A Little Bit of Karma

Starred review from August 3, 2020
Billingsley (Let the Church Say Amen) wows with this taut, expressive page-turner about a star couple on the brink of divorce. The Lovejoy franchise encompasses a popular call-in radio show and a number of best selling books on how to have a healthy relationship, and at the helm of it all is happy couple Shannon and Jay Lovejoy—except Shannon has wanted nothing to do with Jay ever since she discovered his infidelity. The couple are contractually obligated to get through one last retreat together as the keynote speakers, and after that she vows to be done with him. But then Jay’s mistress, Vonda, shows up to the retreat to taunt Shannon, resulting in a public argument that casts all three in a negative light. The mess they’ve made for themselves goes from bad to worse when Vonda turns up dead in their hotel suite, plunging the Lovejoys down a rabbit hole of twists and turns that will have readers riveted. With just the right amount of emotional drive, Billingsley’s latest is an expert foray into romantic suspense that will impress her longtime fans and earn her plenty of new ones. Agent: Sara Camilli, Sara Camilli Agency.

September 1, 2020
Rich and admired Shannon and Jay Lovejoy are getting ready to promote their famous book and dispense their popular radio advice at a very expensive retreat. Except that Shannon caught Jay cheating and wants a divorce. To make matters worse, Jay's girlfriend shows up at the island resort and won't leave them alone, even in public. When Shannon intends to have it out with her, she finds Jay leaving his mistress' room and then discovers that the woman is dead. Jay insists that he's innocent of murder. The couple is then kidnapped by a mobster looking for a flash drive. The Lovejoys manage to return to the States, although they're on the run until they can clear their names and shake free from both the police and the bad guys. Billingsley's second-chance tale of romantic suspense offers fast-paced fun and a cascade of surprises as Shannon and Jay try to come to terms with the mistakes they've made in the marriage and discover how to move forward while fighting for their lives.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2020

Dr. Shannon Lovejoy and husband Jay have built a financially successful relationship counseling empire. Their books and radio show are hits, and they're about to embark on their biggest speaking engagement yet. Unfortunately, their own relationship is fraught with resentment and infidelity. Then Jay's mistress Vonda is murdered, and the Lovejoys are kidnapped by gunmen demanding the return of a mysterious item Vonda gave Jay...or else. The couple escape their assailants, only to realize they are the prime suspects in Vonda's murder. Their only hope is to fulfill the mob's request and somehow try to clear their name. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and work together, or will this be the final straw that breaks their already strained union? VERDICT Best-selling author Billingsley's (More to Life) first foray into the romantic suspense genre is an absolute thrill ride. The plot builds slowly, but gains momentum the minute the Lovejoys go on the run. While there's pulse-pounding action, the emphasis remains on the couple's emotional development. Overall, an exciting entry from an author with legions of fans. [See Prepub Alert, 3/18/20.]--Heather Miller Cover, Homewood P.L., AL

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