On Deadly Ground

Devlin Security Force #1

by Susan Vaughan

****Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers.
DEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures
A desperate sister… Museum director Kate Fontaine made two promises to her dying father—protect her ne’er-do-well brother and return a stolen statuette of the Maya god of earthquakes to its temple. But when her brother is kidnapped and the price to save him is the priceless artifact, keeping one promise means breaking the other. In a no-win situation and facing a dangerous trek through the jungle, Kate is forced to rely on a guide she doesn’t trust… yet whose touch makes her yearn for so much more.
A cynical guide… The only person Max Rivera can truly count on is himself. That's why he prefers to work alone. Unfortunately his Devlin Security Force assignment to guide and protect Kate includes covertly finding proof her kidnapped brother has sold black-market antiquities. And sticking close to this delectable and vulnerable woman proves more dangerous to Max than all the threats in the jungle.
A race against time. While following the kidnapper’s instructions, Max and Kate must outrun black-market smugglers and a predicted earthquake in a race that takes them from Washington to England and into the Costa Verde jungle. But as perilous as their quest becomes, when desire flares between them, risking their lives seems simple next to risking their hearts.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

347 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2015

About the author

I wanted to write as soon as I learned to read. I dabbled with stories and poems for years, but didn't start writing seriously until many years later. My favorite books have always been mysteries and romances, so the mix in romantic suspense was a natural. I love writing romantic suspense because it throws the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pits them against a clever villain.
My books have been both a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Reviewers have called my books fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, sizzling, and highly emotional.
I have also published two children's picture storybooks, Sleigh Magic and Stowaways: a Maine Pirate Tale.
I am a West Virginia native but I have lived for many years on the coast of Maine.
For more information about my books, please visit me at www.susanvaughan.com or as Susan Vaughan, Author on FaceBook.

Reviews

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Devlin Security Series but it starts as though it was maybe the second or so, with very little in the way of introducing the team, the boss or their purpose and with lots of hints that do get cleared up in the course of the story but are fairly confusing in the beginning. The story sets a very fast pace and is a bit reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Kate and Max are thrown from one life-threatening situation into the next and they sure seem to use up more than their share of luck. Their attraction starts out slow but through one dicey situation to the next, their trust, respect and finally love grows. The book stays interesting right until the end and has a well-deserved happy end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in pursuit of a small Maya statue...

Through the whole book, everyone is in pursuit of a small Maya statue that's made of gold and emeralds. It keeps getting sold and passed around illegally, but the Maya people believe it is urgently needed for a rite to stop the earthquakes. As the date for the quake approaches, the attempts to retrieve the statue become more violent and the couple who are transporting it through the jungle are taking damage and serious risks just to get to the temple in time for the rite. Their attraction for each other and personal backgrounds are playing havoc with their emotions, of course. And having her brother being held captive by a group of illegal art dealers in search of the statue is adding to the tension. Crashing helicopters, broken tablets, low batteries on SAT phones are only some of the technical difficulties they must deal with. Vine snakes, flooding underground rivers, hunting jaguars, and earth tremors are some of the more natural problems they encounter. Fast paced, hot and steamy at moments. Recommended.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Deadly Ground is a fast-paced, suspenseful novel, one that takes the reader into the realm of antiquities and the murky dealings that sometimes occur behind the scenes. Although the main characters were slow to warm up to each other, they did come respect one another's strengths and abilities. Kate is used to being in charge, and whilst Max gives her the lead at times, he is still very much her protector and bodyguard. The story is well written and action packed, giving interesting details about the Maya culture, with a dose of mysticism added to the mix. I found the quick changes in scene from one person to another a bit confusing at times, but it didn't detract from the storyline. Although this book is part of a series, it is nevertheless a standalone and ends on a hopeful note. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is a museum curator for antiquities and when her dad passes, he leaves her a jade piece that must be returned to the Yucatan where it is supposed to stop earthquakes. Her brother Doug has been kidnapped and the ransom is the jade piece. In the past, he had also mentioned he knew a security specialist named Max Rivera, so she hires him to protect her while on the journey. They start out not trusting each other but as they go from one dangerous situation to another, the trust forms along with something a little more steamy. The characters are well developed with great backstories and intense feelings. The storyline has plenty of drama, danger, surprises, secrets, hidden agendas, twists, kidnapping and much more. Loved the action and sparks this couple has and it keep you glued to the pages to see what happens next. This is one story you will not be able to sit down Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pontiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate and Max are trying to get ahold of a statue to then return to the Maya people, while rescuing her brother, who is kidnapped.

But, there are several others invested in getting the statue, and danger is around every corner. Each time, Kate digs deep into her strength, and Max’s admiration grows.

The twists and turns are interesting, but the adventure isn’t as exciting as it could be, especially since Kate’s brother has also gotten himself in trouble. I didn’t enjoy the villain’s POV, and it was confusing who the kidnappers were as opposed to the good guy Mayas. Still not sure about it all.

So, not bad, but not a new series I’ll be pursuing.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kate’s brother, an artifact dealer, is kidnapped and she is instructed to return the artifact, Kizin, Maya underworld god of earthquakes, back to K’eq Xlapak in the Costa Verde jungle. Max Rivera is her bodyguard but also hoping to learn more about her brother who is suspected to have other valuable artifacts that were stolen. A good storyline that has plenty of danger, suspense, attempted murder, earthquakes, passion and romance. The characters are well developed and hold your interest. An intriguing and exciting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed

This series opener sets a rapid pace of suspense and romance. Max Rivera, a Devlin Security Force operator, is assigned to protect museum director Kate Fontaine and to recover a Mayan artifact stolen from an archeological site decades earlier. The artifact is a jade object believed to be causing earthquakes in the Yucatan, but it's also the ransom demanded by Kate's brother's kidnappers. The reader follows along from the U.S. to the jungle where Max and Kate face off with snakes (two and four legged), scorpions, bandits, black market thieves, and each other.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced page-turner filled with mystery, action, adventure and intrigue. The thrills, chills and steamy romance knocked my socks off and I just could not put the book down. I loved the instant attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between museum director Kate Fontaine and Max Rivera her guide and protector in Costa Verde jungle. This is such a great start to this series and I can't wait to read the next Devlin Security Force Book.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy to read again later

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Deadly Ground is the first book in the Devlin Security Force series. You can read this as a standalone. There is violence and hot steamy sex so definitely 18+.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. This is an "insta-love" story which I'm not crazy about. But overall the story was good. There are clues in the storyline that keep you guessing what will be revealed next. I'm looking forward to reading more of these books

[S Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong beginning to a new series for me.

The characters were fascinating and though I'm packing in all things Spanish or Mayan it was an amazing story. As with all series I'm off to read book two. I hope this review is emphatic enough but also bare enough to give someone else an urge to delve inside and meet Kate and Max. Enjoy their hazardous adventure in the most dangerous of territories: true love

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars plus!! Excellent romantic suspense with intrigue, mystery, and Mayan myths. The characters are realistic and so well developed that you feel like you’re going through it with them. The action adds to Max and Kate’s relationship. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading future books by Susan Vaughn. I received a complimentary copy of the book via Booksprout and chose to leave a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and the start to a great series; Kate is trying to save/rescue her brother from the kidnappers that want an artifact for his release. She hires Max to help her find it and also protector her as she travels to the jungles to save her brother. They face many challenges along the way, can they make it to the dig site before it is too late.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was excited to delve into this series at the start from this author. Kate is in dire straights when her brother is in danger I do believe thanks to her job to get at the statue the kidnappers want. Max is assigned to protect her. Maybe though the brother is a bad guy? We are given factors to form alot of questions along with romance. Turn the pages on this hot number as danger pushes them forward.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has it all. The main characters are stubborn and the heiroine is feisty to boot. There is kidnapping, blackmailed craziness, world travels ending up on a jungle treck. Throw in some romance and some stealing and you have it all. Will the H and h get their HEA or was this adventure to much for them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earthquake Curse

This story is fast paced, full of mystery and a whole lot of cloak and dagger. Once you start reading you will just " have to finish". When my husband said," That must be one good story", I chuckled and kept reading. Next thing I knew it was 2am.

Stolen artifact, Mayan curse, kidnapping and a race against time will keep you on the edge of your seat ~

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has twists, turns, danger, conflicting objectives, discoveries, drama, danger and two characters determined to do what they must. Kate's mission will have her join forces with Max, a union with undercurrents of hesitancy, uncertainty and secrets. As they crisscross the globe having to rely on one another, attraction grows into something deeper.

[starla mcmanigal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review

This is a page Turner it's well written and full of action, romance, some steamy sex and characters that are endearing. It can be read alone, but I find the temptation to read the next offering to much to resist.

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Control

Kate and Max, both control obsessed and yet worked so well together. The characters were perfect, and I wanted to join them in their journey through the jungles, danger, and excitement. The understated sexual tension melted me!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling and action packed romance that was a very interesting read. I loved reading the story and I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has a lot of danger around every corner, and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next until the very last page looking forward to reading more books from this author

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Great action, emotion, history and intrigue. I look forward to more from DSF.

[Zandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely adventure! Enjoyed it 👍
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Joseph Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story
Very good main characters
Interesting supporting characters
Interesting plot
Well worth a read

[Gwynneth Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

May day book 2, but reads find alone.

I enjoyed the action and adventure throughout. I would like to say the main female character tends to wine in the beginning...

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/21/2020)! 🎁

[Mary Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Deadly Ground

Great book lots of action. Outstanding storyline with well written characters. I enjoyed the book am looking forward to the next in the series

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

One thing nice about receiving free books to review is that you get to try books written by authors you've never read before, if you don't like the book, you don't read other books written by that author, no harm to no foul, lesson learned. But, sometimes you stumble across an author and wonder, where have you been?!? With this book On Deadly Ground, Susan Vaughan has entered that category of author for me. This book had almost everything in it that I love in a book, action, suspense, mystery and don't forget a steamy romance. The only reason I rated this book a 4 instead of 5 stars is because I found a few typos/missing words that threw me off and I had to rewrite the sentence in my head to make it make sense, but overall this was a wonderful read!

[M W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved it and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Vaughan. Once I started reading, I found it difficult to put down. There was plenty of action and suspense as well as a nice romance. Kate & Max, the main characters were given enough depth and spirit to make them believable without being over the top. I also learned a bit about the Mayan culture thanks to Ms.Vaughan's well developed background for the story. Can't wait until the 2nd in the series comes out on April 22nd.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"On Deadly Ground" by Susan Vaughan is my first read by this author. I was given a copy for an honest review and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, and it will not be my last read by Susan Vaughan.

We have Kate Fontaine who is on a mission to return a piece of stolen art property and Max Rivera a bodyguard who was assigned to protect her. Throw in kidnapping, smuggling, and good old fashioned folklore surrounding the stolen statue and you have an intriguing book.

It was not a quick read, but thoroughly enjoyable.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A father and a brother the adventurous one in the family. For her a desk as curator of a museum, with priceless artifacts. Doug is gone, the instruction to follow, she had no choice but to bring in Devlin Security. Max would be with her, she now remembers the name and what Doug had said about him, not knowing he had put a spin on what really happened. She didn’t know what she was heading into and what was worse what Doug was into.
Their are smugglers wanting these artifacts, and Max prefers to work alone.
Action packed, and about the Mayan culture.