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Lethal Lies
Trusting the man she loves could cost her her life
Putting her faith in someone who lies for a living isn't the safest thing Dr. Jillian Mahoney has ever done. But to stay alive, she has to believe the undercover agent...who's kidnapped her to prove his innocence...isn't a traitor to the FBI. And to help him, she must deny their intense attraction as they run from two vengeful killers.
Her captor, Alex Malcom, has lived a life of lies...some worse than others. Still, there's one truth he's reluctant to disclose to Jillian, the woman of his dreams. One that could stop their relationship cold.
Putting her faith in someone who lies for a living isn't the safest thing Dr. Jillian Mahoney has ever done. But to stay alive, she has to believe the undercover agent...who's kidnapped her to prove his innocence...isn't a traitor to the FBI. And to help him, she must deny their intense attraction as they run from two vengeful killers.
Her captor, Alex Malcom, has lived a life of lies...some worse than others. Still, there's one truth he's reluctant to disclose to Jillian, the woman of his dreams. One that could stop their relationship cold.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Lara Lacombe
74 books171 followersLara Lacombe is a recovering research scientist turned college professor who now spends her days writing and wrangling a toddler. She lives in Texas with her family and two entitled cats, and loves chocolate and her Crock Pot. She uses Facebook to procrastinate--stop by Lara Lacombe Books if you'd like to chat!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 3, 2016
This is exactly what I look for in a romantic suspense book.
Dr. Jillian Mahoney gets kidnapped by a man in the parking lot of the hospital. He orders her to save a man who is bleeding in the back of his car. Taking her to his bolthole, a terrified Jillian does her best to patch up the injured man, who appears to be a 17-year-old drug dealer. Excusing herself to go to the bathroom, Jillian fills a syringe with sedative, but before she can stick her kidnapper, she's caught. It's only then that he reveals to her that he's an undercover FBI agent named Alex.
Together, the doctor and the agent team up to take on a sadistic street gang and also a mole in the FBI who is determined to end Alex's life - and doesn't care who he has to go through to do so.
Dum, dum DUM!!! LOL
Anyway, a fun romp full of both action and suspense AND romance and kissing. The sex was just okay. o.O If you want better described sex, I'd go with the Harlequin Blaze imprint over the Harlequin Romantic Suspense imprint.
No one is stupid and the book moves along at a good clip. Lacombe also helps us with an emotional subplot involving Jillian's drug-addict brother. Entertaining.
3 REAL STARS, 4 ROMANCE STARS I can't give it five because the sex was not inspiring.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense December 2014
Dr. Jillian Mahoney gets kidnapped by a man in the parking lot of the hospital. He orders her to save a man who is bleeding in the back of his car. Taking her to his bolthole, a terrified Jillian does her best to patch up the injured man, who appears to be a 17-year-old drug dealer. Excusing herself to go to the bathroom, Jillian fills a syringe with sedative, but before she can stick her kidnapper, she's caught. It's only then that he reveals to her that he's an undercover FBI agent named Alex.
Together, the doctor and the agent team up to take on a sadistic street gang and also a mole in the FBI who is determined to end Alex's life - and doesn't care who he has to go through to do so.
Dum, dum DUM!!! LOL
Anyway, a fun romp full of both action and suspense AND romance and kissing. The sex was just okay. o.O If you want better described sex, I'd go with the Harlequin Blaze imprint over the Harlequin Romantic Suspense imprint.
No one is stupid and the book moves along at a good clip. Lacombe also helps us with an emotional subplot involving Jillian's drug-addict brother. Entertaining.
3 REAL STARS, 4 ROMANCE STARS I can't give it five because the sex was not inspiring.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense December 2014
November 11, 2017
Dr. Jillian Mahoney is kidnapped by undercover FBI agent Alex Malcolm to patch up a gang member, Tony, who he needs alive to help him prove that Alex isn't the traitor in the FBI that led to an operation going south with several law enforcement officers ending up dead. The traitor is actually Dan Pryde, who blames Alex for the training accident that left him in a wheelchair. Now, Alex and Jillian have the 3 Star Killer gang on their tails, as well as Dan, who needs to cover his tracks. Adding a complication to their relationship is the fact that Alex knows the truth behind the tragic death of Jillian's brother Jason (Jillian is unaware he's dead, she just hasn't heard from him for two years).
For an entry in the Romantic Suspense line, which are generally just a bit too long, this actually has a decent mixture of romance and suspense, with the plot constantly in motion, and a decent conflict between the two main characters. However, it's let down somewhat by the fact that we know from the get-go who the mole is, so the plot doesn't really hold many surprises (well, not as much as an Intrigue romance, in any case). My biggest beef is the fact that Alex kidnaps Jillian! The choice is taken away from her to be involved in something that brings her in harm's way. I just can't find the romance in that! She willingly participates in helping Alex later, yes, but in many ways she still doesn't have a choice. She wouldn't be in this position if Alex hadn't forced it upon her by putting his own needs before hers. It was an obstacle I just couldn't fully get past!
For an entry in the Romantic Suspense line, which are generally just a bit too long, this actually has a decent mixture of romance and suspense, with the plot constantly in motion, and a decent conflict between the two main characters. However, it's let down somewhat by the fact that we know from the get-go who the mole is, so the plot doesn't really hold many surprises (well, not as much as an Intrigue romance, in any case). My biggest beef is the fact that Alex kidnaps Jillian! The choice is taken away from her to be involved in something that brings her in harm's way. I just can't find the romance in that! She willingly participates in helping Alex later, yes, but in many ways she still doesn't have a choice. She wouldn't be in this position if Alex hadn't forced it upon her by putting his own needs before hers. It was an obstacle I just couldn't fully get past!
January 5, 2015
Good story with gripping suspense from the first chapter. Jillian is a doctor in a busy emergency room who has been on duty for three days. She's due three days off just as a bad snowstorm is about to hit the city. Thinking about what she needs to do as she walks to the subway station, she is startled when a man stops her to ask for help for his injured friend. Rather than bringing him into the hospital, the man kidnaps her to force her cooperation.
Alex is desperate to save the man with him, not because he's a friend but because he's the only person who can prove Alex's innocence. Alex has been working undercover with a gang for two years. There was supposed to be a sting that night, but instead the FBI and other agencies had been ambushed, and Alex is being blamed. He has to find out who in the FBI is the double agent and expose him, and Tony is his only link. Kidnapping Jillian is his only option.
Though she is terrified, Jillian keeps her head and is able to help Tony. She's not sure at first if she can trust Alex, even after he tells her who he is, but she's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially when he saves her life. They have to work together to stay out of danger while at the same time trying to find out who was really behind the ambush. Added to that tension is the attraction they feel for each other, but must try to ignore to keep it from being a distraction.
I really liked Jillian and Alex. Jillian is a strong and independent woman, determined to do what she can to help people. She became an ER doctor because of her experiences trying to help her drug addicted brother when she was younger. I loved seeing the way her mind worked as she did what had to be done. She thinks well under pressure and that comes in handy during the course of the book. I liked that it didn't take her long to believe in Alex and his innocence. She is also very good at seeing the good in him, even when he is sure that he is beyond redemption because of the things he had to do. There is one point at the end where her trust is shaken, but a conversation with a very good friend shows her that she's not being fair to him.
I felt so bad for Alex. He had gone into the undercover op with idealistic fervor, but after two years he's become rather disillusioned. He no longer sees things in black and white, but he's still determined to do the job right. He's devastated by what happens with the raid, and stunned to find out that he's being blamed as a traitor. He's determined to find out who the real betrayer is and prove his own innocence. He's not happy about having to kidnap Jillian to gain her help, but does his best not to hurt her. I really loved seeing how careful he is. He's really attracted to her, but feels he's too damaged to be good for her. This is only reinforced when he discovers they have a connection that could destroy any chance they have. I liked the way he doesn't give up, even when things don't look too good. When he confesses that connection he's devastated by her reaction, but doesn't give up quite yet.
I really enjoyed the suspense. We find out early who the bad guy is and what his motivations are. The suspense comes in as Alex and Jillian have to stay safe as they endeavor to find the proof they need to get the guilty one behind bars. They have to stay ahead of both the FBI and its traitor and the gang that wants to kill them. I loved the descriptions of what they were doing and why, and the effect it should have if it goes right, and what will happen if they fail. The final confrontation is quite intense and had me completely sucked into the story.
I loved the setting. Being relatively familiar with DC it was fun to enjoy the familiar sights. I especially liked the accuracy of the descriptions of DC's reaction to snow.
Alex is desperate to save the man with him, not because he's a friend but because he's the only person who can prove Alex's innocence. Alex has been working undercover with a gang for two years. There was supposed to be a sting that night, but instead the FBI and other agencies had been ambushed, and Alex is being blamed. He has to find out who in the FBI is the double agent and expose him, and Tony is his only link. Kidnapping Jillian is his only option.
Though she is terrified, Jillian keeps her head and is able to help Tony. She's not sure at first if she can trust Alex, even after he tells her who he is, but she's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially when he saves her life. They have to work together to stay out of danger while at the same time trying to find out who was really behind the ambush. Added to that tension is the attraction they feel for each other, but must try to ignore to keep it from being a distraction.
I really liked Jillian and Alex. Jillian is a strong and independent woman, determined to do what she can to help people. She became an ER doctor because of her experiences trying to help her drug addicted brother when she was younger. I loved seeing the way her mind worked as she did what had to be done. She thinks well under pressure and that comes in handy during the course of the book. I liked that it didn't take her long to believe in Alex and his innocence. She is also very good at seeing the good in him, even when he is sure that he is beyond redemption because of the things he had to do. There is one point at the end where her trust is shaken, but a conversation with a very good friend shows her that she's not being fair to him.
I felt so bad for Alex. He had gone into the undercover op with idealistic fervor, but after two years he's become rather disillusioned. He no longer sees things in black and white, but he's still determined to do the job right. He's devastated by what happens with the raid, and stunned to find out that he's being blamed as a traitor. He's determined to find out who the real betrayer is and prove his own innocence. He's not happy about having to kidnap Jillian to gain her help, but does his best not to hurt her. I really loved seeing how careful he is. He's really attracted to her, but feels he's too damaged to be good for her. This is only reinforced when he discovers they have a connection that could destroy any chance they have. I liked the way he doesn't give up, even when things don't look too good. When he confesses that connection he's devastated by her reaction, but doesn't give up quite yet.
I really enjoyed the suspense. We find out early who the bad guy is and what his motivations are. The suspense comes in as Alex and Jillian have to stay safe as they endeavor to find the proof they need to get the guilty one behind bars. They have to stay ahead of both the FBI and its traitor and the gang that wants to kill them. I loved the descriptions of what they were doing and why, and the effect it should have if it goes right, and what will happen if they fail. The final confrontation is quite intense and had me completely sucked into the story.
I loved the setting. Being relatively familiar with DC it was fun to enjoy the familiar sights. I especially liked the accuracy of the descriptions of DC's reaction to snow.
January 14, 2015
I read a fair amount of romantic suspense, but kidnapped heroine plots tend not to work for me. There's often way too much TSTL craziness involved for me to get sucked into the tension of the story. It's also hard for an author to convince me that the kidnapper and the kidnappee have a healthy relationship together. Not so with Lethal Lies. I'll admit that I rolled my eyes when I read the back blurb, but Lara Lacombe does a nice job both of creating tension and of making readers like her characters.
Dr. Jillian Mahoney leaves her shift at the ER but the toughest part of her day is just beginning. A mysterious man snatches her out of the parking lot and throws her into the back of a car, telling her that she's there to help a friend with a gunshot wound. And from there it just gets stranger and stranger.
We learn early on that undercover FBI agent Alex Malcom had infiltrated one of DC's dangerous gangs, and that a mole on the inside had sold him out in such a way that not only did his cover get blown to the gang, but his colleagues were left thinking he'd betrayed them in an operation gone bad. And the injured "friend?" None other than a gang contact who happens to know the truth. Alex may despise him, but he needs to keep him alive to clear his name. And that's where Jillian comes in.
It's an improbable setup, but in an odd way, it works. Part of that comes from the author handling the romance with a very subtle touch. Jillian starts off scared for her life, not fantasizing about how Mr. Kidnapper might be in bed.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
Dr. Jillian Mahoney leaves her shift at the ER but the toughest part of her day is just beginning. A mysterious man snatches her out of the parking lot and throws her into the back of a car, telling her that she's there to help a friend with a gunshot wound. And from there it just gets stranger and stranger.
We learn early on that undercover FBI agent Alex Malcom had infiltrated one of DC's dangerous gangs, and that a mole on the inside had sold him out in such a way that not only did his cover get blown to the gang, but his colleagues were left thinking he'd betrayed them in an operation gone bad. And the injured "friend?" None other than a gang contact who happens to know the truth. Alex may despise him, but he needs to keep him alive to clear his name. And that's where Jillian comes in.
It's an improbable setup, but in an odd way, it works. Part of that comes from the author handling the romance with a very subtle touch. Jillian starts off scared for her life, not fantasizing about how Mr. Kidnapper might be in bed.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
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January 12, 2016"In Lacombe’s latest, stakes are high and emotions are intense. The action-filled plot and the sweet chemistry between Alex and Jillian will keep readers turning the pages" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
July 13, 2019
My first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the book. Jillian is an ER doctor who is kidnapped from the hospital parking lot and forced to tend to the wounds of a young gang member. She's frightened much of the time, but dedicated to saving her patient, while also trying to find a way to escape. She's resourceful, and while her escape plan fails, she stays strong. Alex is an undercover agent who has been betrayed and is now on the run from not only the gang he infiltrated, but from the FBI.
I'm not generally a fan of quick romance, preferring to watch a relationship build up between the characters, but Ms. Lacombe wrote it very well here and it worked for me. The ending was a bit contrived, but certainly satisfying. A quick look through my book chart showed me that I have another of Ms. Lacombe's books, “Killer Season”, though since I recently moved and most of my books are still packed I've no idea where it is at the moment. But I look forward to it!
I'm not generally a fan of quick romance, preferring to watch a relationship build up between the characters, but Ms. Lacombe wrote it very well here and it worked for me. The ending was a bit contrived, but certainly satisfying. A quick look through my book chart showed me that I have another of Ms. Lacombe's books, “Killer Season”, though since I recently moved and most of my books are still packed I've no idea where it is at the moment. But I look forward to it!
November 8, 2014
Lethal Lies is by Lara Lacombe. It is a romantic suspense. It is a very good book and very exciting to read. Lara creates very realistic characters and the plot is well thought out.
Dr. Jillian Mahoney is looking forward to her three days off. She has been working in the ER for the last three days with only catnaps in the residents’ room. The next three days are looking very good. She plans to do nothing but sleep. The weather is bad and getting worse. Lots of snow is in the forecast so she is planning on a stop at the grocery store on the way home. Thus on walk to the Metro through the parking lot, she is thinking of a lot of things but not her safety. Suddenly a man appears out of the snow and asks her if she is a doctor. His friend is badly hurt and needs help. She offers to go get a wheelchair and additional help from the ER when the man grabs her and kidnaps her to take her to his friend who just happens to have a gunshot wound. Now she is really in trouble.
Alex, who kidnaps her, takes her to Tony who is in the backseat of a car. Alex takes her to a non-descript motel room and orders her to care for Tony with the meager supplies he has stolen from a veterinarian clinic. Luckily, the bullet had gone through Tony and was not lodged inside. However, she has to put a makeshift balloon bandage on the front and back as it has gone through his lung and collapsed it. Surprisingly it works. Now as she sleeps, Tony is getting better and Alex is keeping watch. When Tony starts wheezing, it wakes her up and she proceeds to help him again. When she has the bandage back in place, Tony tells her he had called his gang from the car and they are on their way to kill Alex and get him. He tells her to run now as his gang will not treat her well at all.
Not seeing Alex in the room and thinking he is outside, she goes through the connecting door to the next room to escape from there. Alex is in that room and catches her. She tells him what Tony had said and they hear a car drive up and loud voices as the doors slam. The gang is here. Can they outrun them and get away? Where will they go? How will Jillian get away from Alex? Why is he helping her? Who is he? Why does the gang want him so badly?
Dr. Jillian Mahoney is looking forward to her three days off. She has been working in the ER for the last three days with only catnaps in the residents’ room. The next three days are looking very good. She plans to do nothing but sleep. The weather is bad and getting worse. Lots of snow is in the forecast so she is planning on a stop at the grocery store on the way home. Thus on walk to the Metro through the parking lot, she is thinking of a lot of things but not her safety. Suddenly a man appears out of the snow and asks her if she is a doctor. His friend is badly hurt and needs help. She offers to go get a wheelchair and additional help from the ER when the man grabs her and kidnaps her to take her to his friend who just happens to have a gunshot wound. Now she is really in trouble.
Alex, who kidnaps her, takes her to Tony who is in the backseat of a car. Alex takes her to a non-descript motel room and orders her to care for Tony with the meager supplies he has stolen from a veterinarian clinic. Luckily, the bullet had gone through Tony and was not lodged inside. However, she has to put a makeshift balloon bandage on the front and back as it has gone through his lung and collapsed it. Surprisingly it works. Now as she sleeps, Tony is getting better and Alex is keeping watch. When Tony starts wheezing, it wakes her up and she proceeds to help him again. When she has the bandage back in place, Tony tells her he had called his gang from the car and they are on their way to kill Alex and get him. He tells her to run now as his gang will not treat her well at all.
Not seeing Alex in the room and thinking he is outside, she goes through the connecting door to the next room to escape from there. Alex is in that room and catches her. She tells him what Tony had said and they hear a car drive up and loud voices as the doors slam. The gang is here. Can they outrun them and get away? Where will they go? How will Jillian get away from Alex? Why is he helping her? Who is he? Why does the gang want him so badly?
December 13, 2014
"Lethal Lies" is much better than your average Harlequin Romantic Suspense. The heroine, Dr. Jillian Mahoney, is an emergency room doctor who is captured by a deep undercover FBI agent. Lacombe gives the reader insight into Jillian's thought processes as she makes medical decisions when faced with the challenge of saving lives outside a hospital. The medical science added realism and depth to the conflict Jillian faced.
Alex Malcom is a good man, who went deep undercover to infiltrate gangs. He didn't realize how difficult it would be to hide the part of him that was a decent and good man. Lacombe lets us feel his pain as his assignment unravels around him and he struggles to salvage his career and his life.
I started this book and couldn't put it down. I loved the science and romance in the story. I'll be sure to look for Lara's next book.
Disclaimer: I won a free copy of "Lethal Lies" from a blog contest, but that has not influenced my review in any way. It's a great story.
Alex Malcom is a good man, who went deep undercover to infiltrate gangs. He didn't realize how difficult it would be to hide the part of him that was a decent and good man. Lacombe lets us feel his pain as his assignment unravels around him and he struggles to salvage his career and his life.
I started this book and couldn't put it down. I loved the science and romance in the story. I'll be sure to look for Lara's next book.
Disclaimer: I won a free copy of "Lethal Lies" from a blog contest, but that has not influenced my review in any way. It's a great story.
December 9, 2014
Simply put, I could not put this book down!!! This was a wild ride from start to finish. Ms. Lacombe is on my auto-buy list. If you like romantic suspense, she should be on yours, too! Looking forward to her next book.
February 13, 2015
Nothing new here. Agent kidnaps doctor; she hates him; they have sex; they love each other; stupid angst; the end. Pure drivel.
January 26, 2015
Lethal Lies by Lara Lacombe was the first book that I have read by this author but it won't be the last.
Dr. Jillian Mahoney is an E.R. doctor and as smart and independent as any heroine that I have "met" while reading a book. She is scared when she gets kidnapped; but being a doctor in an E.R. has taught her to think on her feet. She agrees to help to save the life of her kidnapper's friend. Her experience in the E.R. has also honed her people assessment skills and she realizes that Alex is much, much more than he appears at first.
Alex Malcom has kidnapped Jillian to save a gang member's life. Alex is actually one of the good guys, an undercover FBI agent, on the run for his life. His cover inside the gang has been blown by someone inside the FBI. Alex is strong, determined and flawed. He has become very disillusioned while undercover and no longer likes what he sees in the mirror. His concern for Jillian's safety showed how much good was still there throughout the story.
This story is fast paced and sometimes very emotional. The characters are well developed and very realistic. The romance develops slowly as Jillian gets to know the "real" Alex which is why this story worked for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next.
I won this book from BookEnds, Inc. as part of their First Looks program and I am very appreciative of my good fortunate because I have found a new author to look for when I want a good romantic suspense.
Dr. Jillian Mahoney is an E.R. doctor and as smart and independent as any heroine that I have "met" while reading a book. She is scared when she gets kidnapped; but being a doctor in an E.R. has taught her to think on her feet. She agrees to help to save the life of her kidnapper's friend. Her experience in the E.R. has also honed her people assessment skills and she realizes that Alex is much, much more than he appears at first.
Alex Malcom has kidnapped Jillian to save a gang member's life. Alex is actually one of the good guys, an undercover FBI agent, on the run for his life. His cover inside the gang has been blown by someone inside the FBI. Alex is strong, determined and flawed. He has become very disillusioned while undercover and no longer likes what he sees in the mirror. His concern for Jillian's safety showed how much good was still there throughout the story.
This story is fast paced and sometimes very emotional. The characters are well developed and very realistic. The romance develops slowly as Jillian gets to know the "real" Alex which is why this story worked for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next.
I won this book from BookEnds, Inc. as part of their First Looks program and I am very appreciative of my good fortunate because I have found a new author to look for when I want a good romantic suspense.
romantic-suspense
November 13, 202120
October 8, 2016
LETHAL LIES BY LARA LACOMBE is the first book of this authors I've read. It wont be the last! I am not a huge reader of Harlequin romances but I thought what the heck,go for it! I enjoyed every page of this story. The fast pace, the danger, the suspense & yes the romance all wrapped up in a very good book! I should say great book! Dont let the Harlequin label fool you folks this is a great suspense/mystery.
Alex Malcolm, drug dealer,gang member, Undercover FBI agent & hot hunk , kidnaps Jillian, an ER room overworked doctor to help save a gang leader. That's when the fireworks begin! Jillian,thinking she's been kidnapped by a drug gang member plots to get away from Alex and ends up in bed with Alex & on the run with him. Read the book to find out the rest because that's all I'm going to tell you!
I received this book free from goodreads in exchange for a honest review!
Alex Malcolm, drug dealer,gang member, Undercover FBI agent & hot hunk , kidnaps Jillian, an ER room overworked doctor to help save a gang leader. That's when the fireworks begin! Jillian,thinking she's been kidnapped by a drug gang member plots to get away from Alex and ends up in bed with Alex & on the run with him. Read the book to find out the rest because that's all I'm going to tell you!
I received this book free from goodreads in exchange for a honest review!
January 19, 2017
Very enjoyable read.
A doctor and a drug dealer; oh wait, an undercover FBI agent; and a ready gang member.
Great couple, interesting plot.
I received a copy through Goodreads Giveaways.
A doctor and a drug dealer; oh wait, an undercover FBI agent; and a ready gang member.
Great couple, interesting plot.
I received a copy through Goodreads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews