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True Lies #2
True Deceptions
Temptation. Seduction. Pleasure. It's all part of the game...and she's the worst player yet.
After his partner was murdered, Simon Dunn was done with MI6. But the cold, violent world of British intelligence never lets anyone go free. Now Simon has been blackmailed into a new job...with a beautiful new partner who's going to get them both killed.
Robotics expert Cassie Watson is a newbie field agent with as much sophistication as...well, a pacifist, vegan computer nerd. Now she's abruptly thrust into the cutthroat world of espionage with a partner who is as cold as he is brutally-and brutishly-handsome.
But when their mission is betrayed from the inside, Cassie will be forced to place her life in the hands of the one man who's anything but trustworthy...
After his partner was murdered, Simon Dunn was done with MI6. But the cold, violent world of British intelligence never lets anyone go free. Now Simon has been blackmailed into a new job...with a beautiful new partner who's going to get them both killed.
Robotics expert Cassie Watson is a newbie field agent with as much sophistication as...well, a pacifist, vegan computer nerd. Now she's abruptly thrust into the cutthroat world of espionage with a partner who is as cold as he is brutally-and brutishly-handsome.
But when their mission is betrayed from the inside, Cassie will be forced to place her life in the hands of the one man who's anything but trustworthy...
Paperback
First published October 19, 2015
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About the author
Veronica Forand
26 books275 followersVeronica Forand is the award winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and thrillers. She won the Golden Pen Award for Romantic Suspense and the Bookseller's Best in Romantic Suspense.
Her experience includes attorney, international corporate tax consultant, college professor, university track and field coach, United Nations intern, homeschool mom, barista, waitress, and town road crew. When she isn't writing, she's a canine search and rescue handler with her dog Max.
Veronica is represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency.
Her experience includes attorney, international corporate tax consultant, college professor, university track and field coach, United Nations intern, homeschool mom, barista, waitress, and town road crew. When she isn't writing, she's a canine search and rescue handler with her dog Max.
Veronica is represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency.
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November 10, 2015
True Deceptions is by Veronica Forand. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and by Veronica Forand.
Cassie Watson is a desk jockey for a British Intelligence Organization called M16. Her specialty is computer work and robotics. She can program drones to do things no one ever imagined. Or she can hack into just about anywhere. But that’s all she’s really good at. She did terrible at the physical aspect of her training. She doesn’t like guns and has terrible aim. So, why was she chosen to partner up with Simon Dunn?
It hasn’t been long since Simon’s ex partner was murdered. Simon cared for her but their relationship never ventured past being partners. He’s been hiding out for eight months but is forced back into active duty by Tucker, his pain in the neck handler. He also didn’t expect to return home to his flat in London and find a beautiful blonde in his apartment.
Simon does everything he can to make Cassie want to quit. But she is determined to see this through. He just wants to concentrate on this job but it’s pretty difficult with this beautiful blonde amazon living in his apartment.
“She embodied everything he didn’t want in a partner - inexperience, clumsiness and a body he’d obsess over.”
As Simon and Cassie spend time together, the attraction becomes too much to resist. And soon, lust turns to love. But with an ongoing operation involving multiple countries, danger lurking behind every corner, can Simon allow himself to be distracted by Cassie or could that distraction get him killed?
“Her innocence and bravery made him ache for something he swore he’d never desire again.”
Cassie struggles to find her place in all of this and the reason for her involvement soon becomes clear as she is needed to help to reprogram drones. As time goes on, she learns to trust Simon’s judgment but there comes a time when Cassie finds herself face to face with danger like she never imagined and she is forced to rely on herself to get out of it. I have to say that I was so proud of her at this point. Cassie found a strength she never knew she possessed. The situation was horrible and I was scared to death for her but so proud of her as well.
So I mostly enjoyed this book. As things progress, it really got intense as I was trying to figure out who they could trust and who they couldn’t. And about half way through, things really ramped up. Simon and Cassie really did need each other and found each other at the perfect time in their lives. The only problem is that I never really completely warmed up to them. I liked them together, I just never got that warm and fuzzy feeling that I would have liked.
So as romantic suspense goes, this was a really good book. The pace was fast and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. And the ending, although it’s not a cliff hanger, leaves things open for another book. I’ve had the first book, Untrue Colors, on my list for a while now so I really need to go back and read that one. This is only my second book by Veronica Forand and I definitely want to explore more of her work.
Cassie Watson is a desk jockey for a British Intelligence Organization called M16. Her specialty is computer work and robotics. She can program drones to do things no one ever imagined. Or she can hack into just about anywhere. But that’s all she’s really good at. She did terrible at the physical aspect of her training. She doesn’t like guns and has terrible aim. So, why was she chosen to partner up with Simon Dunn?
It hasn’t been long since Simon’s ex partner was murdered. Simon cared for her but their relationship never ventured past being partners. He’s been hiding out for eight months but is forced back into active duty by Tucker, his pain in the neck handler. He also didn’t expect to return home to his flat in London and find a beautiful blonde in his apartment.
Simon does everything he can to make Cassie want to quit. But she is determined to see this through. He just wants to concentrate on this job but it’s pretty difficult with this beautiful blonde amazon living in his apartment.
“She embodied everything he didn’t want in a partner - inexperience, clumsiness and a body he’d obsess over.”
As Simon and Cassie spend time together, the attraction becomes too much to resist. And soon, lust turns to love. But with an ongoing operation involving multiple countries, danger lurking behind every corner, can Simon allow himself to be distracted by Cassie or could that distraction get him killed?
“Her innocence and bravery made him ache for something he swore he’d never desire again.”
Cassie struggles to find her place in all of this and the reason for her involvement soon becomes clear as she is needed to help to reprogram drones. As time goes on, she learns to trust Simon’s judgment but there comes a time when Cassie finds herself face to face with danger like she never imagined and she is forced to rely on herself to get out of it. I have to say that I was so proud of her at this point. Cassie found a strength she never knew she possessed. The situation was horrible and I was scared to death for her but so proud of her as well.
So I mostly enjoyed this book. As things progress, it really got intense as I was trying to figure out who they could trust and who they couldn’t. And about half way through, things really ramped up. Simon and Cassie really did need each other and found each other at the perfect time in their lives. The only problem is that I never really completely warmed up to them. I liked them together, I just never got that warm and fuzzy feeling that I would have liked.
So as romantic suspense goes, this was a really good book. The pace was fast and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. And the ending, although it’s not a cliff hanger, leaves things open for another book. I’ve had the first book, Untrue Colors, on my list for a while now so I really need to go back and read that one. This is only my second book by Veronica Forand and I definitely want to explore more of her work.
August 29, 2015
This book has hot romance and coldhearted killers. I sometimes find romantic suspense to be light on the suspense side, but this one has the makings of a thriller movie.
The heroine, Cassie , is a computer genius who is completely out of her element in the world of espionage. And Simon, the hero, doesn’t want her or trust her. But she proves herself (I won’t give away spoilers, but she comes into her own and proves herself to be as kick ass as any spy). Simon’s arm is twisted into taking this dangerous assignment and his need to protect people (his family, his partner, innocent bystanders) is his weak spot as a spy, but his strength as a romantic hero.
I love that the plot is intricate and tense. The intrigue is not sacrificed for romance. The pages zoom by as the reader is whisked to different countries which come alive. I have no idea how accurate the descriptions are since I’ve never traveled to these places (especially not North Korea). But the descriptions are so vivid without being cliché that I’ll believe anything this author writes.
This is part of a series and I look forward to another one.
ARC given in exchange for honest review.
The heroine, Cassie , is a computer genius who is completely out of her element in the world of espionage. And Simon, the hero, doesn’t want her or trust her. But she proves herself (I won’t give away spoilers, but she comes into her own and proves herself to be as kick ass as any spy). Simon’s arm is twisted into taking this dangerous assignment and his need to protect people (his family, his partner, innocent bystanders) is his weak spot as a spy, but his strength as a romantic hero.
I love that the plot is intricate and tense. The intrigue is not sacrificed for romance. The pages zoom by as the reader is whisked to different countries which come alive. I have no idea how accurate the descriptions are since I’ve never traveled to these places (especially not North Korea). But the descriptions are so vivid without being cliché that I’ll believe anything this author writes.
This is part of a series and I look forward to another one.
ARC given in exchange for honest review.
August 27, 2015
I Received an ARC copy from the author via NetGalley for an honest review.
Review to come later
Review to come later
January 4, 2016
Hot spies, twists, and a thrilling romance!
From the first chapter to the final scene this book kept me intrigued. I loved the opening when the reader is introduced to the hero. Perfection. It set the tone for the entire novel. I highly recommend this book to fans of thrillers who love a dash of romance sprinkled in with their action-packed adventure.
**I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review**
From the first chapter to the final scene this book kept me intrigued. I loved the opening when the reader is introduced to the hero. Perfection. It set the tone for the entire novel. I highly recommend this book to fans of thrillers who love a dash of romance sprinkled in with their action-packed adventure.
**I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review**
September 4, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book, and man I'm glad I did! I love the uniquely drawn characters that leap off the page almost as much as the twists and turns the story takes. If you love suspense and intrigue with a bit of hot sex thrown in, you'll love this story!
September 17, 2015
Wow what a thriller!!! Simon emerges from Untrue Colors as an amazing hero who travels internationally with a new sidekick , a nerdy, beautiful , computer expert to exact revenge for the murder of former partner. It was amazing to just find myself in countries and places you only read about in newspapers yet you feel an intimacy with the surroundings and the characters.. Feels like danger is around every corner.
This is very fast paced with the involvement of families, romance, intrigue, international gun and drug running and murder. Probably not for faint of heart. Am already picking out actors for the two leads.
Received as a preview so will not spoil plot by revealing more. Highly recommend to readers. A 5 star read!
This is very fast paced with the involvement of families, romance, intrigue, international gun and drug running and murder. Probably not for faint of heart. Am already picking out actors for the two leads.
Received as a preview so will not spoil plot by revealing more. Highly recommend to readers. A 5 star read!
October 19, 2015
This novel is full of suspense, thrill and romance. Story is on the dark side, cold hearted killers, spooks and a dead body are involved so this is not for readers who are faint of heart.
I really liked this book. Simon is a fascinating character and I simply loved Cassie. Clearly she was in the wrong profession but she was willing to do anything to prove her worth. Falling for Simon was not the plan but it happened. Surrounded by danger, they navigate their way through their mission which was of utmost importance.
This is a must read for anyone looking for romance, suspense, intrigue, and a little adventure.
I really liked this book. Simon is a fascinating character and I simply loved Cassie. Clearly she was in the wrong profession but she was willing to do anything to prove her worth. Falling for Simon was not the plan but it happened. Surrounded by danger, they navigate their way through their mission which was of utmost importance.
This is a must read for anyone looking for romance, suspense, intrigue, and a little adventure.
October 19, 2015
4.5 Stars
I have been waiting for Simon’s story since reading Untrue Colors and let me say this story was worth the wait! Once again Veronica Forand delivers a romantic suspense is full of twists, turns, betrayals, unlikely friendships, and of course romance, that also has a bit of a dark edge to it.
I just love Simon. He is the ultimate alpha, bordering on being an “alpha-hole” at times, but knowing the job he has and the company he keeps, including those who are supposed to be on his side, it’s easy to see why he has to act the way he does at times. When we left Simon at the end of Untrue Colors he was devastated, both personally and professionally, by the loss of his partner, Nicola, and he had disappeared, needing time to soothe his heart and his soul. This book picks up 8 months later, and from the first chapter in this book we are thrown right back into Simon’s life and the dangers that his totally off-the-books role at MI6 has placed him in. When the people you work for blackmail you to get back to work, you know that your job falls way outside the bounds of traditional! And when MI6 sends him a desk-jockey who has no field experience as his next partner his return to his “job” just can’t get any worse.
When Cassie Watson’s boss tells her she is going out in the field or she will lose her job, she has no choice but to comply. And from her first meeting with Simon Dunn she knows she is in way over her head. I liked Cassie, but I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out for her since she started out a bit weak and I didn’t see how she was going to match up against Simon. I loved watching her internal resolve kick in and seeing her commit to her role. It was interesting to see her take on a submissive role to Simon, but still maintain a bit of power over him…of course it didn’t hurt that there was that undercurrent of attraction between the two from the start. I loved seeing her character develop throughout the story, she was definitely impacted by the events she goes through, and I was a bit unsure how the author would develop her character, but I totally loved the person she became.
Simon and Cassie together were fun to watch. Simon, who is always under and in control, can’t seem to think straight when he’s near Cassie. Cassie, who has been happy with her less than exciting life where her skills made her an expert in what she did, finds herself far outside of her comfort zone and skill set and is challenged by Simon every time she says, thinks, or does something…and even though her head tells her he’s a jerk, her body has different ideas when it comes to Simon! Their romance did play out a bit too quickly for me – I’m not a big fan of the “insta-love” – but it was easier to take knowing the roles they were playing and the danger they were always in. I enjoyed watching Simon learn to trust Cassie and respect her abilities and the fact that she knew her limitations. Even though Cassie may not have been an alpha-type heroine, she wasn’t stupid, which really worked for her character and also made her the perfect counterpart for Simon.
I absolutely loved Dane and can’t wait to learn more about him…seems to me there is another story brewing for him from the way this one left off. And it was great to catch up a bit with Henry and Alex and see how their relationship has progressed. There were definitely some great characters to hate in this book, and even though I kind of had some of the mystery plot figured out fairly early, the way the story was constructed – from different pieces of information and background being shared at just the right times, to a character showing up as part of a scene – it was very well put together to leave many questions open right up until the end.
This was a wonderful book that definitely holds its own as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Untrue Colors first to get a better feel for who Simon really is. Another must read from Veronica Forand that should appeal to most anyone, especially those who love mystery, intrigue, and a bit of treachery!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley via the publisher for an honest review.
I have been waiting for Simon’s story since reading Untrue Colors and let me say this story was worth the wait! Once again Veronica Forand delivers a romantic suspense is full of twists, turns, betrayals, unlikely friendships, and of course romance, that also has a bit of a dark edge to it.
I just love Simon. He is the ultimate alpha, bordering on being an “alpha-hole” at times, but knowing the job he has and the company he keeps, including those who are supposed to be on his side, it’s easy to see why he has to act the way he does at times. When we left Simon at the end of Untrue Colors he was devastated, both personally and professionally, by the loss of his partner, Nicola, and he had disappeared, needing time to soothe his heart and his soul. This book picks up 8 months later, and from the first chapter in this book we are thrown right back into Simon’s life and the dangers that his totally off-the-books role at MI6 has placed him in. When the people you work for blackmail you to get back to work, you know that your job falls way outside the bounds of traditional! And when MI6 sends him a desk-jockey who has no field experience as his next partner his return to his “job” just can’t get any worse.
When Cassie Watson’s boss tells her she is going out in the field or she will lose her job, she has no choice but to comply. And from her first meeting with Simon Dunn she knows she is in way over her head. I liked Cassie, but I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out for her since she started out a bit weak and I didn’t see how she was going to match up against Simon. I loved watching her internal resolve kick in and seeing her commit to her role. It was interesting to see her take on a submissive role to Simon, but still maintain a bit of power over him…of course it didn’t hurt that there was that undercurrent of attraction between the two from the start. I loved seeing her character develop throughout the story, she was definitely impacted by the events she goes through, and I was a bit unsure how the author would develop her character, but I totally loved the person she became.
Simon and Cassie together were fun to watch. Simon, who is always under and in control, can’t seem to think straight when he’s near Cassie. Cassie, who has been happy with her less than exciting life where her skills made her an expert in what she did, finds herself far outside of her comfort zone and skill set and is challenged by Simon every time she says, thinks, or does something…and even though her head tells her he’s a jerk, her body has different ideas when it comes to Simon! Their romance did play out a bit too quickly for me – I’m not a big fan of the “insta-love” – but it was easier to take knowing the roles they were playing and the danger they were always in. I enjoyed watching Simon learn to trust Cassie and respect her abilities and the fact that she knew her limitations. Even though Cassie may not have been an alpha-type heroine, she wasn’t stupid, which really worked for her character and also made her the perfect counterpart for Simon.
I absolutely loved Dane and can’t wait to learn more about him…seems to me there is another story brewing for him from the way this one left off. And it was great to catch up a bit with Henry and Alex and see how their relationship has progressed. There were definitely some great characters to hate in this book, and even though I kind of had some of the mystery plot figured out fairly early, the way the story was constructed – from different pieces of information and background being shared at just the right times, to a character showing up as part of a scene – it was very well put together to leave many questions open right up until the end.
This was a wonderful book that definitely holds its own as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Untrue Colors first to get a better feel for who Simon really is. Another must read from Veronica Forand that should appeal to most anyone, especially those who love mystery, intrigue, and a bit of treachery!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley via the publisher for an honest review.
September 9, 2015
True Deceptions by Veronica Forand is a 2015 Entangled Suspense publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MI6, British Intelligence, spies, robotics, drones, globe trotting- the works! This story had the bare bones outline to be very intriguing, and the set up started out promising, but there was something flat about it, some pieces missing, that left me feeling a little baffled, and the whole thing just kind of dissolved into a big mess.
Simon lost his partner, the woman he loved, but could never have. He wants to walk away from it all, but is strong armed, or blackmailed, actually, into taking this assignment. His new partner is Cassie Watson, a desk jockey thrown into the field due to her unique expertise in robotics. But, just throwing someone without any field experience into a dangerous assignment could get people killed.
Simon immediately sees Cassie's physical attributes and can't deny she's attractive, which only makes him edgier. Cassie, likewise is bowled over by Simon's good looks and actually behaves like a lovestruck teenager around him.
Initially, Simon is very hard on Cassie because he believes she is a weak link despite her knowledge of drones, and well, he would be right.
Cassie is certainly ill equipped to handle the spy game and so she can't carry her own weight, however, she is determined to do a good job and tries to impress Simon, ultimately failing at every turn. Then suddenly she has a great epiphany. The way to be helpful to Simon? Become his lover, of course. ???
Simon went from being a hardened, no- nonsense spy who can barely contain his contempt toward Cassie, to thinking of her as “his” at warp speed. This didn't jibe for me as it just doesn't fit in with his character at all.
The love scenes were semi-erotic, but with absolutely no chemistry since there was no build up between the couple emotionally before they hit the sack together.
Cassie was a simpering damsel in distress, hovering dangerously close to the “too stupid to live” label, then after an experience that would have broken the fragile woman we met in the beginning of the book, she emerges as a hardened super spy, ready to kick some butt.
The drone and robotics part of the story was a little too vague and murky, perhaps a little complicated, and didn't develop too much until the latter half of the book.
The story did have some potential and there were some areas that were interesting with some action and drama, and suspense. But, it felt like I was reading the outline without the meat of the story filled in at times. If seemed very rushed with the character development moving at an unnatural pace. It could be this one was just too ambitious to pack all together in one book, and might have worked better as an e-series or written in several installments so there would be more time to flesh things out properly.
Overall, this one gets 2 stars
MI6, British Intelligence, spies, robotics, drones, globe trotting- the works! This story had the bare bones outline to be very intriguing, and the set up started out promising, but there was something flat about it, some pieces missing, that left me feeling a little baffled, and the whole thing just kind of dissolved into a big mess.
Simon lost his partner, the woman he loved, but could never have. He wants to walk away from it all, but is strong armed, or blackmailed, actually, into taking this assignment. His new partner is Cassie Watson, a desk jockey thrown into the field due to her unique expertise in robotics. But, just throwing someone without any field experience into a dangerous assignment could get people killed.
Simon immediately sees Cassie's physical attributes and can't deny she's attractive, which only makes him edgier. Cassie, likewise is bowled over by Simon's good looks and actually behaves like a lovestruck teenager around him.
Initially, Simon is very hard on Cassie because he believes she is a weak link despite her knowledge of drones, and well, he would be right.
Cassie is certainly ill equipped to handle the spy game and so she can't carry her own weight, however, she is determined to do a good job and tries to impress Simon, ultimately failing at every turn. Then suddenly she has a great epiphany. The way to be helpful to Simon? Become his lover, of course. ???
Simon went from being a hardened, no- nonsense spy who can barely contain his contempt toward Cassie, to thinking of her as “his” at warp speed. This didn't jibe for me as it just doesn't fit in with his character at all.
The love scenes were semi-erotic, but with absolutely no chemistry since there was no build up between the couple emotionally before they hit the sack together.
Cassie was a simpering damsel in distress, hovering dangerously close to the “too stupid to live” label, then after an experience that would have broken the fragile woman we met in the beginning of the book, she emerges as a hardened super spy, ready to kick some butt.
The drone and robotics part of the story was a little too vague and murky, perhaps a little complicated, and didn't develop too much until the latter half of the book.
The story did have some potential and there were some areas that were interesting with some action and drama, and suspense. But, it felt like I was reading the outline without the meat of the story filled in at times. If seemed very rushed with the character development moving at an unnatural pace. It could be this one was just too ambitious to pack all together in one book, and might have worked better as an e-series or written in several installments so there would be more time to flesh things out properly.
Overall, this one gets 2 stars
October 14, 2015
OMGoodness! Well, where do I even begin with this book?? There is so much awesome on it, I don't even know where to begin. This was a first read for my by Veronica Forand and I an hooked!!! I love all the suspense and action along with the romance that she intertwined together to make this one heck of a good read!!
Cassie does desk and computer work for a British Intelligence Organization called M16. When she was going through all her training for the job, Cassie did not do so well on the physical out in the field part of the training, so they decided to make her more of an intelligence junkie with computers and robotics and such. Cassie has no idea how she gets assigned to the job with Simon and is not quiet sure about herself.
When Cassie meets Simon and he goes on to tell her about the task they have at hand, she has no idea what she has gotten herself into. Tucker is the one in charge of everyone and is sort of the upper hand man. He encourages Simon to go back to work and on active duty after the loss of Simon's close partner that he has been mourning for. Simon is just trying to get the job done and keep his mind off of his partner. When Simon and Cassie are left alone to fend for themselves in his house, sparks begin to ignite between them and neither Cassie or Simon can ignore them.
The story goes on to where Cassie is captured and treated pretty badly as a prisoner. When Cassie finally sees a way to escape, she fights her way out. The only person that she cares to see is Simon and she thinks that he did not come for her and they are being kept away from each other. Do Cassie and Simon get their HEA? You must read this one to find out. The action and suspense in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering how things will end for everyone. I loved this book and can not wait for more from Veronica. Thanks for an excellent read!!
Cassie does desk and computer work for a British Intelligence Organization called M16. When she was going through all her training for the job, Cassie did not do so well on the physical out in the field part of the training, so they decided to make her more of an intelligence junkie with computers and robotics and such. Cassie has no idea how she gets assigned to the job with Simon and is not quiet sure about herself.
When Cassie meets Simon and he goes on to tell her about the task they have at hand, she has no idea what she has gotten herself into. Tucker is the one in charge of everyone and is sort of the upper hand man. He encourages Simon to go back to work and on active duty after the loss of Simon's close partner that he has been mourning for. Simon is just trying to get the job done and keep his mind off of his partner. When Simon and Cassie are left alone to fend for themselves in his house, sparks begin to ignite between them and neither Cassie or Simon can ignore them.
The story goes on to where Cassie is captured and treated pretty badly as a prisoner. When Cassie finally sees a way to escape, she fights her way out. The only person that she cares to see is Simon and she thinks that he did not come for her and they are being kept away from each other. Do Cassie and Simon get their HEA? You must read this one to find out. The action and suspense in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering how things will end for everyone. I loved this book and can not wait for more from Veronica. Thanks for an excellent read!!
September 26, 2015
True Deceptions is the sequel to Untrue Colors' Alex and Henry from 'Untrue Colors' make a welcome appearance in 'True Deceptions' and we get an update on their relationship.
True Deceptions is Simon's story. An MI6 agent who suddenly finds himself on a mission with a beautiful but inept partner. Cassie is an expert in robotics and her expertise is needed for this mission, however, she has no survival skills. This infuriates Simon. His former partner was exceptionally skilled but killed during his last mission. He believes the untrained Cassie will make his current mission more dangerous and get them both killed. In the beginning of the story Simon is quite unlikeable as he doesn't treat Cassie with an ounce of respect. Despite their mutual mistrust and dislike for each other, they fall into bed together very quickly. That aspect of their relationship and character development seemed too rushed for me.
The more they flirted and got to know one another, Simon became less grouchy and more likeable and Cassie, the classic damsel in distress, gained confidence. The suspense kicked up several notches as the story progressed and I couldn't put it down. Of course, the mission doesn't go according to plan and Simon and Cassie find themselves in several sticky situations. There was a lot going on with different characters making appearances and having their own murky agendas. The plot is intricately woven and I found that I needed to pay attention.
True Deceptions is Simon's story. An MI6 agent who suddenly finds himself on a mission with a beautiful but inept partner. Cassie is an expert in robotics and her expertise is needed for this mission, however, she has no survival skills. This infuriates Simon. His former partner was exceptionally skilled but killed during his last mission. He believes the untrained Cassie will make his current mission more dangerous and get them both killed. In the beginning of the story Simon is quite unlikeable as he doesn't treat Cassie with an ounce of respect. Despite their mutual mistrust and dislike for each other, they fall into bed together very quickly. That aspect of their relationship and character development seemed too rushed for me.
The more they flirted and got to know one another, Simon became less grouchy and more likeable and Cassie, the classic damsel in distress, gained confidence. The suspense kicked up several notches as the story progressed and I couldn't put it down. Of course, the mission doesn't go according to plan and Simon and Cassie find themselves in several sticky situations. There was a lot going on with different characters making appearances and having their own murky agendas. The plot is intricately woven and I found that I needed to pay attention.
October 22, 2015
I’m a huge fan of the show MI5/Spooks, so when I read the blurb for True Deceptions, I knew I had to read this book. And I have to say that I was not disappointed. True Deceptions is definitely going on my Top Ten Favorite Books of 2015 list. I could not put this book down and I did not want it to end.
Here’s what’s going on. Simon’s an MI6 agent who, after the death of his partner, decided to pull himself from the game and hideout in Bermuda until the woman he intended to shag dies of cyanide poisoning and a shady MI6 operative blackmails him back into service. Now Simon is stuck with a new partner who, while attractive, has the potential to ruin the mission and get them both killed.
Cassie has spent three years working as a technology specialist now she’s received orders to go into the field as a spook. While her new partner is one sexy spy, there’s just a few tiny problems: She’s a vegan pacifist who has no knowledge of field work. Now she’s thrown into a dangerous world with a partner she’s pretty sure despises her and he definitely doesn’t trust her.
When their mission is jeopardized from the inside, Cassie and Simon must rely on each other to survive and soon their cover of being lovers turns into the real thing.
Okay so, I loved this book. Like read it in 3 hours love. Sadly, I missed the first book in this series (Untrue Colors). Although True Deceptions works brilliantly as a standalone, I will be reading book one ASAP just to see what kind of trouble Simon’s brother gets into.
I really loved Simon, he’s a bit of wanker but it works for him. When I think of a spook/agent from MI6, Simon is exactly who comes to mind. He’s a cold, demanding, gruff, work focused, and not willing to let people—even his new partner—in. He’s working undercover as an arms dealer, the best in the field, but he’s only back in the game because he’s been forced. He had been hoping to have something more with his previous partner although she was murdered before anything happened. So, while he’s attracted to Cassie, he’s trying to keep her off limits.
I wasn’t sure how well I was going to like Cassie. She’s a pacifist who doesn’t believe in harming people or animals, she’s also anti-gun so she had the potential to come off as preachy or an over the top activist, thankfully, she wasn’t. While she was the oddest choice for a spook, I ended up really liking the way she dealt with her new lifestyle and her brutish new partner. And when push comes to shove, Cassie has the potential to shove back.
Simon and Cassie were like chalk and cheese. He’s 100% spy and she’s kind of like this little hippie yet they had amazing chemistry. It started the moment she held a gun to the back of his head and he quickly disarmed her and only grew as the book progressed.
While there was attraction and chemistry between them, there was also quite a bit of conflict and I was never really sure if they were to kill each other or shag and it totally worked for his book. There was also tension because she wasn’t his first choice—or even his tenth choice—for a new partner so it was fun watching them navigate their work and personal relationships.
The suspense aspect of this book started at beginning and didn’t slow down. There were several edge-of-your-seat moments while they set up arms deals and dealt with the fallout.
This book does contain it’s fair share of violence and at one point, Cassie is placed in a situation that some readers may be uncomfortable with.
Overall, this book was amazing. The characters were engaging and realistically flawed, the plot was fast-paced, actioned packed, and thrilling. If you’re like me and love a spy romance or are suffering from MI5 withdraws, this is the perfect book for you.
Here’s what’s going on. Simon’s an MI6 agent who, after the death of his partner, decided to pull himself from the game and hideout in Bermuda until the woman he intended to shag dies of cyanide poisoning and a shady MI6 operative blackmails him back into service. Now Simon is stuck with a new partner who, while attractive, has the potential to ruin the mission and get them both killed.
Cassie has spent three years working as a technology specialist now she’s received orders to go into the field as a spook. While her new partner is one sexy spy, there’s just a few tiny problems: She’s a vegan pacifist who has no knowledge of field work. Now she’s thrown into a dangerous world with a partner she’s pretty sure despises her and he definitely doesn’t trust her.
When their mission is jeopardized from the inside, Cassie and Simon must rely on each other to survive and soon their cover of being lovers turns into the real thing.
Okay so, I loved this book. Like read it in 3 hours love. Sadly, I missed the first book in this series (Untrue Colors). Although True Deceptions works brilliantly as a standalone, I will be reading book one ASAP just to see what kind of trouble Simon’s brother gets into.
I really loved Simon, he’s a bit of wanker but it works for him. When I think of a spook/agent from MI6, Simon is exactly who comes to mind. He’s a cold, demanding, gruff, work focused, and not willing to let people—even his new partner—in. He’s working undercover as an arms dealer, the best in the field, but he’s only back in the game because he’s been forced. He had been hoping to have something more with his previous partner although she was murdered before anything happened. So, while he’s attracted to Cassie, he’s trying to keep her off limits.
I wasn’t sure how well I was going to like Cassie. She’s a pacifist who doesn’t believe in harming people or animals, she’s also anti-gun so she had the potential to come off as preachy or an over the top activist, thankfully, she wasn’t. While she was the oddest choice for a spook, I ended up really liking the way she dealt with her new lifestyle and her brutish new partner. And when push comes to shove, Cassie has the potential to shove back.
Simon and Cassie were like chalk and cheese. He’s 100% spy and she’s kind of like this little hippie yet they had amazing chemistry. It started the moment she held a gun to the back of his head and he quickly disarmed her and only grew as the book progressed.
While there was attraction and chemistry between them, there was also quite a bit of conflict and I was never really sure if they were to kill each other or shag and it totally worked for his book. There was also tension because she wasn’t his first choice—or even his tenth choice—for a new partner so it was fun watching them navigate their work and personal relationships.
The suspense aspect of this book started at beginning and didn’t slow down. There were several edge-of-your-seat moments while they set up arms deals and dealt with the fallout.
This book does contain it’s fair share of violence and at one point, Cassie is placed in a situation that some readers may be uncomfortable with.
Overall, this book was amazing. The characters were engaging and realistically flawed, the plot was fast-paced, actioned packed, and thrilling. If you’re like me and love a spy romance or are suffering from MI5 withdraws, this is the perfect book for you.
September 11, 2015
I love kick ass heroines. The ones who take control of a situation and never let anyone get the best of them. This year’s best examples? The women who graduated from the Army Ranger school. Real life warriors who energized a whole generation of women about what females can and cannot achieve in life and earned the respect of the men they work beside.
Many women show their strength and determination in their commitment to family, a stable job, and roots with the local community. They have no desire to be thrust in the middle of a battlefield.
Sarah Connor from the Terminator series is pulled out of that category and thrust into a war that hasn’t begun yet. A timid college student and waitress who is forced into a situation where she must evolve into a warrior or watch the Earth fall apart in an apocalypse she could have prevented.
She clearly wasn’t bad ass at the beginning of the movie, but circumstances force her transformation. There’s nothing like a killer cyborg who wants to terminate your existence to help kick your fight or flight instincts into action. And change she does.
If you watch Terminator 2 without seeing the first film, would you really understand the exrent of her transformation? Doubtful.
In “True Deceptions,” I took a person with no heroic aspirations and yanked her away from her simple office job and into a violent and dangerous field role. Cassie Watson is brilliant and beautiful. A computer analyst for MI6 with expertise in drone software, she prefers non-violence to violence. She’s reassigned and trained to be a field operative in the bloody world of arms deals. Her partner Simon Dunn would rather go alone than be saddled with her incompetence.
By the end of the book, she needs to be one of the best field agents out there. If she doesn’t evolve, the result could be another world war. Yet, an introvert pacifist isn’t going to turn into a fearless operative without something huge shifting her paradigm to a new dimension.
And so I put her through trials. Trials that could break a person or make them stronger. She becomes stronger. And then I throw a few more hardships at her. And she falters, but ultimately gains more confidence and skills. Through it all, however, she’s hoping to return to her old life. First though, she needs to live through this assignment.
Many women show their strength and determination in their commitment to family, a stable job, and roots with the local community. They have no desire to be thrust in the middle of a battlefield.
Sarah Connor from the Terminator series is pulled out of that category and thrust into a war that hasn’t begun yet. A timid college student and waitress who is forced into a situation where she must evolve into a warrior or watch the Earth fall apart in an apocalypse she could have prevented.
She clearly wasn’t bad ass at the beginning of the movie, but circumstances force her transformation. There’s nothing like a killer cyborg who wants to terminate your existence to help kick your fight or flight instincts into action. And change she does.
If you watch Terminator 2 without seeing the first film, would you really understand the exrent of her transformation? Doubtful.
In “True Deceptions,” I took a person with no heroic aspirations and yanked her away from her simple office job and into a violent and dangerous field role. Cassie Watson is brilliant and beautiful. A computer analyst for MI6 with expertise in drone software, she prefers non-violence to violence. She’s reassigned and trained to be a field operative in the bloody world of arms deals. Her partner Simon Dunn would rather go alone than be saddled with her incompetence.
By the end of the book, she needs to be one of the best field agents out there. If she doesn’t evolve, the result could be another world war. Yet, an introvert pacifist isn’t going to turn into a fearless operative without something huge shifting her paradigm to a new dimension.
And so I put her through trials. Trials that could break a person or make them stronger. She becomes stronger. And then I throw a few more hardships at her. And she falters, but ultimately gains more confidence and skills. Through it all, however, she’s hoping to return to her old life. First though, she needs to live through this assignment.
March 27, 2016
Funny and deadly… a lethal combination!
This is the second in the series, and could be a stand-alone but you don’t want to miss one page of the epic-ness that is this series. That includes everything Simon. So stop, go read the first book. You will thank me.
And when you come back to this one, you will be glad you did. Simon is a complex character with many facets to his personality. We learned a lot about him already but he is not finished revealing the many different sides he hides from the world. From the kitchen to the bedroom to the world-stage arms trade, he is a chameleon, comfortable in whatever the situation may be. Cassie, however, seems to bring out traits he never knew he had. And didn’t want!
A more unlikely spy or agent I couldn’t imagine…
“Why the he** are you here? You obviously don’t like violence, and you have the seductive ability of a Teletubby.”
What Cassie was, though, was super smart and beyond endearing. Forced into a job as a field agent, she was clumsy and uncertain but, at the same time, honest about her strengths and weaknesses. An expert in her field, she was a guppy thrown into a shark tank with Simon as her only protector. She didn’t want to be in this situation but she had to muddle through and so would Simon… even if it did kill them. And that’s a definite possibility…
Whether it is navigating a meal, their sleeping arrangements or each other, there are smiles and gasps galore in this totally engrossing sirens-and-spies story. Seriously, I started reading and everything else just fell away. I didn’t lift my head for two hours and even then I didn’t want to leave this dangerous but completely mesmerizing world. Henry and Alex were back in action as well and they seemed to be even more fun the second time around…
The bad and good guys blurred in this heart-in-your-throat thrill ride with Simon solidly in a class of his own. He is a bruised and battered hero but that makes him only more swoonworthy. He and Cassie clash and duet with sarcastic humor and a protectiveness building on both sides as they unite to protect the innocent and save themselves.
A series that I am “all in” with and don’t want to leave! ~ Diane, 5 stars
This is the second in the series, and could be a stand-alone but you don’t want to miss one page of the epic-ness that is this series. That includes everything Simon. So stop, go read the first book. You will thank me.
And when you come back to this one, you will be glad you did. Simon is a complex character with many facets to his personality. We learned a lot about him already but he is not finished revealing the many different sides he hides from the world. From the kitchen to the bedroom to the world-stage arms trade, he is a chameleon, comfortable in whatever the situation may be. Cassie, however, seems to bring out traits he never knew he had. And didn’t want!
A more unlikely spy or agent I couldn’t imagine…
“Why the he** are you here? You obviously don’t like violence, and you have the seductive ability of a Teletubby.”
What Cassie was, though, was super smart and beyond endearing. Forced into a job as a field agent, she was clumsy and uncertain but, at the same time, honest about her strengths and weaknesses. An expert in her field, she was a guppy thrown into a shark tank with Simon as her only protector. She didn’t want to be in this situation but she had to muddle through and so would Simon… even if it did kill them. And that’s a definite possibility…
Whether it is navigating a meal, their sleeping arrangements or each other, there are smiles and gasps galore in this totally engrossing sirens-and-spies story. Seriously, I started reading and everything else just fell away. I didn’t lift my head for two hours and even then I didn’t want to leave this dangerous but completely mesmerizing world. Henry and Alex were back in action as well and they seemed to be even more fun the second time around…
The bad and good guys blurred in this heart-in-your-throat thrill ride with Simon solidly in a class of his own. He is a bruised and battered hero but that makes him only more swoonworthy. He and Cassie clash and duet with sarcastic humor and a protectiveness building on both sides as they unite to protect the innocent and save themselves.
A series that I am “all in” with and don’t want to leave! ~ Diane, 5 stars
September 29, 2015
I loved this book - it's a very fast paced romantic suspense that drew me right in and kept me hooked until the very last page. Cassie is a robotics expert without any field experience when she is forced to partner with Simon, a spy extraordinaire. Simon doesn't want a partner and definitely doesn't want an inexperienced partner. Somehow, they get past that and embark on their mission. While dodging numerous obstacles, they also face their intense attraction to each other.
This is a phenomenal book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 5 enthusiastic stars given and I've the author to my must read authors' list.
This is a phenomenal book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 5 enthusiastic stars given and I've the author to my must read authors' list.
October 18, 2015
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Who doesn’t love themselves a hardened spy who softens with the love of a good strong woman who doesn’t take his crap?
This book started off high – like really high – I absolutely loved Simon and Cassie’s interactions – because Simon is a Class A Douchebag and Cassie is the sweet sweet desk jockey who is now going to be used as a pawn in a game that not even we know is being played.
You know why I liked Simon despite him being Class A Douchebag? First, the author was quick in explaining why he was quick in cutting Cassie off without even giving her the time of the day? And yes, while I understood those reasons, I wasn’t quick in forgiving him but it made reading him a lot easier. Second, once he was decided in giving Cassie his loyalty, he never faltered, never looked back, and never ever doubted it even when Cassie did. He was, once he got his ass in gear, ROCK SOLID and I absolutely adored him for it!
Cassie on the other hand, goes through the biggest transformation there I, and not even the bad kind. When you first meet her, she is this mousy, trembling, little girl who was way out of comfort league. But it took Simon’s gruff and assholish-ness to get her back up and grow a spine and she did it magnificently!
This story is complicated – there is a diverse amount of underlying plots going on that you don’t even get half the picture and that is when this book is in Dual POV (thankfully!) and yet you don’t get bored. Every single assessment, every single plot twist has its place and while at the start, I had my doubts on how it would all be resolved, it was and the sense of satisfaction that I received was off the Charts!
Now, you might all be wondering, why is this book still a 4 Star read for me? Because while intellectually I loved everything in this book, emotionally I just wasn’t able to connect it. I do know that it was a bad time in my life, when I read this book, so I am erring on the side of caution to realise that maybe when I do read it again (and I will), I will be able to emotionally invest in this book better!
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Who doesn’t love themselves a hardened spy who softens with the love of a good strong woman who doesn’t take his crap?
This book started off high – like really high – I absolutely loved Simon and Cassie’s interactions – because Simon is a Class A Douchebag and Cassie is the sweet sweet desk jockey who is now going to be used as a pawn in a game that not even we know is being played.
You know why I liked Simon despite him being Class A Douchebag? First, the author was quick in explaining why he was quick in cutting Cassie off without even giving her the time of the day? And yes, while I understood those reasons, I wasn’t quick in forgiving him but it made reading him a lot easier. Second, once he was decided in giving Cassie his loyalty, he never faltered, never looked back, and never ever doubted it even when Cassie did. He was, once he got his ass in gear, ROCK SOLID and I absolutely adored him for it!
Cassie on the other hand, goes through the biggest transformation there I, and not even the bad kind. When you first meet her, she is this mousy, trembling, little girl who was way out of comfort league. But it took Simon’s gruff and assholish-ness to get her back up and grow a spine and she did it magnificently!
This story is complicated – there is a diverse amount of underlying plots going on that you don’t even get half the picture and that is when this book is in Dual POV (thankfully!) and yet you don’t get bored. Every single assessment, every single plot twist has its place and while at the start, I had my doubts on how it would all be resolved, it was and the sense of satisfaction that I received was off the Charts!
Now, you might all be wondering, why is this book still a 4 Star read for me? Because while intellectually I loved everything in this book, emotionally I just wasn’t able to connect it. I do know that it was a bad time in my life, when I read this book, so I am erring on the side of caution to realise that maybe when I do read it again (and I will), I will be able to emotionally invest in this book better!
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
October 22, 2015
Simon Dunn is an undercover arms dealer, an old hand at the espionage game and he is looking to get out. One last assignment throws him together with rookie field agent Cassie Watson, a robotics expert who has spend her entire career in front of a computer screen. The assignment is a dangerous one, involving the infiltration of an enemy camp and Cassie has zero knowledge of the dangers she faces in the field and from Simon. Which puts Simon in a very difficult position.
Determined to close up shop after this assignment Simon attempts to groom Cassie. But when unexpected betrayal catches them unawares, an unlikely ally in the form of a rival may not be enough to save them, from losing their lives or their hearts to each other.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Determined to close up shop after this assignment Simon attempts to groom Cassie. But when unexpected betrayal catches them unawares, an unlikely ally in the form of a rival may not be enough to save them, from losing their lives or their hearts to each other.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2016
Espionage, intrigue and the world of spies and national security. After the death of his partner, a woman he cared deeply for, Simon wanted nothing more than to leave this world behind, but that world won't let go. At least not without leaving a trail of collateral damage in his wake.
MI6 has found him and is not about to let him go. They have assigned him a new partner and Cassie is a scary smart, beautiful, blond, but she just isn't field agent material and Simon is concerned that she could get them both killed on this mission. Simon is a quintessential gamma hero. His own agenda it the only agenda that matters and all he wants is to finish this mission and disappear. That Cassie is getting to him in a very personal way could get him killed.
MI6 has found him and is not about to let him go. They have assigned him a new partner and Cassie is a scary smart, beautiful, blond, but she just isn't field agent material and Simon is concerned that she could get them both killed on this mission. Simon is a quintessential gamma hero. His own agenda it the only agenda that matters and all he wants is to finish this mission and disappear. That Cassie is getting to him in a very personal way could get him killed.
November 6, 2015
Don't you just love it when a series just gets better with every book? I loved the first in the True series, but damn, this one even better! Cassie's character was great, but Simon was just awesome, awesome, awesome. Maybe I'm nuts, but I love borderline bossy alpha heroes. (Okay, so maybe he's a little past borderline, but I still loved him.) The story was beautifully crafted with exceptional details and the romance was fantastic. Seriously, if you're into romantic suspense and appreciate a hard ass alpha, you'll want to grab a copy of this one.
November 1, 2015
True Deceptions by Veronica Forand
Source: Author
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
Simon Dunn is done . . . no more arms dealing for the government, no more partners, and no more relationships. Oh, there will be sex a plenty but no more relationships and certainly no getting close enough to anyone to actually care for them. In order to avoid such entanglements, Simon has gone off the reservation and has no intention of ever coming back.
Cassie Watson never, not ever saw herself as a “real” field agent. Sitting in the office plugging away at her computer and helping from afar is exactly what she has always seen herself doing. Need a computer or computer system hacked? Cassie is your girl. Need to understand something robotics related? Cassie is your girl. Need to partner up a hot chick with a surly agent and send them both on a high-risk mission into both Koreas? Cassie is so not your girl. Too bad her superiors didn’t read that memo With little to no explanation, Cassie is plucked out of her cushy desk chair and transferred into Simon Dunn’s care where she is to pose as his lover and help him work a seriously high-risk arms deal.
From the moment she meets Simon Dunn, Cassie is well aware she is in over her head. Simon is an asshole and does everything he can to keep her at a distance. He barely speaks to her and when he does speak it is only the bare minimum, he sequesters himself in his room while she sleeps on the couch, and refuses to tell her what their mission involves. Try as she might, Cassie is a duck out of water but she isn’t going to give up. She’s about to walk into a crazy, volatile situation with a man she has to trust and there will be answers. Little by little, Simon lets Cassie in on the mission and what she is expected to do and not to do. In large part, she is expected to look pretty, stay by Simon’s side at all times, and not say a word to anyone. Though Cassie certainly doesn’t want to get hurt or lose her life, she does have a habit of being incredibly curious and that, unfortunately lands her in a lot of serious trouble and a jail cell.
Though he has made every damn effort to stay unattached, Simon Dunn finds himself totally attached to Cassie. Cassie is something special and though he can’t figure out why she was pulled out of an office and put into the field, he is going to do everything possible to protect her. Cassie is smart and resourceful but she is ill-equipped to be in the field and when she is arrested, it takes everything Simon has to keep from causing an international incident in an effort to find her. Her capture is just the beginning of the whole damn mess that Simon figures out involves more than just a lot of bad guys. In fact, the whole mess seems to have orchestrated from within and if Simon and Cassie don’t figure things out quick, their lives are going to be over.
The Bottom Line: I absolutely loved this book and had it read, cover to cover in no time flat!! This has everything I love about action and romance reads: there’s the surly yet sexy man, the super-smart and feisty female, loads of intrigue, and just the right amount of action. Oh, and there are the naughty bits – one mustn’t forget the naughty bits. Forand has a tight writing style that gets the reader through the story without a lot of extraneous crap that I generally find annoying in my reads. This is all about the characters, the drama, and the action and I was hooked from the very beginning!!
P.S. You might want to consider this a sequel to Forand’s Untrue Colors though you don’t, strictly speaking have to read one to enjoy the other. For those, like myself who want to read books in order, especially when there are overlapping characters, I would recommend you start with Untrue Colors
Source: Author
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
Simon Dunn is done . . . no more arms dealing for the government, no more partners, and no more relationships. Oh, there will be sex a plenty but no more relationships and certainly no getting close enough to anyone to actually care for them. In order to avoid such entanglements, Simon has gone off the reservation and has no intention of ever coming back.
Cassie Watson never, not ever saw herself as a “real” field agent. Sitting in the office plugging away at her computer and helping from afar is exactly what she has always seen herself doing. Need a computer or computer system hacked? Cassie is your girl. Need to understand something robotics related? Cassie is your girl. Need to partner up a hot chick with a surly agent and send them both on a high-risk mission into both Koreas? Cassie is so not your girl. Too bad her superiors didn’t read that memo With little to no explanation, Cassie is plucked out of her cushy desk chair and transferred into Simon Dunn’s care where she is to pose as his lover and help him work a seriously high-risk arms deal.
From the moment she meets Simon Dunn, Cassie is well aware she is in over her head. Simon is an asshole and does everything he can to keep her at a distance. He barely speaks to her and when he does speak it is only the bare minimum, he sequesters himself in his room while she sleeps on the couch, and refuses to tell her what their mission involves. Try as she might, Cassie is a duck out of water but she isn’t going to give up. She’s about to walk into a crazy, volatile situation with a man she has to trust and there will be answers. Little by little, Simon lets Cassie in on the mission and what she is expected to do and not to do. In large part, she is expected to look pretty, stay by Simon’s side at all times, and not say a word to anyone. Though Cassie certainly doesn’t want to get hurt or lose her life, she does have a habit of being incredibly curious and that, unfortunately lands her in a lot of serious trouble and a jail cell.
Though he has made every damn effort to stay unattached, Simon Dunn finds himself totally attached to Cassie. Cassie is something special and though he can’t figure out why she was pulled out of an office and put into the field, he is going to do everything possible to protect her. Cassie is smart and resourceful but she is ill-equipped to be in the field and when she is arrested, it takes everything Simon has to keep from causing an international incident in an effort to find her. Her capture is just the beginning of the whole damn mess that Simon figures out involves more than just a lot of bad guys. In fact, the whole mess seems to have orchestrated from within and if Simon and Cassie don’t figure things out quick, their lives are going to be over.
The Bottom Line: I absolutely loved this book and had it read, cover to cover in no time flat!! This has everything I love about action and romance reads: there’s the surly yet sexy man, the super-smart and feisty female, loads of intrigue, and just the right amount of action. Oh, and there are the naughty bits – one mustn’t forget the naughty bits. Forand has a tight writing style that gets the reader through the story without a lot of extraneous crap that I generally find annoying in my reads. This is all about the characters, the drama, and the action and I was hooked from the very beginning!!
P.S. You might want to consider this a sequel to Forand’s Untrue Colors though you don’t, strictly speaking have to read one to enjoy the other. For those, like myself who want to read books in order, especially when there are overlapping characters, I would recommend you start with Untrue Colors
October 24, 2015
Veronica Forand’s action-packed, Romantic Suspense thriller, True Deceptions is a phenomenal read. I can’t think of a better word to describe it. I couldn’t put it down.
The opening chapter is brilliantly written, rivalling the openings of James Bond movies. Filled with emotional drama, well developed characters and conflict it leaps off the page. I won’t give any spoilers, but I will say she had me within a few pages.
British, alpa-male hero, Simon Dunn, a somewhat reluctant MI6 operative, has class, intellect and courage beyond measure. Forand builds an intriguing character motivated by conflict and heart. Ruggedly handsome, the heroine notes, “…his body appeared molded by Roman gods for purely hedonistic activities.” And he’s good at those activities.
And Californian, Cassie Watson, a peace-loving, vegan, computer nerd turns out to be his perfect match. Simon describes her as, “…a brain in a centerfold’s body.” He tries not to notice the leggy blonde too much, because he has a huge assignment to complete, but he can’t help but note, “…her looks could disarm a man even if her fighting skills couldn’t.” And, “…She could break the concentration of a Tibetan monk!”
The heat between them sizzles.
The secondary characters are equally intriguing. The plot is fast paced and has surprising twists. Even though the subject is dead serious, Forand’s rich sense of humor plays through the dialogue deepening the texture of the plot and the tone of the novel.
Thoroughly entertaining! I recommend Veronica Forand’s True Deceptions for any reader who loves sizzling romance and intriguing spy stories.
I’m going now to Simon’s Facebook page. I’m totally his fan
My favorite line: “Crawling around in the mud and digging a ditch under a hidden section of barbed wire fencing were not his favorite activities, but he’d walk through molten lava to bring Cassie to safety.”
The opening chapter is brilliantly written, rivalling the openings of James Bond movies. Filled with emotional drama, well developed characters and conflict it leaps off the page. I won’t give any spoilers, but I will say she had me within a few pages.
British, alpa-male hero, Simon Dunn, a somewhat reluctant MI6 operative, has class, intellect and courage beyond measure. Forand builds an intriguing character motivated by conflict and heart. Ruggedly handsome, the heroine notes, “…his body appeared molded by Roman gods for purely hedonistic activities.” And he’s good at those activities.
And Californian, Cassie Watson, a peace-loving, vegan, computer nerd turns out to be his perfect match. Simon describes her as, “…a brain in a centerfold’s body.” He tries not to notice the leggy blonde too much, because he has a huge assignment to complete, but he can’t help but note, “…her looks could disarm a man even if her fighting skills couldn’t.” And, “…She could break the concentration of a Tibetan monk!”
The heat between them sizzles.
The secondary characters are equally intriguing. The plot is fast paced and has surprising twists. Even though the subject is dead serious, Forand’s rich sense of humor plays through the dialogue deepening the texture of the plot and the tone of the novel.
Thoroughly entertaining! I recommend Veronica Forand’s True Deceptions for any reader who loves sizzling romance and intriguing spy stories.
I’m going now to Simon’s Facebook page. I’m totally his fan
My favorite line: “Crawling around in the mud and digging a ditch under a hidden section of barbed wire fencing were not his favorite activities, but he’d walk through molten lava to bring Cassie to safety.”
October 20, 2015
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 / 5 stars
Right away, the reader learns just how far MI6 will go to get one of their ops back in the field... And they don't care who gets hurt in the process.
Simon lost his last partner to death. They posed as a couple for the previous five years and if there was one thing Simon wanted, it was for Nicola to truly be his. But Nicola was ever the op, and was extremely good about keeping her business and personal lives separate.
Now Simon's come home to find another woman living in his place and she tells him she's his new partner. The problem? She's too young looking, too naive, and her hands shake. There's no way she is going to do well in the field.
English born Cassie grew up in California but is now back over the pond. She is a robotics expert who doesn't believe in killing -- people or animals -- and she's fairly certain this assignment was a bad idea. She wants nothing more than to be back with her people, with her computers, doing what she does best.
Simon is quite the ass to Cassie, and I grew increasingly frustrated with him. Cassie's naivety didn't exactly go along well with her age -- early thirties -- but I suppose if she's as much of a 'computer geek' as she's portrayed to be, she could easily be an introverted, non-people person.
When Simon and Cassie are given their task, everything makes sense. I loved that things Simon detested about Cassie in the beginning, are things he loves about her at the end. Throughout the story, Simon thaws a bit and Cassie grows a bit -- and together, they find they can actually get along fabulously. I loved watching these two grow together, and the side player of Dane. I loved his moments of comic relief...but more than that, I simply enjoyed reading about him. I assume that he will be getting a story next, and I'm excited to read it!
4.5 / 5 stars
Right away, the reader learns just how far MI6 will go to get one of their ops back in the field... And they don't care who gets hurt in the process.
Simon lost his last partner to death. They posed as a couple for the previous five years and if there was one thing Simon wanted, it was for Nicola to truly be his. But Nicola was ever the op, and was extremely good about keeping her business and personal lives separate.
Now Simon's come home to find another woman living in his place and she tells him she's his new partner. The problem? She's too young looking, too naive, and her hands shake. There's no way she is going to do well in the field.
English born Cassie grew up in California but is now back over the pond. She is a robotics expert who doesn't believe in killing -- people or animals -- and she's fairly certain this assignment was a bad idea. She wants nothing more than to be back with her people, with her computers, doing what she does best.
Simon is quite the ass to Cassie, and I grew increasingly frustrated with him. Cassie's naivety didn't exactly go along well with her age -- early thirties -- but I suppose if she's as much of a 'computer geek' as she's portrayed to be, she could easily be an introverted, non-people person.
When Simon and Cassie are given their task, everything makes sense. I loved that things Simon detested about Cassie in the beginning, are things he loves about her at the end. Throughout the story, Simon thaws a bit and Cassie grows a bit -- and together, they find they can actually get along fabulously. I loved watching these two grow together, and the side player of Dane. I loved his moments of comic relief...but more than that, I simply enjoyed reading about him. I assume that he will be getting a story next, and I'm excited to read it!
March 23, 2017
Well-plotted, crafted with sophistication and intricacy, story-wise at least.
Tortured by memories of his unrequited want for his (now-dead) partner, Simon Dunn has decided he’s done with the covert world of espionage, arms-dealing and undercover roles. Until he suddenly finds himself blackmailed into going back for yet another mission with a painfully naive new partner who��s geeky and a blond bombshell who’s only of use in the robotics field and nothing more. As always, there’s the instant-lust factor…at least more obviously on Simon’s part as he tests and punishes her simultaneously for his own unflagging desire and under the pretext that she should be ready for a job she has never been and never will be ready for as a field operative.
And therein lies the problem. My only gripe - and it’s a big one - lies with its characters that I honestly thought broke this book.
In short, Cassis and Simon stretch the limits of my ability to play along as their antics move from the hostile to the ridiculous. Cassie’s naïveté and eagerness to please just seemed completely out of place - the book acknowledges this as such but it gets too painfully awkward to keep up with her need for approval -; her pairing with controlling, brutish Simon (who suddenly feels the need to protect this simple geek genius?!) is a doubly bewildering one especially after she quite idiotically reasons that becoming his lover for real will give them the connection she craves. It’s hard to like this weak, harebrained heroine and even harder to accept that Simon’s sudden love for her. Cassie is wrongly placed in a role she should never have been in the first place and by the end of the book, I’m even more convinced that pairing should never even have been, period.
*ARC by netgalley
Tortured by memories of his unrequited want for his (now-dead) partner, Simon Dunn has decided he’s done with the covert world of espionage, arms-dealing and undercover roles. Until he suddenly finds himself blackmailed into going back for yet another mission with a painfully naive new partner who��s geeky and a blond bombshell who’s only of use in the robotics field and nothing more. As always, there’s the instant-lust factor…at least more obviously on Simon’s part as he tests and punishes her simultaneously for his own unflagging desire and under the pretext that she should be ready for a job she has never been and never will be ready for as a field operative.
And therein lies the problem. My only gripe - and it’s a big one - lies with its characters that I honestly thought broke this book.
In short, Cassis and Simon stretch the limits of my ability to play along as their antics move from the hostile to the ridiculous. Cassie’s naïveté and eagerness to please just seemed completely out of place - the book acknowledges this as such but it gets too painfully awkward to keep up with her need for approval -; her pairing with controlling, brutish Simon (who suddenly feels the need to protect this simple geek genius?!) is a doubly bewildering one especially after she quite idiotically reasons that becoming his lover for real will give them the connection she craves. It’s hard to like this weak, harebrained heroine and even harder to accept that Simon’s sudden love for her. Cassie is wrongly placed in a role she should never have been in the first place and by the end of the book, I’m even more convinced that pairing should never even have been, period.
*ARC by netgalley
October 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Entangled Publishing/Entangled Selected Suspense for an honest review. "True Deceptions" by Veronica Forand is the continuation of "Untrue Colors" a mystery, thriller, and romance. This is Simon Dunn and Cassie Watson's story.
Simon works for the British Intelligence and his partner has just been murdered. Cassie is a robotics expert and has been selected to be Simon's new partner. As Simon's new partner her cover is to be his girlfriend. Cassis is in no way ready to be a field agent. Simon nor Cassie are not happy about this arrangement or assignment.
I liked Simon immediately even though he is very controlling. Cassie's character was hard to figure out. She is a highly trained robotics expert but for someone so smart she made some poor/stupid decisions that caused some extreme consequences.
Simon and Cassie are extremely attracted to each other even though they don't really like each other. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Simon and Cassie change from just attraction to where they wanted something lasting. Simon is afraid to commit to a lasting relationship with Cassie since he has no way out of his violent dangerous job.
If you love stories with suspense, murder, violence, betrayal, seduction, and romance, this is for you. This story is action packed. FYI, contains mature content.
The way the book ended it looks as if this story will continue with maybe the focus on Dane.
https://booksnuggle.wordpress.com/
Simon works for the British Intelligence and his partner has just been murdered. Cassie is a robotics expert and has been selected to be Simon's new partner. As Simon's new partner her cover is to be his girlfriend. Cassis is in no way ready to be a field agent. Simon nor Cassie are not happy about this arrangement or assignment.
I liked Simon immediately even though he is very controlling. Cassie's character was hard to figure out. She is a highly trained robotics expert but for someone so smart she made some poor/stupid decisions that caused some extreme consequences.
Simon and Cassie are extremely attracted to each other even though they don't really like each other. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Simon and Cassie change from just attraction to where they wanted something lasting. Simon is afraid to commit to a lasting relationship with Cassie since he has no way out of his violent dangerous job.
If you love stories with suspense, murder, violence, betrayal, seduction, and romance, this is for you. This story is action packed. FYI, contains mature content.
The way the book ended it looks as if this story will continue with maybe the focus on Dane.
https://booksnuggle.wordpress.com/
October 13, 2015
Simon Dunn had been hiding for 8 months from MI6, but they found him. A woman is dead and he’s given the choice of completing another mission or facing murder charges. To make matters worse, he’s saddled with a new partner who has no field experience: Cassie Watson. Cassie has superlative computer skills, is a triathlete, and doesn’t believe in violence; she’s all wrong for the job, and she doesn’t want to be there. Simon’s former partner, Nicola, whom he secretly loved but never reciprocated, was killed on the job, and Simon doesn’t want to be partnered with Cassie, but again, he has no choice. Cassie is totally out of her element, but she is spunky and rises to the situation when required; she’s a very engaging character. Simon is cold, extremely professional, but there is a lot of background on both characters, which makes things interesting. I love how Ms. Forand takes a realistic approach to the spying world: there is much more preparation than actual action, and it’s very well-researched. TRUE DECEPTIONS is a very nice little spy story.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange of an honest review.
October 20, 2015
Check out my book blog at www.notapickyreader.blogspot.com
A romantic romp through international politics and (domestic...ish?) relationships. The chemistry between Cassie and Simon is great (once Simon lightens up a little bit) and I thought the cast of characters were colorful and developed. Simon and Cassie are complete opposites and it's fun to watch them interact with each other, as well as Simon's crew of experienced agents/coworkers. Personally, I thought the action part of the plot was overshadowed by the romantic tension. Narratively, the spy missions/actions were well explained and (fairly) balanced, but I couldn't really get invested in it as much as I was the romance (which is a-ok). I was more interested in their interactions/relationship than I ever was about the spy mission or the stakes concerning missiles. If you are looking for a sexy, romantic roll through some high stakes sheets, this is the book for you.
A romantic romp through international politics and (domestic...ish?) relationships. The chemistry between Cassie and Simon is great (once Simon lightens up a little bit) and I thought the cast of characters were colorful and developed. Simon and Cassie are complete opposites and it's fun to watch them interact with each other, as well as Simon's crew of experienced agents/coworkers. Personally, I thought the action part of the plot was overshadowed by the romantic tension. Narratively, the spy missions/actions were well explained and (fairly) balanced, but I couldn't really get invested in it as much as I was the romance (which is a-ok). I was more interested in their interactions/relationship than I ever was about the spy mission or the stakes concerning missiles. If you are looking for a sexy, romantic roll through some high stakes sheets, this is the book for you.
October 27, 2015
Sweeps you into world of espionage and romance
Well researched story of M16 British agent thrown back into action with a neophyte partner and an assignment that sweeps the globe from London to Paris to North Korea.
Simon's character is tough and hard as he seeks the revenge of the death of his former partner. He , at first, has no patience for Cassie, a computer nerd, not ready for this cold , calculated world. As the story quickly evolves they become more than partners as they work together in the mission. Cassie's capture brilliantly illustrated depravity faced by others when captured by governments in countries we only see in headlines. When their mission is compromised from the inside, Dane, an American CIA agent becomes involved.
This is a well written romantic thriller that would be great on the big screen!!!
Well researched story of M16 British agent thrown back into action with a neophyte partner and an assignment that sweeps the globe from London to Paris to North Korea.
Simon's character is tough and hard as he seeks the revenge of the death of his former partner. He , at first, has no patience for Cassie, a computer nerd, not ready for this cold , calculated world. As the story quickly evolves they become more than partners as they work together in the mission. Cassie's capture brilliantly illustrated depravity faced by others when captured by governments in countries we only see in headlines. When their mission is compromised from the inside, Dane, an American CIA agent becomes involved.
This is a well written romantic thriller that would be great on the big screen!!!
October 19, 2015
I received this Arc by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book.
From the very first page it has a lot of action! Very fast paced romantic suspense. I couldn't put it down!
Cassie works a a robotics expert but she has never been on the field. They put her to work with simon, the most amazing spy. He doesn't want to work with her but he deosn't have an option.
Of course the book is full of challenges and a great chemistry between the characters. Some parts are hilarious. very entertaining!
From the very first page it has a lot of action! Very fast paced romantic suspense. I couldn't put it down!
Cassie works a a robotics expert but she has never been on the field. They put her to work with simon, the most amazing spy. He doesn't want to work with her but he deosn't have an option.
Of course the book is full of challenges and a great chemistry between the characters. Some parts are hilarious. very entertaining!
November 6, 2015
If fast-paced, hard hitting spy thrillers are your thing, look no farther than Veronica Forand. The complex and dangerous world of weapons supply kept me turning the pages and staying up later than was smart too.
October 23, 2015
One of the best romantic suspense books I have read this year! A non-stop ride from beginning to end! A definite must read.
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