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Lacey Luzzi is all sorts of starred, striped, and spangled as she returns in Sauced, reunited with Meg, Clay, and Anthony just in time for the Fourth of July! Unfortunately, the rapidly approaching holiday means Lacey can no longer ignore the Luzzi Family Festivities - a picnic held every year on Independence Day. Filled to bursting with limoncello, ice cream cake, and illegal Mexican fireworks - the event promises to be an utter nightmare. Even worse? Lacey's inevitable birthday. Just when things are looking as if they can't possibly go any more downhill, Carlos delivers a birthday present Lacey is not expecting: a bomb. Rumor has it that someone around town has been importing materials to build a massive incendiary device, promising the Twin Cities one heck of a fireworks show - and not in a good way. Carlos instructs Lacey to work side by side with Anthony - a man who suddenly seems filled with secrets - to save the day. As the humidity rises outside, the heat is on Lacey to locate the bomb and disassemble it before her hometown receives a fireworks display it won't forget. If she can't find the explosives, there's a good chance Lacey might not make it to thirty. ** ** "Lacey Luzzi: Salted, is a full-length, laugh-out-loud, 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...""" Note: Rated a strong PG-13 for sarcasm and mild language. No graphic gore or sex.""
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2015
365 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Gina LaManna
72 books1,465 followersOriginally 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 29, 2020
Shortly before her thirtieth birthday, Lacey is given an assignment to work on along with Anthony this time--the blurb will tell you more, but suffice it to say it's shortly before American Independence day and rumour has it someone is importing fireworks for nefarious purposes. She also has to find a small roadside stand in order to buy a special sauce for her grandfather's (the don of the Family) fourth of July party.
Once again, humour and mayhem combine. Lacey is definitely not nearly as stupid as she was in the first couple of books, which helps a great deal.
Once again, humour and mayhem combine. Lacey is definitely not nearly as stupid as she was in the first couple of books, which helps a great deal.
October 9, 2015
These books are quick, easy to read, fun stories with a mystery or two, best friends, family and love. If you are like me, reading a few at the one time, its a treat as they flow on so well.
Lacey and her bestie Meg are at it again, on assignment for "The Boss" to find the warehouse of fireworks that are being modified and used to make a bomb. And also to find some sauce for the families Fourth of July BBQ. Best bit about this assignment........ she gets to work along side Anthony!
Things never go exactly as planned for Lacey, and Meg for that matter, which makes for a humorous read for us. The antics, the kerfuffles, the banter - is marvellous. Throw in some stake out scenes with Anthony and I'm a happy girl!
Can't wait for the next instalment.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
Lacey and her bestie Meg are at it again, on assignment for "The Boss" to find the warehouse of fireworks that are being modified and used to make a bomb. And also to find some sauce for the families Fourth of July BBQ. Best bit about this assignment........ she gets to work along side Anthony!
Things never go exactly as planned for Lacey, and Meg for that matter, which makes for a humorous read for us. The antics, the kerfuffles, the banter - is marvellous. Throw in some stake out scenes with Anthony and I'm a happy girl!
Can't wait for the next instalment.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
Want to read
March 30, 2020🎁 Books 2-5 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/302020)! 🎁
June 8, 2021
Yes! This is what I'm talking about!
July 2, 2015
Another FAB Lacey book!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!!
Gina you did it again!! Sauced had me hooked from start to finish. This book had everything...Mystery, Adventure, Romance, the HOT Anthony, Crazy Best Friends, and an even Crazier Family that happens to be the Italian Mob. What more could you want?
Definite 5 Star read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gina you did it again!! Sauced had me hooked from start to finish. This book had everything...Mystery, Adventure, Romance, the HOT Anthony, Crazy Best Friends, and an even Crazier Family that happens to be the Italian Mob. What more could you want?
Definite 5 Star read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2015
So much fun
I love the characters in this series. They are so much fun. Her books are an exciting, funny series of adventure. Can not wait for next one.
I love the characters in this series. They are so much fun. Her books are an exciting, funny series of adventure. Can not wait for next one.
May 25, 2016
Fun to read. Enjoying the easy reading series.
July 4, 2025
Ok guys this is a review for the entire series 😅.
🎧 I did the audios (which was such a mess and highly disappointing) so
I’m gonna break down this whole series without any major plot spoilers but this will have relationship spoilers and the series character progression spoilers.
I wanted a good long audio series. It was my main reason for picking this up!
Overall this was..
Romcom
Suspend disbelief
Silly antics
Mafia family- but also not really done well
Over the top antics
Light and mostly fun listening
Cozy mystery
Crazy reacurring side characters
‼️Book 1-3….
🎧audio was good w a narrator who did voices and personalities.
The first 3 books was hard for the romance. I didn’t like that she was dating OP and that Anthony was wishy washy. I also would have liked confirmation that he wasn’t dating and hooking up w OW.
I didn’t enjoy the weird way the author tried to write a love and romance. She dragged it out way too much and not in a fun way.
😡Why is she still hooking up w her looser ex!
And why is the H waiting so long and sending mixed signals for 4books??!!!
😡Also making the h pathetic isn’t attractive. She was legit in the next room while her ex he was hooking up w OW and she has seen him w a revolving door in his bed. Why is she still hooking up w him in book 3 when Anthony has told her multiple times he wants her and they have had more then one make out sess? It makes her come off as so gross and cheap w no self respect.
Way to much push and pull with Anthony the H. Makes him seem like a douche.
‼️ Book 4-
🎧Audio is the same and still good!
By the end we are finally getting somewhere with the romance! And FINALLY Lacy seems to be growing a bit.
‼️Book 5-
🎧HORRID! We went to VIRTUAL VOICE🫨 after having a great narrator w personality.
Also the story is FINALLY getting better and better and the romance was stating to get super sweet. So I was bummed about the audio big time!
‼️Book 6-
NO AUDIO AVAILABLE!!! WTF I did Alexa reading to me. What a freaking mess!
Also since the romance and story anew literally getting better w each book this is ruining my experience.
‼️Book 7-10-
🎧ALL VIRTUAL VOICE! 🫨 I guess it was better than Alexa reading it to me but WTF I mean this author really needs to get consistent with her audios.
The story was great though these were my fav of the series. We had character growth. Super sweet romance that I loved. And we got some fun storylines and mysteries. TO ME THESE BOOKS WERE THE BEST IN THE SERIES AND WHERE RHE SERIES PEAKED.
Such a shame about the audios! 😭😭😭
‼️Books 11- 12-
🎧BACK TO NARRATION! So great audios
But man the characters and the storylines took a plummet for me. Lacy was annoying me and so was Meg. Anthony turned into her useless husband. I mean he was head security for the mafia and couldn’t keep her safe! And Lacy was pregnant and putting herself in danger. I was annoyed. It’s not cute when you have real adult stuff happening to be acting like an immature child.
‼️Book 13-
🎧Back to ZERO AUDIO!
Fucking hell!!!!!! I mean really!? And I’m over it and ready for this series to end.
‼️Overall my experience of this series was def positive and I did enjoy the majority of the mysteries and stories.
I love the romance after book 4.
But to much stuff dragged to long w the characters and their growth and development.
The audios were a freaking mess! And had I known I wouldn’t have spent money buying the first 4!
By the time the series ended I felt sad to see it go but also ready. I did enjoy watching to romance bloom and grow and then get married and have kids but like I said other factors also made my experience less enjoyable to.
Overall safe.
Book 1-4 not really cause she is hooking up w her ex douche bag BF
No clue is Anthony is hooking up w OW.
After book 3 No OP at all.
🍭🎂ALSO SIDE NOTE BUT NO GROWN WOMAN CAN EAT ALL THAT SUGAR! IT WAS OK AT FIRST BUT ANGUGE TURN OFF WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT!
Not cute just gross.
🎧 I did the audios (which was such a mess and highly disappointing) so
I’m gonna break down this whole series without any major plot spoilers but this will have relationship spoilers and the series character progression spoilers.
I wanted a good long audio series. It was my main reason for picking this up!
Overall this was..
Romcom
Suspend disbelief
Silly antics
Mafia family- but also not really done well
Over the top antics
Light and mostly fun listening
Cozy mystery
Crazy reacurring side characters
‼️Book 1-3….
🎧audio was good w a narrator who did voices and personalities.
The first 3 books was hard for the romance. I didn’t like that she was dating OP and that Anthony was wishy washy. I also would have liked confirmation that he wasn’t dating and hooking up w OW.
I didn’t enjoy the weird way the author tried to write a love and romance. She dragged it out way too much and not in a fun way.
😡Why is she still hooking up w her looser ex!
And why is the H waiting so long and sending mixed signals for 4books??!!!
😡Also making the h pathetic isn’t attractive. She was legit in the next room while her ex he was hooking up w OW and she has seen him w a revolving door in his bed. Why is she still hooking up w him in book 3 when Anthony has told her multiple times he wants her and they have had more then one make out sess? It makes her come off as so gross and cheap w no self respect.
Way to much push and pull with Anthony the H. Makes him seem like a douche.
‼️ Book 4-
🎧Audio is the same and still good!
By the end we are finally getting somewhere with the romance! And FINALLY Lacy seems to be growing a bit.
‼️Book 5-
🎧HORRID! We went to VIRTUAL VOICE🫨 after having a great narrator w personality.
Also the story is FINALLY getting better and better and the romance was stating to get super sweet. So I was bummed about the audio big time!
‼️Book 6-
NO AUDIO AVAILABLE!!! WTF I did Alexa reading to me. What a freaking mess!
Also since the romance and story anew literally getting better w each book this is ruining my experience.
‼️Book 7-10-
🎧ALL VIRTUAL VOICE! 🫨 I guess it was better than Alexa reading it to me but WTF I mean this author really needs to get consistent with her audios.
The story was great though these were my fav of the series. We had character growth. Super sweet romance that I loved. And we got some fun storylines and mysteries. TO ME THESE BOOKS WERE THE BEST IN THE SERIES AND WHERE RHE SERIES PEAKED.
Such a shame about the audios! 😭😭😭
‼️Books 11- 12-
🎧BACK TO NARRATION! So great audios
But man the characters and the storylines took a plummet for me. Lacy was annoying me and so was Meg. Anthony turned into her useless husband. I mean he was head security for the mafia and couldn’t keep her safe! And Lacy was pregnant and putting herself in danger. I was annoyed. It’s not cute when you have real adult stuff happening to be acting like an immature child.
‼️Book 13-
🎧Back to ZERO AUDIO!
Fucking hell!!!!!! I mean really!? And I’m over it and ready for this series to end.
‼️Overall my experience of this series was def positive and I did enjoy the majority of the mysteries and stories.
I love the romance after book 4.
But to much stuff dragged to long w the characters and their growth and development.
The audios were a freaking mess! And had I known I wouldn’t have spent money buying the first 4!
By the time the series ended I felt sad to see it go but also ready. I did enjoy watching to romance bloom and grow and then get married and have kids but like I said other factors also made my experience less enjoyable to.
Overall safe.
Book 1-4 not really cause she is hooking up w her ex douche bag BF
No clue is Anthony is hooking up w OW.
After book 3 No OP at all.
🍭🎂ALSO SIDE NOTE BUT NO GROWN WOMAN CAN EAT ALL THAT SUGAR! IT WAS OK AT FIRST BUT ANGUGE TURN OFF WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT!
Not cute just gross.
November 25, 2021
Lacey is stressing out about her upcoming 30th birthday and 4th of July festivities at the compound. Carlos has her on assignment to find an illegal fireworks smuggler who is building a bomb large enough to level the city. Adding to that she must find his favorite barbecue sauce for the party in an out of the way roadside stand. She and Meg go on a road trip for the sauce stumbling upon a witch, a suspicious man smuggling firearms, & no answers. Investigating extra information from Clay, Lacey gets to go on a stake out with Anthony and spend some much needed alone time with him. The chemistry between them is heating up and they keep getting interrupted. Anthony also seems to have a lot of secrets that have Lacey itching to find out. Things take a turn for the worse when Lacey is kidnapped and someone from Carlos's past reappears and throws all plans out the window. Will Anthony be able to save her to see her birthday and the 4th of July? Nothing is what is seems and you won't know until the very end
April 10, 2020
Sauced is my favorite book so far in Gina LaManna's Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mystery series. It's almost the fourth of July and almost Lacey's birthday! The Luzzis always have the Luzzi Family Festivities annual picnic. Carlos has told Lacey that someone has been importing materials to build an incendiary device. Things need to be taken care of before the picnic. This time Lacey is assigned to work with Anthony. She also must bring back some bbq sauce-- Dave's Special Sauce once she finds it it Stillwater. Her bff, Meg, rides to Stillwater with her but things don't go as planned! There is a lot of action, danger, secrets, and surprises. Lacey even suspects that Meg and Clay have started a secret romance! Can it possible be true? Once I got to the end of the book, I was ready for more! Time for book #5!
August 5, 2017
This was another great book in the series. I loved this more than the last book because even though his name was mentioned a couple times there is no ex bf appearance. yay!! We and Lacey can finally move on from him. Sauced took us on a wild ride. We got way more Anthony, finally. He is so mysterious in this one, well more than usual. I need to be in this guy's head. I need more from him. I'm hoping the author will maybe give us a book from his POV. We still get the whole gang and even Clay is a lil mysterious in this one too. I can't wait more from him as well. Another completely fun, short read from an author that is becoming a fav! Now on to the next!
July 8, 2017
As expected, the 4th book in the series is filled with laughs. What I wasn't expecting were the more somber and heartfelt emotions in play. The Lacey series gets better with each book, and I am looking forward to the next one even more after finishing Sauced.
I think I like all the characters even more now. Maybe soon we'll see a Lacey or Anthony Jr. running around in the pages. ;)
If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich, you'll enjoy this series by Gina LaManna. :D The book is a quick read (can finish in a day,) and will keep you laughing.
I think I like all the characters even more now. Maybe soon we'll see a Lacey or Anthony Jr. running around in the pages. ;)
If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich, you'll enjoy this series by Gina LaManna. :D The book is a quick read (can finish in a day,) and will keep you laughing.
February 25, 2018
A series of unfortunate escapades!
Lacey Luzzi is at it again in this fourth instalment of this series. She is about to turn 30, and has a new assignment to complete for her grandfather in the next couple of days. She seems to attract trouble, and knows that things aren’t adding up... something is going on, and she is determined to figure it out. We get to spend lots of time with best friend Meg, and scratch beneath the surface of the mysterious Anthony. Will Lacey figure out the secrets...?!?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Lacey Luzzi is at it again in this fourth instalment of this series. She is about to turn 30, and has a new assignment to complete for her grandfather in the next couple of days. She seems to attract trouble, and knows that things aren’t adding up... something is going on, and she is determined to figure it out. We get to spend lots of time with best friend Meg, and scratch beneath the surface of the mysterious Anthony. Will Lacey figure out the secrets...?!?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 4, 2018
Birthday Smash
Another great Lacey Luzzi read. Lacey turns 39 in this great little story or does she? Then again there is a mystery of just who she can trust as she tracks down 4th of July sauce for her families BBQ. Only Lacey could turn these events into a life or death situation, enjoy the ride as she trips through this story to the big bang ending.
Another great Lacey Luzzi read. Lacey turns 39 in this great little story or does she? Then again there is a mystery of just who she can trust as she tracks down 4th of July sauce for her families BBQ. Only Lacey could turn these events into a life or death situation, enjoy the ride as she trips through this story to the big bang ending.
August 5, 2017
A walk on the wild side
Lacey and her friends and family always make for a wacky ride. Ms. LaManna obviously loves the characters in this series because you can feel the joy come to life.
Lacey and her friends and family always make for a wacky ride. Ms. LaManna obviously loves the characters in this series because you can feel the joy come to life.
April 1, 2018
What could be better then a fake case, a hunt for a special sauce that doesn’t exist and fireworks?! Getting mixed up in another family’s business, a kidnapping, a different kidnapping and yet another kidnapping/mysterious warning. There’s never a dull moment for Lacey :)
April 6, 2018
Great Read!
Love the details of every character, their thoughts, looks, personalities. I really couldn't put the book down, every chance I got , I read more. Now on to the next one, Smored!
Love the details of every character, their thoughts, looks, personalities. I really couldn't put the book down, every chance I got , I read more. Now on to the next one, Smored!
June 2, 2018
I love the Luzzi Family
I've had a lot of fun reading this series. The characters are....well, characters! Each book had made me laughing out loud. After 8 hours of work and anew few hours of school work, Lacey and her Family are perfect to unwind with.
I've had a lot of fun reading this series. The characters are....well, characters! Each book had made me laughing out loud. After 8 hours of work and anew few hours of school work, Lacey and her Family are perfect to unwind with.
February 24, 2019
Love them
Never read her before, but picked the first series up, not this one, but another one of hers and loved the way her stories flow...these books need to be read in order and if you love Janet Evanovich you will defiantly love these books, laugh out loud funny!
Never read her before, but picked the first series up, not this one, but another one of hers and loved the way her stories flow...these books need to be read in order and if you love Janet Evanovich you will defiantly love these books, laugh out loud funny!
May 6, 2019
Sauced
Lacey chases down explosives and a secret sauce, Meg becomes a cat whisperer, Clay invents a
desk that almost makes a pretzel out of Lacey.
And someone's fondest wish becomes reality.
The Luzzis know how to celebrate.
Sweet and funny.
Lacey chases down explosives and a secret sauce, Meg becomes a cat whisperer, Clay invents a
desk that almost makes a pretzel out of Lacey.
And someone's fondest wish becomes reality.
The Luzzis know how to celebrate.
Sweet and funny.
April 2, 2020
Life Worth Living!
Gina LaManna’s main character, Lacey, faces murderers and kidnappers, drug dealers and prostitution rings, and she does it with humor and gusto! You could even call her saucy!
Another great story by Gina!
Gina LaManna’s main character, Lacey, faces murderers and kidnappers, drug dealers and prostitution rings, and she does it with humor and gusto! You could even call her saucy!
Another great story by Gina!
November 29, 2020
Review
This is a wonderful series I really enjoyed reading! It's full of Real life happening, humor and makes me laugh out loud. Thank you so much for your wonderful gift of writing such enjoyable stories.
This is a wonderful series I really enjoyed reading! It's full of Real life happening, humor and makes me laugh out loud. Thank you so much for your wonderful gift of writing such enjoyable stories.
July 31, 2022
Sticky
Lacy gets put in a sticky situation. By accident. One that has Jer being held at gun point, again. Cake, candy and BBQ sauce were involved in the making of this book.
#teamanthony
Lacy gets put in a sticky situation. By accident. One that has Jer being held at gun point, again. Cake, candy and BBQ sauce were involved in the making of this book.
#teamanthony
January 7, 2018
It was fun to read and I look forward to reading all the Lacey books.
February 23, 2018
Sauced
Humorously Unexpected.
I enjoyed this Lacey adventure, I loved the twists and turns, and the heavy sparks between Lacey and Anthony.
I would highly recommend this series.
Humorously Unexpected.
I enjoyed this Lacey adventure, I loved the twists and turns, and the heavy sparks between Lacey and Anthony.
I would highly recommend this series.
September 20, 2019
Cute and easy to read (or listen to on Audible). Very simple but keeps you enjoying the story up to the end.
June 8, 2020
Interesting and funny
June 23, 2020
So good! The fact that Lacey stumbled upon something real is just amazing. Just so suspenseful and yummy!
November 17, 2020
Funny, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable
This is the fourth book of the series and it keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy the characters and the lighthearted banter.
This is the fourth book of the series and it keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy the characters and the lighthearted banter.
May 10, 2021
3.5. Audible
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews