As a former cheerleader turned member of an all-female PI firm, Summer O'Keefe knows how to flirt with sexy bad boys and take down dangerous bad guys. But sometimes it can be tricky to tell the difference…
Summer's new neighbor, Jason Parker, has gorgeous eyes and a mighty cute butt. He'd be a good choice to put an end to her romantic dry spell…if she hadn't spotted him in the middle of the night, burying something—or someone?—in his backyard. Not to mention his distinct resemblance to the international arms dealer she's tracking online. Either way, he's definitely wanted…
Jason has a few secrets, and he's not sharing them with the slightly nutty Summer—at least not yet. Though he's finding it hard to say no to her, with her scrumptious curves and impressive computer skills. He's so far gone he's even taken in a pregnant cat, just to see the smile on Summer's face. But when a local woman disappears, it's time for them to team up and use their combined brains, brawn, and beauty to crack the case…
A fan of historical romance fiction, author Cheryl Ann Smith combines a love of history and all things English to create stories that link both passions.
She lives in Michigan with her family, two cats and a very hairy dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling, when she has the time, and hopes to make her first visit to England in the very near future.
This novel was such a wonderful surprise! It's the second novel in the Brash & Brazen series. However, this novel can be read as a stand-alone (which is what I did).
I loved everything about Summer and Jason. Both of their characters were extremely witty, shared random odd facts all the time (Summer tends to offer facts when nervous), and honestly flawed while managing to be perfect matches for each other.
I really enjoyed Summer as a protagonist. She is beautiful, brave, bold and honestly a wonderful role model. She doesn't use her looks to get her by in life; she wants more. Summer has a very torrid past; and a lot of those issues are brought up with her relationship with Jason.
And honestly what more can I say about an extremely sexy ex-cop turned mystery and suspense writer. Yes, please!
This plot took me to places I wasn't expecting and I really appreciated that. The characters were flawed and well-rounded. No one is perfect and I enjoyed that the insecurities both main characters were feeling were explored quite a bit.
I also enjoy that what really brings the two of them together is a pregnant cat. I love animals! I would definitely pick up more novels within this series and world because I'm hooked.
The one downfall I have with this published paperback copy is the fact that there are not page numbers. I'm not sure why I bothered me as much as it did; but I just like knowing the page counts.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is January 10th, 2017.
This is the second in the Brash and Brazen series. Although I believe this can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the series in order, simply because it is a good series. While the first story features Taryn, this story tells Summer's story. Based on the fact that there are three women, I believe a third story will be forthcoming.
I enjoyed the contrasts in this story vs the first one. While Taryn was a strong kick butt type character, Summer was more of a geek. The humour of her attempting to be a kick butt PI was evident throughout the story. Although physically she was every guys dream, her biggest asset was her brain which is refreshing. I liked how Summer was insecure and fumbled her way around Jason as I felt it is more representative of the majority of the female population.
I am not going to go in to a lot of detail about this story as I feel the synopsis explains the plot well. For some reason which I can't really put my finger on, I really liked this story and the entire series thus far. I think that part of the reason may be that the story really doesn't take itself too seriously. There is a little more comedy than drama which makes it a nice light read. When you read a lot of this genre, sometimes the angst can get overwhelming. Not the case in this story/series. Just pick it up and enjoy!
Full of sass and humorous fun, with tons of clever, witty banter and a quickly changing dialog...depending on the character. I can't remember having this much fun reading a story like this in quite some time. This is the second story in the series, but can be read as a stand alone since the author does a great job with the backstory from the first book...including the reoccurring characters.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This is book 2 in the Brash & Brazen series by authoress Cheryl Ann Smith. The series follows a female PIs who are strong and tough as well as beautiful. While solving cases, they meet their crime solving and/or law enforcement partners.
Summer O'Keefe is the Texas Bombshell with some killer curves and an encyclopedic wealth of knowledge that she spouts when nervous. Her overactive imagination is rather fun even though it is slightly over the top. Slightly unbelievable when she is so nerdy and a computer genius to be that silly at times.
Her new neighbour, Jason Parker has starting living next door and has his own secrets. Not only does this intrigue Summer but it sets the reader up for many hilarious situations. He is a gem and really sweet with a sharp wit and some smoking good looks.
The mystery in the book is solved in a fun fashion and can be figured out but it is quite decent. The supporting characters add to the story plot, especially Mrs. Kravitz. Moreover, we see vulnerabilities in the main characters bringing depth to the story.
Sometimes I did not enjoy the craziness that ensued when the main characters are so smart. It felt far fetched. Also, the writing can be a little drawn out for an attempt at humour. However, I did laugh out loud many times.
I have high hopes for book 3. Hope the author finds some balance. Plus, would like to know what Summer and Jason are up to. Good read if you want a few laughs and sexy moments!
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and whilst it involves another of the team at Brash & Brazen, it does follow on, and would be better read as a follow on. Summer is the lead PI in this story. These stories are full of fun and craziness, and one can almost visualise them as a tv series, because they are so full of larger than life people - from Irving and Alvin to Summer's neighbours; Sandie the real estate agent; and many more.
I really liked the parallel plots which give Summer and her new neighbour Jason a chance to both understand and misunderstand each other. The fact that we know some underlying things about each of them which neither of them know about each other also helps to ramp up the crazy. As things come to a head and these two people who are very cautious about love, start to recognise how they feel about each other, it is almost impossible to put the book down. Thank goodness that Jess still has her story to be told, as I would like to know just how things go forward!
Another adventure with the Brash and Brazen ladies. This time with the brainy but beautiful summer. A fun, relaxing read that will have you laughing all the way through it. These ladies know how to drive their guy crazy...but loving it! A totally great read!
Summer is a beautiful, computer geek genius for a PI firm, Brash and Brazen. She also hunts criminals online for the FBI and CIA. She is confident in her computer skills, but not in her interpersonal skills, especially with men. When she gets rattled she reverts to geek speak, spouting little known facts and random information.
Jason is the grandson of her next door neighbor, Mr. Nealy. He moved into the house when his grandpa moved into assisted living. Jason is a former detective and Army Ranger, now a best selling author.
When one of her neighbors goes missing, Summer gets a chance to do some actual field work. This is a first for her and something she has wanted to do for a while.
She initially thinks Jason is burying bodies in his back yard and is an International gunrunner. She finds excuses to spend time with him so she can further investigate him. The more time they spend together, the more they like about each other beyond the physical. There is romance, laughter and light suspense.
Just a couple of the fun lines in this story: Summer - “You know what they say about men who drive big trucks? Something about compensating…Just sayin”.”
Jason - “Well, I think of you all the time. In my bed. In my shower. In my truck. When I think of your sweet ass, you are my own personal little blue pill.”
Still love Irving and Alvin! We get a little more about Jess. Can’t wait for her story. I have a feeling it will be a little more intense.
This is the second book in the series. Though it can be read as a standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read them in order.
The Sweetheart Game, one of my official beach reads in August, did everything a beach read was supposed to do: engross the reader, make her laugh, and make her wish the book wouldn’t end.
I loved the character of Summer. She is the woman who people underestimate because she’s blonde, pretty, and stacked. Men focus so much on her rack that they fail to notice she has an above average intelligence, a fact that she uses to her advantage. She is the computer guru of the Brash and Brazen ladies and she searches (via computer) for the FBI’s Most Wanted in her spare time. She’s hardly the party girl.
The Sweetheart Game is the second book in the Brash & Brazen series, and while the primary couple are Summer (from the PI firm) and her neighbor Jason; I would definitely recommend that you read this series in order, as the story continues on from book one and some of the relevant information may be leave you puzzled without having read the previous story.
This is another fun, quirky, and easy to read story from Ms Smith, with interesting characters and a light-hearted, but also deeply emotional tale. I really look forward to finding out what happens to all the crazy women who run this unique PI firm.
Jason knows how to get right to the point, "a blank stare followed the pronouncement. “So you don’t want to get naked with me?” I liked the chemistry between Jason and Summer: “I hear they have a chocolate decadence cupcake that will literally kill you from happiness.” “Order something else then. You promised me sex later.” She frowned. It had no bite. “You are such a guy.” “And I wear my testosterone cloak proudly.” I really loved this book, and I loved how Jason took Summer's crazy with pride and devotion.
Summer O’Keefe has worked hard since becoming part of an all-female PI firm. So, uncovering what her neighbor is doing during his night-time activity in his backyard shouldn’t be too difficult? Luckily, her imagination runs a little wild and she’s completely wrong in her assumption. Once she discovers the truth, can she convince her sexy neighbor, Jason Parker, to help her investigate the case of a missing person? Read More
This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but i think you will enjoy it more if you read them in order.This is a fun read had me laughing so hard nearly fell off the sofa perfect for a lazy weekend