Book Review: "Licensed for Trouble" by Susan May Warren

PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she’s inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect—PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister’s house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ’s investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max’s case without dropping the ball?

I have loved all of Susan May Warren's books and I have especially enjoyed this light fun romantic mystery series featuring amateur PI PJ Sugar. This series stands out because event though the frame of the story may seem familiar (amateur sleuth, coworker of opposite sex that shares attraction), Warren takes it make it her own with a very likable heroine. Personally I felt this to be the best book in the series. As I have stated in previous reviews, I have never really been a fan of PJ's sister. Connie has just always rubbed me the wrong way throughout the series so I was rather glad that she didn't show up much in this book. It's just how she treats PJ and then the whole business of her new marriage just really irk me. Although I was bit sad to see interaction with Sergei's parents reduced to nothing in this book after the rollicking ride from the last story.

There seems to be two different subplots happening, both with the same focus of finding out about one's past. There is Max, who has amnesia and hires PJ to help him find himself again. As they go along the way, there are details that may make Max NOT want to really discover himself again. There's a good mystery into his background but honestly I felt it played second fiddle to other one that I was more interested in. The other plot deals with PJ being the sole heiress to the Kellogg inheritance and having to discover why she was chosen. PJ hunts down the reasons as to why the Kelloggs might have included her in the will and along the way finds more about the family history than she had been expecting.

In addition to all this, PJ is finally having to come to terms with her relationships between childhood sweetheart Boone and coworker with insane chemistry Jeremy. This love triangle is handled exceptionally well with equal amounts of tension, humor, and awkwardness. While all these subplots may seem to make the story sound very busy, they don't. Warren is an expert story teller and manages to make each one stand out on its own as well as tie them all in together.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the great way it tied up the series. It's a good light romantic suspense mixed with fun characters and an intriguing storyline. PJ's discovery of who she is has helped to understand her character completely. She has also made me realize that I will never want to be a PI if I can help it. It'd be too nerve wracking for me!

Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren is published by Tyndale (2010)

This review copy was provided for a blog tour with Lit Fuse Publicity

Check out other stops on the tour here

Enter PJ Sugar's "Sweet" Giveaway

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

• A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)



• The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren
  

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 2nd.