Lethal

by Tara L. Ames

Jenn is the living embodiment of Cade’s past.
His neighbor, his friend… his partner in grief when they both lost their parents to 9/11.
He looks forward to their yearly reunion to commemorate that day as much as he dreads it.
Jenn’s sweet and smart, hot and sexy, the light at the end of his tunnel… a lethal mixture that threatens his resolve to keep his hands off her… but he must.
He knows his darkness is too much to ask her to bear.

Cade is the future Jenn dreams of.
He calls her family, all he has left, but she knows she can be so much more.
It’s been years since she kissed him, but she can’t forget how right it felt.
He’s her kryptonite, her weakness... she has loved him since she was five years old.
The SEAL in him says he’s protecting her by guarding his heart.
But when the unthinkable happens, only Cade can save her… even if it costs him everything.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara L. Ames is a Michigan native with a penchant for creating highly sensual empowered stories about brave men and strong-willed women. She’s the author of Heroes Homeward Bound Series and other award-winning novels, novellas and anthologies. Now living in Florida, she writes every day in between taking care of her family, reading and enjoying the sun. Qigong/Tai Chi/Sudoku are her three biggest addictions besides chocolate.

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Reviews

[Sarah Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: Lethal
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: Tara L. Ames
TROPE: contemporary romance
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 4.0 Stars

I really enjoyed this friends to lover’s romance. Both Cade and Jenn have been through so much together and they’re relied on each other through tough times. The pair both suffered through the loss of their parents in 9/11. They have a shared traumatic experience that binds them together. I love how the author was respectful of the subject matter that she was writing about. There were moments where I thought that Cade and Jenn would finally realize they belong together but they’re journey wasn’t easy. There were moments where I was wondering whether Cade would finally get it together and realize what he was missing out on.

The author does a great job at building up their relationship and taking you on this journey. All good things come to those that wait. I would recommend checking out this book.

I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. Cade and Jenn had been friends for pretty much their whole lives. They both suffered through the loss of their parents due to 9/11. All they had was each other. Jenn has wanted more from Cade for a long time but he only sees Jenn as a sister.

Until one night they finally share a passionate kiss and Jenn finally thinks Cade sees her as a woman. Then he pushes her away yet again. Eight years go by and there is little contact with each other, mainly due to Cade.

But when they see each other again, Cade doesn’t think he can walk away. Then one night something happens and Cade truly feels that Jenn would be safer and better off without him. But what happens when Cade’s next mission is to save Jenn? Can he still walk away when she’s safe again?

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Salvation Society books have done a real number on my emotions. I have gone through a plethora of them but I love them all. Jenn and Cade have gone through so much together and could be so much more but Cade keeps fighting it. I loved how Jenn knew what she wanted and didn't let him escape. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and their chemistry kept me reading.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Ames is a new-to-me-author and after reading Lethal, her contribution to Corinne Michaels' Salvation Society World, it will definitely not be the last! Jennifer Rollins and Cade O'Leary have known each other since they were kids, and have been the best of friends their whole lives. There is intense heat and chemistry behind the "friends" wall each have built to protect themselves. Tragedy strikes when they lose both sets of parents in the 9/11 attacks and when Cade becomes a SEAL, their contact is sporadic, to say the least. While Jenn acknowledges her true feelings, at least to herself, Cade has kept a tight leash on any non-friendly emotions he has toward Jenn, not wanting to jeopardize his relationship with the only "family" he has left...until circumstances (and Jenn) force the issue. The fallout has Jenn heart-broken and inconsolable and I wanted to shake some sense into a certain hard-headed, HAWT, but messed up Navy SEAL!

Then stuff REALLY hits the fan!

Ms. Ames has delivered a well-written, romantic and suspenseful roller coaster ride of a love story with ALL the feels! It was great seeing a few of the old Salvation series gang, namely Mark and Charlie. I strongly recommend this one and will be checking out the rest of Ms. Ames catalogue ASAP!

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense
- Friends to Lovers
- 9/11 Survivors (CW: Discussion about 9/11)
- Salvation Series connection is Mark and Charlie


Video review available in Week 18: May 2 – May 8, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Amanda Lofink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in Advanced Readers Copy for my honest and truthful review. Lethal is heartbreakingly beautiful, tragic, and suspenseful. Unable to put it down I was sitting on edge following Cade and Jenn through heartbreak and forgiveness. Watching them grow and divide. Through one experience after another I couldn’t get enough. I absolutely recommend this book to readers of second chances and of those who enjoy couples who together can overcome and persevere.

[Amy Judkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I am extremely impressed with the interaction between Jenn and Cade. They seem like their differences may be too much to overcome, and yet they both share the same loss.
This is one of the first books that I have read that incorporates the tragedy of 9/11. I was concerned about how it could be written in with respect of something so terrible, and yet it worked. Great job Author Tara L. Ames! I most definitely read more from you!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cade is everything I look for in a hero, protective, loyal, a little bit broken and trying to save Jenn from himself. I love Jenn for her caring, her tenderness, her bravery and her surety that Cade is her future, her home, her sanity. This emotional story is well written and meaningful. Seeing Cade grow and stretch is my favorite part of this book. The action, the suspense pushes you into their lives deeper and deeper.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by Tara that I’ve read. And I loved it! Jenn and Cade were burning up the sheets, once Cade finally got his head out of his @$$. Then, bad stuff happens, and he has to rescue her. But Jenn also doesn’t go down without a fight, because she’s wicked smart and has listened when Cade gave her advice in the past. After some more twisty turns, (I was like whoa!) They do get their HEA. As far as they go as characters, they had chemistry that I could feel. I wanted to knock some sense into Cade more than once, but he came through when it mattered most.

[Lisa Nascimento · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Tara Ames & I definitely will be reading more of her books!! I am a sucker for Military reads...
Cade always had Jenns six...she was the only woman he ever loved....I was glad he finally got his head out of his ass. Jenn always stood her ground & was a strong woman!! Cade & Jenn ♥️ From losing both their parents on 9/11 to having their own little family...

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing story. I read this in one go as I couldn't get enough of them. I was hooked. The storyline was incredible and had some twists along the way that I totally wasn't expecting but were oh so good. The characters were fantastic and I absolutely loved them. Incredible read.

[Chele · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT story, great characters. Perfect pacing.
Jenn and Cade, each trying to make the world a better place in their own way.
Greed and intrigue endanger not only them but the world. Can they make it through the ordeal? Will they get a happily ever after?
5 Stars and I recommend this book to everyone.

[Dena Akbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a really good book and It is really interesting.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade & Jenn have known each other since they were kids as friends & neighbors, and even when both of them lost their parents to 9/11. She has a secret thing for him, but after attending an anniversary of their parents deaths, they end up kissing but he ends up panicking so a coward is born as he runs away as fast as possible. It totally messes with their friendship because while she just wants him to be safe & happy, he can't seem to be there for her. It's many years later when she's at a medical conference where he'll vacation at so she decides to surprise him, and he's still up to his old tricks but finally decides that he wants her more than his fear so they end up heating up the sheets a lot until he panics again so off he runs (and YAY SHE'S DONE). Jenn is a genius so she's been working on something big which gets her kidnapped, and guess who is the man to rescue her, that's right, the flight risk. Tara L. Ames is a new to me author, and I certainly couldn't put Lethal down despite being so pissed off at Cade for his fearful flight tendencies because her writing style is very addictive. The suspense was worth more than 5 stars while Cade wasn't so it all evened out to 5 stars for me LOL! Anyway, you really don't want to skip reading this one to find out if Cade becomes the hero we all want! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara has you sitting on the edge of your seat with Lethal. This story is full of heartbreak, PTSD, and true love.
Jenn and Cade both lost both of their parents on 9/11. They grew up together and eventually went their own ways.

Jenn is an exceptionally intelligent young lady that knew she wanted to be a Dr. that would do great things. She spent her life trying to find cure and new vaccines. While growing up she always had Cade in her heart and on her mind. Will she ever get to tell him that she truly loves him?

Cade joined the military right out of high school and then became a Navy Seal. He has spent years fighting for his country and trying to forget about Jenn. He has always loved her but never acted on it because he felt he was no good for her.

Over the years they did act upon their feelings but it always ended with Jenn's heart shattered in a million pieces. Why did Cade break her heart? Will he ever feel he is right for her? Will Jenn forgive him to let him back in? After a couple of tragic events will they decide to give in and start a relationship? What could her job have to do with them coming together again?

Tara does an amazing job of getting a gold of your emotions and plays with them. Her writing is so detailed that you feel every emotion that Jenn and Cade feel. This is the first book of her's that I have read but not the last.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal story , wonderful characters , lots of steamy moments , off the charts chemistry. This is a book that will grab onto you from the very first chapter , and having you feeling so many different emotions at once . I found myself falling for Jenn and Kade so quickly . Cade And Jenn have known each other since they were kids , as both friends and neighbors .something tragic happens , that affects their relationship in a way that pretty much ends it . Jenn has always had more then innocent feeling for Cade . 10 years go by without any contact ( mostly due to Cade distancing himself because of emotions he is to afraid to face . Will they be able to work though all the heartache and obstacles from the past ? Wow what a wonderful And emotional book . There were moments I caught myself crying and others I was rooting for them . This really is a book you need to experience for yourself

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal by Tara L. Ames

I really loved this friends to lovers story about Cade and Jennifer both sharing the loss of parents from the 9/11 attacks. They meet every year at their graves except this year when maybe Cade will finally see her more than just a girl. Only Cade is now a Navy SEAL and Jenn is now a MD working on a vaccine for deadly viruses. When he declines to be her first lover they part friends until 8 years later when their paths cross again when Cade rescues her boss Dr. Hastings how would he know that because of that rescue Jenn would enter his life again? Can they hold off the attraction that they both know could be their HEA or will he walk away again? When Cade must rescue Jenn this time being held hostage by rebels for her vaccine can he get there in time before time runs out? Will a traitor be found in time?

[Ciara Eashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. The action, the love, the realness....it was awesome!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The story has pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.

This is Jenn and Cade’s story. They have been friends forever. They have been there for each other through a lot. The loss of both their parents from 9/11 and still they have remained friends. They both want more but he deemed himself unworthy of her and her love. She is about to push him on that belief. The pull has always been there between them. There is also danger coming can they fight the danger?

[Erika Caffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. Cade and Jenn were an emotional fire storm. They have known each other there whole lives, care and loved one another without the other one knowing. Cade was always Jenn's protector, looked out for her and kept her safe. As they got older there feelings changed and Jenn was ready for more, but Cade was broken and thought he couldn't give her what she wanted. One night he gave in and there was no going back. However the morning after Cade walks away thinking it is for the better. Years later they still can't forget each other and find there way back to each other.

With the state of the world today, the story line was just spot on. It felt like present day. Loved how the salvation characters were incorporated into the story. The emotion that the author brings out in this book between Cade and Jenn just sucks you right in. Loved everything about this book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for me to read during the weekend of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 (2001). Cade and Jenn shared a loving childhood with loving parents and then shared the horrors of 9/11, loosing both sets of parents. Their adult lives were the complete opposite, barely seeing each over the years, in person or by electronic means. I loved that as children, they had set out to save the world, and as adults, they were both doing just that. At times I struggled with the tug and pull of their emotions and my best way to describe is to:
Self proclaim the official theme song to "LETHAL" to be:
REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling"
"I can't fight this feeling anymore, I've forgotten what I started fighting for....."

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenn has been friends with Cade since they were children, and they share a tragic event that changed both their lives. Her feelings for him run much deeper but each time she has hope that they could finally be together she is left devastated and has decided that she must put that dream to rest.

Cade has always loved Jenn but he wasn’t about to risk his relationship with the most important person in his life. When her life takes a turn will he realize that the reward of being with her is worth the risk before it is too late?

Jenn and Cade are meant to be together, but they take us on a suspenseful and emotional journey before they realize it as well.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo.... I really wanted to love this one....
I read each word until around the 20% mark and I simply had to start skipping around until I finished the story. I couldn’t get into it. Cade just didn’t do anything for me. In fact, I wanted to punch him several times... *sigh*

[Sherrie Westover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal: A Salvation Society Novel

I can't get enough of this series of books!!!! Love Mark and Charlie in every one I've read. Cade and Jenn are another perfect pairing gone right.

Can't wait to find the next one to read

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I could not put this book down! Having read the teaser I was wondering how soon into the book Jenn would find herself in danger. I did have to wait a bit, but I enjoyed the build up to that part of the story. Also, I should say when that part did happen, I was caught off guard a bit for who was all involved. But once I thought on it, it just made sense in a way. There was so much action in this book. And the wondering of how it was all going to play out. I mean, it's a romance novel, so I knew an HEA was going to happen, but still. Speaking of the romance, it is totally there, and quite steamy. Yes, there were times where I found myself getting a bit annoyed by Cade, but I get why he acted how he did.

I absolutely loved Lethal, and cannot wait to read more by Tara L. Ames.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal is just that a lethal story of love, lust, loss, and partnership. Jenna and Cade's lives have been intertwined for years with their parent's friends and they both have been lost on one of the most tragic days in America. Jenna has always loved Cade, but Cade being a man know's he's not good enough. They try to stay friendly, but for Jenna, that's just not happening. Years later Cade is back and about to come face-to-face with the one woman his heart desires. Now they have to fight to save one another and others. Sometimes fate has other plans and for these two they are about to find out how strong their bond is. This will for sure be lethal to your heart and nerves.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cade and Jenn'a story.
To say these two have history is an understatement and while they might be like family, the chemistry and the feelings are there..but one of them wants to pursue them, while the other only wants to resist.
There is a lot happening and I was completely focused on the story..let's say they deserve their HEA

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Salvation Society series
Love that bond that Jennifer & Cade share as friends that lost both parents in 9/11
It is kind of crazy thinking about how this was 20 yrs ago this year.
I love their story so good. So many feels.