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Deadly Contact
It's a race against time and a fatal outbreak in this thriller of a debut
In one passionate night, Special Agent James Reynolds and scientist Kelly Jarvis went from friends to lovers. Then Kelly walked away with only an apology. Now James is charged with solving a bioterrorist attack—and Dr. Jarvis works at the suspected lab.
Is Kelly an accomplice or a victim? Just what are her secrets that drove her from James’s bed? Soon one thing becomes clear: the ghosts of her past have nothing on the terrorists targeting her and Washington, D.C. Another threat bathes the city in red alert, and now there are lives at stake, in addition to hearts...
In one passionate night, Special Agent James Reynolds and scientist Kelly Jarvis went from friends to lovers. Then Kelly walked away with only an apology. Now James is charged with solving a bioterrorist attack—and Dr. Jarvis works at the suspected lab.
Is Kelly an accomplice or a victim? Just what are her secrets that drove her from James’s bed? Soon one thing becomes clear: the ghosts of her past have nothing on the terrorists targeting her and Washington, D.C. Another threat bathes the city in red alert, and now there are lives at stake, in addition to hearts...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Lara Lacombe
74 books171 followersLara Lacombe is a recovering research scientist turned college professor who now spends her days writing and wrangling a toddler. She lives in Texas with her family and two entitled cats, and loves chocolate and her Crock Pot. She uses Facebook to procrastinate--stop by Lara Lacombe Books if you'd like to chat!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 19, 2013
Fantastic first book from this author. The suspense is both physical and mental as they have to outrun and outwit the bad guy. Kelly and James had been friends for about six months when they spent one night together. The next morning Kelly panicked and walked away, cutting off all contact with James. Now he's investigating an apparent bioterrorist attack and the lab she works at is in the middle of it. When her boss disappears Kelly becomes a target and James has to decide if she's a victim or part of the problem.
Kelly and James became friends first, then one night gave in to the attraction that had been building between them. The next morning she panicked and ran away. Kelly no longer trusts her judgment in men because her last boyfriend had been abusive. Now she wonders if James could be like that and just hides it as well or if she made a mistake in running away. The next time she sees James he has come to take her in for questioning about her boss's activities. She can't believe that he thinks she could be involved. When she's attacked and nearly kidnapped she is thankful for James's rescue. She realizes that she never stopped caring about him and wants to mend her relationship with him. She is nervous about telling him about her past because other people have treated her differently afterward. She notices a difference in him also and tries to think of their relationship as strictly business but has a hard time doing that. I did like the way that she stayed pretty calm throughout all the things that happened to her - including getting shot twice. I loved how she was the one who saved the day at the end.
James had gotten to know Kelly through meeting her for drinks every Friday for six months. He enjoyed their friendship a lot but was also wondering if it would be possible to have more. When they had that one night together he was happy about it, until she ran out the next morning and refused to talk to him again. He was worried that he had done something wrong. When her name came up during his investigation he didn't want to believe she was capable of doing something like that. He had had two bad experiences with that kind of betrayal - first his father and then his best friend turned out to be dirty cops. So he is hesitant to assume that Kelly is innocent even though he feels that she is. It doesn't take long past the first attack on her to make him pretty sure she's ok, but that little sliver of doubt hangs on for a long time. I did enjoy his protectiveness, even when he wasn't sure about her. I also liked his friendship with Thomas and how that friendship helped James keep Kelly safe. I also liked the way that Thomas straightened James out at the end.
I loved the Washington DC setting also. Having lived in the area for most of my life I recognized so many of the places in the book that it made the story that much more realistic to me. The premise of the story also felt very realistic, also because of the location.
Kelly and James became friends first, then one night gave in to the attraction that had been building between them. The next morning she panicked and ran away. Kelly no longer trusts her judgment in men because her last boyfriend had been abusive. Now she wonders if James could be like that and just hides it as well or if she made a mistake in running away. The next time she sees James he has come to take her in for questioning about her boss's activities. She can't believe that he thinks she could be involved. When she's attacked and nearly kidnapped she is thankful for James's rescue. She realizes that she never stopped caring about him and wants to mend her relationship with him. She is nervous about telling him about her past because other people have treated her differently afterward. She notices a difference in him also and tries to think of their relationship as strictly business but has a hard time doing that. I did like the way that she stayed pretty calm throughout all the things that happened to her - including getting shot twice. I loved how she was the one who saved the day at the end.
James had gotten to know Kelly through meeting her for drinks every Friday for six months. He enjoyed their friendship a lot but was also wondering if it would be possible to have more. When they had that one night together he was happy about it, until she ran out the next morning and refused to talk to him again. He was worried that he had done something wrong. When her name came up during his investigation he didn't want to believe she was capable of doing something like that. He had had two bad experiences with that kind of betrayal - first his father and then his best friend turned out to be dirty cops. So he is hesitant to assume that Kelly is innocent even though he feels that she is. It doesn't take long past the first attack on her to make him pretty sure she's ok, but that little sliver of doubt hangs on for a long time. I did enjoy his protectiveness, even when he wasn't sure about her. I also liked his friendship with Thomas and how that friendship helped James keep Kelly safe. I also liked the way that Thomas straightened James out at the end.
I loved the Washington DC setting also. Having lived in the area for most of my life I recognized so many of the places in the book that it made the story that much more realistic to me. The premise of the story also felt very realistic, also because of the location.
June 6, 2014
This is so good for my wanting-to-read-romantic-suspense mood! At first I think Deadly Contact will be thriller/suspense book about deadly phoneline, something like that. lol Alas, it's not what I thought but it still really fun anyway. This book is full of action and suspense..and I also so much like the conflict between James and Kelly. They were frinds before and then one night she left him without explanation and no returning his phone call after their hot night together. Woo the romance along with the suspense is just so right to me.
I think I really like Thomas, too. I hope he got his own book!!
I think I really like Thomas, too. I hope he got his own book!!
January 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The suspense and plot was Awesome. I also really enjoyed the action, and romance. Kelly dated FBI agent James for a little while. She broke it off and walked away from the relationship without a backwards glance. She was shocked when it was James that brought her to FBI headquarters for questioning. She was even more shocked to find out it was her boss that was involved in a terrorist plot. She worked with James and his team to bring down the terrorist. I would recommend this book if you like action packed, suspenseful stories with a dash of romance.
May 24, 2014
This is my first Harlequin Romance novel (and SUSPENSE!) -- I was blown away. I think many people steer clear of these types of novels for fear that the writing may not be well crafted (similar to a Soap Opera). But, Lara Lacombe squashed that misconception with Hulk-like literary writing strength.
The sentence structure, verbiage, plot and character development were all incredibly strong. I was never lost or feeling as if someone was acting in a way that was not true to character. When I finished this book, I knew it was a gem because the entire scenario, with bio-terrorism, FBI, etc seemed PERFECTLY FEASIBLE. Nothing was far-fetched or cheesily delivered. This was more than a Romance novel- this was a damn good book.
I look forward to more novels by Lacombe. She has a very promising writing career ahead of her if DEADLY CONTACT is any indication of her talent.
The sentence structure, verbiage, plot and character development were all incredibly strong. I was never lost or feeling as if someone was acting in a way that was not true to character. When I finished this book, I knew it was a gem because the entire scenario, with bio-terrorism, FBI, etc seemed PERFECTLY FEASIBLE. Nothing was far-fetched or cheesily delivered. This was more than a Romance novel- this was a damn good book.
I look forward to more novels by Lacombe. She has a very promising writing career ahead of her if DEADLY CONTACT is any indication of her talent.
November 21, 2014
I grew up reading my mother's Harlequin Romance Books, and Romance books have changed since I was a kid, now they have heat levels.
It's been a while since I sunk my teeth into a Harlequin and Ms. Lacombe did not disappoint. After reading the first page I was hooked. Lara Lacombe is a brilliant writer, and her superb story of intrigue had me swiping the pages rather quickly. I definitely liked the main characters, Jeff and Kelly, and even the supporting cast such as Robert. Kelly and Jeff's biggest mistake, as with many partners, is communication which sets the stage for heated sexual tension and mishaps.
I look forward to reading Ms. Lacombe next book which I believe is due out shortly.
It's been a while since I sunk my teeth into a Harlequin and Ms. Lacombe did not disappoint. After reading the first page I was hooked. Lara Lacombe is a brilliant writer, and her superb story of intrigue had me swiping the pages rather quickly. I definitely liked the main characters, Jeff and Kelly, and even the supporting cast such as Robert. Kelly and Jeff's biggest mistake, as with many partners, is communication which sets the stage for heated sexual tension and mishaps.
I look forward to reading Ms. Lacombe next book which I believe is due out shortly.
December 28, 2016
Kelly has some old emotional wounds and when she gets to delve into a relationship with James, she balks. She gets out before she gets invested in him. Now James is back in her world. The lab she works at is suspected of handing over a virus to a bio-terrorist and now Kelly is a suspect.
I enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and sometimes just wanted to knock one of them over the head and tell them to get over it and move on.
But this was a great romantic suspense and definitely worth your money.
I paid for this book with my own money.
I enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and sometimes just wanted to knock one of them over the head and tell them to get over it and move on.
But this was a great romantic suspense and definitely worth your money.
I paid for this book with my own money.
December 11, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I read it all in one weekend because I just couldn't put it down! I stayed up way too late one night, picked it up first thing the next morning, and read until I was done and quite satisfied!
Deadly Contact has a great story line and super likable, yet believably imperfect, main characters. I was rooting for both Kelly and James the whole time!!
I can't wait to read Lara Lacombe's next book-- she's an amazing writer!!
Deadly Contact has a great story line and super likable, yet believably imperfect, main characters. I was rooting for both Kelly and James the whole time!!
I can't wait to read Lara Lacombe's next book-- she's an amazing writer!!
December 11, 2013
What do you get with the heroine is a smart and intrepid as the hero? You get Lara Lacombe's DEADLY CONTACT--a turn the page, you'll never figure it out, fast paced mystery of a romance. Characters who are 3-D and a plot that rocks along are the perfect combination. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
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December 29, 2014"In her debut novel, Lacombe gives us genuine, down-to-earth characters and an intriguing, well-developed plot. The romance, science and suspense make this story quite engaging." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
September 8, 2014
Love scientific romances
July 25, 2016
This was a great, fun read. I enjoyed it and can't wait for Lara's next book.
August 25, 2023
Kelly Jarvis had a very memorable night with her friend James, but when morning rolled around panic set in and she decided the best thing to do was run and not look back. But now here he stands before her asking her questions about her boss. But then said boss disappears and now Kelly might have a target on her back to... which means her and James are going to be getting reacquainted with one another rather she wants to or not!
Deadly Contact is a suspenseful little page-turner that'll keep your eyes glued to the pages the whole way through! It's one of those reads that grabs ahold of you and won't let go. Upon first meet it's easy to see that these to have chemistry, but there is also some unresolved feelings to sort through, so a bit of tension lingers too. Once they realize the gravity of what is going on in the lab and Kelly is almost kidnapped they start to look at one another a little differently and their previous indifference starts to fade away. And those feelings start to creep back in... but is it worth the risk?
I really enjoyed this one, it didn't take me long to become infatuated with these characters, they were quite the captivating pairing with a thrilling story to tell. Another amazing read from this author, her suspenseful works are becoming some of my favorite escapes! Highly recommend!
Deadly Contact is a suspenseful little page-turner that'll keep your eyes glued to the pages the whole way through! It's one of those reads that grabs ahold of you and won't let go. Upon first meet it's easy to see that these to have chemistry, but there is also some unresolved feelings to sort through, so a bit of tension lingers too. Once they realize the gravity of what is going on in the lab and Kelly is almost kidnapped they start to look at one another a little differently and their previous indifference starts to fade away. And those feelings start to creep back in... but is it worth the risk?
I really enjoyed this one, it didn't take me long to become infatuated with these characters, they were quite the captivating pairing with a thrilling story to tell. Another amazing read from this author, her suspenseful works are becoming some of my favorite escapes! Highly recommend!
January 4, 2020
The beginning and end were suspenseful, but the middle was too slow and soap-opery.
August 29, 2014
I haven’t read a Harlequin romance in a long time and it was nice to get reacquainted with them through this novel.
I could totally see this story happening in real life. That’s scary. Ms. Lacombe has written a realistic suspense romance with engaging characters that make some major communication errors.
I enjoyed the way the story started with the couple being friends and transitioning into lovers. Yes Kelly made a huge, and I stretch my hands out wide when I say it, mistake when she left him initially, but I could understand her fear and willingness to let James go.
The science in the story was clear to understand without being overbearing. It brought out the realism of the story.
I could totally see this story happening in real life. That’s scary. Ms. Lacombe has written a realistic suspense romance with engaging characters that make some major communication errors.
I enjoyed the way the story started with the couple being friends and transitioning into lovers. Yes Kelly made a huge, and I stretch my hands out wide when I say it, mistake when she left him initially, but I could understand her fear and willingness to let James go.
The science in the story was clear to understand without being overbearing. It brought out the realism of the story.
July 19, 2015
FBI agent James Reynolds is friends with scientist Kelly Jarvis until one night when their friendship escalates and they make love. But Kelly walks away, still not sure she can trust a man after her previous boyfriend abused her.
Then James discovers that Kelly may be involved in a case he's working on. Can he trust her? Or can she help him figure out why vials of bacteria are being used to sicken people and maybe even kill them?
When Kelly is hurt not once but twice, James is certain she's an innocent caught up in something she doesn't know about, but what if she is killed? Will he ever survive yet another loss?
Then James discovers that Kelly may be involved in a case he's working on. Can he trust her? Or can she help him figure out why vials of bacteria are being used to sicken people and maybe even kill them?
When Kelly is hurt not once but twice, James is certain she's an innocent caught up in something she doesn't know about, but what if she is killed? Will he ever survive yet another loss?
September 6, 2016
For a first time author, this was an interesting romantic suspense read. The romance was all good and clean. The suspense had you going and wondering how it would turn out. I enjoyed how the author let you know what each of the two main characters was thinking. I also enjoyed how both the main characters were professionals in their jobs - a fun enjoyable read!
March 20, 2015
Liked the premise, liked James, hated Kelly with her overly victimised, self-righteous attitude especially when I thought James was wronged by her way more than she tried to make out of it.
Hopefully the rest of this series would be better.
Hopefully the rest of this series would be better.
May 4, 2017
I loved this story! Fast paced, ups and Dab, right when you think they are going to make it. Something gets in the way, sometimes it's event themselves!
Totally recommend if you love Harlequin Intrique
Totally recommend if you love Harlequin Intrique
August 26, 2014
What a debut!!! This book was awesome. Can't wait for more stories from Lara Lacombe. Maybe Thomas' story?
September 12, 2016
Great characters, interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews