There Once Was a Dancer

FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team #3

by Patricia Logan

There once was a dancer. The moment I saw his golden, oiled skin, kohl lined, dark eyes, and chocolate brown curls, I knew he just might be the man of my dreams. After only one kiss, I knew he could be the center of my world, but something stopped me from trying to make him mine. Perhaps it was his youth or innocence, though everyone else missed the real beauty which lay just beneath the surface.

There once was a warrior. The moment I saw his powerful body sauntering toward the cage where I danced, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. It was the way he moved, the sexy, blue eyes which looked right into my soul. I saw him for what he was…a kind, decent man who could be mine if he would only let it be so.

There once was an awful day where we were ripped apart, our bodies no longer entwined but separated by cruel fate. I knew only suffering after that and the loss of so many possibilities.

There once was a future for us, happiness on the horizon. But now, things seemed impossible. I was in hiding, and he was far away, recovering from what they did to him.

There once were possibilities…love, hope, and happiness.

And God willing, we’ll someday be together again.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

About the author

International bestselling author Patricia Logan, resides in Los Angeles, California. The author of several #1 bestselling erotic romances in English, Italian, French, and Spanish lives in a small house with a large family. When she’s not writing her next thriller romance, she’s watching her grandchildren grow up way too soon, and raising kids who make her proud every day. One of her favorite tasks is coaxing nose kisses from cats who insist on flopping on her keyboard while she types. Married to a wonderful gentleman for 30 years, she counts herself lucky to be surrounded by people who love her and give her stories to tell every day.
Become a fan of Patricia at http://authorpatricialogan.com

Email her at patricialogan.author@yahoo.com. She loves to hear from readers more than anything and will respond to all emails.

Reviews

[Demian Grimm]

3.5 ⭐

There Once Was a Dancer is the third book in the FBI Files: Spec. Ops. Tac Team series. It can be read on its own, but it's more enjoyable if you have read the earlier books and are already familiar with the team. This is an age-gap romance with instalove and found family elements. And unlike the previous books in the series, this one leans more heavily on emotional conflict than action.

The romance between Cachi and Rex is easy to root for, largely because of Cachi’s unwavering loyalty and compassion. Cachi really won me over with how steady and caring he is. Even when Rex starts pushing him away, he continues to show how much he cares through small but meaningful gestures. Rex, on the other hand, is dealing with a lot internally and lets pride and insecurity get in the way of how he treats Cachi. Which is to say, poorly! While his actions and reasoning are understandable in a broad sense, his treatment of Cachi is frustrating and unfair, and for me his eventual apology falls a little short considering the hurt he caused. Cachi is a better human than me for forgiving him so quickly.

Compared to some of Patricia’s more action-heavy books, this one is quieter and more relationship-focused. Of course, the Tac Team itself remains a great part of this book. The team brings a strong sense of support and chosen family that always makes me want to spend more time with them. ❤️ Cachi’s own family also adds warmth to the story when things get emotionally heavy. And let’s not forget Lola, the scene-stealing sweetheart. ❤️😉

While I did want a bit more page time for Cachi and Rex together to really build out their relationship, their general dynamic was still sweet and engaging. This is a solid addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to more books… although, maybe a bit more action next time? 😅
Also, who does Marcello have his eye on?!? 🤔🤔

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.

[Cynthia M Brow]

There Once was a Dancer is the third book in the FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Rex and Cachi. It's great to be back with the team and to have Rex get his story. I loved these two because they just belong together. Cachi is just a spitfire and I loved his personality. Rex just reminds me of a teddy bear, all fierce on the outside but so tender on the inside. I loved the chemistry between these two. This is another wonderfully told story in this series. I love all the characters and the found family they have become. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.

[Book Hoarder]

Rex Monroe made his first foray into Dance Hall Boys on a Friday night. He made eye contact with one of the cage dancers after some drunk spilled his bear all over Rex and the young man laughed down at him. Although he was toned, he was short and lean with golden Hispanic skin and rich brown eyes. Three very drunk frat boys popped up on the other side of the dance, harassing him with vile comments. Rex ran them off, but he should have known that would not be the end of it. Rex helped Cachi down from his platform and the beautiful young man said thank you wand headed for his dressing room. Rex strolled around the dance floor for a bit before heading outside. He was standing in from of the club when he heard Cachi screaming his name, running towards him from the parking lot with the same 3 drunks chasing him. Rex pulled up to his 6-6” height, pulled out his FBI credentials and pushed Cachi behind him before him [put those boys on the ground, yelling and cussing. Security came out and one of the drunks calling Cachi a whore in front of the security guard was certainly a stupid move. The police put the boys in their squad cars and started to wrap crime scene tape around both the drunks car and Cachi’s next to it. Rex picked Cachi up the next morning to give their statements to the police. Then they spent the day together, picking up Rex’s tiny white miniature poodle from the vet, one that had no back legs and used a little wheelchair cart to get around. The day after spending the afternoon together, rex was supposed to pick Cachi up at 11:30 but he never showed, and Cachi, mad at him, blocked his number.
These two were made for each other once they got through the pain and separation to come. Book 3 of FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team. Another great series from Patricia Logan

[Kate]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I pretty much binged all of Patricia Logan’s Death and Destruction Universe books after reading All Twisted Up last year and I really enjoyed them all, and this was no exception. I thought that it was another good addition to the FBI Files (Spec. Ops Tac Team) Series. I thought that Cachi & Rex were good together but man Rex pissed me off how he pushed Cachi away. I can understand why he did it since he was going through hell and didn’t want Cachi to have to be his carer and not a partner but he was still an a*sehole lol. His apology felt heartfelt and believable to me but I do wish he’d also pulled his head out of his a*se sooner lol. I loved that even though Rex hurt Cachi greatly by pushing him away, he was still there on the sidelines showing in little ways how much he still cares about Rex.

Man, Rex’s fur baby Lola is absolutely adorable and a total scene stealer, she totally deserves to be treated like the little queen she is. You can tell the type of person someone is with how they treat animals and how animals react to them. Both Cachi and Rex are good people. I just love the colourful cast of characters that make up the Special Ops Tac Team and I’m looking forward to reading more about each of them, as they’ll hopefully be all getting their own stories as this amazing series continues. I’m also looking forward to reading more books by Patricia Logan in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.

[Nicole]

Review for (FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac team-3) There Once was a Dancer by Patricia Logan

Oh my gosh, this series is so dang fabulous, but really, I'm not surprised. I have been reading and, if I'm lucky, listening to Patricia Logan for years. I couldn't put the first two books in this series down, and this one wasn't any different. "I Loved It." I loved the relationship of Cachi & Rex even when they made me mad, lol. But for me, if you can bring emotions like that out, it is a great story. One of the things that made me so mad was how Rex kept pushing Cachi away. He was lucky that Cachi didn't just walk away and get someone else. I mean, in the end, I understood why, but come on lol. The heat between these two was off the charts, let me tell you. I know all of Patricia Logan's stories have the heat and love that I crave in a fantastic story that pulls me into the story and doesn't want to let me go. In this book and all of her books/series, I have to find out where they are going in each relationship, the pain they go through, and the suspense. Patricia is a suspense queen writer, let me tell you. I will always read what she writes. I just have to get caught up since I have missed a few.

Nicole Harvey

[Deb Kel]

Absolutely loving this series and I found this addition to be a more emotional, character-driven romance than I expected. The connection between Rex and Cachi is immediate, but what really carries the story is the ache of missed chances and everything that keeps pulling them apart. Their relationship is built as much on longing and regret as it is on attraction, giving the romance a bittersweet edge throughout.

Rex's struggle to accept what he wants frustrated me at times, but it also made his journey feel believable. Cachi took longer for me to connect with, yet his quiet strength and unwavering devotion gradually won me over. Together they create a relationship that feels tender, complicated, and deeply rooted in hope despite the obstacles standing between them.

While this book is lighter on action, it makes up for it with heartfelt emotion and a strong focus on healing, forgiveness, and second chances. A slower-paced romance filled with yearning, heartache, and the possibility of finding your way back to the person who never truly left your heart. Outstanding as always from Patricia
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[EQUUS]

I was a bit on the fence about how to rate this book. On one hand I loved how the author approached the topic of possible disability and initial reactions of the person affected, but somehow I pegged Rex as more of a fighter. Depression is very common at the beginning but with all the support he was getting he really should kick himself in the a** sooner and so should his found family and medical workers. You don't get to let them wallow in their misery for too long (talking from personal experience) or there might be too late. And Cachi was way too passive. After showing his initial spark I expected more of a fight from him, not just quiet determination and silent support from afar.
Don't get me wrong - at some points I felt that this was the best book in the series so far and it could be, but I think it was wrapped up too hastily with some questions left unanswered. For example - what happened to his uncle's business after so much time away? It should be addressed properly.
Nevertheless it's still a page turner.
You could read it as a standalone but I recommend to read books in order. That way you'll have way more fun with knowing the side characters and their history.

[R]

When Rex saw Cachi dancing in his cage he knew something had happened but didn’t know what. Once he talked to the younger man he began to realize that the “something” was the beginnings of serious feelings.

The synopsis lets the reader know there were serious complications that tore them apart. I want to address the feelings that were involved. Rex was stubborn and hurting but he tossed away a man that could of helped him because of pride and the dumb belief that their age difference mattered. Cachi was too passive and not the authors typical hero. That may be why I didn’t care for him that much. Really took almost the whole book before I warmed up to him. This story seemed very low key and just didn’t have the action impact of most of her books.

I REALLY like this author. I will always read her books. The entertainment factor she brings to her stories is amazing.

I received an arc of this book.

[SNik]

Third in series (FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Instalove. Age gap. Size difference. POC representation. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Out at the local gay bar, FBI agent Rex meets a young go-go dancer that intrigues him, and he ends up needing Rex’s help. And even though Rex thinks Cachi is too young for him, there is an instant connection that barrels them into a feeling that might be love.

This story has Cachi and Rex running into each other again while Rex is working and that begins the bit of drama, danger and action. The bump in the road is understandable from Rex’s perspective, and it was unbelievably sweet how Cachi remains loyal no matter how much Rex pushes him away. The guys from the Tac team are important and supportive secondary characters, and it was nice to see Cachi had a loving family behind him as well. I wish there was more on page time with Cachi and Rex, but for an instalove story this was charming in its own way.

[Jeanette Waters]

"There Once was a Dancer" is book three in Patricia Logan's FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team series. Not a standalone, would recommend the books be read in order.
Rex, one of the Special Ops Tac Team, has a meet cute with Cachi, a go go dancer, in a local gay bar. They have a mutual attraction, but Cachi is just too young for Rex. A bit of push pull going on here. Rex wants him, but doesn't. Thankfully, sweet Cachi has a bit of stubborn streak and he isn't going to let the other man go anytime soon.
The found family of the Team and Cachi's birth family are wonderfully supportive. There's a bit of suspense and danger from the cartels.
A quick read and a wonderful book. uite fun. Can't wait for book 4.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Cindy]

Rex is a member of Capt Candy's FBI Tac Team. When he rescues a Puerto Rican man, Cachi, the two instantly fall for each other. But when Rex is hurt on the job, he pushes Cachi away and Cachi must go into Witness Protection. Rex is cruel and curt to Cachi, thinking he's setting Cachi free. Cachi is about the sweetest guy in the world and won't give up on Rex, waiting forever. It's a real tear-jerker, there's danger from cartels, overwhelming patience and loyalty from teammates and a too forgiving Cachi. I loved this, another winner from Patricia. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[ButtonsMom2003]

Wow, this story had a lot going on and I loved all of it. Rex (FBI) fell in love with Cachi (dancer) and things looked great for them until it didn’t. Cartel bad guys nearly ruined everything and it seemed like it was going to be touch and go for them for a while, in more ways than one. Rex was a bit of an idiot but it was somewhat understandable due to what he was going through. Cachi is a real sweetheart.

I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series but I think this one is my favorite. I hope there are more books coming!

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Demetra Roussakis]

I was so happy to see we are back in the Spec. Ops world. Rex was taking a night to himself nd went to. Club that was recommended to him. There he sees someone dancing in a cage and gravitates towards him. Cachi is from Puerto Rico and trying to help his mom pay the bills. When Rex spoke with him, the chemistry was instant. Rex also saved Cachi from some bullies when he left work. There was a lot of ups and downs between them, especially when Rex got hurt. It it finally worked out in the end. This was a great addition in this series and I cannot wait to read more.

[K-Me]

Time for Rex to give in to love. And I definitely think Cachi was the only one who was going to be able to fit the bill even though Rex found reasons to push him away. I was glad that Cachi did not let him push him away, but that he also did not push back and make it more difficult. Lovely size difference and age gap and I found it romantic that Rex still kept trying to care for and watch over Cachi from behind the scenes!

[Elaine Gray]

There Once Was a Dancer is a heartfelt and emotional addition to the FBI Files Spec. Ops. Tac Team series. Rex and Cachi are a perfect match—Rex with his tough heart, and Cachi with his fiery, lovable personality. Their chemistry is instant and irresistible. The story delivers danger, heartbreak, loyalty, and the found‑family warmth that makes this series shine. A real tear‑jerker with characters you can’t help rooting for. I’m already excited for the next book.

[Jenny]

Rex & Cachi
When Rex spots Cachi dancing at the club recommended by friends he doesn't think much of it until he's entranced by the beautiful boy in the cage. After a rescue from drunk frat boys in the parking lot things turn romantic until work calls. A Poodle named Lola helps bring them closer and the trials, danger, and secrets add extra spice to the romance. I was happy to read the different rep and the well-earned HEA, even if I wanted to bop Rex a couple of times lol.

[LeighAnn Lindsay]

Another great addition to this series. I LOVED CACHI. His innocence and sweetness was endearing. Rex was great I did get mad at him for pushing Cachi away but I understand the dilemma. Instalove is not always my fave but when Patricia Logan writes it I’m here all day for every stinking one 😂❤️.

Can be read alone but best to read them in order. Cannot wait to read the next one!

[Cheryl Kaiser]

As this is book 3 in this new series from Patricia Logan, you should read the previous books, I mean why wouldn't you. They are soooo good. I always enjoy getting to know Patti's knew couples. I mean I would've never seen this one coming. As always, her world building, character development and prose are exceptional. I am really looking forward to the next book. Keep them coming.

[Pamela Daake]

This was a captivating and thrilling read!! Cachi and Rex had a most unusual meet cute and it morphed from there. It was awesome to revisit the tac team and revisit those characters. Stellar job.

[Joscelyn Smith]

So good

Fate had to have sent Rex to Cachi. They hopped on a roller-coaster, and that ride was bumpy but so worth the price of admission. Another fantastic addition to the series.

[Jaclyn]

A good book to read

[Romance Recs]

There once was a dancer is truly an apt name for how these two meet.

Sometimes the worst thing in the world can be the best thing as well.

I definitely recommend this romantic suspense mainly not romantic but suspense read... just please expect a lot of on page action and suspenseful plots. It's not necessary a cute love read.