Deadlier Than the Male: The Fiercest Heart / Lethal Lessons

by Sharon Sala, Colleen Thompson

In these captivating new stories, danger is a breath away, but love conquers all….

The Fiercest Heart by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sharon Sala

Torn apart years ago by a family feud and a deadly accident, high school sweethearts Haley and Mack reunite when Haley returns to town. But someone doesn't want them together and will do anything to keep them apart. Anything…

Lethal Lessons by Colleen Thompson

One of Mara's students is troubled by her mother's mysterious death. Despite warnings that the girl's father, Adam, is a danger, Mara sees only a handsome, caring protector. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Anthologies, Suspense, Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

About the author

Biography



Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.

Reviews

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed these stories which were short and fast paced.

The Fiercest Heart: I would have liked to see Haley's mom pay for her actions in the court of law.
Lethal Lessons: Right before the reveal of who did it was when I figured it out.

Both were good stories.

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

I really enjoyed both these stories, fast paced romantic fiction. I can't wait to read more by these 2 authors.

[Barbara Bland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The female is the deadliest of the species!

I love Sharon Sala. She is a wonderful writer; a consummate writer. Her books are full of life, love, family and intrigue!

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing to me because I expect so much more from Sala. I found the suspense elements way too predictable, and did not like the glossing over of ten years right in the middle of the action ... perhaps flashbacks would have handled this better, Sharon.

I also think not enough time was spent on allowing us into the hero's point of view. Both protagonists seem fairly shallowly drawn. She's graduating high school. What are her plans for the summer? Is she off to college in the fall?

He's accepted a scholarship that will turn their relationship into a long distance one. Why don't we get any of his thoughts about accepting it or not? He sure didn't discuss it with her before accepting, nor give her time to apply to a school nearby. I'm supposed to believe this is a deep and abiding love?

We are told that his parents do not like her, but never why. We are never given the villain's point of view until the end, and the villain's evil deeds are telescoped into a last-minute confession when it would have been much more suspenseful for the protagonists to experience them as a building threat.

I did not find it believable that both the hero and heroine had been in 'suspended animation' and not had any other significant relationships for the decade following high school. Two or three years, perhaps, but ten? Really?

The heroine's brother dies in a car wreck he caused on the evening she graduated high school, her parents blame her, she runs away from home that same night. What happened to your summer job, stupid? Your plans for college?

Also, the hero's promising football career is ended by the car wreck that was deliberately caused by his best friend, who died as a result. We get nothing of his thoughts or feelings on all that. Lame, lame, lame writing.

I did not get grabbed by the first chapters of the second story and gave it up.

Oh, well, there's always Sala's extensive backlist.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEADLIER THAN MALE:THE FIERCEST HEART/LETHAL LESSONS by Sharon Sala and Colleen Thompson are both delightful romantic suspense set in present day Stars Crossing,Kentucky and Red Bluff,Arizona.They are both well written with details,depth,turns,twists and heart warming. They have suspense,romance, love,family,tragedy,danger,second chances,secrets,betrayal,rumors,past murder,sweet sensuality and family secrets.These two stories are fast paced and action packed.They will leave you wanting more.The characters are enduring,engaging,determined.and will grip your heart.If you enjoy a fast paced,must read,keeper full of love,betrayal,finding true love and hanging onto that love at all cost this is the story for you.This book was received for the purpose of review from Net Galley and details can be found at HQN,(Silhouette Romantic Suspense Series) and My Book Addiction and More.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Ms. Sala’s novellas and she didn’t disappoint. Her story, The Fiercest Heart, was pretty good and fairly believable. I liked the characters and the ending was sweet. The twist was easy to call, but how much suspense can you really build up in 120 pages? So 3 stars for Ms. Sala.
The second story in the book, Lethal Lessons, wasn’t as good. I kept having the feeling that I was missing key information. The time jumps in the story were a bit disorienting and left out a lot of needed filler. I think this novella had the potential to make a great longer book. Too much was left out to make it a truly enjoyable short story. 2 stars for this one.

[Normandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved both stories. The Fiercest Heart by Sharon Sala. The story of Haley Shore and Mack Brolin. This one touched me and I felt for Haley. Lethal Lessons by Colleen Thompson. The story of Mara Stillwell and Adam Jakes. This one had an unexpected twist that I did not see.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fiercest Heart: Yet again, Sharon Sala uses the "parents lying to young lovers to keep them apart" plot device. It's so. fucking. tired. I would give this 3 stars.

Lethal Lessons: Never expected the twist. The heroine was a bit of a Polly Anna, but otherwise I liked it. 4 stars.

[Alix Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read Full Review HERE "Dissapointing read, 10 lbs of story in a 5 lb bag"

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was the best. It was sweet yet suspenseful. The last book took me some time to like it. But by the end I couldnt stop reading it.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Very Good Put It Down.
This is the first by Sharon That did not trip my trigger.
Wasted A Few days on this one and tryed to get into it with no luck.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon was great as always! First time reading Colleen Thompson and I'm sure it won't be the last.

[Patricia Solla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong female presence in each of the stories. Good storylines. Good character developement.