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Port Serenity #1
A Texas State of Mind
Police Chief Lolly LaTullipe’s professional life runs amuck when dead drug dealers start floating up on the beach. Port Serenity, Texas is known for bird watchers and bikini clad co-eds–not murder and mayhem. Lolly’s situation becomes even more complicated when a sexy undercover narcotics cop shows up eliciting thoughts of rumpled sheets and hot summer nights. This single mom of two is afraid she’s in way over her head.Christian Delacroix is jaded from years in drug enforcement and the appealing police chief has him reassessing his priorities and future. Is he ready for this small town with its cast of eccentric characters. And is he prepared for Lolly LaTulippe with her white-picket-fence life complete with a close-knit family and circle of friends? Not to mention her big shaggy dog and all the complications of life with a teenager.Are diapers, PTA meetings and football games in this cop’s future?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2005
230 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Ann DeFee
29 books24 followersAs a "feel good" author Ann DeFee infuses humor into her romantic comedy, mystery, magic realism (where the surreal becomes reality), humor/satire and action/adventure stories. A multi-award winner, Ann has written twelve novels for Harlequin and an additional three for Bellastoria Press. She has won, or was a finalist in ten national and international book award contests. Believe in the Magic leads the way with a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal, a Chanticleer Somerset Fiction Award winner and is now a Grand Prize Finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
As a business woman, Ann is a managing-partner of Bellastoria Press LLP, an independent hybrid publishing company that specializes in shepherding authors through the book publishing process.
On a personal note, Ann loves living in her stories (both writing and reading) and research. She lives in Williamsburg, VA, the epicenter of American history, a perfect place to be actively involved in a national organization that focuses on history, patriotism and genealogy.
Her guilty pleasure is that she’s addicted to hot chocolate (regardless of the season) and she loves all things that glitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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September 7, 2012
A Texas State of Mind by Ann Defee, published in 2005 is a Harlequin Super Romance novel. (meaning it has a few more pages than the usual Harlequin paperback) This book would fall into the contemporary romance category but could also be romantic suspense.
Lolly ( a name passed down through generations) is the chief of police in the small Texas gulf town of Port Serenity. She is also a single mother raising two kids alone.
When bodies start washing up on the beach, two undercover narcotic officers show up to investigate.
Christian, is tired and burned out. He is ready for marriage and family, but it doesn't seem like a possibility with his being an undercover cop.
Then he meets Lolly. Their first meeting was hilarious. They wind up working together as more dead bodies show up. There are many obstacles they have to overcome before they can commit to each other. Lolly's no good ex- husband shows up wanting to spend time with the kids, her teenage son starts getting into trouble, her mother is dating, along with having to figure out what's going on in her town, and doubts about Christian's job and if it's wise to get involved with him. There are secondary characters also, I liked their story as much as Lolly and Christians.
This is a cute romance, with intended humor, a little mystery/ action/adventure. The premise was just a little too silly for my taste, and way too far fetched. I also hate it when an author makes people from Texas sound like we walk around saying things like "tarnation". This book is only seven years old, and written in present day, it's not a historical western or anything. So, some of the language wasn't too realistic, especially coming from a law enforcement official. But, the book was intended to be funny, so I kept that in mind. Overall not a terrible way to spend the afternoon, but I have read much better. I give it a C.
Lolly ( a name passed down through generations) is the chief of police in the small Texas gulf town of Port Serenity. She is also a single mother raising two kids alone.
When bodies start washing up on the beach, two undercover narcotic officers show up to investigate.
Christian, is tired and burned out. He is ready for marriage and family, but it doesn't seem like a possibility with his being an undercover cop.
Then he meets Lolly. Their first meeting was hilarious. They wind up working together as more dead bodies show up. There are many obstacles they have to overcome before they can commit to each other. Lolly's no good ex- husband shows up wanting to spend time with the kids, her teenage son starts getting into trouble, her mother is dating, along with having to figure out what's going on in her town, and doubts about Christian's job and if it's wise to get involved with him. There are secondary characters also, I liked their story as much as Lolly and Christians.
This is a cute romance, with intended humor, a little mystery/ action/adventure. The premise was just a little too silly for my taste, and way too far fetched. I also hate it when an author makes people from Texas sound like we walk around saying things like "tarnation". This book is only seven years old, and written in present day, it's not a historical western or anything. So, some of the language wasn't too realistic, especially coming from a law enforcement official. But, the book was intended to be funny, so I kept that in mind. Overall not a terrible way to spend the afternoon, but I have read much better. I give it a C.
August 10, 2019
This was a cute book. I felt like at first I was really into it and by half way through I was just ready to move on. I'm not sure if it was just me or the book. Either way it was a nice small town book. I figured out who done it pretty quick. No shocker. Its a simple easy read.
July 3, 2017
"Texas State of Fantasy"
Allow me to begin my review with a clear statement that "Fantasy" especially in the romance genre is not a bad thing but rather an expectation. The whole book is on one hand a charming but rose tinted-tinted glasses look at all the hard issues faced by a single divorced mother holding down a demanding often "dirty job"; the influence of drugs and drug dealing on small town resort communities, former criminals attempting to atone for their crimes by committing more crime, a mentally ill and homeless person who really is not getting the help he needs. Now add one female law officer falling in love with a alpha male state police officer and fighting serious crime alongside of him with stake-outs and all told without uttering one swear word. On the other hand, it is just not reality. It is the reality of a writer's mind based on her "real world" experiences. She spun her reality into fantasy to please a certain audience and for saleability of this book for those audiences.Of course, many romance authors do this. The authors with genius weave a story for the reader that has an underlying theme, a morsel of truth.
While the reader will find this writing is mostly proficient. The beginning of the book does catch one's interest. We find ourselves sort of muddling through large blocks of many story lines happening at once. A good edit would probably be beneficial. Also, people do say "hell", "damn" and "sh@t" especially law enforcement, not to mention even more colorful language especially during life and death situations. Lack of this realistic language is somewhat pandering to a select audience. Surely God will not put you in "H.E. Double Hockey Sticks" for uttering a few well placed obscenities.
Then there are the love scenes which have such potential for heat. They are handled as if we were watching the characters with our eyes closed while they hide under the blankets. Again, surely God will not put you in hell (oops!) if you blatantly describe or even give us more description and some sexy even dirty hot words we love our men to whisper in our ears to seduce us.
So that I am not misunderstood in any way, I realize this is the book for readers out there who like it all scrubbed clean from the characters to the language and to the love scenes. If this is how you like it, then this read will delight you.
Other readers like it spicier, hotter, more realistic with hot seductive love scenes. This book may frustrate these readers.
When we search for an overall theme or truth from the read, I try to squeeze out the one where the Hero is willing to take a desk job to marry his law enforcement officer love. But Christian has been contemplating this even before he met Lolly. He was lucky to find her when he was ready.
So a reader such as myself needed to be satisfied with the proficient read, some good description of the area and the "Ah Shucks" tone of the read.
This book is written to please a certain audience and reality is edited out for the sake of the "Fantasy Texas State of Mind"
Allow me to begin my review with a clear statement that "Fantasy" especially in the romance genre is not a bad thing but rather an expectation. The whole book is on one hand a charming but rose tinted-tinted glasses look at all the hard issues faced by a single divorced mother holding down a demanding often "dirty job"; the influence of drugs and drug dealing on small town resort communities, former criminals attempting to atone for their crimes by committing more crime, a mentally ill and homeless person who really is not getting the help he needs. Now add one female law officer falling in love with a alpha male state police officer and fighting serious crime alongside of him with stake-outs and all told without uttering one swear word. On the other hand, it is just not reality. It is the reality of a writer's mind based on her "real world" experiences. She spun her reality into fantasy to please a certain audience and for saleability of this book for those audiences.Of course, many romance authors do this. The authors with genius weave a story for the reader that has an underlying theme, a morsel of truth.
While the reader will find this writing is mostly proficient. The beginning of the book does catch one's interest. We find ourselves sort of muddling through large blocks of many story lines happening at once. A good edit would probably be beneficial. Also, people do say "hell", "damn" and "sh@t" especially law enforcement, not to mention even more colorful language especially during life and death situations. Lack of this realistic language is somewhat pandering to a select audience. Surely God will not put you in "H.E. Double Hockey Sticks" for uttering a few well placed obscenities.
Then there are the love scenes which have such potential for heat. They are handled as if we were watching the characters with our eyes closed while they hide under the blankets. Again, surely God will not put you in hell (oops!) if you blatantly describe or even give us more description and some sexy even dirty hot words we love our men to whisper in our ears to seduce us.
So that I am not misunderstood in any way, I realize this is the book for readers out there who like it all scrubbed clean from the characters to the language and to the love scenes. If this is how you like it, then this read will delight you.
Other readers like it spicier, hotter, more realistic with hot seductive love scenes. This book may frustrate these readers.
When we search for an overall theme or truth from the read, I try to squeeze out the one where the Hero is willing to take a desk job to marry his law enforcement officer love. But Christian has been contemplating this even before he met Lolly. He was lucky to find her when he was ready.
So a reader such as myself needed to be satisfied with the proficient read, some good description of the area and the "Ah Shucks" tone of the read.
This book is written to please a certain audience and reality is edited out for the sake of the "Fantasy Texas State of Mind"
July 5, 2017
Lolly is the Police Chief in Port Serenity. Nothing much ever happens there. It is a small town of interconnectedness on steroids. It is quite funny and the characters are entertaining. Narc undercover cop Christian is partnered with CJ Baker, a former local who knows Lolly and all the others in town. He has it bad for Lolly's best friend, Livy. Livy is the local vet and part time coroner, so this just adds to the hilarity. CJ is also known as Cookie to the locals. Cookie doesn't warn Christian about Lolly, so their first meet up is a stunning disaster, lol. When she finds out who she met the night before, things begin to get interesting. They end up investigating local floaters that are formerly drug thugs. There is a group of older people at the retirement village that chip in to 'help' the cops. An interesting cast of weirdos. Things get steamy and they end up in a few binds, both personally and professionally. It is a cute story.
I received this book free and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I received this book free and have voluntarily reviewed it.
January 14, 2012
Port Serenity #1
4 Stars! ~ Christian is an undercover narcotics cop, and he and his partner CJ are in Port Serenity because dead drug dealers keep washing up on their beaches. Lolly is the sexy, sassy blond bombshell of a Police Chief, and she's far too smart to get herself involved with a state cop. Christian's leather and pony tail tell of his dark side, but deep down he's pretty attracted to the wife, kids and picket fence life that Lolly has to offer.
This is Ann DeFee's debut. It was a wonderful, witty and sexy read. The sparks flew from the moment Lolly and Christian met. There are alot of odd ball residents in Port Serenity, adding colour and charm to the town. This was a pure delight!
4 Stars! ~ Christian is an undercover narcotics cop, and he and his partner CJ are in Port Serenity because dead drug dealers keep washing up on their beaches. Lolly is the sexy, sassy blond bombshell of a Police Chief, and she's far too smart to get herself involved with a state cop. Christian's leather and pony tail tell of his dark side, but deep down he's pretty attracted to the wife, kids and picket fence life that Lolly has to offer.
This is Ann DeFee's debut. It was a wonderful, witty and sexy read. The sparks flew from the moment Lolly and Christian met. There are alot of odd ball residents in Port Serenity, adding colour and charm to the town. This was a pure delight!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2015
Lolly is a petit blonde police chief. Christian is an undercover DEA agent. After a meet-cute involving a stun gun they end up working together when dead bodies of drug dealers start washing up on the shore.
I liked this. Christian and Lolly were more mature characters - she has two kids and a dog! The plot was fast moving, although I worked out who the murderer was (although not why) early on. My only gripe is that the scenes switched about rather abruptly.
I liked this. Christian and Lolly were more mature characters - she has two kids and a dog! The plot was fast moving, although I worked out who the murderer was (although not why) early on. My only gripe is that the scenes switched about rather abruptly.
September 26, 2015
Enjoyed it but...
Need better proofreader/editor.
I liked the storyline, the characters and being able to get lost in Port Serenity.
The bad:
Missing words.
Wrong words (on instead of in).
Christian was kissing down towards her breasts then turned her to face him. HUH? Exorcist or contortionist?
Overall, I really enjoyed the suspense and humor of this story. Worth reading.
Need better proofreader/editor.
I liked the storyline, the characters and being able to get lost in Port Serenity.
The bad:
Missing words.
Wrong words (on instead of in).
Christian was kissing down towards her breasts then turned her to face him. HUH? Exorcist or contortionist?
Overall, I really enjoyed the suspense and humor of this story. Worth reading.
July 14, 2017
Unstable POV. More romance than suspense. But decent in a cutesie way. Low 3 star.
April 18, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 15, 2019 (currently $4.99 at Amazon as of writing this post)
I like a story with law enforcement so I was happy to see one of the main characters was the Chief of Police and it was the female! Lolly is a divorced mom of two and well established in her small town. Things are pretty ordinary until dead bodies of drug dealers start washing up on the beach.
State agents who are undercover in narcotics join the the investigation. One of these Christian is insta love with Lolly. His partner CJ is from the area. Lolly and her best friend (vet and coroner) Olivia both know him.
There are a lot of layers to this story which is usually a good thing but it seemed to add to the quirky and slow the pacing. I'd rather have had a bit more character development than the tangents. There's Lolly's horrible ex Wendell causing trouble, her mother and aunt, on their own shenanigans, and her teen son, Bren, making some bad choices.
The law enforcement was a weird contrast between the local kids vandalism or drunks which Lolly handles usually, to the murders and drugs of higher stakes Christian fights. A Texas State of Mind was an easy read but I needed more plot, character development and better pacing.
COYER April Mystery RAT
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on December 15, 2019 (currently $4.99 at Amazon as of writing this post)
I like a story with law enforcement so I was happy to see one of the main characters was the Chief of Police and it was the female! Lolly is a divorced mom of two and well established in her small town. Things are pretty ordinary until dead bodies of drug dealers start washing up on the beach.
State agents who are undercover in narcotics join the the investigation. One of these Christian is insta love with Lolly. His partner CJ is from the area. Lolly and her best friend (vet and coroner) Olivia both know him.
There are a lot of layers to this story which is usually a good thing but it seemed to add to the quirky and slow the pacing. I'd rather have had a bit more character development than the tangents. There's Lolly's horrible ex Wendell causing trouble, her mother and aunt, on their own shenanigans, and her teen son, Bren, making some bad choices.
The law enforcement was a weird contrast between the local kids vandalism or drunks which Lolly handles usually, to the murders and drugs of higher stakes Christian fights. A Texas State of Mind was an easy read but I needed more plot, character development and better pacing.
COYER April Mystery RAT
June 13, 2017
Welcome to Port Serenity- a modern day Mayberry until dead bodies start washing ashore. Lolly is the police chief of Port Serenity and a single mom who has no time for dating. If she was looking for a relationship it would be with someone who has a safe, steady job. Christian is an undercover cop with the Texas Dept. of public safety and narcotics division. Christian is thinking about settling down with a nice librarian type. Sparks fly when Lolly and Christian first meet- Lolly uses her tazer on him. When these two are forced to work together to solve the murders, things heat up between them. I laughed all through this book. MeeMaw and Aunt Sissy are quite the pair- them at the strip club is priceless. They remind me of a couple of my relatives! The characters in this story are wonderful. I have got to download Olivia and Cookie's book. Cookie has a lot of groveling to do.
*I received a free copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
*I received a free copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
June 9, 2017
I voluntarily received a free copy of this book for review and I have to tell you, I loved every single moment of it. Hot and sassy, Funny and death defying. Cop meets Narc Cop and all fears are vanquished like putty in a puddle of rain when these two come together. If you haven't read it, please do so, you will not be disappointed.
September 9, 2019
4 stars
Very clever portrayal of small town happenings and events. Good clean writing and many funny moments. Glad everything worked out for the Chief. Not sure about the title. Maybe if from Texas would mean more.
Very clever portrayal of small town happenings and events. Good clean writing and many funny moments. Glad everything worked out for the Chief. Not sure about the title. Maybe if from Texas would mean more.
September 10, 2019
Wow
Action,action and more action,also a whole lot of laughter.Mystery,suspense and laughter and really good characters that work well together.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
Action,action and more action,also a whole lot of laughter.Mystery,suspense and laughter and really good characters that work well together.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 16, 2019
Bad guys and the good guys.
Drugs, mafia and other bad guys Deal with the local police, DEA and the Texas Rangers. Action filled and an easy read. You’ll enjoy the whole story. I cant wait to read book two.
Drugs, mafia and other bad guys Deal with the local police, DEA and the Texas Rangers. Action filled and an easy read. You’ll enjoy the whole story. I cant wait to read book two.
November 20, 2019
Cops and more cops
Polly is chief of police in Port Serenity, divorced mother of two and drop dead gorgeous. Christian is a lieutenant in the State narcotics division working undercover. Their meeting shocking in more ways than one.
Polly is chief of police in Port Serenity, divorced mother of two and drop dead gorgeous. Christian is a lieutenant in the State narcotics division working undercover. Their meeting shocking in more ways than one.
June 27, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable read!! The fun, the suspense, the twists and turns just don't let up. An absolute must read.
July 12, 2017
This was a fun, unexpected, and laugh-out-loud mystery/crime novel, with all the hotness and sex appeal you'd expect from the cover, plus some surprisingly terrific plot twists and great writing.
March 23, 2020
Texas Love.
This was a wonderful book. I loved it from beginning to end. Now I want to read Texas Born. Hard to put down.
This was a wonderful book. I loved it from beginning to end. Now I want to read Texas Born. Hard to put down.
March 29, 2020
It was ok, but I didn’t like it enough to buy the next book so I’ll stick with what’s offered free from this series
March 30, 2020
A Texas State of Mind review
A Texas State of Mind is the first romantic comedy book in the Port Serenity series written by author Ann DeFee.
A Texas State of Mind is the first romantic comedy book in the Port Serenity series written by author Ann DeFee.
July 20, 2020
Team!
A Texas State of Mind: Fantastic suspense and surprises. Great characters that work well together. It was an interesting romance. Great writing.
A Texas State of Mind: Fantastic suspense and surprises. Great characters that work well together. It was an interesting romance. Great writing.
November 8, 2020
I grew up in Texas and this is a very cute book with some great plot twists right smackdab in the middle of it all. Quirky and fun. Read during the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020.
May 25, 2015
Lolly LaTullipe, the sheriff of Port Serenity, a peaceful town, was soon involved in the investigation of dead bodies showing up in her town. Christian Delacroix is a narcotics undercover cop for the state of Texas. His investigation leads him to Port Serenity. Lolly had a call at the Peaceful Cove where the mayor's 17 year old daughter. There she runs into C.J. Baker, a former classmate. His friend pulled Lolly into his lap and her response was to teach him some manner by using her taser on him. The next day they were both surprised to find each worked for upholding the law. They joined forces to solve the mystery of the growing number of bodies and put dent in the drug traffic. But the sparks from the taser were nothing compared to the sparks for each other. Great book with an unexpected ending
August 4, 2015
Funny story
When your story start with a lady police chief pulled onto a guys lap and tasering him and he turns out to be an undercover cop you know your in for a good time. Dead bodies, a coroner who's a vet, vigilante senior citizens and a cast of great characters make this a wild ride. Can't wait for the next book.
When your story start with a lady police chief pulled onto a guys lap and tasering him and he turns out to be an undercover cop you know your in for a good time. Dead bodies, a coroner who's a vet, vigilante senior citizens and a cast of great characters make this a wild ride. Can't wait for the next book.
November 27, 2023
A Texas State Of Mind
I liked this novel for a lot of reasons, but one I suppose is that the book flowed from first page to last. Characters were good to and for each other. The storyline I would say was more than one more like three going on at the same time. But in the end it all came together and all players were happy.
I liked this novel for a lot of reasons, but one I suppose is that the book flowed from first page to last. Characters were good to and for each other. The storyline I would say was more than one more like three going on at the same time. But in the end it all came together and all players were happy.
May 14, 2015
Wonderful Story
The characters in this book are a joy to get to know. Beautifully written story that pulled me in from the first pages and kept me reading until I was done.....all in one sitting.
The characters in this book are a joy to get to know. Beautifully written story that pulled me in from the first pages and kept me reading until I was done.....all in one sitting.
May 15, 2015
I enjoyed this cozy romance. Loved the agents, and the lady sheriff and her best friend, the lady veterinarian.
The plot was busy and the characters varied. From the old folks home to the teens on the beach - lots of story to enjoy!
The plot was busy and the characters varied. From the old folks home to the teens on the beach - lots of story to enjoy!
June 28, 2015
Who says good things can't happen to those who least expect it? Lolly and Christian put on a thrilling book trying to catch who is dropping dead drug lord bodies in the ocean while trying to keep their hands to themselves. Funny, spicy and murder mystery thrilling book to read.
October 12, 2016
Good read
Sexy, funny, mystery and romance. And what a surprising ending. The hero and heroine clash from the start, but are forced together to solve multiple murders. The sparks fly and what will happen next. Highly recommend.
Sexy, funny, mystery and romance. And what a surprising ending. The hero and heroine clash from the start, but are forced together to solve multiple murders. The sparks fly and what will happen next. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews