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Yolks on You #1
Shell Shocked
When Dominic agrees to join his boyfriend Alec and his kids for a weekend away at the annual Eggstravaganza in Mount Angus, Wisconsin, he’s expecting a boring, if kitschy, experience. He isn’t expecting to discover Alec is cheating on him, and he certainly isn’t expecting an exploding cow to drop him in the middle of a deadly mystery.
Suddenly single and surrounded by a town’s worth of suspects, Dom finds himself oddly drawn to playing the sleuth, especially if it will get him closer to Kiko, the owner of the niche shop Yolks on You.
Together the two men navigate a web of intrigue and lies, and the sniping of a jealous Alec, in a town filled with murder and Easter-themed mayhem. Will they manage to make it through the Eggstravaganza alive, or will the murderer leave them much more than just Shell Shocked?
Suddenly single and surrounded by a town’s worth of suspects, Dom finds himself oddly drawn to playing the sleuth, especially if it will get him closer to Kiko, the owner of the niche shop Yolks on You.
Together the two men navigate a web of intrigue and lies, and the sniping of a jealous Alec, in a town filled with murder and Easter-themed mayhem. Will they manage to make it through the Eggstravaganza alive, or will the murderer leave them much more than just Shell Shocked?
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2016
2 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 15, 2017
I really wanted to like this. Cozy mystery and quirky town are elements I usually enjoy. However, the mystery in this story is ...actually the mystery part, the whodunnit part and solving is okay. Its the what was done that is in poor taste and the response of the town unbelievable.
September 8, 2016
Small towns like Mount Angus are notorious for odd-ball festivals. What is even sillier, but entirely believable, is that a store like Yolks on You could exist (seriously, I once went in a store where everything they sold was purple!). Kiko; however, fits right in, and Dom, though it takes awhile, appreciates the quirky store owner, if not the store. The real mystery here is how these two keep from getting blown up.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
February 2, 2017
fascinating and enjoyable
I didn't know what to expect, but I'm glad I read this story of Dom and Kiko. Much of the story revolves around the place, Yolks on You. But what's compelling are the distinctive characters in this romance and the conflicts. Great dialogue.
I didn't know what to expect, but I'm glad I read this story of Dom and Kiko. Much of the story revolves around the place, Yolks on You. But what's compelling are the distinctive characters in this romance and the conflicts. Great dialogue.
January 8, 2025
Nope. Just no. One and done with the couple.
March 30, 2016
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
From the blurb I was immediately interested in reading this story. First, it was cool to review a book that takes place during Easter right around the actual holiday. Second, I’ve visited Wisconsin too many times to count since it’s the state right above me; and third, I love an interesting mystery. The story starts right away with Dominic and Alec’s break up after they’ve arrived at a Easter festival in Wisconsin. The two of them are from Illinois looking for a fun, kitschy time, but the first event of the weekend ends with a cow being killed by a bomb.
If I hadn’t disliked Alec already. his reaction to the bombing would turn me against him. When everyone runs, he freezes. It’s not that action that is so frustrating, it’s that he doesn’t think about his kids even once. He leaves Dom to rescue them. I know not all dads are caretakers but in my opinion his kids should be his first thought in a catastrophe. In all of this I actually do feel bad for the kids, because it’s clear that Dom took care of them better than their dad and the break up would be bound to hurt them. I wish the author did go into that a little, created a little closure where Dom could have told the kids he was sorry, but he and their father had to split up. Instead, I felt the kids were left in the lurch.
As more bombings follow, several people are injured and one killed. For some reason Dom takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. I can’t remember if the author says what the character’s day job is, but I think it is nothing near private investigating or police work. It’s not the first book where a non-detective works on solving mysteries, but seeing as the character is a tourist it is unusual that he would worry so much about who is terrorizing this small town. If I were to take a guess it would be because he is trying to first see if the cute and sweet Kiko is involved, and then about protecting him. I think there could have been a bit more detail about what was going through the character’s head when he decided to play PI.
I found the mystery portion of the book to be interesting and though I suspected who the perpetrator might be, the author threw in enough possible suspects that I wasn’t positive. I was glad that it was wrapped up before even more damage was done. Though it is shown that the police are investigating the situation, they are largely missing in the story and there are no conversations on page between any officers and the main characters. It makes it seem like the police department/sheriff’s office is sleeping on the job. Dom makes note of that in the story, and it seems crazy after at least 5 bombs go off and a tourist is killed.
As for the romance part, there is chemistry between the two main characters. Kiko seems to embrace it fully, but Dom tries to keep a little distance between them. It becomes apparent he is just trying to make sure he doesn’t fall for someone he won’t see again after the festival weekend. When the crime is solved and it is time for Dom to go home there is definitely hesitation in his step and regret there can’t be more. The story is primarily a romance, s there is a happy for now ending, with the possiblity of a HEA later. It is the first book, so that is probably the case, and I would definitely continue the series. I’d like to see more aspects of the characters explored and see if mystery and intrigue will continue to effect the town of Mount Angus. I would recommend this story for it’s sweetness, for sure.
8/10 Pots of Gold (80% Recommended) – Compares to 4/5 Stars
From the blurb I was immediately interested in reading this story. First, it was cool to review a book that takes place during Easter right around the actual holiday. Second, I’ve visited Wisconsin too many times to count since it’s the state right above me; and third, I love an interesting mystery. The story starts right away with Dominic and Alec’s break up after they’ve arrived at a Easter festival in Wisconsin. The two of them are from Illinois looking for a fun, kitschy time, but the first event of the weekend ends with a cow being killed by a bomb.
If I hadn’t disliked Alec already. his reaction to the bombing would turn me against him. When everyone runs, he freezes. It’s not that action that is so frustrating, it’s that he doesn’t think about his kids even once. He leaves Dom to rescue them. I know not all dads are caretakers but in my opinion his kids should be his first thought in a catastrophe. In all of this I actually do feel bad for the kids, because it’s clear that Dom took care of them better than their dad and the break up would be bound to hurt them. I wish the author did go into that a little, created a little closure where Dom could have told the kids he was sorry, but he and their father had to split up. Instead, I felt the kids were left in the lurch.
As more bombings follow, several people are injured and one killed. For some reason Dom takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. I can’t remember if the author says what the character’s day job is, but I think it is nothing near private investigating or police work. It’s not the first book where a non-detective works on solving mysteries, but seeing as the character is a tourist it is unusual that he would worry so much about who is terrorizing this small town. If I were to take a guess it would be because he is trying to first see if the cute and sweet Kiko is involved, and then about protecting him. I think there could have been a bit more detail about what was going through the character’s head when he decided to play PI.
I found the mystery portion of the book to be interesting and though I suspected who the perpetrator might be, the author threw in enough possible suspects that I wasn’t positive. I was glad that it was wrapped up before even more damage was done. Though it is shown that the police are investigating the situation, they are largely missing in the story and there are no conversations on page between any officers and the main characters. It makes it seem like the police department/sheriff’s office is sleeping on the job. Dom makes note of that in the story, and it seems crazy after at least 5 bombs go off and a tourist is killed.
As for the romance part, there is chemistry between the two main characters. Kiko seems to embrace it fully, but Dom tries to keep a little distance between them. It becomes apparent he is just trying to make sure he doesn’t fall for someone he won’t see again after the festival weekend. When the crime is solved and it is time for Dom to go home there is definitely hesitation in his step and regret there can’t be more. The story is primarily a romance, s there is a happy for now ending, with the possiblity of a HEA later. It is the first book, so that is probably the case, and I would definitely continue the series. I’d like to see more aspects of the characters explored and see if mystery and intrigue will continue to effect the town of Mount Angus. I would recommend this story for it’s sweetness, for sure.
8/10 Pots of Gold (80% Recommended) – Compares to 4/5 Stars
July 11, 2016
I was really impressed with how this book began. I was immediately drawn into both men’s stories, poor Dom having to deal with his cheating boyfriend and local shop owner Kiko who is focused on making the Eggstrvaganza festival a success. Then to top all of that opening excitement off, a cow explodes in front of a street filled with children and it was one of those confusing moments when you don’t know if you’re meant to laugh or be horrified A bit of both I guess, but again, I was so impressed with how this author hooked me straight into the story.
Mount Angus was the most charming and over the top town I could imagine. Featuring businesses such as the Dill Pickle Pub which is owned by a man named Dill and his son…err…Dill, and the Pasta La Vista restaurant, where the chef is known simply as Noodlebeard, not to mention Yolks on You, the egg themed shop owned by our MC Kiko, you’re correctly going to assume that the characters are just as outrageous as the setting. But when I say it’s over the top, it’s also not too much. The antics of the characters have you chuckling and rolling your eyes, but the author doesn’t attempt to push the humor to the detriment of the plot.
And the plot – well I simply loved it. I was endlessly entertained by the “murder mystery” as out-of-towner, Dom and his lover for the weekend, Kiko work their way through an ever growing list of unusual suspects as bombs continue to plague the Eggstravaganza festival. This aspect of the plot was by far the main component of the story. The relationship between the two men was kept purposely light and casual, and I thought that that was also well done. The story is told over a four day period, and any declarations of undying love would have left me shaking my head in disbelief. And the fact that I have book two just waiting to go, makes me not at all sad that the focus here was on the sleuthing, rather than the lovin’. Though, having said that, the few encounters that the two men have were not lacking in any way.
I hope the sequel has the same level of quirky fun that this book delivered, while allowing our newly formed couple to develop their fledgling relationship.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/07/1...
Mount Angus was the most charming and over the top town I could imagine. Featuring businesses such as the Dill Pickle Pub which is owned by a man named Dill and his son…err…Dill, and the Pasta La Vista restaurant, where the chef is known simply as Noodlebeard, not to mention Yolks on You, the egg themed shop owned by our MC Kiko, you’re correctly going to assume that the characters are just as outrageous as the setting. But when I say it’s over the top, it’s also not too much. The antics of the characters have you chuckling and rolling your eyes, but the author doesn’t attempt to push the humor to the detriment of the plot.
And the plot – well I simply loved it. I was endlessly entertained by the “murder mystery” as out-of-towner, Dom and his lover for the weekend, Kiko work their way through an ever growing list of unusual suspects as bombs continue to plague the Eggstravaganza festival. This aspect of the plot was by far the main component of the story. The relationship between the two men was kept purposely light and casual, and I thought that that was also well done. The story is told over a four day period, and any declarations of undying love would have left me shaking my head in disbelief. And the fact that I have book two just waiting to go, makes me not at all sad that the focus here was on the sleuthing, rather than the lovin’. Though, having said that, the few encounters that the two men have were not lacking in any way.
I hope the sequel has the same level of quirky fun that this book delivered, while allowing our newly formed couple to develop their fledgling relationship.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/07/1...
April 17, 2016
This is an intriguing book with murder, mayhem, cheating boyfriend turned ex jealous boyfriend, to explosions, guns, and lots of Easter eggs. So in other words there is something for everyone in this book, including but not limited to finding that one person who makes you think of changing your whole life and taking a chance on love again.
His was really a great book. It holds you captivated from the moment the first explosion takes place. Every time you think the characters, Kiko and Dom, has figured out who it is that is setting the explosions off there is a new twist and turn that tells you .... Nope, you have the wrong person. Then when you get close to the end and you really think that you know who it is finally... You are thrown for another loop and BAM it is not that person either.
Not to mention along the way Kiko and Dom continually get closer to one another and you are left wondering will they work out or are they going to leave it at a vacation fling. Even that is a mystery up to the last moment when you think you finally figured that out also and hen they do what you did not see coming.
If you like a book with action, adventure, mystery, and love lost and love gained.... You will love this book. I know I did and I cannot wait to see what Jessica Payseur will do in the future with new books in the series. Definitely a book that captures your attention and holds it too the very end. It was a great read.
Was given this book by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
His was really a great book. It holds you captivated from the moment the first explosion takes place. Every time you think the characters, Kiko and Dom, has figured out who it is that is setting the explosions off there is a new twist and turn that tells you .... Nope, you have the wrong person. Then when you get close to the end and you really think that you know who it is finally... You are thrown for another loop and BAM it is not that person either.
Not to mention along the way Kiko and Dom continually get closer to one another and you are left wondering will they work out or are they going to leave it at a vacation fling. Even that is a mystery up to the last moment when you think you finally figured that out also and hen they do what you did not see coming.
If you like a book with action, adventure, mystery, and love lost and love gained.... You will love this book. I know I did and I cannot wait to see what Jessica Payseur will do in the future with new books in the series. Definitely a book that captures your attention and holds it too the very end. It was a great read.
Was given this book by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
June 6, 2016
Liked the story and the main characters--wouldn't mind reading a continuation of their story. It is M/M romance with murder mystery with a cast of possible suspects in a quirky little town in Wisconsin
June 18, 2016
This book was a good mix of romance and mystery. It didn't take itself too seriously--lots of puns!--and the mystery plot definitely kept me guessing till the end.
May 7, 2017
3,5*
I liked the main characters, the town, the cute Egg themed shop.
But it was a very far-fetched story ! I love mystery but this one has not very believable points. A bomb exployed in a town festivities and all the people act like nothing happens,... then more serious issues and the festival is not cancelled??? I would loved a bit more realism on it.
The part of the romance though, I liked it ! Is a very slow progress but I find realism here and they were really cute characters. Maybe Kiko a bit grumpy.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews