The Trouble with Sisters and Snipers

by Ivy Carol Key

Becca Baum isn’t a troublemaker – but she’ll admit she might be a trouble magnet. Once she returns to her hometown of Hankerville, Louisiana after moving away two decades earlier, her past is something she’s unable to discuss – even with her sister Licia. She prefers to focus on the present now that she’s living in Licia’s garage apartment to reconnect with her recently widowed sister and the teen and tween nieces she’s missed. Licia understands that a binding agreement prohibits Becca from discussing her previous profession, but the plan to avoid that topic doesn’t last long. Questions about her former life become an issue when an innocent outing with her niece is disrupted by a dead body. She quickly learns that local law enforcement officers prove less accepting than Licia when it comes to the taboo topic of her past. Although they have no interest in her diversionary tactics, two captivating cops can’t disguise their fascination with Becca.


Thanks to the cavalcade of criminals threatening her loved ones, Becca is forced to work with the local LEOs – while secretly guarding her heartstrings. She might be struggling to ignore the lovable lawmen – but she’ll never admit that to them. With bullets flying every time she makes a move, Becca has to learn who is targeting her family and why. She’s committed to protecting them while maintaining her composure around the two headache-inducing hunks, but a killer’s bloodlust could change everything.

ebook

First published July 11, 2015

Reviews

[Buttercupp77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot going for it.

The narrator, Becca, has a mysterious past, but has returned home to help support her recently widowed sister and two young nieces. After having been there merely a week, Becca becomes accidentally embroiled in a murder investigation and associated crimes.

The pacing and plot were very well handled. I didn't feel that the story's forward motion stalled out anywhere, although I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and too pat for my taste. There was one odd scene jump early on that just came out of nowhere and took me awhile to find my bearings. (A bit of space to show the jump would have helped with that).

The character development gets high marks - even minor characters were interesting enough to make me want more of them. I want a whole series about Fred. I am not even kidding about that. (He's the best character I've read in a long time). I also found that Addie and Paisley came across as fairly realistic for their ages, and were also interesting in their own right. The world also needs more Darrin. I did feel that certain law enforcement officers were the weakest links for me. The lack of professionalism really stretched credibility for me, as well as the fact that I felt the line between "innocent flirting" and "sexual harrassment" had been smudged to the point that it was creepy. I also found that these characters were handled rather superficially - there's very little about what really makes them tick, which is a shame as I think they had the potential to be great characters, if only they were more realistic.

There was one scene that had me laughing out loud. In fact, I read it to my waitress (I was on my lunch break and I'm friendly with her) and she was, likewise, in stitches. It's one of the funniest things I've ever read. (I wish this style and level of execution had been more consistent throughout the book, but I realise that would be exceedingly difficult to execute!)

So, while there are a couple of areas that I think could have improved the book, by far and large, it's a really enjoyable read, and definitely a great addition my library! I will definitely read more from this author!

I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.

[Judy Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. Wow! I loved this book! The story captured me right from the start and didn’t let go until the very end. Not only is this story fast paced and intriguing - it is downright funny at times. The plot has a decent mystery with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and the action scenes are exciting and very well written. The author has created characters that are all engaging and likeable. Becca is a force to be reckoned with and a fantastic heroine and the two LEOs (law enforcement officers), Nuno and Bass, are both hot and swoon worthy. The supporting characters are all loveable and quirky and fit into the story nicely. Witty and sharp writing brings the characters to life, and the romantic innuendo and funny and sometimes sarcastic banter between the main characters was incredibly entertaining. The chemistry between Becca, Bass and Nuno is electric! My only disappointment is that the story ended and I wanted more! Hopefully, there will be a sequel- and I will be first in line to get it. A fantastic read!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only and the author. The story had lots of action and suspense, with a little romance and humor on the side. I was hooked with the first sentence. I loved the characters, Becca for her strength, Bass and Nuno for their pursuit of Becca and the way they were always there at the right time, Licia for always correcting Becca about her language, and the nieces for how they each have a favourite suitor for their aunt. My favourite line in the story was "The gum-popping, over-boobified, platinum-blonde bimbo at the front desk put down the emery board she was using to smooth (or sharpen) her claws before giving us her attention along with an annoyed sigh." The author used great descriptions through out the story. Can't wait to see what's instore Becca and the others.

[Calleen Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like-able characters and good plot. There weren’t any holes
I’m the story that I could spot (I’ve been having that issue with a few books lately.) The LEO terminology and actions seem to be on par.
The first half of the book uses the f-word a lot. While I understand it’s fairly common with LEO’s to do so, it’s continual usage was a bit much for me.
The other issue I had was the Detective’s continual propositioning of the main character. I felt it was over the top and if I had been her I would have reported him for sexual harassment.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I so LOVED this book!! and there better be sequels! There is so many ways this can continue...

l surprisingly loved the first person narrative and the *gasp*yuck* romantic dynamics.
We need to see more of Reggie and Darren and find out what's up with that although is also good not knowing🤔

This book has everything I look for and more.

Kuddos!

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.

[Eva Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you write away. I enjoyed reading it and will read others from this author. I received this book free from Voracious Readers and did not sway my review of this book.