Review: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE BRANDY BOOKS!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2012
Many, many, moons ago Shelly Fredman contacted me about her book,No Such Thing as a Secret: A Brandy Alexander Mystery (No Such Thing As...A Brandy Alexander Mystery),  and asked if I'd be willing to read and review it.  After reading the synopsis I dove into the book and I have been a fan ever since.  I have made other readers in my life fans as well.  There is just something so loveable about Brandy and these books; they're just the right kind of comfort reading.  I always feel like I am reading about and visiting with good friends.In this 5th book, Brandy is witness to a cop being shot and while trying to save him she is forced to defend herself and ends up shooting the gang member who later dies.  This gets Brandy wrapped up in 100 kinds of trouble.  Luckily, the hunky men in her life, past and present, are there to help pick up the pieces and kiss the hurts. (If only we all had a Nick and Bobby at our sides *purrs*)While there is a healthy dose of humor, this tale was more emotional to me.  I don't know if my empathy levels are off the charts but I was crying and worrying and feeling everything that Brandy was feeling.  Some of it, like the jealousy and the hopelessness and doubts, wasn't easy to swallow, but so real to life and true to the integrity of the book and characters; it only enhanced my reading experience.Every time I read one of these books, I am left grinning and wanting another one, soon.  The author, unfortunately, likes to torture me with long waits between books!  That's OK though because I'll enjoy rereading these while I wait.If you've never read a Brandy Alexander Mystery, do yourself a favor and start with the first book in the series.  If you, like me, are a returning fan, you won't be disappointed.  Shelly Fredman makes a habit out of topping herself.  I loved it!No Such Thing as a Secret: A Brandy Alexander Mystery (No Such Thing As...A Brandy Alexander Mystery)No Such Thing As A Good Blind Date: A Brandy Alexander MysteryNo Such Thing as a Free Lunch (Brandy Alexander, Bk 3)No Such Thing as a Free RideNo Such Thing as a Lost CauseCherise Everhard, December 2012