These Boots Are Made for Butt-Kickin'

MisAdventures of Miss Lilly #2

by Kalan Chapman Lloyd

"You know you're a little crazy, right Lil?" "I know. I get it from my mama." Unfinished business. Old family secrets. Guilt. Attorney Lilly Atkins has survived the long, hot summer in Oklahoma after running home from a cheating fiancé and discovering a former flame had become a career criminal. That infamous ne'er-do-well, Cash Stetson, is on the tail end of a stint in rehab; and with a near-death experience skirted, life-altering epiphany under her belt, and cowgirl boots in place, Lilly is ready to kick butt. Except something's got ahold of her; turning her every way but loose. And as much as she tries to hide her crazy, it keeps flashing everyone on Main Street. Former federal agent Spencer Locke is rescuing her. Again. Her latest case includes dead varmints. On YouTube. She's finding dead bodies. In her office. She's getting assaulted. Weekly. And it won't stop raining. So there's reason enough to come unwound.

Genres: Romance, Cozy Mystery

250 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Kalan Chapman Lloyd is an attorney and author currently residing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She enjoys big hair, Supreme Court Decisions on Intellectual Property, hats, the sound of construction and the feel of brand new sweatshirts. Kalan grew up in the small town Tahlequah, OK where she graduated from Tahlequah Senior High School. She attended Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa College of Law and has been a member of the Oklahoma Bar since 2008. She and her husband enjoy parenting their left-handed, strong-willed children. She is a Junior League dropout.

Her first book, Home Is Where Your Boots Are, the first in the series, The MisAdventures of Miss Lilly was a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards and spent several weeks at No. 1 on the Literature and Fiction list of Lulu.com. It is set for re-release in May 2015. Her second in the series, These Boots Are Made For Butt-Kickin’, is due out in June of 2015.

Kalan writes about The South and its caricatures.

Her favorite authors are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Janet Evanovich, Mary Kay Andrews, Jen Hatmaker, Dorothea Benton Frank and Dixie Cash, along with Faulkner, Welty, and Fitzgerald.

Reviews

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I definetely liked the second book more than the first. It was funnier and the dialogues were sassier and I simply loved Spencer. Why can't there be more romance between them? And can someone please kick Chase away?

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an attorney, I have a love-hate relationship with "legal" fiction or books that feature lawyer characters. The hate part comes from my proclivity to pick apart the legal aspect, or get annoyed when something improper is done, or get annoyed when something is done differently from how I would have done it. Because I know best, right? I know, my ego knows no bounds. The love part comes from the fact that I love to envision myself as the lead character... and with a character in my profession, that is one step closer to letting me live out the fictional fantasy. But because of the hate part, I usually find that I rate legal fiction on the lower end of the spectrum or give up and stop reading the book altogether. I am happy to report that I have found my solution and it comes in the form of Kalan Chapman Lloyd!

My friends are just like yours. Only prettier. And scarier. Like a hormonal, big-haired, pistol-packing gang.

Why, you ask? Well this requires some explanation. I am an attorney who has been nicknamed Bambi, and referred to as the "dumbest smart person you ever met." My life seem a bit ridiculous sometimes... so I was absolutely delighted to find a kindred spirit in the heroine of this book, Lilly Atkins. Lilly would totally be in my girl posse if she jumped off the pages of this book.

So even though I've been raised a Southern belle, I am at least a quarter redneck from my Nonnie's side (don't tell her I found out in a genealogy search).

Lilly is not just an attorney... she is a curly-haired dynamo, part southern belle and part redneck, and has questionable taste in men. It was like looking in a mirror, I swear. She loves clothes and shoes and handbags and boots. A woman after my own heart.

...slipping off my heels to get into the car. You don't drive in heels, especially if they're expensive. That's how accidents happen, but more importantly, that's how heel scuffs occur.

Lilly has taken up residence as one of the few attorneys in a small podunk town - something that I think could be very fun for me after I retire. It's a thought (a scary thought).

I used to be a snooty real estate lawyer in Dallas, but after I caught my gutless wonder of a fiance cheating on me, I hauled my heart and my bags back to my mama and daddy. I set up shop to practice small town law and got involved in some seemingly big city stuff. My ex-boyfriend tried to enlist me to divorce his wife (I'm not proud to say I accepted the retainer before I came to my senses)...

Lilly is like Stephanie Plum, if Stephanie Plum were a southern debutante lawyer. If you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich - then I predict that you will be a fan of the MisAdventures of Miss Lilly by Kalan Chapman Lloyd. No, these are not copycat books or any nonsense like that. But they are Stephanie Plum for southerners. The characters have similar family dynamics, a hip and hilarious grandma, and a penchant for getting into impossible situations. These series may not enrich you in a literary sense or impart some vast knowledge, but they are damn funny. Lloyd has created a great campy comedy that is unapologetically southern and certain put a smile on your face.

You're just embarrassed because your redneck came out while he was watching.

What's unapologetically southern you ask? Grandmas that go by Nonnie or Memaw, sisters named Talula Belle, daddies with a Magnum P.I. mustache, cowboy boots, big hair, moe-rons, and decorating that is Better Homes and Garden meets Guns and Ammo. And great southernisms like He could wait me out better than an opening day hunter in a tree stand.

There is kind of a love interest triangle at play... note that I said love interest. There is no real romance, yet. But the path is definitely paved for the future. We have Cash Stetson, the ex-boyfriend gambling addict doctor/conman, versus Spencer Locke, the yankee former FBI now attorney. Lilly is attracted to Spencer Locke but he also irritates the hell out of her. Then there is also the little problem of his heritage, which started above the Mason-Dixon line.

...I was the belle of the ball, and he wore Yankee gray, so it would be hard for us to ever understand each other.

You're such a Yankee. I don't know why people like you.

Now this book is not the first in the series, and I didn't realize that until after I started reading. Normally I hate when that happens, particularly when a series is following the same main character. It just bothers my OCD reading tendencies. But it wasn't too bad here. Lloyd did an excellent job of referencing and summarizing what happened in Home Is Where Your Boots Are. But now that I have read and enjoyed this book so much, I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 Stars / 0 Flames.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Life in Brooks, OK, never gets stale it seems. Glad my small town is nothing like theirs! Poor Lilly is pulled into, and runs into, hijinks of all sorts. But this time, she's seriously getting her butt kicked left and right! And even getting her friends' butts kicked along the way. As she says, it all comes out in the wash. Now I can't wait for the third book in the MisAdventures of Lilly Atkins, bless her heart!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A redneck cozy mystery. The occasional earthy language takes it out of the cozy category, but the murder(s) are not given gory details and there is no smut. Many of the lines that had me snorting may be familiar to Southern rednecks, but this Yankee was hooting. Lilly is the Stephanie Plum of Oklahoma.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Home Is Where Your Boots Are, which is reference so much, that it becomes distracting. The story would be much tighter if the events of the first book were referenced only when necessary.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like some kind of unholy cross between Steel Magnolias, The Keystone Cops, and Legally Blonde. Once again I was completely caught off-guard by the crazy hijinks of Lilly and her girl posse, to the point of not even bothering to keep track of the mysteries they were attempting to solve. The opening scenes had me doubled over with laughter, and it really didn’t stop until the book was over. I am rapidly falling in love with these quirky characters and I hope to read more about them for a long time to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems books as part of the box set.

[BookWormAli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this read, and was impressed with the story. I laughed out loud and could relate to the main character. Her friends, the posse, made me smile and fleshed out the story line that much more. I thought Ms. Lloyd did an excellent job at creating relatable and laugh out loud circumstances. I thought the dynamic between Lilly and Spencer was fun and interesting at the same time. I also liked Lilly's family dynamic and the fact that her family was strong knit and in the picture.
The small town feel that the author gave to Brooks made you understand how small towns work, and why you want to go home. It added to the reasoning behind the mystery itself and was more authentic. Add that to the way the book ends and it was a gut busting laugh out loud book.
While I have not read the first book yet I was able to understand the plot and had no problems with feeling like I was missing something. That to me is a big credit to the author. I cant wait to go back and read the first book in this series and am hoping that the author continues it with Lilly and maybe with the other girls as well. I cant wait to read more from Ms. Lloyd

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. They are humorous and have a mystery to solve. Fun, escapist reading enjoyment. I love the clichés and the stereotyping, It just adds to the humor and bring to life why there are clichés and stereotypes.

This time around Lilly has to deal with the town making her a hero for shooting Cash Stetson in the big toe and his getting rehab instead of jail time. She has a new divorce case where the wife just won't come clean about what really is the cause for the divorce. Her other case is a prank that went viral on You Tube and brought down the wrath of PETA in the form of a little, skinny, blonde "friend" of Spencer Locke. Oh, Spencer gets to rescue her, again. Lilly can't decide if she wants to jump his bones or shoot him, but she can sure use his help when a client turns up dead.

Where is her Southern belle Posse when she needs them? Well, maybe not for a dead body or Lilly's case of the hots for Spencer, but they are sure hell on any cheating male. Lilly has to take care of business on her own when she ends up causing injury to herself and the friends who try to help her. Luckily for her, Spencer has her back.

[Jennifer Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I laughed so hard at many different points during the book. Loved Lilly's posse and knowing they would do anything for each other, no matter what. Story line kept me guessing until the very end about what was going to happen and who did it. I'm glad Cash is gone, or is he, and am I, I just don't know! Can't wait for book 3 to come out and hopefully answer more questions I have, which will I'm sure also bring up more questions :) Kalan Chapman Lloyd and her Ms. Lilly will be books I will be reading as long as she writes them. Easy reads and lots of laughs!

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series it is fast, fun, cute and more than enough laughs for everyone. Each book builds on it self keeping the reader invested.
ARC from Netgalley

[Rickus Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed the first book in the trilogy and was excited to see what would happen next for Lilly. That girl just attracts danger and trouble. But I love it.

Lilly is such a strong and fun female lead. She is badass at the same time as she is completely clueless over what happens around her. She is a normal woman and it is so easy to identify with her. You can be so skilled at what you do professionally and still be a mess when it comes to everything outside of work (I would know, I'm the same).

I also love the relationships in this book. Female friendship is portrayed as something positive and strong. You don't mess with a badass girl crew and you stick up for your friends no matter what. These girls aren't bitchy and mean to each other, although they can be mean to people that are trying to hurt someone in their crew. The romantic relationships aren't in the forefront which is really nice, but we do have a hint of something which keeps it interesting.

Looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for Lilly Atkins.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fine, but it definitely dragged. The murders seemed out of place and handled very nonchalantly. I also didn’t realize this was the second book in the series. I probably would have enjoyed the book more, if I had read the first book. The audio narration was very lackluster. The narrator mispronounced and stumbled over the words. It was also poorly edited. Most podcasts have better narration and editing.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read the first book and enjoying it so much I was excited to find this second book in the series. This is a delightful, funny story filled with friendship, misadventures and just plain fun. I found myself laughing out loud at several points. I definitely recommend this book, and this series.

[Sherri Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of this story for an honest review.
Once again Miss. Kalan gives us some more of that small-town, Southern Oklahoma, delicious craziness. A place where family secrets aren't always secret and everybody has an opinion on what you should and shouldn't do. And where your family, best friend, and your people always have your back.

[Mrs. Garen L. Herd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Ah, yes. Another look at small town Oklahoma. But this one had a lot of soul searching and lessons on forgiveness and feeling guilty. But still pretty funny, sassy and dangerous along with mystery. Highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second of a (so far) 3 part series about Miss Lilly Atkins. I had originally reviewed the 3rd book and had to read this series from the beginning. While this is a stand alone book, since there are two others go read them! While this can be read alone, there are plot expansions and more detailed background information that only enhance the reading of this book.

Lilly, from small town Brooks, Oklahoma, returns back home to live with her sister (and basically with her parents and grandparents) after breaking up with her cheating fiance. This author doesn't disappoint. As with her other books, the writing style is first person unique, which I didn't really like at first but it works for her stories. This is not a typical romance chick-lit, but a lighthearted novel that merges mystery, lust, friendship, longing for what may have been and what might be, and self exploration. The book also outlines the importance of a close support system whether a tight knit family or good friends - a concept that is often lost and is something that people need in real life to get them through the happenings of life.

As with most small towns, since being back home after her return from the big city, everyone has an opinion on her life and feels the need to be involved someway. Between ex-boyfriends, new cases, new to town mystery men turned savior, and some mysterious occurrences (or maybe bad luck) Lilly has her hands full, all while still working towards the whole "who am i" million dollar question.

The writing style is a bit different, almost that of a real life conversation with a friend who never stops talking. While this can be annoying at first, it can grown on the reader. To me, this brought a realness to the reading but I know it may not be for everyone. In my opinion, the writing style embodies part of who Lilly is as a person, and can add to the reading experience. The book combines self exploration, mystery, sarcasm, and a whole lot of "bless your hearts". While this can certainly be read alone, I recommend reading all the books of the series as they really build upon each other and help to expand the story line, however the author does do a good job at summarizing the important parts of the previous book so that the reader isn't obligated to read the book prior in order to know what or why something has happened.

I look forward to more form this author in the future.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: These Boots Are Made for Butt-Kickin' The MisAdventures of Miss Lilly 2
Author: Kalan Chapman Lloyd
Published: 6-26-15
Publisher: Self-Published - Kalan Chapman Lloyd
Pages: 244
Genre: Mystery; Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Romance; Series;
ISBN: 9781312935266
ASIN: B00ZPTQSKW
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
My Rating: 5 stars


.
Kalan Chapman Lloyd has brought the southern spitfire Lilly Atkins back to take up where Home is Where Your Boots Are left off. Still trying to establish her clientele since her return to Brooks, Oklahoma from Dallas. Lilly just can't seem to stop from having her clients bumped off. When one ends up in her office she and her family and friends set out to find the killer. When she gets into trouble Spencer Locke, Ex-FBI turned lawyer who also has an office in Brooks, come to her rescue again. The man drives her crazy, but boy can he make her heart race. The biggest problem is where he comes from. He's from above the Mason-Dixie and as such is not to be considered by any southern girl of good breeding. Oh, well Lily is sure she is going crazy any way. There is humor, adventure and intrigue aplenty in These Boots are Made for Butt-Kickin' and Lilly, Nonna, and the others are just the ones to show us how to do it.


With characters that will charm you and draw you into the story, keeping you glued to the plot until the last word is read. You will sigh and start all over again just so ou do not have to leave Brooks just yet. Kalan Chapman Lloyd has managed to build a realistic small town atmosphere where everyone wants to go for some good times. Check it out and stay a while, but don't forget our boots or everyone will know you do not belong. My rate is 5 out of 5 stars.



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[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is how this works: you come home, find yourself just enough to get a little crazy, attempt to kick ass, and wind up having your own punted." (Loyd) After returning home, Lily is trying to find herself, establish herself as a lawyer (outside of real estate law), and put some of her past firmly in the past. However, that's not easy to do when her new clients family secrets refuse to stay buried and Lily gets herself involoved in yet another mystery that requires her to flex her amateur sleuth skills. Along the way, Lily (with the help of her friends and family) put themselves in just enough danger to draw out the truth.

After reading the first in the MisAdventures of Miss Lily, I was eager to read this book. "These Boots Are Made for Kicking Butt" was a fun, fast, and funny read that I would recommend to others who enjoyed the first book, Charlene Harris' "Aurora Teagarden" series or Janet Evanovich books.


* I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in The Misadventures of Miss Lilly series is once again laugh out loud hilarious. How Ms Chapman Lloyd is able to duplicate the success of her first book in the series, expand upon the same characters, while at the same time keeping the story fresh and funny is a stroke of writing genius. The author perfectly captures small town family and friends in how Lilly's "people" always watch her back and come to her aid even before she needs to ask.

Finding Lilly still torn about Cash and forgiving him, with the Almighty's help of course, continues as part of the theme in this second book...her internal dialogues about her forgiveness abilities are hilarity in themselves. Spencer continues to plague her sensibilities, but she can't seem to turn away...he just has that dang Yankee draw that she despises. Throw in another mystery and you have the makings of an engaging read that is just so darn hard to put down. Now the wait for Miss Lilly's next misadventure installment commences.

This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books you just know that you are going to enjoy right off the bat and this was one of those books for me. While I had not read the first book in the series, I had no trouble following along as I read this book, the second book.

The book is written with humor and wit and has a fair amount of action packaged up with some southern charm and take charge women. This was a fun book to read, with a good flow of plot and a wide range of unforgettable characters.

The characters are fun and easy to relate to. You don't have to be from the south to pick up the humor and there is plenty of humor mixed in with the action.

You need to have this book in your life so get a copy and prepare to chuckle your way through a thrilling mystery. I am certainly going to be reading the first book and the rest of the series as soon as I can.

I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Boots Are Made for Butt Kickin' by Kalan Chapman Lloyd is a one of the funniest mysteries that I have read this year. After having read the first one, I had to read the next one. It is also filled with some serious thought for Lilly which made my heart squeeze a little for her as she faced herself.

Lilly and her friends and family are all about justice, respect and appreciation of the southern lifestyle. Brooks is now on the top of my "I want to visit" list so that I can meet all of them. Lilly is in crisis during this story as she tries to reconcile her past, her present and what she wants for her future. Plus she is trying to solve not one but two murders and learns first hand how it feels to be arrested. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to Thank NetGalley for the free read in exchange for an honest review. I read the first in the series MisAdventures of Miss Lilly and was pleasantly surprised. I laughed-the characters were interesting and the characterization was really good-I could empathize with them. I think this 2nd kept true to the story line-although those who hadn't read the first could be confused. The story line is unique and its a fast read. You can just sit back relax and laugh with the characters. I will continue to read this author and am looking forward to number 3 in the MisAdventures of Miss Lilly. Enjoy

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After realizing the author was from OK and near me, and after reading the first book I definitely had to find this one and ready it. I still love Lily, I loved her path to redemption in this book. My one complaint is what I'd liked to have seen a bit more of Spenser, which hopefully will come in a future book.

I loved the little hints of true OK like, like Vinita. Locals don't call the mental hospital by it's name, it's just "Vinita" the name of the town. I loved how so much of this book had simple "real" home town pieces.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

" I shot him and I shot him good." I think I was hooked from that moment on. What a fun romp with a great little mystery thrown in for good measure. And speaking of Measure, may I please have another helping of oh so sexy Spencer Locke? He is all the better for being so aloof.

This book has everything I look for in a story. Great characters that you feel you know in real life, a great story, great mystery and a little flirting as icing on the cake. The fact that this is also HILARIOUS makes this a 5 star winner in my book. Please may I have another installment of Miss Lily Atkins????

[Miekenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another fun ride with Miss Lilly as she tries to navigate her rather messy life filled with her crazy friends and family and her semi-worthless ex.

I found this book funnier and better written than the first book (although, I did like the first book). I found Lilly's zaniness a little more believable and her friends less annoying and more lovable.

This series is shaping up to be entertaining and great choice for escape reading.

I received this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lilly continues to have a series of "misadventures" in Brooks, Oklahoma and in this book, she suffers multiple injuries to herself, in some strange and unusual ways. There is a new legal case involving PETA and an YouTube video, a high profile divorce case, and a case of a stolen vehicle belonging to one Spencer Locke.

Some of these adventures are laugh out loud crazy, but mostly a lot of fun! Watch out for the next installment!

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book! The characters are some of the most well drawn and plot well thought out that I've read in this genre. Every page brings something to the story in a smart, funny way. The main character's thinking process and speech are one of a kind. I hope she and Spencer move along their path at a bit quicker pace than has been.
Mama, the girls, everyone in. Brooks create a town full of capers and secrets and southern hospitality.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. You will just fall in love with Lilly. Light and humorous book to read. It will leave you wanting more of Lilly and her friends and family. Great story line and very capable strong southern women!!! I so can't wait to read more of this series. These are just the funniest mysteries that I have ever read.

[Phyllis Ketchersid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new one for me. I usually read about sarcastic, funny women private investigators & bounty hunters but when I saw that this one was about a funny, sarcastic, Southern lawyer who stumbles across a murder, well I couldn't resist! Loved this book, it was everything I look for in a book: smart, funny female with a bunch of quirky characters who are hilarious, for friends & family. Can't wait for the next book!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.