A Day in the Life of Samantha Kidd by Diane Vallere

Jan 27, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Some Like it HauteThere are three things you need to know about me:

1. I have questionable judgment
2. I can’t walk away from a challenge
3. I’m not as tough as I pretend to be

If you consider these three things you’ll start to understand why I agreed to help Amanda Ries, my ex-boyfriend’s maybe-former-girlfriend, with her runway show (questionable judgment). You’ll understand why, after I was assaulted in the parking lot outside of said runway show and warned to mind my own business, I was more determined than ever to figure out what was going on (that walking-away-from-a-challenge thing). And you might even see how hard it is for me to put on a brave face while inside, I’m still torn up over my recent breakup with Nick Taylor. (Six weeks, four days, and a handful of hours, not that I’m counting.)

Nick was the one who suggested that Amanda hire me. I have over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, and Amanda was lucky to get me, breakup baggage notwithstanding. While working for her, I spent my days at Warehouse Five acting as liaison between the powers that be while juggling mundane tasks of the “we’re out of Coke Zero” variety.

And then Amanda fired me. Fired by the maybe-former girlfriend? Not. Acceptable. I should have let it go and walked away, but I didn’t. (see point #2). Instead, I finagled a date with a suitably hot photographer and attended her runway show as a patron, watching from the sidelines while one of the outfits burst into flames on the runway.

Fast forward to today. I’d like to say I spent my morning enjoying a cup of coffee before heading out to do some personal shopping for a client. But I’d be lying. In the past twenty-four hours I’ve chopped off my hair, revisited a crime scene, made out with the hot photographer, and witnessed another fire. I’ve found an unlikely ally in the local police detective, whose hands are tied in the investigation because a local arson investigator is calling the shots. And even though nobody else is asking the question, I’d like to know who attacked me, so I’m conducting my own investigation of all parties involved. Which, among others, includes Amanda, the maybe-former girlfriend.

Samantha Kidd, this is your life.

You can read more about Samantha in Some Like It Haute, the fourth book in the “Style & Error” mystery series, published by Polyester Press. The first book in the series is Designer Dirty Laundry.

DV ToteGIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on February 3 for the chance to win a copy of SOME LIKE IT HAUTE + a Countdown Tote bag. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

About the author
After close to two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. Some Like It Haute, Style & Error #4, is the first of four books coming out in 2015. In addition, she writes the Mad for Mod, Material Witness, and upcoming Costume Shop cozy mysteries. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since. Sign up HERE for her newsletter for contests, news, and giveaways.

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99 Comments

  1. servedogmom
    servedogmom on January 27, 2015 at 1:26 am

    This sounds like a fun book to read. Appreciate the opportunity to participate in the drawing.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Good luck, servedogmom!

  2. MaryB
    MaryB on January 27, 2015 at 1:53 am

    I was not familiar with this series. Thanks for bringing it to my attention – sounds like something I would love. I’m heading now to check on the first book in the series. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Hi Mary, Hope you like Samantha!

  3. bookwoman
    bookwoman on January 27, 2015 at 2:08 am

    This is a fun series. Congrats on the new one.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Thanks, Bookwoman!

  4. Jen
    Jen on January 27, 2015 at 2:52 am

    This is a new book series for me, and I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway. myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Hi Jen, Good luck!

  5. Melody Gonser
    Melody Gonser on January 27, 2015 at 3:18 am

    Love blurb about “Some Like it Haute.” I really like your tittles. They make me smile. Samantha sounds like a kick in the butt. I am glad I found your books. Thank you for your giveaway. Love the book and the bag is fantastic.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:42 am

      Hi Melody, Thank you! The titles make me smile too 🙂

  6. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on January 27, 2015 at 4:01 am

    Wow, what a great concept for a book. To me, fashion is murder so I’ll enjoy this in a different way. I’m definitely adding to my wish list & TBR list too. I think I’ll give it to myself for my birthday. I love the bag & the chance to win. Kh38668(at)yahoo(dot)com

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Hi Ktbeeblog, Have fun getting to know Samantha!

  7. Gram
    Gram on January 27, 2015 at 6:10 am

    New to me, I think.

  8. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on January 27, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Sounds like a great book, love the bag. Would love to read this

  9. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on January 27, 2015 at 6:25 am

    This one sounds like as much fun as the others. I would love to own it!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Hi Amy, good luck!

  10. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on January 27, 2015 at 6:44 am

    Never heard of this series, thank you for the chance

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:44 am

      HI Lisa, glad you had a chance to meet Samantha!

  11. Stephanie Koenig
    Stephanie Koenig on January 27, 2015 at 7:01 am

    This looks like a great read. Terrific gifts! Thanks!!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Hi Stephanie, good luck!

  12. Linda Reilly
    Linda Reilly on January 27, 2015 at 7:31 am

    I read Designer Dirty Laundry, and loved both the mystery and Samantha Kidd! I would love to read this latest installment.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:45 am

      Thank you, Linda! Good luck!

  13. Judy grogan
    Judy grogan on January 27, 2015 at 9:31 am

    I love the bag . The book sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:45 am

      Hi Judy, Isn’t that bag cute? Good luck!

  14. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on January 27, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Not familiar with this author or her series so it will be great to have another new author and series to check out. Thanks for the interview.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Hi Robin, Good luck!

  15. Annette
    Annette on January 27, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I love all of the books by this author. Can’t wait to read this one.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Thank you, Annette!

  16. Betty Paysour
    Betty Paysour on January 27, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Would love to win this book! New author for me, as I have not read any of these books!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Good luck, Bettty! Nice to meet you here.

  17. Betty
    Betty on January 27, 2015 at 10:12 am

    I LOVE your titles! This book sounds great and, of course, the bag is a great fashion accessory! Thank you for the contest and a chance to win!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Thank you, Betty! I love coming up with titles. Good luck!

      • Betty
        Betty on January 27, 2015 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you, Diane!

  18. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on January 27, 2015 at 10:30 am

    This sounds like a fun read—thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 10:48 am

      Good luck, Sheila!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      Suekey12, You’re right; Samantha gets herself in trouble all the time!

  20. Debbie S
    Debbie S on January 27, 2015 at 11:18 am

    I haven’t tried this series yet, I just got Pillow Stalk, I know wrong series, this one looks like fun. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks for getting PILLOW STALK, Debbie! Good luck with this drawing!

  21. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on January 27, 2015 at 11:41 am

    I am going to bur the first books in this series and would love to win Some Like It Haute.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Thank you, Nancy! Good luck!

  22. Becky Prazak
    Becky Prazak on January 27, 2015 at 11:52 am

    Sounds like a very interesting book.

  23. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on January 27, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I am excited to learn about this series-I have never read any of these books…a misfortune I am about to correct asap! Thanks Diane and Dru for telling me about Samantha and giving me the opportunity to enter the contest.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Barbara, Samantha is pleased to meet you!

  24. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on January 27, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Boy, I’d be wanting some answers to the assault, too!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Libby, don’t you know it!

  25. Kathy Meik
    Kathy Meik on January 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    This sounds like I would love this!! I’ve never read this author. Thanks for a chance for a great giveaway!!

  26. Patricia Allen
    Patricia Allen on January 27, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    Book sounds great, looking forward to reading 🙂 thanks for the giveaway.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks, Patricia, good luck!

  27. Tricia Conner
    Tricia Conner on January 27, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    This sounds like a great read! I can’t c wait to check out this series!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you, Tricia! Hope you like Samantha!

  28. Sandy
    Sandy on January 27, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    New series for ME!!!!!!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Love the exclamation points, Sandy!!

  29. Wendy Lee
    Wendy Lee on January 27, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Sounds like fun! I need a new series to dig into!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Thanks, Wendy! Good Luck!

      • Wendy Lee
        Wendy Lee on January 31, 2015 at 1:53 pm

        Thanks Diane!!

  30. marylouh
    marylouh on January 27, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Sounds like an interesting new series. Looking forward to reading it.

  31. sallycootie
    sallycootie on January 27, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    I don’t want to live Samantha’s life, but I sure want to read about it. I want to know what’s with the hair and learn more about the hot photographer. Sounds like another fun book by Diane. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:20 pm

      Sally, For sure, I don’t want live Samantha’s life, but I like writing about it!

  32. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on January 27, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    This sounds like someone I know!! LOL, I would love to read this book 🙂

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      You know a real life Samantha? Lucky you!

  33. kristibelcamino
    kristibelcamino on January 27, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    Samantha Kidd is FABULOUS! Just like you! xo

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      Awww, Kristi, thank you! xo

  34. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on January 27, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    I love tote bags and, of course, books.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 27, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      Hi CJ, tote bags are best when filled WITH books! Good luck!

  35. Linda MH
    Linda MH on January 27, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    I’m not familiar with the Style & Error mystery series. Would love to win a copy of Some Like It Haute–and who wouldn’t love that bag?! Thanks for the opportunity to win. (Now I’m off to find Book 1 in this series!)

  36. Dru
    Dru on January 27, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    I need to move this book up a few notches in my TBR pile.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:18 am

      Dru, I bet your TBR pile is a mile long!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:18 am

      Anita, you sound like Samantha’s friend Eddie!

  38. Barbara Tobey
    Barbara Tobey on January 28, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Fun series!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:18 am

      Thank you, Barbara!

  39. Lynette K
    Lynette K on January 28, 2015 at 4:17 am

    It’s always fun to discover a new series. I need to catch up.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:19 am

      Glad you’re discovering Samantha, Lynette!

  40. Stacie Amelotte
    Stacie Amelotte on January 28, 2015 at 6:18 am

    Adding this one to my list. Love the title. Fingers crossed! 🙂

  41. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on January 28, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Would love to read this book.
    Great tote.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:19 am

      Thank you, CJ! Good luck!

  42. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on January 28, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    The book sounds amazing. I love that cover. Thanks for this chance to win it.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 1:19 am

      Thanks, Anita! These covers definitely make me smile too!

  43. Melissa Basnight
    Melissa Basnight on January 28, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    Love the cover. I can’t wait to read the book.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      Thank you, Melissa! I especially like Logan (the cat) in the helmet.

  44. Robin Driscoll
    Robin Driscoll on January 29, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Book sounds great and I love purple so I would really love that tote!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on January 29, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      Hi Robin, My first book was purple, so I went purple on the totes to represent the beginning of my writing journey. I love it too! Good luck!

  46. cyn209
    cyn209 on January 30, 2015 at 11:15 pm

    So need to read this one….
    Thanx for the giveaway……

  47. Sharleen Wells
    Sharleen Wells on January 31, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    this book sounds so good. Really want to read it please!

  48. Brooke
    Brooke on January 31, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    Congrats on your newest book. Thanks for the chance. 🙂

  49. Ellen Irwin
    Ellen Irwin on January 31, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    This would look great in my TBR pile!!

  50. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on February 1, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  51. jagjhd
    jagjhd on February 2, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Lots happening in this new series. Glad to get in at the start. Can’t wait. Sign me up for the giveaway, please.

  52. Michelle Fidler
    Michelle Fidler on February 3, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    Would love to win. I’ve heard of her other series.

  53. Dru
    Dru on February 3, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    Thanks Diane for interacting with my readers.

    Contest is closed.