Shades of Pink

Lola Pink Mysteries #1

by Gina LaManna

One awkward billionaire.
One failed psychic.
A tale as old as time...

Lola Pink
He schedules everything. And I mean everything.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I took this job. I thought it would be simple—pretend to be Mr. Dane Clark’s personal assistant, find the missing blueprints, and get out of the Clark Castle for good. But, somehow this socially awkward, tech-genius billionaire has wormed his way into my heart.
And even if we survive this mess, I’m not sure I want to leave.

Dane Clark
How do I put this?
She’s…pink.
So very pink. Bright and sunny and peppy. I mean, she has at least one hundred and four pairs of sunglasses. Why? I’ve never seen a woman wear so many sunglasses before: red, pink, blue, green, glitter-encrusted. I don’t understand it.
As for her organizational skills? Abysmal. Her attention to detail? Non-existent. Her ability to frustrate me to no end? Spot on. I never should have hired her. Lola Pink does not fit into my schedule.
Nevertheless, she whirled into my life anyway; and she changed everything. Now I’m stuck trying to keep my company afloat and the two of us alive, while Lola turns my life all shades of pink.






** ** ** **
This novel is a full-length, humorous romantic mystery featuring a splash of humor, a hint of mystery, and a dash of romance. It's rated PG-13 due to some strong language. Though it's the beginning of a series, this book can be read and enjoyed completely as a standalone.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwww I enjoyed this so much!
Safe!
Light
Sweet Romance
Mystery
Fun
Small town
Billionaire H
Quirky fun h
OMD- she goes of a few dates w OM
Cozy mystery
Part of a trilogy but def can be a standalone
First person single POV told from h



Late 20s? H has had a handful of GF he def has autism and he was a focused on work. He is photographed w lots of woman but it’s set up and he isn’t a them sexually.

Mid to early 20s- h hasn’t dated in a while

Neither V
No real History given
No talks of last times
No manwhore
No OWD

I did the audio it was ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 not bad but not the best I’ve listened to. She does change voices and she gives emotions

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was a cute love story, I actually bought it because the ad said Lola was like Stephanie Plum. The only thing they have in common is that they are both female.
It's actually closer to the Big Bang Theory. So if you've ever shipped Penny and Sheldon you'll like this story.

[Barb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I seem to be in the minority here, but I thought this book was ridiculous. The story line was simply unbelievable. I found myself skimming just to finish it. I won't be reading any more Lola Pink adventures. This one was enough for me!

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t stellar, it just was there. Overall it was a mystery with a romanceish twist.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I had to read a book with "Pink" in the title for a challenge, and I'm SO glad it picked this one. I didn't expect a ton, but what a nice surprise. Lola is cute and generous and impulsive, Dane is socially awkward and set in his ways, and the mystery was decent too - just kind of silly and sweet, but a fun read. I'm glad I picked this up and I'll certainly look for more from this author.

[Astrid Arditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I'd read Sprinkled and wasn't crazy about it but this new series is off to a great start! Sweet, funny and all around a feel good novel, I can't wait for the second installment and new adventures for Lola Pink and Dane. Highly recommend it

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Aoife · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

Just not for me!

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...

What a great start to what's sure to be a great series! Lola Pink is vibrant, peppy, and a little lost due to her grandmother's death.

Left with her grandmother's psychic store with no clue how to be a psychic, herself, Lola is stressing about how to make ends meet and fulfill her dreams. Enter Mr. Dane Clark, eccentric billionaire in the tech industry. He has an offer for Lola that's possibly too good to be true.

Dane is a bit like Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory, but not quite as awkward and a little more understanding with a willingness to learn.

I love the interactions between Lola and Dane. Their back and forth is quite humorous and at times, simply cute.

There was a small part that could have been explained a little better and felt a little rushed, but otherwise a perfectly written story.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book and follow Lola in search of her Happily Ever After.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina hits it out of the ballpark with this new series! You won't be able to put it down.

Gina has hit another home run with this new series! This book was fantastic!!! I love this series already! The characters' personalities are so incredibly dysfunctional that the humor it creates is makes you laugh out loud. I LOVE Lola and her spunk as naive it may be sometimes. And I adore Dane, he is so messed up in such a cute way. And of course you have Semi (lol) that was a great pick for a name after you described his job and size. Annalise, the gymnastic circus performer, is a hoot, she is so naive even more than Lola, and to hook up with the irrascible Semi, what a pair. And then there is Babs. Wow, you hit it out of the ballpark with the characters and even the lesser ones like Nick and Mrs. Dulcet are great! And of course you left the villains around. Boy you can go in so many directions with these characters. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Every series Gina LaManna writes is amazing! I love them all! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions in this review are most definitely my own!

[Valerie Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this story, I just didn't like it. But today is a cold rainy day, and I had off work, so I decided to persevere and get to the end. At about 30% of the way through it thing started picking up, I started laughing hysterically at some of the characters, especially her friends. As an overall, I would recommend this book. It just had a little bit of a start a slow beginning, but if you stick with it, you'll love it. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was entertained I didn't really have any expectations for this book going in and I am glad I gave it a try.

The narration was perfect for the characters.

I didn't pick up on who was the culprit so that is always a plus in books like this.
I didn't really connect with either character it just felt very meh not in a bad way just in a well that was a fun book on to the next kind of way.

[Andrea B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story! I ate every bit up

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just fun fluff.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was addictive!

I really enjoyed this read, I didn't want to put it down.

Funny and a little silly at moments but you could sit in your comfiest seat and just lose time reading this book.

[Mlle Pointillés · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny read!

[Miranda Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not going to lie, the start of the book I did have to push through a bit. I do like the MMC development, and it was cute at the end, but I dont know if Id continue the series

[Kelli's fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little goofy, but a cute story nonetheless.

The story is a little silly, but cute. I do like the main male character-When we first meet him, it seems as though he grew up in a box. (You'll see what I mean when you read it) Fortunately for him, Lola invades his life.
A quirky story, readable by all, no real point to it, but a good way to kill an afternoon.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

since i'd listened to a previous series by this writer, i thought i'd give this a try. (it's only 3 books & all are avail at my library in audio)

cute. it moves a little slow.
didn't find Lola as charming as i did Jenna in her other series but she was still entertaining. and another one w/a love triangle.
While not mentioned, Dane is definitely "on the spectrum". (not a bad thing, just an explanation) I really liked him & Simi.

the mystery was somewhat interesting. but the characters are engaging so it keeps your interest. there is a surprise twist towards the end.

it's also not a typical cozy series. the story continues thru the three books as it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts.

overall, it was a little too cutesy but it's a light, easy cozy that entertains.
it did remind me of the Max Holt series by Janet Evanovich so i would recommend that as it's a better similar series.

***on a side note= i'm a lover of pop-tarts & enjoyed the shout out to them. nutrition shumishion they're too pretty to ignore!!!***

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like a good beach read as much as the next person. But I didn't think there was anything interesting or new in this one. And the writing just didn't hold me enough to make up for what seemed a vague and done too often plot. So he's a nerd, seen that before. She's a bit of a pinkish ditz, but not really ditzy..yep. He makes something that isn't exactly explained and some blueprints are missing. (Do they really have blueprints for things like computer chips? Why would that be in paper form??) And the handyman/boyfriend might not be all he seems to be...think "Frozen." Whatever...I finished it, in all it's unlikeliness. Just wasn't for me I guess because many others like it. So if you need a beach read...just be warned. It took me 10 days to force myself to read it.

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

Really enjoyed this one. The mystery was interesting and I thought everyone could have been the culprit at some point. The
Lola was funny and a bit all over the place, I liked her but sometimes she did grind on my nerves. Her hot millionaire, socially awkward boss is lovely. I object how everyone keeps saying that he is weird, but I think he's just on the spectrum, people should be more understanding.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considering how unrealistic the premise of this book was (Hiring a random person to do top secret work for a probably billion dollar company? I don't think so.), I wouldn't have thought that I'd be able to predict the ending so early on. Disappointing from start to finish.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I were to judge myself by my book choices lately...I would say I hate myself, and somehow have turned into a masochist.

23% and I don't hate myself this much. Didn't finish, and I won't be going back to it.

[Laura James · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just… I am shocked by the good reviews. I don’t even feel exerting any more energy writing about this. Just ready to move on

[Luna Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Pink
He schedules everything. And I mean everything.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I took this job. I thought it would be simple—pretend to be Mr Dane Clark’s personal assistant, find the missing blueprints, and get out of the Clark Castle for good. But, somehow this socially awkward, tech-genius billionaire has wormed his way into my heart.
And even if we survive this mess, I’m not sure I want to leave.

Dane Clark
How do I put this?
She’s…pink.
So very pink. Bright and sunny and peppy. I mean, she has at least one hundred and four pairs of sunglasses. Why? I’ve never seen a woman wear so many sunglasses before: red, pink, blue, green, glitter-encrusted. I don’t understand it.
As for her organizational skills? Abysmal. Her attention to detail? Non-existent. Her ability to frustrate me to no end? Spot on. I never should have hired her. Lola Pink does not fit into my schedule.
Nevertheless, she whirled into my life anyway; and she changed everything. Now I’m stuck trying to keep my company afloat and the two of us alive, while Lola turns my life all shades of pink.

this book was really fun to read but Murder in style was the better series, I love the friendships ,the relationship of H and his butler ,that of H and h everything was just cute to the bones, I really have a thing for awkward men it seems, Dane's cluelessness to social cues was so endearing matched with bubbly Lola. I really have no idea why he hired Lola though he doesn't seem like a person who would go for Lola unless he has been influenced, somehow that wasn't the case Gina LaManna has no explanation for that it seems.

This book is from Lola's POV but the blurb made it sound like a dual POV and she not as big a clutter as it shows. Lola actually figures out the culprit just like any other book but still she has great attention to details Mr Clark just because she has a more than enough collection of sunglasses doesn't make her dumb which you didn't assume I am sure.

When he broke into the house to break her kitchen pipe I was like O HONEY !. I thought this book was a triangle love interest trope at first but then the story took an important turn and we all know how that ended ? or do we?
read the book if you wanna know

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on youtube audio. It seemed to take forever to finish, and I kept having to restart the book to find my place. Lola Pink is a 20-something girl living in a beach community. I don't think it ever says exactly where the beach is located. She is recovering from the death of her grandmother. Her grandmother owned a psychic shop on the boardwalk of the beach town and Lola wants to expand the shop to include a small cafe and sunglasses store. She finds out that the renovations will be quite costly, and makes a deal with the local plumber to hire him once she can afford to make the changes. In the meantime, she is offered an opportunity to work for Dane, a mysterious tech millionaire. She reluctantly agrees when he offers to pay her 125 thousand dollars--25 thousand more than she needs to renovate. Her task is to uncover some stolen blueprints that the tech genius needs in order to sell to a prospective client. Naturally, she begins to fall for the millionaire. He seems to be socially awkward, even though he is very handsome and loaded rich. She is also interested in the plumber who offers to renovate her property. So the two men juggle for her attention. At the center of the "mystery" is who may have stolen the blueprints. To find out, Lola is hired as Dane's personal assistant so she has access to his extensive employment property, referred to as the castle. It appears to be an entire city area that he owns. She makes the discovery of some dishonest practices one of his employees takes. He fires the man, not understanding that the money that he stole was for the care of his ailing father. Lola is disappointed that he fires the man and she parts ways. She doesn't want to keep the money he pays her, but he insists. She is out on a date with the plumber when she deduces that it is the plumber who has actually stolen the blueprints. She is almost killed--she jumps from a Ferris wheel car into the ocean-- and of course, is saved by Dane. He winds up getting the blueprints, and sells to a higher bidder, ruining the competition. The plumber is convicted and sent to prison. It would seem that Dane and Lola are going to be a "thing". There are others in the series that I might just try and listen to.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel complicated about this book, because it’s 100% something I would have written myself and that’s why I can’t help but cringe at the impulsively inserted puns and overly chaotic characters.

In this retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Belle/Lola is not a bookworm but a cinephile. And instead of gently sharing this hobby she shames the love interest (Dane) into it. Kind of. Let’s just say Lola is a very single-minded protagonist, who like many other female leads in romances, have a certain view on the world, which they tend to push and mush other characters into. So what if Dane didn’t watch a Disney movie as a child? I bet lots of folk didn’t grow up watching tv, it depends on where you’re from.

As for the worldbuilding part… The book should have contained itself to a sci-fi contemporary setting, rather than sprinkle in some fantasy races and magic, since we don’t really get to explore or use any of those elements. I guess the author wants her book series to all happen in the same space and therefore allows for all sorts of elements to mix, but it only leaves room for plot holes in this entry, when things are so grossly glossed over.

I stayed for the romance. The mystery plotline was okay but nothing out of the ordinary. Also, I didn’t like how self-deprecating the elderly women were as soon as Lola arrived at the castle. They were like: Oh god, how wonderful that a female has shown herself who’s not as aged and ugly as we are. The castle needs a woman’s touch, bla, bla, bla.

I listened to Wendy Tremont King narrate this romcom thriller, and she did a horrible job at it. Sorry, but, I can’t at will talk as monotonously as she did. None of the speeches hit the way they were supposed to.

I found it hard to take the story seriously, but there’s no doubt that the author had a ton of fun writing this, so kudos to her accomplishment and continuous prowess.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-educated woman raised by a 'Psychic' finds life a bit dimmer since her Grandmother's passing. As luck would have it, Grandmother left a journal behind to help her 'Lola' get through this next passage in life. As Lola Pink readies to 'leap' she meets a dark, handsome stranger who wanders in her Grandmother's shop.

This stranger offers Lola a specific contract to be his 'Personal Assistant.' The money would help Lola build her dream 'sunglasses' shop. And, redo her home on the boardwalk.

The stranger gets? Well, he is a billionaire owner of a high tech corporation. He wouldn't just hire anyone, would he?

As eggs fly and carnivals turn...this mystery series reads so fluidly, that I found myself at the ending with a happy smile. Then, quickly went to see if another volume had been penned. It has and I'll be reading it soon.

This is a novel that is quite unique and has many laughs within the pages. The mystery is about...well, I think I'll let you find that out yourselves.