What do you think?
Rate this book
Beauty Secrets #2
Kiss & Makeup
Ziva Diaz has been really looking forward to this week. Her best friend is getting married and her beauty line is launching. Life is good and she’s on top of the world – what could go wrong?
Sabotage, a feud, and a murder, it turns out.
Stumbling over a dead body on the beach trips Ziva up in more ways than one, particularly when one of her beauty clients is charged with the murder. She doesn’t believe for a minute that Mrs. J. would murder anyone; too bad she’s the only one. As Ziva sets out to solve the mystery, someone else sets out to ruin both her reputation and her friend’s wedding.
Can Ziva solve the case and serve up some just desserts? Or will her investigation fall flatter than a wedding soufflé?
Sabotage, a feud, and a murder, it turns out.
Stumbling over a dead body on the beach trips Ziva up in more ways than one, particularly when one of her beauty clients is charged with the murder. She doesn’t believe for a minute that Mrs. J. would murder anyone; too bad she’s the only one. As Ziva sets out to solve the mystery, someone else sets out to ruin both her reputation and her friend’s wedding.
Can Ziva solve the case and serve up some just desserts? Or will her investigation fall flatter than a wedding soufflé?
- GenresCozy MysteryHumorMystery
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2017
158 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Damore
92 books161 followersI'm a mystery author with a soft spot for romance and humor, too. I love all things girlie with a dollop of danger, have a strong affinity for the color pink (especially in diamonds and champagne), and, not to brag, but chocolate and I are in a pretty serious relationship.
My books are fun and flirty, and feature smart and sassy sleuths. If you love books with a dash of spice and twist of whodunit, you're going to love my work!
My books are fun and flirty, and feature smart and sassy sleuths. If you love books with a dash of spice and twist of whodunit, you're going to love my work!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 27, 2022
Another fun entry in the Beauty Secrets series! Sassy MC Ziva Diaz is fun and relatable. I enjoy her interactions with characters such as her best friend Aria, her boyfriend-but-not-boyfriend Fin, and Mrs. J one of her best clients.
Characters are well-rounded and relatable. Nice pace with the action in the book. Eagerly looking forward to more in the series.
Characters are well-rounded and relatable. Nice pace with the action in the book. Eagerly looking forward to more in the series.
June 3, 2019
After reading and enjoying, Makeup and Murder, I was ready to read Kiss & Makeup, to see what trouble Ziva Diaz got into next! This time around, Ziva is trying to launch her new business, Serenity Now. She is also enjoying spending time with Finn Hudson. They enjoy a day at Seaside Days, the festival of the year for Port Haven, until they take a walk on the beach and discover a dead body in the sand. The victim has been poisoned and there are lots of possible suspects. As far as things with her bestie--Aria, somebody is trying to sabotage her wedding plans. This is another fun book in the Beauty Secrets mysteries by Stephanie Damore!
April 13, 2019
Listen on audio, enjoyed the reader & the story. Good & humorous with a good twist.
April 27, 2019
KISS & MAKEUP is the second book in the Beauty Secrets series. Though it does stand on its own, I felt I was missing background on the characters by not having read the first book. I would recommend reading the series in the order of release.
This is a cute, girlie cozy-mystery with lots of snarky and laughable moments. Great pacing that kept me entertained and engaged – what more could I ask for as I was traveling to and from work? This is what I want in my audiobooks.
There was a lot going on, but the details were well metered out so that nothing was lost or rushed. There was plenty of humor, lots of detail, mystery, romance, and a sweet dog to add to the heartstrings and friendships.
The best part – besides a fun and wonderful story – was that I learned a few new facts about beekeeping. I’m sure it will come in handy during the next game night!
Narration: Tonia Blake does a great southern accent. I’m not sure if it’s real or play-acting. Either way, it was fun listening to her many voices in this story.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via Audiobook Boom, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: KISS & MAKEUP
Series: Beauty Secrets #2
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 16+ due to fright factor
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Tonia Blake (as an Audible gifted copy)
This is a cute, girlie cozy-mystery with lots of snarky and laughable moments. Great pacing that kept me entertained and engaged – what more could I ask for as I was traveling to and from work? This is what I want in my audiobooks.
There was a lot going on, but the details were well metered out so that nothing was lost or rushed. There was plenty of humor, lots of detail, mystery, romance, and a sweet dog to add to the heartstrings and friendships.
The best part – besides a fun and wonderful story – was that I learned a few new facts about beekeeping. I’m sure it will come in handy during the next game night!
Narration: Tonia Blake does a great southern accent. I’m not sure if it’s real or play-acting. Either way, it was fun listening to her many voices in this story.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via Audiobook Boom, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: KISS & MAKEUP
Series: Beauty Secrets #2
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 16+ due to fright factor
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Tonia Blake (as an Audible gifted copy)
September 2, 2017
“Kiss & Makeup” is the second installment in Stephanie Damore’s Beauty Secrets Mystery Books. It is the continuing story of Ziva Diaz and her knack for getting into trouble and finding dead bodies. Ms. Damore creates characters that are real. Characters that remind us of someone we know or even want to know. Her story although fiction does not give me the feel of fiction as the setting, characters, and day to day life of her main character, Ziva, is so genuine and relatable. Ms. Damore implements mystery, romance, love, family, and humor in her work which creates a wonderful world. A wonderful way to be able to see how others live and if there are others like us out in the world. For myself, I find that I am very similar to Ziva. We both know that our eating habits alone should motivate us to exercise more, but we dread it. We love lattes, coffee, and all things sweet. We both at times want to eat as if we were not ladies because the food is that good.
Ziva had her broken so she is not looking for love but in the earlier story, “Makeup and Murder” she found it, however, throughout most of this current story she fights her feelings. Ziva has a big heart and is always willing to help her family, friends, and those close to her out when they need it. This story is more than entertainment as it carries life lessons for us all. Never judge a book by its cover (No pun intended), be true to yourself, loyalty, family is important, and justice will always prevail.
I am grateful that I came across Ms. Damore’s work and look forward to seeing what other mischief Ziva gets herself into.
Ziva had her broken so she is not looking for love but in the earlier story, “Makeup and Murder” she found it, however, throughout most of this current story she fights her feelings. Ziva has a big heart and is always willing to help her family, friends, and those close to her out when they need it. This story is more than entertainment as it carries life lessons for us all. Never judge a book by its cover (No pun intended), be true to yourself, loyalty, family is important, and justice will always prevail.
I am grateful that I came across Ms. Damore’s work and look forward to seeing what other mischief Ziva gets herself into.
May 31, 2017
Kiss and Makeup is book 2 in the laugh out loud, feel good, whodunit series, Beauty Secrets. Stephanie Damore claims her mysteries are all things girlie with a dollop of danger. And SHE DOES IT WELL !!! She also creates a great build up of action and keep you guessing suspense. This series revolves around fearless Ziva Diaz, beauty sales rep and budding sleuth. The storyline continues to grow and so does the colorful cast of returning characters. Each book could be a standalone BUT reading as a series is much more fun. I'm excited to see where Stephanie Damore and Ziva Diaz take us next. Put up your feet and enjoy this small town waterfront Georgian mystery adventure series !!!
June 4, 2018
This is book #2 in the Beauty Secrets Mysteries and it is a perfect cozy mystery! It has everything I love about cozy mysteries- interesting likable characters, an intriguing mystery, friendship, romance & humor! Ziva has her own cosmetics business, but her clients are breaking out in a rash. Why? Her best friend, Aria, is getting married but catastrophes keep occurring. All of this keeps Ziva very busy! I liked Ziva immediately! She has a sense of humor and common sense. Her sort of boyfriend, Finn, is away on a fishing charter but Ziva and her other friends try to figure out what is going on. This is a very enjoyable book with a good pace, humor, and great characters!
January 21, 2019
Kiss & Makeup is Book 2 in the Beauty Secrets Book Series.
This book is the continuing story of Ziva Diaz. I love this character , the author has a way of creating characters that are so real and relateable.
The story , plot and setting are so real I feel like this is a real place,not just in the authors mind.
This is more than a cozy mystery. This book touches on real life topics like family and loyalty and good things can happen to good people, even if they are unfortunate enough to stumble upon the occasional dead body.
I listened to this book on Audible and the Narrator is fantastic. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. It is really fantastic!
This book is the continuing story of Ziva Diaz. I love this character , the author has a way of creating characters that are so real and relateable.
The story , plot and setting are so real I feel like this is a real place,not just in the authors mind.
This is more than a cozy mystery. This book touches on real life topics like family and loyalty and good things can happen to good people, even if they are unfortunate enough to stumble upon the occasional dead body.
I listened to this book on Audible and the Narrator is fantastic. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. It is really fantastic!
May 6, 2021
There is a lot of action in this book with people mysteriously getting poison ivy, stolen items, vandalism, dead bodies, and much more.
After stumbling on a dead body, Ziva is trying to figure out who is the killer. Her best friend Aria’s wedding plans keep having one catastrophe after another causing her to freak out so Ziva steps in to help. Ziva’s plate is definitely full while also managing her new beauty business.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the previous book Makeup and Murder but Kiss and Makeup was even better and highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers!
After stumbling on a dead body, Ziva is trying to figure out who is the killer. Her best friend Aria’s wedding plans keep having one catastrophe after another causing her to freak out so Ziva steps in to help. Ziva’s plate is definitely full while also managing her new beauty business.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the previous book Makeup and Murder but Kiss and Makeup was even better and highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers!
February 5, 2019
Kiss and Makeup is such a fun mystery. Stephanie Damore has created some wonderful characters, and Ziva is wonderful. I loved Tonia Blake's performance. She brought them to life. This book is a standalone listen although it's listed as book 2. I had no trouble getting immersed in the story. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.
February 21, 2019
A Honey of a Story!
Her nemesis dies of poison after eating her cake and then the boyfriend is poisoned, too! Is Mrs. J losing it or merely being framed? Meanwhile Ariana's wedding is off the rails and rapidly becoming a train wreck. And Ziva's new business? Fahgeddabadit! Tonia Blake's narration keeps pace with this zippy plot as we learn to emphasize eyes OR lips, but not both. Hey, the subtitle IS "Beauty Secrets," after all!
Her nemesis dies of poison after eating her cake and then the boyfriend is poisoned, too! Is Mrs. J losing it or merely being framed? Meanwhile Ariana's wedding is off the rails and rapidly becoming a train wreck. And Ziva's new business? Fahgeddabadit! Tonia Blake's narration keeps pace with this zippy plot as we learn to emphasize eyes OR lips, but not both. Hey, the subtitle IS "Beauty Secrets," after all!
May 12, 2019
What a fabulous and fun read ! I enjoyed the light mystery and the hilarious antics of Ziva, and others in the story. This is the first book by Stephanie Damore that I have listened to in the Beauty Secrets Mystery series, and the time just flew by. I will listen to more by this author.
I received this book for free and enjoyed it so much that I just had to review it--- so others can find and enjoy it, too.
I received this book for free and enjoyed it so much that I just had to review it--- so others can find and enjoy it, too.
July 3, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
Can be listened to as a standalone. I loved the characters and the story had a good pace. It was a cute cozy mystery but also had other elements that were realistic. There is more than one mystery going on throughout with some interesting twists.
The narrator did a great job in bringing out the fun nature of this book and represented the characters well.
Can be listened to as a standalone. I loved the characters and the story had a good pace. It was a cute cozy mystery but also had other elements that were realistic. There is more than one mystery going on throughout with some interesting twists.
The narrator did a great job in bringing out the fun nature of this book and represented the characters well.
May 27, 2017
Poor Ziva she just cannot get away from investigating murders. She has so much on her plate, her new beauty business, her best friends wedding, and all of her clients. How will she find time to devote to all of them? This book was fun and an interesting read full of twists and turns. You will definitely enjoy reading this book.
October 24, 2017
Wonderful Cozy, Clean Mystery
What a fun book! The plot was nicely twisted and I couldn’t guess the details, even at the end. I really enjoy the humor and quirky characters. It is all totally believable. I have read the entire series and there isn’t a stinker in the bunch! I received a free copy (ARC) of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
What a fun book! The plot was nicely twisted and I couldn’t guess the details, even at the end. I really enjoy the humor and quirky characters. It is all totally believable. I have read the entire series and there isn’t a stinker in the bunch! I received a free copy (ARC) of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
November 14, 2018
A funny good read
I’m all about the humorous cozy mystery that has a bit of spunk and sass to it so it’s not just a cozy and this series hits that mark. Ziva is quite the character along with her beauty clients and her best friend. There was some romance, plenty of humor (poor captain jack!) and a mystery that wasn’t easy to solve.
I’m all about the humorous cozy mystery that has a bit of spunk and sass to it so it’s not just a cozy and this series hits that mark. Ziva is quite the character along with her beauty clients and her best friend. There was some romance, plenty of humor (poor captain jack!) and a mystery that wasn’t easy to solve.
November 18, 2018
Ziva has a lot on her plate. Her new business, her best friends wedding, and her new relationship with Finn, so a murder is not what she wants to deal with. Her family friend is accused of murdering her oldest rival and Ziva has to prove her innocence. I really enjoy the plot and chatacters in this seris. The books have heart, humor, mystery, and little romance. Great job Stephanie!!
February 7, 2019
I’m new to Cozy Mysteries and was excited to listen to Kiss & Makeup. The story was well written and the narrator was great too. I liked how modern and current it was and enjoyed the beauty aspects throughout the story. I loved the main character’s sarcastic sense of humor, very funny. I liked the book a lot and look forward to reading others in the series.
September 1, 2017
Great read
So glad I found Stephanie Damores books if your like me and love a great cozy with a great story and characters you will love than you will love this series too getting the next book now
So glad I found Stephanie Damores books if your like me and love a great cozy with a great story and characters you will love than you will love this series too getting the next book now
October 17, 2018
I enjoy Ziva's adventures. Someone is trying to ruin Ziva's new business and her best friend's wedding. Ziva finds another body & the police arrest Mrs. J. Can Ziva unravel these plots in time to save the wedding and her business. I could not put it down!
October 17, 2018
I enjoy Ziva's adventures. Someone is trying to ruin Ziva's new business and her best friend's wedding. Ziva finds another body & the police arrest Mrs. J. Can Ziva unravel these plots in time to save the wedding and her business. I could not put it down!
September 27, 2019
This was a fun read. I like Mrs. J. She's a hoot. I wish there was some resolution with the wedding saboteur (don't want to name names and spoil anything).
The Kindle Unlimited edition I have did have quite a few typos and editing errors, which was a bit annoying.
The Kindle Unlimited edition I have did have quite a few typos and editing errors, which was a bit annoying.
June 12, 2017
Enjoyed reading this
Very good book. A lot of action with pre wedding drama plus a murder. The characters are full of vim and vinegar and ready for anything.
Very good book. A lot of action with pre wedding drama plus a murder. The characters are full of vim and vinegar and ready for anything.
September 1, 2017
Delightful cozy tale with a handful of red herrings that keep you guessing at the criminal's identity from chapter to chapter.
May 16, 2018
Ziva gets involved in another murder and decided to help the police out again. A lot of puzzles to figure out with twists and turns, multiple suspects leaves you guessing until the end.
July 15, 2018
Kiss & makeup
Cute mystery. Read it very entertaining. Ms. Damore is good at her craft. Will read more of her work soon.
Cute mystery. Read it very entertaining. Ms. Damore is good at her craft. Will read more of her work soon.
July 17, 2018
Honey!
I like reading these light, fun books! There are a few editing issues in the Kindle edition, but nothing major. I'm looking forward to Ziva's next adventure!
I like reading these light, fun books! There are a few editing issues in the Kindle edition, but nothing major. I'm looking forward to Ziva's next adventure!
July 19, 2018
What a ride
Ziva is at it again. Makeup, weddings, murder. All in a days work. She is the kind of friend you want to have.
Ziva is at it again. Makeup, weddings, murder. All in a days work. She is the kind of friend you want to have.
August 1, 2018
Good
is book started off with finding a body on the beach and then young woman who found it.she gets caught up in the investigation
is book started off with finding a body on the beach and then young woman who found it.she gets caught up in the investigation
October 17, 2018
The fun & Mayhem Continues
I really enjoyed reading this book. Another who-done-it that is solved with the help of friends. A very fun book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Another who-done-it that is solved with the help of friends. A very fun book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews