**** This is the prequel novella to the Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries, complete at 25,000 words. It is shorter than the rest of the series, which are all full length novels. To read it for free, simply sign up to my newsletter at: www.ginalamanna.com, and you'll receive a code in your inbox shortly! Thank you for reading. :)
Here's what a few reviewers are saying about the series:
Sprinkled: In case you never thought working for the mob could be fun, think again. If Lacey’s “resume” doesn’t get you smiling, her reason for selling her soul will. From page one, Sprinkled had me laughing. By the time I got to the end, my ribs hurt.
Sparkled: I love this series. Lacey is bumbling but endearing. All the characters are fun and engaging -and a little odd- and I can't wait to see what happens next! ****
Lacey Luzzi’s roller coaster of a life has been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She just never expected the lows to be so… sparkly.
After falling on her face during an attempt to follow in her recently deceased mother’s stripper-boots, Lacey realizes she’s not cut out for life on stage. She sets out on a year-long investigation to find her true family, never expecting she’ll find it…with a capital “F.”
No one chooses their families, but Lacey Luzzi will be lucky if she can survive hers.
** ** Lacey Luzzi: Scooped, is a novella-length, humorous cozy mystery with a strong female protagonist in the spirit of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, albeit one working for the wrong side of the law…
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.
HOW LACEY FOUND OUT SHE IS RELATED TO THE GODFATHER OF THE TWIN CITIES,
going through lacey's recently departed moms things - first discover she lied when she told lacey she had no other family - probably deliberately went out of her way to disappear - and more then likely never wanted her daughter to meet any of them--- the question is why???? --- once again gina lamanna has written a fast paced, humorous never boring tale having lacey and meg getting in and out of all sorts of trouble only these two can find as they follow the clues to discover just who lacey is related too- only to find out that lacey is related to the godfather of the twin cities and how she was welcomed into the family --- i was given a free advance copy in exchange for a review,-but this did not influence me in any way- if you have read and enjoy the stephanie plum books you will probably like these only this time the snarky- feisty heroine is slightly shady --- is this seems like your cup of tea i suggest you read this book
I have recently discovered this brilliant author. I have read book one, and even though you can read this one after that, I would recommend you read it first.
This book sets the scene for meeting the Family and explains a bit more about Lacey's mum and her job.
And of course we see more antics of Lacey and Meg. This one is quick but just as hilarious as the first and you wouldn't want to miss it.
This book is a nice introduction to the Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries. We get to know Lacey and her friend, Meg. The mystery of her family is unfolding and is super interesting. I am interested in reading the next book in the series to see what happens.
I liked this back story into how Lacey became a Luzzi. This has been one of my favorite series for a while now and I have been curious about this prequel. If you like a good light hearted series with twists as it is a cozy mystery and some cute boys this is an excellent one. Lacey is a great character and I love how they have crossed over into the Little Wishes series. Again, this is a great intro into Meg and Lacey.
I just received this book through a e-mail sign up. I had found the Lacey books through a giveaway. I have been wanting to read these for awhile and am happy I have finally gotten into them. I liked the book and am looking forward to learning more about Lacey. I was a bit confused by her friend Meg. After reading some other reviews I feel this is a great start because of the back story. I hope to see some of the other people show up in the next books. Thank you for the chance to read.
I absolutely loved this novella/short story!! Right away, the story makes you laugh! I loved ALL the characters and can't wait to start the actually series and get a full story with them!!
*I had it on my computer at work and would randomly just laugh at parts so be warned! People may look at you like you're crazy if you read this in public :-)
Definitely a new author to add to my favorite list!!
A short intro into the beginning of Lacey's mob life. Just as funny as the full books. :) I particularly enjoyed learning how she met her ex-boyfriend. ;) I read this after the first two books, so I knew a few of the characters already, but if you haven't started this series yet, you may like to read this first.
‘Amaze-balls’ !! Funny & entertaining! I finished this book in one sitting & it was well worth the time. It was hilarious and I laughed through most of it. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Enjoyable little prequel that cleared most of my questions about Lacey's character. However, more detail is needed at the end of how her family gave her the first job as a lookout in the laundromat and her moving into a flat with her cousin. Another few chapters an I would raise the score by a star or two. Gina obviously knows the history. I wish she would share it with us.
Scooped is a short prequel to the Lacey Luzzi series. I was hoping to get some more background information on Lacey.
Lacey has failed as a stripper and misses a family so she decides to go through her mothers things to find some info. I am not giving anything away when I say that it all went rather fast (she does find her family, ergo the other books).
Although funny, it was not really as I expected. I mean, it seems weird her mother did not even leave her a message or a warning (her mother did leave her family for a reason, no?) and she does find her family really really fast. And then you don't even get to know them.
So, I liked it but it could have been much more. I still have all these questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm currently in the middle of reading Suckered, book nine in the series, so it's suffice to say that I've been waiting to read this little inside scoop of how it all began for a while.
I've always wanted to know what happened when Lacey first walked in through the Luzzi doors, and now I know. Nothing. I know nothing! It's at that point when it ends. Sigh. It was still a nice little treat and you get to see her first some of the characters that pop up in the book and see how things came to be, but if you don't feel like coughing up the .99 cents plus tax to read, don't sweat it. It's not vital and in the later books you do get hints of what happened.
Lacey Smith is on her own now. Her mother, "Honey" a stripper had a fast acting cancer and now Lacey is alone. She doesn't know who her "real" family is, all she knows is a couple of strippers an an ex-cop. When the land lord's patience has run it's course, Lacey tries her hand a stripping, like her mother. That in it's self is a must read!!!l How funny! Meg, the ex-cop, helps her get back home, and then together they decide they need to find her family. Do Meg and Lacey get the job done? At what cost? Read this funny book to find out.
Very cute prequel. It was nice to get some background on Lacey and Meg. They just seem to be an accident waiting to happen and that can't be blamed on the Family. All plans for these two go awry, although getting extra gelato seems to be a good thing. Another humorous story from Gina that makes you want to continue rooting for the underdog (Lacey).
I'm not normally one for mysteries or series of indefinite length, but I am one for sweets, and I took a shot and judged some books by their covers this morning. If the rest of the series is anything like the prequel, I think I'll have some good, light reads to break up some of the more emotionally draining books i've got on my list. Not being that familiar with the contemporary mystery genre I can't say how this stacks up, but this novella anyway was funny and engaging quick read.
This is a quick, fun read all about Lacey and Meg! It takes place shortly after her mom passes away, and she decides to find out more about her family. Finding an old photo sends the two on a crazy, fun adventure. My favorite parts were that we got to see how Lacey met Blake, and how her career in stripping didn't work out. A great little book to lift your spirits!
Be sure to read this short book first to get to know Lacey and her BFF Meg. The history of Lacey growing up without family and the events that lead her to discovering her family will get you into the mood to keep reading the rest of this witty series. Think of it as an epilogue to meeting the Lacey you will get to know and love.
I love the main character, not a fan of the best friend. In the other books in the series Meg (the bff) doesn't have as prominent of a role. Her very strong personality is on full display in this book so it's my least favorite. That being said, I love the series and I do love the quirly characters! I definitely recommend the series!
Advise reading this book before Sprinkled. The book is just as entertaining, even funnier and gave you a look at how the story began. You also are able to see how the odd friendship of Lacey and Meg began and understand their bond. There are pleanty of mad capers in this book.
Excellent prequel! I've already read the first 2 Lacey Luzzi books!
After reading the first two Lacey Luzzi books, this prequel answered a lot of questions that I had about how Lacey found her family. This is a series that I am quickly becoming addicted to!