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Doctors in Danger #1
Enticed by the Operative
The lives of a beautiful surgeon and her DEA agent protector are at stake in this thrilling tale!
On a medical mission to South America, Dr. Olivia Sandoval hardly expects to be threatened by a drug cartel. To save lives, Olivia agrees to transport drugs for them. When DEA agent Logan Murray appears as her partner-in-crime and rescuer, Olivia's relieved…and drawn to her knight in shining armor.
Logan jumps at the chance to guard a beautiful woman and bring down a drug ring. After all, neither he nor Olivia are looking for forever love...just justice. But one kiss changes that as they go on the run. When taken hostage in the jungle, they must not only defeat the enemy...but also escape with their lives!
On a medical mission to South America, Dr. Olivia Sandoval hardly expects to be threatened by a drug cartel. To save lives, Olivia agrees to transport drugs for them. When DEA agent Logan Murray appears as her partner-in-crime and rescuer, Olivia's relieved…and drawn to her knight in shining armor.
Logan jumps at the chance to guard a beautiful woman and bring down a drug ring. After all, neither he nor Olivia are looking for forever love...just justice. But one kiss changes that as they go on the run. When taken hostage in the jungle, they must not only defeat the enemy...but also escape with their lives!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 16, 2016
329 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 2, 2016
The new miniseries, Doctors in Danger, begins with a story filled with lots of physical peril and puts two people in jeopardy of being disappointed once again. Lara Lacombe cleverly interweaves emotional issues into all the precarious circumstances to create a suspenseful romance where feelings are frequently conflicted in the midst of the many threats. As danger escalates in ENTICED BY THE OPERATIVE, hearts are at risk of being broken.
Every year, Dr. Olivia Sandoval goes to a South American country in order to aid the underprivileged. Her skills as a plastic surgeon are always needed to correct a wide range of medical problems, and she is eager to begin her month long stay in Columbia. Right before she leaves, a supposed patient makes her an offer, one that she would like to refuse. But the man is a drug dealer, and his threats force Olivia to comply with his demands to bring an illegal substance back into the states when she returns home.
Delivering some misplaced mail may have brought Logan Murray to Olivia’s doorstep, but it soon becomes apparent the DEA agent can assist her. He thinks a plan can be worked out that will keep his neighbor safe, while also exposing those linked to this particular drug cartel. Though there will be some risks involved in their proposed scheme, Logan vows to keep Olivia unharmed as he will be the person watching over her. He just has to make certain both of them remain alive.
There is so much to enjoy about ENTICED BY THE OPERATIVE. The plot of the story is intriguing, as a dedicated doctor is thrust into a situation she never wanted. Yet to keep others from being hurt, Olivia agrees to the manipulative plan where she will secretly carry drugs for a very ruthless cartel. While she and Logan have never been close because of their demanding careers, she is definitely thankful when he offers his expert help. Though letting things get personal between them was never intended, as this should have been just another case for him, being around each other day after day lets the couple glimpse inner feelings neither usually lets show. I really liked Logan and Olivia, as they are caring individuals whose private lives have not gone very well. So I was certainly rooting for them to finally be happy. But they have plenty of obstacles to overcome before they can actually have a bright future. Their relationship progresses at a believable pace, as nothing feels rushed and their reactions are honestly sincere. Many of their conversations contain sharp wit, and I looked forward to discovering what each would say.
Several of the challenges Olivia and Logan must face are exceedingly dicey, and all the uncertainties surrounding these incidents had my anxiety level rising with each new ordeal. Lara Lacombe made these two go through a number of harrowing experiences, and I had doubts about what would ultimately happen on a few occasions. There were several instances where my heart did speed up, as the author made the tenseness of the moment very convincing. Also, descriptions of the rainforest in Columbia left me in awe of this vastly different environment from where I live. The first installment in the Doctors in Danger miniseries is entertaining at all times because ENTICED BY THE OPERATIVE is realistically imaginative.
Received copy for Always Reviewing blog - 4.5 Stars
Every year, Dr. Olivia Sandoval goes to a South American country in order to aid the underprivileged. Her skills as a plastic surgeon are always needed to correct a wide range of medical problems, and she is eager to begin her month long stay in Columbia. Right before she leaves, a supposed patient makes her an offer, one that she would like to refuse. But the man is a drug dealer, and his threats force Olivia to comply with his demands to bring an illegal substance back into the states when she returns home.
Delivering some misplaced mail may have brought Logan Murray to Olivia’s doorstep, but it soon becomes apparent the DEA agent can assist her. He thinks a plan can be worked out that will keep his neighbor safe, while also exposing those linked to this particular drug cartel. Though there will be some risks involved in their proposed scheme, Logan vows to keep Olivia unharmed as he will be the person watching over her. He just has to make certain both of them remain alive.
There is so much to enjoy about ENTICED BY THE OPERATIVE. The plot of the story is intriguing, as a dedicated doctor is thrust into a situation she never wanted. Yet to keep others from being hurt, Olivia agrees to the manipulative plan where she will secretly carry drugs for a very ruthless cartel. While she and Logan have never been close because of their demanding careers, she is definitely thankful when he offers his expert help. Though letting things get personal between them was never intended, as this should have been just another case for him, being around each other day after day lets the couple glimpse inner feelings neither usually lets show. I really liked Logan and Olivia, as they are caring individuals whose private lives have not gone very well. So I was certainly rooting for them to finally be happy. But they have plenty of obstacles to overcome before they can actually have a bright future. Their relationship progresses at a believable pace, as nothing feels rushed and their reactions are honestly sincere. Many of their conversations contain sharp wit, and I looked forward to discovering what each would say.
Several of the challenges Olivia and Logan must face are exceedingly dicey, and all the uncertainties surrounding these incidents had my anxiety level rising with each new ordeal. Lara Lacombe made these two go through a number of harrowing experiences, and I had doubts about what would ultimately happen on a few occasions. There were several instances where my heart did speed up, as the author made the tenseness of the moment very convincing. Also, descriptions of the rainforest in Columbia left me in awe of this vastly different environment from where I live. The first installment in the Doctors in Danger miniseries is entertaining at all times because ENTICED BY THE OPERATIVE is realistically imaginative.
Received copy for Always Reviewing blog - 4.5 Stars
July 10, 2016
A story filled with action, tension, danger, a drug cartel, DEA agents, and a doctor who only wanted to pay it forward and help those in need.
I enjoyed this story immensely. I liked the setup, the good work Olivia was doing, her desire and willingness to help those in need. Her friends seem like a fun bunch, and the DEA agents, while a little skeptic by nature, untrusting by hard lessons, still charming and charismatic, and very much likable characters, I came to care about.
When Logan decided to go with her to Colombia, I thought it would be just fierce action and story over, but I was wrong. They have time to get to know each other for a month in a very intense situation. Olivia's dedication and Logan's willingness to help in any way he can was admirable. They both have been attracted to each other for some time, and now that they have the opportunity to get to know each, those feelings get even deeper. The author doesn't do any instant feelings or actions between them, making it feel real and sincere. And when they finally kiss, it is so amazingly beautiful, a scene worth swooning over.
The action and suspense in the story is creepy. It is one of those scenarios in life, that you hear stories about, and know it does happen for real. The drug cartel targeting Olivia was intimidating and intense. I could feel their eyes on her and her friends, the horrifying possibilities constantly on my mind, making me skin crawl.
Aggressive action, terrifying suspense, delightful and dreamy romance in a well-written story
~ Five Spoons
I enjoyed this story immensely. I liked the setup, the good work Olivia was doing, her desire and willingness to help those in need. Her friends seem like a fun bunch, and the DEA agents, while a little skeptic by nature, untrusting by hard lessons, still charming and charismatic, and very much likable characters, I came to care about.
When Logan decided to go with her to Colombia, I thought it would be just fierce action and story over, but I was wrong. They have time to get to know each other for a month in a very intense situation. Olivia's dedication and Logan's willingness to help in any way he can was admirable. They both have been attracted to each other for some time, and now that they have the opportunity to get to know each, those feelings get even deeper. The author doesn't do any instant feelings or actions between them, making it feel real and sincere. And when they finally kiss, it is so amazingly beautiful, a scene worth swooning over.
The action and suspense in the story is creepy. It is one of those scenarios in life, that you hear stories about, and know it does happen for real. The drug cartel targeting Olivia was intimidating and intense. I could feel their eyes on her and her friends, the horrifying possibilities constantly on my mind, making me skin crawl.
Aggressive action, terrifying suspense, delightful and dreamy romance in a well-written story
~ Five Spoons
July 4, 2016
Dr.Olivia makes it a point every year to South America to help others medically. Unfortunately its caught the attention to a drug cartel who can use her as a drug mule to get thier drugs where they need it to get it from. Fortunately her neighbor Logan shows up and sees her distress and offers her some help, he happens to be a DEA agent who will help her and possibly catch the leader of this cartel.
This was a pretty great romantic suspense. I loved watching the sparks fly between Logan and Olivia. I loved that there was plenty of mystery of who can be working with the cartel and who really is a friend. I loved that there was not only the dual point of view of both main character but of one of the members of the cartel so the readers can get some semblance of what she was doing while Olivia and Logan were distracted. I thought that this book was interesting and there was plenty going on to keep me hooked. I read this book in a matter of hours and I really enjoyed it.
This was a pretty great romantic suspense. I loved watching the sparks fly between Logan and Olivia. I loved that there was plenty of mystery of who can be working with the cartel and who really is a friend. I loved that there was not only the dual point of view of both main character but of one of the members of the cartel so the readers can get some semblance of what she was doing while Olivia and Logan were distracted. I thought that this book was interesting and there was plenty going on to keep me hooked. I read this book in a matter of hours and I really enjoyed it.
June 10, 2016
Where to start? This is a fast, cute, fun read that can be finished by the pool while enjoying the sun or watching kids play. The characters likeable and you want the best for them. The story moves along at a fast pace keeping the readers connected and never getting lost.
You can see where this series is going and I will enjoy reading the next book in the series.
You can see where this series is going and I will enjoy reading the next book in the series.
December 23, 2016
Exciting start to the new series. Olivia is a plastic surgeon who spends a month every year in Columbia, providing medical services to those who need it. Her work has caught the attention of some unsavory people, who want her to transport money and drugs for them. She would like nothing better than to refuse, but they have threatened the lives of her two best friends if she doesn't cooperate.
Logan is her next door neighbor and while taking some misdelivered mail to her realizes that there is something very wrong. As a DEA agent, when he hears about what is happening he knows just what needs to be done. He doesn't expect it to become so personal, so quickly.
I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. As neighbors, they knew each other a little bit, though rarely coming in contact because of their busy career. That doesn't mean they haven't noticed each other in a deeper way, but both have been hurt in the past and are therefore wary. Logan had been betrayed by his fiancee with his best friend, so trust is something that is hard to come by. Olivia's ex had left her after her parents' deaths, unable to deal with and give her the support she needed. She's wary of getting involved with someone who would leave her too.
I liked how Logan was so impressed by Olivia's caring and intelligence, and Olivia by Logan's determination and protectiveness. Being together every day gave them each a chance to really get to know one another. Each day the attraction grew stronger, only adding to the feelings that were growing between them. But there are still challenges to overcome, not the least of which are the threats hanging over Olivia's head.
The entire scenario was actually very easy for me to get lost in. The idea of a drug cartel trying to use a reputable doctor who is known for her good works seemed perfectly plausible to me. Her contact, Carlos, was definitely a scary guy and I understood her fears when dealing with him. Having some sections from his point of view just added to the tension, as the reader becomes aware of things that Logan and Olivia don't know. The tension of everything from the exchange, to them being taken hostage, to their escape, kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I ached for both Olivia and Logan at the end. She had to face her fear of losing him when he was injured so badly. Logan had to face his fears of being betrayed again when one of his coworkers made him doubt Olivia and her motives. The final confrontation brought all of it to the surface. I have to say that I loved how Logan came clean about his doubts and Olivia's way of looking at what happened without going into dramatics. I especially liked that they both learned from it.
I'm really looking forward to Avery and Mallory's stories.
Logan is her next door neighbor and while taking some misdelivered mail to her realizes that there is something very wrong. As a DEA agent, when he hears about what is happening he knows just what needs to be done. He doesn't expect it to become so personal, so quickly.
I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. As neighbors, they knew each other a little bit, though rarely coming in contact because of their busy career. That doesn't mean they haven't noticed each other in a deeper way, but both have been hurt in the past and are therefore wary. Logan had been betrayed by his fiancee with his best friend, so trust is something that is hard to come by. Olivia's ex had left her after her parents' deaths, unable to deal with and give her the support she needed. She's wary of getting involved with someone who would leave her too.
I liked how Logan was so impressed by Olivia's caring and intelligence, and Olivia by Logan's determination and protectiveness. Being together every day gave them each a chance to really get to know one another. Each day the attraction grew stronger, only adding to the feelings that were growing between them. But there are still challenges to overcome, not the least of which are the threats hanging over Olivia's head.
The entire scenario was actually very easy for me to get lost in. The idea of a drug cartel trying to use a reputable doctor who is known for her good works seemed perfectly plausible to me. Her contact, Carlos, was definitely a scary guy and I understood her fears when dealing with him. Having some sections from his point of view just added to the tension, as the reader becomes aware of things that Logan and Olivia don't know. The tension of everything from the exchange, to them being taken hostage, to their escape, kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I ached for both Olivia and Logan at the end. She had to face her fear of losing him when he was injured so badly. Logan had to face his fears of being betrayed again when one of his coworkers made him doubt Olivia and her motives. The final confrontation brought all of it to the surface. I have to say that I loved how Logan came clean about his doubts and Olivia's way of looking at what happened without going into dramatics. I especially liked that they both learned from it.
I'm really looking forward to Avery and Mallory's stories.
March 20, 2024
While it’s been a little while since her last novel, Lara Lacombe was a category romance autobuy from me ever since I read her debut, Deadly Contact, for review back in 2013. When I saw that this month’s TBR Challenge theme was “Not in Kansas anymore”, I figured the opening book in the 2016
Doctors in Danger
trilogy would be the perfect fit.
After all, the heroine in Enticed by the Operative fits the category in more ways than one. Not only are these leads far from home, but they've been thrown into the middle of a criminal operation. The plot centers on plastic surgeon Olivia Sandoval. Dr. Sandoval works at a profitable cosmetic surgery practice, but what she really lives for is the time she spends doing reconstructive surgeries in Colombia.
However, this time around, her trip will be quite different. Shortly before her departure, Olivia is approached by a drug smuggler with an offer she can’t refuse - not if she wants those close to her to stay safe. Olivia will follow this man’s instructions to retrieve and smuggle drugs into the country or her loved ones will pay the price.
Olivia’s neighbor, Logan Murray, is a DEA agent and he quickly figures out that something is going on with Olivia. When she confides in him, Logan seizes the chance both to help her and to hopefully bring down a smuggling operation. The plan involves Logan masquerading as an investor in Olivia’s charity who wants to see the work in action before making a large donation.
In the opening chapters, the author does a good job of setting up both the suspense plot and the romantic chemistry between the leads. After all, we know that Olivia and Logan have been paying attention to each other for a while, and now the excuse to throw them together has finally arisen.
However, as the trip to Colombia is ready to occur, I got jerked right out of the story for the first time.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
After all, the heroine in Enticed by the Operative fits the category in more ways than one. Not only are these leads far from home, but they've been thrown into the middle of a criminal operation. The plot centers on plastic surgeon Olivia Sandoval. Dr. Sandoval works at a profitable cosmetic surgery practice, but what she really lives for is the time she spends doing reconstructive surgeries in Colombia.
However, this time around, her trip will be quite different. Shortly before her departure, Olivia is approached by a drug smuggler with an offer she can’t refuse - not if she wants those close to her to stay safe. Olivia will follow this man’s instructions to retrieve and smuggle drugs into the country or her loved ones will pay the price.
Olivia’s neighbor, Logan Murray, is a DEA agent and he quickly figures out that something is going on with Olivia. When she confides in him, Logan seizes the chance both to help her and to hopefully bring down a smuggling operation. The plan involves Logan masquerading as an investor in Olivia’s charity who wants to see the work in action before making a large donation.
In the opening chapters, the author does a good job of setting up both the suspense plot and the romantic chemistry between the leads. After all, we know that Olivia and Logan have been paying attention to each other for a while, and now the excuse to throw them together has finally arisen.
However, as the trip to Colombia is ready to occur, I got jerked right out of the story for the first time.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
November 1, 2017
This was an excellent book. Olivia is a plastic surgeon. Her favorite part of the year is when she took a month off and went to Columbia. She helped people that really needed her help. She helped children that had cleft palates. She knew she was making a difference. One day in her office Carolos Martinez came to her office with a business proposition. He was in to drug smuggling. Who better to smuggle drugs than a doctor with a good reputation? If she said no, they would kill her friends. Her family died not long ago. Her friends meant everything to her. Carolos Martinez was a cruel man. The second time they meet to talk about it, he slapped her across the face.
Olivia happened to be neighbors with Logan who was a DEA agent. Logan had come over to give her some misdelivered mail. It didn’t take him long to realize something was wrong. He talked to her until Olivia gives in, and tells him everything. He vows to protect.
This was a fast pace book with action, and suspense. They left for Columbia together, sharing a small apartment. The friendship grew stronger, and the chemistry heated up. He helped her at the hospital, while keeping her protected. When everything went wrong it was Olivia that ended up protecting Logan, and saving him. Excellent book!
Olivia happened to be neighbors with Logan who was a DEA agent. Logan had come over to give her some misdelivered mail. It didn’t take him long to realize something was wrong. He talked to her until Olivia gives in, and tells him everything. He vows to protect.
This was a fast pace book with action, and suspense. They left for Columbia together, sharing a small apartment. The friendship grew stronger, and the chemistry heated up. He helped her at the hospital, while keeping her protected. When everything went wrong it was Olivia that ended up protecting Logan, and saving him. Excellent book!
November 29, 2018
Slid into a hot bath with Enticing the Operative last night and ended up refreshing the water a couple of times to permit me to stay warm, and finish the book. I couldn't put it down!
Logan is hot--and honourable. Olivia compassionate--and tough. Their necessitated-fake relationship traverses nicely--believably--the normal expectations of attractive singles forced to live and sleep together. The couple's feelings--as they battle inner demons related to past hurts--mature in a way that feels real, and not forced. I really like how the author didn't tear their clothes off and throw them in bed before developing the relationship enough to make their romantic interlude feel natural. The jungle setting and drug cartel danger amped up the emotion, and the intrigue. A must-read for readers of Romantic Suspense!
Logan is hot--and honourable. Olivia compassionate--and tough. Their necessitated-fake relationship traverses nicely--believably--the normal expectations of attractive singles forced to live and sleep together. The couple's feelings--as they battle inner demons related to past hurts--mature in a way that feels real, and not forced. I really like how the author didn't tear their clothes off and throw them in bed before developing the relationship enough to make their romantic interlude feel natural. The jungle setting and drug cartel danger amped up the emotion, and the intrigue. A must-read for readers of Romantic Suspense!
June 17, 2018
A well-written, clean romance suspended within the deep, dark, dirty reality of the barter and trade of mankind and its reputed civilizations (sarcasm and cheekiness intended based upon the derivation of what it means to be "civil".)
Want to read
February 28, 2017I thought this was a good book .
December 26, 2016
Every year Dr. Olivia travels South America to provide medical services to the locals but this year her trip is side tracked when she's threatened and intimidated into helping with the drug trade. She's able to fight back from the beginning when her sexy next door neighbor, Logan the DEA agent, stumbles on her almost immediately and is able to hatch a plan that includes him joining her on her trip to protect her. And then help her bring down a cartel. Fast, fun, sexy story about a determined doctor who wants to save her patients and the sexy agent who helps her. Great read!
Read
July 14, 2016"Logan and Olivia are appealing and their romance will hook readers in" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Doctors in Danger
Miniseries: Doctors in Danger
July 30, 2016
very good, really liked the story
August 10, 2016
I am not a big fan. The DEA agent isn't the top notch agent you would expect, although they are just as human as the next person. I expected more from the story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews