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Murder on Ice #2
Layback
Not too long ago, I had one Win an Olympic Gold Medal but an injury took me out of the running for the Ladies Figure Skating competition at the last Olympic Games. Nancy Kerrigan was grandfathered in. I was not.
I was disqualified. DQ’d. I was out in the cold on my keister.
But when an offer to fill a spot on a pairs team lands in my lap, I take it. It seems like an answered prayer—that is until a competitor is found brutally murdered in her room at the competitor’s village and my partner is the number one suspect.
I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands. Again. Sweet Kristi Yamaguchi, save me from overly cocky men.
My name is Sophia Eleonore Dubois and holy mother of Dorothy Hamill my life is still complicated . . .
I was disqualified. DQ’d. I was out in the cold on my keister.
But when an offer to fill a spot on a pairs team lands in my lap, I take it. It seems like an answered prayer—that is until a competitor is found brutally murdered in her room at the competitor’s village and my partner is the number one suspect.
I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands. Again. Sweet Kristi Yamaguchi, save me from overly cocky men.
My name is Sophia Eleonore Dubois and holy mother of Dorothy Hamill my life is still complicated . . .
First published May 11, 2019
About the author
Jennifer Rebecca
48 books237 followersJennifer is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Claire Goodnite series and the Presidential Affair. She is a native of San Diego, California. She credits her love of books and reading to her mother and her knowledge that real heroes do exist to her dad.
Jennifer is a graduate of California State University San Marcos where she studied Criminology and Justice Studies. She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta.
She currently lives in East Texas with her husband, Sean, and their three children along with an entire menagerie of lovable but sofa eating animals. She can often be found on the soccer or baseball fields, reading, or wondering what the hell her senior citizens have gotten up to now. Jennifer is convinced that if she puts her fitbit on one of the dogs, she might finally make her step goals.
She loves a great romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of laughter.
Jennifer is a graduate of California State University San Marcos where she studied Criminology and Justice Studies. She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta.
She currently lives in East Texas with her husband, Sean, and their three children along with an entire menagerie of lovable but sofa eating animals. She can often be found on the soccer or baseball fields, reading, or wondering what the hell her senior citizens have gotten up to now. Jennifer is convinced that if she puts her fitbit on one of the dogs, she might finally make her step goals.
She loves a great romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of laughter.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 16, 2019
Layback is book two in Jennifer Rebecca’s Murder on Ice Mysteries. There is also a lot of crossover with characters from her Funerals and Obituaries series. And while Layback can be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend all books from both series. There is a hilarious backstory with the grandmas and the Dangerous Dames that you certainly don’t want to miss, and there is also Kane and Sophia’s backstory that is referenced some in this book that might be confusing if you haven’t read book one in the Murder on Ice Mysteries.
Layback picks up where Attack Zone (book one) left off. It’s a few weeks later and Sophia is training for her last chance at Olympic gold. Will she make it this time, or will a murder take her out for good? Can her detective boyfriend, Kane f*%#@$! Green figure out who the real killer is before it’s too late?
I kind of adore this author’s writing style. It’s personable and humorous and kind of reads like the old fashioned detective shows on TV. Only with lots of sarcastic humor and some sexy times added in. And the “swearing” that happens kind of cracks me up, too. I’m a huge romantic suspense fan but I also like a great romcom. This author’s books combine both and even though this wasn’t my most favorite book of either series, it still had me laughing out loud and kept me up way too late. (Side note: I’m no longer allowed to read Jennifer Rebecca’s books while the hubs is trying to sleep!)
NICUnurse’s Rating: When I finished Attack Zone I immediately needed more of Kane and Sophia’s story so I was very much looking forward to this book. There were some parts that I think could have been fleshed out a little better, but all in all, this was a very entertaining story. And now I can’t wait for the next book in the Funerals & Obituaries series! I give Layback by Jennifer Rebecca 4 stars! Grab your copy today but just be sure to read it when other people are NOT trying to sleep or they will be pretty upset with you because it truly has LOL moments!
Layback picks up where Attack Zone (book one) left off. It’s a few weeks later and Sophia is training for her last chance at Olympic gold. Will she make it this time, or will a murder take her out for good? Can her detective boyfriend, Kane f*%#@$! Green figure out who the real killer is before it’s too late?
I kind of adore this author’s writing style. It’s personable and humorous and kind of reads like the old fashioned detective shows on TV. Only with lots of sarcastic humor and some sexy times added in. And the “swearing” that happens kind of cracks me up, too. I’m a huge romantic suspense fan but I also like a great romcom. This author’s books combine both and even though this wasn’t my most favorite book of either series, it still had me laughing out loud and kept me up way too late. (Side note: I’m no longer allowed to read Jennifer Rebecca’s books while the hubs is trying to sleep!)
NICUnurse’s Rating: When I finished Attack Zone I immediately needed more of Kane and Sophia’s story so I was very much looking forward to this book. There were some parts that I think could have been fleshed out a little better, but all in all, this was a very entertaining story. And now I can’t wait for the next book in the Funerals & Obituaries series! I give Layback by Jennifer Rebecca 4 stars! Grab your copy today but just be sure to read it when other people are NOT trying to sleep or they will be pretty upset with you because it truly has LOL moments!
May 16, 2019
4 stars
Layback is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and I highly suggest you read Attack Zone first. While you might be able to catch yourself up during the read of book two, there is a complicated back story and characters you won't want to miss!
An attempt on her life and one missed Olympic dream later, Sophia's life is a bit of a shit show. Everything she's worked for is gone in a flash. So when she gets the opportunity to jump into pairs skating when one of the qualifying skaters has to drop out, she's triple axles her way back onto Team USA, with flair and gusto. The fact that her boyfriend SD Detective Kane F*cking Green can't get over who her skate partner is, is well his shortcoming but it won't prevent her pursuit of her dreams.
So he's an idiot... But he's an idiot that loves Sophie and thinking of her with the man that screwed him over before was enough to make his jealous, growly Alpha side come out. He quickly realizes his mistake and plasters himself to her side to be with her through these games and the realization of her dreams. But as with all Jennifer Rebecca books, there are still quite a few shenanigans to navigate. Twists and turns and being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
I personally can't get enough of Jennifer Rebecca's unique brand of humor, so while I felt there were some inconsistencies in this book, I could overlook them because I so loved everything else. (Ok actually, I didn't like the stunt he pulled in Korea and Sophie's laissez-faire response to it. It was a jerk move and I doubt anyone would've been so chill over it!) Then the funny as hell octogenarians make a trip to the Games and where they go, I follow while clutching my sides hilariously. Great read for some sexy times and chuckles!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Layback is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and I highly suggest you read Attack Zone first. While you might be able to catch yourself up during the read of book two, there is a complicated back story and characters you won't want to miss!
An attempt on her life and one missed Olympic dream later, Sophia's life is a bit of a shit show. Everything she's worked for is gone in a flash. So when she gets the opportunity to jump into pairs skating when one of the qualifying skaters has to drop out, she's triple axles her way back onto Team USA, with flair and gusto. The fact that her boyfriend SD Detective Kane F*cking Green can't get over who her skate partner is, is well his shortcoming but it won't prevent her pursuit of her dreams.
So he's an idiot... But he's an idiot that loves Sophie and thinking of her with the man that screwed him over before was enough to make his jealous, growly Alpha side come out. He quickly realizes his mistake and plasters himself to her side to be with her through these games and the realization of her dreams. But as with all Jennifer Rebecca books, there are still quite a few shenanigans to navigate. Twists and turns and being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
I personally can't get enough of Jennifer Rebecca's unique brand of humor, so while I felt there were some inconsistencies in this book, I could overlook them because I so loved everything else. (Ok actually, I didn't like the stunt he pulled in Korea and Sophie's laissez-faire response to it. It was a jerk move and I doubt anyone would've been so chill over it!) Then the funny as hell octogenarians make a trip to the Games and where they go, I follow while clutching my sides hilariously. Great read for some sexy times and chuckles!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
May 16, 2019
Layback is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and I highly suggest you read Attack Zone first. While you might be able to catch yourself up during the read of book two, there is a complicated back story and characters you won't want to miss!
An attempt on her life and one missed Olympic dream later, Sophia's life is a bit of a shit show. Everything she's worked for is gone in a flash. So when she gets the opportunity to jump into pairs skating when one of the qualifying skaters has to drop out, she's triple axles her way back onto Team USA, with flair and gusto. The fact that her boyfriend SD Detective Kane F*cking Green can't get over who her skate partner is, is well his shortcoming but it won't prevent her pursuit of her dreams.
So he's an idiot... But he's an idiot that loves Sophie and thinking of her with the man that screwed him over before was enough to make his jealous, growly Alpha side come out. He quickly realizes his mistake and plasters himself to her side to be with her through these games and the realization of her dreams. But as with all Jennifer Rebecca books, there are still quite a few shenanigans to navigate. Twists and turns and being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
I personally can't get enough of Jennifer Rebecca's unique brand of humor, so while I felt there were some inconsistencies in this book, I could overlook them because I so loved everything else. (Ok actually, I didn't like the stunt he pulled in Korea and Sophie's laissez-faire response to it. It was a jerk move and I doubt anyone would've been so chill over it!) Then the funny as hell octogenarians make a trip to the Games and where they go, I follow while clutching my sides hilariously. Great read for some sexy times and chuckles!
An attempt on her life and one missed Olympic dream later, Sophia's life is a bit of a shit show. Everything she's worked for is gone in a flash. So when she gets the opportunity to jump into pairs skating when one of the qualifying skaters has to drop out, she's triple axles her way back onto Team USA, with flair and gusto. The fact that her boyfriend SD Detective Kane F*cking Green can't get over who her skate partner is, is well his shortcoming but it won't prevent her pursuit of her dreams.
So he's an idiot... But he's an idiot that loves Sophie and thinking of her with the man that screwed him over before was enough to make his jealous, growly Alpha side come out. He quickly realizes his mistake and plasters himself to her side to be with her through these games and the realization of her dreams. But as with all Jennifer Rebecca books, there are still quite a few shenanigans to navigate. Twists and turns and being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
I personally can't get enough of Jennifer Rebecca's unique brand of humor, so while I felt there were some inconsistencies in this book, I could overlook them because I so loved everything else. (Ok actually, I didn't like the stunt he pulled in Korea and Sophie's laissez-faire response to it. It was a jerk move and I doubt anyone would've been so chill over it!) Then the funny as hell octogenarians make a trip to the Games and where they go, I follow while clutching my sides hilariously. Great read for some sexy times and chuckles!
May 21, 2019
A fast paced read with a lot of plot twists and subplot lines to follow. A ton of humor and sex. Numerous pop culture and ice skating references. Should read the previous books to fully understand this one. I had a few issues catching up since I have only read one other book in the series.
Sofia Dubois's dreams were shattered when her stepmother had her kidnapped and hit her leg with a crowbar--yeah just like Nancy Kerrigan style. Unlike Kerrigan, Sofia didn't get a shot at the Olympics. Until now--as a pairs skater. But...like everything in her life, nothing goes according to plans. Beginning with her boyfriend Kade not talking to her because of his grudge against his former hockey teammate and Sofia's new skating partner, Luc--the typical womanizing player. He even slept with Kade's wife--ok, ex-wife, well then wife. Whatever, the point is Sofia didn't even know Kade was married. Sadly, she was more shocked about the fact that Kade had an ex-wife than anything. It's not like she thought he was an alterboy or anything. He was on the US Olympic hockey team and the Secret Service and now a police detective with her best friend's boyfriend, Trent.
Luc calls her to a competitor's room with a bit of a surprise. Oh and her Senator father is going to run for President and wants her to marry a junior Senator to push his career further. While at the Olympics, Kade tricks her into...well I can't say without giving a plot twist away. Her band of friends, the Dangerous Dames come to support her with their phallic objects and their own brand of antics. All make a very interesting few months.
Sofia Dubois's dreams were shattered when her stepmother had her kidnapped and hit her leg with a crowbar--yeah just like Nancy Kerrigan style. Unlike Kerrigan, Sofia didn't get a shot at the Olympics. Until now--as a pairs skater. But...like everything in her life, nothing goes according to plans. Beginning with her boyfriend Kade not talking to her because of his grudge against his former hockey teammate and Sofia's new skating partner, Luc--the typical womanizing player. He even slept with Kade's wife--ok, ex-wife, well then wife. Whatever, the point is Sofia didn't even know Kade was married. Sadly, she was more shocked about the fact that Kade had an ex-wife than anything. It's not like she thought he was an alterboy or anything. He was on the US Olympic hockey team and the Secret Service and now a police detective with her best friend's boyfriend, Trent.
Luc calls her to a competitor's room with a bit of a surprise. Oh and her Senator father is going to run for President and wants her to marry a junior Senator to push his career further. While at the Olympics, Kade tricks her into...well I can't say without giving a plot twist away. Her band of friends, the Dangerous Dames come to support her with their phallic objects and their own brand of antics. All make a very interesting few months.
May 24, 2019
Sofia’s dream of receiving an Olympia Gold Medal in Ladies Figure Skating was sabotaged after a violent attack and there was no do over in her future. She now has the opportunity to compete in pairs however Luc, her partner, has a way of rubbing people the wrong way, especially her boyfriend Kade.
Kade is a police detective and former Olympian. He has secrets from his past that Sofia wasn’t aware of that also involves Luc. Although he wants her to succeed, he doesn’t want it to be with Luc so although he won’t hold her back that doesn’t mean that he won’t do everything in his power to protect her.
Although this story had some suspense and twists it is the humor that really stands out. This is the first story I have read by his author, but I will be going back to read Attack Zone.
Kade is a police detective and former Olympian. He has secrets from his past that Sofia wasn’t aware of that also involves Luc. Although he wants her to succeed, he doesn’t want it to be with Luc so although he won’t hold her back that doesn’t mean that he won’t do everything in his power to protect her.
Although this story had some suspense and twists it is the humor that really stands out. This is the first story I have read by his author, but I will be going back to read Attack Zone.
May 12, 2019
I am sorry to say this. I hated this book.
There was so many things wrong with this book, at least that I thought were wrong that I’m actually thinking about doing an instagram live about this during this week.
This is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and it’s a little irritating because it doesn’t specify anywhere that you NEED to read the previous book before reading this one. Nowhere does it say that it actually follows a timeline and that you are missing some pretty big information or that these characters have history that you need to know before hand.
Sophia and Kane have some sort of history that took place in the first book that the reader only gets vague mention of. Sophia, the narrator, doesn’t specify her age, her relation with anybody except the fact that they had “history in Paris” and that her father is a senator and that her friends are amazing.
How did you meet them??!!
What happened in Paris??!!
Nothing about that is mentioned. Sure, in the first page, the reader gets clued into the fact that Sophia has not had the happiest home life.
That gets mentioned six times in four chapters.
For me that’s why too much.
It seems unnecessary to mention the fact that I’m talking about that many times. It just feels really annoying.
Sophia is an Olympic athlete and that, to me, means that your life is all about your sport. You are single minded in your purpose. On that front, Sophia was kind of perfect. She wanted to win gold at the Olympics and she was determined, beyond everything without a shadow of a doubt, to win it.
However….
Kane, who was an Olympic Gold Medalist, seemed almost as single-minded as Sophia in his search for something to stop her. It’s not that he didn’t support her. Because there was evidence that he did support her. But there was almost as much evidence that he didn’t want her to win the way she wanted to win.
He was implied to be older, significantly so, than Sophia. I don’t have any problem with older-younger pairings but this one didn’t seem fair to me. In the book, Sophia alluded to being “innocent”-a virgin-before meeting Kane and that’s all fine and dandy but she seems almost impossibly naive for this day and age. I mean… there are definite ways to find out information and she didn’t seem to be that sheltered. She went to a private school. That’s not innocent.
But that’s not what put me over the edge.
No, what put me over the edge is something that really just…
*sigh* Kane had an issue with Sophia’s skating partner and he refused, initially, to explain why. When he finally did, Sophia accepted it too easily. not only that but when they make it to the Olympics, Kane does something sooooooo shady that I had to stop reading for a whole day. But SOPHIA GOT OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!
That’s not OK!
Jesus Christ, this is a terrible example of a relationship. I couldn’t get over it. I’m still not over it. And his “reasons” weren’t even that viable. And their relationship was filled with sex. That’s not bad but it seemed as though they were using sex as a substitute for actually talking and settling the issue.
Let me know if you guys agree or not. We can have a discussion!
There was so many things wrong with this book, at least that I thought were wrong that I’m actually thinking about doing an instagram live about this during this week.
This is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and it’s a little irritating because it doesn’t specify anywhere that you NEED to read the previous book before reading this one. Nowhere does it say that it actually follows a timeline and that you are missing some pretty big information or that these characters have history that you need to know before hand.
Sophia and Kane have some sort of history that took place in the first book that the reader only gets vague mention of. Sophia, the narrator, doesn’t specify her age, her relation with anybody except the fact that they had “history in Paris” and that her father is a senator and that her friends are amazing.
How did you meet them??!!
What happened in Paris??!!
Nothing about that is mentioned. Sure, in the first page, the reader gets clued into the fact that Sophia has not had the happiest home life.
That gets mentioned six times in four chapters.
For me that’s why too much.
It seems unnecessary to mention the fact that I’m talking about that many times. It just feels really annoying.
Sophia is an Olympic athlete and that, to me, means that your life is all about your sport. You are single minded in your purpose. On that front, Sophia was kind of perfect. She wanted to win gold at the Olympics and she was determined, beyond everything without a shadow of a doubt, to win it.
However….
Kane, who was an Olympic Gold Medalist, seemed almost as single-minded as Sophia in his search for something to stop her. It’s not that he didn’t support her. Because there was evidence that he did support her. But there was almost as much evidence that he didn’t want her to win the way she wanted to win.
He was implied to be older, significantly so, than Sophia. I don’t have any problem with older-younger pairings but this one didn’t seem fair to me. In the book, Sophia alluded to being “innocent”-a virgin-before meeting Kane and that’s all fine and dandy but she seems almost impossibly naive for this day and age. I mean… there are definite ways to find out information and she didn’t seem to be that sheltered. She went to a private school. That’s not innocent.
But that’s not what put me over the edge.
No, what put me over the edge is something that really just…
*sigh* Kane had an issue with Sophia’s skating partner and he refused, initially, to explain why. When he finally did, Sophia accepted it too easily. not only that but when they make it to the Olympics, Kane does something sooooooo shady that I had to stop reading for a whole day. But SOPHIA GOT OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!
That’s not OK!
Jesus Christ, this is a terrible example of a relationship. I couldn’t get over it. I’m still not over it. And his “reasons” weren’t even that viable. And their relationship was filled with sex. That’s not bad but it seemed as though they were using sex as a substitute for actually talking and settling the issue.
Let me know if you guys agree or not. We can have a discussion!
May 13, 2019
This book had really good aspects then some weird aspects as well. I signed up to read it as an ARC not knowing that there was a first book in the series. I think if I would have read the first book, then I would have been enlightened a bit more during this one and I wold not have been as confused in the beginning. The author did shed some light in what, I am guessing, happened in the previous book, but not enough to my liking.
That being said, this book was humorous, suspenseful, and interesting. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 in the grand scheme of things.
I really liked Sophia for the majority of the book, though I didn't expect her reactions a couple of times, which I mean that happens at times with people so I totally get that. Kane is Sophia's love interest and they evidently have been together for more than a year at this point. He is extremely alpha and jealous and super protective. I get it, she is a senator's daughter and needs protecting, but he is a little much. Even though their chemistry is pretty freaking hot.
The actual story line was really good, I enjoyed learning what was happening and trying to figure out how exactly happened and not going to lie, I totally was thrown a curveball I was not expecting!
All in all, I was entertained reading the book and I am curious to see what happens next in the series and what is to come for Kane and Sophia.
That being said, this book was humorous, suspenseful, and interesting. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 in the grand scheme of things.
I really liked Sophia for the majority of the book, though I didn't expect her reactions a couple of times, which I mean that happens at times with people so I totally get that. Kane is Sophia's love interest and they evidently have been together for more than a year at this point. He is extremely alpha and jealous and super protective. I get it, she is a senator's daughter and needs protecting, but he is a little much. Even though their chemistry is pretty freaking hot.
The actual story line was really good, I enjoyed learning what was happening and trying to figure out how exactly happened and not going to lie, I totally was thrown a curveball I was not expecting!
All in all, I was entertained reading the book and I am curious to see what happens next in the series and what is to come for Kane and Sophia.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews