Review of ‘Tats Too’ by Layce Gardner
I’m not even sure where to start here. This is the second book in a series. I didn’t realize that until it was too late to break my OCD habits of reading series in order. I saw this audiobook while I was perusing Audible Escape and recognized the author from another series, ‘The True Heart’ series. So I gave it a go and I’m glad I did. You do not need to read the first book in order to understand this one (but do, as I’m finding out ‘Tats’, was a Goldie winner in 2012). And by understand, I mean simply enjoy. I’m not sure this book is meant to be understood because there is really nothing serious about it. Just relish the ride!
So this one was a funny book with lots of crazy things happening. Lee Hammond is pregnant and living with her girlfriend Vivian Baxter. After giving birth, Lee discovers her house is under surveillance by the FBI. When she confronts the men, she finds out Vivian was not entirely truthful about her past and now is wanted by the FBI, along with the Mafia, for stealing a ten million dollar diamond.
Confessions made, Lee decides she loves Vivian and will do anything to keep her family together. This includes faking their own deaths and going on a road trip to Las Vegas to recover the diamond, while oh yes, on their way to Mexico so they can live happily ever after. All this with the FBI and Mafia close on their heels.
I have to admit I was in the right mood to enjoy this, just like I have to be in the mood to enjoy movies like ‘Naked Gun’. This is a comedy and simply unrealistic, do not expect anything else. That said, it works and it was a funny and enjoyable ride. There is a lot of cursing and explicit content, crude at times. The biggest joke is how much Lee is attracted to breasts. Yep, shallow but it was funny anyway.
The dialog involving subliminal messages between the mains was great and I just had to laugh out loud. The story is told in first person from Lee’s point of view, which adds to the wit and constant comedic vibe of the book. The characters are all entertaining and add to this larger than life story. Vivian’s sister was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed her part in the tale.
As I mentioned above, I listened to this story. It was narrated by the author! I absolutely loved her narration and I’m impressed that she is good at not just writing but bringing the story to life through a great performance.
Overall a good action-packed comedy. 4 stars
