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Codebreaker Trilogy #2
The Manolo Matrix
USA Today bestselling author of The Givenchy Code Julie Kenner reloads for her second novel of high-heeled thrills as another woman gets pulled into a mysterious world of extreme gaming where she must play or die.
Aspiring actress Jennifer Crane knows all about games -- the games girls play to get a guy; the games actresses play to land a part; and the good old game of credit-card roulette. (How else is a girl supposed to afford her shoes?) But she never expected to be playing a game with life-or-death consequences. Unable to successfully score an acting gig, she has, instead, been cast in the role of reluctant bodyguard to a real-life assassin's target -- a dashing FBI agent of all people! -- and must embark with him upon a scavenger hunt across Manhattan in search of the ultimate prize: survival. Before this, Jenn's definition of fighting dirty has been elbowing her way to the front of the line at a Manolo sample sale. Now, if she wants to stay alive, she's going to have to learn a few new uses for her stilettos. . . and they ain't pretty.
Fast, flirty, and full of great footwear, The Manolo Matrix is another electrifying adventure in this breakout series for fashionistas who love a perfectly appointed mystery.
Aspiring actress Jennifer Crane knows all about games -- the games girls play to get a guy; the games actresses play to land a part; and the good old game of credit-card roulette. (How else is a girl supposed to afford her shoes?) But she never expected to be playing a game with life-or-death consequences. Unable to successfully score an acting gig, she has, instead, been cast in the role of reluctant bodyguard to a real-life assassin's target -- a dashing FBI agent of all people! -- and must embark with him upon a scavenger hunt across Manhattan in search of the ultimate prize: survival. Before this, Jenn's definition of fighting dirty has been elbowing her way to the front of the line at a Manolo sample sale. Now, if she wants to stay alive, she's going to have to learn a few new uses for her stilettos. . . and they ain't pretty.
Fast, flirty, and full of great footwear, The Manolo Matrix is another electrifying adventure in this breakout series for fashionistas who love a perfectly appointed mystery.
337 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
4 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,241 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 7, 2016
Picking up where the Givenchy Code stopped it takes us even more into the crazy game that Melanie and Matthew find themselves. They once again are chasing all over New York, while they have no idea who is the Gamemaster. This is just a cute mystery that combines, an FBI man, a Fashionista, and a crazy Gamemaster. Good fun! This book had a little more steam than the last, but it was all good for me. The story is delightful. On to book 3.
November 6, 2013
Disclaimer: Snark and gifs and adult language.
Rating: 2.5 stars
The characterization was one-dimensional and relied on stereotypes. Sloppy writing.
One of the characters was a Sociopath and a serial killer. She was kinda awesome. This picture is for her.
I love flamboyant gay men, but must every gay bff be so flamboyant in EVERY chick lit book. Stop relying on stereotypes.
I just had to. LOL
And did this plot line NEED a love-story? Not to me, it didn't.
This is how I felt most of the book, not the bride's maid part, but you know what I mean. lol
I gave it a 1/2 star because of the thriller/mystery aspects.
This picture just feels relevant right now, go with it.
I am sending this one to you, Karla. I can't wait to watch you tear it apart. :D
Werq. lol
Rating: 2.5 stars
The characterization was one-dimensional and relied on stereotypes. Sloppy writing.
One of the characters was a Sociopath and a serial killer. She was kinda awesome. This picture is for her.
I love flamboyant gay men, but must every gay bff be so flamboyant in EVERY chick lit book. Stop relying on stereotypes.
I just had to. LOL
And did this plot line NEED a love-story? Not to me, it didn't.
This is how I felt most of the book, not the bride's maid part, but you know what I mean. lol
I gave it a 1/2 star because of the thriller/mystery aspects.
This picture just feels relevant right now, go with it.
I am sending this one to you, Karla. I can't wait to watch you tear it apart. :D
Werq. lol
March 23, 2020
I usually don’t love sequels as much as the original but there was something about the kitsch of the Broadway clues that sucked me in. I also loved that Jen was the protector this time.
February 26, 2021
Лёгкое чтение. Оказалось, что это сиквел, первая часть про Givenchy.
August 12, 2024
A fast spaced quick read. The plot is predictable at times, but a fun read.
An excellent read to read if you’re tired or need a break from overly complicated plots/characters.
An excellent read to read if you’re tired or need a break from overly complicated plots/characters.
August 17, 2024
Bought on clearance from HalfPrice lol. The tech side of this book is so outdated that the book is more funny than intended.
October 30, 2010
Before I say anything else, let me say that I loved this book as much as I did the first one. It's incredibly intertaining, but unfortunately it just wasn't as good as the first one.
Following in the footsteps of the first book, 'Manolo Matrix' follows Jennifer (the roommate from the first book) as she is sucked into the game as the protector of hottie FBI agent Devlin Brady. In hot pursuit is a homicidal assasin known simply as "Birdie". Where the clues to the online game turned real PSW were math related in the first book, this book's clues are mainly broadway related. With the plotline moving at a fast & furious pace, there's very few boring points.
My biggest complaint was that I just couldn't get into the character of Jennifer. She just seemed a little one-dimensional & shallow for my taste. (Her attitudes towards the fashion challenged left a little to be desired at times.) I couldn't help but feel like her character was the snotty girl in the drama club, but all grown up. Still, the plotline moves so quickly that there's not very much time attributed to character growth, which seems to help more than hurt as far as Jennifer goes. Devlin Brady was also a little one-dimensional, but not nearly as bad. Their romance, however, was very well written.
Would I recommend this to a friend? I would. Despite it's shortcomings (shallow characters, plot is exactly like the 1st book), it's still a fun beach read.
Following in the footsteps of the first book, 'Manolo Matrix' follows Jennifer (the roommate from the first book) as she is sucked into the game as the protector of hottie FBI agent Devlin Brady. In hot pursuit is a homicidal assasin known simply as "Birdie". Where the clues to the online game turned real PSW were math related in the first book, this book's clues are mainly broadway related. With the plotline moving at a fast & furious pace, there's very few boring points.
My biggest complaint was that I just couldn't get into the character of Jennifer. She just seemed a little one-dimensional & shallow for my taste. (Her attitudes towards the fashion challenged left a little to be desired at times.) I couldn't help but feel like her character was the snotty girl in the drama club, but all grown up. Still, the plotline moves so quickly that there's not very much time attributed to character growth, which seems to help more than hurt as far as Jennifer goes. Devlin Brady was also a little one-dimensional, but not nearly as bad. Their romance, however, was very well written.
Would I recommend this to a friend? I would. Despite it's shortcomings (shallow characters, plot is exactly like the 1st book), it's still a fun beach read.
March 16, 2012
The Manolo Matrix by Julie Kenner
This was my favorite of the Codebreaker Trilogy.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Aspiring actress Jennifer Crane knows all about games -- the games girls play to get a guy; the games actresses play to land a part; and the good old game of credit-card roulette. (How else is a girl supposed to afford her shoes?) But she never expected to be playing a game with life-or-death consequences. Unable to successfully score an acting gig, she has, instead, been cast in the role of reluctant bodyguard to a real-life assassin's target -- a dashing FBI agent of all people! -- and must embark with him upon a scavenger hunt across Manhattan in search of the ultimate prize: survival. Before this, Jenn's definition of fighting dirty has been elbowing her way to the front of the line at a Manolo sample sale. Now, if she wants to stay alive, she's going to have to learn a few new uses for her stilettos. . . and they ain't pretty.
This was my favorite of the Codebreaker Trilogy.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Aspiring actress Jennifer Crane knows all about games -- the games girls play to get a guy; the games actresses play to land a part; and the good old game of credit-card roulette. (How else is a girl supposed to afford her shoes?) But she never expected to be playing a game with life-or-death consequences. Unable to successfully score an acting gig, she has, instead, been cast in the role of reluctant bodyguard to a real-life assassin's target -- a dashing FBI agent of all people! -- and must embark with him upon a scavenger hunt across Manhattan in search of the ultimate prize: survival. Before this, Jenn's definition of fighting dirty has been elbowing her way to the front of the line at a Manolo sample sale. Now, if she wants to stay alive, she's going to have to learn a few new uses for her stilettos. . . and they ain't pretty.
December 30, 2013
While this wasn't bad, it wasn't what I had been expecting. Perhaps I should have read the first book (which I might do since I like Mel more), but the clues in this book, while definitely well-researched, were also far-fetched. Every single time the characters "figured out" a clue, it seemed like they were going completely off the hip with their guesses.
I also wasn't a huge fan of Jenn. She wasn't deep enough to be a main character in my opinion. On the other hand, I thought Devlin was a fantastic character. He was dealing with the struggles of shooting his partner in defense and struggling with the guilt of leaving his partner's daughter fatherless. I really liked how Mrs. Kenner showed Devlin's character development throughout the novel, as well as Jenn's I suppose.
Like I said, I'm not going to give up on Mrs. Kenner's novels. Some of her other ones seem to be what I'm looking for, so I hope they are as good as they promise to be. :)
I also wasn't a huge fan of Jenn. She wasn't deep enough to be a main character in my opinion. On the other hand, I thought Devlin was a fantastic character. He was dealing with the struggles of shooting his partner in defense and struggling with the guilt of leaving his partner's daughter fatherless. I really liked how Mrs. Kenner showed Devlin's character development throughout the novel, as well as Jenn's I suppose.
Like I said, I'm not going to give up on Mrs. Kenner's novels. Some of her other ones seem to be what I'm looking for, so I hope they are as good as they promise to be. :)
December 31, 2008
This is the perfect book for sitting on the back deck in the sun! I read it on Monday(6/5/06), and loved it. Of course, now I want to read The Givenchy Code, but I'm pleased to report it is totally not necessary to the enjoyment of this one :)
Here's the email I fired off to a friend just minutes before finishing this:
I think she'd like it, but perhaps my note didn't sell it very well? *scratches head*
Oh well, it was fun and lite and had a few typos that surprised me (no I didn't keep track -- I was sunbathing!) and helped pass the time enjoyably.
Here's the email I fired off to a friend just minutes before finishing this:
subject: Any interest. . .
. . . in a slightly trashy piece of chick lit mystery that takes place in NY and has loads of Broadway references?
I think she'd like it, but perhaps my note didn't sell it very well? *scratches head*
Oh well, it was fun and lite and had a few typos that surprised me (no I didn't keep track -- I was sunbathing!) and helped pass the time enjoyably.
December 26, 2011
I bought this book from a "thrift bookstore" (Im not really sure how you call it XD) and thought that I really got my money back.
I enjoyed reading this the whole time, there were some actions and some humour going around a bit. There were times where in things were said / done even if it is utterly unnecessary but it was okay. This book is a little bit sensual too, not really my thing so thank goodness it does not revolve around s@#, but it does however, talk a fare amount of lusting over someone. But its just me though.
All in all, if you are looking for something not too light to read, some excitement and romance then I think this book is for you :D
I enjoyed reading this the whole time, there were some actions and some humour going around a bit. There were times where in things were said / done even if it is utterly unnecessary but it was okay. This book is a little bit sensual too, not really my thing so thank goodness it does not revolve around s@#, but it does however, talk a fare amount of lusting over someone. But its just me though.
All in all, if you are looking for something not too light to read, some excitement and romance then I think this book is for you :D
January 3, 2013
I remembered really liking the first book, but this one was a little slow for me. The romance was too instant and forced. It was hard to believe that Devlin went from being so depressed that he didn't care if he lived to thinking he wanted to survive and be all that he can be. A lot of the Broadway clues were lost on me since I'm not a huge fan, but the descriptions of the places in New York were vivid and fantastic. It made me miss the city. I'm mildly curious as to who is behind the game so I might read the third book in the series eventually, but I'm in no rush at this point.
October 19, 2020
I put this down for a long time mid re-read because I wasn’t in the mood for it, but it was perfect to finish up in the bathtub on a lazy weekend. Silly and fluffy and so much fun The clues are super confusing, but I’m not a musical theater person so maybe it’s just that it’s not anything I’d get? The pace is ridiculous, as well as the number of hotels they check into and then leave and meals they order and don’t eat, which go really adds to the frenetic feeling. The romance is as always so sudden — but with that frantic rushing it’s easier to forgive.
February 11, 2016
I had read the Givenchy Code (which is apparently the first book of a trilogy) and enjoyed it. I gave this bood a low rating because I felt I was reading the same story again, but instead of Melanie having a toxin delivered to her and having to find and antidote, Melanie's roommate Jenn has a toxin delivered and has to find an antidote. Same story, different characters, different clues (which were all based on Broadway musicals that I couldn't care less about and had no way of solving). I imagine that if I had NOT read the first book in this series, this would get at least two stars.
January 16, 2011
I stayed up quite late last night to finish this one because I couldn't put it down! I really liked the clues in this one - all dealing with Broadway musicals! It was as fast paced as the first one, but I didn't enjoy the romance as much between Jenn and Devlin as much as Mel and Matthew in the first one. This one felt a little more contrived to me. I am looking forward to the third and final book of the series, The Prada Paradox, where we will finally find out who is the mastermind behind PSW.
June 16, 2010
This book was just as much fun as the first in the trilogy. I loved how we got Broadway references this time, as opposed to simple codes. It was great to learn more about Jennifer as well. I liked seeing her relationship with Melanie and getting to see how Melanie and Stryker are doing. I love this series and can't wait to read the last book.
August 6, 2014
I have to say, while I still enjoyed the book, it wasn't nearly as good as the first in the series. I loved the role switching with the FBI agent being the target and the aspiring Broadway actress as the underestimated protector. I definitely have plans to read the last in the series and cannot wait to finally discover who is behind the twisted reality game.
August 15, 2007
This is book 2 of 3 in the series. This is just as good as book one and it is good to see the same characters carried over from the Givenchy Code. This has the same exiting action and romance scenes. With interesting codes to try to figure out with the leading lady and her man.
February 28, 2010
I couldn't put this book down! Very fast read; I loved the fast pace of the story; every page made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. I hate to see the series end but I'm so curious to see who is behind the game.
June 24, 2010
I am in between 3/4 stars. While I liked the story line, the romance felt a little flat to me. There was no romantic (read sexual tension) build-up.
I definitely emotionally involved in this trilogy and can't wait to read the final book.
I definitely emotionally involved in this trilogy and can't wait to read the final book.
June 13, 2013
Action/suspense, musical theater, and romance - what's not to like? Clip an extra pair of suspenders onto your disbelief and pop this one in your beach bag along with some Broadway soundtracks. It's a great summer read.
June 7, 2007
so far this book is going alright. Though it doesn't have consistantly good writing, there are moments of genius that keep me interested. I guess I'll have to see where this goes, but its not bad
November 9, 2007
read 09.09.07
September 1, 2016
Sequel to The Givenchy Code, and honestly it was pretty much the exact same book all over again. But a fun beach read.
June 5, 2008
Fast-paced and hard to put down. Clues relate to broadway shows, and places in Manhattan. I liked it.
July 9, 2008
A great follow up with another smart woman at the center of the story.
August 2, 2009
More believable than givinchy code. Good action, though dunno about the accuracy of the "scavenger hunt."
September 5, 2009
Moda + thriller policiaco. Buenas carcajadas. Una historia picosona, que parodia muchas personalidades, crea nuevas y es original.
January 11, 2010
great read and plenty funny
September 4, 2010
Code-breaking, 2
A twist on the game and just as action-packed and intense.
A twist on the game and just as action-packed and intense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews