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Angel Crawford Series #1
A Good Excuse to Be Bad
A plucky female reporter gets more than she bargained for when she tries to help her loved ones.
323 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Parker
11 books75 followersMiranda Parker is the author of the Angel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. After graduating from college, she began working as a features editor for various magazines and spent many years as a publicist for national recording artists, actors, ministers, and authors. However, writing fun, fiesty, redemptive bad girl gone good stories was her passion. She resided with her family in Georgia near a horse ranch and her daughter's Girl Scout Troop. On a perfect day, she used to be found curled up with a good book or in a movie theater with a bucket of popcorn.
Unfortunately, she passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012. She battled a rare heart disorder, gracefully to the end. She was an active supporter of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement to raise awareness about women's heart health.
Unfortunately, she passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012. She battled a rare heart disorder, gracefully to the end. She was an active supporter of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement to raise awareness about women's heart health.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 29, 2011
Since only a handful of books are worth reading past its opening paragraph, chances are most readers will pass on a novel and perhaps opt for mindless television, unless the author manages to capture their attention, and propel them to read chapter-after-interesting-chapter, and that's what Miranda Parker has skillfully been able to do in,
A Good Excuse to Be Bad
.
Miranda Parker's debut novel, A Good Excuse to Be Bad showcases a female heroine, Angel - but don't get it twisted, the name Angel was given to her, but not necessarily earned. This former investigative reporter has become a tough bail recovery agent, aka - Bounty Hunter, with ballistics training, a black belt, and an array of weaponry; and she’s on a mission to save her twin sister, Ava from a scandalous murder charge, and when I say scandalous, I do mean the murder of Bishop Devon McArthur was scandalous. The action, humor, and thrills keep this fast-paced suspense intriguing while the anticipation unfolds and until the final pages are turned. Read More
[SIDENOTE]While hanging out at a recent book festival, I was fortunate to meet up with author, Miranda Parker and sag an autograph copy of her latest book, A Good Excuse To Be Bad. I'm excited that I had the opportunity to read and review Miranda Parker's deliciously fun debut novel.
Miranda Parker's debut novel, A Good Excuse to Be Bad showcases a female heroine, Angel - but don't get it twisted, the name Angel was given to her, but not necessarily earned. This former investigative reporter has become a tough bail recovery agent, aka - Bounty Hunter, with ballistics training, a black belt, and an array of weaponry; and she’s on a mission to save her twin sister, Ava from a scandalous murder charge, and when I say scandalous, I do mean the murder of Bishop Devon McArthur was scandalous. The action, humor, and thrills keep this fast-paced suspense intriguing while the anticipation unfolds and until the final pages are turned. Read More
[SIDENOTE]While hanging out at a recent book festival, I was fortunate to meet up with author, Miranda Parker and sag an autograph copy of her latest book, A Good Excuse To Be Bad. I'm excited that I had the opportunity to read and review Miranda Parker's deliciously fun debut novel.
December 30, 2010
Synopsis:
Smart gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately,it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in Underground Atlanta is about to change all that...Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern; will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered...
This is my debut novel and the launch of the Evangel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. I hope you join me on Angel's first summer hunt.
Smart gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately,it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in Underground Atlanta is about to change all that...Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern; will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered...
This is my debut novel and the launch of the Evangel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. I hope you join me on Angel's first summer hunt.
July 30, 2011
I’m smiling as I think of Justus, one of Miranda’s characters in the book. I wish he was my Pastor. Maybe, I’d go to church more often. Ok, I must admit he does give a woman “A Good Excuse To Be Bad.”
I enjoyed reading this story as the plot thickened and the suspense got the best of me. It was the first time in a while that I couldn’t figure out, in advance, how all of the characters were connected. I was pleasantly surprised to get almost to the end without having unraveled the entire mystery myself.
It’s a mysterious thriller dipped in murder, smothered by romance and sprinkled with spirituality. Angel is a paradox of strength and weakness which makes her character all the more familiar and invokes both sympathy and anger from the reader.
The characters were vivid, well developed and believable. Okay, maybe, Justus was a bit too good to be true, but this story wouldn’t be the same without him as the Knight-in-Shining Armor.
Dee Stewart aka Miranda Parker has successfully planted herself right in the midst of all the other great “Christian Fiction” novelists that she has been supporting, encouraging, and representing for years through her own Dee Gospel Public Relations firm.
I must admit I am starting to dislike the concept of Series. I loathe having to wait for the next book to be released before having the wonderfully weaved cliffhangers revealed. Of course, I intend to have my copy of Miranda Parker’s sophomore book hot off the press, as soon as it is released, but I don’t want to wait.
I enjoyed attending her Book Release party a couple of weeks ago and I’m excited about being able to interview her. Look for the up close and personal interview with an incredibly talented woman and wonderful new author.
___
Dianne Rosena Jones is a Transformational Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Co-Host of “Becoming Who I AM” on BlogTalk Radio, Founder of “Transforming Life Institute”, and Author of the award-winning “Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy” voted “BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR [2010].”
I enjoyed reading this story as the plot thickened and the suspense got the best of me. It was the first time in a while that I couldn’t figure out, in advance, how all of the characters were connected. I was pleasantly surprised to get almost to the end without having unraveled the entire mystery myself.
It’s a mysterious thriller dipped in murder, smothered by romance and sprinkled with spirituality. Angel is a paradox of strength and weakness which makes her character all the more familiar and invokes both sympathy and anger from the reader.
The characters were vivid, well developed and believable. Okay, maybe, Justus was a bit too good to be true, but this story wouldn’t be the same without him as the Knight-in-Shining Armor.
Dee Stewart aka Miranda Parker has successfully planted herself right in the midst of all the other great “Christian Fiction” novelists that she has been supporting, encouraging, and representing for years through her own Dee Gospel Public Relations firm.
I must admit I am starting to dislike the concept of Series. I loathe having to wait for the next book to be released before having the wonderfully weaved cliffhangers revealed. Of course, I intend to have my copy of Miranda Parker’s sophomore book hot off the press, as soon as it is released, but I don’t want to wait.
I enjoyed attending her Book Release party a couple of weeks ago and I’m excited about being able to interview her. Look for the up close and personal interview with an incredibly talented woman and wonderful new author.
___
Dianne Rosena Jones is a Transformational Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Co-Host of “Becoming Who I AM” on BlogTalk Radio, Founder of “Transforming Life Institute”, and Author of the award-winning “Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy” voted “BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR [2010].”
August 22, 2011
Evangeline (Angel) Grace Crawford used to be an investigative journalist, but now she is a bail recovery agent with a black belt and ballistics training. She's a strong, independent black woman who can handle a tough situation. And that's a good thing, because her twin sister, Ava, has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The beginning of this story had me on the edge of my seat, and at one point I spoke to the book the way I do when I'm watching something intriguing on television. I was like `Oh no! C'mon, girl, get up! Fight!' I expected to enjoy this book immensely after reading the first chapter. I did like it, but not as much as I thought I would. Why? Even though the investigation was interesting and kept me wondering, I had a problem with whatever was going on between Angel and Justus. I did not like how Angel wouldn't allow Justus to be himself around her. He was a man of God - she knew that - so, of course, he was going to speak of the things of God when he felt led to do so. He wasn't preaching at her or judging her; he was trying to help her. Justus was a good man, and Angel was too hard on him. She obviously had issues where the church was concerned, so how she could have feelings for Reverend Dr. Prince Justus Morgan in the first place was a mystery to me.
I'm not clear about everything that happened in Angel's past, but whatever went on back then clouded her opinions of others. She also stayed on her guard, always thinking someone was judging her. Her attitude was irritating at times, as well as certain comments she made. I did get a better understanding of some of her words and actions near the end of the book, and I felt for her a bit then. But, still, I won't decide right now if Miss Evangeline Grace Crawford is a character I'm fond of. I plan to read the next book in the Angel Crawford series, so I can get to know her better. I also have a couple questions - `Someone Bad and Something Blue' should have the answers.
The beginning of this story had me on the edge of my seat, and at one point I spoke to the book the way I do when I'm watching something intriguing on television. I was like `Oh no! C'mon, girl, get up! Fight!' I expected to enjoy this book immensely after reading the first chapter. I did like it, but not as much as I thought I would. Why? Even though the investigation was interesting and kept me wondering, I had a problem with whatever was going on between Angel and Justus. I did not like how Angel wouldn't allow Justus to be himself around her. He was a man of God - she knew that - so, of course, he was going to speak of the things of God when he felt led to do so. He wasn't preaching at her or judging her; he was trying to help her. Justus was a good man, and Angel was too hard on him. She obviously had issues where the church was concerned, so how she could have feelings for Reverend Dr. Prince Justus Morgan in the first place was a mystery to me.
I'm not clear about everything that happened in Angel's past, but whatever went on back then clouded her opinions of others. She also stayed on her guard, always thinking someone was judging her. Her attitude was irritating at times, as well as certain comments she made. I did get a better understanding of some of her words and actions near the end of the book, and I felt for her a bit then. But, still, I won't decide right now if Miss Evangeline Grace Crawford is a character I'm fond of. I plan to read the next book in the Angel Crawford series, so I can get to know her better. I also have a couple questions - `Someone Bad and Something Blue' should have the answers.
July 5, 2011
Evangeline "Angel" Crawford is a bail bonds agent that knows how to find trouble. Although she is a pro at what she does, she wants nothing more than to get out of the dangerous field to be able to care for her daughter. However, as a single mom she needs this job to bring in money. Angel‘s life gets even more complicated when her twin sister, Ava, gets caught up in a nasty murder case. Adding to the situation, she is now working closely with her hunky pastor (whom she also is crushing on), Justus Morgan. He is insisting on helping her with the drama. While they are working on getting her sister’s charges dropped, Justus starts digging around into her past, complicating things even more. Now, Angel is trying to protect her heart and her sister. Will she give in to the love she knows she wants? Will her sister be saved?
"A Good Excuse to Be Bad" was an absolute joy to read! Readers are quickly connected to the very fleshed out and lively characters. Miranda gives us excellent background on them and blends it in well with the flow of the story. The fast paced and suspenseful storyline draws you in and holds you tightly there until the very end. (I couldn’t put it down.) Miranda did an excellent job creating a story that is the perfect mixture of romance and mystery. I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone. Good Job Miranda!
"A Good Excuse to Be Bad" was an absolute joy to read! Readers are quickly connected to the very fleshed out and lively characters. Miranda gives us excellent background on them and blends it in well with the flow of the story. The fast paced and suspenseful storyline draws you in and holds you tightly there until the very end. (I couldn’t put it down.) Miranda did an excellent job creating a story that is the perfect mixture of romance and mystery. I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone. Good Job Miranda!
August 8, 2011
Freshman novelist, Miranda Parker, writes a witty and entertaining story dealing with family, faith, friends, and even the finances needed to survive in Metro Atlanta. Each of these dynamics can give “A Good Excuse to Be Bad.”
Evangeline “Angel” Crawford is a single-mom, twin sister, daughter, and bounty hunter, a role that truly makes her a woman of many hats and, often, disguises. In the middle of uncovering the details about murder accusations against her sister, Angel finds herself falling for Justus Morgan, her single and extremely sexy pastor. Her hunt for the truth leads her to down the dangerous path of discovery about herself, her family, friends, and her faith. Her finances … well, that’s one of the reasons she’s a roaming reporter turned bounty hunter.
Atlanta, as well as the surrounding areas, is just as strong a character as the personalities. The city lives and breathes while its culture silently influences the actions and reactions of those surviving in the steamy, hot, and luring metropolis. It even has a biscuit and a captivating Brit.
This book does not disappoint and is good enough reason to let the dishes pile up for a few hours. Yes, Miranda Parker gave us “A Good Excuse to Be Bad” in a wonderfully written, summer read.
Evangeline “Angel” Crawford is a single-mom, twin sister, daughter, and bounty hunter, a role that truly makes her a woman of many hats and, often, disguises. In the middle of uncovering the details about murder accusations against her sister, Angel finds herself falling for Justus Morgan, her single and extremely sexy pastor. Her hunt for the truth leads her to down the dangerous path of discovery about herself, her family, friends, and her faith. Her finances … well, that’s one of the reasons she’s a roaming reporter turned bounty hunter.
Atlanta, as well as the surrounding areas, is just as strong a character as the personalities. The city lives and breathes while its culture silently influences the actions and reactions of those surviving in the steamy, hot, and luring metropolis. It even has a biscuit and a captivating Brit.
This book does not disappoint and is good enough reason to let the dishes pile up for a few hours. Yes, Miranda Parker gave us “A Good Excuse to Be Bad” in a wonderfully written, summer read.
March 5, 2011
If you don't know this. Miranda Parker is my pen name. You can talk to me about the book here or at my Miranda Parker account. Stay tuned. I will begin giving away free copies exclusively on Good Reads.
Synopsis:
Smart gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately,it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in Underground Atlanta is about to change all that...Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern; will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered...
This is my debut novel and the launch of the Evangel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. I hope you join me on Angel's first summer hunt.
Synopsis:
Smart gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately,it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in Underground Atlanta is about to change all that...Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern; will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered...
This is my debut novel and the launch of the Evangel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. I hope you join me on Angel's first summer hunt.
August 7, 2011
Miranda Parker takes off out the gate running. She doesn’t stop until she reaches the finish line. So, you better strap on because you’re in for a ride. A Good Excuse To Be Bad is Miranda Parker’s first novel. Miranda keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. The main character, Evangeline “Angel” Crawford is the heroine of the story. She is a bounty hunter and single mom.A lot of women can relate to her. She does whatever she has to take care of her family. Angel is strong, ambitious and determined. The love interest in the story is Rev. Justus Morgan who enters Angel’s life from the beginning. He wants to hire Angel to do a job for him but, will this business deal turn into something more? A Good Excuse To Be Bad is filled with lots of mystery, suspense and intrigue. A great summer read. Job well done Miranda Parker. This book gets five thumbs up and a fist bump.
June 1, 2011
What do get when you intertwine the lives of a gorgeous pastor, female bails bondsman, a twin sister, and a Brit? Parker has the answer in her thriller/murder mystery, A Good Excuse to be Bad. Reporter turned bails bondsman, Evangeline aka Angel, finds herself trying to solve the most complex case ever, the death of her brother-in-law. While trying to acquit her twin sister of her brother-in-law’s death, Angel reluctantly falls in love with her new pastor, Justus. Rumors of a pregnant woman and fraudulent accounting swirl around the saga making it difficult to determine who to trust.
When the murderer is revealed, it is neither obvious nor surprising, but it does leave ample room for a cliff hanger, which is exactly what Parker does. The lines between siblings, mother and daughter, and pastor and congregation become blurred as the plot thickens.
Natasha Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
When the murderer is revealed, it is neither obvious nor surprising, but it does leave ample room for a cliff hanger, which is exactly what Parker does. The lines between siblings, mother and daughter, and pastor and congregation become blurred as the plot thickens.
Natasha Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
June 26, 2011
Big Trouble
Evangeline "Angel" Crawford has a knack for finding trouble. As a bail bond recovery agent, she finds plenty of action bringing in the bad boys. When a job sends her to the hospital with a concussion, she is rescued by Justus Morgan, her minister that she just so happens to be crushing on. When he asks for the chance to get to know her, chaos erupts and she finds herself chasing a killer, while trying to get her twin sister, Ava, out of jail. With so much of her past being stirred up, Angel has to determine if it is wise to keep pressing or step aside for the sake of her sister.
I absolutely loved "A Good Excuse to Be Bad." It's refreshing, quirky, and readers are quickly connected. Miranda Parker scored big time with the drama, mystery and Crawford family. I love that readers are able to get the background of each character without detracting from the main story. This is definitely a good excuse to keep reading!
Reviewed by: Crystal
Evangeline "Angel" Crawford has a knack for finding trouble. As a bail bond recovery agent, she finds plenty of action bringing in the bad boys. When a job sends her to the hospital with a concussion, she is rescued by Justus Morgan, her minister that she just so happens to be crushing on. When he asks for the chance to get to know her, chaos erupts and she finds herself chasing a killer, while trying to get her twin sister, Ava, out of jail. With so much of her past being stirred up, Angel has to determine if it is wise to keep pressing or step aside for the sake of her sister.
I absolutely loved "A Good Excuse to Be Bad." It's refreshing, quirky, and readers are quickly connected. Miranda Parker scored big time with the drama, mystery and Crawford family. I love that readers are able to get the background of each character without detracting from the main story. This is definitely a good excuse to keep reading!
Reviewed by: Crystal
Read
September 5, 2011If you like a good thriller, romance, and a dash of comedy, then you are in for a treat. Parker really has a great voice in this book and she portrays it through her main character, Angel. Angel works as a bail bonds recovery agent. She gave up her job of being a reporter to do this job although it’s dangerous, the pay is excellent. Angel is very good at her job. Things seem to be looking up for Angel as her new crush emerges in a single Pastor. Throw that in the mix with being a single parent while dealing with a twin sister who is by the looks of it – in trouble. So what’s a girl to do but find some time to do all of what while just trying to get through life? Well that’s what you will have to do by reading the book! Parker is a wordsmith as she writes and will have you ripping away at the pages to find out what happens next. Parker is my new favorite romantic comedy writer that just makes her characters come to life and relatable.
July 5, 2011
Parker's debut novel is everything a reader hopes for -- a twisting, turning plot filled with delicious, memorable characters and a high degree of suspense. I love that this story portrays imperfect Christians as exactly that, imperfect. Angel seeks to be the best daughter, sister, mother and woman she can be, but she, like most people, has a few challenges and she has some deepseated hurts with regard to organized religion. But no one is all good or all bad in this first of a three book series. Can't wait for book two.
December 11, 2011
Best read of 2011. Great romance. Well done mystery. Fantastic writing. Don't pass this by.
June 6, 2011
Angel Crawford is nothing like her twin sister, Ava. Older by just four minutes, Ava is poised and professional, the wife of one of Georgia's most prominent ministers. Angel, on the other hand, is a bounty hunter and also happens to be a single mother.
When Ava's minister husband is found murdered, with Ava close by, it's up to Angel to find out what happened to the brother-in-law she didn't care for and the sister she does. With assistance from her own minister, Justus Morgan, and her mother breathing down her back to get her baby out of jail, Angel finds herself under the gun, literally. She calls in favors and relives her own painful past in an effort to clear her sister's name and bring her back home to her children.
Though A Good Excuse to be Bad is not your typical colorful chick lit, there is the banter between Angel and her minister, Justus, that masks sexual attraction between the two. With Justus acting as her sidekick while she tries to solve the mystery, there is plenty of time for them to flirt, though it's often interrupted by life's situations or simply because it's inappropriate in light of what's happening around them.
In Angel Crawford, Miranda Parker has the makings of a character with potential longevity, but she should be careful to pick a genre and stick with it. At times this felt like a true mystery, in the vein of Valerie Wilson Wesley's Tamara Hayle character or Grace Edwards' Mali Anderson character. There were times though when it felt like there was a strong desire to make this Christian lit, and not just because the story involved ministers, their families and their parishioners. And, as I said earlier, the flirting and banter between Justus and Angel gives it a chick lit feel, though Angel is a much stronger character than the typical woman you might find in chick lit. Parker should be careful going forward to define which genre this series belongs in, otherwise it may get lost in the crowd.
What did you like about this book?
Angel and Ava's mother was a riot. She really reminded me of Jenifer Lewis, who seems to have played everyone's mother in black Hollywood at this point.
What didn't you like about this book?
At times it felt like there was too much going on. Everything leading up to the solving of the mystery was planned out, but the point where the mystery was solved seemed rushed. I'm still not sure that I understood exactly why what happened did.
What could the author do to improve this book?
Find a genre and stick with it. And balance the story out so that it flows consistently throughout.
When Ava's minister husband is found murdered, with Ava close by, it's up to Angel to find out what happened to the brother-in-law she didn't care for and the sister she does. With assistance from her own minister, Justus Morgan, and her mother breathing down her back to get her baby out of jail, Angel finds herself under the gun, literally. She calls in favors and relives her own painful past in an effort to clear her sister's name and bring her back home to her children.
Though A Good Excuse to be Bad is not your typical colorful chick lit, there is the banter between Angel and her minister, Justus, that masks sexual attraction between the two. With Justus acting as her sidekick while she tries to solve the mystery, there is plenty of time for them to flirt, though it's often interrupted by life's situations or simply because it's inappropriate in light of what's happening around them.
In Angel Crawford, Miranda Parker has the makings of a character with potential longevity, but she should be careful to pick a genre and stick with it. At times this felt like a true mystery, in the vein of Valerie Wilson Wesley's Tamara Hayle character or Grace Edwards' Mali Anderson character. There were times though when it felt like there was a strong desire to make this Christian lit, and not just because the story involved ministers, their families and their parishioners. And, as I said earlier, the flirting and banter between Justus and Angel gives it a chick lit feel, though Angel is a much stronger character than the typical woman you might find in chick lit. Parker should be careful going forward to define which genre this series belongs in, otherwise it may get lost in the crowd.
What did you like about this book?
Angel and Ava's mother was a riot. She really reminded me of Jenifer Lewis, who seems to have played everyone's mother in black Hollywood at this point.
What didn't you like about this book?
At times it felt like there was too much going on. Everything leading up to the solving of the mystery was planned out, but the point where the mystery was solved seemed rushed. I'm still not sure that I understood exactly why what happened did.
What could the author do to improve this book?
Find a genre and stick with it. And balance the story out so that it flows consistently throughout.
May 19, 2012
Evangeline (Angel) Crawford is a bad-mamma-jamma to be messing with as a bounty bail hunter on a mission, holding things down at the night club, and wonder where is back-up to be posted at his designated area. I nearly screamed for her to handle this Cade fellow solo. After the action-packed scene, Angel wonders why her twin-sister Avalyn (Ava) is making sudden, unannounced visits with her kids. This last stop lead to murderous disaster that only Angel tries to put the missing pieces together. Regardless of her crush on Rev. Justus Morgan, yet calls him the Bible Yoda, and seems to be on low when it comes to faith and church duty calls. Justus is there to give her a refill, or at least be the shepherd she needs on this mystery that lies ahead to figure out who-dunnit to the Bishop Devon McArthur.
"A Good Excuse to be Bad," title suits the protagonist, BAD B (Black American Drama Beauty) Evangeline "Angel" Crawford very well. She appears as the superhero, linked provider that covers her sister and mother's tracks, investigates and hates religious jargon but attempts to keep her head up even in the darkest hour. This novel kept me on my p's and q's and wanted to see FAVOR for Angel with a tinge of mystery, combination of fast-paced suspense and hint of romance, and a roller coaster of emotions for the characters and scenes/plots. I will keep my eyes open and mind on this author, and its surprises interwoven perfectly in this first part series.
Miranda Parker brought all the necessary ingredients with a mixture of must-read chemicals to spice the reader's imagination so delightfully--scrumptious blend in this Angel Crawford Series. It's almost as hot as L.A. Banks' vampire series, which I love so much!
*4.25 stars, nearly a 5 star but midway kinda feel short for me, dwindled and ending was sort of rushed to me since the middle of the novel was a bit long-winded for me...to get to the killer and motive but does leave a cliff hanger to read the next book in series! I am ready to see whatever happened to Angel's baby's daddy?
Adrienna Turner,
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
"A Good Excuse to be Bad," title suits the protagonist, BAD B (Black American Drama Beauty) Evangeline "Angel" Crawford very well. She appears as the superhero, linked provider that covers her sister and mother's tracks, investigates and hates religious jargon but attempts to keep her head up even in the darkest hour. This novel kept me on my p's and q's and wanted to see FAVOR for Angel with a tinge of mystery, combination of fast-paced suspense and hint of romance, and a roller coaster of emotions for the characters and scenes/plots. I will keep my eyes open and mind on this author, and its surprises interwoven perfectly in this first part series.
Miranda Parker brought all the necessary ingredients with a mixture of must-read chemicals to spice the reader's imagination so delightfully--scrumptious blend in this Angel Crawford Series. It's almost as hot as L.A. Banks' vampire series, which I love so much!
*4.25 stars, nearly a 5 star but midway kinda feel short for me, dwindled and ending was sort of rushed to me since the middle of the novel was a bit long-winded for me...to get to the killer and motive but does leave a cliff hanger to read the next book in series! I am ready to see whatever happened to Angel's baby's daddy?
Adrienna Turner,
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
July 7, 2011
Date: 7/6/11
Title: A Good Excuse to Be Bad
Author: Miranda Parker
ISBN 10: 0758259506
ISBN 13: 978-0758259509
Pages: 323
Publisher: Kensington
Cover: Paperback
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
In her debut novel, author Miranda Parker gives us the action-packed, witty and romantic first installment of her Angel Crawford Novel. A Good Excuse to Be Bad is entertaining and exciting.
Angel Crawford has traded her job as a reporter for Atlanta based Sentinel for the dangerous yet exciting life of a bounty hunter. She may inherit a few bumps and bruises in the process, but she always gets her man . . . or woman.
Angel soon finds herself in a world wind of emotions when she finds her twin sister Ava leaning over her dead husband’s body. To make things complicated, Justin Morgan, her pastor, has decided to be her savior and her sidekick. That wouldn’t normally be a problem, if she weren’t falling for him.
Together these two leap into action to clear Ava’s name and find out what really happened that night at the McMansion.
Is this a case of a crime of passion? You’ll have to read A Good Excuse to Be Bad to find out. Miranda Parker has done an excellent job with this novel and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Kudos to Ms. Parker for smooth, enjoyable and uncomplicated!
Title: A Good Excuse to Be Bad
Author: Miranda Parker
ISBN 10: 0758259506
ISBN 13: 978-0758259509
Pages: 323
Publisher: Kensington
Cover: Paperback
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
In her debut novel, author Miranda Parker gives us the action-packed, witty and romantic first installment of her Angel Crawford Novel. A Good Excuse to Be Bad is entertaining and exciting.
Angel Crawford has traded her job as a reporter for Atlanta based Sentinel for the dangerous yet exciting life of a bounty hunter. She may inherit a few bumps and bruises in the process, but she always gets her man . . . or woman.
Angel soon finds herself in a world wind of emotions when she finds her twin sister Ava leaning over her dead husband’s body. To make things complicated, Justin Morgan, her pastor, has decided to be her savior and her sidekick. That wouldn’t normally be a problem, if she weren’t falling for him.
Together these two leap into action to clear Ava’s name and find out what really happened that night at the McMansion.
Is this a case of a crime of passion? You’ll have to read A Good Excuse to Be Bad to find out. Miranda Parker has done an excellent job with this novel and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Kudos to Ms. Parker for smooth, enjoyable and uncomplicated!
June 26, 2011
I’m My Sister’s Keeper
Angel works as a bail bonds recovery agent. She only started this profession after she left her job as a reporter for the Atlanta Sentinel. It can be a dangerous profession, but the pay is excellent.
Angel seems to be quite popular these days as her pastor Rev. Justus Morgan (a very handsome man) wants to hire her to follow his niece Kelly to see why she seems to be MIA all hours of the night. Angel doesn’t think this is a good idea because the Pastor is really fine and single and she has a little crush on him.
Then her twin sister, Ava, calls her and wants to “stay” with her for a few days. Angel does not have a problem with it until she sees Ava and the detective in her knows that her sister is trouble. When Ava tells Angel to leave it alone, the curiosity inside of her pushes full steam ahead. Will this cost Ava?
I really enjoyed "A Good Excuse To Be Bad." It was funny, romantic and mysterious. I could connect with Angel and Rev. Justus, and I really enjoyed the mother character.
I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to your next installment Miranda Parker.
Angel works as a bail bonds recovery agent. She only started this profession after she left her job as a reporter for the Atlanta Sentinel. It can be a dangerous profession, but the pay is excellent.
Angel seems to be quite popular these days as her pastor Rev. Justus Morgan (a very handsome man) wants to hire her to follow his niece Kelly to see why she seems to be MIA all hours of the night. Angel doesn’t think this is a good idea because the Pastor is really fine and single and she has a little crush on him.
Then her twin sister, Ava, calls her and wants to “stay” with her for a few days. Angel does not have a problem with it until she sees Ava and the detective in her knows that her sister is trouble. When Ava tells Angel to leave it alone, the curiosity inside of her pushes full steam ahead. Will this cost Ava?
I really enjoyed "A Good Excuse To Be Bad." It was funny, romantic and mysterious. I could connect with Angel and Rev. Justus, and I really enjoyed the mother character.
I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to your next installment Miranda Parker.
July 13, 2011
Evangeline "Angel" Crawford lives a relatively quiet life with her sister, Whitney, and her daughter, Bella. Angel left her post as an investigative reporter to keep her days open for Bella and escape the drama with the church. Now she earns money as a bail recovery agent for Big Tiger that is until her twin, Ava, was accused of murder. Angel had to find the real killer, take care of Ava's kids while keeping her demanding mother at bay and trying to not fall in love with Pastor "Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan." Will Angel collect and put the pieces together before it's too late?
Parker does an outstanding job with the Angel Crawford manhunt novel. The mystery and intrigue grew with every page. There were a few areas where the action waned and dialogue confused me but that didn't take away from this female centered detective story. There were several unanswered questions that will be picked up in the next Angel Crawford novel. Bravo Ms. Parker. Bravo.
Parker does an outstanding job with the Angel Crawford manhunt novel. The mystery and intrigue grew with every page. There were a few areas where the action waned and dialogue confused me but that didn't take away from this female centered detective story. There were several unanswered questions that will be picked up in the next Angel Crawford novel. Bravo Ms. Parker. Bravo.
October 11, 2012
Very well written. Very enjoyable.
November 1, 2011
I like this book a lot! I couldn't put the book (actually my iPad down). I can't wait to find out what happens next!
October 24, 2011
Enjoyable - Twin sister saving twin from a scandalous murder charge of her husband
September 30, 2021
It was an ok book. Took a while to get it started. I never quit a book. Ending was great though. Can’t wait to read the other two to this series
January 2, 2022
Love it so much. I read for entertainment and fun. This was so entertaining and fun.
August 14, 2017
I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I'll try again.
March 16, 2017
2 ½ stars
October 29, 2012
When I saw this on the library shelf, I was excited to read it because the description sounded interesting:
"Smart, gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately, it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her new life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in underground Atlanta is about to change all that... Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern: will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered..."
Unfortunately, that description was the best thing about the book. It was a struggle to finish, as the story line was boring and repetitive and none of the characters were particularly interesting. It did pick up at the end, which bumped my rating up to a 3, but not much else was good about this.
"Smart, gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately, it's not turning out that way...
Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her new life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in underground Atlanta is about to change all that... Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up--with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern: will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring--and hopefully far from numbered..."
Unfortunately, that description was the best thing about the book. It was a struggle to finish, as the story line was boring and repetitive and none of the characters were particularly interesting. It did pick up at the end, which bumped my rating up to a 3, but not much else was good about this.
February 21, 2013
1.I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Jennifer Kidwell really made this an enjoyable listen.
2.This is an amazing book. I usually read Erotic Fiction so this was a little different type of Romance/Mystery. (clean romance). I truly enjoyed this book. It was well written suspenseful romance novel that captured your attention with humor and real life situations.
Angel is a strong willed sister that enjoys her job as a bounty hunter. This story is written around two church homes. One that she attends with her FINER THAN SIN PASTOR JUSTICE and her sister and brother in laws mega-church. Angel finds herself right in the middle of a crime scene when her sister is arrested for murdering her Bishop husband. Justice, the Pastor is there to support Angel throughout her quest to find the truth about EVERYTHING, even down to the love that she desperately wants from him, but believes she isn't worthy of.
Can't wait to Read #2 Someone Bad and Something Blue
2.This is an amazing book. I usually read Erotic Fiction so this was a little different type of Romance/Mystery. (clean romance). I truly enjoyed this book. It was well written suspenseful romance novel that captured your attention with humor and real life situations.
Angel is a strong willed sister that enjoys her job as a bounty hunter. This story is written around two church homes. One that she attends with her FINER THAN SIN PASTOR JUSTICE and her sister and brother in laws mega-church. Angel finds herself right in the middle of a crime scene when her sister is arrested for murdering her Bishop husband. Justice, the Pastor is there to support Angel throughout her quest to find the truth about EVERYTHING, even down to the love that she desperately wants from him, but believes she isn't worthy of.
Can't wait to Read #2 Someone Bad and Something Blue
July 8, 2015
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
March 20, 2013
This was a great book. It took me almost the entire book to figure out who did it, it being the baby's father and the killer. I am going to start the next book in the series tonight. I guess this is a romantic suspense but I don't think Justus and Angel are ever gonna do it, at least graphically in these book, but I don't know. Off to the library to get the next book.
February 20, 2012
I read this book in a little over a day. I enjoyed it. It was fast paced. I think I was reading it fast to find out what would happen next. Kensington needs to do better with their editing .
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