************
Title: Lucky Penny
Series: The Miranda Vaughn Mysteries #3
Author: Ellie Ashe
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
Publication Date: April 7, 2017
************
Purchase Links:
************
Lucky Penny
The Miranda Vaughn Mysteries #3
Ellie Ashe
Ellie Ashe, April 2017
Narrated by Teri Schnaubelt
Downloaded Unabridged Audio Book
From the author—
A year after her acquittal on fraud charges, former financial analyst Miranda Vaughn is finally getting her life back. Not only does she have a chance for romance with her sexy neighbor, FBI Agent Jake Barnes, but she’s also got a new job…one that’s taking her to a vacation paradise!
Perched above the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the Whispering Pines Resort & Spa is a local landmark and a popular destination for the rich and famous who are stressed out from being rich and famous. And down on the water’s edge is the Lucky Penny Casino – an abandoned shell of a once-stylish casino. Max Emmerson, the owner of the Whispering Pines Resort, used to own the Lucky Penny, and he wants it back. Miranda’s job is to get Max’s finances in order so he can borrow the money to buy the casino, and make sure nothing jeopardizes his gaming license. Easy, right?
But the nice boring accounting job spirals out of control with the addition of a Hollywood film crew, an underground gambling ring, and Jake going undercover at the resort as a newlywed – with another woman. As Miranda and Jake each dive into their investigations, they can’t deny their growing feelings for each other. But it’s more important than ever that they keep their attraction hidden. Especially since someone at the resort is watching them very closely, and is willing to do just about anything to keep them from uncovering the truth.
Fair warning to readers new to the series: I had no trouble jumping into it with the third book but those who are chronologically-driven probably would prefer to read in order. I’m just sayin’ 😉
Technically speaking, Lucky Penny is a cozy that doesn’t quite meet the so-called requirements because it doesn’t take place in a small town, most of the characters don’t start out as bosom buddies and the protagonist isn’t a cook, crafter, organic farmer, bookseller, yogi, petsitter, etc., etc., etc. So, let’s just call it a cozy chick-lit caper, OK?
Miranda is a very likeable character who got in some legal trouble a while back and, although she was acquitted, her career is in shambles so she takes on a freelance job at a casino, one that she might not have been offered in the past but it could be a real boon for her. Naturally, what seemed to be a pretty simple task, not to mention a free luxury vacation, turns out to be much, much more. Before she knows what’s happening, Miranda is in the midst of financial shenanigans, an illegal gambling investigation, the filming of a movie and a couple of twisty turny romantic developments.
I could do without the woman-has-to-choose-between-two-guys routine but the romantic elements weren’t too intrusive and the various mysteries were entertaining enough plus the main players are appealing. Bottomline, I liked the story and the narration of the audio edition was a big plus. Ms. Schnaubelt is a very good reader with an easy tone and excellent pacing, clear diction and she does different voices quite well. Her interpretation of Miranda is especially good, exactly the right touch to pull me into Miranda’s world. Both Ellie Ashe and Teri Schnaubelt bring Miranda and crew to life.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2017.
About the Author
USA Today best-selling author Ellie Ashe has always been drawn to jobs where she can tell stories—journalist, lawyer, and now writer. Writing quirky romantic mysteries is how she gets the “happily ever after” that so often is lacking in her day job.
When not writing, you can find her with her nose in a good book, watching far too much TV, or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting friends and family. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three cats, all of whom worry when she starts browsing the puppy listings on petfinder.com.
Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Amazon
************
Play an excerpt here.
************
About the Narrator
Teri Schnaubelt is a Chicago-based actor, voice actor and audiobook narrator with over 100 titles, including NY Times Bestsellers.
************
Follow the tour:
Chasing the Dollar (Book 1)
Apr. 16: CGB Blog Tours (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Apr. 17: Dab of Darkness (Review)
Apr. 18: Guilty Indulgence Book Club (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Apr. 19: Desert Rose Reviews (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Giveaway)
The Book Junkie (Spotlight & Interview)
Apr. 20: Lomeraniel (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Apr. 21: The Book Junkie (Review)
Apr. 22: Bound 4 Escape (Review)
Between the Coverz (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Dropping the Dime (Book 2)
Apr. 23: CGB Blog Tours (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Apr. 24: Dab of Darkness (Review)
Apr. 25: The Book Junkie (Spotlight)
Apr. 26: Desert Rose Reviews (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Giveaway)
Apr. 27: Guilty Indulgence Book Club (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
The Book Junkie (Review)
Apr. 28: Lomeraniel (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Apr. 29: Bound 4 Escape (Review)
Between the Coverz (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Lucky Penny (Book 3)
Apr. 30: CGB Blog Tours (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
May 1: Dab of Darkness (Review)
May 2: Read Day and Night (Review)
The Book Junkie (Spotlight)
May 3: Spunky-n-Sassy (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
May 4: Desert Rose Reviews (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Giveaway)
May 5: The Book Junkie (Review)
May 6: Between the Coverz (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
May 7: Buried Under Books (Review)
May 8: Lomeraniel (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
May 9: The Book Addict’s Reviews (Review)
May 10: Guilty Indulgence Book Club (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
May 11: terriluvsbooks (Review, Author Interview & Giveaway)
May 12: Bound 4 Escape (Review)
May 13: Celtic Lady’s Reviews (Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Giveaway)
************
Buried Under Books 