Not too long ago, I had one goal: Win an Olympic Gold Medal but an injury took me out of the running for the Ladies Figure Skating competition at the last Olympic Games. Nancy Kerrigan was grandfathered in. I was not.Translation: I was disqualified. DQ’d. I was out in the cold on my keister.But when an offer to fill a spot on a pairs team lands in my lap, I take it. It seems like an answered … It seems like an answered prayer—that is until a competitor is found brutally murdered in her room at the competitor’s village and my partner is the number one suspect.
I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands. Again. Sweet Kristi Yamaguchi, save me from overly c*cky men.
My name is Sophia Eleonore Dubois and holy mother of Dorothy Hamill my life is still complicated . . .
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4 stars
Layback is the second book in the Murder on Ice series and I highly suggest you read Attack Zone first. While you might be able to catch yourself up during the read of book two, there is a complicated back story and characters you won’t want to miss!
An attempt on her life and one missed Olympic dream later, Sophia’s life is a bit of a shit show. Everything she’s worked for is gone in a flash. So when she gets the opportunity to jump into pairs skating when one of the qualifying skaters has to drop out, she’s triple axles her way back onto Team USA, with flair and gusto. The fact that her boyfriend SD Detective Kane F*cking Green can’t get over who her skate partner is, is well his shortcoming but it won’t prevent her pursuit of her dreams.
So he’s an idiot… But he’s an idiot that loves Sophie and thinking of her with the man that screwed him over before was enough to make his jealous, growly Alpha side come out. He quickly realizes his mistake and plasters himself to her side to be with her through these games and the realization of her dreams. But as with all Jennifer Rebecca books, there are still quite a few shenanigans to navigate. Twists and turns and being trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
I personally can’t get enough of Jennifer Rebecca’s unique brand of humor, so while I felt there were some inconsistencies in this book, I could overlook them because I so loved everything else. (Ok actually, I didn’t like the stunt he pulled in Korea and Sophie’s laissez-faire response to it. It was a jerk move and I doubt anyone would’ve been so chill over it!) Then the funny as hell octogenarians make a trip to the Games and where they go, I follow while clutching my sides hilariously. Great read for some sexy times and chuckles!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Layback is book two in Jennifer Rebecca’s Murder on Ice Mysteries. There is also a lot of crossover with characters from her Funerals and Obituaries series. And while Layback can be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend all books from both series. There is a hilarious backstory with the grandmas and the Dangerous Dames that you certainly don’t want to miss, and there is also Kane and Sophia’s backstory that is referenced some in this book that might be confusing if you haven’t read book one in the Murder on Ice Mysteries.
Layback picks up where Attack Zone (book one) left off. It’s a few weeks later and Sophia is training for her last chance at Olympic gold. Will she make it this time, or will a murder take her out for good? Can her detective boyfriend, Kane f*%#@$! Green figure out who the real killer is before it’s too late?
I kind of adore this author’s writing style. It’s personable and humorous and kind of reads like the old fashioned detective shows on TV. Only with lots of sarcastic humor and some sexy times added in. And the “swearing” that happens kind of cracks me up, too. I’m a huge romantic suspense fan but I also like a great romcom. This author’s books combine both and even though this wasn’t my most favorite book of either series, it still had me laughing out loud and kept me up way too late. (Side note: I’m no longer allowed to read Jennifer Rebecca’s books while the hubs is trying to sleep!)
NICUnurse’s Rating: When I finished Attack Zone I immediately needed more of Kane and Sophia’s story so I was very much looking forward to this book. There were some parts that I think could have been fleshed out a little better, but all in all, this was a very entertaining story. And now I can’t wait for the next book in the Funerals & Obituaries series! I give Layback by Jennifer Rebecca 4 stars! Grab your copy today but just be sure to read it when other people are NOT trying to sleep or they will be pretty upset with you because it truly has LOL moments!