Shades of Sunshine

Lola Pink Mysteries #3

by Gina LaManna

Lola Pink is all shades of concerned about the state of her wedding plans when her world is shaken as someone close to Dane Clark—her billionaire fiancé—goes missing. When the news of a kidnapping rocks the Clark Castle, Lola finds herself entwined in a mystery that could require a trip down memory lane.

However, a missing persons report is not the only thing on Lola’s plate. There’s a brownie rivalry between two of the town’s oldest residents, a wedding cake that won’t order itself, and a mother-in-law determined to ruin Lola’s special day. But when the kidnapper’s threats take a turn for the worse, suddenly, all bets are off. If Lola can’t find a way to unveil the kidnapper’s true identity, there won’t be a wedding to ruin…

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

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2018

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

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to wait a bit to finish the series as I knew I would be sad that I would have to say goodbye to Lola and the other characters. But I couldn’t stay away for long, and I’m pleased to say that it was a satisfying goodbye. One of those where you get a warm hug that lingers and makes you happy. Lola was brilliant as ever, not letting anything stop her. She kept making dangerous decisions to solve the mystery kidnapping, to the chagrin of her fiancé and friends, and as always she manages to get out of the situations by thinking on her feet. As always there are really cute, romantic moments without being saccharine sweet.

I have to say goodbye to you now Lola, but I know you will have a lovely life because you are one of the nicest girl I’ve ever met.

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

Safe!
Super cute
Cozy mystery
The romance is sweet and endearing they are so cute
The mystery in this one wasn’t my favorite
Audiobook easy to listen to and good

Mild OWD- a model that the H works w is interested in him. He is not interested and definitely Ahmad never been involved w her.

Neither are V
Both been in. Handful of short relationships
Neither have been in love before
No MANWHORE‼️

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, Lola seems TSTL, and the overall bad guy in the story will keep you guessing. I wonder what happens next? I guess the author will need to write more books about Lola.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of 2018 there is a surprise installment of Lola Pink (yay!) and I could use some sunshine in these dark days.

Lola and Dane are getting married! Not yet, but soon. Although the planning has been hijacked by Dane's mother, Lola just wants to marry Dane and to be accepted by her mother-in-law to be. When Semi (Dane's bodyguard and love interest of Annalise) informs Dane his brother Trey is missing it is Lola, Dane and Semi to the rescue.

These books are always a pleasure to read. They are cozy and humorous and I love the romance between Lola and Dane.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another light fun read. These are simple escapist indulgences. The male leads are all too to good to be believed, the friends all trusted and loyal - and that is A-OK with me. Thank you Gina for providing a relaxing enjoyable night off.

There were a couple of TSTL moments, but, like a horror movie fanatic might scream at the screen “no, don’t go down that dark dingy basement yourself!” the horror movie fanatic will also not stop watching horror movies. I could live with those.

Cute little mystery in a bordering-on-fairytale world. Just what I was in the mood for.

[Luna Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery for Lola to solve, Semi's brother is missing and the kidnappers are asking randsom money, Lola is being completely sidelined on her own wedding preparations.

This book was a nice finale but i would have liked to see them married, Dane is so amazing he has grown so much in the books but no much information about Lola's business ventures or psychic shop.

I must say i really wanted more from this book than it could offer. It was nice reading it but it lacked the thrill if chase, the anticipation the big dramatic reveal everything the book delt blant except for Lola.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery and another fun romp. But I feel gypped, because
A) Does she marry Dane?
B) Is it on the beach and what she wants and not the MIL?
C) What happens to Annleese and Semi?
D) or Babs - does she get a hottie?
and the absolute most important question....
WHO WON THE BROWNIE CONTEST? (for real, not the fix)

I'm kind of sad this one's over, it was a good, easy listening story. Come on Gina - write another one...

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Sad there were not any more books to the series! Lola and the gang are back and in full wedding planning mode, if only there wasn’t a kidnapping to solve, a brownie rivalry to get through, a potential monster in law in the making and danger all around. Will Lola and Dane make it to the alter?

[Tanya Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute series available free with Audible

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and light-hearted book with the characters we all love. The quirky and upbeat Lola and her socially awkward billionaire fiance, Dane. It's been a real pleasure and we watch Dane come out of his social shell and start acting like a real emotional human. He is a good, kind man who treats his employees and loved ones well, he just doesn't understand social etiquette and affairs of the heart. That's actually what I enjoy most about these books. The romance. Watching Lola and Dane's relationship evolve, more so than the actual mystery involved. Speaking of mystery, if that's what you are more concerned about... it isn't all that complex, but there are several suspects and motives. One of Dane's employees has gone missing and no one knows if he left of his own free will or if foul play is involved. His past is sketchy but his present and future are promising. To move forward in their case, Lola and gang have to go back to his past. There's no violence, though there is a slight altercation when the gang confront the culprit. There is also no sexual content. It is implied, but nothing is played out on the pages, making this safe for teens and up. In addition to Lola and Dane, the cast of characters include the BFF's, the pesky mothering figures, the bodyguard and the crazy suspects. We also see more of Dane's mom as they are planning the wedding... and you can just imagine how that's going. :O You can read this as a stand alone without any problems, but you probably won't appreciate the romance aspect as much, since you aren't getting the full love story. It is well written and reads quickly and easily. It is strictly from Lola's POV.

*I received an ARC of this book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a fast paced, cozy mystery with likable quirky characters, a murder, kidnapping, strange acquaintances, an upcoming wedding with a future mother-in-law who thinks you are definitely lot good enough for her billionaire son and decides to take charge away from the bride, then you will LOVE the third book in the Lola Pink Series. The main characters, Dane, an extremely naivé billionaire who is crazy about the quirky, free spirited Lola and can't wait to marry her drive the story with solving mysteries, murders, kidnapping and all sorts bad happenings. The story line in this third book in the series so deftly weaves a mystery that you are surprised at the end! Add to this the laugh out loud humor sandwiched between the seriousness of the mystery they need to solve and solve fast. Dane had a very strict and fun-less upbringing with the monster-in-law and is VERY naivé about everyday life experiences and Lola is a free spirit with a mind of her own which gives us some very funny parts interspersed with the serious mystery, especially when Lola has to clue him in to some very mundane experiences that Dane just can't get! Then there is Babs and Annalise, Lola's closest friends, Semi who is Dane's bodyguard and loves Annalise, but is involved in the mystery up to his eyeballs, Mrs. Dulcet who runs Dane's household and is very adept at making and keeping peace there and a new character that was introduced, Darius who is a strange character indeed. This is one of the best, fast, fun reads you just can't miss. I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kathy Birkhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

AnaAlyce is crying her eyes out because Simi has put her off. Lola Pink is preparing to marry billionaire fiancé Dane Clark when a kidnapping hits close to home—someone from Dane’s circle goes missing, Simi’s brother Trey. And if a high-stakes mystery isn’t enough, Lola contends with her soon‑to‑be mother-in-law meddling in wedding details. Plus - old rivals competing over brownie recipes!
The book shifts between wedding preparations (or not!), nostalgic backstories, and tense thriller moments. The reveal hits hard because the kidnapper is not only close to Dane but also played a duplicity-filled role from the start.
Lola figures out who the kidnapper is and foils his actions.
Lola stands up to her soon to be mother-in-law (and with Dane’s help) wins her approval.
The brownie competition is rigged by Dane to ends in a tie.
All’s well that ends well and the wedding plan is back on track!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say Lola Pink is a sassy character that most of us would like to be like, or be friends with her. She says what she thinks and isn't afraid to speak out. Apparently some of Lola's charming personality is rubbing off on her fiance Dane Clark. In this book he is seemingly transformed into a person who gets humor and can make a joke, when previously he was pretty straight laced. (Don't get me wrong. He is still straight laced, just with occasional outbreaks of funny and quirky comments.)

This is another fun book by author Gina LaManna. You will never go wrong selecting a book she has written! Her characters will stay with you long after the last page is read!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a fun read. In this 3rd book Lola Pink - our protagonist, and Dane Clark - her handsome, billionaire, fiancé are moving close to their wedding date. As if that isn’t enough stress for anyone, there is a kidnapping of Semi’s (perfect name for a bodyguard, right?!) brother - who also happens to be a Clark company employee.

I really like this book. From the main plot with all its twists and turns, to the sub-plots that involve everything from food, family, and loyalty, to love. I’m now eagerly awaiting for there to be a book four.

* I did receive an ARC from the author, but my opinions are entirely my own.

[Valerie Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what it was about this story, but I didn't like it. The second book of the series is still my favorite. Something about this story didn't keep my attention, and the parts that were supposed to be funny seemed forced. Like the whole brownie feud. Where did all the funny parts go? I do appreciate how Gina incorporates the steamy scenes in a way that you know what happened, but you don't have to live it. And wtf is in warehouse 12? It was so important in the first book, but by the end, it's unimportant and mentioned casually. Even though I was a bit disappointed in the final installment, I would still recommend the series and other Gina LaManna works.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Dane & Lola make a cute couple. They balance each other well.
And i like Semi so I was rooting for him & his brother to have a happy ending.

As with other series, the characters have become good pals & i enjoy listening to their latest adventure. the narrator for all three books, Wendy Tremont King does a great job.

My negative is that the writer left loose ends from the first book. What happened w/the bad guy from that one? And what's in warehouse 11?

i'm not sure if there'll be another one in the series, but i would like it. i look forward to the wedding, the new store and some resolution for the other couples.

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and Dane are now living together, her business is under construction and almost finished, and the wedding plans aren't going great. Dane's mother is sabotaging and taking control of every wedding aspect and Lola is fed up. Trying to juggle everything going on, it's unfortunate that Semi's brother Trey is missing. One ransom note later has Dane, Lola, and Semi in search of Trey. Is it corporate espionage, drug related, or something equally sinister? Lola is on the case and stirring up a hornet's nest of suspects that leads her down a dangerous path. Trying to find Trey, wedding planning, and balancing time with Dane's schedule has Lola running on empty and trying to stay alive.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to see Lola back

Im not a fan of the Hex files series so its really nice to see an entry in one of the authors other series. An excellent read, I loved the new secondary characters that were introduced. I really hope we see more of Darius in future books :) Heres hoping for a shorter wait on the next book.... Im very curious how the weddong goes.

[Heike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn't disappoint

As always, I read the book in one sitting. I love everything about this series. The characters are well developed, the story had me guessing til the end and the romance in it is just enough. I have yet to meet a Gina LaManna book I didn't like. If you like books with a little humour, romance, mystery, she's the author for you!

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

You can not find a better author then Gina LaManna!.. In book three we find Lola up to her ears with a Bridezilla future mother in law, a kidnapping, and murder. The plot keeps you turning pages and keeps you wondering if Dean and Lola will make it to their wedding alive.

[Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good addition to the Lola Pink series. This was my favorite book of the series. I enjoyed how the kidnapping was the focus and not Lola and Dane's relationship. I can say one thing, I'm glad Amanda Clark isn't my future mother-in-law. lol.

All of Gina LaManna's series are work reading and very enjoyable. Received an advanced copy from the author, reviewed by choice.

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola and Dane are back in the case of the missing employee. Nothing like a good investigation to add to the wedding planning stress that is plaguing Lola. Another great laugh out loud book from Ms. La Manna. Cannot wait for the next book.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.

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[Carla Eacret · Rating 5 out of 5]

sparkle

Lola is definitely a sparkle of sunshine and an inspiration of character who is true to herself! Dane and Lola have an awesome relationship in that he loves her for who she is without wanting to change anything about her and she brings sunshine and laughter and amazing love for him 💜

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding caper

Another fabulous Pink story. They keep my interest while making me smile and introducing me to some of the craziest most wonderful characters. The mystery weaves through the story binding it together with just enough angst to leave us wanting more Pink. Enjoy this story, the series is best consumed in order but are great stand alone also.

[JoAnn Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Such a cute series. I love nerds and Dane fits the bill for me. So you take a nerd and a free spirit and mix them together for a fun story. Not deep, no twists or surprises just a nice relaxing read. After a long day at work problem solving it’s a great break to not have to think to hard while solving a mystery.

[Ckop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

This book kept me wanting more and more very time I had to put it down. Finished it in a week ! As that's nearly impossible for someone with a one year old! So that should tell you something about this wonderful book. I've also read the first 2 which are equally wonderful. Please do me a favor and put away the phones and social media...and READ !!

[Dominique G. Riddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shades of Sunshine book 3

I enjoyed the third book of the series. Lola does allow herself to get into some very close calls. I love the relationship between Lola and Dane and the progression of it. I looking forward to the next adventure. I like to see how she will handle her soon to be mother in law here in out.

I would recommend this book and series.

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. We see that Dana has grown some since the first book. I like where he is going now. I am surprised Lola is not hurt more then she is. She seems to find trouble where ever she goes. I hope that the both of them figure out how they are going to merge together with his family. I look forward to seeing where this story goes.

[P.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola Pink is one of the characters you cannot get enough of. I have quickly read through all three of them and I need more! If you need something to make you smile, hold your breath, and laugh all in one book then pick this up. It is a quick read and fun! Can't wait to read another one of Gina Lamanna's books.

[Sandra Berryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely in the Pink!

Another wonderful escapade with Lola and company. To relieve some of the stress of our life right now I suggest you start with this series. Funny, great characters and enough mystery to keep you turning pages through the night, I heartily recommend this series. I hope we see more of Lola.