What do you think?
Rate this book
Doucet #2
Lucky's Lady
A story of a psychologist Serena Sheridan, who has come back to the small Louisiana town where she'd been raised --- and where her grandfather has suddenly gone missing. Successful, ambitious, beautiful, Serena always found the darker world of the bayous far less predictable --- and far more treacherous --- than the life she'd chosen.
And for help, she must turn to a man as mysterious and dangerous as the backcountry itself: Lucky Doucet. He's a man with a past littered with secrets best left concealed --- the perfect guide to lead Serena into a world of dazzling seduction, sudden violence, and raw natural beauty. From the exotic French Quarter to the most remote bayou, they would follow a trail of corruption and betrayal to a showdown that would require they trust not only their own deepest instincts for survival --- but each other.
And for help, she must turn to a man as mysterious and dangerous as the backcountry itself: Lucky Doucet. He's a man with a past littered with secrets best left concealed --- the perfect guide to lead Serena into a world of dazzling seduction, sudden violence, and raw natural beauty. From the exotic French Quarter to the most remote bayou, they would follow a trail of corruption and betrayal to a showdown that would require they trust not only their own deepest instincts for survival --- but each other.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
589 people are currently reading
2758 people want to read
About the author
Tami Hoag
100 books6,135 followersTami Hoag is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than thirty books published in more than thirty languages worldwide, including her latest thrillers—BITTER SEASON, COLD COLD HEART and THE 9TH GIRL. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first hit the New York Times Bestseller list with NIGHT SINS, and each of her books since has been a bestseller.
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
October 20, 2022
Serena’s grandfather has gone missing and she needs a guide to take her through the Louisiana bayous to find him. Lucky, the man she hires, has a reputation a mile long, and there’s definitely a bodice ripper tone to this novel, which was written back in the early nineties. But I also enjoyed the story. Lucky has a tortured past between his time in the military and his entanglements with Serena’s evil twin sister, who is a real piece of work. She’s trying to force their grandfather to sell his land holdings for nefarious reasons, and once Serena comes down to Louisiana and gets involved, things aren’t good for her! The descriptions of the bayou were well done and the book had a lovely Cajun flair. If you used to steal your mom’s romances, give this one a go! 4/5 stars.
June 22, 2011
Want to meet a Cajun bad boy and have a little fun in the bayou? Lucky Douchet lives in the Louisiana swamp he loves as he tries to recover mentally from his time as a captive in a South American jungle. He was captured while on a military mission and spent a year in captivity. He spends his time painting beautiful pictures of his swamp and chasing off poachers. When he was younger, he wanted to be an ecologist but he quit college to join the military after a bad relationship with Serena's twin sister Shelby.
Serena Sheridan is a psychologist in Charleston. She grew up in Louisiana on a plantation but she got away from home as soon as she could. She is terrified of the swamp because she was stuck in it one time when a big storm came up and was lost by herself for three days before she was found. Her twin sister is the one who got her stuck in the swamp because she is spoiled and selfish.
Serena meets Lucky when she needs a ride to her grandfather's place out in the swamp. Lucky dislikes her on sight because she looks just like Shelby, who hurt him pretty badly when they were in college. Serena's grandfather is hiding in his hunting cabin because Shelby is trying to get him to sell his land. Her grandfather makes her go home with Lucky and from then on the sparks fly.
The sexual tension and passion between Lucky and Serena is very hot. I love the setting, you can almost feel the heat of the bayou and see the cyprus trees. Lucky is one of the hottest male leads I have ever read about. On the outside he comes off as bad boy Cajun with a smart mouth but he is also nice enough to help his neighbors by running off poachers, feeds baby racoons and paints beautiful pictures. I highly recommend giving this story a shot if you like hot contemporary stories!
Serena Sheridan is a psychologist in Charleston. She grew up in Louisiana on a plantation but she got away from home as soon as she could. She is terrified of the swamp because she was stuck in it one time when a big storm came up and was lost by herself for three days before she was found. Her twin sister is the one who got her stuck in the swamp because she is spoiled and selfish.
Serena meets Lucky when she needs a ride to her grandfather's place out in the swamp. Lucky dislikes her on sight because she looks just like Shelby, who hurt him pretty badly when they were in college. Serena's grandfather is hiding in his hunting cabin because Shelby is trying to get him to sell his land. Her grandfather makes her go home with Lucky and from then on the sparks fly.
The sexual tension and passion between Lucky and Serena is very hot. I love the setting, you can almost feel the heat of the bayou and see the cyprus trees. Lucky is one of the hottest male leads I have ever read about. On the outside he comes off as bad boy Cajun with a smart mouth but he is also nice enough to help his neighbors by running off poachers, feeds baby racoons and paints beautiful pictures. I highly recommend giving this story a shot if you like hot contemporary stories!
July 18, 2011
5 Stars -
Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den
WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO BE LUCKY'S LADY?
"Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point"
“The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of."
~ French Proverb
I first read Lucky’s Lady in 1994, during my late teens, and have re-read it several times over the years. Writing this review has spurred me to re-read it, my last re-read being about 8 years ago. It was such fun revisiting this "classic favourite" of mine.
For me, Lucky’s Lady is my favourite Tami Hoag book and is a blend of steamy, sexy contemporary romance and suspense; though stronger on the former, as this was her first full length novel after writing Category Romances for many years. Tami Hoag’s later books focussed more and more on the suspense elements and eventually went from Romantic Suspense to Crime Thriller. I really missed her Romantic Suspense.
In Lucky's Lady, psychologist, Serena Sheridan, is looking for her missing grandfather and she needs a guide to navigate the dangerous back country of the Louisiana swamp. Enter, the dark and mysterious, smart-mouth, ex-military, Etienne “Lucky” Doucet, a tortured, artistic soul who calls the wild and treacherous swamp his home, to be her “guide”. There is some great banter and sexual tension between Serena and Lucky, and here are some samples to whet your appetite:
I learnt quite a few Cajun-French words reading this, with the handy glossary of words and phrases at the back of this book. Just remembering Lucky say mon couer (my heart), vien (come)...ahem... and je t'aime (I love you) sends shivers down my spine. And there's a scene with a mirror that is forever burned in my memories. *fans self*
Tami Hoag does a fantastic job of painting, with her words, images of the hot, steamy and wild Louisiana bajou. I had images just like the ones below, in my mind's eye, as I read. I just love the setting!
Lucky and Serena traveling in his pirogue through the misty bajou.
The wild bajou with its mysteries and lurking danger terrifies Serena.
[image error]
How I imagined Serena's grandfather's plantation, Chanson du Terre.
And if that doesn’t make you start to feel excited and warm, then the dangerously sexy Cajun, Lucky Doucet (or as I like to call him, "Luscious Lips" Lucky), will.
ETA: I feel sad that Ms. Hoag sees Lucky’s Lady as her stepping stone from Romance into Suspense Thrillers, but, for me (though, mind you, I haven’t read her latest thrillers, so I can’t judge those), Lucky’s Lady was my favourite of her books – speaking from someone who loves Romantic Suspense more than Crime Thrillers. I’m sure she has a whole new audience, including men, in her Crime Thrillers and I wish her all the best in her chosen path. At least I’ll always have Lucky. *sighs* Thank you, Ms. Tami Hoag, for Lucky Doucet!
Note: Please refer to Message 8 below for an excerpt of the Author's Note in the 2004 Edition of Lucky's Lady.
My recent image of Lucky Doucet (The swoon-worthy Gilles Marini)
- It's a good thing I didn't "know" him as a teen, since my parents would have had a heart attack if I'd had posters like this in my room! LOL
[image error]
[image error]
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: I do not hold the copyright to any of the images used in this review. They are posted to add visuals to the review and for fun. If any of these images are yours and you would like me to remove them, please let me know, and I will do so as soon as possible. If I can identify the copyright, I will do so.
WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO BE LUCKY'S LADY?
"Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point"
“The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of."
~ French Proverb
I first read Lucky’s Lady in 1994, during my late teens, and have re-read it several times over the years. Writing this review has spurred me to re-read it, my last re-read being about 8 years ago. It was such fun revisiting this "classic favourite" of mine.
For me, Lucky’s Lady is my favourite Tami Hoag book and is a blend of steamy, sexy contemporary romance and suspense; though stronger on the former, as this was her first full length novel after writing Category Romances for many years. Tami Hoag’s later books focussed more and more on the suspense elements and eventually went from Romantic Suspense to Crime Thriller. I really missed her Romantic Suspense.
In Lucky's Lady, psychologist, Serena Sheridan, is looking for her missing grandfather and she needs a guide to navigate the dangerous back country of the Louisiana swamp. Enter, the dark and mysterious, smart-mouth, ex-military, Etienne “Lucky” Doucet, a tortured, artistic soul who calls the wild and treacherous swamp his home, to be her “guide”. There is some great banter and sexual tension between Serena and Lucky, and here are some samples to whet your appetite:
“I’m hiring you as a guide,” she said through clenched teeth, her voice trembling with rage or desire or both. “Not for stud service.”But Lucky's Lady is more than just a sexy read. It is emotional and romantic. And there's a scene with Lucky and some baby raccoons that just melted my heart.
Lucky mentally thanked her for breaking the spell. He stepped back, cocking one hip and hooking his thumb in the waistband of his pants. He gave her a devilish grin. “Why not, angel? I’d give you the ride of your life.”
...
"I'm amazed," she said at last.
"What?" He gave her a narrow look. "That I wouldn't sell you to white slavers?"
A corner of her mouth lifted in a wry smile as she started toward the dock. "That you have a friend."
…
"Serena lifted her chin in a defiant notch. “You have an amazingly high opinion of your own appeal, Mr. Doucet.”
“Oh, no, chère, I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.”
“Then I suggest you make an appointment with an optometrist at the earliest possible date. A good pair of glasses could save untold scores of women the unpleasantness of your company.”
Their gazes locked and warred – hers cool, his burning with intensity."
I learnt quite a few Cajun-French words reading this, with the handy glossary of words and phrases at the back of this book. Just remembering Lucky say mon couer (my heart), vien (come)...ahem... and je t'aime (I love you) sends shivers down my spine. And there's a scene with a mirror that is forever burned in my memories. *fans self*
Tami Hoag does a fantastic job of painting, with her words, images of the hot, steamy and wild Louisiana bajou. I had images just like the ones below, in my mind's eye, as I read. I just love the setting!
Lucky and Serena traveling in his pirogue through the misty bajou.
The wild bajou with its mysteries and lurking danger terrifies Serena.
[image error]
How I imagined Serena's grandfather's plantation, Chanson du Terre.
And if that doesn’t make you start to feel excited and warm, then the dangerously sexy Cajun, Lucky Doucet (or as I like to call him, "Luscious Lips" Lucky), will.
“Her first impression was of raw power. Broad shoulders, bulging biceps. His chest, bare and gleaming with a sheen of sweat, was wide, and hard muscle beneath taut, tanned skin. The strong V of his torso narrowed to a slender waist, a stomach corrugated with muscle and dusted with black hair that disappeared beneath the low-riding waistband of faded green fatigue pants.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this sizzling Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense, first published in 1992. Read it for yourself and see if you don’t want to be Lucky’s Lady, too. ^_^
She raised her eyes to his face and felt a strange shiver pass over her from head to toe, making her scalp tighten and her skin tingle. He stared at her from sleepy lids with large, unblinking amber eyes, eyes like a panther’s. His brow was heavy and straight, his nose bold and aquiline. His mouth did the most damage to her nervous system, however. It was wide, with lips so masterfully carved, so incredibly sensuous they would have looked perfect on a high-priced call girl. The effect of that mouth on a face so masculine – all lean planes and hard angles and five o’clock shadow – was blatantly sexual.”
ETA: I feel sad that Ms. Hoag sees Lucky’s Lady as her stepping stone from Romance into Suspense Thrillers, but, for me (though, mind you, I haven’t read her latest thrillers, so I can’t judge those), Lucky’s Lady was my favourite of her books – speaking from someone who loves Romantic Suspense more than Crime Thrillers. I’m sure she has a whole new audience, including men, in her Crime Thrillers and I wish her all the best in her chosen path. At least I’ll always have Lucky. *sighs* Thank you, Ms. Tami Hoag, for Lucky Doucet!
Note: Please refer to Message 8 below for an excerpt of the Author's Note in the 2004 Edition of Lucky's Lady.
My recent image of Lucky Doucet (The swoon-worthy Gilles Marini)
- It's a good thing I didn't "know" him as a teen, since my parents would have had a heart attack if I'd had posters like this in my room! LOL
[image error]
[image error]
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: I do not hold the copyright to any of the images used in this review. They are posted to add visuals to the review and for fun. If any of these images are yours and you would like me to remove them, please let me know, and I will do so as soon as possible. If I can identify the copyright, I will do so.
December 31, 2014
First time reading this author but will definitely be checking out more books by her. Very enjoyable read about an alpha ass!! What's not to like? Will try and do a longer review when the holidays are over.
January 13, 2010
Finally a novel where the Louisiana bayou doesn’t get in the way and the author doesn’t use it as her soap box for environmental reform completely taking away from the real reason you’re reading the story: the romance! The bayou is creepy, eerie, scary and brimming with all sorts of hidden things. It’s so quiet and haunting blending perfectly with the hero Lucky Doucet. Lucky is one of those ex-military, a little bit off his rocker alphas. He’s all lip, whiplash fast retorts and in yer face with the sexual innuendo, but underneath it all Lucky’s a man with demons and you might be saying “yeah I’ve read all that before” and maybe you have but this story is really good, fast paced and steamy, steamy, steamy ;-)
Serena Sheridan returns to Louisiana to find out what happened to her grandfather. She stays with her twin sister Shelby and her family at the family estate located near the bayou. The first time she meets Lucky he’s this brash, Cajun talking wild man who rubs her Miss Prim and Properness the wrong way from the get go. Slowly the heat builds between them and though there isn’t any emotional connection because Lucky says he doesn’t want it the sex is pure carnality! You can feel the steam coming off the sheets when those two give in to their attraction. Underneath it all though is a fierce protectiveness that he’d rather not feel towards Serena but can’t help no matter how hard he tries.
There’s lots of arguing and go-stick-it flying off the handle scenes but it doesn’t feel like they’re being bratty. Serena slowly lets loose and Lucky starts to let her in. She has one TSTL moment à la horror movie (like the stupid girl who opens the door knowing full well she shouldn’t) but it doesn’t quite turn out like you think it will. There are some very creepazoid characters and borderline terrifying scenes all with the bayou as a backdrop which really mimics the action as the story unfolds. You can almost feel the movement of the black murky water as Lucky pushpoles his pirogue silently through the swamp encountering some of the bad guys along the way. Even though there is this back story it never really takes away from the love story.
If you’re looking for a hot contemporary that takes place in Cajun country, a smart ass alpha, a love-hate story with a dollop of sexy French thrown in for good measure this book oughta wet your whistle ;-)
Serena Sheridan returns to Louisiana to find out what happened to her grandfather. She stays with her twin sister Shelby and her family at the family estate located near the bayou. The first time she meets Lucky he’s this brash, Cajun talking wild man who rubs her Miss Prim and Properness the wrong way from the get go. Slowly the heat builds between them and though there isn’t any emotional connection because Lucky says he doesn’t want it the sex is pure carnality! You can feel the steam coming off the sheets when those two give in to their attraction. Underneath it all though is a fierce protectiveness that he’d rather not feel towards Serena but can’t help no matter how hard he tries.
There’s lots of arguing and go-stick-it flying off the handle scenes but it doesn’t feel like they’re being bratty. Serena slowly lets loose and Lucky starts to let her in. She has one TSTL moment à la horror movie (like the stupid girl who opens the door knowing full well she shouldn’t) but it doesn’t quite turn out like you think it will. There are some very creepazoid characters and borderline terrifying scenes all with the bayou as a backdrop which really mimics the action as the story unfolds. You can almost feel the movement of the black murky water as Lucky pushpoles his pirogue silently through the swamp encountering some of the bad guys along the way. Even though there is this back story it never really takes away from the love story.
If you’re looking for a hot contemporary that takes place in Cajun country, a smart ass alpha, a love-hate story with a dollop of sexy French thrown in for good measure this book oughta wet your whistle ;-)
February 12, 2010
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
A hotter-than-sin, tortured, ex-military alpha Cajun hero + a strong, likable heroine + eerie, sensual Louisiana bayou setting + family intrigue + nasty villains + a b*tchy, evil twin sister + explosive sexual tension + steamy romance + chilling suspense = an entertaining 5 star read!
A hotter-than-sin, tortured, ex-military alpha Cajun hero + a strong, likable heroine + eerie, sensual Louisiana bayou setting + family intrigue + nasty villains + a b*tchy, evil twin sister + explosive sexual tension + steamy romance + chilling suspense = an entertaining 5 star read!
July 17, 2011
OMG!That's all I have to say. This book was amazing and took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. I loved Lucky and Serena, and ached for them and rooted for them.
Lucky's name isn't really apt since he isn't really lucky and doesn't consider himself to be. He was all set to be the first in his family to go to college when one girl used him and he joined the army. The scars of that and the army(he was sold out by his superior into captivity) have not yet healed, so he drinks too much, is obnoxious and hides himself under all that when Serena Sheldon, twin sister of Shelby(the girl who used him) comes to him, all prim and proper in her city garb asking him to take her to his grandfather in the swamp.
Their start isn't good Lucky is rude and uses a lot of sexual innuendo and Serena doesn't like him and his shenanigans in a bar don't help his cause. Serena is a psychiatrist in Charleston, and stays far away from the swamp since it terrifies her(she got lost in it).
Telling what happens in the book isn't really enough. Serena is great, she hasn't really known great passion despite being married, she prefers a safe cocoon but the events perpetrated by her sister and brother-in-law(they want to sell the family heritage to a company with bad environmental rep) and the manipulations of her grandfather(who wants her to take over her birth-right) put her in the middle and in the path of Lucky.
When she has to stay over at his place that is his haven she soon comes to see how wrong she is about him, he is not a poacher and no matter how much he tries to say that he minds his own business, she see how he cares for her grandfather, feeding orphaned raccoons, driving away poachers and even comforting her when she is drowning in her fears. And when she sees his private art it ends up in them being intimate and no matter how much she tries to stop herself she falls for the real Lucky, who tells her not to love him.
I felt bad for Serena as far as he sister was concerned, that is one evil woman but she still didn't hang on to her anger. Lucky does realize he loves Serena but he knows that he is in no mental frame or even deserving of her. I loved seeing these two coming together. Lucky was one tortured sexy Cajun guy.
Lucky's name isn't really apt since he isn't really lucky and doesn't consider himself to be. He was all set to be the first in his family to go to college when one girl used him and he joined the army. The scars of that and the army(he was sold out by his superior into captivity) have not yet healed, so he drinks too much, is obnoxious and hides himself under all that when Serena Sheldon, twin sister of Shelby(the girl who used him) comes to him, all prim and proper in her city garb asking him to take her to his grandfather in the swamp.
Their start isn't good Lucky is rude and uses a lot of sexual innuendo and Serena doesn't like him and his shenanigans in a bar don't help his cause. Serena is a psychiatrist in Charleston, and stays far away from the swamp since it terrifies her(she got lost in it).
Telling what happens in the book isn't really enough. Serena is great, she hasn't really known great passion despite being married, she prefers a safe cocoon but the events perpetrated by her sister and brother-in-law(they want to sell the family heritage to a company with bad environmental rep) and the manipulations of her grandfather(who wants her to take over her birth-right) put her in the middle and in the path of Lucky.
When she has to stay over at his place that is his haven she soon comes to see how wrong she is about him, he is not a poacher and no matter how much he tries to say that he minds his own business, she see how he cares for her grandfather, feeding orphaned raccoons, driving away poachers and even comforting her when she is drowning in her fears. And when she sees his private art it ends up in them being intimate and no matter how much she tries to stop herself she falls for the real Lucky, who tells her not to love him.
I felt bad for Serena as far as he sister was concerned, that is one evil woman but she still didn't hang on to her anger. Lucky does realize he loves Serena but he knows that he is in no mental frame or even deserving of her. I loved seeing these two coming together. Lucky was one tortured sexy Cajun guy.
February 27, 2010
What I liked about this book? The relationship between the sexy-as-sin, dangerous Cajun bad boy Lucky Doucet who thought he had nothing left to give a woman and the upscale, oh-so-proper yet wildly passionate Serena Sheridan. Loved the love/hate thing they had going for a while, loved the passion they couldn't control, I even loved the struggle that Serena went through to get Lucky to open up and share more than just his physical self. Loved the loves scenes (very hot), loved the Cajun love words that Lucky spoke to Serena (especially loved the glossary at the end of the book, although I wish it was at the beginning because I only found it by accident). Loved the ending as Lucky struggled to try to get over Serena but realized he couldn't, and decided to get busy living the rest of his life.
What I wasn't too thrilled with? The whole plot about saving Serena's ancestral home from the big bad developers who would end up ruining the ecosystem of the surrounding swampland was just 'meh' for me. Also, Serena's grandfather kind of irked me by dumping his problems on Serena and expecting her to handle everything. I realize if he didn't do that there'd be no reason for Serena to return home and then she wouldn't have met Lucky, but still that old man bugged me! Also, I was surprised that Lucky's past involving her sister Shelby was never fully revealed to Serena--I was waiting to see how she would react to that but it never happened.
But if you're looking for a sexy, passionate romance with plenty of emotional struggles, and you love those Cajun bad boys, then this one's for you. 4 1/2 stars.
What I wasn't too thrilled with? The whole plot about saving Serena's ancestral home from the big bad developers who would end up ruining the ecosystem of the surrounding swampland was just 'meh' for me. Also, Serena's grandfather kind of irked me by dumping his problems on Serena and expecting her to handle everything. I realize if he didn't do that there'd be no reason for Serena to return home and then she wouldn't have met Lucky, but still that old man bugged me! Also, I was surprised that Lucky's past involving her sister Shelby was never fully revealed to Serena--I was waiting to see how she would react to that but it never happened.
But if you're looking for a sexy, passionate romance with plenty of emotional struggles, and you love those Cajun bad boys, then this one's for you. 4 1/2 stars.
July 26, 2010
Loved it! The writing was exceptional. Excellent wordsmithing and I'm going to look for more books by this author. The romance in this romantic suspense was phenomenal. Serena Sheridan and Lucky Doucet made this book because the romance between them had me turning the pages--read it in one day. The entire book was set in Louisiana.
Lucky lived in the bayou and was a tortured hero. His strength and growth, tender moments, and how it all evolved rang my bells. Serena's character was kind and decent. She left the bayou, became a psychiatrist, but was thrown into a nasty battle for her 200-year old mansion when her twin sister had other plans for the family estate.
Bad guys were thrown into the mix to heat things up. No spoilers, so that's all I'll say about that.
Another favorite for This Reader. Loved it!
Lucky lived in the bayou and was a tortured hero. His strength and growth, tender moments, and how it all evolved rang my bells. Serena's character was kind and decent. She left the bayou, became a psychiatrist, but was thrown into a nasty battle for her 200-year old mansion when her twin sister had other plans for the family estate.
Bad guys were thrown into the mix to heat things up. No spoilers, so that's all I'll say about that.
Another favorite for This Reader. Loved it!
September 26, 2015
Rally good, kinda reminded me of a poor man's version of Slow Heat in Heaven, by Sandra Brown...which I adored beyond reason. The setting was similar and some of the plot elements, but still quite different. Anyways, this was very steamy, atmospheric and full of sexual tension. If you like a bad Cajun boy that drips sin, then this is the book for you.
I loved how Lucky tried so hard to bank his feelings for Serena and how epically that failed. The suspense was pretty obvious and a little disturbing, but predictable all the same. The one thing I didn't understand was . That was my main beef, though, otherwise I really liked this one.
I loved how Lucky tried so hard to bank his feelings for Serena and how epically that failed. The suspense was pretty obvious and a little disturbing, but predictable all the same. The one thing I didn't understand was . That was my main beef, though, otherwise I really liked this one.
September 10, 2021
Loved these characters!
The story was layered with twist and misdirection that was exciting to read. The romance was just the right amount of angst and heat between Lucky and Serena. I have only read a few from this author but she is so good painting a mental picture of the scenery in a story.
This was definitely an exciting read!! 4.5 stars
The story was layered with twist and misdirection that was exciting to read. The romance was just the right amount of angst and heat between Lucky and Serena. I have only read a few from this author but she is so good painting a mental picture of the scenery in a story.
This was definitely an exciting read!! 4.5 stars
January 30, 2010
4 1/2 stars
Ms. Hoag grabbed my attention immediately. I felt like I was in the steamy and dangerous bayou. It is dark and mysterious, and full of secrets.
Serena comes home to her family plantation for a usual visit to find her elderly grandfather has taken off to live in the swamp. Her twin sister, who temporarily lives there at the house, does not seem to care at all. Quickly you learn what a shallow and terrible person her twin Shelby is.
Serena, terrified of the swamp, leaves immediately to try to find him and bring him home. She ends up hiring a mysterious and sexy Cajun, Lucky, to guide her in his pirogue to grandfather’s place in the swamp. The sexual tension is so high; you could feel it vibrating off of them.
Lucky holds many secrets and a painful past. I knew Serena had no choice but to fall for him. They both do not want to want the other, but we know how that goes in romance land…it makes for a great book.
They stumble into danger in the swamp, which includes an evil twin sister, murder plots, and also a subtle message about preserving the environment.
There were just few things that felt unresolved to me that detracted ½ star. There was a past between Lucky and her sister, and I didn’t seem like that was fully explained. Overall, I highly recommend this one.
Ms. Hoag grabbed my attention immediately. I felt like I was in the steamy and dangerous bayou. It is dark and mysterious, and full of secrets.
Serena comes home to her family plantation for a usual visit to find her elderly grandfather has taken off to live in the swamp. Her twin sister, who temporarily lives there at the house, does not seem to care at all. Quickly you learn what a shallow and terrible person her twin Shelby is.
Serena, terrified of the swamp, leaves immediately to try to find him and bring him home. She ends up hiring a mysterious and sexy Cajun, Lucky, to guide her in his pirogue to grandfather’s place in the swamp. The sexual tension is so high; you could feel it vibrating off of them.
Lucky holds many secrets and a painful past. I knew Serena had no choice but to fall for him. They both do not want to want the other, but we know how that goes in romance land…it makes for a great book.
They stumble into danger in the swamp, which includes an evil twin sister, murder plots, and also a subtle message about preserving the environment.
There were just few things that felt unresolved to me that detracted ½ star. There was a past between Lucky and her sister, and I didn’t seem like that was fully explained. Overall, I highly recommend this one.
December 18, 2012
Wow, has it been a long time since I’ve read a book like this. Though first published in 1992, it took me back to the 80’s, when I first discovered Harlequin romances. Back then, romances adhered to a pretty strict formula, and this book followed it to the letter. The heroine is an uptight, prissy young woman who avoids dirt and bad boys, until she meets the rough-edged hero and just can’t resist his allure. Oh, she tries, judging him at the outset and giving him the sharp edge of her tongue, all the while denying her overwhelming attraction to him. He, of course, is a wounded man with a heart of gold he goes out of his way to hide from her. He is as attracted to her cool, untouchable exterior as she is to her misperceptions about him, and after the appropriate period of his sexist remarks being met by her icy resistance, they find themselves in a situation where the only possible solution is for them to strip and go at it. Afterwards, she naturally discovers evidence that proves his bad-boy exterior is a sham, and she tumbles headlong into everlasting love. He, of course, denies his feelings and tries to brush her off, feeling that he’s not good enough for the perfect future she sees for them. She then stumbles into a trap laid by the bad guys as part of the back story, and he must rescue her, during which time he realizes just how important she suddenly is to him. He realizes his only way to happiness is with her, so he changes his life and gets her back.
Anyone who has read a few dozen romances has seen this plot a few dozen times. The trick is in creating engaging characters and exciting situations. Though this book tries, for me it didn’t quite make it. Though taking its copyright date into consideration, I’ve simply seen it done better too many times to really warm to this novel. I’m sure there are romance fans out there who enjoy page after page of the ruminations of a young innocent falling in love with a seemingly bad boy, cracking open his closed and wounded heart with her sweetness. I’m just not one of them. I am a romance fan, but I prefer less formulaic stories with more colorful characters, and a plot with a bit more substance.
Anyone who has read a few dozen romances has seen this plot a few dozen times. The trick is in creating engaging characters and exciting situations. Though this book tries, for me it didn’t quite make it. Though taking its copyright date into consideration, I’ve simply seen it done better too many times to really warm to this novel. I’m sure there are romance fans out there who enjoy page after page of the ruminations of a young innocent falling in love with a seemingly bad boy, cracking open his closed and wounded heart with her sweetness. I’m just not one of them. I am a romance fan, but I prefer less formulaic stories with more colorful characters, and a plot with a bit more substance.
October 26, 2011
As wild and mysterious as the Louisiana swamp he called home, Lucky Doucet was a dangerously attractive Cajun no woman could handle. His solitary life left no room for the likes of elegant Serena Sheridan, but Lucky couldn't deny her desperate need to find her missing grandfather. He would help her, but nothing more—yet once he felt the lure of the flaxen-haired beauty, an adventurer like Lucky couldn't help playing with fire.
Serena felt unnerved, aroused, and excited by the ruggedly sensual renegade whose gaze burned her with its heat, but she did not dare tangle with a rebel whose intensity was overwhelming, who claimed his heart was off limits? Deeper and deeper they traveled into the steamy bayou, until with one electrifying kiss her resistance melted into liquid desire. And the devilish rogue found he'd do anything to make Serena Lucky's Lady.
A truly amazing book, with small problems with the plot, but the characters make up for it.
Lucky A.K.A Etienne is my type of hero - grouchy, anti-social, tortured, but still has that kind of charm that's near impossible to resist. His life hasn't been easy - even though his childhood was great, thing went downhill after that. It's not easy for him to trust, especially not women, he was betrayed one too many times. And now there's Serena - a woman that tempts him beyond reason.
Serena hasn't had it easy either. She left home, trying to put some distance between herself and her family, especially her twin sister, with whom she never really got along. Now her grandfather manipulated her into coming home and saddled her with the responsibilities she didn't want. And to add insult to injury she can't seem to stay away from Lucky.
As I already said, the suspense part is a small problem. It was too obvious, and not really suspenseful enough. Some parts were too clichéd. But that maybe has some other causes - I've been reading some truly great suspense book lately, and this suffers by comparison.
But even with that problem, it's still a great read.
Rating:
4.5-5 stars
November 24, 2010
Likes:
1- Lucky Doucet, Lucky Doucet and Lucky Doucet! Can I say it one more time? Would it make it anymore obvious that the guy totally invaded and took control of my heart, body and soul whilst I was reading this book and then some? Sigh! I don’t think I can adequately describe the way he took absolute control of the story since he walked into the picture. From his sinfully good looks to the edge of his tortured soul, I loved every bit of him and then some more and couldn’t help but sigh and moon over those sexy and at times dirty French phrases he kept tossing into the story which made my knees go weak each and every time! And his total mastery in the bedroom!! OMG!! Should I go on? LOL! This was the one time that I wished that I was able to match his physique with someone real like my friend Jayne on Goodreads is able to. Jayne, wanna help me out here? ^_^
2- Serena Sheridan. She is one classy kick-ass heroine who manages to pull the whole thing off quite effectively. Her vulnerability coupled with her strength is what made me love her absolutely as the story unfolded. Her faith and love in Lucky as she discovers the person he is deep inside, the fact that she is not intimidated by the total bad-ass act that Lucky pulls off quite effectively and the fact that she was strong enough to let Lucky go even though it had been the single hardest thing she had ever done sealed the deal for me with this heroine.
3- Loved the sassy and sexy bantering between Serena and Lucky throughout the story.
4- The super duper sexual tension in the book! My insides were on a total quivering session all of last night since Lucky picked up from where he left off. From the first no holds barred kiss to the give-it-all-you-have encounters between the two left me breathless and at times like a puddle of goo as Lucky took total control of my, ahem! baser emotions. *drool*
5- Absolutely adored the way the story ended. At first as the story progressed, I thought, “Oh well! Here comes another bad-ass hero who is going to make a total fool of himself from the first sight of his woman” and boy was I ever so delightfully wrong! I just love it when the ultimate happily ever after (which of course is a foregone conclusion in a romance) nevertheless is NOT a foregone conclusion within the first couple of pages which is one of the reasons why I rate this as an A+ read and then some. This was a beautifully fitting ending if there ever was one! Sigh!
Dislikes: Absolument pas! (Absolutely none!) ^_^
Recommended for: Anyone who LOVES romances!
Memorable scenes/quotes from the story:
What Serena had braced herself for she wasn’t sure, but it certainly wasn’t the man who filled the doorway. The impact of his sudden presence had the same effect as being hit with a shock wave – a phenomenon she had heretofore not believed in.
Her first impression was of raw power. Broad shoulders, bulging biceps. His chest, bare and gleaming with a sheen of sweat, was wide, and hard muscle beneath taut, tanned skin. The strong V of his torso narrowed to a slender waist, a stomach corrugated with muscle and dusted with black hair that disappeared beneath the low-riding waistband of faded green fatigue pants. She raised her eyes to his face and felt a shiver pass over her from head to toe, making her scalp tighten and her fingers tingle. He stared at her from under sleepy lids with large, unblinking amber eyes, eyes like a panthers. Hmm!! Serena certainly wasn’t the only one who felt the shock wave! ^_^
If you wanna read more head over to my blog: http://bit.ly/grV0Dz to read the full review!
1- Lucky Doucet, Lucky Doucet and Lucky Doucet! Can I say it one more time? Would it make it anymore obvious that the guy totally invaded and took control of my heart, body and soul whilst I was reading this book and then some? Sigh! I don’t think I can adequately describe the way he took absolute control of the story since he walked into the picture. From his sinfully good looks to the edge of his tortured soul, I loved every bit of him and then some more and couldn’t help but sigh and moon over those sexy and at times dirty French phrases he kept tossing into the story which made my knees go weak each and every time! And his total mastery in the bedroom!! OMG!! Should I go on? LOL! This was the one time that I wished that I was able to match his physique with someone real like my friend Jayne on Goodreads is able to. Jayne, wanna help me out here? ^_^
2- Serena Sheridan. She is one classy kick-ass heroine who manages to pull the whole thing off quite effectively. Her vulnerability coupled with her strength is what made me love her absolutely as the story unfolded. Her faith and love in Lucky as she discovers the person he is deep inside, the fact that she is not intimidated by the total bad-ass act that Lucky pulls off quite effectively and the fact that she was strong enough to let Lucky go even though it had been the single hardest thing she had ever done sealed the deal for me with this heroine.
3- Loved the sassy and sexy bantering between Serena and Lucky throughout the story.
4- The super duper sexual tension in the book! My insides were on a total quivering session all of last night since Lucky picked up from where he left off. From the first no holds barred kiss to the give-it-all-you-have encounters between the two left me breathless and at times like a puddle of goo as Lucky took total control of my, ahem! baser emotions. *drool*
5- Absolutely adored the way the story ended. At first as the story progressed, I thought, “Oh well! Here comes another bad-ass hero who is going to make a total fool of himself from the first sight of his woman” and boy was I ever so delightfully wrong! I just love it when the ultimate happily ever after (which of course is a foregone conclusion in a romance) nevertheless is NOT a foregone conclusion within the first couple of pages which is one of the reasons why I rate this as an A+ read and then some. This was a beautifully fitting ending if there ever was one! Sigh!
Dislikes: Absolument pas! (Absolutely none!) ^_^
Recommended for: Anyone who LOVES romances!
Memorable scenes/quotes from the story:
What Serena had braced herself for she wasn’t sure, but it certainly wasn’t the man who filled the doorway. The impact of his sudden presence had the same effect as being hit with a shock wave – a phenomenon she had heretofore not believed in.
Her first impression was of raw power. Broad shoulders, bulging biceps. His chest, bare and gleaming with a sheen of sweat, was wide, and hard muscle beneath taut, tanned skin. The strong V of his torso narrowed to a slender waist, a stomach corrugated with muscle and dusted with black hair that disappeared beneath the low-riding waistband of faded green fatigue pants. She raised her eyes to his face and felt a shiver pass over her from head to toe, making her scalp tighten and her fingers tingle. He stared at her from under sleepy lids with large, unblinking amber eyes, eyes like a panthers. Hmm!! Serena certainly wasn’t the only one who felt the shock wave! ^_^
If you wanna read more head over to my blog: http://bit.ly/grV0Dz to read the full review!
January 4, 2021
I love Tami Hoag's more recent works, but had a really tough time getting through this earlier novel. Her writing was good even in the beginning of her career but this book contained all the usual romance novel cliché that I just have no patience for. Although, it did allow me to see a little more of the background to the Doucet series, I actually regret purchasing and reading.
I appreciate her road to her current writing but one cannot always go back and enjoy the earlier works. Some people still love the old style romance books and if you are one of those, you may enjoy this more than I did.
I love so much of her current works and she is one of my favorite authors so giving this book 2 stars was difficult. But I rate on my enjoyment and it wasn't there.
I appreciate her road to her current writing but one cannot always go back and enjoy the earlier works. Some people still love the old style romance books and if you are one of those, you may enjoy this more than I did.
I love so much of her current works and she is one of my favorite authors so giving this book 2 stars was difficult. But I rate on my enjoyment and it wasn't there.
February 22, 2010
Oh I just loved this story so much, everything about it was just so good the romance, the deception, the setting , the back story of both Lucky and Serena. Plus I adored the way Lucky whispered romantic Cajun phrases to Serena. If you love a tortured hero who thinks he's beyond help but who desperatly needs to love someone then this is the book for you. But be prepared to get emotional and have some Kleenex handy:)
November 28, 2015
The second book in the Doucet series by Tami Hoag. This can be read as a stand-alone. Serena Sheridan seeks out Lucky Doucet's help in finding her grandfather.
One of those stories that suck you in from the first page. I loved the characters and tension was sizzling. Lucky's Lady is one lucky lady. Sigh!
One of those stories that suck you in from the first page. I loved the characters and tension was sizzling. Lucky's Lady is one lucky lady. Sigh!
March 17, 2017
Mon Dieu! Dreadful book for anyone who doesn't like romance novels.
I wasn't aware Tami Hoag got her start writing romance novels, but by the time I was a quarter of the way through this book it was painfully obvious. So, so painful.
Ridiculously gorgeous yet troubled attorney Serena Sheridan comes "home" to find her plantation owner granddaddy who has suddenly gone MIA. She hires a guide, the ridiculously gorgeous yet troubled Etienne "Lucky" Doucet to guide her through the perilous swamps to find said granddaddy.
Lucky declares during their first meeting that she's attracted to him and that he'll eventually have his way with her. For some reason this turns the capable and strong-willed attorney into a stammering, blushing idiot at his oh-so-romantic declarations that he'll claim her and endless bragging about his sexual prowess. When he grabbed her, held her captive, and kissed her forcefully, to my astonishment she kissed back rather than knee him in the groin and high tail it out of his cabin. I wanted to burn every copy of this book I could get my hands on for the sake of women everywhere who ever said "no" to a man's unwelcome advances.
And yep, despite his boorish behavior, arrogance, and coldness, she lets him round the bases. Prior to the sex the reader is treated to a brief yet groan-worthy back story of how Serena is "practically a virgin" because, though she's had lovers, they've never once brought her to orgasm. Yes, really. Guess who's ready to rise to the challenge, and how!
During their first sexual encounter, Lucky tells her in Franglish that she's tight (groan) and she has to "relax, sugar" and take him in "inch by inch" (groany groan groan). Their subsequent sexual encounters are also graphically described. Mind you most of this book takes place over FOUR DAYS, yet she falls madly in love with him. Mmm hmm. And he, of course, loves her back, but won't admit it because he... Do you really care? I sure as hell didn't.
The "scandal" with her sister, the insurance company, and the environment-trashing Big Evil Corporation (tm) was a two-minute mystery that should have been a paragraph or two in the back of a magazine, not stretched to fill a few-hundred-page book. Descriptions of the scenic Louisiana bayou were wonderful, but it couldn't save this story.
This was my first foray into the genre, so much of this book was... surprising, and not in a good way. I read it as part of the author's "Bayou Breaux Series", which includes a novel that involves more murder than love story (A Thin, Dark Line), a novel that's pretty evenly split (Cry Wolf), and this one that is mostly love story with dribs and drabs of plot while the characters are busy falling in love aka shagging each other sore.
According to my shelf I've read 10 Tami Hoag books and can say with confidence that I've had more than enough of this particular author. Her murder mysteries weren't that mysterious, and if I have to slog through love story side plots before the killer is revealed, I'd rather read other books on my shelf.
Pass on this one unless you actually like this type of drivel. Two thumbs down from this female who knows that guys should be written realistically, not portrayed as well-hung, well-muscled rebels with anger issues that'll magically disappear once they find the right woman to change their lives. I also believe women shouldn't be written as intelligent yet incredibly foolish, successful but willing to throw away all their accomplishments, impossibly gorgeous but insecure gals who just need the right guy to wake up their loins and their hearts.
I wasn't aware Tami Hoag got her start writing romance novels, but by the time I was a quarter of the way through this book it was painfully obvious. So, so painful.
Ridiculously gorgeous yet troubled attorney Serena Sheridan comes "home" to find her plantation owner granddaddy who has suddenly gone MIA. She hires a guide, the ridiculously gorgeous yet troubled Etienne "Lucky" Doucet to guide her through the perilous swamps to find said granddaddy.
Lucky declares during their first meeting that she's attracted to him and that he'll eventually have his way with her. For some reason this turns the capable and strong-willed attorney into a stammering, blushing idiot at his oh-so-romantic declarations that he'll claim her and endless bragging about his sexual prowess. When he grabbed her, held her captive, and kissed her forcefully, to my astonishment she kissed back rather than knee him in the groin and high tail it out of his cabin. I wanted to burn every copy of this book I could get my hands on for the sake of women everywhere who ever said "no" to a man's unwelcome advances.
And yep, despite his boorish behavior, arrogance, and coldness, she lets him round the bases. Prior to the sex the reader is treated to a brief yet groan-worthy back story of how Serena is "practically a virgin" because, though she's had lovers, they've never once brought her to orgasm. Yes, really. Guess who's ready to rise to the challenge, and how!
During their first sexual encounter, Lucky tells her in Franglish that she's tight (groan) and she has to "relax, sugar" and take him in "inch by inch" (groany groan groan). Their subsequent sexual encounters are also graphically described. Mind you most of this book takes place over FOUR DAYS, yet she falls madly in love with him. Mmm hmm. And he, of course, loves her back, but won't admit it because he... Do you really care? I sure as hell didn't.
The "scandal" with her sister, the insurance company, and the environment-trashing Big Evil Corporation (tm) was a two-minute mystery that should have been a paragraph or two in the back of a magazine, not stretched to fill a few-hundred-page book. Descriptions of the scenic Louisiana bayou were wonderful, but it couldn't save this story.
This was my first foray into the genre, so much of this book was... surprising, and not in a good way. I read it as part of the author's "Bayou Breaux Series", which includes a novel that involves more murder than love story (A Thin, Dark Line), a novel that's pretty evenly split (Cry Wolf), and this one that is mostly love story with dribs and drabs of plot while the characters are busy falling in love aka shagging each other sore.
According to my shelf I've read 10 Tami Hoag books and can say with confidence that I've had more than enough of this particular author. Her murder mysteries weren't that mysterious, and if I have to slog through love story side plots before the killer is revealed, I'd rather read other books on my shelf.
Pass on this one unless you actually like this type of drivel. Two thumbs down from this female who knows that guys should be written realistically, not portrayed as well-hung, well-muscled rebels with anger issues that'll magically disappear once they find the right woman to change their lives. I also believe women shouldn't be written as intelligent yet incredibly foolish, successful but willing to throw away all their accomplishments, impossibly gorgeous but insecure gals who just need the right guy to wake up their loins and their hearts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2011
This one was more of a 3.5 star for me.
There is a lot that I loved about this book, but a few things that I didn't.
Lucky Doucet....he is something that I loved about this book! Lucky believes that he has nothing left to give. He is a down on his luck character who has been burned by love in the past. Serena is a prim and proper lady who is, on the surface, Lucky's polar opposite. As you get to know Serena's character, you see the passion and depth of spirit that lies below her icy exterior. I loved this lady. I loved how she pushed Lucky to be "known". He was able to share himself physically with her, but it was when his emotional barriers started to crumble that I began to care about this man. One of the best parts of this story is near the end when we see Lucky come to a realization that he doesn't want to live without Serena. Those are some of the best lines/parts/chapters of the whole book.
I wasn't a fan of the plot. If I could rate this on characters, I'd give it a 5, but I was bored by the plot. The grandfather bothered me and I wasn't a fan of how he put so much responsibility on Serena's shoulders. I'm not usually a fan of "twin tales", especially where there is a good twin and a bad twin, and Lucky's Lady is one of those books. I didn't care for Shelby or her addition to the story.
Overall, I know I'm in the minority when I say it was an "okay" read. I would definitely recommend the book because of Lucky and Serena. Their chemistry is smok'in hot and I loved the two of them together.
There is a lot that I loved about this book, but a few things that I didn't.
Lucky Doucet....he is something that I loved about this book! Lucky believes that he has nothing left to give. He is a down on his luck character who has been burned by love in the past. Serena is a prim and proper lady who is, on the surface, Lucky's polar opposite. As you get to know Serena's character, you see the passion and depth of spirit that lies below her icy exterior. I loved this lady. I loved how she pushed Lucky to be "known". He was able to share himself physically with her, but it was when his emotional barriers started to crumble that I began to care about this man. One of the best parts of this story is near the end when we see Lucky come to a realization that he doesn't want to live without Serena. Those are some of the best lines/parts/chapters of the whole book.
I wasn't a fan of the plot. If I could rate this on characters, I'd give it a 5, but I was bored by the plot. The grandfather bothered me and I wasn't a fan of how he put so much responsibility on Serena's shoulders. I'm not usually a fan of "twin tales", especially where there is a good twin and a bad twin, and Lucky's Lady is one of those books. I didn't care for Shelby or her addition to the story.
Overall, I know I'm in the minority when I say it was an "okay" read. I would definitely recommend the book because of Lucky and Serena. Their chemistry is smok'in hot and I loved the two of them together.
January 12, 2015
Romance with a touch of mystery. I enjoyed this. Not something I typically read but I will continue with the series.
August 8, 2017
That was so damn good. Okay, the beginning was aggravating. They played right into these ridiculous stereotypes. But then that became part of the story, and it was wonderful.
Serena is an uptight shrink who comes to visit her family in Louisiana. Her grandpa has run off to live in the swamp bc people are trying to buy the family plantation. Lucky, a wild violent Cajun, helps Serena get to her grandpa while pushing alllllllll her buttons.
Their push and pull is epic. Each of them have hang-ups and insecurities - and they feel like real genuine characters. I liked Lucky, but I liked Serena more. Her reactions felt reasonable. She had a good head on her shoulders and a good heart. Lucky was kind of a bad ass, but also sad and vulnerable. He made a great hero.
The only reason I withheld a star is because I thought at some point the emotions/issues/etc became repetitive. It was quickly obvious that Lucky is a mess - and why. I didn't need the author still explaining it halfway through the book. Still, it came damn close to 5 stars.
Serena is an uptight shrink who comes to visit her family in Louisiana. Her grandpa has run off to live in the swamp bc people are trying to buy the family plantation. Lucky, a wild violent Cajun, helps Serena get to her grandpa while pushing alllllllll her buttons.
Their push and pull is epic. Each of them have hang-ups and insecurities - and they feel like real genuine characters. I liked Lucky, but I liked Serena more. Her reactions felt reasonable. She had a good head on her shoulders and a good heart. Lucky was kind of a bad ass, but also sad and vulnerable. He made a great hero.
The only reason I withheld a star is because I thought at some point the emotions/issues/etc became repetitive. It was quickly obvious that Lucky is a mess - and why. I didn't need the author still explaining it halfway through the book. Still, it came damn close to 5 stars.
March 16, 2021
Lucky wasn't lucky until he met his lady...A comfortable "read".
December 22, 2010
2 ½ stars. It’s ok if you don’t mind a downer feel to your romantic suspense. Personally I prefer uppers.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
My thoughts as I read this were: bad things happening to good people and what a mess. I wondered how it would work out, but it was not fun or exciting. Other romantic suspense novels pull me in more. This seemed like “ooh what a bad situation to walk into.” The hero is good at fighting bad guys, but instead of feeling good about it, I felt more like “ooh got out of that one.” I think what was missing was someone to get excited about or identify with. The hero and heroine were interesting, but that was it. The sex scenes were ok but could have been more emotionally exciting.
The ending felt empty – not enough emotional fulfillment. He had left her “for her own good” and because he wanted to “spend his life suffering.” Then all of a sudden he changes his mind. I didn’t get to see the process of changing his mind or emotions. The romantic ending felt convenient – like lets wrap this and call it done.
I found it hard to believe that Lucky would drop out of college and join the military because Shelby dated and then broke up with him. I guess it was a way to add more evil to Shelby’s character. I was annoyed with Serena for not wanting to believe the worst about Shelby. She kept ignoring Shelby’s bad actions and wanting to bond.
I was disappointed about lack of justice for Lucky’s evil commanding officer. The author never described what happened to the officer which contributed to the downer feel of the book. I also wanted to know more about Lucky’s escape. It might have added something positive.
We also have a case of TSTL – heroine stupidity. Why did she go off alone to meet a bad guy? She intended to take someone with her, but apparently didn’t have time to find someone she liked.
There were a lot of Cajun French phrases. I was pleased that the author had a glossary in the back of the book, but it needed to be at the front of the book – or at least a big note in the front saying where it was. I didn’t discover it until I was half-way through the book. After that I used it frequently, but I regret not knowing about it earlier.
There is an author’s note in the book that states this was her first romantic suspense book. Previously she wrote romantic comedy.
STORY BRIEF:
The Sheridan family owned a sugar cane plantation sitting next to the swamp for generations. Finances have been tight due to recent crop failures. A Texas chemical company wants to buy the land and use it for illegal dumping in the swamp. Grandpa won’t sell.
Due to loss of their parents at age 15, Grandpa has been raising twin girls Serena and Shelby. Shelby is selfish and cruel. As a teen she left her sister lost in the swamp as a joke – which lasted for two nights due to bad weather. Serena nearly died. Ever since, Serena has had a phobia of the swamp. Shelby married Mason who wants to run for political office. She needs to sell Grandpa’s land for money to finance Mason’s campaign and to pay for her own lavish lifestyle. She plans to have Grandpa declared mentally incompetent if necessary. Grandpa leaves the plantation and is currently living in his fishing hut in the swamp. Serena became a psychologist and has a practice in Charleston. She had no idea any of this was going on until she came for a two-week vacation. She wants to visit Grandpa and find out why he left home. The only person available to take her there is Lucky. He takes her in his boat. Grandpa won’t leave his fishing hut. Other bad things start happening.
Years ago Lucky dated Shelby for a short while. She was using him to get Mason to marry her. Lucky went into the military and found his commanding officer on the take. The officer caused Lucky to be held prisoner in Central America for a year. Lucky was kept in a dark cell and only taken out to be tortured. Now he lives alone with nightmares and flashbacks. He’s sort of a vigilante hero. He stops bad guys from taking food from poor families, and he wants to protect the swamp from ecological damage the Texas company will do.
CAUTION SPOILER (about one of the bad guys):
I was disappointed that Shelby didn’t go to jail. She participated in fraud and conspiracy to kidnap. As a result, my theme for this book is “Shelby is never held accountable and never pays the price for her bad actions.” Throughout the book Serena would not believe Shelby’s evil, and in the end the justice system ignored it as well. I doubt this theme was the author’s intent, but I did not like the lack of justice.
DATA:
Story length: 368 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 7. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 20. Setting: current day southern Louisiana. Copyright: 1992. Genre: romantic suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
My thoughts as I read this were: bad things happening to good people and what a mess. I wondered how it would work out, but it was not fun or exciting. Other romantic suspense novels pull me in more. This seemed like “ooh what a bad situation to walk into.” The hero is good at fighting bad guys, but instead of feeling good about it, I felt more like “ooh got out of that one.” I think what was missing was someone to get excited about or identify with. The hero and heroine were interesting, but that was it. The sex scenes were ok but could have been more emotionally exciting.
The ending felt empty – not enough emotional fulfillment. He had left her “for her own good” and because he wanted to “spend his life suffering.” Then all of a sudden he changes his mind. I didn’t get to see the process of changing his mind or emotions. The romantic ending felt convenient – like lets wrap this and call it done.
I found it hard to believe that Lucky would drop out of college and join the military because Shelby dated and then broke up with him. I guess it was a way to add more evil to Shelby’s character. I was annoyed with Serena for not wanting to believe the worst about Shelby. She kept ignoring Shelby’s bad actions and wanting to bond.
I was disappointed about lack of justice for Lucky’s evil commanding officer. The author never described what happened to the officer which contributed to the downer feel of the book. I also wanted to know more about Lucky’s escape. It might have added something positive.
We also have a case of TSTL – heroine stupidity. Why did she go off alone to meet a bad guy? She intended to take someone with her, but apparently didn’t have time to find someone she liked.
There were a lot of Cajun French phrases. I was pleased that the author had a glossary in the back of the book, but it needed to be at the front of the book – or at least a big note in the front saying where it was. I didn’t discover it until I was half-way through the book. After that I used it frequently, but I regret not knowing about it earlier.
There is an author’s note in the book that states this was her first romantic suspense book. Previously she wrote romantic comedy.
STORY BRIEF:
The Sheridan family owned a sugar cane plantation sitting next to the swamp for generations. Finances have been tight due to recent crop failures. A Texas chemical company wants to buy the land and use it for illegal dumping in the swamp. Grandpa won’t sell.
Due to loss of their parents at age 15, Grandpa has been raising twin girls Serena and Shelby. Shelby is selfish and cruel. As a teen she left her sister lost in the swamp as a joke – which lasted for two nights due to bad weather. Serena nearly died. Ever since, Serena has had a phobia of the swamp. Shelby married Mason who wants to run for political office. She needs to sell Grandpa’s land for money to finance Mason’s campaign and to pay for her own lavish lifestyle. She plans to have Grandpa declared mentally incompetent if necessary. Grandpa leaves the plantation and is currently living in his fishing hut in the swamp. Serena became a psychologist and has a practice in Charleston. She had no idea any of this was going on until she came for a two-week vacation. She wants to visit Grandpa and find out why he left home. The only person available to take her there is Lucky. He takes her in his boat. Grandpa won’t leave his fishing hut. Other bad things start happening.
Years ago Lucky dated Shelby for a short while. She was using him to get Mason to marry her. Lucky went into the military and found his commanding officer on the take. The officer caused Lucky to be held prisoner in Central America for a year. Lucky was kept in a dark cell and only taken out to be tortured. Now he lives alone with nightmares and flashbacks. He’s sort of a vigilante hero. He stops bad guys from taking food from poor families, and he wants to protect the swamp from ecological damage the Texas company will do.
CAUTION SPOILER (about one of the bad guys):
I was disappointed that Shelby didn’t go to jail. She participated in fraud and conspiracy to kidnap. As a result, my theme for this book is “Shelby is never held accountable and never pays the price for her bad actions.” Throughout the book Serena would not believe Shelby’s evil, and in the end the justice system ignored it as well. I doubt this theme was the author’s intent, but I did not like the lack of justice.
DATA:
Story length: 368 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 7. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 20. Setting: current day southern Louisiana. Copyright: 1992. Genre: romantic suspense.
September 7, 2018
Great
4.25 ⭐️
I’d forgotten just how much I enjoy Tami Hoag’s books. Even though I have read this one many moons ago, when I picked it up it sucked me straight back in.
I liked Lucky. He was an alpha male without being a jerk. He tried the whole jerk thing, but he just couldn’t do it. I enjoyed his passion for the bayou, I thought the author did a great job of describing the bayou and the problems there without being preachy and made me want to go and see the place. The story had me engaged early and continued on throughout the book.
But my favourite was Serena. I really enjoy how Tami Hoag portrays her female characters. She allows them to be unique in the Romancia land by being both strong and independent. Serena was able to hold her ground and verbally tussle with Lucky without coming across as the bitch which is a breath of fresh air. I’m sick of seeing woman portrayed as either a doormat or if she stands up for her self a raving bitch. I liked that she was self aware enough to understand that as a psychologist she was able to help other people work through their issues, but when it was happening to her, all of her training and advice went out the window.
Looking forward to reading more
4.25 ⭐️
I’d forgotten just how much I enjoy Tami Hoag’s books. Even though I have read this one many moons ago, when I picked it up it sucked me straight back in.
I liked Lucky. He was an alpha male without being a jerk. He tried the whole jerk thing, but he just couldn’t do it. I enjoyed his passion for the bayou, I thought the author did a great job of describing the bayou and the problems there without being preachy and made me want to go and see the place. The story had me engaged early and continued on throughout the book.
But my favourite was Serena. I really enjoy how Tami Hoag portrays her female characters. She allows them to be unique in the Romancia land by being both strong and independent. Serena was able to hold her ground and verbally tussle with Lucky without coming across as the bitch which is a breath of fresh air. I’m sick of seeing woman portrayed as either a doormat or if she stands up for her self a raving bitch. I liked that she was self aware enough to understand that as a psychologist she was able to help other people work through their issues, but when it was happening to her, all of her training and advice went out the window.
Looking forward to reading more
June 1, 2016
This was the re-read of all re-reads. It must be my 20th time arenas and Lucky Doucet is just a combination of Cajun heat and trouble. Partner that with prim Serena and a vicious plot and you have a perfect weekend read. What made this book even greater was sharing it with friends in a group read. Timeless.
April 6, 2022
3 stars for this book. Lucky’s Lady, book #2 in the Doucet series takes us to Louisiana. We meet Serena Sheridan who has returned home to help locate her seemingly missing grandfather Gifford Sheridan. As she embarks on this quest, we meet her twin sister Shelby. They do not see eye to eye and are embroiled in a fight regarding the family plantation. Shelby wants to sell and Serena wants to keep. Lucky Doucet enters the picture and becomes a love interest of Serena’s. Written many years ago in 1992, this was the first book of Tami Hoag’s where she transitions from romance to romantic suspense. I’ve always enjoyed the psychological suspense of some of her other books, so will be interested to see where the remainder of this series goes.
November 11, 2021
If you ignore the fact that they knew each other for a week, this book was awesome 😂
December 6, 2018
I read this book when it first came out, and I thought it was one of the best romantic suspense books I had ever read. Reading it again, I was a little disapointed. I didn't find it quite as good as I did years ago. I still enjoyed it, but I can't rate it the 5 that I would have originally.
Read for the 3rd time in December 2018. I think I enjoyed it more than the 2nd go round, but still not as much as the first time.
Read for the 3rd time in December 2018. I think I enjoyed it more than the 2nd go round, but still not as much as the first time.
November 7, 2010
I love this book. It may be melodramatic, but even on the second reading the book is as satisfying as good, southern comfort food. The intensity of Lucky and the determination of Serena still move me. Lucky is a prime example of the tortured hero. Hoag makes him believable and sympathetic, even when he's a jerk. Serena is determined and strong without being brassy or mean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews