Hitting the Sauce

by Lisa Shiroff

Atlantic City social worker Lucy Womzak had always been able to find the good in people, to make the best out of bad situations and to cook her way out of stress.


So when Les, her husband, leaves her for a slightly younger (but much skinnier) woman, she’s sure she has the skill set to handle it and re-create a happy home for her and her sixteen-year-old twins. After all, she didn’t lose her ability to make a decent meatloaf.


But positive thinking and a degree in therapy can only go so far. When she discovers Les had led a secret life as a mafia-wannabe that may have now put her in danger, she realizes she could use a little help, especially since her secret tomato sauce is at risk, too.


Lucy reaches out to her good friend, Nico. Together they try to broker a deal with a black market tomato farmer and hunt down a necklace stolen from a sentimental mobster. Nico is more than willing to help. In fact he’s more than willing to be more than a friend.


Nico’s funny. Nico’s sexy. Nico can appreciate a good linguine and clam sauce. Never before had she such a delicious opportunity. But will she survive long enough to do more than just taste it?

ebook

First published December 16, 2013

About the author

Lisa Shiroff writes because she’s not sure what else she can do with herself. Oh sure, she’s a wife, mom of two kids, and manages to walk her dog every day, but as far as careers go, the only thing she knows how to do is write, cook and mix a drink. Chefs and bartenders have to work weekends, though, so she’s sticking to the writing gig. Having lived in several states, she currently resides in south Jersey where she enjoys the local cuisine more than she should.

Reviews

[Pamela A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lis shiroff has written thoughtfull characters with deep emotions that make them seem more real and relatable. The teenagers are a bit cloying but that is to be expected with teens. This story moves along a crisp pace and keeps you interested. Five stars!!!

[Max Gaeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

This was a fun read. It was hard to put down, I kept saying just one more page. Great book!

[Debra Mozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice light story , with some comedy and
mystery. I enjoyed it more because it was based
at the Jersey shore!

[Angie Lisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery that's almost a kitchen-mystery except it doesn't include the recipes at the end of the book. I wish I could eat what Lucy was eating!

Lucy McCool is a busy bee recovering from some major blows to her life - a divorce from the man who took her virginity and the death of her father. She has a BFF in her sister, who helps her contend with two teenaged kids and a nagging mother while Lucy juggles a job at a community center for senior citizens and a budding relationship with her ex-husband's former friend and business-associate.

There are romantic subplots but no erotica. If I was Lucy's friend, I would tell her that she has a problem with emotionally manipulative men. New guy feels just as shady as her ex and it will be interesting to see how this relationship unfolds over the course of the series.

The mystery emerges slowly from Lucy's chaotic life. I didn't put two and two together until the author wove the pieces together. I had to suspend my disbelief for the treasure hunt, once it left the residences and ventured into public domains. Call me a pessimist but I don't think the clues would last as long as they did on public grounds.

I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads.

[Joel Bresler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing can drive a person quite as nuts as family. It's bad enough when it's just your own; when you add THE family, the stress could prove fatal.
In Lisa Shiroff's "Hitting the Sauce", lead character and narrator Lucy Womzak has her hands full dealing with an ex-husband, teenage twins and a couple of thugs who want something only she can lead them to.
The novel is light and witty, with a refreshingly constant voice. Shiroff's character development is excellent, and she describes her scenes really well. Dialogue is strongly written, as is the use of first-person narrative. The book has that rare quality of reading as if composed during a single sitting.
"Hitting the Sauce" is a fun, quick read. It is Lisa Shiroff's first novel, and, hopefully, far from her last.

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining little read. I liked the characters and the plot moved along nicely. I needed something light and fun. Narrator Lucy McCool is dealing with her father's suicide, a surprise divorce and sullen 16 year old twins. Add to this a family secret that puts her in danger and the blossoming of a "friendship" with the attractive and protective Nico, and you have yourself a story. Good for Lucy! And good for Lisa Shiroff! I won this on goodreads.

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hitting the Sauce by Lisa Shiroff is a true romp. The story is engaging, the characters more than real ... that is real fun ... and the plot will surprise you.

Do something good for yourself in the New Year and read this book. You'll be glad you did :)

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a remarkably engaging and entertaining book with several plot twists. Definitely a book I will be passing along to my family and friends to enjoy!




FTC disclosure: I received this book free from the author hoping I would review it.