Busting In

by Vanessa M. Knight

Jessi Xu needs money and lots of it if she’s going to move into her very own rat-free apartment in Chicago. She’s done the math. It’ll take seven months, two weeks, and six days for her to earn that kind of cash. You’d be counting the days too if your mother was a newly-minted life coach intent on coaching the living right out of your life. Somehow, all her drama fades into the background once she meets the gorgeous and exciting Enzo. Between his smile and the body and that laugh? He’s bringing fun back, despite her mother’s best efforts.Hotshot lawyer Lorenzo Borelli lost one case—one—and suddenly everything that’s important to him is on the line. His only goal now is preserving his career. No distractions. Then he asks Jessi to be his pretend-date for an off-the-books undercover assignment, and she makes him question what’s really important. In a single night, both their worlds are turned upside when they are held at gunpoint, abducted, and left stranded in a cemetery. If they survive the night, they just might manage to save his career and gain Jessi her independence. But the clock is ticking…Busting In is the first standalone book in this humorous series of romantic suspense novels. If you like a good mystery and gripping romance— all while laughing at crazy antics, then you’ll love Vanessa M. Knight’s delightfully fun series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Novella

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2018

About the author

I write contemporary romance novels with a dash of suspense. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America and Windy City RWA.

Living in Chicagoland with my family and menagerie of dogs and cats, keeps me on my toes. When not writing or working, I love to scrapbook, watch movies and read anything I can find.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2020)! 🎁

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an OK read and, quite frankly, extremely unbelievable. The MCs were likable but the plot was just plain ridiculous and, considering how much the author tried to pack into a limited number of pages, was just too much for such a short book. Some of the more ridiculous things ...

1) Why would Jessi agree to go on a date with a stranger BEFORE calling her boss for details on how he is?
2) Who puts folding chairs in the reception area of an office? I'm sorry but you can go to HomeGoods or order from Wayfair cheap, decent-looking chairs for under $50 each. They don't have to be comfy since no one sits in them for long, but metal folding chairs? Amateurs.
3) How pathetic is the mayor's security team that a skinny girl lifting up her skirt - because she needs help with her stockings, of all the ridiculous things - will distract them?
4) The MCs are caught snooping around in the mayor's residence, in the private area, and no charges are filed? Nothing happens to them? Yeah, not gonna happen.
5) When did three city blocks equal one mile?
6) How uncouth is Jessi that she uses her hands / fingers to scoop up the rest of her food at the mayor's party? And all Enzo does is smile at her affectionately? In real life, even the nearby statues would have been embarrassed for her.

I stopped reading once the couple got into Enzo's car after their romantic dinner (believe this is the second night they've known each other, but I could be wrong; I frankly don't care) and the deputy mayor is in the back seat, shoving a gun in Jessi's head and Enzo is zipping around the city like Mario Andretti. In all honesty, having these two MCs killed off would have been the most interesting part of the book, probably.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced romance with offbeat characters

For a prequel, it's still a complete story without a major cliffhanger. But it's moving way fast, with very unlikely situations and likeable characters. Let's go to the book for an example:

***Spoiler example!***

"She looked torn. Maybe a little worried. Probably because some weird guy who asked her to commit a felony, then almost got her shot, and then got her abandoned in the middle of a graveyard wanted to take her to his house. She probably had visions of spiked drinks swimming through her vision."

Great first date, right? The whole story feels like that, improbable yet a fun ride.

[A G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Action okay but writing challenges

Stopped highlighting poor writing, word choices, and character changes midstream. Book sets up for future stories. Closed door on first date and very fast romance was a turn off as we didn't get that buildup in the story. Did get the story for free, but can't recommend.

[caribbeanbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read!

Short and sweet. This was a fun read. I enjoyed meeting Enzo and Jessi. Their first date was so unique... who gets to have a gun in their face at a dinner, and that just for starters. Get this book, it'll make you laugh.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a romantic comedy despite one of the main characters having come from a troubled childhood and still dealing with an overbearing mother. Quirky characters, questionable situations, but a very enjoyable read that's bound to make you laugh.

[Kelly Winfree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tease

This short story is a wonderful teaser for what I am certain is an awesome series. Its full of action and fast paced romance.

[Judy Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting!!

Enjoyed this one. Being a private investigator ain't easy, but it is certainly attention consuming. Jessi was an amazing PI and fun to read.

[Floor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly quite boring from start to finish. I felt no chemistry whatsoever between the MCs. The writer builds up to several sex scenes and then completely skips over them. They are kissing, hands start wandering and then suddenly they are in the kitchen again the morning after. I don't need the book to be filled with steamy scenes but this was just nothing at all.
I did manage to finish the book, but won't pick up any sequels.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.