What do you think?
Rate this book
Lucas & Ava #1
An Unlikely Deal
Lucas
When Ava Huss, the only woman I ever loved, left without a word after my horrific motorcycle crash, I didn't pursue her. The crash left me broken, and the ensuing two years have been hell. My billions can't make up for what's wrong with me. My body is deadened to the world, and the only thing I crave--with increasing desperation--is her.
When I receive an anonymous tip about her location, I go after her, knowing an explosive confrontation is the only thing that can thaw the ice inside me.
Ava
I walked away from the love of my life, Lucas Reed, two years ago because I learned I'd been nothing but a toy to him--a temporary playmate to provide some cheap thrills. I've rebuilt my life since then, and I've been happy...until Lucas shows up again.
He acts as though I've wronged him. He demands payback.
I'm not letting him get to me, not this time, and not like this. I survived one heartbreak, but I won't survive a second...
When Ava Huss, the only woman I ever loved, left without a word after my horrific motorcycle crash, I didn't pursue her. The crash left me broken, and the ensuing two years have been hell. My billions can't make up for what's wrong with me. My body is deadened to the world, and the only thing I crave--with increasing desperation--is her.
When I receive an anonymous tip about her location, I go after her, knowing an explosive confrontation is the only thing that can thaw the ice inside me.
Ava
I walked away from the love of my life, Lucas Reed, two years ago because I learned I'd been nothing but a toy to him--a temporary playmate to provide some cheap thrills. I've rebuilt my life since then, and I've been happy...until Lucas shows up again.
He acts as though I've wronged him. He demands payback.
I'm not letting him get to me, not this time, and not like this. I survived one heartbreak, but I won't survive a second...
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2017
1447 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Nadia Lee
74 books2,781 followersBilingual former management consultant Nadia Lee has lived in four different countries and enjoyed many adventures and excellent food around the globe. In the last eight years, she has kissed stingrays, got bitten by a shark, and petted tigers.
She shares an apartment overlooking a river and palm trees in Japan with her husband, winter white hamsters and an ever-widening pile of books. When she's not writing, she can be found digging through old Asian historical texts or planning another trip.
Visit Nadia on her website or her blog. You can also say hello on Facebook or Twitter.
She shares an apartment overlooking a river and palm trees in Japan with her husband, winter white hamsters and an ever-widening pile of books. When she's not writing, she can be found digging through old Asian historical texts or planning another trip.
Visit Nadia on her website or her blog. You can also say hello on Facebook or Twitter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 13, 2019
WOW, I've never hated a female MC as much as I hate Ava. She better redeem herself in the next book.
April 10, 2019
I liked that this was safe. Both MCs were . However, the MCs drove me crazy with their assumptions and insecurities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
3.75 Stars. If I was reviewing this book solely on the heroine, I would give it one star. Ava leaves Lucas without a word, while he is the hospital for after terrible an accident. She does this based on what his half-brother says to her in the waiting room. The brother obviously would have been under distress and worried about his baby brother, Lucas, whom was brought into the emergency department on a stretcher. Than Ava has someone drop off a box at the hospital filled with all the tokens of love Lucas has given to her. What kind of person does that to a guy recovering from surgery? Then she runs away while hiding a huge secret from Lucas. Now, I know Lucas isn’t perfect and was under-handed getting Ava’s attention, but I find him likable. There is something so enduring about the guy. Plus, when they finally reunited, she still is keeping a secret and then turns on him again, without giving him a chance to explain the situation. Honesty, she doesn’t deserve a third chance with him.
This book stands out from the others in this Series, as the author includes flashbacks. The readers get a glimpse into Lucas and Ava as children. Neither of them came from loving homes. Their unhealthy relationships with selfish parents has certainly left doubts in both of them. They both don’t feel they are worthy of love. I sure hope in the next book Ava does something to make me believe she does deserve his love.
This book stands out from the others in this Series, as the author includes flashbacks. The readers get a glimpse into Lucas and Ava as children. Neither of them came from loving homes. Their unhealthy relationships with selfish parents has certainly left doubts in both of them. They both don’t feel they are worthy of love. I sure hope in the next book Ava does something to make me believe she does deserve his love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2020
Not liking poor old Lucas at all. He's needed therapy. Ava is an asshole too. Her relationship to MIA.
June 18, 2017
With this being my first novel by this author, I went into reading this journey of Ava Huss and Lucas Reed with an open mind. Unfortunately, the story ends with a cliffhanger and their are so many supporting characters from the previous books that it makes your head swim.
Ava and Lucas engaged in a brief relationship two years prior to the story actually beginning. After a horrible motorcycle accident leaves Lucas scarred, Ava leaves him. Lucas believes that she leaves due to his physical scars and her thinking he is 'damaged goods', but she actually leaves due to her belief that Lucas has been toying with her their entire relationship ... Both of them are WRONG!
When Lucas receives an anonymous letter about Ava' s whereabouts, he goes after her wanting to confront her, but the chemistry they had two years prior is still there and neither can deny it. Unfortunately, they are not a perfect couple, but both are emotionally scarred from less than ideal parent relationships that have left these two unprepared on how to deal with the issues they currently face... HENCE THE CLIFFHANGER! (Excuse me for screaming, but I hate cliffhangers😔)
If you don't mind cliffhangers, love a second chance romance, and love reading about emotionally dysfunctional characters that have to work through things to find not only love but heal themselves, I recommend this book to you, but just know they get a second book.
** I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
Ava and Lucas engaged in a brief relationship two years prior to the story actually beginning. After a horrible motorcycle accident leaves Lucas scarred, Ava leaves him. Lucas believes that she leaves due to his physical scars and her thinking he is 'damaged goods', but she actually leaves due to her belief that Lucas has been toying with her their entire relationship ... Both of them are WRONG!
When Lucas receives an anonymous letter about Ava' s whereabouts, he goes after her wanting to confront her, but the chemistry they had two years prior is still there and neither can deny it. Unfortunately, they are not a perfect couple, but both are emotionally scarred from less than ideal parent relationships that have left these two unprepared on how to deal with the issues they currently face... HENCE THE CLIFFHANGER! (Excuse me for screaming, but I hate cliffhangers😔)
If you don't mind cliffhangers, love a second chance romance, and love reading about emotionally dysfunctional characters that have to work through things to find not only love but heal themselves, I recommend this book to you, but just know they get a second book.
** I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
June 18, 2017
Ava Huss grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She dated Lucas Reed but felt as though she was a secret to him and not good enough.
Lucas Reed was devastated when Ava left him at his lowest point after a motorcycle crash left him in the hospital and with many scars. When Lucas tracks Ava down in Thailand he tells Ava that she took something from him and she freaks out.
When it is clear that Lucas wants a second chance with Ava will she allow him in and will the secrets of the past come back to haunt both of them?
This was the first time I have read this author and it will not be my last.
I liked both Ava and Lucas but at times I was so frustrated with both for not opening up their pasts as every time you think that they are moving forward something seemed to happen to push them back again.
Lucas truly loved Ava and had no clue on why she left him at the hospital. When the reader begins to learn about Ava's past things become more clear but she needs to know that Lucas is not her father and it's not fair to presume that he will do the same things that happened to her mom. Lucas wanted to do whatever it took to get Ava back but she was not as ready as he was.
I was so mad at Ava when it came to the pot. Lucas was so open and honest and he definitely did not deserve to be treated that way, especially when she is holding back a huge secret from him!
It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in the next book!
Lucas Reed was devastated when Ava left him at his lowest point after a motorcycle crash left him in the hospital and with many scars. When Lucas tracks Ava down in Thailand he tells Ava that she took something from him and she freaks out.
When it is clear that Lucas wants a second chance with Ava will she allow him in and will the secrets of the past come back to haunt both of them?
This was the first time I have read this author and it will not be my last.
I liked both Ava and Lucas but at times I was so frustrated with both for not opening up their pasts as every time you think that they are moving forward something seemed to happen to push them back again.
Lucas truly loved Ava and had no clue on why she left him at the hospital. When the reader begins to learn about Ava's past things become more clear but she needs to know that Lucas is not her father and it's not fair to presume that he will do the same things that happened to her mom. Lucas wanted to do whatever it took to get Ava back but she was not as ready as he was.
I was so mad at Ava when it came to the pot. Lucas was so open and honest and he definitely did not deserve to be treated that way, especially when she is holding back a huge secret from him!
It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in the next book!
June 22, 2017
Nadia Lee is new to me and An Unlikely Deal caught my attention when I read the blurb about the book. I knew I would be intrigued but this kept me in suspense. I had to know the reason behind our heroine leaving our hero so abruptly after he suffered a horrible motorcycle accident. I had to know why our hero was so obsessed in finding her two years later.
There are misunderstandings, false assumptions and secrets that need to be worked out. Lucas is rich and handsome but no amount of money can give him the happiness that Ava brought to him. Can he find her and ultimately forgive her for leaving him when he needed her the most? Ava has been successful in running from the man who just used her. No matter how happy he made her, she knows there’s no going back to him.
We won’t find all our answers in this book and you’ll want to know the new questions that arise.
By the way, ending will leave you with a cliffy.
Loved the development of the characters and the broken emotions they showed. Do yourself a favor and grab this new novel with angst and go ahead and grab book two because you will want to know more.
There are misunderstandings, false assumptions and secrets that need to be worked out. Lucas is rich and handsome but no amount of money can give him the happiness that Ava brought to him. Can he find her and ultimately forgive her for leaving him when he needed her the most? Ava has been successful in running from the man who just used her. No matter how happy he made her, she knows there’s no going back to him.
We won’t find all our answers in this book and you’ll want to know the new questions that arise.
By the way, ending will leave you with a cliffy.
Loved the development of the characters and the broken emotions they showed. Do yourself a favor and grab this new novel with angst and go ahead and grab book two because you will want to know more.
August 8, 2017
I am soooo in LOVE with Lucas!!!! He is just one of those characters you can't help but LOVE!!!!!
Ava is kinda of making me mad at the end of the book, though. She is torturing Lucas over keeping secrets; when she has a monstrous of a secret that she hasn't told Lucas yet. I kinda feel like that is the pot calling the kettle black. I also, can see why she has these hang ups but I just want her to see that Lucas is just so in love with her but she can't get out of her on head.
This is a really good book. I loved reading it. When I found this series I really wanted to skip all the books to read this one. It really got my attention when I read the overview. I had to fight myself at every turn not to just skip and go straight to this one. It was totally worth the wait. I absolutely love this book. I do believe it is the best one in this series! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Ava is kinda of making me mad at the end of the book, though. She is torturing Lucas over keeping secrets; when she has a monstrous of a secret that she hasn't told Lucas yet. I kinda feel like that is the pot calling the kettle black. I also, can see why she has these hang ups but I just want her to see that Lucas is just so in love with her but she can't get out of her on head.
This is a really good book. I loved reading it. When I found this series I really wanted to skip all the books to read this one. It really got my attention when I read the overview. I had to fight myself at every turn not to just skip and go straight to this one. It was totally worth the wait. I absolutely love this book. I do believe it is the best one in this series! I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 12, 2017
Ahhh it was sweet!
I loved loved loved Lucas 😍
And I hated Ava with the heat of a thousand suns! 😤
I hate it when a person would just not let go of their habitual BS and torment the other person no matter how hard they are trying! I am actually pretty pissed off and would like to hit Ava a few times!
I was loving both of the characters so much because they suffered and two damaged souls found each other and connected but NO! She had to be the hateful heroine that makes me wanna ...
I loved loved loved Lucas 😍
And I hated Ava with the heat of a thousand suns! 😤
I hate it when a person would just not let go of their habitual BS and torment the other person no matter how hard they are trying! I am actually pretty pissed off and would like to hit Ava a few times!
I was loving both of the characters so much because they suffered and two damaged souls found each other and connected but NO! She had to be the hateful heroine that makes me wanna ...
July 27, 2020
Wow!!!!!! Gutted.
This book slayed me wth the ending. Actually the entire book was heartwrenching.
Lucas & Ava both come from such different socioeconomic backgrounds but were both crushed by their parents. Lucas, although brought up with wealth and privilege, was crushed by his mother's indifference and cruelty to him and favoritism of his twin. Ava was crushed by poverty, by her mother's belief that if she had been a boy things would've been different and by her father's betrayal of their family. Just when hope springs for this couple a media scandal breaks about Lucas's family. I have a feeling though that when Ava's secrets are revealed things will get much darker for this couple.
Thanks for making it available in KU. JP
This book slayed me wth the ending. Actually the entire book was heartwrenching.
Lucas & Ava both come from such different socioeconomic backgrounds but were both crushed by their parents. Lucas, although brought up with wealth and privilege, was crushed by his mother's indifference and cruelty to him and favoritism of his twin. Ava was crushed by poverty, by her mother's belief that if she had been a boy things would've been different and by her father's betrayal of their family. Just when hope springs for this couple a media scandal breaks about Lucas's family. I have a feeling though that when Ava's secrets are revealed things will get much darker for this couple.
Thanks for making it available in KU. JP
May 31, 2017
This is the first story by this author that I have read however it won't be the last!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced second chance romance. The characters are so easy to relate to and empathise with as you get invested in the story.
Ava and Lucas have a brief relationship two years prior, now Lucas locates Ava and wrangles his way back into his life.
I have to admit there are times when I could have shaken some of the characters to try to wake them up! 😂 However there wouldn't be much of a story line without the angst.
I look forward to reading part 2.. yes it's a cliffhanger!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced second chance romance. The characters are so easy to relate to and empathise with as you get invested in the story.
Ava and Lucas have a brief relationship two years prior, now Lucas locates Ava and wrangles his way back into his life.
I have to admit there are times when I could have shaken some of the characters to try to wake them up! 😂 However there wouldn't be much of a story line without the angst.
I look forward to reading part 2.. yes it's a cliffhanger!
June 15, 2017
This is the first story by this author that I have read however it won't be the last!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced second chance romance. The characters are so easy to relate to and empathise with as you get invested in the story.
Ava and Lucas have a brief relationship two years prior, now Lucas locates Ava and wrangles his way back into his life.
I have to admit there are times when I could have shaken some of the characters to try to wake them up! 😂 However, there wouldn't be much of a story line without the angst.
I look forward to reading part 2.. yes it's a cliffhanger!
Reviewed by Robyn
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced second chance romance. The characters are so easy to relate to and empathise with as you get invested in the story.
Ava and Lucas have a brief relationship two years prior, now Lucas locates Ava and wrangles his way back into his life.
I have to admit there are times when I could have shaken some of the characters to try to wake them up! 😂 However, there wouldn't be much of a story line without the angst.
I look forward to reading part 2.. yes it's a cliffhanger!
Reviewed by Robyn
June 8, 2017
This is a story of second chances. Lucas and Ava have history filled with loss and sadness. Both having had traumatic childhoods they've let their insecurities rule over their hearts.
Having been apart for two years after a serious misunderstanding Lucas decides it time to find Ava again. He's very determined but he's up against it, Ava is deeply hurt and is really holding on to past feelings.
It's a complex story and does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you've got part two loaded and ready to start.
Having been apart for two years after a serious misunderstanding Lucas decides it time to find Ava again. He's very determined but he's up against it, Ava is deeply hurt and is really holding on to past feelings.
It's a complex story and does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you've got part two loaded and ready to start.
March 26, 2017
I really would've rated this as 4 stars if it wasn't for the cliffhanger (which i didn't know about)!
I always liked books from this author. BUT i am so damn irritated because now she started doing her stories in 2 books! I reaaaally hate that! You want to earn more money just charge more for a full story don't do that BS move and split it over 2 books! It's not like you are writing a Harry Potter style story story. This plot really doesn't merit 2 short books! If i'd known that this ends on a cliffhanger i wouldn't have started reading it....not until the second book is out.
I always liked books from this author. BUT i am so damn irritated because now she started doing her stories in 2 books! I reaaaally hate that! You want to earn more money just charge more for a full story don't do that BS move and split it over 2 books! It's not like you are writing a Harry Potter style story story. This plot really doesn't merit 2 short books! If i'd known that this ends on a cliffhanger i wouldn't have started reading it....not until the second book is out.
May 23, 2017
Love thru misunderstanding.
Lucas has been dealt an unfortunate hand in life. And the one person he expected to stay by his side, didn't. Ava believes she was cast aside because she wasn't anything more than a common girl and nothing more. Ava flees to the other side of the world until Lucas finds her to bring her home. While they both still have secrets; can a relationship last?
Excellent read that will keep you wanting more. I can't wait for more of this series.
Lucas has been dealt an unfortunate hand in life. And the one person he expected to stay by his side, didn't. Ava believes she was cast aside because she wasn't anything more than a common girl and nothing more. Ava flees to the other side of the world until Lucas finds her to bring her home. While they both still have secrets; can a relationship last?
Excellent read that will keep you wanting more. I can't wait for more of this series.
April 15, 2021
Lucas was a cutie. His fears made me wanna give him a hug. I also wanted to bitch-slap Ava. I MEAN DUDE. WTF. IF U WANNA GET IN A RELATIONSHIP, FUCKING LISTEN TO HIM INSTEAD OF DRIVING HIM AWAY AND INADVERTENTLY OPENING HIS WOUNDS. And bitch, its not like shes an angel. She hid her pregnancy and subsequent CHILD from him, thats kind of a big deal. She didn't trust him two years ago, she doesn't trust him now to listen to him and she believes whatever for no FUCKING REASON. God I HATED her.
May 21, 2017
This book will have you wanting more!
Lucas and Ava are so hot together! Who doesn't love a second chance romance! Ava has her reasons and secrets for leaving the relationship the first time and Lucas is determined to find out. They have so much sexiness and passion, this book could have went up in flames! Awesome read!!!
Lucas and Ava are so hot together! Who doesn't love a second chance romance! Ava has her reasons and secrets for leaving the relationship the first time and Lucas is determined to find out. They have so much sexiness and passion, this book could have went up in flames! Awesome read!!!
June 14, 2017
Lucas and Ava have a history of loss, and misunderstanding, and after 2 years separation Lucas is determined to get Ava back. This storyline is well written with complex and intriguing characters. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Warning though; this does end in a cliffy! Cannot wait to read the next book and find out if Lucas and Ave end up having a HEA.
Warning though; this does end in a cliffy! Cannot wait to read the next book and find out if Lucas and Ave end up having a HEA.
June 2, 2018
This
Haven’t been getting more than a few hours of sleep for about a week now because I’m consumed by this series, been trying to slow down so I have something to read while I wait for the last book on Elizabeth to come out but lord is hard if I continue reading like this I’m not gonna make it 😂
Haven’t been getting more than a few hours of sleep for about a week now because I’m consumed by this series, been trying to slow down so I have something to read while I wait for the last book on Elizabeth to come out but lord is hard if I continue reading like this I’m not gonna make it 😂
April 5, 2020
I love this series. We’ve seen how toxic Lucas’ father is. In this book, we see insights of how despicable and toxic his mother was and how her perception ruined his self worth. Ava had a similar toxic childhood. They fell apart two years ago? What was Blake’s motivation for that? They come together. Serendipity lost all too soon. Part two looks to be spectacular.
March 18, 2021
Loving Lucas
I’m loving Lucas but definitely not a fan of Ava, regardless of what she has been through. She is withholding serious info from Lucas, yet is mad he didn’t say anything about the deal with his dad...pot meet kettle. Lucas’s mom really did a number on him emotionally and I hope things work out for him. I do believe he’s my favorite so far!
I’m loving Lucas but definitely not a fan of Ava, regardless of what she has been through. She is withholding serious info from Lucas, yet is mad he didn’t say anything about the deal with his dad...pot meet kettle. Lucas’s mom really did a number on him emotionally and I hope things work out for him. I do believe he’s my favorite so far!
March 22, 2017
Makes You Excited for More
Lucas and Ava's story is very intense. Two years before they were in a relationship but she left him just after he had a horrific accident. He thought she didn't want damaged goods but she thought he was just toying with her. They both thought wrong. He wants her back but will it be any better than before? Will they finally have an HEA? Enjoyed this tremendously and can't wait for the second d book!
Lucas and Ava's story is very intense. Two years before they were in a relationship but she left him just after he had a horrific accident. He thought she didn't want damaged goods but she thought he was just toying with her. They both thought wrong. He wants her back but will it be any better than before? Will they finally have an HEA? Enjoyed this tremendously and can't wait for the second d book!
May 12, 2019
CLIFFHANGER book 1 of 2
Jeez!! This is heartbreaking and the end just about gutted me. I feel so much for Lucas. The poor little boy and the scarred man. Ava is almost as bad. Communication people!!! Drives me crazy but the story wouldn’t be what is is if it had it. Great story so far!
Jeez!! This is heartbreaking and the end just about gutted me. I feel so much for Lucas. The poor little boy and the scarred man. Ava is almost as bad. Communication people!!! Drives me crazy but the story wouldn’t be what is is if it had it. Great story so far!
May 16, 2020
Both characters have so much going on. It’s a little difficult to get past it to read the story. That being said, the characters pasts and how they relate to their current relationships was very well planned and thought out. I also very much loved the connection to the other books Nadia’s written.
July 3, 2020
I hsve enjoyed this author & series. I love Lucas but I do not think I have ever disliked a Heroine as much as I did Ava. Not really sure I want to read the next book. I am still curious to read Blake and Elizabeth's stories.
July 25, 2020
Great Read
Another Great read by Nadia Lee, looking forward to reading the next one. Lucas an Ava have a lot of baggage to get through hopefully it brings them together in the next one.
Another Great read by Nadia Lee, looking forward to reading the next one. Lucas an Ava have a lot of baggage to get through hopefully it brings them together in the next one.
January 4, 2021
Calling the kettle
Another chance was all he was asking for but she claimed he lied. Talk about calling the kettle black. She has kept a secret from him bigger than anything. Onto the next book where hopefully her truth cones out.
Another chance was all he was asking for but she claimed he lied. Talk about calling the kettle black. She has kept a secret from him bigger than anything. Onto the next book where hopefully her truth cones out.
March 19, 2021
I've been reading this series and so far it's been enjoyable. However, this book isn't so good. Lucas and Ava are just not engaging. They are so hot and cold, especially Ava. I'm going to continue with the series so I hope their story gets better.
September 19, 2018
tough life on softy!!!
September 13, 2019
Struggled with this one, and I’m planning a break from this series. Might come back to it, might not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews