Lucky Like Us: A Romantic Suspense Novel (The Hunted, 2)

- SPOILER ALERT!!! -- SPOILER ALERT!!! -I actually ended up liking "Lucky Like Us" more than I thought I would. I really loved the first half of the novel where Elizabeth is unconscious three-quarters of the time. I know that sounds odd that the female protagonist is only present in an unconscious state, but it actually made for a better suspense and romance novel. It was something different which is also a plus in my books. I liked Sam's character; how protective Sam was of Liz from the moment he woke up; and how they communicated with each other, almost in sync with one another. What was really different from so many other romance-suspense novels is that I actually liked every member of the Hamilton family (father, mother, brothers), and their family dynamics. I also liked Sam's family and friends. They all reached out to Sam giving him care and support to help him realize that he's not responsible for Liz being in the hospital, even making him feel important to them. It was actually nice and refreshing to like every member of both families, instead of hating one person or another. For a while I kept waiting for a family member to yell and scream and puff their chest out declaring that Sam is no good for Liz, then destroying Sam's personal and professional life creating havoc, all of which never happened.While I did enjoy the story, there were a few issues I had with it. Even though I really liked Sam, I wasn't a huge fan of Liz. She was just a little too perfect. Not only is she stunning, she's smart, intelligent, has a degree, owns her own successful bakery with people lining up around the block, is beyond wealthy, gives to charity every week, can put an FBI Supervisor in his place, and is totally understanding of Sam's job. She's also loved by all and can do no harm. In the Epilogue she's breastfeeding her baby in one arm while taking out a hot pie from the oven. Give me a break! How goody-goody and perfect can one be? She doesn't even have any insecurities! I'm surprised there's no statue erected of her. (cue eye-rolls)The ending was beyond cheesy. While knowing each other for only a month and with her being a coma for more than half that time, they're both throwing out "I love you." Then of course Sam proposes to Liz and her answer is "Yes," and "let's get married next Saturday." Shocker. (cue eye rolls)Along with Liz being in danger from a serial killer, she's also got a stalker who is totally obsessed with her. I thought this was a good subplot, but I didn't think it was well-developed. Perhaps more dedicated to this story would have made the novel a better read. Even the way he was caught was kind of boring.As for the FBI agents, seriously, how stupid can they be?Liz's description of the serial killer:"Next to his left eye, he has a small mole just under the lower lid near the corner. His hair is brown, cut short with a touch of grey at the temple. He reminded me of a banker or businessman. Maybe a lawyer. You know, someone who has to look very presentable.""I've seen him somewhere before."I understand that the agents don't want to circulate the killer's description in fear the killer may cut and run. Why didn't the agents have Liz look at all the society pages (newspapers, photos, magazines, etc.) from the last couple of years as she's part of that elite uber-rich circle of people where it's possible the killer may have attended one or many of them? Even better, why not ask her parents as they attend more galas and charities than Liz does? For that matter, why not ask her entire family?The FBI agents are given a clue that the killer is "hiding in plain site." Guess what? They're at a loss as to it's meaning. Seriously? Are they all f*^#ing idiots?! I know this is a work of fiction but come on! It really pisses me off when authors think their readers are complete morons and will accept and believe whatever bullsh*t they write. Give us a little credit.With Liz's life being in danger, instead of having two female FBI agents accompany her to the ladies room, they send her off alone, and we all know, without fail, she'll be grabbed and/or attacked by the killer - which of course happens.Besides reading the H/h POV, we're also reading POV of several others; all of which kept jumping back and forth from one person to the next all in the same chapter. In fact there were chapters with three POV. There were no lines, stars, or any kind of symbol to indicate the POV change. Talk about confusing. Why the author wrote it this way is beyond me. Talk about irritating.In the end, it's still a pretty good story. I just didn't think it was great as other readers found it to be, but to each his/her own. If, however, you're still interested in reading this novel, it's currently listed on Amazon for $1.08 which honestly is a steal. Hey, you might end up loving it.

Lucky Like Us: Book Two: The Hunted Series (Hunted (Avon)) by Jennifer Ryan is a fascinating read - I could not put it down! The action starts fast, and never stops. When the action slows down, it is not because nothing is happening, it is because something else is happening. Jennifer Ryan is an artist with words, painting the pictures vividly, her characters full-bodied, her protagonists surrounded with light - her antagonists highlighted with darkness. The "double threat" works really well. Elizabeth and Sam are immediately shown to us as the wonderful people who have not yet found each other that they really are. As Sam struggles with his memories of the initial attack upon first himself then Elizabeth, he recognizes her heroic spirit and his own heroic spirit is drawn to her and bonds with her. While Sam questions his own actions - how could he shoot an innocent woman? - his low self-esteem in the "relationship" quadrant builds a scenario for himself that equals his harsh judgment of himself. Elizabeth's testimony of the same incident frees Sam of his self-inflicted torture and allows his love to fly free. These two strong personalities immediately see that they want to be together. It is their history with people who are either manipulative and grasping, in Elizabeth's case, or simply not up to the stresses of being the partner of a law enforcement officer, in Sam's case, that makes their mating dance such a beautiful hesitancy-filled-with-longing. I recommend this book to anybody who loves great romance crossed with a great thriller.

While I am not a huge fan of drama when it comes to contemporary romance/fiction, I will admit that I was completely drawn into this book.Lucky Like Us is the second book in The Hunted Series. Having read Saved by the Rancher, I was already familiar with the suspenseful writing from Ms. Ryan. This book does not disappoint when it comes to that. I do hope that when the third book comes out.... it will not consist of so much violence.While the humor is very light in this story, I was moved by Sam's character. His love of the job, the love of his family, and the fierce protective nature to Elizabeth really pulled me in. The element of family is quite cute and touching. Elizabeth, the heroine was far more a believable strong heroine than others I have read about. One that comes as a very close second place is the heroine from the previous book, Jenna. I was quite pleased with the mentions of Jack and Jenna and the growth of the Turner family.I do hope that as the series continues that the level of violence and drama goes down a notch. Reading these classic damsel in distress stories will get tiring after a while. As I know that the next book in the series, The Right Bride, will be a story strictly for Cameron Shaw, President of Merrick International, I sure hope that there is going to be a story for Agent Tyler Reed and his "ghost" informant, Morgan. The writing that Ms. Ryan does will get you to connect with the main characters, as well as the additional characters she presents. What I also like with this series is how the story is written... There is far more character development before the romantic connection happens. The romance gets a chance to build up before it takes over. Plenty of thought goes into this type of writing.If you are looking for a "wham, bam, thank-you ma'am" flow to a story... this will not be for you. If you are looking for well developed characters, enough suspense to keep reading, and a truly feel good ending with some romance that offers depth to it... then this book is for you. Highly recommended!

a really enjoyable read, would recommend this to my family and friends and avid romance readers. very enjoyable indeed xx

Come on book 3 to 6 Can't wait to read you all . This is one amazing series by Jennifer Ryan . Congratulations girl

I loved the first book and could not put it down and now the same with this one. I can't wait to start #3

An excellent second instalment in the Hunted series. The story and romance meld well to create a riveting read. Readers are drawn to the characters as their fates unwind.

Totally enjoyed it.

I think it was well written and I like that it is a series. I would like to read more of Jennifer Ryan