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Danger in the Deep South #1
Lethal Action
Attorney Hope Finch is a rising star at the prestigious New York law firm of Rice & Taylor and is used to high-stakes litigation. But when she’s sent to what she thought was a small, sleepy town in Georgia, she is unprepared for the dangerous turn of events that threatens her life and career.
FBI Special Agent Gabe Marino knows that something sinister is happening in his hometown of Maxwell, Georgia. But even he doesn’t know how big the threat is until he’s assigned to protect a visiting big city lawyer. As Gabe investigates the illegal activity linked to Hope’s client, he tries to caution her, but she ignores his warnings—until it’s her life that’s in jeopardy.
When Hope becomes the target in a deadly corporate cover-up that is directly tied to the biggest trial the town of Maxwell has ever seen, she and Gabe have to find a way to work together. Hope and Gabe race against the clock to uncover the true threat, but can Gabe keep Hope safe in the face of danger or will time run out on them both?
FBI Special Agent Gabe Marino knows that something sinister is happening in his hometown of Maxwell, Georgia. But even he doesn’t know how big the threat is until he’s assigned to protect a visiting big city lawyer. As Gabe investigates the illegal activity linked to Hope’s client, he tries to caution her, but she ignores his warnings—until it’s her life that’s in jeopardy.
When Hope becomes the target in a deadly corporate cover-up that is directly tied to the biggest trial the town of Maxwell has ever seen, she and Gabe have to find a way to work together. Hope and Gabe race against the clock to uncover the true threat, but can Gabe keep Hope safe in the face of danger or will time run out on them both?
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2016
176 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dylan
27 books524 followersRachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for almost two decades, including as a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and three furkids—one loveable Labrador and two senior cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 13, 2018
Wow.
I didn't have very high expectations for this book to begin with, but picked it up off Amazon as it worked for a reading challenge I am participating in. Unfortunately, from page one, I was disappointed. Lethal Action starts out with an extremely unrealistic opening scene, and just continues in that vein.
Dylan's writing style felt amateurish to me, and was riddled with many typos and grammatical errors that continually pulled me out of the story. I can understand a typo here or there that an editor missed, but the large amount of typos in this one made me wonder if it had ever been proofread.
While the plot itself seemed mostly sound, various scenarios throughout the story felt very unrealistic and contrived. There were also a few legal issues that I don't feel were represented accurately. The romance felt sudden, and the amount of attraction between the main characters annoyed me, although that is entirely a personal preference.
The characters, particularly Gabe felt shallow, and I spent more time annoyed at them instead of rooting for them. Gabe was pushy with Hope, constantly hovering, and seemed pretty idiotic for a special agent. His backstory also fell completely flat. In one particular scene, Hope finishes telling him about her own tragic past, then he proceeds to tell her about himself - the main traumatic event in his past being his dog dying. Really? Sure, that may have been rough, but compared to what Hope had been through, that was a day at the beach. It felt very shallow and not very considerate. He also plays Superman a few times, impossibly showing up at just the right moment to rescue Hope. Not very realistic . . .
Overall, this was not a book I enjoyed, nor would I recommend it. I wouldn't have even finished it had it been any longer.
I didn't have very high expectations for this book to begin with, but picked it up off Amazon as it worked for a reading challenge I am participating in. Unfortunately, from page one, I was disappointed. Lethal Action starts out with an extremely unrealistic opening scene, and just continues in that vein.
Dylan's writing style felt amateurish to me, and was riddled with many typos and grammatical errors that continually pulled me out of the story. I can understand a typo here or there that an editor missed, but the large amount of typos in this one made me wonder if it had ever been proofread.
While the plot itself seemed mostly sound, various scenarios throughout the story felt very unrealistic and contrived. There were also a few legal issues that I don't feel were represented accurately. The romance felt sudden, and the amount of attraction between the main characters annoyed me, although that is entirely a personal preference.
The characters, particularly Gabe felt shallow, and I spent more time annoyed at them instead of rooting for them. Gabe was pushy with Hope, constantly hovering, and seemed pretty idiotic for a special agent. His backstory also fell completely flat. In one particular scene, Hope finishes telling him about her own tragic past, then he proceeds to tell her about himself - the main traumatic event in his past being his dog dying. Really? Sure, that may have been rough, but compared to what Hope had been through, that was a day at the beach. It felt very shallow and not very considerate. He also plays Superman a few times, impossibly showing up at just the right moment to rescue Hope. Not very realistic . . .
Overall, this was not a book I enjoyed, nor would I recommend it. I wouldn't have even finished it had it been any longer.
January 18, 2016
Lethal Action was an intense and exciting novel! I liked both main characters right from the start, so it was easy to get caught up in their story. Danger lurks around every corner for Hope, making it very hard for Gabe to keep her safe and helping to create a fast paced story.
Both Hope and Gabe have been very career driven individuals and have had some personal hurts to overcome in the past. It was fun to watch as romance blossomed even in the tense situations that they were in. I thought that the relationship angle and the doubts and potential problems they voiced were very realistic.
The author did a good job of creating dangerous situations for Hope to end up in and quite an interesting reason that she was being targeted that is only fully revealed at the end of the book. Lethal Action also had a gentle thread of faith flowing through the story as Hope began to reacquaint herself with God. I enjoyed this thrilling story.
I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Action from the author in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters review page:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...
Both Hope and Gabe have been very career driven individuals and have had some personal hurts to overcome in the past. It was fun to watch as romance blossomed even in the tense situations that they were in. I thought that the relationship angle and the doubts and potential problems they voiced were very realistic.
The author did a good job of creating dangerous situations for Hope to end up in and quite an interesting reason that she was being targeted that is only fully revealed at the end of the book. Lethal Action also had a gentle thread of faith flowing through the story as Hope began to reacquaint herself with God. I enjoyed this thrilling story.
I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Action from the author in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters review page:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...
February 14, 2018
This is the third Rachel Dylan book that I’ve read, and though I really liked her latest (“Deadly Proof”), this one was very similar to the other that I had read. I personally like a little more diversity, but if you like just an easy-read legal thriller, this would be a great book for you.
The spiritual thread was in there, but I thought it was a little weak. Gabe was the strong man of faith, and it was mentioned a few times. Just didn’t stand out as super strong.
Overall it was a clean read. There was falling in love and a couple of kisses, but nothing beyond that.
The spiritual thread was in there, but I thought it was a little weak. Gabe was the strong man of faith, and it was mentioned a few times. Just didn’t stand out as super strong.
Overall it was a clean read. There was falling in love and a couple of kisses, but nothing beyond that.
September 7, 2016
Good legal suspense-thriller!
February 23, 2016
Rachel Dylan brings us a suspenseful romance that pulled me in from the very first page. This is a spectacular read. She incorporates both turmoil and spine tingling suspense.
We are introduced to Hope Finch and Gabe Marino. Hope is presently a 5th year associate with Rice and Taylor, a prestigious law firm in New York. Gabe is a Special Agent with the FBI field office in Atlanta. He lives in Maxwell, Georgia which is about a 30 minute commute to Atlanta. With an influx of crime in Maxwell Gabe has his eye on Carlos Nola, a board member and employee of Wakefield Corporation. Wakefield is currently in litigation with Cyber Future over a breach of contract and set to go to trial. Sam Upton the lead attorney for Wakefield has given Hope the opportunity to be second chair during the trial. This is not only a set up for Hope, but also a dream come true. She travels to Maxwell to work with local representation, Trent Law Firm, to prepare for the trial and work with her key witness Carlos Nola.
Several thread are woven into the story that give you a sense of Maxwell as a small town full of southern charm. Upon Hope's arrival important factors are brought to the surface and she realizes things are more complicated than she had imagined.
Hope feels she has one focus and that is the trial and her job, but suddenly she finds herself a target in a corporate cover up. Gabe is suddenly sidetracked from his investigation of Nola after several attempts have been made on Hope. He realizes that she has come to mean more to him personally, but a relationship isn't possible until this mystery is solved.
This is a great book is full of suspense and will keep you guessing until the end. The characters and setting are detailed and perceptive. With Ms. Dylan being and attorney she is able to accurately take the reader through the legal maneuvers. The plot flows effortlessly and the secondary characters are well integrated into the story. There is just enough romantic tension between the Hope and Gabe. I liked both characters. Hope made her way into my heart from page one and Gabe is a hero anyone can love.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense.
*I received this book from the author for a honest and unbiased opinion as stated above.
We are introduced to Hope Finch and Gabe Marino. Hope is presently a 5th year associate with Rice and Taylor, a prestigious law firm in New York. Gabe is a Special Agent with the FBI field office in Atlanta. He lives in Maxwell, Georgia which is about a 30 minute commute to Atlanta. With an influx of crime in Maxwell Gabe has his eye on Carlos Nola, a board member and employee of Wakefield Corporation. Wakefield is currently in litigation with Cyber Future over a breach of contract and set to go to trial. Sam Upton the lead attorney for Wakefield has given Hope the opportunity to be second chair during the trial. This is not only a set up for Hope, but also a dream come true. She travels to Maxwell to work with local representation, Trent Law Firm, to prepare for the trial and work with her key witness Carlos Nola.
Several thread are woven into the story that give you a sense of Maxwell as a small town full of southern charm. Upon Hope's arrival important factors are brought to the surface and she realizes things are more complicated than she had imagined.
Hope feels she has one focus and that is the trial and her job, but suddenly she finds herself a target in a corporate cover up. Gabe is suddenly sidetracked from his investigation of Nola after several attempts have been made on Hope. He realizes that she has come to mean more to him personally, but a relationship isn't possible until this mystery is solved.
This is a great book is full of suspense and will keep you guessing until the end. The characters and setting are detailed and perceptive. With Ms. Dylan being and attorney she is able to accurately take the reader through the legal maneuvers. The plot flows effortlessly and the secondary characters are well integrated into the story. There is just enough romantic tension between the Hope and Gabe. I liked both characters. Hope made her way into my heart from page one and Gabe is a hero anyone can love.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense.
*I received this book from the author for a honest and unbiased opinion as stated above.
February 13, 2016
I did not finish this book. It just became more and more implausible. What normal FBI agent takes a "civilian" on a recon or a search of someone's offices or who discusses top secret, cover-blowing information in random hallways and restaurants? I could go on. So disappointed because I like this romantic suspense genre. Don't claim I didn't give it a chance. I read 55% of it.
January 30, 2016
Did not care for this book at all. The chemistry between the characters was just not there and the lack of evidence of any connection to the organized crime group besides one character's "hunch" made the whole plot line of the book seem unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2020
Great suspense novel. A pretty quick read. Lots of death-defying action as attorney Hope Finch finds herself being the target of multiple attempts on her life. Someone wants information, only problem is that she doesn’t know what the bad guys are after. I enjoyed the fast-paced action and definitely recommend this.
December 16, 2016
I very rarely say this but the number one reason I picked up this book was the cover! This is actually my first book by Rachel Dylan but I very much enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by her.
She caught my attention just a few pages in with an initial shock and kept it until the very end. I really enjoyed the legal theme to the book. I haven't read very many books written from a lawyer's viewpoint in the Inspirational or Christian genre and especially liked knowing that Rachel is a lawyer herself. It made the story more believable - at least from the office and courtroom aspects.
I really liked Gabe and how persistent he was on watching out for Hope. But there were a few aspects of his character that were a little hard for me to believe. I won't go into details and spoil the book for anyone though.
Hope is one of the more determined characters I've read about in a while and I loved her tenacity! I especially loved how she did whatever she wanted to in spite of what Gabe said or did!
I really related with Hope throughout the story because I am a city girl through and through. I have never been to NYC but think it would be awesome to live close enough to work to walk everyday!
I really enjoyed the organized crime, FBI, courtroom parts of this story. They made for an intriguing storyline. And the romance between Gabe and Hope was a great addition to the story without adding any filth. I loved how clean this story was. In my opinion the romance moved fast but I know Dylan had a limited number of pages and it moved slower than a mainstream story would have.
I can't wait to read more from Dylan.
She caught my attention just a few pages in with an initial shock and kept it until the very end. I really enjoyed the legal theme to the book. I haven't read very many books written from a lawyer's viewpoint in the Inspirational or Christian genre and especially liked knowing that Rachel is a lawyer herself. It made the story more believable - at least from the office and courtroom aspects.
I really liked Gabe and how persistent he was on watching out for Hope. But there were a few aspects of his character that were a little hard for me to believe. I won't go into details and spoil the book for anyone though.
Hope is one of the more determined characters I've read about in a while and I loved her tenacity! I especially loved how she did whatever she wanted to in spite of what Gabe said or did!
I really related with Hope throughout the story because I am a city girl through and through. I have never been to NYC but think it would be awesome to live close enough to work to walk everyday!
I really enjoyed the organized crime, FBI, courtroom parts of this story. They made for an intriguing storyline. And the romance between Gabe and Hope was a great addition to the story without adding any filth. I loved how clean this story was. In my opinion the romance moved fast but I know Dylan had a limited number of pages and it moved slower than a mainstream story would have.
I can't wait to read more from Dylan.
April 15, 2016
Lethal Action by Rachel Dylan is the first book in the Danger in the Deep South series.
Hope Finch is an overcomer. It’s just what she does. Climbing her way up to a successful career in law, she’s made it to second chair in a prominent corporate trial. The problem lies in her client and his involvement. What seems to be a simple breach of contract, has become a fight for her life.
Gabe Marino is a FBI agent who cares deeply about his hometown. So much so, that he’s willing to fight off whatever powers may be in order to keep it safe. Leary of Hope, he prays she’s not part of the conspiracy. Unsure, he’s not taking chances.
This is the first of Rachel Dylan’s books that I’ve read. I found Lethal Action to be a clean legal thriller with a touch of romance. I especially loved Gabe’s character because of his strength and faith. I look forward to reading more of her books and received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
Hope Finch is an overcomer. It’s just what she does. Climbing her way up to a successful career in law, she’s made it to second chair in a prominent corporate trial. The problem lies in her client and his involvement. What seems to be a simple breach of contract, has become a fight for her life.
Gabe Marino is a FBI agent who cares deeply about his hometown. So much so, that he’s willing to fight off whatever powers may be in order to keep it safe. Leary of Hope, he prays she’s not part of the conspiracy. Unsure, he’s not taking chances.
This is the first of Rachel Dylan’s books that I’ve read. I found Lethal Action to be a clean legal thriller with a touch of romance. I especially loved Gabe’s character because of his strength and faith. I look forward to reading more of her books and received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
January 17, 2016
Lethal Action by Rachel Dylan is a legal thriller. Hope is an attorney in a New York firm that is working a case that sends her to small town in Georgia. Gabe is an FBI agent convinced that something sinister is happening in his hometown of Maxwell, GA. Hope and Dylan end up working together to try and find out who is after Hope and who is behind the criminal activity going on in his hometown. There is plenty of action and you start to wonder who you can trust. I really liked Gabe. Hope was a good strong character but bordered on stupid with one of her decisions. I am hoping this becomes a series and Caleb, the chief of police gets his own story.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
February 17, 2016
Lethal Action ( Danger in the Deep South - Book 1 )
By: Rachel Dylan
Lethal Action is book one in Danger in the Deep South series. This is my first to read by Rachel Dylan, and it definitely want be my last, she has me hooked. Love the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. Ms Dylan weaves us a great thriller with lots of action, suspense, and romance starting right from the start. She grabs you at the start and don’t let go till the end. Love the two main characters Hope and Gabe. The characters are so real you feel like you are right there with them. There is so much action going on that Hope and Gabe don’t know who to trust. Can they trust each other? Can’t wait to read book two in Danger in the Deep south.
I was given a copy of this book to read for my honest review.
By: Rachel Dylan
Lethal Action is book one in Danger in the Deep South series. This is my first to read by Rachel Dylan, and it definitely want be my last, she has me hooked. Love the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. Ms Dylan weaves us a great thriller with lots of action, suspense, and romance starting right from the start. She grabs you at the start and don’t let go till the end. Love the two main characters Hope and Gabe. The characters are so real you feel like you are right there with them. There is so much action going on that Hope and Gabe don’t know who to trust. Can they trust each other? Can’t wait to read book two in Danger in the Deep south.
I was given a copy of this book to read for my honest review.
March 19, 2016
This was my first Rachel Dylan book. It's set (mostly) in a Georgia town. I'm a southerner, so I liked that aspect of the book.
Rachel Dylan is a lawyer and this book features a lawyer in the female lead, and an FBI agent in the male lead.
Very nice plot and nice characters here, enough to entertain any reader. I'm anxious to see what her other books bring me to read. I've bought one already just from seeing it in the store.
Rachel Dylan is a lawyer and this book features a lawyer in the female lead, and an FBI agent in the male lead.
Very nice plot and nice characters here, enough to entertain any reader. I'm anxious to see what her other books bring me to read. I've bought one already just from seeing it in the store.
February 16, 2016
Non stop action legal thriller
I love suspenseful books with romance. This book has both. This was a legal thriller about white collar crime involving the mafia. It involves a beautiful attorney from New York and a handsome small town FBI agent. The mystery kept me guessing til the end. I highly recommend this book to all suspense readers like myself.
I love suspenseful books with romance. This book has both. This was a legal thriller about white collar crime involving the mafia. It involves a beautiful attorney from New York and a handsome small town FBI agent. The mystery kept me guessing til the end. I highly recommend this book to all suspense readers like myself.
October 10, 2021
This is my first book by this author and there were several issues with the storyline.
The feelings between Gabe and Hope were very fast and I have to ask with all the activity going on around them how can they even think along those lines. I like relationships that are developed with time. I also felt Gabe was a bit arrogant.
Gabe is an undercover FBI agent yet they are eating out all over town talking about his job and what he is working on. They are in an open area where anyone can hear them. Really? Then Gabe is suppose to protect Hope because someone wants her dead and she was attacked 4 or 5 times while he was with her. This does not say much about Gabe as an agent or a protector.
Hope has a conversation with her client, Carlos Nola, who admits to her before trial of illegal activity he did and she shares this information with Gabe. She would not tell her boss because of the lawyer/client confidentiality however she tells Gabe. This was way out there.
To keep Hope safe they go to Florida into hiding and at some point Hope decides to go back and be tough by facing the bad guys. Of course she doesn't tell Gabe but he's not surprised she did this and was right behind her. At this point we are close to the ending which was wrapped up so fast that if you blinked you missed it.
The feelings between Gabe and Hope were very fast and I have to ask with all the activity going on around them how can they even think along those lines. I like relationships that are developed with time. I also felt Gabe was a bit arrogant.
Gabe is an undercover FBI agent yet they are eating out all over town talking about his job and what he is working on. They are in an open area where anyone can hear them. Really? Then Gabe is suppose to protect Hope because someone wants her dead and she was attacked 4 or 5 times while he was with her. This does not say much about Gabe as an agent or a protector.
Hope has a conversation with her client, Carlos Nola, who admits to her before trial of illegal activity he did and she shares this information with Gabe. She would not tell her boss because of the lawyer/client confidentiality however she tells Gabe. This was way out there.
To keep Hope safe they go to Florida into hiding and at some point Hope decides to go back and be tough by facing the bad guys. Of course she doesn't tell Gabe but he's not surprised she did this and was right behind her. At this point we are close to the ending which was wrapped up so fast that if you blinked you missed it.
January 23, 2018
Hope is a city girl lawyer in New York who is used to taking care of herself. She is married to her job because of things in her past. Gabe is a good ole southern boy FBI agent from small town Maxwell, Georgia who is also pretty much married to his job as well. Their paths cross first in New York as Gabe is investigating one of Hope’s client. He thinks she may be involved in the wrongdoing until he meets her. Hope is sent to Maxwell to prepare for a trial involving the above mentioned client. It soon becomes apparent that Hope has become a target due to the illegal activities involving her client and others. Gabe, who is undercover in Maxwell, is on the case and vows to get to the bottom of what’s happening and also promises to protect Hope. Great story about preconceived notions, what it means to give up some of your independence, and about working together as a team with some suspense thrown in as a topping. When the top “bad” guy is revealed, I was surprised. It was not someone I had considered. It’s nice to not always have it figured out before the end of the book.
October 15, 2020
A story about a beautiful attorney at a law firm in NYC who is involved in a case that at first seems to be a corporate case, but ends up being a much different type of case. There is a handsome FBI agent who gets involved in the case and ultimately, with the beautiful attorney.
To me, I had to suspend reality for this one—and I did, but it still felt like an underdeveloped story. There are hints at Christian elements, but very lightly applied. The dialogue lacked depth, as did the characters. I think this book would have benefited from some additional editing and guidance. Not a bad read....just unpolished.
To me, I had to suspend reality for this one—and I did, but it still felt like an underdeveloped story. There are hints at Christian elements, but very lightly applied. The dialogue lacked depth, as did the characters. I think this book would have benefited from some additional editing and guidance. Not a bad read....just unpolished.
October 31, 2017
I liked the potential of the novel, meaning it had a good story line and good characters that could have been great. It seemed as if the threats against Hope were too contrived and too often. There also need to be more development in the romance. On the other hand, I enjoyed watching the mystery unravel.
January 26, 2018
Just so so for me
I had a hard time rating this book. I didn't think the characters weren't very well developed. The author just dove in and tried to give a little background and I don't care for a lot of description. It just felt like it was a quick tale and it didn't give enough to drag you in.
I had a hard time rating this book. I didn't think the characters weren't very well developed. The author just dove in and tried to give a little background and I don't care for a lot of description. It just felt like it was a quick tale and it didn't give enough to drag you in.
January 12, 2018
An suspenseful read with a little romance
I enjoyed this story. Some of the criminals did not seem like real bad guys I guess there is a difference between white and blue colored crimes
I enjoyed this story. Some of the criminals did not seem like real bad guys I guess there is a difference between white and blue colored crimes
July 13, 2018
Not realistic
A lot of the action seemed quite unrealistic. Numerous assignation attempts from different people. She spent too much time helping Gabe, rather then preparing for trial.
A lot of the action seemed quite unrealistic. Numerous assignation attempts from different people. She spent too much time helping Gabe, rather then preparing for trial.
April 21, 2021
this is a page turning story to the end, she is a lawyer sent to find out what is going on but the danger is all around , you will not be able to put the book down well written i was given a copy of the book but this is an hones t review
February 6, 2018
This read like a first book of an author- a lot of ideas, but not quite well crafted. I would read this author again - hopefully she'll get better the more she writes.
March 14, 2018
Very good
Kept me reading way into the night. Would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys legal mysteries. Will read more from this author.
Kept me reading way into the night. Would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys legal mysteries. Will read more from this author.
April 12, 2018
Amazing plot line! Rachel Dylan sure knows how to captivate you with her words!
November 14, 2018
The plot was OK, but grammar, spelling and sentence structure were atrocious.
April 8, 2020
This story felt kind of flat to me. There wasn't much depth to the characters and the story. It almost felt more like a novella than a novel. It had a lot of potential though.
May 2, 2020
Suspense with clean romance.
November 7, 2021
Will be reading more by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews