A Necessary Lie

Search and Recover #1

by Lucy Farago

The Investigative Collection Unit is one of the world’s most renowned agencies, solving cases with—or without—the law on its side. And the Unit’s men are special agents in more ways than one, with secrets that can make or break them—and the hearts of those who fall for them . . .

He’s known only as Cowboy. A successful rodeo star with a string of women behind him, the ICU has given him a chance to stay put instead of constantly running away—from the past, from love, from the blood on his hands. And he’s not going to screw that up, even if it means going back home to Texas to investigate the disappearance of the woman who made him start running in the first place . . .

The political exposé of a popular senator should have been Grace Irvine’s story, but she thought it would be good for her best friend Jessie’s career. Now, Jessie is missing and Grace will do anything to find her. But her path keeps crossing with a mysterious and charismatic cowboy who has his own reasons for finding Jessie. And as intrigue draws Grace and Cowboy deeper into danger, passion starts to play by its own rules—making promises it might not be able to keep . . .

Praise for Lucy Farago’s Sin on the Strip

“As suspenseful and sexy as the title promises. Don’t miss this one.” —Cindy Gerard, New York Times Bestselling Author

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2017

About the author

Lucy Farago knows there is nothing like a happy sigh at the end of a good book. With the encouragement of her loving husband, she wrote her first manuscript. An unpublished historical, it sits in a file on her computer, there to remind her how much fun she had learning the craft and becoming part of an industry whose books make you believe anything is possible. A big fan of Agatha Christie, she set out to write her first romantic suspense novel. Thrilled to be a published author, Lucy also teaches yoga, enjoys cooking, and saying what other people are thinking. In her fantasy world, her beautiful Siberian husky, Loki, doesn’t shed and her three kids clean up after themselves . Alas, that fantasy will never see fruition.

Reviews

[Rita Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Sigh***
Then another one…
***Sigh***
**Dreamy eyes**
Why has it ended?
I was not ready to say goodbye. Maybe a fun short follow up book coming soon? Maybe some 1.5 about Grace and Cowboy? Yeah… Forever Cowboy. Nope, not Austin: Nicknames hold the mystery.
And let’s face it, Cowboy is sexier!!
The book is lovely, it has a little of everything. And most importantly, ever since the first scene, your curiosity is piqued. Not without a little smile on the side. Ryan, Ryan… What are you hiding? or the better question: how much do you know? We will get to your book soon!
Ryan always appears for like 5 seconds in the book and then poof! Well we need more!
I wonder what his story is going to be. He has one coming, right? I mean, right?
Ok, maybe Monty, Dozier and TNT can come first, but Ryan is definitely next!
I hope.
But let’s not get carried away and go back to Grace and Cowboy.
Despite the sad circumstances they meet in, you can’t help but love them and smile with them. The first time they meet is truly funny. It is cute how they get to know each other and how their defenses fall down a little bit with every page. They learn to trust and rely on each other. It’s a matter of a few days only but that was enough. I will admit, I never expected Grace to open up first. I mean, both of them are stubborn. However, the last scene was amazing… even if they’ve never got to eat that pizza! And speaking of which, maybe I will go get one ;)
Cowboy is just so… considerate, thoughtful, caring. Oh please, if you find a real life Cowboy, just beep me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat!
And Grace is sweet, no matter what she says, she is a nice person and she never backs down from a fight!
I recently discovered Lucy Farago’s books and I am glad I did! I like the fact that I started reading Farago’s books ever since her first one… This way I can say, I read all of this author’s books! And so far I did!! Yeay!
And let's face it people, Farago knows how to create a great plot!
I might also add that I loved this series better than Women of Vegas. Yes, I know, it’s too early since Search and Recover is still at its first book, so what? Okay, fine. I will wait for the next book first and then confirm it. So… who’s next?

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Irvine is determined to find out what happened to her friend, Jessie, and nothing is going to stop her. Not her father's warnings of danger nor the bodyguard he's hired to protect her. However, the deeper into her investigation Grace gets, the harder she finds it to deny the depth of her feelings for Daniel 'Cowboy' Bailey. But with the huge secret he's keeping, can she handle the truth when it's revealed, or will their chance at happy ever after slip by?

Ms. Ferago is a new-to-me author, and this was a brilliant introduction to her writing, because this story had everything I love when it comes to reading romantic suspense. Such as it's perfect combination of suspense and romance that illustrated how successful opposites attract; intense dialogue that had me hooked and on the edge-of-my-seat due to what the main characters go through on their journey to happy ever after; and is a story that had me constantly guessing as to who the bad guy was, as there were certainly a few secondary characters I suspected.

The way this story started had me loving the hero the moment he was introduced, as he isn't afraid to stand up to his boss when it comes to the cases the man assigns him. However, Cowboy knows when he's facing a losing battle, and besides, once he learns certain details of the case, he finds himself interested because of the connection it has to his past. Will the hero be able to face his past? However, it was from the moment Cowboy and Grace were introduced to each other in this story that things became interesting, as the heroine mistakes Cowboy for someone that he isn't. How will she react when she discovers the truth?

Both the main characters were fantastic, and I really enjoyed their back stories. Cowboy did something in his past that made him run from his family, and finally he has the chance to make things right. Will his family be able to forgive him? Will the truth come out about what he did, especially when what he did was for the right reason? Moreover, the hero is confident, determined in his pursuit to help Grace find the information she's searching for and I liked how protective he was of the heroine, especially after the discoveries they make they could put them both in danger. While the heroine, I could understand her frustration when it came to her dad and his over-protectiveness, but I was pleased that she didn't give up on the hero when she discovers certain things about Cowboy that make her question why she gave him her trust when she finds it hard to trust people. I also liked how determined Grace was to find the truth about what happened to Jessie, even though the things she learns are hard. Why didn't Jessie trust her enough to tell her everything about her past?

Overall, Ms. Ferago has penned a thrilling read in this book that entertained me from start to finish because of the hot romance that illustrated how made for each other Grace and Cowboy are and did justice to their intense chemistry; the tough obstacles these two face on their journey to happy ever after; and the ending that had me on the edge-of-my-seat and determined to discover whether this couple would come out on top against the bad guy. However, it was how things turned out for Grace and Cowboy right at the end that wrapped this story up nicely, because it proves redemption is possible and love is worth fighting for. I would recommend A Necessary Lie by Lucy Ferago, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Kari Lemor, Sheryl Nantus, Dana Marton and Suzanne Brockmann.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Lie is the first book in the exciting new Search and Recover series, and it's definitely off to a great start! With an intriguing storyline, complex characters you can't help but love, action, mystery, suspense, and surprise twists, this page turner will have you on the edge of your seat till the very end. This was a fantastic story, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

Cowboy has many aliases, only one person knows his real name, but he's damn good at what he does. The Investigation Collection Unit, aka ICU, gave him a purpose after so many years of running from his past, but his new assignment is sending him right back to the one place that he vowed never to return, his home town. His assignment is to watch over Grace, try to keep her from looking for her missing friend, and most of all, keep her safe. However, Grace is determined to find her best friend, no matter what anyone says, especially her father.

Grace thought she was helping to advance her best friend's career, but had no idea that her friend had secretly known the person of interest in the story she gave her, or that it would cause her to go missing. Determined to find out where her friend is, what happened to cause her disappearance, and who's responsible for it all, she takes over the story to get the answers that she so desperately needs, and hoping that it's not too late.

When a certain cowboy keeps showing up at the same places she's at, they form a tentative friendship, and agree to help out the other since they both have an interest in the same person. Grace doesn't know who Cowboy really is, what his true purpose is, or that he secretly knows her missing friend. As the situation becomes more intense and dangerous, their attraction towards one another burns out of control.

When Grace finds out the truth about who Cowboy is, and why he's there, will she be able to forgive him? Will Cowboy trust Grace, and risk his freedom, to tell her the truth about who he really is, the reason why he ran years ago, and how it involved her best friend Jessie? Can they find a way to get past all of the secrets and lies? Will Cowboy be able to keep her safe while trying to figure out what happened to Jessie, who's behind her disappearance, and what other secrets she stumbled upon? Will Cowboy and Grace be able to get the HEA they both deserve? You'll have to read this to find out! You won't be disappointed!

I strongly recommend this book, series, and great author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Lie
By Lucy Fargo
5 stars!

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

Wow what a fab book! There was so much to this story that I devoured it in one sitting – it was definitely a page turner for me. The storyline was complex, intriguing and a whole lot more. Romantic suspense stories are one of my favourites. Yes I love all the romance but I also love the edge of your seat suspense that goes along with it. I thought that the characters were really good; the story flowed really well and had no obvious plot holes. Lucy Fargo is a new to me author and I thought A Necessary Lie was a fantastic introduction to her.
I loved the two main characters Cowboy and Grace. They had a real intense chemistry between them bit on their own they had really interesting back stories. I thought the author did a really great job with the development if the characters. I loved how the author kept me guessing throughout the story – I was constantly trying to guess who the bag guy was!
This story really was a fantastic thrilling read and I can’t wait to read more in this series – I think it’s going to be a good one!! If romantic suspense is your genre then you will not be disappointed with this story!
I give A Necessary Lie by Lucy Fargo 5 stars!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! GREAT first in the new Search and Recover series by Lucy Farago and after reading it I don’t want to miss any of them!

Investigative Recovery Unity, ICU, has been hired to keep Grace Irvine safe. She is a reporter that is in search of her best friend who has gone missing while looking into a story for their newspaper. “Cowboy” is the professional sent in undercover by ICU to keep an eye on Grace and the two really hit it off on many levels. The chemistry was off the charts and so much fun to experience vicariously. Cowboy…WOW…but then Grace was no slouch, either. The caring was real. The bad guys were horribly bad. There was suspense and danger and uneasy times more than once during the story. I highly recommend the book and personally can’t wait to hear how Grace and Cowboy are doing in book two of the series while also hearing about more of the ICU team.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Lie is part of a new series by Lucy Farago. I really liked the Las Vegas Strip Series so I was expecting this to be a suspenseful romantic read. I was not disappointed. The Investigative Collection Unit is the type of agency you want on your side when you need help. A tough, smart group that will do whatever it takes to bring a successful conclusion to the case.

Missing person, political intrigue and danger all come into play in A Necessary Lie as well as sizzling chemistry between Cowboy and Grace. A well-written thriller of a romance that has intriguing characters who are complex and mysterious. It is a compelling read, making you want more from the Investigative Collection Unit and this author.


4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Lie by Lucy Farago will keep you on the edge of your comfy chair till the very last page. This was my first adventure from Lucy and I can’t wait to read more. From the sexy cover to the men of the Investigative Collection Unit it’s a must for your summer reading.

I loved the chemistry, the writing and the gradual suspense of uncovering a mystery that’s shocking and characters that are wickedly charming, wity, and naughty. Dive into a world of reporters, politicians, the ICU, and one sexy Cowboy.

I received an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review and look forward to the next installment. Check out my full review on my blog.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, romantic suspense is the genre I read least often. Maybe it’s because I want to know “who done-it” immediately. Or it’s because there’s typically some nefarious crime involved that borders on the line of too “scary” for me. Yes, I’m a wimp. However, Lucy Farago’s fourth book in her Women of Vegas series, Sins That Haunt, drew me in from the first page. Especially when FBI agent Noah Monroe falsely arrests his childhood sweetheart, attorney Shannon Joyce, for her father’s murder. Yep. That’s what I thought. Could he be any more of a douche? But, as with many romances, sometimes first impressions aren’t always accurate. And dang if Agent Monroe isn’t going to infest my dreams for some time to come.

Here’s what I love about Sins That Haunt—Farago unravels the entangled mystery with finesse. Who killed JJ Lewis, why they would kill him, and how he gets killed (love it by the way and no spoilers), all piece together like a Jenga tower. JJ spent his life as a con-man involved with some dangerous people, so it was just a matter of time before he was offed. At least that is what Shannon thinks. Moreover, the FBI’s been tracking JJ for some time, and they need Shannon in order to lure in some bigger fish JJ interacted with before his death. But Shannon wants nothing to do with her father’s illegal dealings, nor does she want to remember the pain of leaving her first love, Noah Monroe.

She wasn’t only running away from an abusive father and her part in a man’s death, she was forgoing the love of her life—him. She’d had no choice. They were so young. She assumed she’d get over him. And she had….Talking to him had been bad enough; seeing him had torn her in two. She’d nearly been dumb enough to throw her arms around him—then he’d arrested her.

Noah, though. He’s good. He’s especially good—working magic with his mouth—convincing her to stick around for the investigation and for him.

His lips were warm, and like so many times before she wondered what if. What if she hadn’t sacrificed the boy who’d vowed to love her forever? Had the words been said in teenage folly? Or could this man, the one kissing her like his very breath depended on his mouth staying pressed to hers, have been Shannon’s all this time?

And it’s not the male that needs convincing in this story, it’s Shannon. So hell bent on protecting herself, she doesn’t see that Noah is the real deal, here before her, ready to start over again. We want so badly for Shannon to say yes, because even though Noah tricked Shannon into helping with the investigation, Noah’s one of the good guys. He’s the hero we love, slightly flawed in a way that makes him almost perfect.

He wanted all these years between them to vanish, to never have known what it was like without her, but right now he’d settle for having her naked…He’d waited thirteen years to have her again. Thirteen years of mourning her loss. And he wouldn’t wait a second longer.

Yup, we don’t want him waiting any longer either.

As Noah and Shannon draw closer to the truth, the pages fly. Each character and their roles bring us closer until we finally find out who did what and why and how. I’m still able to read the story without needing a timeout Mickey Mouse playhouse to counteract some of the darkness involved with illegal crime, drugs, and murder. Throw in some curveballs—which mums the word—and it all comes together in the end. In all honesty, the last one hundred pages? Perfect chaos for me. Now I’m itching to read books one through three in her Women of Vegas series.

[Wanda E. Beckworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this book

Wonderful book, not you typically mostly romance. I liked how tiff Grace was. I liked how secrets were kept for years.