Bubbles Unbound by Sarah Strohmeyer

I have had the Bubbles series sitting on my shelves forever, and when I was looking for something to read, I decided to give it a shot. It was a fun read, and I give it a B+.

From Amazon:
Meet Bubbles Yablonsky, beautician-reporter-sleuth and blazing star of Strohmeyer's entertaining, establishment-bashing debut as a mystery writer. Like the mills that gird the book's seen-better-days steel town of Lehigh, Pa., the city is itself a seething cauldron. Battle lines are sharply drawn between the haves and have-nots. Bubbles is hell-bent on getting even with the overlords, especially her former husband, a heel who has gone over to the other side. Opportunity knocks when Bubbles incriminates a wealthy socialite in a brutal murder and then uncovers a murky past, where corpses are littered around the accused's steel-magnate husband. The going is never easy, as Bubbles faces more perils than Pauline: falling off a bridge in the arms of a potential suicide; dodging drive-by gunmen and car bombers; being handcuffed and fitted for cement boots; and always searching for a better way to display her cleavage. Armed with her certificate from Two Guys Community College, abetted by a quirky array of social castoffs and fueled by Doritos, Velveeta and Diet Pepsi, Bubbles overcomes every obstacle on her way to shaking the foundations of the corporate world and, in the process, leaving more than a few wrinkles in her ex's tailored Brooks Brothers suits. Hop in the Camaro and buckle up: Bubbles is behind the wheel, and a wild ride awaits.

I knew before reading this that there was a lot of comparison to Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum and I could definitely see the similarities. However, there were many differences as well that made this story really fun. I liked Bubbles and thought she was a great character, along with her daughter and even her wacko ex-husband. I mean what is not to like about a man who decides to change his name from Dan to Chip? I had a couple of laugh out loud moments and read this book fairly quickly. I also liked the fact that there were actual clues throughout the book that allows the reader to solve the crime and not just find out whodunit at the end. All in all, a fun and pleasant read which I needed today since I had some dental work done today and am in some pain.

Between reading and recovering today, I have been glued to the tv for several different reasons though they all had to do with politics. At lot of my friends don't understand why I get involved and watch the conventions but I like to be informed. That includes getting my news from various sources and doing my own research. I can finally say I have made a decision in this election and am hopeful for the first time in awhile. Then I switch over to local news and see how the city of Detroit is crumbling and falling apart in front of our eyes. The city's wonderful *sarcasm* mayor is in removal hearings with our slightly more wonderful governor being forced out of his job. Forget the 12 felonies he is facing, and his refusal to leave office, and breaking bond and leaving the country, today the news reported that Mr. Kilpatrick feels he is on his way out, so what does he do... give 35% raises to his friends and families in appointed positions! Our state is in such bad shape in the economy that each newscast shows a job opening for people to apply for that is offering $8.00 an hour. Foreclosures are crazy here and the mayor has threatened to layoff 100s of fire and police officers and he gives some people $36,000 a year raises. Ugh!!!!! Drives me crazy. If house prices had not fallen so much my husband and I would be out of here faster than you can blink. I can't find a full time job since teachers who are in their 60s can't afford to retire.

Sorry for going off on such a tangent. I know this blog is called Kristie Loves Books but today the news has been nuts and I had to get some things off of my chest. I have also been taking Vicodin for my pain so I am guessing that a lot of this doesn't even make sense. I will be returning to my regular scheduled programming tomorrow. Happy Reading!

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

I loved Ms. Lancaster's second book, Bright Lights, Big Ass, and had to read her first book. I had it on hold forever at the library and it finally came in. This was another fun read and was a breeze to whip through. I would give it a B+.

From Amazon:
Jen Lancaster was living the sweet life-until real life kicked her to the curb. She had the perfect man, the perfect job-hell, she had the perfect life-and there was no reason to think it wouldn't last. Or maybe there was, but Jen Lancaster was too busy being manicured, pedicured, highlighted, and generally adored to notice. This is the smart-mouthed, soul-searching story of a woman trying to figure out what happens next when she's gone from six figures to unemployment checks and she stops to reconsider some of the less-than-rosy attitudes and values she thought she'd never have to answer for when times were good. Filled with caustic wit and unusual insight, it's a rollicking read as speedy and unpredictable as the trajectory of a burst balloon.

Ms. Lancaster learns a pretty bitter, important lesson throughout this book. She had been living the high life for so long and then everything just crashes. In the wake of 9/11, the jobs dry up and eventually both her and her new husband are unemployed. Jen tries to get jobs everywhere, yet she is either over-qualified or has burned bridges. I somewhat understand what she and her husband, Fletch, went through. Living in Michigan, we have been in a one-state recession (as all of the Republican nominees have been saying the past five days while campagining here... and don't gett me started about how messed up the Democrats who run this state caused for no Democrat people coming here and only having Hillary on the ballot (who I can't stand, though doesn't bother me too much since I tend to lean towards the right)) and with the automotive industry losing money our economy has been in the pooper. My husband is working less and I have little hopes for finding a full time job as a teacher so there are like zero openings. However, Ms. Lancaster lived foolishly and spent outrageous amounts of money on rent and $800 purses. It is an interesting story to see how they are able to make positive things come of it all and eventually turn things around. The story also contains Ms. Lancaster's fun wit and sarcastic remarks which had me laughing out loud. I am looking forward to her newest book which is to be released this spring.

Up next is going to be another library book that I got a recommendation from an old Mystery Scene magazine. It is by Michael Allegretto and is titled Night of Renuion. It was published in 1990 and I have high hopes that it is some what better than Smash Cut. Actually now that I think about, I am not sure how I heard of this book, but here it is. I just read the inside cover again and it still sounds good. I hope I finish this one fast because on Saturday morning I am leaving for a week in Florida. I would really like to limit the amount of library books I bring with me. Hope everyone else is having a good start to the week and Happy Reading!