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Welcome to Rebuild #1
Locked Out
Emeline Watson hoped that by changing careers and going back to her home town, Waverly, it would be a new beginning for her. She could forget her horrible ex and the troubles he caused, move on from her father’s passing away six months ago, and start over. She finds out quickly enough that her past has followed her. Amid overhearing clandestine conversations, her ex stalking her, and her home town being plagued with recent break-ins, Emeline’s first week at Rebuild, a local chain hardware store, is anything but easy. The only bright spot is her gorgeous new co-worker, Ethan Walker. They’re paired up together the first day, and the mutual attraction is undeniable, but Emeline senses there’s more to Ethan than he’s letting on.
Starting out a new job, in a new town, is never easy but Ethan Walker has become a pro at blending in and adjusting to change. He figures this should be one of the easier changes he’s had to face in awhile. Little did he know the trouble that was awaiting him when he first set eyes on Emeline Watson. Her girl next door blonde hair, curvy fit body, and stunning eyes catches his attention instantly. Time and again, he finds himself playing knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress.
Waverly is experiencing its first wave of crime in centuries and Emeline seems to be mixed up in the center of it. No matter how much she denies needing Ethan to rescue her, the two are thrown together after Emeline discovers the grizzly remains of a body.
Can Ethan and Emeline figure out who’s behind the crimes? Will their attraction, and Emeline, survive the sinister plot threatening the entire town? Or will their secrets keep them locked out of each others lives?
Time is running out and the stakes are getting higher with each passing day…the danger is real and it’s coming for Emeline.
Starting out a new job, in a new town, is never easy but Ethan Walker has become a pro at blending in and adjusting to change. He figures this should be one of the easier changes he’s had to face in awhile. Little did he know the trouble that was awaiting him when he first set eyes on Emeline Watson. Her girl next door blonde hair, curvy fit body, and stunning eyes catches his attention instantly. Time and again, he finds himself playing knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress.
Waverly is experiencing its first wave of crime in centuries and Emeline seems to be mixed up in the center of it. No matter how much she denies needing Ethan to rescue her, the two are thrown together after Emeline discovers the grizzly remains of a body.
Can Ethan and Emeline figure out who’s behind the crimes? Will their attraction, and Emeline, survive the sinister plot threatening the entire town? Or will their secrets keep them locked out of each others lives?
Time is running out and the stakes are getting higher with each passing day…the danger is real and it’s coming for Emeline.
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First published May 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 9, 2017
Recently, when I saw the roll call for ARC readers for her latest book titled Locked Out, I signed up immediately! I had seen her post here and there on Facebook dropping hints about the novel and I just couldn't wait to read it!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
She has done it again; I loved this book so much! I had to fight with myself to put it down when I had to go to sleep or work. I easily could have picked this up on a weekend morning and read straight through!
The overall plot was so interesting! I thought that the mystery element was done very well; I didn't see the resolution of it coming at all! While the book was centered around the mystery element, there was also a fair amount of cutesy romance and thrilling suspense; both of which were also wonderful!
What amazing characters! The good characters were so funny and realistic, and the bad characters were super sketchy! I really enjoyed learning more about each character as they spent more time with the main character, Emeline. Brandon was my favorite character. I found myself laughing out loud with his little one-liners and pop culture references. He reminded me so much of my fiancé!
As the author warned me when she sent the book file, there were a few typos here and there. There were also a few areas that were a bit repetitive, but it didn't take away from the reading experience at all! And of course, this is an ARC that the author is still working on, so I'd be willing to bet she has already fixed the issues I saw.
My favorite passages: POTENTIAL SPOILERS
My final thoughts:
I loved every second of this read! I would highly recommend picking this one up if you enjoy fast-paced, fun mysteries with elements of cutesy romance.
I cannot wait for book two to be published! These characters are definitely ones that I would happily read about time and time again!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
She has done it again; I loved this book so much! I had to fight with myself to put it down when I had to go to sleep or work. I easily could have picked this up on a weekend morning and read straight through!
The overall plot was so interesting! I thought that the mystery element was done very well; I didn't see the resolution of it coming at all! While the book was centered around the mystery element, there was also a fair amount of cutesy romance and thrilling suspense; both of which were also wonderful!
What amazing characters! The good characters were so funny and realistic, and the bad characters were super sketchy! I really enjoyed learning more about each character as they spent more time with the main character, Emeline. Brandon was my favorite character. I found myself laughing out loud with his little one-liners and pop culture references. He reminded me so much of my fiancé!
As the author warned me when she sent the book file, there were a few typos here and there. There were also a few areas that were a bit repetitive, but it didn't take away from the reading experience at all! And of course, this is an ARC that the author is still working on, so I'd be willing to bet she has already fixed the issues I saw.
My favorite passages: POTENTIAL SPOILERS
My final thoughts:
I loved every second of this read! I would highly recommend picking this one up if you enjoy fast-paced, fun mysteries with elements of cutesy romance.
I cannot wait for book two to be published! These characters are definitely ones that I would happily read about time and time again!
December 6, 2017
Another new to me author and another wonderful surprise. This story is chock full of suspense, mystery, laughs and of course romance.
Emmie meets Ethan at her new job. Little does she know that she is smack dab in the middle of a sudden mystery in their small town. While not overt, these two are pretty combustible when they get together and while this may be the worst week of Emmie's life, she also has this wonderfully beautiful man in her life although he has secrets of his own.
I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure things out, trying to solve the mystery and L.M. Schukraft gives us a big time "I didn't see THAT coming" ending. I look forward to more from this author and from this cozy mystery series.
Emmie meets Ethan at her new job. Little does she know that she is smack dab in the middle of a sudden mystery in their small town. While not overt, these two are pretty combustible when they get together and while this may be the worst week of Emmie's life, she also has this wonderfully beautiful man in her life although he has secrets of his own.
I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure things out, trying to solve the mystery and L.M. Schukraft gives us a big time "I didn't see THAT coming" ending. I look forward to more from this author and from this cozy mystery series.
December 14, 2017
"Sweetheart? You can't just go around calling women that nowadays. It isn't appropriate. Are you listening to me, Ethan?"
Yes, Buttercup. I'm hearing every word you're saying Sweet Cheeks."
This was my first read from this author. After reading this one, I can't wait for book 2! The main characters are developed well and have excellent chemistry together. The bantering between Ethan and his brothers is dead on!!
Emeline has recently found herself both single and unemployed all because of her ex. Starting a new job at a local home improvement store, she and Ethan are thrown together during training. Attempting to keep him at arm's length to avoid another heartbreak, she soon finds out how persistent and charming he can be, and she finds the walls she put up slowly crumbling.
A rash of recent break-ins, Ethan's sudden appearance in town, and now a murder, there is a whole lot of mystery taking place in her little town. Are they all tied together somehow? When it looks like the target of all of it seems to be Emeline, can she trust Ethan to protect her? Can they put the puzzle pieces together and figure out who is behind it all? And why?
I loved the little ribbings that Emmie and Ethan give each other as they both skirt around their feelings for one another. I absolutely adored his brothers Brandon and Hawk, and I hope they each get their own stories at some point. I totally didn't see the ending coming and I'm not going to spoil it here!! You just have to read it!!
Yes, Buttercup. I'm hearing every word you're saying Sweet Cheeks."
This was my first read from this author. After reading this one, I can't wait for book 2! The main characters are developed well and have excellent chemistry together. The bantering between Ethan and his brothers is dead on!!
Emeline has recently found herself both single and unemployed all because of her ex. Starting a new job at a local home improvement store, she and Ethan are thrown together during training. Attempting to keep him at arm's length to avoid another heartbreak, she soon finds out how persistent and charming he can be, and she finds the walls she put up slowly crumbling.
A rash of recent break-ins, Ethan's sudden appearance in town, and now a murder, there is a whole lot of mystery taking place in her little town. Are they all tied together somehow? When it looks like the target of all of it seems to be Emeline, can she trust Ethan to protect her? Can they put the puzzle pieces together and figure out who is behind it all? And why?
I loved the little ribbings that Emmie and Ethan give each other as they both skirt around their feelings for one another. I absolutely adored his brothers Brandon and Hawk, and I hope they each get their own stories at some point. I totally didn't see the ending coming and I'm not going to spoil it here!! You just have to read it!!
December 19, 2017
A bit of mystery, a bit of romance, what's not to like. I totally loved it
December 15, 2017
Very well written engaging book. the main characters emmie and Ethan really complimented each other. There was a bit of everything in this book. romance, excitement, murder, mystery even a crazy cat!
this was my first book by this author and now i cant wait for book #2
this was my first book by this author and now i cant wait for book #2
July 26, 2018
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I’m a big fan of cozy mysteries. They’re typically a fairly short read, something that can be done in a couple of hours. They have a likable main character, typically female, who is strong, smart and not any type of investigation work. The story is told through the POV of the main character as she works to solve the puzzle of the murder. Cozy mysteries are typically considered “gentle” books that you can be comfortable to recommend to your parents, grandparent or teen. There’s no graphic violence, profanity or sex in the stories. The focus is on discovering clues and solving the crime with the main character.
Though Locked Out is labeled a Cozy Mystery by the author, it is unlike any cozy mystery I’ve ever read. The explanation above for cozy mysteries does not apply to this book. This book is twice the length of all other cozy’s I have read. This story is told from alternating POV’s from Emmie and Ethan. I didn’t think Emmie was all that likable, smart or strong. She also did not solve the crime but instead was given the confession from the person, or persons, who perpetrated the crimes. There was a lot going on in this story and I didn’t feel like the solving of the crime was the main purpose of it.
I didn’t not like Emmie and she did grow on me a little. There were moments where she wasn’t completely confused or blind to what was going on around her. Ethan was a likable character, for the most part. He was secretive and it wasn’t hard to figure out he was hiding something. I liked his brothers Brandon and Hawk, who were pulled into the story through their job working the crimes. And as much as I liked the Walker Brothers, they could also be overwhelming and gave the impression of Larry, Curly and Moe at times and not in a flattering way. There were scenes that just seemed weird to me, even after I finished reading. Like the three brothers joining together to tickle Emmie after knowing her one day. Um, who does that? Awkward much? But, otherwise, they improved the storyline and helped make me like Emmie a little.
A lot of the story is spent on the relationship/non-relationship of Emmie and Ethan which I think distracted from the mystery portion of the story. I went into this expecting a cozy mystery so the relationship storyline wasn’t needed, in my opinion. Or a lot less of it was needed. If you’re going into this book for a relationship, this does not end with a HEA or a HFN. This seems to be a series and it looks like the relationship between Emmie and Ethan will be explored more in the next book.
As for the mystery/murder portion of the book, there was a lot going on and a lot of different prongs. I would have loved to have focused more on this portion. I guessed some portions of the “who done it” but not all of them. Once everything was revealed, it really highlighted the blindness and gullibility of Emmie.
This book was enjoyable, for the most part, and I’ll check out the next book in the series. If you enjoy mystery novels, then you’ll definitely want to check out this book. If you like cozy mysteries, and are looking for something that goes along with the description in the very first paragraph above, this is not going to be the book for you.
Rating: 4 stars
I’m a big fan of cozy mysteries. They’re typically a fairly short read, something that can be done in a couple of hours. They have a likable main character, typically female, who is strong, smart and not any type of investigation work. The story is told through the POV of the main character as she works to solve the puzzle of the murder. Cozy mysteries are typically considered “gentle” books that you can be comfortable to recommend to your parents, grandparent or teen. There’s no graphic violence, profanity or sex in the stories. The focus is on discovering clues and solving the crime with the main character.
Though Locked Out is labeled a Cozy Mystery by the author, it is unlike any cozy mystery I’ve ever read. The explanation above for cozy mysteries does not apply to this book. This book is twice the length of all other cozy’s I have read. This story is told from alternating POV’s from Emmie and Ethan. I didn’t think Emmie was all that likable, smart or strong. She also did not solve the crime but instead was given the confession from the person, or persons, who perpetrated the crimes. There was a lot going on in this story and I didn’t feel like the solving of the crime was the main purpose of it.
I didn’t not like Emmie and she did grow on me a little. There were moments where she wasn’t completely confused or blind to what was going on around her. Ethan was a likable character, for the most part. He was secretive and it wasn’t hard to figure out he was hiding something. I liked his brothers Brandon and Hawk, who were pulled into the story through their job working the crimes. And as much as I liked the Walker Brothers, they could also be overwhelming and gave the impression of Larry, Curly and Moe at times and not in a flattering way. There were scenes that just seemed weird to me, even after I finished reading. Like the three brothers joining together to tickle Emmie after knowing her one day. Um, who does that? Awkward much? But, otherwise, they improved the storyline and helped make me like Emmie a little.
A lot of the story is spent on the relationship/non-relationship of Emmie and Ethan which I think distracted from the mystery portion of the story. I went into this expecting a cozy mystery so the relationship storyline wasn’t needed, in my opinion. Or a lot less of it was needed. If you’re going into this book for a relationship, this does not end with a HEA or a HFN. This seems to be a series and it looks like the relationship between Emmie and Ethan will be explored more in the next book.
As for the mystery/murder portion of the book, there was a lot going on and a lot of different prongs. I would have loved to have focused more on this portion. I guessed some portions of the “who done it” but not all of them. Once everything was revealed, it really highlighted the blindness and gullibility of Emmie.
This book was enjoyable, for the most part, and I’ll check out the next book in the series. If you enjoy mystery novels, then you’ll definitely want to check out this book. If you like cozy mysteries, and are looking for something that goes along with the description in the very first paragraph above, this is not going to be the book for you.
Rating: 4 stars
December 14, 2017
I received an eARC from the author for free for a fair and honest review.
Locked Out by L. M. Shukraft is a first book of a new cozy mystery series. Shukraft gives us our protagonist Emmeline who finds herself thrown into a new job not by choice. Within this job, she meets Ethan to whom she forms a relationship not necessarily by the way she wishes. As the book progresses, there are many twists and turns to lead us to a very unexpected ending.
This lengthy book is not what I would expect from a traditional cozy mystery. This book is one of the longer books I have read in a while. As I was reading through the book, I was not a fan of the amount of swearing and sexual situation statements that were spread throughout the book. If you are a fan of many details, this is the book for you. I found at times that the details were a bit excessive, but a person can get a full picture of the author’s intent. In addition, the flow of the book became a bit difficult to stay on track. I had to go back and reread several pages a few times as I felt I missed something or was confused.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5. I do believe that this book has an overall good mystery. If you prefer the more traditional cozy that does not have swearing or sexual comments within it, this book is most likely not for you.
Locked Out by L. M. Shukraft is a first book of a new cozy mystery series. Shukraft gives us our protagonist Emmeline who finds herself thrown into a new job not by choice. Within this job, she meets Ethan to whom she forms a relationship not necessarily by the way she wishes. As the book progresses, there are many twists and turns to lead us to a very unexpected ending.
This lengthy book is not what I would expect from a traditional cozy mystery. This book is one of the longer books I have read in a while. As I was reading through the book, I was not a fan of the amount of swearing and sexual situation statements that were spread throughout the book. If you are a fan of many details, this is the book for you. I found at times that the details were a bit excessive, but a person can get a full picture of the author’s intent. In addition, the flow of the book became a bit difficult to stay on track. I had to go back and reread several pages a few times as I felt I missed something or was confused.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5. I do believe that this book has an overall good mystery. If you prefer the more traditional cozy that does not have swearing or sexual comments within it, this book is most likely not for you.
September 13, 2019
Disappointed!
I liked the book at first, but it turned out that this was not a "cozy mystery". The author has a potty mouth. Very disappointing, 😞. I was trying to muddle through anyway, though I was sorely tempted to just not finish the book. The climax of the book was more violent than the usual cozy mystery as well. I won't go into the rest. It would wear my fingers out. I guess it's obvious I won't be reading the next one. There is a lot of room for growth with this author. But I really don't think she gets the cozy mystery genre. And this book was downright whacked. In places I thought a high school student wrote this book!
I liked the book at first, but it turned out that this was not a "cozy mystery". The author has a potty mouth. Very disappointing, 😞. I was trying to muddle through anyway, though I was sorely tempted to just not finish the book. The climax of the book was more violent than the usual cozy mystery as well. I won't go into the rest. It would wear my fingers out. I guess it's obvious I won't be reading the next one. There is a lot of room for growth with this author. But I really don't think she gets the cozy mystery genre. And this book was downright whacked. In places I thought a high school student wrote this book!
December 29, 2017
How much bad luck can one girl suffer? Poor Emmie had lost her father, dumped her boyfriend, asked to leave her teaching job, her friends house gets broken into, someone she knows gets murdered, her car blows up in an explosion to name but a few events over the course of a very short period of time.
Even with all this going on she trusts Ethan, an unknown colleague at her new job to move into her home to protect her. When Ethan turns up somewhere then disappears leaving her in the lerch, Emmie doesn't push or question why.
When her friend gets broken into and Emmie rushes over to help her, she gets arrested by the police. However when she is unwittingly at a murder scene, the police let her go home no questions asked! Just seems a bit round the wrong way for me.
Overall the story is a fun mystery chick lit, with an undercurrent of desire brewing between Emmie & Ethan, her cat is funny, keeps stealing the food from their plates and is using Ethan as a pin cushion along with the poking of fun and camaraderie from Ethan's brothers. Though with everything going wrong in a very short space of time for one girl the story does seem a bit far fetched. Even her new employer does not kick off over the amount of time off she & Ethan have during their first week.
I'd figured out one of the baddies before the end, but felt the real reason for their involvement was unresolved along with another event six months earlier.
I was sent this as an ARC for a honest review and I was warned there could be a few mistakes which did not distract from the story. Odd spelling mistake, start of chapters not always in same position partway down page and full stops instead of commas at the end of speech at times.
Even with all this going on she trusts Ethan, an unknown colleague at her new job to move into her home to protect her. When Ethan turns up somewhere then disappears leaving her in the lerch, Emmie doesn't push or question why.
When her friend gets broken into and Emmie rushes over to help her, she gets arrested by the police. However when she is unwittingly at a murder scene, the police let her go home no questions asked! Just seems a bit round the wrong way for me.
Overall the story is a fun mystery chick lit, with an undercurrent of desire brewing between Emmie & Ethan, her cat is funny, keeps stealing the food from their plates and is using Ethan as a pin cushion along with the poking of fun and camaraderie from Ethan's brothers. Though with everything going wrong in a very short space of time for one girl the story does seem a bit far fetched. Even her new employer does not kick off over the amount of time off she & Ethan have during their first week.
I'd figured out one of the baddies before the end, but felt the real reason for their involvement was unresolved along with another event six months earlier.
I was sent this as an ARC for a honest review and I was warned there could be a few mistakes which did not distract from the story. Odd spelling mistake, start of chapters not always in same position partway down page and full stops instead of commas at the end of speech at times.
December 24, 2017
If you’re looking for a mystery that is equal parts humor and romance then this is the book for you. An undercover cop and a school teacher are working in a big box hardware store, meet and fall in love. It’s what happens inbetween that makes this story unique and a book you shouldn’t miss.
I was gifted an arc and am voluntarily providing a review.
I was gifted an arc and am voluntarily providing a review.
April 26, 2019
A hilarious take on life, romance and robbery!
Not to forget murder and a bit of blackmail too!
A somewhat different read
Not to forget murder and a bit of blackmail too!
A somewhat different read
September 14, 2018
This was the first book that I read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to book#2.
The main character Emeline or Emmie was forced to leave a job she loved and is now starting a new job at the local Rebuild store. She is being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, there is a rash of break-ins in her hometown which includes her best friends house and she meets a mysterious co-worker at her new job. Her ex is murdered, the break-ins continue. Is it all related? How is Emmie connected to all the problems that are going on? Pick ups a copy to see how everything turns out.
The main character Emeline or Emmie was forced to leave a job she loved and is now starting a new job at the local Rebuild store. She is being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, there is a rash of break-ins in her hometown which includes her best friends house and she meets a mysterious co-worker at her new job. Her ex is murdered, the break-ins continue. Is it all related? How is Emmie connected to all the problems that are going on? Pick ups a copy to see how everything turns out.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews