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Deadly #1

Deadly Pursuit

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A woman driven to know the truth. . .

Criminal defense attorney Amara Clarke can't help but be hot and bothered by the handsome, enigmatic new cook at her local diner--and his seeming dislike of her. Until she finds herself in a dangerous situation--and the mysterious Jack Parker comes to her aid.

. . .The man who'll do anything to protect her.

Amara doesn't know that Jack is a DEA agent, evading death threats from a powerful drug lord. The last thing he wants is to endanger her by letting her get too close. But when fate puts her in his path, Jack's cover is blown wide open. Soon he and Amara are on the run--but they can't escape the smoldering chemistry between them. To keep Amara out of harm's way, Jack will have to take drastic measures--even if it means shattering her fragile heart. . .

375 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

1617 people are currently reading
826 people want to read

About the author

Ann Christopher

61 books248 followers
A recovering lawyer, Ann Christopher has been published since 2006 and writes steamy contemporary romance.

When she’s not writing, Ann likes to do the following, in no particular order: read; cook; eat; hang out at Target looking for new stuff she doesn’t need; play with her 2 rescue dogs
and 2 rescue cats; and travel the world with her family. She lives in Ohio.
If you’d like to recommend a great new TV show or share a recipe for homemade cake of any kind, Ann would love to hear from you!

Stay in touch with Ann!
AnnChristopher.com
ann@annchristopher.co

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5 stars
427 (40%)
4 stars
363 (34%)
3 stars
178 (16%)
2 stars
55 (5%)
1 star
29 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Jamal Lewis.
Author 5 books68 followers
December 27, 2017
The book opens with an interesting lawyer-client interview revolving around Kareem Gregory’s request to be released from jail. Where this story is going no one knows, but anytime criminal defense attorneys are involved it cannot be good.

An assault outside of a diner is witnessed by the most appropriate person, defense attorney, Amara Clarke. She is rescued by a federal agent posing as a cook in the diner. He’s there in an undercover capacity to take down some bad guys, but he’s oblivious to the bull’s eye on his back because a man that he put away is back and ready to play.

This was a nicely plotted suspense thriller with interesting love-to-hate characters and a mix of intrigue, violence, drama, and betrayal. The story pace is good and moves gradually like an escalator from one scene to the next.
Profile Image for Anne Fox.
Author 25 books47 followers
December 19, 2022
After a number of recent ebooks that frankly made me want to barf, I actually liked this one. It has the right amount of action, sex that isn't too gruesome nor explicit to stomach, and a believable plot line even if the DEA agents who are part of the plot don't exactly follow protocol… but hey, it's fiction, and the plot doesn't peter out along the way.

The book starts with enough intrigue to keep you wondering just what's going on until it's gradually revealed. Jack isn't a cook—he's a DEA agent in hiding due to threats on his life. Amara is the beautiful lawyer who wouldn't mind getting in the hunky cook's pants and who subsequently manages to get entangled in the feud between him and Kareem, the drug lord he's been trying to move out of the mansion he owns thanks to his dirty business and into a location known more for providing three hots and a cot. The two of them find themselves involved in a hot and steamy fashion, while Kareem and his henchmen pursue both of them. How does it all turn out? Read the book. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Tbabe001.
195 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2020
This was a really nice surprise ; I still consider this to be more CR than RS. H/h were good match for each other, enough steamy time ...slower in suspense. A good book to read for ppl. Ew to RS genre.
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews169 followers
Want to read
May 15, 2019
Free on amazon 15th May 2019
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
June 15, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/15/2021)!🎁
7 reviews
August 12, 2017
Awesome Find

I was looking for something to pass the time and I stumbled upon this book. It was a nice surprise. The characters fit each other and you understand the storyline. I didn't know this was going to be a series (not fond of series) , but I will read the next one for sure.
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2010
Another PLEASING mix of romance and suspense...the chemistry between Amara and Jack is off-the-chart...and the suspense is a never-ending THRILLING roller coaster ride throughout...and I would LOVE to see a sequel with Kira and Dexter or maybe even Kerry, who TOTALLY surprised me with his outrage at what Kareem did to his wife...KUDOS Mrs. Christopher...a definite MUST read!
Profile Image for Valerie.
403 reviews83 followers
February 14, 2013
Listened to the audiobook.
I enjoyed this suspenseful romance. It had the perfect amount of love, romance and lust to keep the reader wanting more from the characters.

This is a story of a undercover DEA agent that falls in love with a strong willed defense attorney when she finds her self in the middle of his case.

Profile Image for bex.
2,435 reviews24 followers
April 10, 2018
Too violent sexually

He pushes the limits several times but then she makes it clear she doesn't want it. Fights and slaps him and he keeps going. There is no excuse for that.

Before that too much bad guy POV and too little reasonable relationship. Behavior not especially credible.
Profile Image for Lovia.
1 review1 follower
February 23, 2012
i love this book <3 i think she should write about jack && amara soon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
December 28, 2019
Wow! Not a bad start for this Deadly series. The suspense certainly kept me on my toes, as did the romance between the hero and heroine. The villain, Kareem Gregory, is as evil as they come, and he doesn't care who he hurts to get what he wants. It didn't surprise me that he'd eventually force himself on his wife. The man thought he was above the law. Of course his sense of entitlement probably has a lot to do with his mother. Their relationship is super weird, as is her relationship with Kareem's wife, Kira. I didn't quite know what to make of that because the story only scratches the surface. But as far as villains go, Kareem fits the bill to a "t".

As hero and heroine, Amara and Jack were both kind of jerks in the beginning, and they definitely take some getting used to. I guess the author was going for a push-pull, enemies-to-lovers kind of thing, but it felt more like two people badly insulting each other. As a matter of fact, most of these characters are snarky, sarcastic, and sort of rude to each other, including the DEA boss, Dexter Brady. Surprisingly enough, the only one who didn't come off as a jerk was the villain's lieutenant/right-hand man Kerry! Crazy, right?!

Once Jack and Amara go on the run, the dynamics of their relationship changes. I see two people who are not only smart, brave, sexy, and have lots of chemistry, but they have a deeper connection. The more Jack tries to keep Amara at arm's lengths, the more determined she is to get under his skin and in his heart. With everything that has happened, and all of the people who got caught in the crossfire of Kareem's need to stay out of prison, its understandable why Jack was driven with desperation to pull Amara close to him in order to protect her, as well push her away...to protect her. Talk about Catch 22! Sometimes, they could both be abrasive, but I loved how much they cared for each other and fought for each other. In the end, I really liked them, and rooted for their HEA.

****Minor Spoiler****
While I really liked this romantic suspense, I wish the author would have done a better job weaving in the minor side characters. The first assassin was dealt with pretty good, so no complaints there. But the pill-popper who stole the info for the safe house was given a lot of story, but her duplicitousness was not uncovered in this book. It wasn't obvious until the end that she worked with the DEA, but her character was killed off with no reactions from Dexter or anyone else from the DEA. I really wanted to see how what she did and the addiction she hid affected her family and the people she worked with.
**************************

I have to compliment the author though. I know there are things about this story that could have been better, but it did feel like I was watching things unfold in an action or Lifetime movie. So now I need to check out the rest of the series to see how things work out for the other characters.
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,515 reviews38 followers
January 13, 2019
Listened to audio narrated by J.D. Jackson. The story flips between Jack and Amara, to several other characters perspective including the drug lord bent on killing them both, his wife, the assassin and various other agents. Listening via audio made some of the viewpoint changes a bit confusing until I realized the perspective changed again. While I liked the narrator I think it may be better to read this story versus listening to audio.

Jack is hiding while waiting to testify, he's not a very nice guy and treats Amara like crap in an effort to keep her at a distance. First she saves a woman from an attacker and when the attacker turns on her, Jack saves her. When TV crews blast images of them both as National news, his cover is blown and he must bring her into hiding to protect her as well.

She's abrasive, he's a rude jerk most of the time and they clash a lot. Half way through the book I'm not believing the sexual attraction or that it could possibly be worth it. Amara is in a safe house for her protection but Amara has a fit because they won't let her go out for a walk? Come on she's a criminal defense attorney how could she possibly think that was a good thing to do?

When Jack's boss is approached by Kareem's wife for protection in turn for her turning against Kareem I'm left befuddled why he'd turn her away. How could a DEA agent be so callous to a woman in need and immanent danger? I struggled to like the main couple, and most of the other characters accept Kareem's wife. There's a lot of graphic violence and I would warn anyone sensitive to women being abused. I think this story would have been better as a crime story, the romance was lacking for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
419 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2017
Reminded me of James Patterson style writing.

When defense attorney, Amara Clarke, witnesses an assault outside a diner late at night and the hot chef comes to her rescue, her life as she knows it changes forever.
Jackson Parker is a DEA Special Agent in hiding, (aka...the hot chef!!!) Undercover, he helped imprison a drug kingpin on money laundering charges but now he's out due for a retrial and after blood. Jack and his partner are first on his list!
A great read. It reminded me of the style of James Patterson. Short chapters you can get your teeth into and numerous little threads woven cleverly together to create the bigger picture and a suspenseful, intriguing storyline. Interesting likable, believable characters too.
There's no unnecessary ott bad language (although there is some,)or blah, blah, blah, the story is solid and escalates at a steady pace. There's a mix of sex, intrigue, betrayal and violence and it always helps to have a handsome, Armani wearing, psycho bad guy you love to hate.
It finished around 90%, then introduced the next installment so the storyline is an continuing one. I don't know if we'll hear from Jack and Amara again but I felt their story ended abruptly. Nevertheless, a great read would recommend. 3.5*
634 reviews
April 24, 2019
A drug kingpin’s vicious crimes spark a DEADLY chain of events… WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A DRUG KINGPIN WANTED TO MURDER YOU? Amara Clark (Criminal defense attorney) can't help but be hot and bothered by the handsome, enigmatic new cook at her local diner--and his seeming dislike of her. Until she finds herself in a dangerous situation--and the mysterious, undercover (DEA Special Agent) Jackson Parker comes to her aid when she inadvertently appears being held by him on tv after a robbery attempt. The hit-woman is after her for information on where to find him; she’s already killed his mother and boss at the diner and now Amara has to go into hiding before another attempt in made on her life. Jackson Parker does what it takes to keep vermin off the streets and our kids safe from drugs. But now Kareem Gregory, the most vicious sociopath he ever brought to justice, wants him unable to testify in his upcoming retrial, he wants him as dead as his partner and his wife. And the crossfire between good and evil threatens the intriguing woman Jack desires...
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
June 1, 2019
I have to admit, it took me a chapter or two, before I was hooked on this intriguing book. This book includes numerous intertwining story lines that are connected through the villain, Kareem Gregory. This mob boss has one goal and that is to remain out of prison. To accomplish his goal, DEA Special Agent Jackson Parker must be taken out. This Special Agent is as tough as nails and isn’t worried about taking care of himself, but his life got a whole lot more complicated when the “mark on his back” puts Amara Clarke’s life in mortal danger. Jack will do whatever is needed to protect this hard-nose, sexy lawyer. (Who would ever think Jack would fall for a Defense Attorney?)
This book isn’t a true Cliffhanger, but the saga doesn’t end with this couple.Stars-4.25
4 reviews
November 18, 2018
In love!

First time reading Ms Christopher, but it won't be my last. Love both the main and supporting characters, and look forward to reading more. Developed characters and complete storyline which left me wanting more. Attorney Amara Clarke is a strong woman, willing to fight for what she believes and show her vulnerable side to the man she loves. DEA Agent Jackson "Jack" Parker is a natural protector, and he's willing to walk away from a woman who irritates him while filling his heart with joy. Jack has met his worthy match with Amara, and the winners are the readers.
3,124 reviews
February 20, 2019
An undercover DEA agent and a lawyer

Amara is an attorney who goes to this little diner every day. Jack works as a cook at the diner but is a DEA agent, hiding from the drug king who wants him dead. They have the man on money laundering and until trial and Jack can testify, he must stay hidden. When his location is put on tv, he has to take Amara because she could be in danger too. Will Jack make it to testify or will a assassin get him first?
Action, suspense, and sex. Pretty good story but too many characters with their own stories. A little cliffhanger or maybe just curious about what happens to everyone else.
Profile Image for Adell.
3 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2019
Don’t let the tart date and end date sway you from reading this book!! lLife just got in the way and grabbed hold. Where should I begin without spoiling anything for you? Let me see...

Mystery, love story, page turner, cliff hangers...all rolled into one. Ann Christoper has captured all of that in one book. A hero deserving of love; a villain whose you are aching to be served justice. Shall I go on??

Pick up this book today. Add it to your list today and commit to reading it today!

Thank you, Ann Christopher for bringing back this type of page turner I haven’t seen since Valerie Wilson Wesley and her Tamara Hale Mysteries. You’ve given me a reason to read again.
819 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2022
DEA Special Agent Jackson Parker is working undercover as a fry cook until he goes to trial to testify against the drug dealer that the agency is trying to take down. While working as a fry cook he encounters defense attorney Amara Clarke and they have several heated exchanges. Jack has had several hits taken out on him from the drug dealer. So he knows he can never get close to anyone because they would not be safe.

Now his location has been discovered and those around him have become targets, which includes Amara. Jack doesn't want to but he cannot pull himself away from Amara. Now they both have targets on their backs.
Profile Image for Cassidy.
97 reviews
May 23, 2020
TW- on page rape and murder.

There was too much rape and almost rape for me to rate this any higher. When the "hero" has to force and cajole the "heroine" into wanting sex in like three sex scenes in a row, i just can't any more. And by force i mean grab her and kiss her when she is saying no. Then proceed to make her want it and she just gives in. And making the heroine so abrasive that only the hero likes her, and that she is a black women whose mom was a prostitute and grew up in the system? Like really?

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
49 reviews
Read
September 11, 2021
The hunted witness

A good read in many aspect. A drug king is released from prison, while preparing for the appeal hearing. All he wants is make pay those who cheated him and then testified against him. And in less than a month, number of killings won't stop until Jack is dead🙅🙅

The coherence time- facts is questioned: so much is happening in only few weeks, fictions not fitting into reality I guess😏😏 Hope the following tome will justify some of the characters and their deeds
53 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2019
Deadly Pursuit

Stayed up late to finish reading. Must admit skipped thru some pages to get to the end. This morning went thru Book again. When I first started reading the book I didn’t think I would continue reading,it took me a while to really get interested in it. I’m glad I read it and I would give it a five star. I wish there was more to find out what happened the king pins wife
8 reviews
June 6, 2019
Suspenseful Romance

I loved the suspense with the romance put together! Although, there were a lot of explicit parts; definitely not for young readers. I really enjoyed the action though. There were parts where I could see what was going to happen, but there were also some parts were I was surprised, so it was a good mixture between the two. Enjoy reading and I definitely recommend this book if you like action, suspense, romance (for 17+)
Profile Image for Yasmin.
122 reviews
February 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this

I really enjoyed this book! I've actually bad it for a while, but just got around to reading it and I was not disappointed! I love the way it wss written and how it weaves in an out of the different characters and tells the story from all point if views! I can't wait to read the next part. I know that Kareem is not letting these betrayals go so I'm a little worried for those on his bad side right now!
64 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2024
Til Death Do Us Part

A successful attorney finds herself attracted to the cook at the local eatery. Due to circumstances beyond control, they end up in hiding from a vicious drug lord. If you like intrigue, you will love this book as it is a great read. A little too much sex for me. But the hunt to bring down the drug lord is full of action and surprises. I recommend it. Jean
Profile Image for Linda Kelly.
165 reviews
April 22, 2025
My last ebook was a major flop so this one worried me—but it was great! I really enjoyed it! Amara is feisty & matches energy with Jack. The bad guy Kareem was a real ass & for a bit I thought the wife was too but she was a rock star! Totally enjoyed the read!! Drugs, sex, DEA, murder, mayhem…it was all there. My only hmmm moment was the opioid addicted mom—that was kind of an implied event that never really got specific but all in all a good read!
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,164 reviews108 followers
May 17, 2017
short & sweet! I read this book yesterday because I am trying to get the 4-1-1 before I read the book she released this week. BAYBAYYYYY! Where has Ann Christopher BEEN all my life?! Ima have go backlist hunting with this gal.

Superb book. Jumped right into the action, the sex is haaaawwwwtt and the suspense is suspensy! Can't read to dive into book two so I can get into book three!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lacinda.
10 reviews
June 14, 2019
A can't put down til finished read

Exellent read would be putting it mildly! Ann is 3 for 3 with me now. I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of her 3 books ive read the far. another great read and looking for another of hers now that I've finished the 3 I've downloaded. Huge props to an awesome storyteller.
116 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2019
Suspense and Drama

This book is a real page-turner, and has the reader on the edge of their seat. There is suspense, intrigue, emotions, and romance.
The content is adult with steamy sex, crude language, and morals. Otherwise the book is well written and full of suspense all throughout the book.
Profile Image for Rise.
1,492 reviews
January 21, 2022
This book took you on a ride. Kareem was really a piece of work and everything was thrown at him and still no one could touch him. Jack was amazing throughout the story. Amara was a pain sometimes and I wish I could have duct tape her mouth myself. The chemistry that Amara and Jack had were steamy and not overdone. Happy I was able to finally read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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