Sandy M’s review of Unlucky by Jana DeLeon
Contemporary paranormal romance published 30 Oct 07 by Love Spell

Blurb:

Her luck’s so bad it’s a crime.

Everyone in Royal Flush, Louisiana, knows Mallory Devereaux is a walking disaster. At least now she’s found a way to take advantage of her chronic bad luck: by “cooling” cards on her uncle’s casino boat. As long as the crooks invited to his special poker tournament don’t win their money back, she’ll get a cut of the profit.

But Mal isn’t the only one working some major mojo. There’s a dark-eyed dealer sending her looks steamier than the bayou in August. Turns out he’s an undercover agent named Jake Randoll, and for a Yank, he’s pretty darn smart. Smart enough to enlist her help to catch a money launderer. As they race to untangle a web of decades-old lies and secrets amid a gathering of criminals, Mallory can’t help hoping her luck’s about to change…

Read an excerpt.

Mallory doesn’t condone her uncle’s shenanigans when it comes to his floating casino, but this time she’s along for the ride because she needs the money. Little does she know this ride down the river will be fraught with danger and testosterone. She can’t help herself when it comes to the new card dealer. Even though they didn’t get along at first, spending more and more time together trying to figure out what the heck is going on behind the scenes at the poker tournament has caused such tension between them they can’t keep their hands off one another. And that’s not a good thing, considering Mal’s curse.

Catching this particular criminal has a personal connection for Jake, so he can’t let his feelings for Mallory get in the way, no matter how beautiful she is. But when danger decides to hit them right between the eyes, it’s Mallory that Jake protects first. Things don’t go as planned and when they come face to face with the real brains behind the corruption, there is enough disbelief to go around for all concerned.

Dorchester’s recent influx of new authors has given us fresh new ideas and wonderful writing. Jana DeLeon is no exception. Her debut book is funny, witty, and packed full of fun in between mystery and danger. Her characters are charismatic and delightful. The paranormal twist she utilizes is quirky and entertaining. And she turns the tables on you at the end, giving you a solution you’d never imagine. Grab this book and get ready for a few laughs. It’s one you don’t want to let pass you by. If you’re lucky.

Grade: A-