Goons 'n' Roses

Chanel #2

by Donna Joy Usher

Another novel by the award-winning author Donna Joy Usher. It’s been 3 months since Chanel’s world fell apart and now she’s ready for a vacation. Unfortunately, her all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas is not turning out as she had hoped. Within hours of arriving her mum, Lorraine, is kidnapped. Then Trent, her boss and Lorraine’s boyfriend, disappears; but not before he imparts information about an Interpol investigation into missing girls in Las Vegas. When Chanel hooks up with local bad boy, the seriously sexy Billy, in a bid to get information, things only start to get worse. As she and Martine search for answers they are thwarted by obstacles and pursued by ruthless killers.Who really kidnapped Lorraine? What happened to the missing girls? Can the delicious Billy be trusted? These are all questions that she needs to find the answers to, before the answers find her.

Genres: Mystery, Chick Lit, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Humor

195 pages, ebook

First published March 9, 2014

About the author

Hi there, I’m Donna Joy Usher. I started writing my first novel when I was seven. With no idea about plot or character development (I mean I was only seven) my storyline quickly disintegrated into a muddled jumble of boring dialogue between two horses. Disillusioned, I gave up writing stories for quite a while after that. Instead, I concentrated on my studies, eventually graduating as a dentist.

After many years of ‘drilling and filling’ I turned to writing in an effort to escape the seriousness of my day job. During that time I created my first book, The Seven Steps to Closure, and discovered that I love nothing more than making other people laugh. Well that, and my husband and two miniature schnauzers, Chloe and Xena.

I currently live in beautiful Perth When I am not working or writing, I love to paddle board, walk on the beach and sip chai lattes at the local cafe.

You can connect with me on Twitter (@DonnaJoyUsher), Facebook, Goodreads, Linked In or my blog site, www.donnajoyusher.com.

Reviews

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this very tongue in cheek book. Chanel is back and on her way to Las Vegas with her mother who is the choreographer of a drag act. In Las Vegas, it appears that Chanel's mother has some 'history' and soon they are involved with Italian and Russian mafia.
This is way over the top, but quite humorous and a nice change from some of the heavier books that I have read recently.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanel is recovering from her injuries (see book #1) and needs a vacation. Her mother's dance troupe is competing in a Drag Queen Dance Competition, so Chanel is going along on an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas. It's just what she needs...or so she thought. Shortly after arriving, Chanel witnesses her mother, Lorraine, being kidnapped at gunpoint. Then another member of their group disappears. Chanel and her friend, Martine, take on the mafia as they follow clues and learn secrets about Lorraine's past.

The second book in the Chanel series is another fun romp. Chanel is a Probationary Constable with the Sydney Police Department in Sydney, Australia. You couldn't ask for a more inept police officer. Chanel and Martine muddle their way through a human trafficking case, taking on a cast of wacky characters including the Italian Mafia, the Russian Mafia, a group of Professional Clowns, and a gun-toting Orangutan. Yes, the story is absurd and unrealistic, but it is also funny. The only part that was a let-down to me was the revelation about the Bad Boy Hero that Chanel meets. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't as good as the first book, but I still bought the whole box series because I want to find out how the story ends. And don't get me wrong - the book was still incredibly fun and completely impossible. This time, I guessed the story part-way, but that made it all the more fun to assemble the puzzle pieces and keep confirming them. Chanel is a completely clueless narrator, and that's what makes it part of the fun! (Essentially, what I'm saying is you get to be smarter than the protagonist :D)

Anyway, this is definitely worth the read, if you've started the series already. Loads of fun and laughs. And some angry farting orangutans. (I'm not even kidding. It's the second book in the series and someone's been farting in every. single. one. I swear xD) (okay okay, I do read smart books too. But this is FUNNY.)

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[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Chanel series is just a fun series to read. The writing is clever and there were times when I laughed out loud. The second book was set in Las Vegas and that in itself was fun for me because I have been there several times and could envision the places in the book. In this book we find out why Trent called Chanel's Mom, Tess, at the end of the first book. Just when you think you are going to get all your questions answered, the book ends and you have to purchase the next book to find out the rest. I am not bothered by it, I enjoy jumping from one book to the next. However, I would not recommend reading this series out of order. It's light, funny, clever, and just a really good beach read. Her writing style reminds me so much of Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum series.

[doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna joy usher/goon n roses

This author rocks, the storyline is very good that I actually do not know where to begin this author is rated in my opinion up there with my other favorite authors evanovich fern michaels etc. a few others i will not give the story away it continue to be of a policewoman channel and her gang of off the wall friends including bike leader Billy and his gang then throw in some drag queens with professional clowns and kidnapping of her mother and boyfriend and you got a wonderful entertaining story to read, this is series 2 can't wait to read series 3 this is a must read in series of books on chanel loved it

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus. These books are so good. They’re hilarious and just so much fun to read.

I’m pissed though. Ultra-mega passed. Why can’t Chanel ever get herself a man. First it’s Roger who’s a shit bag. Then we meet Billy. We think “oh yeah, it’s gonna work out this time. I know it” but then it all falls to shit again because they’re related.

Honestly, she’s gonna end up alone and I’m not cool with that. Seen as Billy is off the table, my vote is for Daniel (he’s so lovely) or Mervin (gotta love the magician).

[Ericka N.Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

For sheer foolishness read this. It's a good mystery to solve except for one thing: this character is a cop, yet never asks questions or gathers information. I get why the author does this to allow for extra foolishness to occur. This could be a really great story it it didn't turn into a 'Abbott and Costello' type story. Such unbelievable nonsense occurs you have to laugh. So if you enjoy that this was cute.

[Jim B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book; a little to funny for even a cozy mystery. Even so, it was a fun read and a real pressure release from gritty crime and adventure books. I will finish the series, but save them for when I need another fun read. Learned a bit more about Chanel and her Mum in this book. Like Deborah Coonts - you will like this book.

BTW: This may be chicklit female sleuth book, but I am no chick. 72 year old retired heterosexual male. 😁

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better written than book one, however, I miss the comedy that was in the 1st book. The story was fine if you like something with a little crazy in it in a Janet Evanovitch style, however a book like this I expect to laugh a lot and I really didn't. It was a bit too serious for a book with craziness in it. I expression I did not like the ending.

[Bette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Drag Queens from the Razzle Dazzle Club in Sydney, Australia have won a dance production competition and are in Las Vegas performing their routine. Suddenly Lorraine, the choreographer and Chanel’s mother is kidnapped. Chanel and Martine jump into action.
Chicklit .. Australian chicklit. A slightly different racy, funny, action.

[Brian Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of Chanel (although not Coco) in another great mix of comedy and crime. The story is well written, the pace is fast, and you'll find yourself wondering how Chanel will get out of a fix one minute and laughing at how it happened the next. This is a really fun series.

[Terrycadymt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Donna Joy Usher. It brings together several different plot lines very skillfully, without the jarring changes from one to another, and finishes very satisfactorily for a rousing final chorus. I'm definitely going to read more of her books.

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

All kinds of fun

Take a slightly ditzy blonde female cop, add a drag queen and a frumpy housewife turned bombshell, throw in a hunk and a few other crazy characters and you’ve got the makings of a pretty good story. Tons of fun and excitement make this one a real page turner.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drag queens, bikers, clowns, and mafia. This author has a way of bringing these things together with so much humor I literally laughed out loud. Then, later, couldn’t stop laughing when I was relaying it to my husband. Fun read .

[Amy Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I am new to the series and liked this one even better than the first. There were many times that I was laughing out loud. Funny characters that always keep you moving. Can’t wait to read the next one. This author is one I will definitely start following.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too much lucky idiocy.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written , but it astounds me how dense Chanel is. The ending was no real surprise, but some of the stupid things she did were.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mum it is. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – I hope! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Amber Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun I love these books.. Channel cracks me up

[Jen C Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I love it. Great story. No spoilers but a great 2nd book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Laughed my arse off. Enjoyable, fun, and lots of action. Looking forward to reading book three of this series of books.

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of fun. Light, easy read.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies take a trip to Vegas where Lorraine runs into some enemies from the past including some family. She is kidnapped by the Mob. And, of course, Chanel schemes to rescue her. This book wasn't as funny as the first book of the series but I still laughed a lot.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanel is still recovering from her injuries. She goes with her mom and the girls to Las Vegas for the drag queen competition. She is learning so many new things about her mom. What she doesn't know is why was her mom kidnapped?

I love this series. These characters are fun and I cannot wait to see what they will do. Again I laughed so hard as I read while Chanel and Martine work to find Lorraine/Tess. You need to read these stories in order so you do not ruin the surprises in them.

This second book is a much fun as the first book. These characters are over the top but so much fun to picture as they go about Las Vegas getting in trouble. This is a winner for the perfect beach read!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book two in the adventures of Chanel (although I missed Cocoa). The humor was good (hello, orangutan, and clowns, and wax museum scenes) and I absolutely loved Martine in this book. I was a little confused over the whole kidnapping scene, it felt rushed and it seemed something was left out. I guess some of the plot lines, but was surprised by other ones. Also, will Chanel ever find a guy that she can actually be with? And once again, Usher left me wanting to read more (again, I was surprised at the quick ending on my Kindle, she got me twice now!) and I can't wait for what's next!

[Alicia Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanel can't catch a break in this second book right from the beginning when she's threatened to get kicked off the force and it just escalates from there. Run ins with different mafia of Las Vegas is the LEAST of her problems and this time Chanel is making friends with very odd characters to help her along the way! At times it can be a bit of a slow read, but overall it keeps you reading to find out what happens to Chanel next! I won't ruin the ending or anything, but be prepared for a whirlwind of events by the very end that will leave you wanting to yell at some of the characters!

Great second book and you won't be able to wait for the third, Tess's Tale for some more answers!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

More mindless fluff, but this one was more fun to read than the first book, and at this point, I'll likely finish the series just because off the cliffhangers at the end.

Chanel is still slightly ditzy and makes dubious choices without thinking things through, but at least this time the reader didn't have to suffer through her unlikely work as a police officer. In Goons n Roses, Chanel is a hapless tourist in Las Vegas and accidentally gets tangled up with the mob and an unlikely band of revenge seeking clowns.

Fast paced and a ridiculously easy read, it is a decent escapist novel that, unfortunately makes more sense if you suffered through the first book,Cocoa and Chanel.

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally lost between chapters 3 and 4. It's as if a chapter or a section or something is missing. I even went back and forth in my eBook looking for something I missed.
Okay, I'm done now. Lots of funny bits which I love but the ending sucked. Big time. It was abrupt. Chanel is unlucky at love yet again. I was waiting for the zinger saying he was adopted or something and it never came. The book just ....ended!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Cocoa and Chanel, then you will want to keep right on with Goons "n" Roses. I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. The interaction with Chanel and Martine keeps me laughing. I love all of the disastrous situations they seem to find themselves in. I also found this book much easier to follow than the first one. The story is enjoyable and the characters are quirky and entertaining. I highly recommend this series for a fun, quick read.

[Mary Schildman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining book

The second book in the Chanel series is as funny as the first. I truly hope there will be more in this series. Lots of funny characters and lots of nonsense twist and turns. A fast fun read for a beach or rainy day.