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Lucy Kincaid #8
Dead Heat
FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid takes on her most explosive case yet in New York Times bestseller Allison Brennan's Dead Heat
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
Assigned to San Antonio's Violent Crimes unit, Lucy Kincaid joins a team of seasoned veterans and newer agents for a task force called Operation Heatwave. It's supposed to be a simple sweep of known offenders with outstanding warrants. But when Lucy and her team try to bust two local brothers for jumping bail, she walks into a hotbed of pure evil. Their names are George and Jaime Sanchez. They are charged with murder, drug trafficking, and worse. And one of them is still out there.
THE HEAT IS ON
As Lucy races to capture Jaime Sanchez, more shocking evidence comes to light. The brothers have been using their basement as a holding cell for children they kidnapped for the cartels. When George agrees to turn on his brother, he is murdered behind bars. Now Lucy has no choice but to go outside the law. Enlisting the help of her boyfriend Sean Rogan and his mercenary brother Kane, she will risk her career—and both of their lives—to bring down a crime lord's empire…before more innocent lives go up in flames.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
289 people are currently reading
2620 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,284 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
November 13, 2015
4,5 stars
Dead Heat, the latest addition and 8th book in Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid Series is a well-written and explosive thriller about Lucy Kincaid’s new life as a FBI rookie agent in San Antonio.
With each book, I have grown to like Lucy more and more and I enjoy seeing her development as she struggles with her inner demons and trying to deal with the horrific experience she went through with a serial rapist/killer.
The story begins with being assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit in San Antonio to work on a case that seems to be quite straightforward but in fact turns out to be a lot more complicated and complex ….
Dedicated to bringing down the evil that exists, she will put her career and life in jeopardy to see justice is meted out to the drug and gun cartels that are also dealing with child human trafficking.
With the help of Sean Rogan and his brother Kane, they will travel to Mexico, facing danger and betrayals and confronting the most horrific and evil monsters ever.
Lucy Kincaid is a really interesting character. Her grit and courage and how she has dealt with her fears and insecurities is what makes her such an extraordinary heroine. How many people would have been able to remain sane and persevere in taking control of their lives after experiencing what she did when she was 18? Not too many!! But she has even when things feel shaky in her life.
And having Sean Rogan coming into her life was the most important thing that could have happened to her.
He has been the catalyst in her overcoming the dark and scary moments in her life. He’s caring, sensitive, loving and loyal….I absolutely love this character. Alpha-male with softness and a heart!!! And sexy too!!!
A well-written and fast-paced storyline that keeps you turning the pages.
I can really recommend this series.
Dead Heat, the latest addition and 8th book in Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid Series is a well-written and explosive thriller about Lucy Kincaid’s new life as a FBI rookie agent in San Antonio.
With each book, I have grown to like Lucy more and more and I enjoy seeing her development as she struggles with her inner demons and trying to deal with the horrific experience she went through with a serial rapist/killer.
The story begins with being assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit in San Antonio to work on a case that seems to be quite straightforward but in fact turns out to be a lot more complicated and complex ….
Dedicated to bringing down the evil that exists, she will put her career and life in jeopardy to see justice is meted out to the drug and gun cartels that are also dealing with child human trafficking.
With the help of Sean Rogan and his brother Kane, they will travel to Mexico, facing danger and betrayals and confronting the most horrific and evil monsters ever.
Lucy Kincaid is a really interesting character. Her grit and courage and how she has dealt with her fears and insecurities is what makes her such an extraordinary heroine. How many people would have been able to remain sane and persevere in taking control of their lives after experiencing what she did when she was 18? Not too many!! But she has even when things feel shaky in her life.
And having Sean Rogan coming into her life was the most important thing that could have happened to her.
He has been the catalyst in her overcoming the dark and scary moments in her life. He’s caring, sensitive, loving and loyal….I absolutely love this character. Alpha-male with softness and a heart!!! And sexy too!!!
A well-written and fast-paced storyline that keeps you turning the pages.
I can really recommend this series.
March 9, 2021
Newly installed FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit in San Antonio, Texas. Her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, has joined her and is working consulting assignments from the new home he purchased for them. Lucy is also part of a task force called Operation Heatwave where she and other agents with a variety of experience levels and from multiple agencies are rounding up violent criminals who have jumped bail. When she and her teammates try to arrest the Sanchez brothers, two notorious drug dealers hiding out at their sister’s home, they discover a human trafficking operation with an insidious twist.
This was no ordinary human trafficking operation and the team struggled to make sense of the dynamics. Around every bend in the investigation was new fresh hell and it was also clear that there was someone helping them from inside law enforcement. Lucy acclimated to her new environment extremely well, even to a fault. Her propensity to go her own way despite her past issues within the bureau resurfaces again, which of course has repercussions. Some of her decisions, while understandable, were curious and not necessarily wise. It was a complicated case that had lots of tentacles and extreme danger. I kept up but it wasn’t easy.
I enjoyed the story, even when Lucy steps over the lines (yes, more than once). I kept following the host of red herrings and was unsure up to the end about who I could and couldn’t trust. Even Sean inserts himself in the case, which went beyond the Texas border into Mexico. Be forewarned that the level of brutality can be graphic at times but it’s true to the situations. The narration was again exceptional, especially given the character diversity and large number requiring distinction. I’m liking the change of venue from Washington DC & Quantico and am anxious to see what’s next for Agent Kincaid and Sean Rogan.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This was no ordinary human trafficking operation and the team struggled to make sense of the dynamics. Around every bend in the investigation was new fresh hell and it was also clear that there was someone helping them from inside law enforcement. Lucy acclimated to her new environment extremely well, even to a fault. Her propensity to go her own way despite her past issues within the bureau resurfaces again, which of course has repercussions. Some of her decisions, while understandable, were curious and not necessarily wise. It was a complicated case that had lots of tentacles and extreme danger. I kept up but it wasn’t easy.
I enjoyed the story, even when Lucy steps over the lines (yes, more than once). I kept following the host of red herrings and was unsure up to the end about who I could and couldn’t trust. Even Sean inserts himself in the case, which went beyond the Texas border into Mexico. Be forewarned that the level of brutality can be graphic at times but it’s true to the situations. The narration was again exceptional, especially given the character diversity and large number requiring distinction. I’m liking the change of venue from Washington DC & Quantico and am anxious to see what’s next for Agent Kincaid and Sean Rogan.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
November 21, 2017
Book 8 in the Lucy Kincaid series was full of tension and suspense. This series just seems to get better with each book, I think because we readers have been along for every step of the way of Lucy's journey from victim to avenger of other victims. We care about Lucy's developing career and her personal relationships with Sean and her family and, now too, her co-workers.
I started this as my secondary book that I only read a few pages from each day, thus the time frame it took me to complete it. However, today the story just got too action-packed to not sit and finish it. Good stuff!
I started this as my secondary book that I only read a few pages from each day, thus the time frame it took me to complete it. However, today the story just got too action-packed to not sit and finish it. Good stuff!
February 27, 2021
Lucy has been in San Antonio, TX for three months now. Time to stir things up in the Loan Star State. If anyone thought that being a duly sworn FBI Agent would settle Lucy down, they were wrong. All it takes for Lucy to go rogue is for there to be a threat to a child. Lucky she has some loyal friends and co-workers willing to cover for her. It also helps when she is right and saves a few lives too. This book starts Lucy's tenure in San Antonio and, although it is a slow start, it ends with a bang.
Lucy is trying so hard to be a good, rule following FBI rookie, it's almost painful. When she and her partner are assigned to a DEA taskforce, she has no idea that the DEA agent in charge is on a vendetta and Lucy will be drawn into the middle of a DEA - Cartel war. Drugs, guns and kidnapped children, who were under the protection of Child Protective Services, is just the start and all Lucy needs to bend the rules to get justice. When the action shifts south of the border, Sean's brother, Kane Rogan, is the man with the sources and the know how to help Lucy rescue these kidnapped kids and put the baddies out of action, forever.
Lucy is trying so hard to be a good, rule following FBI rookie, it's almost painful. When she and her partner are assigned to a DEA taskforce, she has no idea that the DEA agent in charge is on a vendetta and Lucy will be drawn into the middle of a DEA - Cartel war. Drugs, guns and kidnapped children, who were under the protection of Child Protective Services, is just the start and all Lucy needs to bend the rules to get justice. When the action shifts south of the border, Sean's brother, Kane Rogan, is the man with the sources and the know how to help Lucy rescue these kidnapped kids and put the baddies out of action, forever.
February 26, 2021
Lucy Kincaid is only three months into her new FBI career when she and her partner are assigned to a DEA taskforce. Raids on drug dealers are underway and arrests are made. But Jaime Sanchez, a known drug and gun trafficker, escaped during the raid. A child that was picked up during the raid tells Lucy that a young boy had recently been chained in the basement of the house. The child helped Michael Rodriguez escape from her Uncle Jaime. Now it’s up to Lucy to find young Michael and learn why he and other boys were chained in the basement.
In the 8th book of the Lucy Kincaid series, Lucy gets herself drawn into a war between the DEA and a drug Cartel. The opening of the book with the raids kept my interest; but the story slowed down in the middle with so many meetings and updates between the FBI and the DEA. When the action started to pick up again, Lucy decided that she did not need to follow the rules when it comes to rescuing kids. I just had to roll my eyes at some of the stuff she gets away with. On the plus side, we finally got to see Sean Rogan's brother, Kane, in action. Rescuing Americans in Central and South America is his specialty. Lucy turns to him for help with a rescue in Mexico.
This is a good addition to the series if you suspend belief that Lucy could get away with some of the things she does. My rating: 4 Stars.
In the 8th book of the Lucy Kincaid series, Lucy gets herself drawn into a war between the DEA and a drug Cartel. The opening of the book with the raids kept my interest; but the story slowed down in the middle with so many meetings and updates between the FBI and the DEA. When the action started to pick up again, Lucy decided that she did not need to follow the rules when it comes to rescuing kids. I just had to roll my eyes at some of the stuff she gets away with. On the plus side, we finally got to see Sean Rogan's brother, Kane, in action. Rescuing Americans in Central and South America is his specialty. Lucy turns to him for help with a rescue in Mexico.
This is a good addition to the series if you suspend belief that Lucy could get away with some of the things she does. My rating: 4 Stars.
April 29, 2015
Book #8 and Lucy Kincaid is a full fledged FBI agent and she doesn't disappoint. I loved watching her use all her talents from interviewing kids to picking (many) locks. This book was a pleasure to read. Allison Brennan has grown as an author. Good stuff.
August 27, 2016
I don't usually like books about drug cartels but this one provided just enough information but didn't go over the line into the disgusting details I usually see from this topic.
I really, really liked Michael and little Bella was precious. I loved that she saved Michael and then Michael saved her. So cute and life altering for both.
Lucy Kincaid, Sean Rogan and even Kane Rogan came together to find Michael and save Bella as well as the captured DEA agent.
A well-put together mystery with plenty of suspense. Very enjoyable.
I really, really liked Michael and little Bella was precious. I loved that she saved Michael and then Michael saved her. So cute and life altering for both.
Lucy Kincaid, Sean Rogan and even Kane Rogan came together to find Michael and save Bella as well as the captured DEA agent.
A well-put together mystery with plenty of suspense. Very enjoyable.
December 14, 2019
I hope real FBI and other agencies don't have this much excitement. Lucy is just unable to get away from drama and danger. Her desire to help people is strong and can put her in danger. Never fear, she is capable of handling herself. It's nice to see a very strong female lead with men respecting her. On to the next in the series.
Narration is good and I would recommend her as a narrator to listen to.
Narration is good and I would recommend her as a narrator to listen to.
March 15, 2021
Lucy Kincaid is now a rookie FBI agent and assigned to the Texas San Antonio’s Crimes unit. Her first case, Operation Heatwave, involves drugs, guns, murder, and child enslavement. Lucy’s search for a missing boy who was held captive leads her to Kane Rogan in Mexico and a mission that may cost her her job.
With Sean moving to Texas with Lucy, she was able to adjust to the area and her new assignment well. Their relationship is strong and it’s something they both need. Sean continues to support Lucy in everything she does even though he is working on building his own business.
Lucy seems to really like to break the rules, but I have to agree with her on this one. If she hadn’t gone with Kane and Sean the boy would have been killed. The FBI has to follow protocols before entering another country and that would have taken too much time. I was very excited to see Kane again. Although his work is very outside the box, he and his team get the job done.
Some parts of this story were rough. The way the runaways and kidnapped kids were treated and the conditions they were kept in was heartbreaking.
This series just keeps getting better with every book and I look forward to reading the next one.
With Sean moving to Texas with Lucy, she was able to adjust to the area and her new assignment well. Their relationship is strong and it’s something they both need. Sean continues to support Lucy in everything she does even though he is working on building his own business.
Lucy seems to really like to break the rules, but I have to agree with her on this one. If she hadn’t gone with Kane and Sean the boy would have been killed. The FBI has to follow protocols before entering another country and that would have taken too much time. I was very excited to see Kane again. Although his work is very outside the box, he and his team get the job done.
Some parts of this story were rough. The way the runaways and kidnapped kids were treated and the conditions they were kept in was heartbreaking.
This series just keeps getting better with every book and I look forward to reading the next one.
April 17, 2019
Solid 4 stars!
Allison Brennan turned up the heat in this instalment. Lucy is now a rookie at the San Antonio FBI's Violent Crimes Unit working in conjunction with the DEA to take down drug runners. During the course of the case, she discovered some horrific facts about drug smuggling involving some young kids and is determined to save them, even at the cost of her own career.
It's the first time that we have encountered Sean's mercenary brother Kane in these books and he's even more taciturn than Lucy's brother Jack. But he does make a strong impression! Hopefully we get to see more of him in the coming books. I also liked how Kane's team keep calling Sean the little Rogan. So funny!
Allison Brennan turned up the heat in this instalment. Lucy is now a rookie at the San Antonio FBI's Violent Crimes Unit working in conjunction with the DEA to take down drug runners. During the course of the case, she discovered some horrific facts about drug smuggling involving some young kids and is determined to save them, even at the cost of her own career.
It's the first time that we have encountered Sean's mercenary brother Kane in these books and he's even more taciturn than Lucy's brother Jack. But he does make a strong impression! Hopefully we get to see more of him in the coming books. I also liked how Kane's team keep calling Sean the little Rogan. So funny!
May 29, 2025
Audiobook.
June 5, 2014
This is the current Lucy Kincaid novel by NYT best-selling author Allison Brennan. Lucy has graduated from the FBI Academy at Quantico. She's three months into her probationary period at her first duty station, San Antonio, Texas. Her significant other, Sean Rogan, has quit the family business, RCK Investigations, to free-lance on his own to be with Luce. Enter an obsessed DEA agent, a thirteen-year-old boy, bad cops, and an up-and-coming Mexican drug cartel and you have a fiery mix of action, suspense, and emotion. Lucy has grown up. She's coming into her own as an FBI agent and woman. With Lucy, I figure the career will always take the driver's seat. Sean is almost too good to be true but he loves her like damn and whoah, and she returns that love. They're perfect for each other. They aren't quite Eve and Roarke but...yeah. *happy face*Allison has the ability to create memorable characters and stories that while the books are standalone, there is a continuing thread that runs through them all--family. This book is no different. References are made to siblings and events from previous books. Don't worry, a reader doesn't need to be familiar but that reader would sure be missing out on some great fiction if they don't go back and read them all.
Of special note to me, if the brief look at Kane Rogan, Sean's older brother who has been a "ghost" in previous books. He made one brief appearance but for the most part, he's a special operator working in Mexico, and Central and South America, doing protection/recover jobs for RCK and US Government. I'm a HUGE Kane fangirl and if he doesn't get his own story soon, Allison and I are going to have words!
Frankly, if you are a fan of suspense with some romance and you haven't read Allison? Why the hell not!!! Go. Read this book. Then go read her backlist.
July 10, 2015
Title: Dead Heat, book 8 - Lucy Kincaid series
Author: Allison Brennan
Published: June, 2013
Read: June, 2015
Format: ebook via Samsung Galaxy 4 Nook
Genre: fiction, mystery/thriller, law enforcement, FBI, action packed, drama.
Author's website: www.AllisonBrennan.com
Goodreads Rating: FIVE "can't catch my breath" action-filled stars!
Brief remarks:
Wow! I gobbled this book up in no time! What a GREAT story! Perhaps my favorite "Lucy Kincaid" so far.
Every one of the five stars I'm rating are beyond earned and deserved. This book would also stand alone, but knowing the series and the fascinating characters is more fulfilling/enriching to me. Non-stop action...what a sublime read!!!
As usual, Ms. Brennan delivers a heart pounding, thrilling & fascinating novel.
Cheers!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio)
Author: Allison Brennan
Published: June, 2013
Read: June, 2015
Format: ebook via Samsung Galaxy 4 Nook
Genre: fiction, mystery/thriller, law enforcement, FBI, action packed, drama.
Author's website: www.AllisonBrennan.com
Goodreads Rating: FIVE "can't catch my breath" action-filled stars!
Brief remarks:
Wow! I gobbled this book up in no time! What a GREAT story! Perhaps my favorite "Lucy Kincaid" so far.
Every one of the five stars I'm rating are beyond earned and deserved. This book would also stand alone, but knowing the series and the fascinating characters is more fulfilling/enriching to me. Non-stop action...what a sublime read!!!
As usual, Ms. Brennan delivers a heart pounding, thrilling & fascinating novel.
Cheers!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio)
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite to date. Loved the story and the characters. Maybe a little too much the way the kids were involved but regardless a great story. Could not put the book down. Of course Lucy Kincaid, wonder woman, strikes again.
July 7, 2014
You know an author is at the tippity top of her game when you fear for every character in the book and chew your nails in anticipation of the outcome. And the top is where Allison Brennan is with the new installment in the Lucy Kincaid series, Dead Heat. Lucy's still a newbie with the FBI, but her past, and her expertise, gets her a chip in the big game when Operation Heatwave is put into play. As a member of a multi-jurisdiction task force, she knows she needs to impress her teammates, and stick to the rules of the game. But there are kids being kidnapped and forced into slave labor by drug runners. And the punishment is torture - and death - if they mess up. While tracking down the cartel leaders, Lucy's drive to right injustice, and to thwart the kidnapper killers, leads her off the straight and narrow and into the shadows where she enlists the aid of her lover, Seth Rogan, including one of his brother's whose own darkness has kept him apart from his brother, Seth, and the rest of his family. But their targets aren't the only bad guys and they're not the ones running the show. That's a bad guy of a different color: Black. When the trio and their operatives go off the grid, leaving her FBI partner twisting in the wind, will he cover for her? Will the operation against formidable odds lead to tragedy for the Rogan and Kincaid families? Will Lucy lose her hard-won FBI badge because she can't forget her own horrific tragedy? Will she lose her life trying to save other children from her fate? The action is spine-chilling and thrilling. The complex plotting weaves together masterfully, and the cast of characters is marvelously nuanced, from the smallest little player to the most ruthless mastermind. Lucy's past is again explored and her emotional confrontation with a victim, who will have to overcome horrors of his own is poignant and wrenching. Her relationship with Seth Rogan continues to unfold in all it's romantic complexity. And Lucy's law enforcement skills, from her forensic knowledge to her firearms skills, not to mention her nerve and courage, are put to the test. Dead Heat is a rich, gutsy novel that grabbed me by the throat and kept me reading through all the dramatic ups and downs, and all of the emotionally powerful moments and as new facets of all the characters were revealed. More Lucy, Please, Ms. Brennan! One day red-hot read. Don't let this book, or the Kincaid series, pass you by!
July 1, 2019
This is the 8th book in the Lucy Kincaid series. Each book gets better because we learn so much about Lucy and those around her. We start w Lucy in her first FBI assignment in the San Antonio Office. Just a few months there and she has been chosen for a Task Force w other agencies. (Truthfully this book is a 4.5 because there are so many people within these Agencies that I got a bit lost here and there and needed to back track. I should have kept a score card)
Michael a young boy has been held against his will for over a year. We learn who Michael is but not where he has been for the last year. As Lucy begins to put the pieces together while on this task force the picture becomes whole at the three quarter mark. Now to get the bad guys, save Texas from a cartel of drugs and gun running, save two children and figure out who the mole is.
The mysterious Kane Rogen is instrumental in helping Lucy do all the above. I am hoping we will get more time with Kane and maybe there is the right woman out there to understand Kane. Sean and Lucy have set up home in San Antonio and I look forward to more FBI shenanigans in Texas with these two.
Michael a young boy has been held against his will for over a year. We learn who Michael is but not where he has been for the last year. As Lucy begins to put the pieces together while on this task force the picture becomes whole at the three quarter mark. Now to get the bad guys, save Texas from a cartel of drugs and gun running, save two children and figure out who the mole is.
The mysterious Kane Rogen is instrumental in helping Lucy do all the above. I am hoping we will get more time with Kane and maybe there is the right woman out there to understand Kane. Sean and Lucy have set up home in San Antonio and I look forward to more FBI shenanigans in Texas with these two.
January 9, 2021
So many plot holes. Too bad the author hadn't spent more time plugging them and less time describing how awesomely talented and trained the men are in this story. They karate chop, shoot, and generally mess up anyone who comes their way. They own and fly planes and can hot wire a helicopter (which they also know how to fly) and they have enough cash to buy a house for the victims they saved. My heroes. The main female character, Lucy, does all kinds of super things too; shooting, rescuing, knows languages, and her knowledge of applying a tourniquet was put to use twice, even on her own 'flesh wound'. Yes, a tourniquet was applied to a flesh wound. Poor Lucy doesn't get any credit though because she wasn't supposed to be there so has to lie about her part. We never find out how she explained away her GSW. One book from this author and this series was enough for me.
July 17, 2014
This latest book in the Lucy Kincaid series was just excellent - had everything in it that I like - murder, suspense, and a fluid story.
Lucy is now an FBI agent - a rookie, but still an FBI agent and on her first big case with colleagues that are both believing in her and skeptical of her. The only one the truly trusts her is Sean "Little Rogan" :)
The story revolves around drug smuggling, gun smuggling, and using young boys as mules.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - thank you Allison Brennan for this series.
Lucy is now an FBI agent - a rookie, but still an FBI agent and on her first big case with colleagues that are both believing in her and skeptical of her. The only one the truly trusts her is Sean "Little Rogan" :)
The story revolves around drug smuggling, gun smuggling, and using young boys as mules.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - thank you Allison Brennan for this series.
May 31, 2015
In this series, Lucy Kincaid has been working toward becoming an FBI agent and she has finally made it. She is assigned to the San Antonio's violent crimes unit. Her team starts off by serving warrants to offenders and mushrooms into drug trafficking, gun running, and child corruption/slavery.
I like the Kincaid/Rogan books. I admire the adversity Lucy has overcome to be the strong woman she is today. I really enjoyed this book.
I like the Kincaid/Rogan books. I admire the adversity Lucy has overcome to be the strong woman she is today. I really enjoyed this book.
December 20, 2014
Hands down the best Lucy Kincaid yet. For lack of a better description, this is the first of the "grown up" Lucy novels. Good action, good intro of new characters. I really look forward to her next outing.
June 10, 2014
I'd give this ten stars if I could, it rocked that hard. I loved Lucy Kinkaid before but I love her even more now. And the end? OMG, it was awesome.
September 19, 2015
This one was intense!!
January 20, 2024
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
Newly installed FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit in San Antonio, Texas. Her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, has joined her and is working consulting assignments from the new home he purchased for them. Lucy is also part of a task force called Operation Heatwave where she and other agents with a variety of experience levels and from multiple agencies are rounding up violent criminals who have jumped bail. When she and her teammates try to arrest the Sanchez brothers, two notorious drug dealers hiding out at their sister’s home, they discover a human trafficking operation with an insidious twist.
This was no ordinary human trafficking operation and the team struggled to make sense of the dynamics. Around every bend in the investigation was new fresh hell and it was also clear that there was someone helping them from inside law enforcement. Lucy acclimated to her new environment extremely well, even to a fault. Her propensity to go her own way despite her past issues within the bureau resurfaces again, which of course has repercussions. Some of her decisions, while understandable, were curious and not necessarily wise. It was a complicated case that had lots of tentacles and extreme danger. I kept up but it wasn’t easy.
I enjoyed the story, even when Lucy steps over the lines (yes, more than once). I kept following the host of red herrings and was unsure up to the end about who I could and couldn’t trust. Even Sean inserts himself in the case, which went beyond the Texas border into Mexico. Be forewarned that the level of brutality can be graphic at times but it’s true to the situations. The narration was again exceptional, especially given the character diversity and large number requiring distinction. I’m liking the change of venue from Washington DC & Quantico and am anxious to see what’s next for Agent Kincaid and Sean Rogan.
***
Lucy has been in San Antonio, TX for three months now. Time to stir things up in the Loan Star State. If anyone thought that being a duly sworn FBI Agent would settle Lucy down, they were wrong. All it takes for Lucy to go rogue is for there to be a threat to a child. Lucky she has some loyal friends and co-workers willing to cover for her. It also helps when she is right and saves a few lives too. This book starts Lucy's tenure in San Antonio and, although it is a slow start, it ends with a bang.
Lucy is trying so hard to be a good, rule following FBI rookie, it's almost painful. When she and her partner are assigned to a DEA taskforce, she has no idea that the DEA agent in charge is on a vendetta and Lucy will be drawn into the middle of a DEA - Cartel war. Drugs, guns and kidnapped children, who were under the protection of Child Protective Services, is just the start and all Lucy needs to bend the rules to get justice. When the action shifts south of the border, Sean's brother, Kane Rogan, is the man with the sources and the know how to help Lucy rescue these kidnapped kids and put the baddies out of action, forever.
***
Another entertaining story featuring Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan. I love how solid and supportive their relationship is. While nothing about this story stands out from the other books in this series that is ok because I love the series as it is. As always, for me the best part of this series is Lucy and Sean and their dynamic. I also really love how Lucy will always do what she believes is the right thing to save people even if it is not in her best interests career-wise, especially as her career is so important to her. And I love how Sean will always do what is best for Lucy. And it is great that Lucy acknowledges how important Sean is to her well-being and appreciates him.
***
***
Newly installed FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit in San Antonio, Texas. Her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, has joined her and is working consulting assignments from the new home he purchased for them. Lucy is also part of a task force called Operation Heatwave where she and other agents with a variety of experience levels and from multiple agencies are rounding up violent criminals who have jumped bail. When she and her teammates try to arrest the Sanchez brothers, two notorious drug dealers hiding out at their sister’s home, they discover a human trafficking operation with an insidious twist.
This was no ordinary human trafficking operation and the team struggled to make sense of the dynamics. Around every bend in the investigation was new fresh hell and it was also clear that there was someone helping them from inside law enforcement. Lucy acclimated to her new environment extremely well, even to a fault. Her propensity to go her own way despite her past issues within the bureau resurfaces again, which of course has repercussions. Some of her decisions, while understandable, were curious and not necessarily wise. It was a complicated case that had lots of tentacles and extreme danger. I kept up but it wasn’t easy.
I enjoyed the story, even when Lucy steps over the lines (yes, more than once). I kept following the host of red herrings and was unsure up to the end about who I could and couldn’t trust. Even Sean inserts himself in the case, which went beyond the Texas border into Mexico. Be forewarned that the level of brutality can be graphic at times but it’s true to the situations. The narration was again exceptional, especially given the character diversity and large number requiring distinction. I’m liking the change of venue from Washington DC & Quantico and am anxious to see what’s next for Agent Kincaid and Sean Rogan.
***
Lucy has been in San Antonio, TX for three months now. Time to stir things up in the Loan Star State. If anyone thought that being a duly sworn FBI Agent would settle Lucy down, they were wrong. All it takes for Lucy to go rogue is for there to be a threat to a child. Lucky she has some loyal friends and co-workers willing to cover for her. It also helps when she is right and saves a few lives too. This book starts Lucy's tenure in San Antonio and, although it is a slow start, it ends with a bang.
Lucy is trying so hard to be a good, rule following FBI rookie, it's almost painful. When she and her partner are assigned to a DEA taskforce, she has no idea that the DEA agent in charge is on a vendetta and Lucy will be drawn into the middle of a DEA - Cartel war. Drugs, guns and kidnapped children, who were under the protection of Child Protective Services, is just the start and all Lucy needs to bend the rules to get justice. When the action shifts south of the border, Sean's brother, Kane Rogan, is the man with the sources and the know how to help Lucy rescue these kidnapped kids and put the baddies out of action, forever.
***
Another entertaining story featuring Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan. I love how solid and supportive their relationship is. While nothing about this story stands out from the other books in this series that is ok because I love the series as it is. As always, for me the best part of this series is Lucy and Sean and their dynamic. I also really love how Lucy will always do what she believes is the right thing to save people even if it is not in her best interests career-wise, especially as her career is so important to her. And I love how Sean will always do what is best for Lucy. And it is great that Lucy acknowledges how important Sean is to her well-being and appreciates him.
***
August 23, 2025
4 Stars
'After being attacked and left for dead by an online predator, Lucy Kincaid survives and joins the FBI to help fight deadly cyber-crime alongside security expert and private investigator Sean Rogan.'
Dead Heat is Book #8 in the Lucy Kincaid series by Allison Brennan. It is made up of 25 books that all bring a gripping blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth that had me on the edge of my seat, avidly reading just so I could find out how everything would play out in the end.
Lucy Kincaid is a survivor of a harrowing attack, but who manages to transform her trauma into strength, joining the FBI to combat dangerous threats. Her journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, as Ms. Brennan explores themes of resilience, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Lucy’s partnership with Sean Rogan, a private investigator, adds another intriguing layer, tension, and dynamic to the series.
These are fast-paced stories, with twists that kept me guessing. As Ms. Brennan’s ability to balance intense action with deeply personal moments made the stories feel both thrilling and yet still relatable. Each installment delves into new challenging cases/investigations, from escaped prisoners to dark conspiracies, ensuring the series never loses its momentum.
With a compelling MC, intricately woven plots, and lots of action- I definitely enjoyed binge-reading this series.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
'After being attacked and left for dead by an online predator, Lucy Kincaid survives and joins the FBI to help fight deadly cyber-crime alongside security expert and private investigator Sean Rogan.'
Dead Heat is Book #8 in the Lucy Kincaid series by Allison Brennan. It is made up of 25 books that all bring a gripping blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth that had me on the edge of my seat, avidly reading just so I could find out how everything would play out in the end.
Lucy Kincaid is a survivor of a harrowing attack, but who manages to transform her trauma into strength, joining the FBI to combat dangerous threats. Her journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, as Ms. Brennan explores themes of resilience, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Lucy’s partnership with Sean Rogan, a private investigator, adds another intriguing layer, tension, and dynamic to the series.
These are fast-paced stories, with twists that kept me guessing. As Ms. Brennan’s ability to balance intense action with deeply personal moments made the stories feel both thrilling and yet still relatable. Each installment delves into new challenging cases/investigations, from escaped prisoners to dark conspiracies, ensuring the series never loses its momentum.
With a compelling MC, intricately woven plots, and lots of action- I definitely enjoyed binge-reading this series.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
November 12, 2019
I did not think this book would be as good as it is. I was pleasantly surprised. The plot and the people were actually believable. Too believable.
I may be looking up Allison Brennan for some more of the series.
Below are some thoughts I had while reading it.
He made her smile. He made her laugh.
But mostly, he made her feel loved.
Sharing a lot with deSantos. He seems awfully pushy about things that shouldn’t concern him.
Doesn’t everyone know that “going off the reservation“ is politically incorrect? For good reason. It is hurtful to the people that we stole this country from.
I sometimes think PC goes a little too far when we use a term that is complementary to the people. But this is not.
“—-Lucy’s your girl, you want to protect her.”
Would Brad say to Lucy, “I get it—-Sean’s your boy”?
Are we sure Allison Brennan isn’t a man? An old man?
Who was the proofreader/ editor. A very old man?
I may be looking up Allison Brennan for some more of the series.
Below are some thoughts I had while reading it.
He made her smile. He made her laugh.
But mostly, he made her feel loved.
Sharing a lot with deSantos. He seems awfully pushy about things that shouldn’t concern him.
Doesn’t everyone know that “going off the reservation“ is politically incorrect? For good reason. It is hurtful to the people that we stole this country from.
I sometimes think PC goes a little too far when we use a term that is complementary to the people. But this is not.
“—-Lucy’s your girl, you want to protect her.”
Would Brad say to Lucy, “I get it—-Sean’s your boy”?
Are we sure Allison Brennan isn’t a man? An old man?
Who was the proofreader/ editor. A very old man?
May 15, 2021
A good fast paced, continuation to this series. Some tense moments that kept my interest.
I'm a fan of Lucy and Sean. I love how Sean makes some big sacrifices to support Lucy and her career. I'm not a big fan of Lucy going against FBI rules. In my opinion, she gets too many small slaps on the wrist instead of the punishments she deserves. I hope this means she will decide to leave the FBI at some point and work with Sean.
I enjoyed Kane Rogan working with the group. I like when Lucy and/or Sean's family are incorporated in the story. I'm looking forward to next installment that I'm going to start right away.
I am listening to this series. The narrator is decent even though there are times that I get pulled away from the story because of the narrators voice.
I'm a fan of Lucy and Sean. I love how Sean makes some big sacrifices to support Lucy and her career. I'm not a big fan of Lucy going against FBI rules. In my opinion, she gets too many small slaps on the wrist instead of the punishments she deserves. I hope this means she will decide to leave the FBI at some point and work with Sean.
I enjoyed Kane Rogan working with the group. I like when Lucy and/or Sean's family are incorporated in the story. I'm looking forward to next installment that I'm going to start right away.
I am listening to this series. The narrator is decent even though there are times that I get pulled away from the story because of the narrators voice.
July 29, 2019
Lucy (Lucia) Kincaid is an FBI agent who is pulled into a drug raid that intends to sweep up the dealers, but winds up as an investigation into a kidnapping ring. She and her coworkers and family are pulled into a nightmare scenario where children are routinely captured and misused, even tortured, and they work to correct at least this part of the world.
Shades of Dreamland and the overall drug running trade out of Mexico, with hints of the sex trade and overall seamy underworld that most of us thankfully don't have any contact with. This book is a reminder that our smooth and seamless world comes at a cost, one that no one should have to pay, particularly children.
Shades of Dreamland and the overall drug running trade out of Mexico, with hints of the sex trade and overall seamy underworld that most of us thankfully don't have any contact with. This book is a reminder that our smooth and seamless world comes at a cost, one that no one should have to pay, particularly children.
July 24, 2021
I've been following the books within this series, and this is one of the best. It's possible to read it as stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first in the series - to better understand Lucy's character, and the relationship between the various regular characters. There was action, intrigue, and new beginnings. This was mostly suspense, with little romance, but that is how I like my romantic-suspense stories. This has less romance than the other books in the series, in my opinion - but enough. Also, Allison Brennan is very good at addressing the psychology of why people behave the way that they do.
June 5, 2023
Lucy Kincaid is working at her new FBI office in San Antonio. She and some associates are handling a routine sweep of known drug offenders when they stumble into something far worse. Two evil brothers work for a Mexican crime lord who traffics in small girls and boys in addition to drugs and guns.
It’s Lucy’s job to push the boundaries, take the risks, and help bring down a sex trafficking empire.
This was ok. I suspect if you ask me about it two days after I post this, I’ll have to look back at the review to remember it. But Kincaid is far less anxiety ridden and shrill. I can tolerate her again, which isn’t a bad thing.
It’s Lucy’s job to push the boundaries, take the risks, and help bring down a sex trafficking empire.
This was ok. I suspect if you ask me about it two days after I post this, I’ll have to look back at the review to remember it. But Kincaid is far less anxiety ridden and shrill. I can tolerate her again, which isn’t a bad thing.
June 10, 2025
Allison Brennan is one of my favorite writers :)
I read the first books in this series a few years ago. My library only has a few and I don't buy books apart from paying for Kindle unlimited and Audible.
I found the rest of the series about Lucy on Hoopla so now I can finally finish the series :)
Lucy has really found a great guy! In this book she gets tangled up working with Sean and his brother Cain, trying to rescue children and a kidnapped man in Mexico. Is she going to loose her job for working illegally in Mexico and outside the FBI!?
The book was really good but it did feel a bit slow at times. I listened to this book.
I read the first books in this series a few years ago. My library only has a few and I don't buy books apart from paying for Kindle unlimited and Audible.
I found the rest of the series about Lucy on Hoopla so now I can finally finish the series :)
Lucy has really found a great guy! In this book she gets tangled up working with Sean and his brother Cain, trying to rescue children and a kidnapped man in Mexico. Is she going to loose her job for working illegally in Mexico and outside the FBI!?
The book was really good but it did feel a bit slow at times. I listened to this book.
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