Rules of Lying

Jane Dough #1

by Stephie Smith

Awarded 1st Place in the Chanticleer Blue Ribbon Mystery & Mayhem Awards, Humor Category. 

In this award-winning humorous chick-lit mystery, a former best-selling romance writer tries to pick up the pieces of her life after getting her heart stomped on by her lying, cheating boyfriend, and returns to her hometown in Florida where she contends with family, reporters, hurricanes, wildlife, a hunky Texan cowboy, a drop-dead gorgeous doctor ... and murder.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Humor, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2012

About the author

Stephie Smith was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the fifth of six girls. Early years were spent making mischief and, in general, driving her parents crazy while the family migrated between Ohio, West Virginia, and Florida. In fact, her family moved so often--18 times before Stephie finished sixth grade--that some people suspected they were running from the law. Stephie left home at 14, finished high school at 16, and joined the Air Force at 18, graduating with honors from the USAF Schools of Electronics and Instrumentation. After attending several colleges and universities around the country (switching majors from Chemistry to Art to English to Psychology but never figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up), she followed her sisters to east central Florida and settled there. She remains there today writing historical romance, humorous women's fiction, and computer how-to books.

Reviews

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy light reading then pick up a copy of this book.

My one recommendation is not to try reading this in bed if you don't sleep alone. I found myself having problems sleeping 2 nights ago and decided to read this book. This was not such a good idea as it was so funny that I would bust out laughing waking up my husband and the dog. My husband did not find the humor in being woken up at 1am because I was reading a funny story.

[Nicole Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a bad habit of highlighting all of the grammatical and spelling errors in the indie books that I read. I am so excited to share that the only highlights within Rules of Lying are the witty and noteworthy statements of the main character, Jane Dough. This book is extremely well written. I was impressed by the vocabulary as well as the writing skill. The characters were well developed and relatable. I disagree with another reviewer who described the main character as "dumb as a post". I found her to be likable and quite entertaining. There were a few moments where I actually laughed aloud while reading. The story line was consistent and skillful. It was thorough while not being overly descriptive or verbose. I genuinely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more novels about Jane Dough and well as more novels by Stephie Smith. Thank you!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received free from Amazon and loved it. I can't wait to see what the next edition has in store for us, so Stephie, hurry please!!
The family seemed to be somewhat needy, but when you get down too it, aren't they all? I think I would have most likely slapped a few of the sisters and the mother a long time ago, but Jane is a better person than I am. Hank made me wonder before he was outed. And he sure does sound HOT. As well as the good Doctor. It will be a pleasure to find out what their store is as well.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this book! Loved the scenery, the plot,the characters, the family dynamics, and of course the humour. I don't care who saw me laughing on the subway and buses reading this book. Waiting eagerly for the next one. Anything worthwhile is worth waiting for, glad the author has a catchy name; I will remember her.

[Marijayne Stegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first installment in a longer story so don't look for resolution at the end. I found the story meandered a lot and it was confusing why her neighbor kept disappearing and staying away for long periods of time. There was potential her but it wasn't completely realized.

[Haley Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful. Funny, emotional, great characters. Can't wait for the next in this series!

[P.A. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captured right away with Jane's problem. The internal one and the external ones. A quirky family, a few hunks and a great story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book so far! I'm actually excited to see that it is a developing series-such a witty and clever writing style. LOVED it.

[Angela Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it :) very cute :)

[Sebastiana Natalizio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite funny!!!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Husband wanted must do yardwork!" Jane's in a pickle the HOA is threatening to levy a major fine if she doesn't get her yard in shape. Jane's aversion to asking for help gets her in deeper. She meets 2 great guys but they aren't applying so she keeps them at arms length because one does although he is really not her type and something is fishy about him.... The story has its twists and turns and laugh out load scenes. A fun read not too light but not too deep either. The ending was kinda hokey and a let down ( although there was a twist out of left field )- which is why the rating was below 4 ( more like 3.5 than 3 though)
Supposedly a start of a series, since this story left several items unresolved may have to read others to see how the story progresses.

Fav quotes
"being happy doesn’t mean being problem-free. We weren’t put on this earth to skate along, free and easy. We’re supposed to have problems; it’s how we solve them that shows our mettle."

"We get angry and say things we wish we hadn’t. Then we feel guilty because we said them, and so we apologize and say we didn’t mean them, even though we meant every word. The apology doesn’t assuage the guilt— the guilt is from saying those things in the first place because good girls are always nice, at least to everyone’s face. Apologizing eventually leads back to anger, though, when we realize the person actually believes we didn’t mean the things we said, even though we did."

"What isn’t changed is chosen!”

[SANDYE · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit monotonous

This story has great characters, some unexpected twists, some parts that will make you laugh out loud, and a great beginning and ending. My one and only problem with it is that it gets monotonous and repetitive along the way. Although the main idea is about a woman finding comfort in her own world, there's just too much focus on the property clean up she's forced to do. Maybe it's symbolic because she's cleaning up her personal point of view about herself as she's cleaning up her property, it just drags on and on in my opinion which took away some of the enjoyment for me.

[Laurie Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny,great read

Wow,talk about bad luck, trying not to lose your house, putting a sign up advertising for a husband,this book gets crazier from there...Hilarious hi-jinks ensue, if you're looking for a different romance this is the one.

[sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a cute book

I am waiting for the next Book. Was a really good read. Read it twice and still laughed reading it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun

Overall I enjoyed this, although Jane could be annoying at times. I liked the story and found it entertaining. I did like both of Jane’s sexy heroes.

[Amber Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I enjoyed reading about the hunt for a husband lol kinda saw where it was headed. I will read more of her exploits

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this book expecting a murder mystery, because it isn't. Chic lit, but enjoyable enough. Also don't read the description here, on amazon, or in the beginning of the book, as it includes events 82% into the book.

I probably would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't kept wondering where the murder was mentioned in the description (until I hit the 82% point and found it) and expecting more mystery.

[Stella Alden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Stephanie Smith novel I have read and I will definately download more. The first person voice is not always my favorite but it is written with such skill, that it became a non issue. The self deprecating heroine is a lot of fun to watch as she overcomes a boat-load of obstacles. The story takes an amusing twist with an unexpected murder. Warning. Don't take to bed unless you wish to stay up all night.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was funny and serious at the same time. Part romance, part mystery. Some of it was predictable, but much of it Imdid not see coming. The main character is both likable and irritating in her selfishness, but redeems herself and grows up ( predictable!). The goofs are what makes this book fun to read. A bit longer than I expected, but worth it all.

[Vykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a riot I can't believe how much problems this lady have. This book kept you reading because you couldn't wait to see what happens next. I recommend this book to everybody it was excellent.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! I "snort laughed" more than once! This book is every episode of I LOVE LUCY rolled into a modern day setting! I LOVED this story!!! Thank you Stephie Smith for entertaining me!!!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Amazon freebie, it was a quick read. Humerous women's lit, fast-paced and entertaining. Try it, you'll like it :) Looking forward to the sequel

[Marisa Valle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this because the premise was unique & funny but Jane was just sad & pathetic. Her situations made me cringe & I couldn't really empathize.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was humerous but dragged a little. very funny at times, but in a sitcom kinda way.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this book sometimes, loved it others. The main charachter Jane Dough is complicated!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny for one scene.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main character was very irritating and so self-centered it was frustrating. Some sexual innuendos and some crude parts, but no sex. I'm glad she learned to change.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Looking forward to the next book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute writing style but more chic lit than mystery.

[Jaishree · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5
The humorous narration gets it an extra half point