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Liz Danger #2
Rest in Pink
From the NY Times Bestselling duo that wrote Agnes and the Hitman, the second book in a new series.Liz Danger is a ghostwriter, trapped in her old hometown for the summer. Good thing she has Vince Cooper, her recurring one-night stand living down by the river in his old diner car, making her feel happy and safe and normal until September when she’ll be leaving again, although she’s starting to wonder if she really wants to.Vince Cooper is a cop in a town with a shady new housing development that’s bringing a lot of armed strangers, a corrupt mayor, a police chief boss under fire, and an idiot blogger stirring up trouble. Good thing his recurring one-night stand is sticking around for the summer. The only drawback? He’s not looking forward to the empty space Liz Danger will leave behind her when she goes in September.Treacherous small-town politics, a rust belt biker gang, a widowed ex who doesn’t understand the word “no,” a seven-year-old in need of a temporary mom, a flamboyant blonde boss who needs watched at all times, exploding family secrets, arson, murder, and three hundred and ninety-two soaking wet teddy bears later, Liz and Vince will come face to face with the madman burning down their town, and even worse, with their imploding relationship.“A comic caper and raucous romance. . . laugh out loud funny.” Kirkus Reviews on Agnes and the Hitman“A sex, sassy, and smart combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible.” Booklist on Don’t Look DownRest in There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.
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First published August 22, 2023
1104 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jennifer Crusie
80 books7,813 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
March 1, 2024
I always find it the most difficult to write a review for a book I just love. This book, the middle of the trilogy, has a lot going for it. Please be sure to read the first book Lavender's Blue because Rest in Pink is built on that book and the unresolved issues. Jennifer Crusie writes the Liz chapters and Bob Mayer writes the Vince chapters and they interweave their narrative to make this book so much more. Seeing the story from their distinct personalities is just fantastic. Liz and Vince are a wonderful, sexy couple and Burney is a great small town in Ohio. The supporting cast of Anemone, Peri, Molly and Raina are characters that really lift the story and make a wonderful tapestry of a book. I just have to say, I’m loving this series!
Feisty Liz Danger and dour Vince Cooper have entered into an affair with an end date, which was fine for both of them - at the time. Liz is a ghostwriter for a famous celerity, Anemone, who has led an astonishing life. The book should be finished by the end of September, four months away. Vince is a former Marine Ranger and NYPD officer just looking for a slower pace and some peace. After seven months in Burney, he has found neither.
When Anemone's former ghost writer hits town, he starts stirring up a lot of old secrets and exposing a lot of old lies. At first it seems he is just out to damage Liz's reputation with his incendiary posts, but when an arsonist starts burning down buildings, it looks like something else is afoot. Throw in competing mystery corporations buying up property in Burney, a biker gang, Liz's ex who wants her back, a seven-year-old who has found a temporary mom in Liz and murder and Liz and Vince have a lot to handle along with a temporary relationship that may turn out to be not so temporary.
Feisty Liz Danger and dour Vince Cooper have entered into an affair with an end date, which was fine for both of them - at the time. Liz is a ghostwriter for a famous celerity, Anemone, who has led an astonishing life. The book should be finished by the end of September, four months away. Vince is a former Marine Ranger and NYPD officer just looking for a slower pace and some peace. After seven months in Burney, he has found neither.
When Anemone's former ghost writer hits town, he starts stirring up a lot of old secrets and exposing a lot of old lies. At first it seems he is just out to damage Liz's reputation with his incendiary posts, but when an arsonist starts burning down buildings, it looks like something else is afoot. Throw in competing mystery corporations buying up property in Burney, a biker gang, Liz's ex who wants her back, a seven-year-old who has found a temporary mom in Liz and murder and Liz and Vince have a lot to handle along with a temporary relationship that may turn out to be not so temporary.
October 9, 2023
Jenny Crusie can do no wrong. 10000/10
November 2, 2023
I'm really enjoying this author duo!!
August 29, 2023
Today was not a good day, and tomorrow won't be, either. Distraction was called for, just to stop me ruminating.
Crusie and Mayer have fabulous writing chemistry. Their blend of crime, action, romantic interests, banter: it's great stuff. Plus arson just doesn't get enough of the fiction crime genre. And I enjoy the small-town setting which isn't too twee. Just enough middle-America challenges for a reality check, but not too earnest. I am loving this series so far and I am so glad they have more of the same planned.
Personal copy
Crusie and Mayer have fabulous writing chemistry. Their blend of crime, action, romantic interests, banter: it's great stuff. Plus arson just doesn't get enough of the fiction crime genre. And I enjoy the small-town setting which isn't too twee. Just enough middle-America challenges for a reality check, but not too earnest. I am loving this series so far and I am so glad they have more of the same planned.
Personal copy
January 3, 2024
Rest in Pink (Liz Danger, #2) by Jennifer Crusie
Synopsis /
Liz Danger is a ghostwriter, trapped in her old hometown for the summer. Good thing she has Vince Cooper, her recurring one-night stand living down by the river in his old diner car, making her feel happy and safe and normal until September when she’ll be leaving again, although she’s starting to wonder if she really wants to.
Vince Cooper is a cop in a town with a shady new housing development that’s bringing a lot of armed strangers, a corrupt mayor, a police chief boss under fire, and an idiot blogger stirring up trouble. Good thing his recurring one-night stand is sticking around for the summer. The only drawback? He’s not looking forward to the empty space Liz Danger will leave behind her when she goes in September.
Treacherous small-town politics, a rust belt biker gang, a widowed ex who doesn’t understand the word “no,” a seven-year-old in need of a temporary mom, a flamboyant blonde boss who needs watched at all times, exploding family secrets, arson, murder, and three hundred and ninety-two soaking wet teddy bears later, Liz and Vince will come face to face with the madman burning down their town, and even worse, with their imploding relationship.
My Thoughts /
Rest in, there’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight!
Book #2 in the Liz Danger series. The cover is a gorgeous shade of pink - very eye-catching, albeit somewhat confusing when you consider that (almost) everyone in this series has the surname "Blue". This one was not nearly as confusing because I had read and had all those Blues down pat! If you are thinking of reading this series, I recommend you start at the beginning otherwise confusion will reign.
Crusie and Mayer have exceptionally good writing chemistry, it's not obvious to my roving reading eye who wrote which bit and when - it's all so seamless. How would I categorise this series? A blend of crime, action, romance and above all lots and lots of humour and witty banter. Humour and witty banter - the cure-all for everything! Crusie and Mayer's writing breathes life into these characters and to the town of Burney.
Book #2 opens where the first one ended. Written again in dual POVs and alternating chapters between Liz and her significant other, Vince. The storyline in this one is a lot tighter, maybe because we have met all the main characters and are now privy to their history. Nevertheless, it was much appreciated, and I enjoyed this instalment very much. Liz in her capacity as a ghost-writer is still working on Anemone Patterson's memoir. Anemone has rented the "Blue House" and both Anemone and Liz are looking after seven-year-old Periwinkle Blue and Veronica (the long-haired blonde dachshund). As in the first book, this second one has a few subplots, but each one is linked to something from the first book.
This instalment has a bit going on, there's a biker gang, arson - lots of it, murder, small town politicking, a corrupt mayor and police chief, swimming lessons and at least three hundred and eighty-eight different teddy bears, including one six-foot bear. There is also an anonymous Facebook blogger, whose hilarious posts begin each chapter.
Looking forward to more shenanigans in book #3 One in Vermillion.
Synopsis /
Liz Danger is a ghostwriter, trapped in her old hometown for the summer. Good thing she has Vince Cooper, her recurring one-night stand living down by the river in his old diner car, making her feel happy and safe and normal until September when she’ll be leaving again, although she’s starting to wonder if she really wants to.
Vince Cooper is a cop in a town with a shady new housing development that’s bringing a lot of armed strangers, a corrupt mayor, a police chief boss under fire, and an idiot blogger stirring up trouble. Good thing his recurring one-night stand is sticking around for the summer. The only drawback? He’s not looking forward to the empty space Liz Danger will leave behind her when she goes in September.
Treacherous small-town politics, a rust belt biker gang, a widowed ex who doesn’t understand the word “no,” a seven-year-old in need of a temporary mom, a flamboyant blonde boss who needs watched at all times, exploding family secrets, arson, murder, and three hundred and ninety-two soaking wet teddy bears later, Liz and Vince will come face to face with the madman burning down their town, and even worse, with their imploding relationship.
My Thoughts /
Rest in, there’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight!
Book #2 in the Liz Danger series. The cover is a gorgeous shade of pink - very eye-catching, albeit somewhat confusing when you consider that (almost) everyone in this series has the surname "Blue". This one was not nearly as confusing because I had read and had all those Blues down pat! If you are thinking of reading this series, I recommend you start at the beginning otherwise confusion will reign.
Crusie and Mayer have exceptionally good writing chemistry, it's not obvious to my roving reading eye who wrote which bit and when - it's all so seamless. How would I categorise this series? A blend of crime, action, romance and above all lots and lots of humour and witty banter. Humour and witty banter - the cure-all for everything! Crusie and Mayer's writing breathes life into these characters and to the town of Burney.
Book #2 opens where the first one ended. Written again in dual POVs and alternating chapters between Liz and her significant other, Vince. The storyline in this one is a lot tighter, maybe because we have met all the main characters and are now privy to their history. Nevertheless, it was much appreciated, and I enjoyed this instalment very much. Liz in her capacity as a ghost-writer is still working on Anemone Patterson's memoir. Anemone has rented the "Blue House" and both Anemone and Liz are looking after seven-year-old Periwinkle Blue and Veronica (the long-haired blonde dachshund). As in the first book, this second one has a few subplots, but each one is linked to something from the first book.
This instalment has a bit going on, there's a biker gang, arson - lots of it, murder, small town politicking, a corrupt mayor and police chief, swimming lessons and at least three hundred and eighty-eight different teddy bears, including one six-foot bear. There is also an anonymous Facebook blogger, whose hilarious posts begin each chapter.
Looking forward to more shenanigans in book #3 One in Vermillion.
June 26, 2025
Just as good as book 1. Love
March 21, 2024
Another 4.5 star great read. It's slow going at first, but hang in there. The authors are just setting the stage, getting us ready for the big build-up. In no time, the mystery is off and running. There's crime left and right, murder and such page turning action. By the end, I was exhausted and relieved.
I have a serious case of love for Liz. She's evolving like crazy. Even Vince is starting to roll with a change or two himself. I adore them as a badass couple.
I'm so glad there's one more book. I'm not ready to let these characters go. Diving right in to book 3.
I have a serious case of love for Liz. She's evolving like crazy. Even Vince is starting to roll with a change or two himself. I adore them as a badass couple.
I'm so glad there's one more book. I'm not ready to let these characters go. Diving right in to book 3.
November 10, 2024
I waited too long to review this to add anything of substance but I read the whole series very quickly once I finished Lavender's Blue and they were SUCH fun. I missed reading Jenny Crusie.
August 27, 2023
Very nicely done! 4.5/5 stars; felt “tighter” this go round and dammit, I am just smitten with my “neighbors” to the south a smidgeon 😉. We Buckeyes gotta stock together and all that! Lol. Fun, fun series…keep ‘em comin’! ☺️🫶🏻☀️✌🏻🎗️
July 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
August 23, 2023
Liz and Vince are back in book 2 to solve another surprise murder in their small town.
This outing is not as good as book 1. Lavender’s Blue had so many funny moments and I feel like this one is not as hilarious as that one was. Liz and Vince also spend much less time together in this making the romance take a backseat to the mystery, which I do not enjoy.
I still would recommend this series and I’m looking forward to book 3, but the magic was just not present in this one.
With restraints.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual 1st
This outing is not as good as book 1. Lavender’s Blue had so many funny moments and I feel like this one is not as hilarious as that one was. Liz and Vince also spend much less time together in this making the romance take a backseat to the mystery, which I do not enjoy.
I still would recommend this series and I’m looking forward to book 3, but the magic was just not present in this one.
With restraints.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual 1st
October 2, 2023
While I didn't love this one as much as book 1 of this trilogy, it still made for a great read. My library hold can't come in fast enough for book 3. Liz Danger, along with the town of Burney (family and friends), are involved in yet another murder investigation that takes both skill and humor to solve. There is a murder per book which gets a great resolution, but there's also an overarching mystery which I assume will be solved in book 3. Likeable and fun, but I'm not sure I fully buy into the timeline of events/big decisions on the part of the main characters.
April 26, 2024
WOW! Not only does this book have the craziest, most hysterical characters, but it has turned out to be an intense murder/mystery series! I am loving it! Onto the next one. 😎
January 20, 2026
Something about Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer writing together that just really works for me. It makes me happy. No politics. A happy ending. The bad guy gets his just desserts.
July 23, 2025
Lots of fun. Thoroughly enjoyed. More please.
September 2, 2023
Hell yeah Liz Danger. I thought this was gonna be four stars but that ending bumped it up to 5.
This was more fun shenanigans from Liz Danger and co. It is first and foremost a mystery with a romantic subplot than a romance, but Jenny Crusie’s romance chops will not be denied. I was going to give it 4 stars, mostly just because there was so much going here and there and asking questions and talking to people (all very normal mystery things which make it clear I will probably never write a mystery) but it was just so charming and Liz and Vince’s declarations of love and working through all their personal stuff bumped it up. Besides the leads, the town of Burney, OH remains full of its off the wall characters that the authors make work in the environments (a family named Blue whose kids are named Navy, Lavender, Skye, Periwinkle, etc? Totally fine). Only 17 days until book 3. Not like I’m counting or whatever.
Heat level: 3-4? There are definitely on page scenes but there are also scenes where it’s discussed casually but cut to the next chapter.
This was more fun shenanigans from Liz Danger and co. It is first and foremost a mystery with a romantic subplot than a romance, but Jenny Crusie’s romance chops will not be denied. I was going to give it 4 stars, mostly just because there was so much going here and there and asking questions and talking to people (all very normal mystery things which make it clear I will probably never write a mystery) but it was just so charming and Liz and Vince’s declarations of love and working through all their personal stuff bumped it up. Besides the leads, the town of Burney, OH remains full of its off the wall characters that the authors make work in the environments (a family named Blue whose kids are named Navy, Lavender, Skye, Periwinkle, etc? Totally fine). Only 17 days until book 3. Not like I’m counting or whatever.
Heat level: 3-4? There are definitely on page scenes but there are also scenes where it’s discussed casually but cut to the next chapter.
Read
November 5, 2023Al 50 % lo dejo. Con lo mucho que me gustó reencontrar a Crusie y Mayer con la primera de la serie, en esta segunda todo era más flojo. La química entre los personajes, una vez que se han emparejado, es mucho menor. No hay tensión romántica ni sexual. Y el suspense no es suficientemente bueno como para tenerme enganchada. La víctima no despierta simpatías y te importa menos que cero saber quién es responsable del crimen. La ambientación small town no es de mis cosas favoritas. Por todo esto, creo yo, toca dejar tranquilo este libro.
Como es una novela que he comprado, y de una de mis autoras favoritas, no descarto volver a él en el futuro, en algún momento, con más ganas u otro ánimo.
Como es una novela que he comprado, y de una de mis autoras favoritas, no descarto volver a él en el futuro, en algún momento, con más ganas u otro ánimo.
February 19, 2025
Book 2 in the Liz Danger series focused more on the mystery than the romance or family drama. It was pretty good and continued sone of the unanswered threads from book one. The books happen within a pretty short period of time so it’s only about 6 weeks later. Peri and Liz’s author boss feature prominently and are great additions. Anemone is such a vibrant character and supporter of Liz so it’s great to see her help Liz come into herself along with Vince. Liz’ protection of Peri as she sees herself in her as the child of an alcoholic mother and the attachment Peri has to her and Anemone. The mystery is another good one.
January 11, 2024
An arsonist comes to town
What I enjoyed:
* Liz and Vince's relationship is great and it is cute that they both think it is temporary
* The townspeople are interesting
* Still some mystery left for the next book, but wrapped up the arsonist storyline
* Anemone
What I enjoyed:
* Liz and Vince's relationship is great and it is cute that they both think it is temporary
* The townspeople are interesting
* Still some mystery left for the next book, but wrapped up the arsonist storyline
* Anemone
April 1, 2024
Just as Liz Danger and her dour detective, Vince, relax after Liz's near-death experience, an arsonist decides to use buildings in the sleepy town of Burney for kindling.
The more Vince investigates, the more he finds ties to the Blue family. Someone has a vendetta out for the Blues,' and Liz is right in the thick of things again.
This is a fun series, but the pile of characters can be a bit confusing.
The more Vince investigates, the more he finds ties to the Blue family. Someone has a vendetta out for the Blues,' and Liz is right in the thick of things again.
This is a fun series, but the pile of characters can be a bit confusing.
April 8, 2024
fun
I love Jennifer Crusie. As someone from Ohio, the inside jokes and familiar places are great and the humor and zaniness are on point. I’ve been a fan since her first books and so glad for this series.
I love Jennifer Crusie. As someone from Ohio, the inside jokes and familiar places are great and the humor and zaniness are on point. I’ve been a fan since her first books and so glad for this series.
June 5, 2024
Slow Start
It did take a bit to start and action picked up really well in later half. Liz and Vince were the best part, loved how things progressed with them. Anemone was great addition this time. Fun read 3.5⭐️
It did take a bit to start and action picked up really well in later half. Liz and Vince were the best part, loved how things progressed with them. Anemone was great addition this time. Fun read 3.5⭐️
November 3, 2025
I wasn't going to continue the series, but it was a freebie and I wanted the whole story on Llz's parents. I didn't get anything on it. The mystery was interesting but I found the characters more and more annoying.
February 3, 2024
This was a lot of fun and a real roller coaster ride, balancing the personal with the suspense bits with deft skill.
June 4, 2024
y’all i really loved this book. liz and vince’s love story is so funny and relatable to me. i wish that this small town in ohio was real so i could live there and be best friends with all the characters, especially sweet little periwinkle
July 15, 2024
I enjoyed the banter and the quips in this book. It hit my sweet spot: warm hearted, relationship building with a bit of nobility thrown in. Entertaining.
August 19, 2024
I love Liz and Vince! They are they least complicated and most relatable part of these small-town shenanigans! 😆
July 16, 2025
This second installment fell flat for me. The plot wasn’t very compelling, and I don’t love the characters as much as Rocky Start to want to continue the series.
November 9, 2023
2nd in series - not as good as the first book
June 1, 2025
Primary Subgenre:
😂 Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com) with Suspense (small-town chaos, quirky characters, laugh-out-loud humor)
Secondary Subgenres/Tags:
🚔 Cop Romance (hero is a small-town cop with big problems)
✍️ Ghostwriter Heroine (temporarily stuck in hometown)
🔥 One-Night Stand to More (summer fling turns serious)
🏡 Small-Town Shenanigans (corrupt mayor, biker gangs, arson, teddy bears?!)
💥 Found Family (flamboyant boss, kid in need, eccentric locals)
Bonus Tropes/Themes:
✔ "Temporary Becomes Permanent" (summer fling → real feelings)
✔ "Who Hurt You?" (hero’s widowed ex, heroine’s family secrets)
✔ "Touch Her and Die" (protective cop vibes)
✔ "Small-Town Conspiracy" (shady developers, murder, arson)
✔ "Exploding Teddy Bears" (because why not?)
Comparable Books/Authors:
Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer (Agnes and the Hitman – same duo’s zany style)*
Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum – crime + comedy + sexual tension)*
Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson – snarky heroine + small-town chaos)*
Kristen Ashley (The Gamble – cop hero + quirky heroine)*
😂 Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com) with Suspense (small-town chaos, quirky characters, laugh-out-loud humor)
Secondary Subgenres/Tags:
🚔 Cop Romance (hero is a small-town cop with big problems)
✍️ Ghostwriter Heroine (temporarily stuck in hometown)
🔥 One-Night Stand to More (summer fling turns serious)
🏡 Small-Town Shenanigans (corrupt mayor, biker gangs, arson, teddy bears?!)
💥 Found Family (flamboyant boss, kid in need, eccentric locals)
Bonus Tropes/Themes:
✔ "Temporary Becomes Permanent" (summer fling → real feelings)
✔ "Who Hurt You?" (hero’s widowed ex, heroine’s family secrets)
✔ "Touch Her and Die" (protective cop vibes)
✔ "Small-Town Conspiracy" (shady developers, murder, arson)
✔ "Exploding Teddy Bears" (because why not?)
Comparable Books/Authors:
Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer (Agnes and the Hitman – same duo’s zany style)*
Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum – crime + comedy + sexual tension)*
Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson – snarky heroine + small-town chaos)*
Kristen Ashley (The Gamble – cop hero + quirky heroine)*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews