Deadly Trouble

Vegas Vixens #2

by J.L. Hammer

A handsome doctor, piña coladas...and murder
Las Vegas embalmer Lily Sanborn's vacation at the remote retreat in Belize should have been heaven...if her idea of heaven was a gazillion degrees, humidity, and enough mosquitos to require daily transfusions. Just as she decides to make the best of her tropical destination, she stumbles upon a murder, witnesses a kidnapping and meets the most attractive man she's ever seen.
Dr. Cooper Deforest is seriously attracted to this stunning woman with a razor-sharp tongue. In fact, he is having the damnedest time trying to keep his hands off Lily. But when murder, kidnapping, a drug cartel and police corruption intrude on his peaceful jungle world, Cooper wonders just what sort of person Lily is.
Even though their chemistry sizzles, Lily's trust issues get in the way. As much as Cooper wants this woman, he can't get over the fact that wherever Lily goes, death seems to follow...

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2015

About the author

J.L. Hammer writes fast-paced novels filled with suspense, romantic tension, and gripping action. J.L. is a member of the International Thriller Writers.

Follow her on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/@HammerJL

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, suspenseful romance. Lily and Cooper have really great chemistry. This book was the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and romance. Sometimes when I read a suspenseful romance, I feel the romance aspect can be lacking with the focus on suspense but this story had a nice mix of both. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put the book down. Lily and Cooper were also really sexy together and there was really good sexual tension. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it for anyone who loves suspenseful romance!

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Trouble by J.L. Hammer is a 2015 Entangled publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this book out on a whim, thinking it was like a romantic comedy, with some light romantic suspense elements. But, I must say that while the story is not overly dark or heavy in any way, I was genuinely surprised when not only did it bark, but it had a larger bite than I has anticipated. But, I was also very pleased by it's depth and warmth.

This story is action packed with bullets flying in all directions, and don't think for one minute this is not serious business. There is real danger,casualties, and heart pumping suspense.

I loved Lily, Cooper and of course, little Jaime, all of whom were brave in their own way. Lily isn't a pessimist, but like all of us, she is a product of her past, and her past was certainly bumpy, and very emotional.

Cooper, is an atypical hero for a romantic suspense novel, in that he is not some wise cracking detective, or a tattooed alpha military guy. Cooper is a doctor, but not the medical kind. He's professor, and is right on the brink of a huge medical breakthrough. Yet, he exhibits great inner and physical strength and uses his brain to get them out of tight situations, plus he can be funny too. I mean, how hot is that?

Although, Lily's determination to save Jaime has some far reaching repercussions, especially for Cooper, and her constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, causes major problems for the couple, but still, Lily is always putting Cooper first in her thoughts, even when her own situation is equally dire.

While trust is a significant thread running throughout the story, forgiveness also plays a role as Lily will have to confront her past, in order to set things right for herself and Cooper. This was one of my favorite parts of the story because Lily brings the two main men in her life together in order to right a wrong, but she ends up being the winner all the way around.

This is one of the more original romantic suspense novels I've read in a while with unconventional lead characters, in an interesting location, in a situation that calls attention to some real life issues in Belize, but that's not all! There's a really sweet romance, and a heartwarming feel good story on top of that.

I really did enjoy this book and I recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
4 stars

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Select Suspense books from Entangled just keep on getting better! I thoroughly enjoyed this book which has just the right combination of danger, drama, thrills, spills and romance to make it an enthralling page turner, one you want to read to the end to find out how on earth everything can possibly work out! Well written with great characters and plot, I have no hesitation in highly recommending it.

A friend’s on/off wedding plans mean that Lily Sanborn is off on a much needed holiday from her job as an embalmer in Las Vegas to a remote retreat in Belize. What she hadn’t counted on was her friend getting back together with her boyfriend and leaving Lily to go on holiday alone! That, perhaps, should have been the warning for Lily as the holiday proved considerably more adventurous than she could have imagined in her worst nightmares! Witnessing murders, kidnapping, being chased by members of a drug cartel, being shot at, imprisoned and meeting the most attractive man she’s ever met mean this is a holiday she’ll remember - probably actually give her nightmares in future, too!

Doctor Cooper Deforest is undertaking potentially life saving research into plants to help with the prevention and treatment of Meningitis B. He’s living out in the jungle with his assistant, William, near one of the jungle villages. When he and Lily meet they are mutually attracted but Lily has severe trust issues from her father’s regular adultery, desertion and reappearance in her life. She also feels guilty over the death of her younger brother. Lily now, however, seems to be a magnet for death as murders seem to be happening to people around her. Can the two survive to give their love a chance? Can Lily learn that some men are trustworthy?

Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sparkymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that this book started off a bit slow for me. I just didn't love Lily at first, although I thought Cooper was charming and interesting. I might not have kept reading past the beginning if I hadn't been given an ARC from Net Galley. I feel if someone gives you a few book, the least you can do is read all of it. So, I kept going thinking I would probably decline to review it. The more I read, the more I liked it. As soon as the action and suspense picked up, I was all in. Lily grew and changed through the story, and I found myself liking her better and better.

The story starts as Lily takes a vacation to Belize unexpectedly alone. Over a meal, she meets Cooper who is a researcher trying to find a cure for a deadly disease using a plant found only in Belize. Cooper and Lily form a sort of friendship, but when Lily witnesses the aftermath of a murder and the kidnapping of a young boy, she has no recourse but to take off on her own. Through a series of twists and turns, she ends up at Cooper's research village. He offers his help, and the couple begins their search for the missing boy. Drug dealers, cartel bosses, and corrupt police all stand in their way. At times it seems they may be closer to being locked up than the bad guys. Through it all, the couple begins to form a deeper connection.

Overall, I ended up enjoying the story and interested in what was happening to the couple. I was curious where the ending might take them. I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Deadly Trouble by J. L. Hammer is the second novel in the author’s Vegas Vixens series. In the story, Lily Sanborn is a Las Vegas embalmer who winds up alone on a vacation in Belize. Instead of relaxing, Lily gets pulled into a murder mystery and attempts to help retrieve a young kidnap victim. Along the way she meets the charismatic Dr. Cooper Deforest who is working in the country. The chemistry between the two sizzles instantaneously, but Cooper immediately realizes that Lily is trouble, and if he knows what’s good for him he’d stay far, far away.

Cooper and Lily never can seem to get along, yet they find it difficult to stay away from each other. The entire time I read this book I kept wondering when or if they would finally get together. With all their bickering, it appeared neither would shut up long enough to get things going. I found this made the story unpredictable, because it wasn’t the usually “love at first sight” story. However, the more I thought about it I realized it was reminiscent of many adventure films from the 1980’s. Cont...

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unexpected read due to the female character's profession. I knew it looked like a fun read with it being a mystery plus she works out of Vegas. She takes a vacation to a remote retreat But by the time Lily gets done I think she will need another one. The leading male character she encounters is Cooper that will be her saving grace per say because she will see something she should not of and with corruption being at its high here she will go on a trek for her life. She stumbles again onto him and with the attraction they have for each other it will develop regardless of the circumstances. It will be popping with one danger after another and when she is finally after the gruesome events they have the nerve to want to charge her. When Cooper also pays the price for love she will step in for him in a way that would not of happened any other way. Also she has a hilarious grandmother. This was no trouble at all though to read.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved,loved, LOVED this book! Romantic suspense at its best! This book grabbed me from the first page and kept me hooked until the very last page. Lily is a (slightly) dysfunction embalmer that goes on her first vacation in years to Belize. The resort is nestled deep in drug controlled territory and Lily has a keen mind with a sharp tongue.....what could go wrong with that? Add in a hot doctor doing botanical research and you have everything you need for a great story.

Don't hesitate on this one - I have added the author to my must read authors' list.

[Christina Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn't realize this is book 2...definitely can be read as a stand alone. this is a romantic-ish suspense book with a really great suspense story and very little romance. both characters were strong and likeable both with unique careers adding to the appeal of the story. there was so much packed into the first 85% of the book that the last 15% seemed a bit rushed but it doesn't detract from the story too much.

i will definitely be going back to read book 1 and look forward to the next story - i'm hoping it's rae's story since there was so much hinted at being hidden by her.

[Robin Bielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the trouble in this book! It kept me turning the pages, kept me on the edge of my reading spot a few times, and kept me rooting for the hero and heroine. A terrific blend of suspense, romance and tropical fun that I didn't want to end.

[Ela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book but I wanted to see more chapters showing what Cooper and Lily’s everyday lives would look like.

I liked the plot as lots of things happened but I thought that some of the things that happened came out of nowhere.

I really liked how Cooper and Lily interacted with each other, their conversations were funny. I wanted to see more chapters where they interact with side characters, like their families and friends. The situation with Lily’s father was annoying.

I want to read the last book in this series as I want to find out more about Rae.

[Ashley N. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak romantic suspense. No issues with the actual writing, but didn't care for plot or characterization. The heroine was ridiculous, completely TSTL. The premise was pretty ridiculous as well. Very little made sense or was remotely reasonable or believable. I would have dnf'd this book, except I was reading it for a contest submission & felt obligated to finish. Thank you to the NTRWA for the review copy.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers will laugh out loud at the witty writings of a strong, courageous and razor sharp tongued heroine!

Read full review in the 2015 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.