Fool Me Once

International Romance #2

by Mona Ingram

Librarian's Note: Alternate cover edition - ASIN B00563EYAS

What do you get when you combine a feisty female journalist and a former Special Forces operative? Here's a sample:

He circled her with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "You look good enough to eat," he murmured softly.
His voice reached out and drew her in. It was sippin' whiskey, it was black velvet, it was hard steel - and God help her - it was hot sex, waiting to happen. She met his eyes as he came to a stop in front of her.
A pulse throbbed in her throat and he smiled, tracing it with his fingertips as his eyes held hers. Lowering his head, his lips brushed her skin where his fingers had been, then trailed lower, lingering in the hollow of her neck. "Olivia", he whispered, raising his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do about you." Hips lips seemed to suggest a world of possobilities.

Olivia MacMillan wonders what she's let herself in for when she agrees to accompany Josh Morgan to the European Riviera. Josh says he wants her contacts in the casinos so he can play in exclusive, high-stakes poker games. But she soon learns that his motives are more sinister than a simple game of poker. What could make a former Special Forces specialist come out of retirement for one last, kick-ass mission?
Join Olivia and Josh as they visit Monte Carlo and Marbella in search of an arms dealer, then travel with them to Josh's ranch in Montana, where the truth threatens to tear them apart.
CAUTION: Explicit sexual contant.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, Suspense, Military Fiction

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2011

About the author

Mona Ingram is the author of over 60 romance novels, including twelve novellas. Many of her stories take place in British Columbia, where she has lived since the age of twelve. In recent years she has lived in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. In addition to reading and writing, traveling and bird watching are among Mona's favourite pastimes.

Reviews

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance heavily laced with some international intrigue is just what I needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this light romance, finished it in less than a day. The characters were predictably pretty, relatively wealthy people. Lust at first sight with the consummation of the relationship frustratingly delayed because of a pesky secret mission to thwart an international arms dealer.
Formula writing at it's almost best. I don't consider this a bad thing. Sometimes you just need to read a book knowing that it will be all right in the end, that happily ever after happens once in awhile. Bravo Ms.Ingram!

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Kindle Freebie)

This book was a smart and clever romantic suspense. The author’s style of writing is solid and includes plenty of flirtatious and witty dialogue which is very much to my liking. She writes well-developed characters who are likable along with an intriguing plot line. Mona Ingram is a new-to-me-author and I look forward to checking out some of her backlist.

Proposition or Proposal?

Olivia MacMillan is a smart and successful journalist, who needs a personal life and a little romance wouldn’t hurt either. Josh Morgan is a former Special Forces operative, who has revenge on his mind. When these two meet, attraction is immediate. Shortly thereafter, he makes her an offer she doesn’t know whether or not to accept. Does he really need her contacts in the casinos on the French Riviera to get into high-stakes poker games? And why does he insist they pretend to be engaged to be married? Believe me, there’s far more than just a game of poker involved in this game. There are deep secrets to be exposed and what is fast becoming a serious romance hangs in the balance with the threat of being torn apart.

A short epilogue would have moved this intriguing book up a notch for me. Instead, the ending was abrupt and left the reader with questions as to this couple’s long range future. Otherwise, it is a satisfying read.

[Matu Nila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had potential to be much better. Now the story and the characters were both really thin.

And I just can't stand these books, where the heroin decides after a few moments thinkin that "hey, I just take this complete stranger up on his offer and go with him and play his fiancé! What could go wrong??"

But yeah, basic romance story.

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 12/20/2012

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done departure for Ingram in her International Romance series. Olivia MacMillan is Justine's best friend and meets an exquisite American at Justine's engagement party. Then begin the tricks, deceptions, and lies that make up Josh and Olivia's story. You despair of any happy ending for this pair, but Ingram pulls it off. I hope there are a few more stories in this series!

[mrs t m Baigent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read

I lost myself in this book, could actually see myself watching what was happening, so engrossed, not felt myself so deep into a book for ages
Thank you for such a great story charters were so good, can't wait to read the next one.

[Kathleen Downey]

A great read. After working all day I enjoy coming home to relax and read a book b y this author. I home she doesn't retire anytime soon. Love her books.

[Mia Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A special forces operative involved with an international spy ring needs a susceptible journalist to provide him cover. Fool Me Once had all the makings of a riveting suspense journey. The execution, however, left me wanting more.

I liked several parts of this book. The ranch, the military aspect and the motivations of the characters were all interesting to me. I think the story needed to be flushed out further in order to do them justice, however.

Any conflict based on a misunderstanding or a result of the main characters not speaking does not work in my eyes. I understand Josh's hesitation to speak of his late brother, but it became such a big issue for no reason. The numerous interruptions and the fact neither would admit their love for the other caused the bulk of the conflicts in the story, and that causes frustration for me as a reader. I often read books of this type and say, "Just talk to each other!" Problem/conflict resolved.

The "mission" aspect of the story was actually resolved fairly quickly, but I'm not sure what their success accomplished. The bad guy was still alive, just missing one shipment and a warehouse/mansion. Why couldn't he start up again?

This was a light read, needing to suspend belief at times, but gives the reader a happily ever after.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a journalist who just finished an in depth article on Afghani women and is trying to get her boss to agree to her going to Iraq to gather information for another article she wants to write. He flat out tells her no and to take some time off. She's pissed but complies. Her friend is getting married in three weeks and Olivia visits her to see how the wedding plans are coming along. Olivia is in her greenhouse when a more handsome than sin American introduces himself and offers her an interesting proposal. Josh Morgan wants her to pose as his fiance and help him, using her connections to the rich and famous, get into some high stakes poker games. She warily agrees and looks at it as an adventure. Josh tells her they will both have to act like they are in love and will probably sleep together, but that there are rules. The most important, he tells her, is that he will not fall in love with her. Good. She doesn't want to fall in love; she has her career taking up all of her time and that is her one and only passion.

This book is full of "James Bond" type intrigue, action and thrills. Romance and passion weave their way in as well. I enjoyed this book immensely.

[Helen Stothard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than the first book Deception, it still had the old fashioned romance but this time the plot was like a James Bond script, casinos, yachts, arms dealers and more.

There were plenty of moments of will they/won't they get together and constant interruptions, but these two were made for each other.

A very enjoyable light read.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia is a journalist who doesn't have a story to work on. Her boss told her to take a few weeks off. So she heads for home since her friend Justine us getting married soon and wants to spend time with her. That's when a friend do Alex comes to visit. But Josh is no ordinary friend and he has a proposal for Olivia. Will she do it? Will her attraction to him get in the way?

[Katrina Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Josh had a past that was complicated, yet filled with pain and lost love. Olivia was looking for love and found it in the most unusual of circumstances. It is amazing how two people can be far apart but so right for one another. Trust goes along way, everyone has a story but it's who you love that ends up hearing the story.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sequel to Deception. Again it was an enjoyable read and I completed it in a few hours this weekend.

And because I have enjoyed them...I do hope she decides to write about Dirk, the SAS agent. :P

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this was a predictable book. Girl has some rotten luck in life and a handsome guy comes to hire her to act as his fiance and promises no romantic business. Even so, I enjoyed it. It did have some uniqueness and I like the characters.

[Meiwilli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good free read. Drew me in with the suspense of arms dealers but didn't deliver with the goods. The romance was nothing new but not unbelievable. a bit slow and drawn out in the beginning. No surprises, no frills, just a smei-entertaining story and badly in need of editing!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy on the romance, not quite so heavy on the intrigue. But it was a good, quick read once I got into it. Was hoping it was something that I could recommend to my boyfriend, but there was more romance than anything else. Back to the reading list to find something! LOL

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit predictable but sweet. I enjoyed the story but at times it seemed contrived and I really wondered why the characters didn't ask questions or communicate with each other. However I did find it to be sweet.

[S.E. Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. Josh and Olivia make a good couple although their romance started in an unusual way. I did not get into this story like I did with many of the author's other books but I enjoyed the couple's adventures and was rooting for them.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, fast, romantic read. Fairly predictable, but the characters were likeable enough.

[Meanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thing I love watching NCIS, at least I was able to relate with the story with all the Special Ops lingo! Ü

I really enjoyed this book! It's a must read!

[Nicki805 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light easy read. Too PG for my taste. Everything was a little too neat and clean for being a dark subject.

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining,enjoyable, at times a little unpredictable with solid characters, well balanced and and a nice style of writing. Will keep my eye out for more books by this author.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. easy read.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining easy to read smut book.

[Lindsey]

Amazon freebie 5/8/13

[Heather Deters renaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jemi Fraser]

Fun story! The characters were interesting and I liked how the plot twisted about! Good read :)

[AliciaJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predicatable romance that was somewhat enjoyable, but I won't be reading more in this series. But hey, it was free so it's all good.

[Meredith Kleeger Oppenheim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty goof for a fluffy free read!

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read. a little far fetched but I still liked it