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Moonlight and Magnolias #2
Sex, Lies & Lipstick
Mac Callahan, a seasoned FBI agent in Washington, D.C., has given up the fast lane to live a life of sweet tea and sunshine in Alabama with the girl of his dreams, Samantha Peterson. But Mac’s years of bringing down drug lords and psychotic criminals is about to catch up with him just as he’s resigned himself to leave it all behind.
Finally getting the husband and family she’s longed for, Sam finds that life at Mac’s plantation, Lone Oak, is a Southern girl’s dream full of romance, love, lipstick and pearls. It’s all Southern charm and Champagne between the sheets until a psychotic stalker sets his sights on completing an unfinished grudge. Carefully planning, Hector Quintes has patiently waited to crash Mac and Samantha’s happily ever after. No one Mac Callahan loves is safe – least of all Samantha. When they said, “until death do us part,” neither knew how soon that could be and as Hector becomes intimately close to their family, the line between friend and foe grows strangely blurred.
It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but who is chasing whom?
Finally getting the husband and family she’s longed for, Sam finds that life at Mac’s plantation, Lone Oak, is a Southern girl’s dream full of romance, love, lipstick and pearls. It’s all Southern charm and Champagne between the sheets until a psychotic stalker sets his sights on completing an unfinished grudge. Carefully planning, Hector Quintes has patiently waited to crash Mac and Samantha’s happily ever after. No one Mac Callahan loves is safe – least of all Samantha. When they said, “until death do us part,” neither knew how soon that could be and as Hector becomes intimately close to their family, the line between friend and foe grows strangely blurred.
It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but who is chasing whom?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2014
233 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Kris Calvert
29 books163 followersKris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two grown kids, and is also responsible for one very needy rescue pup. When she’s not writing, she’s baking GF cupcakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 15, 2014
The second installment of the Moonlight and Magnolia's series by Kris Calvert was a fast action love story with a touch of mystery added in. We got to see some added dimension to Mac and Samantha's relationship, and really see Sam's strength in this story. I really enjoyed the chapters from Polly's perspective and look forward to more of her story in the future. I just adore Mimi, who provided some great laugh out loud moments for me!
I look forward to seeing where life takes these characters next.
I look forward to seeing where life takes these characters next.
July 28, 2021
It was so good to go back Mac and Samantha (Sam) story. They were absolutely perfect! I loved seeing everything they had to go through! I was glad they got the happy they both deserved after so many losses. Can’t wait to read more about Polly and Leo (Z) next! ❤️
July 8, 2014
3.75 gladly rounded to 4 Remember Me? Stars. New KY author, Kris Calvert, is hitting her stride with this one.
The action took off quickly in Sex, Lies & Lipstick, the second book of the Moonlight and Magnolias series. Book one ended with a cliffhanger, but book two doesn't pick up right where the first left off. It's almost a year later. I suppose that you wouldn't have to have read the first book, but it will definitely save you a lot of time and energy trying to figure out what's going on in book two.
Besides being a continuation of Mac and Sam's story, this book has the beginning of Polly's story woven into it. Once again, the men are true Southern gentlemen and the women are full of Southern charm and grit. The investigation at Autumn Valley has been wrapped up, but there is a loose cannon left that seems to continually allude capture. He is also the biggest threat to Mac's family and their worst nightmare. Mimi often steals the show in this book as she did in the first. Dax is a year older and a year and half cuter.
The writing style is smoother and more engaging in the second book. The characters are familiar, but show more depth. A few new people are introduced and I'm pretty sure one of them will be featured in Polly's story (which I'm banking on being the third book in this series).
The action took off quickly in Sex, Lies & Lipstick, the second book of the Moonlight and Magnolias series. Book one ended with a cliffhanger, but book two doesn't pick up right where the first left off. It's almost a year later. I suppose that you wouldn't have to have read the first book, but it will definitely save you a lot of time and energy trying to figure out what's going on in book two.
Besides being a continuation of Mac and Sam's story, this book has the beginning of Polly's story woven into it. Once again, the men are true Southern gentlemen and the women are full of Southern charm and grit. The investigation at Autumn Valley has been wrapped up, but there is a loose cannon left that seems to continually allude capture. He is also the biggest threat to Mac's family and their worst nightmare. Mimi often steals the show in this book as she did in the first. Dax is a year older and a year and half cuter.
The writing style is smoother and more engaging in the second book. The characters are familiar, but show more depth. A few new people are introduced and I'm pretty sure one of them will be featured in Polly's story (which I'm banking on being the third book in this series).
July 8, 2018
Another great read by Kris Calvert. In Sex, Lies and Lipstick, we witness Sam and Mac's wedding and honeymoon be cruelly interrupted by an ominous and scary message written in lipstick on a bathroom mirror. With a criminal stalking the young family, Sam and Mac must postpone their honeymoon to ensure their family's safety. The story is touching as the couple struggle with difficult changes in their life while trying to catch a killer. I love how Kris allows her characters to struggle through the changes with great emotion while also showing deep growth personally and as a couple. I was excited to learn more about Sam's best friend Polly and meet Mac's FBI friend, Leo. I am also excited to read Sex, Lies and Pearls featuring both Leo and Polly. I highly recommend this or any of Kris Calvert's books to anyone who enjoys a well written romance with some suspense thrown in.
February 11, 2015
If you thought the first book was pulse-pounding, this second one is heart-stopping! Both in terms of the many layers of pain and horror that Sam and Mac have to endure, but also in terms of the smoking hot love scenes! An extremely good book!
October 29, 2014
It was 100% satisfaction!!!!!
April 6, 2021
[audio book] Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
Dual points of view - Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins, Felicity Munroe (4 stars)
----
Liberally saccharine coated romance, with a generous helping of sex and a side order of mystery/suspense. All washed down with an abundance of sex, lies and sweet tea.
Some real world emotional issues: Alzheimer's disease, and how it affects family members; widowhood; and caring for an aging loved one, were well written.
This was a new author for me. I did enjoy the story and the characters, but I think you need to be in the mood for brain candy and suspend belief.
The hero of the story strikes me as a (beta male posing as an alpha) fantasy ideal constructed by the author. The heroine, described as southern soft covering a Sherman tank, seems to be in a state of weepy meltdown more often than she displays a backbone/personality of steel (magnolia).
The best character in the book, in my opinion, is Mimi, the 99 year old grandmother.
Dual points of view - Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins, Felicity Munroe (4 stars)
----
Liberally saccharine coated romance, with a generous helping of sex and a side order of mystery/suspense. All washed down with an abundance of sex, lies and sweet tea.
Some real world emotional issues: Alzheimer's disease, and how it affects family members; widowhood; and caring for an aging loved one, were well written.
This was a new author for me. I did enjoy the story and the characters, but I think you need to be in the mood for brain candy and suspend belief.
The hero of the story strikes me as a (beta male posing as an alpha) fantasy ideal constructed by the author. The heroine, described as southern soft covering a Sherman tank, seems to be in a state of weepy meltdown more often than she displays a backbone/personality of steel (magnolia).
The best character in the book, in my opinion, is Mimi, the 99 year old grandmother.
June 26, 2023
Love the first two books of this series, have a feeling that the next one might be another "couples " story with Sam and Mac taking up minor roles in in. You have to read this in order as the second installment in this series draws heavily on developments from the first book the wedding of Mac and Sam for one. This is all about revenge and trying to hurt Mac in particular following the end of the last chapter. I will immediately be reading the third installment of this cosy thriller FBI series.
October 13, 2018
This is an excellent second entry into the 'Sex, Lies' series, and it is definitely a page-turner. When Sam and Mac get married, they think things are going to get better, but when they discover that the drug criminal Hector is still intent on killing Samantha, the action heats up, and they do not get to go to Paris and enjoy their honeymoon. There is lots happening in this book, all of it suspenseful and exciting.
January 6, 2022
A fun second in the series finds our main characters back and a number of new characters joining the fray. The style and approach of the second book is much more measured and polished as well as a lot of fun. I found myself turning pages in rapid succession to see what would happen next.
sorry, no spoilers from me, but so far the series is witty and a fun read.
sorry, no spoilers from me, but so far the series is witty and a fun read.
September 16, 2018
Sex and Lies 2
I'm disappointed in this book. I liked book one of the series, free from Amazon, so I bought the second. The drama surrounding Hector was not imaginative and a!!went on way too long. I probably won't read the third.
I'm disappointed in this book. I liked book one of the series, free from Amazon, so I bought the second. The drama surrounding Hector was not imaginative and a!!went on way too long. I probably won't read the third.
November 21, 2023
Good read, but
A good read if not as good as Book 1. However, there are several spelling errors that the editors really should have caught. They are obvious enough to make the educated reader cringe.
A good read if not as good as Book 1. However, there are several spelling errors that the editors really should have caught. They are obvious enough to make the educated reader cringe.
March 14, 2025
Impressed
I have been impressed with this series. I have on both kindle and audible. A refreshing moment to find a new to me author that has captured my attention and makes me want to loose sleep to see what happens next.
I have been impressed with this series. I have on both kindle and audible. A refreshing moment to find a new to me author that has captured my attention and makes me want to loose sleep to see what happens next.
February 23, 2018
Heart Stopping
Wow this book kept my heart beat elevated and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can't wait to start the next volume.
Wow this book kept my heart beat elevated and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can't wait to start the next volume.
June 30, 2018
Sex lies and lipstick
Can't say enough about this and her books.Enjoyed this story and the people within. I like a mixture of love,mystery combine within in the story.
Can't say enough about this and her books.Enjoyed this story and the people within. I like a mixture of love,mystery combine within in the story.
October 4, 2018
Hooked
I can't put this series down. Love the romance mixed with the mystery. I could relate to Mac and his mother. Lost my mom to that horrible disease.
I can't put this series down. Love the romance mixed with the mystery. I could relate to Mac and his mother. Lost my mom to that horrible disease.
February 10, 2019
On the edge of your seat intrigue. Couldn't put this book down.
June 23, 2019
Another great book from Kris Calvert....
June 23, 2023
Great book
August 27, 2014
Sex, Lies and Lipstick is the second installment in Kris Calvert's Moonlight and Magnolias series.
Mac Callahan, a seasoned FBI agent in Washington, D.C., has given up the fast lane to live a life of sweet tea and sunshine in Alabama with the girl of his dreams, Samantha Peterson. But Mac’s years of bringing down drug lords and psychotic criminals is about to catch up with him just as he’s resigned himself to leave it all behind.
Finally getting the husband and family she’s longed for, Sam finds that life at Mac’s plantation, Lone Oak, is a Southern girl’s dream full of romance, love, lipstick and pearls. It’s all Southern charm and Champagne between the sheets until a psychotic stalker sets his sights on completing an unfinished grudge. Carefully planning, Hector Quintes has patiently waited to crash Mac and Samantha’s happily ever after. No one Mac Callahan loves is safe – least of all Samantha. When they said, “until death do us part,” neither knew how soon that could be and as Hector becomes intimately close to their family, the line between friend and foe grows strangely blurred.
It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but who is chasing whom?
In this installment, another POV is added to the mix. Polly. I adored Polly in the 1st book, and glad to have her a larger part of this story. Mac and Sam are as sweet as ever with their vows. One line that stuck with me throughout the book was, "...and I promise not to keep score, even if I'm totally winning." You welcome back (with open arms) your favorites (and NOT so favorites) from the previous book while being introduced to some fun new ones like Z. Dr. Leo Xanthis. Dr. Hot-Ass-What-The-Hell-Am-I-thinking-Xanthis. And if that wasn't a mouthful, Leo is short for Leonudus.
"Like, Greek warrior king of Sparta? Leonidus?"
"He's a Greek god. Don't you think?" she asked, all aflutter.
Hector shows his ugly head at Mac & Sam's wedding with a simple message, Remember Me? Instead of their jet-setting plans to Paris, the whole family spends time in hiding while the FBI (and Mac) try to get Hector for good this time. The depth of this story reveals itself gradually while relationships strengthen in the close quarters. Lives are lost, potential loves are kindled, quite a bit of feet sweeping is occurring.
"Having a true Southern man make over you as if you were the only woman in the world was a feeling that could never be duplicated. And when you did grow accustomed to it, it was hard not to hold every other man to that standard."
Miss Celia is as sharp-tongued as ever, and will probably always be that way as long as Mac continues to slip up. "Mac, I love you," interjected Miss Celia. "But if one more foul word comes out of that mouth, I'm taking you down, son."
This book is filled with more mystery and suspense, and I loved every Southern second of it. You can tell by the way Mrs. Calvert pens the simplest scene that she is indeed Southern to the core. I will not give any of the story away, but here are a few things you can expect:
you fall for the way Dax & Mac interact throughout their changing relationship
the love a Daddy has for his baby girl is like no other
TRUE love conquers all
TRUE friendship can weather any storm
Children have such pure, untainted views of the world
Besides, Polly, King and Z - my favorite character is still Mimi. 100 years old and full of sass and quite the appreciative eye of attractive agents. ""I'm so old my friends in heaven are gonna think I didn't make the cut."
If I was asked to pull a theme from this book, it would be "Try to live for all the small moments that don't seem to matter very much at the time. As you age, you'll discover these are the ones that are the sweetest to revisit in your old age." This applied to Mac & Sam, time spent with the kids, Mac & his aging Mother, Polly and Sam, Polly and Z AND it is what I took away from this book. I read a little longer to my kids, hugged them a little tighter and made sure I told them I loved them. Before I leave you to go grab your copy of this book (or the 1st one, Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea if you haven't read that one!) I have a few more favorite moments to share with y'all:
"I was a psychology major that need psychological help." -Polly
"Hew and haw?" she asked quietly, taking my over-the-top tone down a notch. "I love it when you talk... Southern." - Micah
Not wanting to be seen, I fanned my face and gave him my best Southern belle drawl, "Why, Mr. Xanthis, you do go on." - Polly
"Mark Twain once said, 'My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.'' - Mac
"It's a gift. Like knowing when to stroke the balls while giving a spectacular blow job or taking steaks off the grill at medium rare." - Polly to Sam
"Honey," she sighed putting her hands on her hips. "If Leo Xanthis is calling you cher? You need to be wearing better panties." - Girl at the shop
Now, let's show the sweet tea serving Kris Calvert some LOVE for this AMAZING 5 Star read!!!
Mac Callahan, a seasoned FBI agent in Washington, D.C., has given up the fast lane to live a life of sweet tea and sunshine in Alabama with the girl of his dreams, Samantha Peterson. But Mac’s years of bringing down drug lords and psychotic criminals is about to catch up with him just as he’s resigned himself to leave it all behind.
Finally getting the husband and family she’s longed for, Sam finds that life at Mac’s plantation, Lone Oak, is a Southern girl’s dream full of romance, love, lipstick and pearls. It’s all Southern charm and Champagne between the sheets until a psychotic stalker sets his sights on completing an unfinished grudge. Carefully planning, Hector Quintes has patiently waited to crash Mac and Samantha’s happily ever after. No one Mac Callahan loves is safe – least of all Samantha. When they said, “until death do us part,” neither knew how soon that could be and as Hector becomes intimately close to their family, the line between friend and foe grows strangely blurred.
It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but who is chasing whom?
In this installment, another POV is added to the mix. Polly. I adored Polly in the 1st book, and glad to have her a larger part of this story. Mac and Sam are as sweet as ever with their vows. One line that stuck with me throughout the book was, "...and I promise not to keep score, even if I'm totally winning." You welcome back (with open arms) your favorites (and NOT so favorites) from the previous book while being introduced to some fun new ones like Z. Dr. Leo Xanthis. Dr. Hot-Ass-What-The-Hell-Am-I-thinking-Xanthis. And if that wasn't a mouthful, Leo is short for Leonudus.
"Like, Greek warrior king of Sparta? Leonidus?"
"He's a Greek god. Don't you think?" she asked, all aflutter.
Hector shows his ugly head at Mac & Sam's wedding with a simple message, Remember Me? Instead of their jet-setting plans to Paris, the whole family spends time in hiding while the FBI (and Mac) try to get Hector for good this time. The depth of this story reveals itself gradually while relationships strengthen in the close quarters. Lives are lost, potential loves are kindled, quite a bit of feet sweeping is occurring.
"Having a true Southern man make over you as if you were the only woman in the world was a feeling that could never be duplicated. And when you did grow accustomed to it, it was hard not to hold every other man to that standard."
Miss Celia is as sharp-tongued as ever, and will probably always be that way as long as Mac continues to slip up. "Mac, I love you," interjected Miss Celia. "But if one more foul word comes out of that mouth, I'm taking you down, son."
This book is filled with more mystery and suspense, and I loved every Southern second of it. You can tell by the way Mrs. Calvert pens the simplest scene that she is indeed Southern to the core. I will not give any of the story away, but here are a few things you can expect:
you fall for the way Dax & Mac interact throughout their changing relationship
the love a Daddy has for his baby girl is like no other
TRUE love conquers all
TRUE friendship can weather any storm
Children have such pure, untainted views of the world
Besides, Polly, King and Z - my favorite character is still Mimi. 100 years old and full of sass and quite the appreciative eye of attractive agents. ""I'm so old my friends in heaven are gonna think I didn't make the cut."
If I was asked to pull a theme from this book, it would be "Try to live for all the small moments that don't seem to matter very much at the time. As you age, you'll discover these are the ones that are the sweetest to revisit in your old age." This applied to Mac & Sam, time spent with the kids, Mac & his aging Mother, Polly and Sam, Polly and Z AND it is what I took away from this book. I read a little longer to my kids, hugged them a little tighter and made sure I told them I loved them. Before I leave you to go grab your copy of this book (or the 1st one, Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea if you haven't read that one!) I have a few more favorite moments to share with y'all:
"I was a psychology major that need psychological help." -Polly
"Hew and haw?" she asked quietly, taking my over-the-top tone down a notch. "I love it when you talk... Southern." - Micah
Not wanting to be seen, I fanned my face and gave him my best Southern belle drawl, "Why, Mr. Xanthis, you do go on." - Polly
"Mark Twain once said, 'My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.'' - Mac
"It's a gift. Like knowing when to stroke the balls while giving a spectacular blow job or taking steaks off the grill at medium rare." - Polly to Sam
"Honey," she sighed putting her hands on her hips. "If Leo Xanthis is calling you cher? You need to be wearing better panties." - Girl at the shop
Now, let's show the sweet tea serving Kris Calvert some LOVE for this AMAZING 5 Star read!!!
March 18, 2017
Excellent second book!!
The first book in this series sets the bar pretty high. However, this one meets that precedent. It's just as exciting, romantic and yet sweetly very traditionally Southern!! I loved it!! On to read #3!!!
The first book in this series sets the bar pretty high. However, this one meets that precedent. It's just as exciting, romantic and yet sweetly very traditionally Southern!! I loved it!! On to read #3!!!
March 2, 2017
This is the second in the series and while you can read this book as a stand-alone it is helpful to have read the first book Sex, Lies and Sweet Tea to get a feeling for the characters.
I LOVE the charcters in this book-Sweet as tea and a Steel magnolia Smantha, strong on the outside and a marshmallow on the inside FBI agent Mac and my personal favorite Mimi, Sam's grndmother, the original Steel Magnloia and feisty 99 year-old. I want a grandmother like Mimi.
Part of this story hits a little too close to home as I read about Mac and how he deals with his mother's Alzheimers disease since my own mother is in a facility for the same diagnoses.
Kris Calvert has done an amazing job of moving the story along with just enough tension and fear to keep you hanging in there. While there are some laughs in this book I found myseld tearing up in parts too.
I can't wait to read book 3.
I LOVE the charcters in this book-Sweet as tea and a Steel magnolia Smantha, strong on the outside and a marshmallow on the inside FBI agent Mac and my personal favorite Mimi, Sam's grndmother, the original Steel Magnloia and feisty 99 year-old. I want a grandmother like Mimi.
Part of this story hits a little too close to home as I read about Mac and how he deals with his mother's Alzheimers disease since my own mother is in a facility for the same diagnoses.
Kris Calvert has done an amazing job of moving the story along with just enough tension and fear to keep you hanging in there. While there are some laughs in this book I found myseld tearing up in parts too.
I can't wait to read book 3.
June 27, 2014
This book was recommended on twitter by Chicks that read. I'm glad I downloaded it. I read this in a day. Although, I got a bit frustrated with Mac about the guilt over his mother when he should be taking care of his wife and children, he came through in the end. I'm sure it's hard to show all the aspects of the character, but I need to see more of them with their kids, need to know that they don't just leave their kids with the nanny to raise. That is really my only other hangup with these books.
July 11, 2016
Sex, Lies & Lipstick continues the story of Mac and Sam, from Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea. FBI Agent Mac has now semi-retired, and Sam has given birth to a beautiful baby girl. This book starts with their wedding day. A villain from Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea makes a reappearance in the book and threatens to ruin their special day.
Filled with death, suspense, life, and mystery the story unfolds as the author tells the tale from various points of view. Well-written and just the right paced action. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series to continue the saga.
Filled with death, suspense, life, and mystery the story unfolds as the author tells the tale from various points of view. Well-written and just the right paced action. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series to continue the saga.
May 24, 2016
In this book, Sam and Mac's story continues with a new child, a wedding, and a psycho after them. Things seemed to be looking up for Mac and Sam until someone they had hoped to never hear about again shows up. He is out for revenge and will settle for nothing less than making Mac pay for what he did. No one is safe and it seems they aren't safe anywhere either.
This book had me emotional and biting my nails too. I really enjoyed it and the suspense in it keeps you on edge. If you love a good action packed romance, then this book is for you. Amazing job Kris!
This book had me emotional and biting my nails too. I really enjoyed it and the suspense in it keeps you on edge. If you love a good action packed romance, then this book is for you. Amazing job Kris!
October 27, 2014
Even more amazing than the first book, the story continues as Mac and Sam get married and start their new lives. Soon they find Hector isn't dead, he's alive and well and looking to make Sam and her family suffer while waiting to take his revenge. Death, frustration and fear make for a rocky start to the Callahans lives. Can't wait to get my hands on book three!
April 13, 2016
Life on the Run
Continuing the tale of Mac and Samantha is a roller coaster journey. These characters are well developed and make you feel as if you know them personally. The storyline is quite entertaining and nerve wracking. Mimi adds wisdom and humor to the lives of those around her. An overall great read!
Continuing the tale of Mac and Samantha is a roller coaster journey. These characters are well developed and make you feel as if you know them personally. The storyline is quite entertaining and nerve wracking. Mimi adds wisdom and humor to the lives of those around her. An overall great read!
June 2, 2016
Great Book!
This series is so good. This was just as good as the first book! I loved Mac and Sam and their devotion to one another. I also loved the nursing home with Mac's mother and Sam's grandmother. Mimi is so feisty and funny! This book has it all romance, mystery, suspense, humor, and heritage.
This series is so good. This was just as good as the first book! I loved Mac and Sam and their devotion to one another. I also loved the nursing home with Mac's mother and Sam's grandmother. Mimi is so feisty and funny! This book has it all romance, mystery, suspense, humor, and heritage.
September 16, 2015
I really enjoy this series and the 2nd installment didn't disappoint. Lots of sexy romance and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. Love every scene that Mimi is in, she's great for laughs and advice. And I can't wait to see what happens next with Polly and Leo!
January 24, 2016
Great finish
Wow, what a story! I read it straight through after finishing the first book. The characters were great and the story unpredictable. Of course romance throughout made this such a sweet story. I will definitely check out other books by this author.
Wow, what a story! I read it straight through after finishing the first book. The characters were great and the story unpredictable. Of course romance throughout made this such a sweet story. I will definitely check out other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews