store ♡
__________________________________
Jennifer Crusie is with Elizabeth Susan Phillips the first contemporary author I read coming to the US, I devoured their back lists via library (love the US library system) and never looked back.
But over the years their books have gotten put on the back burner. And it has been too long since I read a Jennifer Crusie book, especially one with her co-author Bob Mayer. Their first collaboration Agnes and the Hitman is still a favorite book of mine, it was so damm funny.
When I found out that they were writing books again as a duo I couldn't wait to read it. And boy, I wasn't disappointed.
What I LOVE about this collaboration is that Liz's POV is written by Jennifer Crusie, and Vince POV is written by Bob Mayer, at least that's how it feels, because Vince's voice is typical male (loved it) and Liz's POV is definitely written by a female author.
The distinct difference in voices is what makes this book so unique and entertaining.
Also, the supporting characters get a chance to shine over the three books. And Liz and Vince's relationship, which develops over the summer, has time to deepen. No rush here, just attraction and a feel of belonging.
A bit of mystery doesn't hurt either.
So, this trilogy has everything I love to read on a rainy Saturday. Small town Romance, a feisty heroine, a small town cop, fantastic supporting characters, a wonderful community that comes together when needed, and a absolutely awesome employer - together makes this book a WINNER!!!!
__________________________________
Jennifer Crusie is with Elizabeth Susan Phillips the first contemporary author I read coming to the US, I devoured their back lists via library (love the US library system) and never looked back.
But over the years their books have gotten put on the back burner. And it has been too long since I read a Jennifer Crusie book, especially one with her co-author Bob Mayer. Their first collaboration Agnes and the Hitman is still a favorite book of mine, it was so damm funny.
When I found out that they were writing books again as a duo I couldn't wait to read it. And boy, I wasn't disappointed.
What I LOVE about this collaboration is that Liz's POV is written by Jennifer Crusie, and Vince POV is written by Bob Mayer, at least that's how it feels, because Vince's voice is typical male (loved it) and Liz's POV is definitely written by a female author.
The distinct difference in voices is what makes this book so unique and entertaining.
Also, the supporting characters get a chance to shine over the three books. And Liz and Vince's relationship, which develops over the summer, has time to deepen. No rush here, just attraction and a feel of belonging.
A bit of mystery doesn't hurt either.
So, this trilogy has everything I love to read on a rainy Saturday. Small town Romance, a feisty heroine, a small town cop, fantastic supporting characters, a wonderful community that comes together when needed, and a absolutely awesome employer - together makes this book a WINNER!!!!
July 15, 2023
The first Crusie since Maybe This Time satisfies my need for a smart, driven, female protagonist who faces a rain of calamities -- and comes out smarter, happier, and, ultimately, successful. Lavender's Blue is the first book in a Liz Danger trilogy which Crusie has written in collaboration with Bob Mayer. They've already written 3 books together: Agnes & the Hitman, Wild Ride, and Don't Look Down.
Only a terse note of warning from her aunt can bring Liz Danger back to Burney, Ohio. Even that warning message -- which threatens that Liz's mother is in dire straits -- merely brings Liz home for a quick visit where she'll give her mother a 6 foot red bear: Liz's guilt, personified. Then, off to Chicago for a job with a tight deadline.
But Liz's intentions fall foul in a series of misadventures -- from a comic speeding stop to a near deadly attempt on her life. Fortunately, the cop who fixes the lug nuts on her tire instead of giving her a speeding ticket is on her side.
It's so nice to have a new Jennifer Crusie on my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next two.
Only a terse note of warning from her aunt can bring Liz Danger back to Burney, Ohio. Even that warning message -- which threatens that Liz's mother is in dire straits -- merely brings Liz home for a quick visit where she'll give her mother a 6 foot red bear: Liz's guilt, personified. Then, off to Chicago for a job with a tight deadline.
But Liz's intentions fall foul in a series of misadventures -- from a comic speeding stop to a near deadly attempt on her life. Fortunately, the cop who fixes the lug nuts on her tire instead of giving her a speeding ticket is on her side.
It's so nice to have a new Jennifer Crusie on my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next two.
October 2, 2024
Oh my goodness! This is the best book that I've read all week! Funny, romantic, huge mysteries (yes more than one), and devilry abound! If you liked/loved Agnes and the Hitman, you are most definitely going to love/like this book. It is quite similar, just a little steamier. I loved it so much that I have already pre-ordered the next two books. And you can't beat the price. 4.99 for full-length novels by famous authors!
August 7, 2023
Crusie & Mayer are my jam. I just went ahead and pre-ordered all 3 of the titles in this new series within minutes of learning of them.
***
Some combinations are greater than the sum of their parts: Statler and Waldorf, Rogers and Astair, takeout dinner and a movie, Crusie and Mayer. As individual writers they’re both popular, respected, with a good backlist to explore, but as a duo they are unstoppable. I love their mix of small town hi jinks, and romantic comedy with danger. The pair’s first outing was Don't Look Down (2006) on the set of a movie being shot in Florida and it’s a bang-up start. Plus it comes with a camo cover hidden under the dustjacket, in case the latter is too girly looking. Wild Ride (2009) is paranormal set in an abandoned amusement park, creepy and sexy. They are both tremendously entertaining. But Agnes & the Hitman (2007) went full-on murderous screwball and it is everything to me. Well, it was. Lavender’s Blue starts out a new Liz Danger series with all of the same small town mayhem, romantic comedy and murder my heart has yearned for.
The second and third books in the series will be released in August and September. If you’ve enjoyed any of this team’s books in the past, you’re going to love this, and if you’ve liked either of the authors on their own, enjoy a whole new level of excitement.
***
I’ve been wracking my brain for several hours now trying to think of a read-alike or a movie that fill the center of this particular Venn diagram and I just can’t. The closest things I can bring to mind have a lot of explosions and film in multiple cities and are so definitely summer blockbusters, so Grosse Point Blank is the best I can do.
Personal copy
***
Some combinations are greater than the sum of their parts: Statler and Waldorf, Rogers and Astair, takeout dinner and a movie, Crusie and Mayer. As individual writers they’re both popular, respected, with a good backlist to explore, but as a duo they are unstoppable. I love their mix of small town hi jinks, and romantic comedy with danger. The pair’s first outing was Don't Look Down (2006) on the set of a movie being shot in Florida and it’s a bang-up start. Plus it comes with a camo cover hidden under the dustjacket, in case the latter is too girly looking. Wild Ride (2009) is paranormal set in an abandoned amusement park, creepy and sexy. They are both tremendously entertaining. But Agnes & the Hitman (2007) went full-on murderous screwball and it is everything to me. Well, it was. Lavender’s Blue starts out a new Liz Danger series with all of the same small town mayhem, romantic comedy and murder my heart has yearned for.
The second and third books in the series will be released in August and September. If you’ve enjoyed any of this team’s books in the past, you’re going to love this, and if you’ve liked either of the authors on their own, enjoy a whole new level of excitement.
***
I’ve been wracking my brain for several hours now trying to think of a read-alike or a movie that fill the center of this particular Venn diagram and I just can’t. The closest things I can bring to mind have a lot of explosions and film in multiple cities and are so definitely summer blockbusters, so Grosse Point Blank is the best I can do.
Personal copy
October 2, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written contemporary romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, murder, mystery, suspense, family drama, romance, twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending.
June 16, 2024
Story 3.5 stars
Audiobook 3 stars
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. In the beginning, there is so much going on, it was hard to keep track. It did get better and I figured out who’s who.
I did enjoy the story itself, small town drama and A LOT of secrets, a few secrets I did not see coming. The MCs, Liz and Vince, were likeable enough, separately. I did not feel their connection/romance at all. Their conversations were awkward and I felt like Vince was a totally different person at times. I did adore Liz’s boss, Anemone. She had me cracking up and honestly, she was my favorite character.
I will most likely continue with the series. It’s just something about the story that pulls you in.
Audiobook 3 stars
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. In the beginning, there is so much going on, it was hard to keep track. It did get better and I figured out who’s who.
I did enjoy the story itself, small town drama and A LOT of secrets, a few secrets I did not see coming. The MCs, Liz and Vince, were likeable enough, separately. I did not feel their connection/romance at all. Their conversations were awkward and I felt like Vince was a totally different person at times. I did adore Liz’s boss, Anemone. She had me cracking up and honestly, she was my favorite character.
I will most likely continue with the series. It’s just something about the story that pulls you in.
April 25, 2024
‘Welcome to Burney: We Hug.’
Liz Danger returns to her home town in Ohio in her ‘Jesus Year’, aka at age thirty-three. She had run away as a teenager after a series of scandals that justify her family name, and is not looking forward to be back. She’s stressed even by the expected hugs from her family and friends, afraid she’ll be drawn back into her teenage hell.
That angst lasts until Liz is stopped by the handsome traffic cop Vince. Pretty soon, sparks and witty repartees are flying in the fashion I have become accustomed from the duo of authors who gave me Agnes and the Hitman , a personal rom-com favorite.
The book was a slight let down for me, but only in comparison with the previous screwball hit I already mentioned [Agnes] . It’s a feel good story with several dark undercurrents that are used for anchoring the wilder moments typical for a wedding week comedy.
The title of the novel actually refers to the bride-to-be, Lavender Blue, scion of the Blue family who boasts of the ‘bluest’ blood in Burney, the richest and most spoiled local gentry.
Lavender is to be married to Liz Danger’s former boyfriend and college quarterback Cash Porter who, despite having broken off with Liz three times over in school, apparently still has feelings for her.
Everybody goes to hell in their own way
Family ties, both for the Dangers and the Blues, play a major part in the novel’s economy, both as a source of mayhem and of generational conflicts and, later in the story, as the solid foundation of the road to redemption.
I’m being vague with actual details here, because this journey back to her roots for Liz and her relationship with her mother, her aunt and with Molly, her best friend, are the factors that push the plot forward. Secrets that have been festering for fifteen years, since Liz has run away, must come now out in the open if the wounds are to be healed.
The Blue family is dealing with its own dark secrets and in their case these skeletons in the mansion’s cupboards lead to an actual murder investigation or two.
Vince Cooper, who only came to Burney a couple of months ago from a tough job as a cop in New York, is a loner without any family connections and an outsider in the small Ohio community. Yet he carries his own heavy load of memories and stress, courtesy of military tours of duty in Afghanistan or Iraq (or both)
Laughing when you’re having sex doesn’t get enough good press.
(sponsored by the Coca Cola company)
Humour is the main selling point of Jennifer Crusie for me. She is very good at this sort of screwball comedy, so good I am almost forgiving the obvious product placement whenever Liz or Vince need a soft drink.
However, this is a collaborative effort, with each partner penning alternative chapters from the POV of Liz then of Vince. For me, every time I switched to the cop narrative it was like I was reading a different sort of novel: the comic delivery is still present, but it takes a step back as the book tries to be less about romance and more like a serious police investigation by a hard-boiled and depressive cop.
I guess this is just a personal impression, because Liz Danger has her own major moments of soul searching and relationship upheaval beyond the flash romance with Vince. It feels wrong to deduce stars from the novel because it does the serious parts well and is not some gratuitous sex jokes and formulaic rom-com standard fare, but I really believe the crime subplots are the weakest parts of this novel.
I thought of my first thirty-three years spent angry and alone, fighting against the world at every step, and wondered what it would be like if I just opened my arms to everything ...
I know that there are more books in this series with Liz and Vince, and I might even try them this summer if I get to the beach. No matter how much I grumble, they are really fun and fast-paced.
My favorite piece of this first episode in the series is the old diner that Vince has rescued from the scrap yard and now uses as his home and as his love nest with Liz:
It felt like the diner was like that, too, seasoned over the years, that if I was really quiet and if I listened hard enough I could hear lovers flirting and grandpas teasing grandkids and guys who’d just come from fishing talking about their catch or women just back from town, talking about their bargains, all that good community and friendship and love, as if decades of people who knew where to get a good burger had seeped into the diner and made it ... warm.
July 27, 2023
I liked this story, but not as much as the authors' previous books. I'm a Crusie's fan, and I love all her books, but this one was darker than all her other novels. Another reason for my lukewarm reception of this book was its genre. Before this novel, Crusie was, at least in my mind, a writer of romantic comedies. This book, in comparison, was a romantic mystery, and as a general rule, I'm not into mysteries.
Because it was a mystery, the first half of the book was mostly dedicated to setting up. Introducing the cast and their complicated relationships, explaining the situation, etc. It was slow and informative, but not very exciting. The second half of the book was much faster and more engaging, as the heroes tried to solve the mystery. But in all their rushing around, most of the focus stayed on the mystery, not on the leading characters, and that didn't endear the story to me. I like character-driven stories much more.
And then, there was bad editing. Lots of typos and spelling mistakes, wrong words and misplaced words. Maybe it was just in my Kindle file. I hope they will fix it in paper format.
Despite my complaints above, I did enjoy this story and I already preordered the other two books in this series. I'm going to read anything these writers write. Because I'm a Crusie's fan, and nothing could change that.
Because it was a mystery, the first half of the book was mostly dedicated to setting up. Introducing the cast and their complicated relationships, explaining the situation, etc. It was slow and informative, but not very exciting. The second half of the book was much faster and more engaging, as the heroes tried to solve the mystery. But in all their rushing around, most of the focus stayed on the mystery, not on the leading characters, and that didn't endear the story to me. I like character-driven stories much more.
And then, there was bad editing. Lots of typos and spelling mistakes, wrong words and misplaced words. Maybe it was just in my Kindle file. I hope they will fix it in paper format.
Despite my complaints above, I did enjoy this story and I already preordered the other two books in this series. I'm going to read anything these writers write. Because I'm a Crusie's fan, and nothing could change that.
May 11, 2024
Was that discussion about him needing to buy her dinner at some place not cheap before she puts out for real?
I'm thinking tongue in cheek but neither of them are bantering
🤢
I'm thinking tongue in cheek but neither of them are bantering
🤢
July 22, 2023
I LOVED this book. It reminded me of Agnes and the Hitman. I can't wait for the second book in the series. Thank you both for getting together again.
November 1, 2024
For everyone I have coerced into the country club murders, hear me out but: this is that only set today. Jenny Crusie's voice is unmatched and I'm mad at myself for never reading any of her co-writes before but now I can read ALL of them and that is a delight to me.
September 9, 2023
Loved, obviously! RTC
July 24, 2023
The fact that I read the book in a day, (actually in an afternoon and evening, and well into the night) tells you that I found the story to be a real page turner. However, if you don't have as much leisure time as I currently have, then you'll welcome the relatively short chapters/ episodes as a means of managing your reading.
It is completely one for all fans of 'Don't Look Down,' 'Wild Ride,' and of course 'Agnes and the Hitman.' But, for anyone new to this writing team, you can pick up and run with the story, enjoying the two perspectives unravelling the plot for you.
The book reads like a very good film script. (I am surprised that none of the previous stories have been optoned).
Liz Danger and her family are, sadly, all too real..., although there was an element of extreme dysfunctionality which hopefully none of us will ever have to experience. Vince, I've met a couple of former servicemen, but not had as much time with them to know whether this was a truthful depiction... But since one of the authors is infact a Vet, I'm going to say there are Vinces out there.
On a slight whingy note- I spotted a couple of typos... Bob, Jenni... do you need a proof reader???
The book can be read as a stand alone, but follow ups are due to be published in August and September... and these can't come out quick enough for me.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
It is completely one for all fans of 'Don't Look Down,' 'Wild Ride,' and of course 'Agnes and the Hitman.' But, for anyone new to this writing team, you can pick up and run with the story, enjoying the two perspectives unravelling the plot for you.
The book reads like a very good film script. (I am surprised that none of the previous stories have been optoned).
Liz Danger and her family are, sadly, all too real..., although there was an element of extreme dysfunctionality which hopefully none of us will ever have to experience. Vince, I've met a couple of former servicemen, but not had as much time with them to know whether this was a truthful depiction... But since one of the authors is infact a Vet, I'm going to say there are Vinces out there.
On a slight whingy note- I spotted a couple of typos... Bob, Jenni... do you need a proof reader???
The book can be read as a stand alone, but follow ups are due to be published in August and September... and these can't come out quick enough for me.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
July 26, 2023
Whoo Hoo! More Crusie & Mayer!
I am just so happy that we have more Crusie and Mayer books! They are a great collaborative team.
This book is similar to some of Crusie’s previous novels. Comfy and familiar with just enough novelty! I re-read her books so often that it’s nice to have new characters, backgrounds, and day to day details, even if the plots are familiar.
The usual things are here: witty banter between most characters, a precocious kid, a troubled teenager, an ill-tempered dog in need of patient fostering, long suffering town cops/government officials dealing with small town corrupt politics, family secrets and murder. Good clean fun.
Mayer’s more obvious contributions are there: an ex-military main character, a distinct male point of view (a bit more brash, with stoic grit, but also heart, realistic feelings, hard decisions.) I like getting a view into military life, it’s a strange other world to me. I’m glad Mayer doesn’t glorify war, and he gives voice to the warriors and all they overcome during service and after, when they are spit out of the military system.
There were some typos, but as this is an independently published book, that just comes with the territory. I’d rather have it now than wait extra months for more line-edits.
I’m glad I only have to wait a month between the next two books in the series!
Thank you Crusie and Mayer!
I am just so happy that we have more Crusie and Mayer books! They are a great collaborative team.
This book is similar to some of Crusie’s previous novels. Comfy and familiar with just enough novelty! I re-read her books so often that it’s nice to have new characters, backgrounds, and day to day details, even if the plots are familiar.
The usual things are here: witty banter between most characters, a precocious kid, a troubled teenager, an ill-tempered dog in need of patient fostering, long suffering town cops/government officials dealing with small town corrupt politics, family secrets and murder. Good clean fun.
Mayer’s more obvious contributions are there: an ex-military main character, a distinct male point of view (a bit more brash, with stoic grit, but also heart, realistic feelings, hard decisions.) I like getting a view into military life, it’s a strange other world to me. I’m glad Mayer doesn’t glorify war, and he gives voice to the warriors and all they overcome during service and after, when they are spit out of the military system.
There were some typos, but as this is an independently published book, that just comes with the territory. I’d rather have it now than wait extra months for more line-edits.
I’m glad I only have to wait a month between the next two books in the series!
Thank you Crusie and Mayer!
September 22, 2023
Jennifer Crusie is one of my favorite authors, but it has been years since she released a book...until Lavender's Blue. When I saw it in my recommended books, I excitedly put in a reservation request at the library. After weeks of waiting, it was finally my turn.
And let me just say: It was not worth the wait.
The book was hella disappointing. It was not engaging at all and had none of the spark from the authors’ previous collabs. There was really no mystery until about 60% of the way through the book, and the whodunit was about as obvious as the sun. And to top it all off, the book was poorly edited to boot (if it was even edited at all). As an indie author, my grammar has to be damn near perfect, or I get negative reviews; to see a trad pubbed author get away with appallingly bad proofreading is infuriating.
Bottom line, I doubt I’ll continue the series.
And let me just say: It was not worth the wait.
The book was hella disappointing. It was not engaging at all and had none of the spark from the authors’ previous collabs. There was really no mystery until about 60% of the way through the book, and the whodunit was about as obvious as the sun. And to top it all off, the book was poorly edited to boot (if it was even edited at all). As an indie author, my grammar has to be damn near perfect, or I get negative reviews; to see a trad pubbed author get away with appallingly bad proofreading is infuriating.
Bottom line, I doubt I’ll continue the series.
March 19, 2024
4.5 stars. What a fun read! Haven't read a Jennifer Crusie book in years. I'm so glad I got the nudge to 1-click from a reader friend's review. This one was a winner, and it just happens to be a 3 book series.
Ghostwriter Liz Danger thinks she's making just a quick side trip home after 15 years away to small town Burney, Ohio. She soon gets pulled over by a hot cop/Vince (the love interest). What happens after that is wild, quirky family dysfunction, feuding, mystery, murder and a surprise or two. Told in dual POV's, Liz and Vince, I loved every minute of it. Just downloaded the remaining 2 books.
This is a quick moving story, and I had a bit of a hard time keeping all the cast of characters straight (especially the Blue Family with names like Navy, Skye, Lavendar, Periwinkle). As well as remembering who and how each was related to whom. But that was my only issue.
Enjoyed Vince's side of the story. At times, he's haunted by his past as a former Ranger. He was also a former big city cop now small town cop. But all that life experience comes in handy in Burney, Ohio. He's just what Liz and this town need.
Jumping right in to book 2 now. 😊
Ghostwriter Liz Danger thinks she's making just a quick side trip home after 15 years away to small town Burney, Ohio. She soon gets pulled over by a hot cop/Vince (the love interest). What happens after that is wild, quirky family dysfunction, feuding, mystery, murder and a surprise or two. Told in dual POV's, Liz and Vince, I loved every minute of it. Just downloaded the remaining 2 books.
This is a quick moving story, and I had a bit of a hard time keeping all the cast of characters straight (especially the Blue Family with names like Navy, Skye, Lavendar, Periwinkle). As well as remembering who and how each was related to whom. But that was my only issue.
Enjoyed Vince's side of the story. At times, he's haunted by his past as a former Ranger. He was also a former big city cop now small town cop. But all that life experience comes in handy in Burney, Ohio. He's just what Liz and this town need.
Jumping right in to book 2 now. 😊
August 5, 2023
CRUSIE IS BACK, BABY! Brb while I preorder the rest of these cool little romantic mysteries.
Heat level: 3
Heat level: 3
June 21, 2025
So absorbing! I love how REAL all the characters felt
July 25, 2023
Fun read! Worth it.
I read this in one go as soon as I got it. I pre-ordered this as soon as I spotted the author's names. I have been waiting for this book since I finished Agatha and the Hitman. That was the most glorious book I'd read in that genre. This book is great too and deserves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a ⚡⚡⚡. I loved it! Can't wait for the next book!!!
I read this in one go as soon as I got it. I pre-ordered this as soon as I spotted the author's names. I have been waiting for this book since I finished Agatha and the Hitman. That was the most glorious book I'd read in that genre. This book is great too and deserves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a ⚡⚡⚡. I loved it! Can't wait for the next book!!!
September 15, 2023
Crusie and Mayer wrote one of my all time favorite books, Agnes and the Hitman. Unfortunately, their other collaborations fell short until this one. It's fantastic! I'll be recommending it to everyone - it's funny, action packed, there's a murder mystery, some romance, small town hijinks. It's got it all. I truly enjoyed it. There are a few things readers should know, however. First, it's part of a trilogy. This is a complete book with a solid ending, no cliffhangers, but there are 2 other books set among the same characters. Second, I think this may need trigger warnings (alcoholic parents, assisted suicide, suicide, family issues), especially since the pretty purple cover could be misleading. Third, I want to give this 5 stars, but there's something that sets the entire book in motion that I can't resolve given the storyline and ending. It doesn't greatly affect the book, but it bugs me enough I can't get past it. -1 star. Is this as good as A and the H? Probably not. But it comes close. I'm excited to read the next 2.
December 26, 2023
I've been a huge fan of Jennifer Crusie for a long, long time, and her new book did NOT disappoint. I enjoyed every rollicking, funny, romantic moment of this reading experience, and with two more books in the series, I'm just about giddy with excitement. I love, love the cover, too. I got the hardback edition. Though it isn't the slipcovered kind, it's still gorgeous and actually probably more durable in the long run.
Romance, hijinks, small town, mystery, humor...there's something here for everyone. 5-Star PLUS
Romance, hijinks, small town, mystery, humor...there's something here for everyone. 5-Star PLUS
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars, close to 4. I was a huge fan of the Agnes and the Hitman books and this one came very close to it. The actual murder and investigation took a long time to hit the pages so that was a minus for me, however the rest of the book was good. It switches between Liz and Vince’s POV throughout so you get to see through their eyes not only the investigation but the relationship progress. The Blue family is just toxic upon toxic (except for Peri and Molly) and Liz is hit with so many shocking surprises it’s a wonder she didn’t leave town. I’m glad the author didn’t do the going back to old boyfriend troupe for a love triangle (which I hate) and just stuck with Liz and Vince.
February 28, 2024
Nostalgia is my poison of choice and Crusie never disappoints (except when we have to wait ages for a new book, but it’s okay because we were blessed with 3)
Plus this had murders, weddings, funerals, AND a heroine hating on her M-name with a quirky collecting hobby (Minerva did it better, sorry Magnolia 🤷♀️)
Putting the FUN in funreal for real, amirite?
Aight, I’ma head out ✌🏻
Plus this had murders, weddings, funerals, AND a heroine hating on her M-name with a quirky collecting hobby (Minerva did it better, sorry Magnolia 🤷♀️)
Putting the FUN in funreal for real, amirite?
Aight, I’ma head out ✌🏻
July 29, 2023
great beginning to the series
Loved this book. Humor, mystery, romance. Well rounded characters with lots going on. I'm so happy these two authors are writing together again! I can hardly wait for the next book!
Loved this book. Humor, mystery, romance. Well rounded characters with lots going on. I'm so happy these two authors are writing together again! I can hardly wait for the next book!
August 2, 2023
absolute rollicking delight!
Jennifer Crusie is back, and like the poor Ranger/cop in the book, she’s dragging Bob Mayer down the crazy road with her. I know it’s a cliche but it’s so seldom that I can say I couldn’t put this book down, that I have to say it now. I grinned and cheered all the way through. Try it. You’ll love it!
Jennifer Crusie is back, and like the poor Ranger/cop in the book, she’s dragging Bob Mayer down the crazy road with her. I know it’s a cliche but it’s so seldom that I can say I couldn’t put this book down, that I have to say it now. I grinned and cheered all the way through. Try it. You’ll love it!
July 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
Loved this book! Crusie and Mayer are a good writing team. There are more secrets in this town than there are residents. Most of the characters are flawed but endearing. This is a fun book.
Loved this book! Crusie and Mayer are a good writing team. There are more secrets in this town than there are residents. Most of the characters are flawed but endearing. This is a fun book.
July 28, 2023
Wonder
Cruise and Mayer write in a style that is full of action and humor. The result is a page turner that covers both male and female characters viewpoints with authenticity. I love their books.
Cruise and Mayer write in a style that is full of action and humor. The result is a page turner that covers both male and female characters viewpoints with authenticity. I love their books.
August 12, 2023
I loved this! A classic Crusie and Mayer get together. I can’t wait to read the next book, Rest in Pink.
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