Lipstick and Lies

by Gina LaManna

Jenna McGovern is dressed to kill for Blueberry Lake’s annual firefighter charity auction. But when she finds her attractive fireman neighbor, Matt Bridges, standing over the body of a local hair stylist—and his ex-girlfriend—it’s not exactly the romantic ambiance Jenna had in mind. While the handsome chief of police, Cooper Dear, sets out to investigate Matt, Jenna finds herself sucked into another murder case in which an innocent man seems to have been framed. Cooper isn’t especially thrilled when Jenna takes Matt’s side, and he’s even less thrilled when it appears the murderer has turned his or her sights on Jenna. Unfortunately, Jenna’s in far too deep to back out. She’s got a new car, freshly waxed eyebrows, and a manicure that can be seen from space… but if Jenna doesn’t stop the murderer before it’s too late, she’ll be picking out clothes for her very own funeral.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2020

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

[Rellim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly funny & OTT cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of love triangles and while it was sort of light in the first book – it didn’t work for me here. It felt like Jenna wasn’t being entirely honest with either of them. Cooper and Matt started competing for Jenna and it took over the story. Unlike the last one where Jenna was slightly nosey about the murder, this time she interrogates pretty much everyone involved with the victim and it stretched believability too far for me.

It ends with Matt & Cooper neck n neck for Jenna’s affections. Honestly, I’m not interested to see who she ends up with so I’m going to stop here.

Narration:
Kelsey Navarro was delightful again. Her portrayal of all these characters is just fantastic. She’s the reason I finished listening.

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Insufferable h!
She is so VAPID I just cannot understand why she has two amazing men chasing her

Love triangle and although I love me some OMD this just is rubbing me the wrong way. I think it’s cause she takes advantage of the men and she is a bitch and inconsiderate esp to one of them.

The whole “I’m not dating” was every other sentence out of her and I just could hear the phrase one more time like she was some prize to be won… she is not.

She is selfish
A complete loser
Conceited
Vain
Shallow
Self absorbed
And a competed whiny bitch
She is combative and defensive
She is also a user
Not having money but racking up your CC for the latest fashions is so irresponsible it was unattractive

I’ll say again it’ll this girl was 21 this would make sense but she is 30!

Not making coffee or going grocery shopping and mooching off others isn’t cute or funny. Not at 30!

And don’t get me started on her big career where she was so successful but has not one thing to show for it.
Mi just cannot figure out why the author made this girl so insufferable and vapid.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Entertaining book to listen to. I like Jenna's character. Her love triangle (which is pretty normal for mysteries lately) is between a cop and firefighter. It's hard for me to know who to choose! I don't even remember all of the mystery itself. Maybe I should've read a romance in between these mysteries?? Haha...NEXT! :-)

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

Sometimes very funny, but also unlikely at times. Great light reading, though

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite series by Gina LaManna. Jenna is back along with the hunky neighbor and police chief. When Matt is suspected of murdering his ex girlfriend, Jenna makes sure he’s cleared. Fun and quirky characters make this a must read series for me. Looking forward to whats in store for Jenna next! Team Cooper all the way!!

[Luna Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I literally didn't stop a beat to pick up this book after Secret and Stilettos, i just continued on to Lipstick and Lies as though its just another chapter. Honestly it feels like just another chapter with the no time jumps part.

I am falling for Blueberry lake, what does it take to live in a fictional small town, solving murders with very cute guys around. This book just brought the score even on the Matt vs Cooper fight ( which is non existent, totally in my head, i am team Cooper all the way but we are forced to act as if their is no competition 😜😜).

Matt's ex is found dead on his backyard and Jenna has to help him clear his name. Cooper is not a fan of Jenna's enthusiasm to help Matt.
There is so much testosterone in the air, add some bachelorette auction,two cute guys at the ready, a murder to solve we have the Perfect read.

Matt get to kiss Jenna and she seems to have some sparks for him but ironically i think there isn't a chance for him. Everytime Matt and Jenna are together, Gina LaManna ends it with some sort of mention to Cooper Dear but when Cooper and Jenna gets together, its like who is Matt?.

So just as i told you in the beginning i just took up Mascara and Murder, i want to see this through.

I think, no promises, i will give some spoliers about the three books at the end of the series, but no promises i might feel different when i finish the book so thats that.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Murder in Style mysteries series, Secrets and Stilettos was a blast, so I wanted to give Lipstick and Lies by Gina LaManna a read. We jump in shortly after Jenna solves her first murder, but this time her hot neighbor is the one in trouble. Once again Jenna shows how loyal she is to finding the truth, even in the event of putting her own life on the line.

Lipstick and Lies still had Jenna’s cluelessness on display, which can be a fun break from your own reality. And this time, instead of rushing into danger herself, she has a sidekick, Allie. Or actually Allie would say that Jenna is the sidekick. I really enjoy Allie’s don’t care what others think of me attitude and I think she’ll add more amusement in future books.

The bachelorette auction was a blast and showed once again how much the sheriff, Cooper is into Jenna. In the last book it seemed like Jenna’s attraction may be more for Cooper, but this book had her feeling the feels for her neighbor, Matt, too. I’m interested to see where this goes, and so are the rest of the people in Blueberry Lake. Although, I have been known to stop reading series; Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and the Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke because I couldn’t handle the love triangle any longer. So hopefully Jenna makes a decision soon.

Another fun read in the Murder in Style series that I recommend.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

another easy story.
this one had more humor than the previous one. the actual mystery isn't that developed or interesting On audio, it's an enjoyable quick listen during my workday. (the narrator does a good job)

i really like the Jenna character. and i don't know which guy to choose either.
i like the other characters as well.

i noticed that the writer had several different series. i wondered when some of those have several books, she only wrote 2 in this series. (i would listen/read another book in this series.)

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna is still navigating being home. Her foxy neighbor Matt is supplying her with caffeine and breakfast and hunky police chief Cooper is still running hot and cold in their friendship. Blueberry Lake is getting ready for the event of the year and Jenna is busy dressing women for the annual charity auction. Mooching off of Matt, Jenna lets herself inside his house and finds him standing over the dead body of his ex girlfriend. Determined to prove his innocence she embarks on her own investigation with Allie much to Cooper's dismay. Questioning a slew of suspects puts Jenna in the cross hairs of a killer and she's lodged between Matt and Cooper who are still wanting to date her. A surprise at the charity auction puts Jenna in a rock and a hard place between the men vying for her attention and danger with a murderer on the loose who's set their sights on Jenna. Humorous and fun mystery. Jenna does need to grow up though. There has to be some responsibility in keeping food in your house and managing to be an adult. Also, she needs to make a decision on Cooper or Matt.

[Rachel Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read. Exactly what I wanted.

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I found these books. This book was lots better then the first. That is saying a lot because I really liked the first book. This book had me wondering how it would go. I like fallowing around Jenna and her need to try and stay out of trouble. This book has great laugh out loud moments. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee

Really enjoying this series and just so you know I'm #TeamCooperDear. Great mystery wrapped in plenty of humor and interesting characters.

[Misty’s Corner Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina LaManna has struck gold again with Lipstick and Lies! 💜💄

Lipstick and Lies provides us with our much-needed dose of LaManna styled drama, humor, an infamous love triangle, AND a dead body... all wrapped up into her latest fast-paced cozy mystery! What else could you want?!

As a standout USA Today Bestselling Author, Gina LaManna wastes no time in setting the scene for a murder! All Jenna McGovern wanted was to celebrate the beginning of spring and mooch a little coffee off her neighbor, the absolutely gorgeous firefighter Matt Bridges. Hours later, she finds him standing over a dead body in a complete daze! What has Jenna got herself into this time?! Whatever it is, chief of police Cooper Dear is not happy about it! Can she manage to keep herself out of trouble, or will she end up next? Just you wait and see; you'll find no spoilers here!!

Jumping in feels just like getting all dressed up to hang out with a few of your best friends! It's exciting following along as Jenna gets herself into one thing then another, swearing she'll let it go just to pick it right back up again. The chemistry between her and Cooper and her and Matt is off the charts and quite amusing when you get to "literally" witness them stumble into each other. Of course, awkwardness and light-hearted humor follow giving you the perfect mixture to balance out your binge-read! I enjoyed Jenna's sense of loyalty and commitment to the cause! I really hope her story continues - I'm looking forward to finding out what troubles she'll get thrown into next!

I didn't think anything could top LaManna's "Magic & Mixology" series, but, her "Murder in Style" series is now right up there! I've learned that with this author, you need to prepare yourself for a wildly unputdownable adventure!

Many thanks go to the author Gina LaManna for providing me an advanced reader's copy of this stylish little number! I'd recommend this to fans of her previous works as well as fans of Janet Evanovich! A cozy mystery favorite for sure! This is one you won't want to miss; order now on Amazon or check it out on Kindle Unlimited starting January 31st!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Gina LaManna's new series does not disappoint! With characters that are likeable and with a little bit of quirkiness keeps you turning pages to see what will happen next. Jenna, back home in Blueberry Lake after being a stylist to the stars in Hollywood needs to find her way. Living in the house her grandmother left her, still getting over being dumped by her Hollywood boyfriend and not ready for another dating relationship, Jenna is helping her mother in her quaint shop as a stylist to the townsfolk. Having a very good looking, friendly and very gentlemanly fireman living next door however, is not a bad thing! And of course, Matt, the fireman, really likes Jenna! And having the local police chief, Cooper into Jenna as well provides some wonderful laughs to read with fun competition and jealousy between the two men! Matt provides coffee every morning next door to Jenna and when Jenna goes over to Matt's to get her coffee fix, she minds Matt standing over the body of his ex-girlfriend on the back porch! Now of course, with Matt the number one murder suspect, Jenna and her tell it like it is friend, Allie who also works for Jenna's mother at the shop set out to prove Matt's innocence. But it seems Jenna has been sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong and has put herself in danger as well. Will Jenna and Allie find the real murderer before the murderer finds Jenna. You will love the characters and the interaction between them all! Add a murder to the mix, a wrong suspect, lots of clues that lead to red-herrings and you have this second book in a really good series. I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tonya Bryant Gillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna finds Matt standing over a body on his back porch, he is frozen standing there. Chief Cooper is there in no time having to ask questions to find out what is going on which causes Jenna to feel u comfortable because of this triangle that she is stuck in with these two men. Matt moves to stay with his grandma while the investigation is in progress. Jenna can’t seem to understand why he can’t just stay at her place, but Cooper is adamant that he should not stay with her. Of course Jenna can’t even make a cup of coffee. Thankfully she doesn’t have to when Matt and Cooper both show up in the morning with coffee and pastries.

Jenna can’t stand the thought of Matt not being eight next door to her so she decides to search out the truth. While this is going on the town getting ready for their annual Bachelorette Ball, so Jenna goes along with her cousin and friend to get ready, and it just happens the girl that was found on Matt’s porch used to work at the same salon. Jenna asks questions of her hair dresser and finds information that might be helpful.

I don’t want to ruin the book so let me say this is such a great story and the plot is a surprise to everyone. You will want to see how the ball ends up and who ends up on a date with who.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna, Miss Stylist to the Stars, finds herself involved in another murder mystery. Last time she was the prime suspect, this time doesn't venture much further away, as her next door neighbor is the only suspect. Of course she must do what she can to help prove his innocence. There is more focus on the little love triangle she finds herself in in this book. Both good men. She likes them both but in different ways. There's a lot of humor... mostly with Jenna's personality and attitude. Since this takes place in a small town, there aren't an over abundance of suspects, thus making the mystery a little less 'cluttered.' It's not open and shut, but it's not complicated. There aren't really any clues to follow.. it all comes about from word of mouth. It's a well written story. Easy to read. One POV (Jenna's.) There's no sexual content. (There is some kissing involved.) Safe for teens and up. Despite a murder being involved, this is a fun and light read. It also reads rather quickly.

*I received an ARC of this book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great visit to Blueberry Lake. This time, Matt finds himself in a sticky situation and Jenna must help him get out of it. This just further complicates the plot line that makes you wonder who Jenna will “date” first. It is hard to choose which male I like best for her! I really enjoy reading about Jenna, she is so smart, but so naïve at the same time. This makes me excited for the future books, and to see how she will grow as a person.

The rest of the gang is in this one too, so you can get your fix of Allie, June, and many more. As a mystery, it will keep you guessing for a while, but there are plenty of clues along the way for those that like to solve it before the end as well. It is the second in a series, so you can start with this one if you pick it up first, but you will be doing yourself a disservice if you do not read book 1 first.

The author provided me with an ARC but the opinions expressed in this review are mine.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book Jenna finds neighbor (the hot fireman) Matt standing over a murdered woman, his ex-girlfriend! She is convinced Matt is innocent and puts on her sleuthing stilettos again. Chief of police Cooper is not too happy with that.

These books are not really complicated mysteries, but they are cozies. You curl up on the couch and enjoy the antics of Jenna and her friends from the town of Blueberry Lake. Although I do wonder: what does Cooper do all day while Jenna is out interviewing suspects?

I like the humor of the stories and the easy-to-read writing style. But... I do not like love triangles, so I do hope the whole Jenna/Matt/Cooper one will be solved quite soon. I am on #teamCooper!

*** I received an ARC but this is my honest and voluntary review. I have pre-ordered my own copy as well. ***

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the series. Jenna McGovern just gets herself free of being an accused murderer after she solves the case and frees her name in Secrets and Stilettos.

Her firefighter friendly neighbor Matt is being accused of murder with the body of his ex-girl friend dead body lying on his patio after he comes back from a run.

Jenna comes back to Matt’s house to return the coffee thermo. She finds the front door opened a little and calls his name. He doesn’t answer so she enters closing the door behind her and still announcing her arrival as she leaves the thermo in the kitchen. She’s about to check for Matt upstairs when she feels a draft coming from the back . . . it all goes crazy from there.

Between the firefighters charity ball, the growing list of suspects and the love triangle between chief Cooper and firefighter Matt this is a great quick read and of course humorous.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna is back for another hilarious mystery with a side of awkward romance...

So right off the bat I am not a fan of love triangles but this one between Jenna, Matt and Cooper has me laughing so much I can’t not fall in love with the, all...
So maybe I just needed the right kind of love triangle to hop into my kindle.

Jenna for all her sweet quirkiness and penchant for gorgeous killer shoes, has a really good nose for trouble and a great way of figuring mysteries out add in her trusty side-kick Ally and I can see these gals finding much more trouble in the future...

The second book in this wonderfully delightful new series was a truly enjoyable read that I just couldn’t put down.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second instalment in this new small town cozy murder series. Jenna is on form yet again, adding style to small town Minnesota and tracking down murders!

She may not be the accused, but someone is trying to frame her friend and potential future love interest Matt, so she will do whatever it takes to support him and prove his innocence.

This ensures that fun and precarious situations unfold, and she needs to stay of the right side of police chief, sometimes friend and another potential future love interest Cooper.

Therefore plenty of excitement, intrigue and anticipation to keep you guessing. A great fun read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Murder In Style Series, Jenna goes next door to her neighbor Matt's house to return a coffee mug (and hopefully get invited for lunch) and finds him standing over a dead body, frozen in shock. Jenna is determined to help clear his name, even though this puts her in the killer's sights and puts her own life in danger.
I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved the bachelorette ball Great characters, good mystery, and a kick-butt female protagonist make this a fun light read.

[Library_Dweller89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the Murder in Style Series! In this book Jenna finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving Matt’s ex-girlfriend, and Matt is the number 1 suspect! Tensions run high as she tries to figure out whodunnit while also trying to clear Matt’s name...much to Cooper’s chagrin. I entered into this book firmly Team Matt. At the end of the book, I think I am still Team Matt, but Cooper managed to pull ahead a little bit. This is a great book and I honestly can’t wait for the next one. I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of this new series, Jenna McGovern, a former Hollywood stylist, has come home to her hometown of Blueberry Lake Minnesota. Jenna is working hard to find herself and settle into a new life.
When one of Matt's exes is found murdered at his house, Jenna becomes his greatest supporter. Much to Cooper's frustration, Jenna takes it upon herself to clear Matt's name and find the real killer.
I love this charming town and all of the supporting characters. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from the author for purposes of an unbiased review.

[Kristie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LaManna has done it again!

LaManna has such a wonderful way of bringing readers along to the very end, guessing who did it! I love a cozy mystery that keeps me guessing throughout the book and Gina LaManna does it best. I'm always positive I'm going to thoroughly enjoy her books and this one is another great one to add to the list. If you're a Janet Evanovitch fan, you will soon be a Gina LaManna fan, too! You can't go wrong with the series. This second book of the series has me excited for whats to come in the next book. I'll do my best to be patient. :)

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna McGovern is back and spring is finally coming to her new home in Blueberry Lake, Minnesota. Along with spring comes murder and seeing her wonderful neighbor be under suspicion. Forced to change her whole life, (without neighbor Matt around to feed her breakfast and coffee) Jenna turns to exonerating Matt along with learning how to make her own coffee!
Funny circumstances in Jenna's life make this book enjoyable. If you love funny, loyal, and sincere women, You can't help but love Jenna and her crazy world. Wonder what's next???

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I am really enjoying this series. It’s fun, croaky and a bit dangerous. The love triangle is great...Team Matt all the way here. Just saying!

In this book Matt has been framed for murder and Jenna will do anything to protect Matt. Even piss off Cooper. But when she gets close to solving the crime her life may be next.

These books are fun and easy reads. They are a splendid mix of romance and mystery. The characters are great and truly do the story justice. So if you are a Stephanie Plum fan then you will love this.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone who is old enough to look after herself, Jenna is really clueless! She can’t make her own coffee. So, when her next door neighbour, Max, is suspected of murder, his absence and therefore her free ticket to coffee and breakfast each morning, reveals how inept (at practically everything), she is!

This is a light, fluffy Cozy Mystery and just like the first story in the series, you’ll find that she ‘solves’ the case…

I listened to the audiobook version of this title. The narrator is really good at crafting the different characters.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Ms. LaManna’a new series! Jenna is a sweet, caring, kookie young woman who is starting a new life. The setting of a small northern town is such a great contrast to her previous home in California. The plots are multi-faceted and keep your attention. Especially the parts about the two hunky “suitors” who keep her confused! If you like fast-paces mysteries with strong, smart female protagonists, caring friends and neighbors and small town living, then you need to read this series!

[April Coombs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute second book

Another great book by Gina LaManna! I really enjoy this story line and all the quirks Jenna has. However, I'm hoping that she really comes into her own and gets comfortable enough in her own skin to find a little more direction. Don't get me wrong, I love the chaos, but think of what a bad ass she could be if she had a little more direction!
Either way, I loved the story, and am eagerly waiting for the next installment!