Skirting Disaster

Chasing the CIA #2

by Kay Keppler

Phoebe Renfrew, on leave from her job at the CIA, talks her way into apprenticing as a private investigator. Her first job takes her to Venture Automotive, an electric-vehicle manufacturing start-up, where someone has vandalized cars and stolen data.

The loss is devastating for CEO Chase Bonaventure, retired star quarterback of the Las Vegas Rattlesnakes—and the man Phoebe’s almost certainly in love with. He’s determined to stop the escalating damage before it’s too late—and convince Phoebe that their relationship is worth fighting for.

As they close in on the culprit, the thief swears vengeance—permanently. Phoebe calls on everyone she knows—including two gossipy and competitive mothers, some NASCAR drivers, a squad of cheerleaders, and a marching band—for help. When the showdown comes at the Rattlesnakes stadium, everyone is at risk. Can Phoebe halt the heist—and figure out her relationship with Chase—before anyone gets hurt?

Genres: Mystery

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2021

About the author

Kay Keppler likes happy endings, whether they’re in the fiction she writes, the fiction she edits, or the fiction she reads. After all, an unhappy outcome is what the newspaper is for! Her characters are resourceful to a fault, hard-working to the extreme, and loyal to the end—qualities she absorbed growing up in a small town in Wisconsin. Resisting the character-building aspects of deep snow and cold, she now lives in California and spends her time creating happy endings.

You can reach her at
kaykeppler.com, kaykeppler@yahoo.com, @KayKeppler, or facebook.com/kaykeppler.

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe Renfrew, on leave from the CIA takes on the role of apprentice private investigator for Venture Automotive, her first client. She is working with retired Las Vegas Police Department cop, turned PI, Dave Greenaway.

Skirting Disaster, the second in Kay Keppler's Chasing the CIA series is a fantastic read full of humour, craziness and fun. With the romantic frissons between Phoebe and Chase Bonaventure, recently retired celebrity quarterback with the Las Vegas Rattlers, this reader was enthralled trying to work out whodunnit. Ripe with family drama and madcap occurrences this was a terrific cozy and I will be watching out for book three and trying to fit in reading book one, Skirting Danger.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Skirting Disaster was good! I definitely enjoyed the first one more, but the second one had some extra things (and lost a few, which is why I rated it lower than the first).

To begin, this is not at all important and does not bother the plot in any way, shape, or form, but trombones are considered a wind instrument, and they will not be the only instrument in front. (Giving a little background, the marching band was set up with "...even rows, trombones first, drums in the middle, wind instruments in the back." Trombones are still winds! The rest of brass are still considered 'wind' instruments!!! Also, trombones will not be alone in the front! From what I've seen, trumpets are more commonly in front of trombones, but they can change depending on the band. And I know this is absolutely useless information for 99.9% of people, but I read this moment and I couldn't help but grind my teeth, much to the dismay of my dentist.

Now that it's out of the way, Skirting Disaster focuses again on Phoebe and Chase as they navigate a relationship where the outcome is still blurry as well as preparing for Venture Automotive's upcoming showcase while fending off vandalism and stolen data.

The first was definitely the best. Keppler pulled the same point of view trick she did before, letting us have Phoebe and Chase and the villain(s). But this time, I didn't enjoy it as much.

Maybe it was because I didn't care for the character or maybe it was because I needed something for the villain(s), but it didn't work. By something, I mean that the last one had action scenes and guns flying and action shots. This one only had that for a small portion, and there was no mystery in who the villain was. And because there was no action or mystery, it felt... out of place? Like it was only necessary just for a plot that wasn't romance-driven.

Speaking of being romance-driven, that's pretty much this book. I was hoping for a little more comedy like in the last one, but this one got into the romance and made it slightly more explicit. I did like that about this one, it had a more natural flow because we get the information without having it babyproofed and bubble-wrapped. The last one was way too covered and felt corny, but this one wasn't as protected and had a little bit more detail.

I don't think a lot of this book is that memorable, to be honest. The side characters were still 2-dimensional and only appeared when they were necessary. (Also, as a note, were there any women other than Phoebe and the receptionist working at Venture Automotive? There was someone named Megan but she was more of a secretary or HR person, if I remember correctly. I didn't hear of any women in the factory)

I would also like to add that after a few things get stolen, Chase decides to back up everything in a bunker and then send out fake files in case the thief comes back to get more. We never see the outcome of that. I want to see what happens to the extra files. Also, it was very clear it was a secret - but the first thing Chase did was (loudly) mention it to his father outside, where plenty of people - any of whom could be the thief - were standing. I see no logic in that situation nor do I see why he brought it up to someone who wasn't in the "need to know".

Apparently, there is going to be a third one????? I'm in! All for more CIA, action slash romance!

[Gwendolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most sequels the first one is better. This one is still good but it took awhile to get into and halfway through, I had to take a break for week or so just to get myself back into reading the book. I felt like Phoebe wasn’t relatable and there were lots of 🙄😤 in my notes on this one. There were just moments where I was like are we really supposed to believe a 20 something year old women doesn’t know what hair extensions are, super bowl rings & would were a button down with a bungee cord (the bungee cord is my issue here lol) as a dress to work?! You don’t have to be into beauty, sports ect to know these things because it’s part of pop culture.

But with that being said, I for sure will be reading part 3 and recommend! It’s still a good romcom read. Warning this one is a less mystery and more romance & more explicit than the first.

I received this ARC from the publisher via BookSirens for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. These are my honest opinions .

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..  


Skirting Disaster was a fun book to read I love the cover I'm giving it 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟



Happy Reading Lisa 📚 

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe and Dave are working together to solve a case before the upcoming showcase. This book centers around Phoebe and Chase from the first book. I would recommend reading the first book ad the characters carry over. There is mystery and romance all in one. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book

[Ann Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I liked the first book more. There were places in the story that seemed over the top to me but I didn’t get a chuckle from any of it. Except for Sanjay who is a delightful character with a different viewpoint.

I put this book down twice before I got to that point where it was interesting enough to keep going. I found I couldn’t relate much to Phoebe in this story. She came across as stubborn and unreasonable and not always very smart. Book three is much better.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and BookSirens and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[Clarabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh.  The first in the series was better.  This one got a little heavy on the sexy time.  It was enough that it was off-putting and took me 11 days to read, I expected to read it in one to two days tops.  The storyline was pretty good.  I think it would have been 4 stars if not for all the sex.  So if you're looking for a cozy mystery, maybe give this one a pass, it's more romance with some mysterious elements.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute story. I liked most of the characters from the beginning. I didn't love Phoebe though. She is a tough character to connect with and her reasons for being that way were not great IMO. The story was kinda slow moving. There was a section in the middle that slowed me down because it was kind boring. I enjoyed the end and when the story picked up action though.

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skirting Disaster is the sequel to Skirting Danger in the Chasing the CIA series. It continues with the same main characters in a new zany adventure. Phoebe Renfrew is on a six-month leave from her job at the CIA. Her love interest from the first novel, Chase Bonaventure, and his company is at the center of a new investigation. Chase is a retired famous quarterback for the Las Vegas Rattlesnakes, who transitioned to a new career after his sports retirement to become the CEO of Venture Automotive, an electric-vehicle manufacturing start-up. Phoebe decides to become a private investigator as someone is vandalizing the cars and stealing the data.

It is a very fun whodunit adventure as Phoebe is on the case after she teams up with retired Las Vegas Police Department officer, turned private investigator, Dave Greenaway. As there is the upcoming showcase for Venture Automotive coming up soon, the case needs to be solved. Not only is there a fun mystery, but Phoebe and Chase continue to try to figure out their relationship. The two of them are dating, but they cannot quite figure out how to get on the same page. The antics surrounding Phoebe continue to be full of humor, especially when she decides that it is time to learn to drive. This story continues to have a similar fun vibe to its predecessor; however, there is a little more focus on an exploration into the relationships.

Chase and the relationship he has with his family are further explored in this story. It was nice to get to know them more and see them interact with Chase and Phoebe. I also loved getting to know Phoebe and Chase more as a couple. Their romance does not neatly fall into place as they have external factors to consider. I love that Phoebe is quirky and headstrong, which can get her into trouble, but she is also clever and capable of finding her way to safety. There are multiple crazy situations that give it a similar sense of entertainment from the first story and I hope it continues in the third novel. Overall, this was a very entertaining story that was a mix of mystery and romance!

**I give a special thank you to Booksirens, the author, and the publisher for the ARC (RC) to read. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

[Ale · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENG
Plot. Second book of the Chasing the CIA series. Phoebe Renfrew is again in Las Vegas: she obtained a six months leave from CIA because she would like to understand if her relationship with Chase Bonaventure can be a serious one and Dave Greenaway, the detective she collaborated with in first book, suggested her to be his employee/colleague in his private detective agency.
She also obtains her first job: Venture Automative car has been vandalized and Chase asked Dave to investigate.
.
What I think. I continue not to like Chase, I don't know, he is smart and whatever with his job, from description he is a super handsome guy but… 
I missed Sanjay, the taxi driver, a lot but luckily he had a great plan, look forward to it.
For the story I expected more about investigations, instead it was tooooooo much about Chase and Phoebe, sometimes it was a bit repetitive.
I missed Trouble too, Phoebe's dog, they were something together in first book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via BookSirens. This review is my own honest opinion.
.
ITA.
Trama. Phoebe Renfrew è a Las Vegas per 6 mesi di congedo dalla CIA: deve capire sé il suo rapporto con Chase Bonaventure e serio e inoltre Dave, un agente con il quale ha collaborato nel primo libro, le ha proposto di lavorare con lui nella sua agenzia di investigatore privato.
Riceve anche il suo primo lavoro: l'azienda di Chase Venture Automotive  car viene vandalizzata e lui chiede a Dave di indagare.
.
Cosa ne penso. Allora mi aspettavo più capitoli sull'indagine invece c'era troppo su Phoebe e Chase.
Chase continua a non piacermi: è un personaggio intelligente nel suo lavoro, dalla descrizione sembra un Adone, ma… 
Mi è mancato tantissimo Sanjay e temo che nel terzo libro possa scomparire, ed anche Trouble il cane di Phoebe, erano un duo fantastico nel primo libro.
.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita dalla casa editrice tramite BookSirens. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skirting Disaster
Chasing the CIA (book #2)
by Kay Keppler
Pub Date 02 Aug 2021
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Skirting Disaster through Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Netgalley :


Phoebe Renfrew takes on a gig as a private investigator while on leave from the CIA. Her first client is Venture Automotive, where someone has vandalized cars and stolen data just as the company is poised to enter the big time. The loss is devastating for CEO Chase Bonaventure, retired star quarterback of the Las Vegas Rattlesnakes and the man Phoebe’s almost certainly in love with. Despite the loss though Chase is determined to go ahead with his company's expo extravaganza and convince Phoebe that their relationship is worth fighting for.


The thief’s swear vengeance permanently. After a showdown erupts at Rattlesnake Station everyone finds themselves at risk. Phoebe calls in everyone she knows to help including two competitive mothers, some NASCAR drivers, a squad of cheerleaders, and a marching band. But will she be able to save the day, as well as figure out her relationship with Chase, before anyone gets hurt?


If you like romantic suspense, that is a little more light hearted.


I give Skirting Disaster five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[Barbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe's character displays astute intelligence in solving other people's problems. Her ideas for helping Venture Automotive show creativity and insight. However, on a personal front, she is a hot mess. This is evident when she tries to learn to drive. How can she be a successful CIA agent or PI when she struggles to drive and when she second guesses her career and relationships? She and Chase care for each other, but they can't figure out how to make both their careers and their relationship work out long term.  I would like Chase better if he was not so slow to figure out solutions to problems. I like the witty dialogue, the quirky cab driver friend, and the hilarious mishaps of Phoebe. The plot is interesting and suspenseful. The villain is villainous, and the friends loyal. Editing mistakes, such as omitted and misplaced words are occasionally distracting. I received an advance review copy through Book Sirens and submit this review voluntarily.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series carries on the story of Phoebe, an on leave CIA analyst, and Chase, a retired star quarterback now CEO of a company making electric cars. As part of her training to become a PI Phoebe helps investigate vandalism at the car factory, which proves to be an inside job, and help chase prepare for an important launch event.

This isn't the type of book where you are searching for clues carefully hidden, more of a boisterous, fun romance (which does have some steamier scenes if you don't like those). It does look at the reasons why Phoebe is struggling with their relationship and moving it on, which I can certainly understand. Certainly the type of book that you just sit back, read and enjoy and I'm looking forward to reading the next, and last, book in the series.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Chasing the CIA" series. Our main characters are back and much of this book focuses on the romance between Phoebe Renfrew and Chase Bonaventure. Phoebe is currently working as a private investigator and weighing whether to return to the CIA. She and her boss, Dave, are hired to investigate vandalism happening at the Venture Automotive plant.

I enjoy the light, fun mysteries these books bring. I am also super happy that Phoebe is a strong, confident woman who is, however, not without her flaws (such as driving).

My only complaint is that there is not enough focus on secondary characters especially my favorite taxi driver, Sanjay. He is a great character and I would love for him to have his own storyline.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thanks to BookSirens and Kay Keppler, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

This is the 2nd installment of CIA-agent Phoebe Renfrew and NFL-quarterback-turned-electric-car-entrepreneur Chase Bonaventure..

Skirting Disaster has many of the same characters as Skirting Danger—Chase, Phoebe, Sanjay, Dave and Kristin, plus Chase’s family, who come to Las Vegas to convert his 15-bedroom mansion into a hotel.

The book explores Phoebe and Chase’s relationship as they try to see eye to eye on Phoebe’s desire to rejoin the CIA in Washington, DC and Chase’s need to stay in Las Vegas, with his car company. One of my favorite characters is Sanjay. He adds humor to stressful situations.

This book was enjoyable in many ways and I loved learning more about the personal relationship between Phoebe & Chase, plus the return of old characters and the addition of new. It was a pleasurable cozy mystery to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series absolutely reinforces what I said about the first book - "it would definitely be a fantastic made for TV movie, or even better, a fantastic pilot to a series".

Comedy, drama and a bit of romance - this book has it all. It's very much a character driven book and I'm loving all these characters with Phoebe and Sanjay being my absolute favourites.

Bit of a twist at the end that, I admit, has me a bit worried about how Book 3 is going to pan out. But I have trust in this author and am sure whatever direction the next book takes won't let me down.

Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes, I would.
Would I read more by this author based on this book - absolutely!

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular! Absolutely loved this book and these characters. Had to purchase the first book in the series immediately after reading this book. I love books that leave you with a feel good feeling after reading.

Phoebe Renfrew is on a six month leave of absence from her job with the CIA. She decides to take a job as an apprentice private investigator with Dave Greenaway a retired LVPD cop and now licensed private investigator.

Chase Bonaventure is a retired quarterback for the Las Vegas Rattlesnakes and now owns an electric car manufacturing company. He and Phoebe are dating. He also hired Dave's company to help beef up the security of his facility after the cars they made for the car expo get vandalized. Chase and his team have to scramble to get new cars ready for the expo while Phoebe and Dave try to find out who destroyed the cars and sold company data.

[Melissa Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Chasing the CIA series and sequel to Skirting Danger, Skirting Disaster again follows the adventures of CIA agent Phoebe Renfrow, currently on a 6-month sabbatical from the CIA and studying to be a private investigator, as she looks into who is targeting the electric car company run by ex-football star Chase Bonaventure. She is working with a cantankerous retired Las Vegas PD officer who is now a private investigator, Dave Greenaway. Just like the first book in the series, this story has no shortage of hilarious characters, adventures, shenanigans, and a splash of romance thrown in. We get more of the background behind Chase and his family dynamics as well as more focus on Chase and Phoebe as a couple, which is really nice. The book is a fun, easy, and entertaining read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skirting Disaster in Book 2 in the Chasing CIA by Kay Keppler. Although you can read book 2 as a stand alone, many of the characters from book 1 are in book 2. Phoebe is on leave from the CIA and is going to apprentice as a pi with Dave. Her first job is vandalized cars from Venture Automotive. Chase Bonaventure is the CEO, former football quarterback, as well as the man Phones loves. I laughed out loud and the ending was so much fun. The scene is set at a football stadium, there are cheerleaders, A marching band, the bad guy has a gun, it is a perfect ending to a wonderful book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Chasing the C.I.A. series. It could be read alone but I would strongly suggest to read in order. Very entertaining read with fun characters and some shenanigans. In this installment you meet Chase's family and fall in love with them. It seems that there are forces working against Chase having a successful business. Phoebe has some decisions to make. Chase has his family remodeling his house. It all works out in the end but with a lot of snark and hysterical moments. I received a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read with Phoebe and the gang returning for another adventure with Venture Automotive and Chase's family coming in to convert his mansion into a hotel, and a few bad guys thrown into the mix make this fast-paced rom com unputdownable, Kay Keppler has given us another winner with book two of Chasing the CIA and I can hardly wait for book three. I received an advance reader copy of Skirting Disaster from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much, I purchased a copy.

[Loretta Miles Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Skirting Danger, I was eager to read its sequel Skirting Disaster. It didn't disappoint. This is a great cast of characters and the author has a gift for the keeping the story moving. The tone of the book and the energy of the main characters are really in sync. I also appreciate the low heat level of the sex scenes--there's enough there to let you know what's happening without the need to read through all the explicit details. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one.

[Cory Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Book 2 of the Chasing the CIA series. If you want a cute mystery similar to Stephanie Plum, these 2 books are a good bet! You can't find them at our library but they are both on Amazon Kindle for $3.99 each. Penelope Renfrow and Chases Bonoventure are at it again! I don't want to give any details beacuse I don't want to ruin book 1. Check them out! #skirtingdisaster #kaykeppler

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read full of humor, crazy situations and just pure fun. These characters were even more engaging and enjoyable in book 2 now that I knew them.

The author has a great sense of humor and brings her characters to life in a memorable and unique ways. Phoebe is a character unlike the typical romantic lead and I love her for her quirkiness.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The humorous writing reminds me of several of my favorite authors. Really enjoyed this book! Characters are very engaging and such fun. I can't wait to see what's in store in the next book. Thanks #netgalley and #VictoryEditing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once gain Phoebe Renfrew and Chase Bonaventure take us on a fun, crazy and sexy adventure. Someone vandalizes his cars at the manufacturing plant, is it an inside job or a crazed fan and can Phoebe once again solve the case? Lots of fun characters, witty banter and steamy love scenes. Fun read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions is this review are my own.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this second book in the series; however, I was disappointed in the amount of sexual discussion and profanity. It’s a shame because Kay Keppler is a fantastic writer that doesn’t need all that to spice up her books. Nevertheless, the book was still good and it had a happy ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skirting Disaster is the second book in the Chasing the CIA series by Kay Keppler. I enjoyed the book but not quite as much as I enjoyed the first one. I do love Ms Keppler's characters. They are well developed and come across like real people.

Sanjay has to be my favorite character- I love him!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Phoebe and Chase. They made a super cute couple and the company and people around them was fun and interesting. Easy to read, a light romance with a little whodunit in the mix. This was a fun read and highly recommend .

[Marci Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when the second in a series is even better than the first. The characters have a feel for each other, the trust in their relationships means the action can go deeper. Awesome read! Fun adventure!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.