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Search and Recover #2

A Necessary Deception

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The agents of the renowned Investigative Collection Unit have to be the biggest, baddest, and brightest to take on missions no one else would dare. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also the sexiest. But in a shadowy world where reality means living on the razor’s edge of deception, few survive with their hearts intact . . .

ICU intel expert Monty Buchannan’s idea of fun is creating software—not roughing it in a cabin off the grid in Alaska. But his team forced him to unplug when his intense need to be in control put a mission at risk. Being alone isn’t a problem; most people make him uncomfortable. But there’s something about the woman he finds floundering in a frozen stream that warms his ice-cold heart . . .

Taylor Moore was once a spoiled socialite famous for her tabloid-worthy exploits, until she broke out from under wealthy father’s thumb. Now she’s the self-made CEO of an online matchmaking service—and on the run from Russian mobsters who’ve hijacked her website. But when she’s suddenly plucked from a river by a half-naked mountain man, trust will become a matter of survival. And desire just might break down the defenses that have kept them both playing it far too safe for far too long . . .

Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2018

2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Farago

11 books112 followers
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 An unpublished historical, it sits in a file on her computer, there to remind her how much fun she had learning the craft and becoming part of an industry whose books make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.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,478 reviews1,593 followers
June 11, 2018
thumbnail_Teaser
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-22/5/18

A Necessary Deception (Search and Recover #2) by Lucy Farago blew me the fuck away; my first experience of this very talented storyteller but certainly not my last.
I'm not exactly sure quite what I was expecting here with this, but can definitely say this was all good, and this snuck up so stealthfully taking me completely unawares.
If I could award this more stars I bloody would I thought it was that good.
This was a very addictive pulse-racing, romantic suspense; with a slow-build heat escalation between the two main characters Taylor and Monty.
I found "A Necessary Deception" to be in itself more story and action-based; With the romance between these two slowly progressing in the background as our story unfolds.
The sexual heat of this excellent narrative was dialled up notch by notch; building an almost sense of anticipation for the players as well as the reader; until it finally acclimated in Monty and Taylor being unable to deny the red-hot chemistry that had been built up between them anymore.
And when it finally does happen; the emotion and sentiment I felt here, was just so believable.
I adored the interaction between Monty and Tyler; they had such a rapport; the extreme circumstances of there situation had cultivated in such a deep connection; which had formed much faster than is usual.
especially in terms of Monty; he doesn't play well with others; a mixture of his past baggage and solitary personality combined.
He's also so different to your usual action hero; being his teams resident computer geek.
Montys really rocks the smart, hot nerd vibe; but he's also able to handle himself and is buff to boot; Taylors one lucky girl finding her own personal Rambo way out in the boonies.
So this is set in the Alaskan Wilderness; where Monty has been offloaded by his team-mates for an unwanted vacay at one of there safe houses after screwing up on the job.
Stranded and without power, all he wants is to return to his beloved control room but knows he has to suck it up and deal.
Enter Taylor; CEO of her own matchmaker company; she luckily finds herself rescued by the hot computer expert after being abducted from her home by persons unknown and then after giving them the slip; taking an actual tumble into Monty's creek.
It's not long before these two are teaming up and fighting for survival as they try to escape the attention of Taylors Russian pursuers.
So; For a book with very few in-depth character portrayals; rather than the main two and also one so lengthy this was surprisingly good.
And All-though we spend all our time with both Monty and Taylor "A Necessary Deception" was also packed full of action, intrigue, suspense and romance.
It also had a surprisingly humorous vibe to it at times; the humour actually helping to actually defuse the stress of the whole sorry scenario.
This was told in my favourite dual POV and was such an intense experience overall.
And although part of a series can definitely be read as a standalone; I did and had no issues following along at all; the stories are connected but each is also seperate.
I can't stress enough how well written and engaging this was; this author has a talent for making you actually believe what your reading.
Romantic Suspense is not my usual go-to genre but this is one that certainly ticked all my boxes.
This is one read I highly recommend it was fantastic from start to finish; a job well done by the author.
Give it a go you might surprise yourself.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "A Necessary Deception (Search and Recover #2) " of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
thumbnail_A Necessary Deception Cover
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 208 books1,825 followers
May 22, 2018
This was an intriguing romantic suspense with the hero not the usual action-guy type, but rather the team’s ‘tech geek’. Still army-trained and capable of holding his own physically, Monty knows his greatest strength is his brain. Taking an off-the-grid vacation on Alaska, he doesn’t expect to run into anyone, certainly not a beautiful woman he has to fish out of a creek.

Pursued by Russian thugs, online matchmaking agency boss Taylor Moore isn’t sure if she’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire with Monty. Eventually choosing to trust him, the two of them end up on the run through the wilderness, relying on each other’s wits and resourcefulness to stay alive.

I really liked that Monty wasn’t the he-man type and that Taylor got to do her fair share of rescuing even though she was very much out of her element. I did wonder how she could be quite so tech-challenged if she’d created the algorithms to make a successful matchmaking service, though I don’t know enough about the field to really make assumptions. It was a very minor quibble, though, much like a few typos and odd word choices I found sprinkled through this ARC which I hope would be corrected by the time the final version goes to publication.

Stuck together in a cabin in the wilderness is one of my favourite tropes when written well, with a slow build romance, and this one is done superbly. Though it’s part of a series, it reads very well as a standalone and I’d definitely be interested in reading more by this author. Five stars for a very good romantic suspense!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews361 followers
June 3, 2018
description
Danger-filled romantic suspense…

If you are looking for a danger-filled, high-octane, slow burn romance than you have found the right story! Monty is a geeky, surprisingly funny, slightly bitter, security expert who knows his way around computers. Stuck in the Alaskan wilderness with no power and only himself for company, he doesn’t expect to rescue a beautiful blonde in the middle of the frozen water. What follows is a trust-building exercise between two people who don’t know how to rely on others, but soon find they need each other to survive…

This is my first time reading this author and I have to wonder, where has she been hiding? Her writing style is top-notch with a wonderful blend of action, suspense, mystery and humour-tinged conversation. Her characters feel like real people, complete with warts and all, in an extraordinary situation that they are more than capable of handling. There are twists and turns with the revelations surprising to say the least! The romance seemed to take a very last turn even though Monty and Taylor teased and bantered about desire a lot…

“I’m simply amazed at your ability to take everything I say and make it dirty..”
“It’s a gift.”


A lot of James Bond and a huge helping of MacGyver, this standalone story has me looking for everything else by this author.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,269 reviews356 followers
06-reasons
May 15, 2018
I didn't get very far on this one and that is all due to the heroine.

First of all she lies that an ex boyfriend is after her where it is actually the Russian mafia. But hey same thing right? Okay so the Hero doesn't believe her but still.

Secondly the bad guy knocked on the frigging cabin door and she thinks its a good idea to go out and look for the USB stick that she has lost seeing as the Hero lied and said that he'd never see the heroine.

TSTL IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews78 followers
May 18, 2018
Necessary Deception is a fun romantic suspense that readers can start and finish quickly or enjoy over the summer break. (I know what break if you work or have kids)

The characters are well developed, the authors ability to write banter without taking away the story is a feat. Their is sex but it fills in the time where the characters are waiting to something to happen.

While this is book 2 in a series it is completely a stand alone novel. I didn't read book 1 and the author blends the update and the new story together keeping readers engaged until the very end or what readers think is the end. Trust me you turn the page and find the story is still moving forward with the ending you hoping to find. There is no cliff hanger. The story will leave readers happy and with a smile on their face.



Thank you to the Netgalley and the publisher Lyrical Press for the advance copy of Lucy Farago A Necessary Deception.
Profile Image for Anne .
468 reviews73 followers
May 25, 2018
A Necessary Deception is something unusual for me, but in a good way. The hero is very different from what I have read from before but that actually makes this book more interesting and more fun. I love that Lucy Farago was not afraid to color outside the line. Her characters were both fascinating and the banters is really entertaining. Steamy with a lot of twists and turns, well developed plot and characters, this action packed romance-suspense book will keep you on the edge. A must read!
1,335 reviews32 followers
July 28, 2018
Well, what a pleasant surprise this novel was. As usual for me, I'm starting to read a new-to-me author with the second book in her Search and Recover series rather than the first, but what a high-octane, dangerous, sexy and all-around terrific romantic suspense novel this is. It gets 5 stars from this reader.

Monty, the hero, is a computer nerd, but not your average computer nerd at all. He works for ICU, which I'd probably know more about had I read the first novel in this series first, but I do know that the men of ICU are mercenaries for hire, and they're the good guys. Monty is a workaholic hacker and programmer whose boss, Ryan, and his co-workers agree needs to take a break, so they ship him off to one of their safe houses/bunkers in the wilds of Alaska, but unlike their other safe houses, they've removed the temptation to communicate or hack from Monty, leaving him with no electricity, no computers, no phones, no heat aside from a wood stove, and no way to get back to civilization until they come to pick in up in about a week. There is a safe room under his cabin and it has a panic button, but if Monty uses it and it isn't a life or death emergency, they'll leave him there for another month, something he dreads.

Into Monty's solitary "vacation" falls Taylor. He's out chopping wood when he hears a scream, runs toward it, and finds the pretty but disheveled screamer struggling, but unable to get herself out of an icy stream. He rescues her, of course, but her story is a strange one, and since neither party seems to trust the other, there's a slow reveal as to how she got there. She's the owner of a matchmaking service, and it seems that the Russian mob has hacked into her database and is using it as a cover for human trafficking. When Taylor discovers this by accident, and when people around her start disappearing, she downloads her database to a flash drive and tries to run, but before she can, she's abducted by members of the Russian mob, and spirited off to Alaska, but saved when their small plane crashes, leaving the Russians dead, or so she thinks, giving her time to escape, but leaving her ill-equipped to do so.

What follows after Monty rescues Taylor from the icy stream and brings her to his cabin is a slow reveal of how these characters came to be there, what drives them, and something that's been sorely missing from quite a few of the books I've read lately, the opportunity for some actual character development. Both of these characters are distrustful of others, Taylor because of her cold, distant, and extremely wealthy father, and Monty, who grew up poor and ignored in backwoods Kentucky, and whose mother's many serial marriages, 7 of them, meant that she ignored her son too. The author skillfully reveals little bits of their history and personalities at a time, so that the reader is drawn into their story, instead of what too often happens, with the characters being mere devices to move the plot forward. As they wait for Monty's crew to retrieve them once his enforced vacation is over, their mutual attraction grows, but Monty barely dates, and doesn't do relationships ever, and Taylor has her own trust issues. When they learn that not all of Taylor's Russian kidnappers are dead, that more have arrived, and that their safe house isn't safe at all, this novel turns into one heck of a thrill ride of danger, action, and sexy romantic suspense, and I found it impossible to put down until I finished reading it at 4:00 a.m.

I don't where Ms. Farago has been hiding, or why I'd not heard of her or read her before now, but she is one very skillful writer, and yes, I'm backtracking to grab the first book in this series, and will be following it in the future. Although this book worked just fine as a standalone, if possible, start at the beginning, and I think you'll be as impressed by this author and her storytelling abilities as I was.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2018
You have my attention Ms. Farago.

A Necessary Deception, for me, took romantic suspense to a new level. Perfectly woven together the romance and suspense were in perfect harmony. Readers who prefer a more suspense to romance ratio are going to love this story and I suspect much of Lucy Farago's writing.

This would be the first book by this author that I have read and I am truly intrigued. Once my review schedule opens up, going back to read book one is on my to do list, and probably many other stories of hers.

Reading A Necessary Deception was like being on an adventure. With it's quick story line and being full of action, I was quickly wrapped up in this story and was unable to put it down until the end. There was no good stopping point for me or my sanity...so I just kept reading. I didn't want to stop to be honest. I needed all the answers!

The chemistry between Taylor and Monty was on point. The had a rapport that was fun to read, many times making me laugh. Taylor is a strong woman which makes her fun for me to read and Monty was definitely more than meets the eye. *fans self* Women will LOVE him!

Overall, this was a great read for me, making me laugh, keeping my attention and making me swoon a little from page one to done.

I am giving A Necessary Deception 5 stars.

Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review

Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
June 2, 2018
A Necessary Deception was only my second foray into Lucy Farago's world, and once again, I was remind of her completely talented writing style that shone with originality. See, the hero, Monty, is the tech geek of ICU, was sidelined to be sent on vacation to unplug completely. So he ends up in Alaska, totally off the grid. And this is where he rescues Taylor, who is being chased by dangerous Russian mobsters, so now they're both on the run. There, that's all that I'm willing to reveal about the plot. I really enjoyed Monty being a completely different type of hero to be honest, as it was refreshing, and I LOVED every minute of it. He & Taylor's hilarious banter kept me laughing throughout, which lead to slow burn with all the chemistry rolling off of them. I mean, there was sexy times that lit the sheets on fire, but it's hard to concentrate on just that, when mobsters want to take you out, as it tends to make a person a bit cranky. Which makes for serious exciting, edge of your seat, heart racing moments. Then there's the twists that had my f-bombs dropping like crazy, so see? This story ticked off all my boxes, and now I'm dying for more of this series, previous & future! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2018
A Necessary Deception
By Lucy Fargo
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

This is the second book that I have read by this author and whilst the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. So, after loving book 1 I was really looking forward to reading more from this author and again she has written another excellent romantic suspense story. The plot, pace and flow of the story are all really good and her characters are always really well developed and thought out.
It didn’t take me long to find myself wrapped up in Taylor and Monty’s story, they had a great chemistry but also I really loved the interactions between them. They made me chuckle a few times! Taylor was a really great female lead in this story – she was strong, independent and I really liked that about her. Monty is definitely one of those characters you can’t help but love – he certainly had his swoon-worthy moments!!
Overall another fantastic romantic suspense story from Lucy Fargo, I definitely recommend it and I am certainly looking forward to reading more from her again in the future.
4,085 reviews21 followers
May 21, 2018
The second book in the Search and Recover series, A Necessary Deception by Lucy Farago has a character accidently becoming involved in a mission. I liked the idea of this suspense romance from the beginning. Monty Buchannan is on a mandated Alaskan vacation from work and technology. The Investigative Collection Unit intel expert, Monty has new experiences that are more than the being off the grid experience he was expecting. Life becomes very interesting for Monty.

Taylor Moore’s remake won my approval from the get go. She has made herself into someone of substance and purpose. Many would say creating a matchmaking service may not seem like much of a purpose but will so many looking for love in real life, I think it must be a needed service. However, it does seem an odd one for the criminals to go after. That makes this an interesting story as well as an action-packed one filled with danger but romance, too.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
May 17, 2018
While the storyline does follow the typical romance novel formula, the story itself is unique, some of the scenes go far out of the box, and some scenes seemed to be a bit rambling, yet with the mix of romance and suspense, the story gives something to many readers.
There's a lot of banter in the story, most of the dialog between Monty and Taylor Moore is some kind of ribbing, teasing, and poking each other. Even in serious situations. I am all for a great, smooth, sarcastic repartee, but it has to be smooth, it has to flow, it has to stay on the pleasant side of the awkward moments. Unfortunately, in my opinion, at times this was not succeeded here.
With Taylor Moore having a few ditzy moments, and me not being very found of Monty at all, I surprised myself by finishing the book. So there is enough intrigue, tension, attraction, and chemistry in the tale that kept pulling me to it, even though it did take me three days to finish it.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
May 20, 2018
Things are not what they appear in this action packed romance. Yes there is romance but it has a minor part in this story, well the sex does and to me that's a plus. These two find themselves smack dab in the middle of trouble. One of the things I love most about it all is even though Ms Thang has plenty of fears she doesn't allow it to cripple her in times of danger, and yes there are plenty of those times. Their relationship or should I say reaction to each other is fun and inviting so it keeps the story interesting along with the action. But what is really a mind blower is finding out what was really going on.

This is my first read by this author and it was quite enjoyable. This author does a great job of building a story and this budding romance. The characters have flaws and baggage which make them get to you and that's just what these two do. Great standalone read.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,115 reviews57 followers
May 20, 2018
A Necessary Deception is a terrific escape. I love a brainy hero and Monty is smart everywhere except when it comes to love. Taylor may not be a genius but she believes in happily ever after. Put these two together in the wilderness of Alaska with the Russian mob chasing after Taylor and sparks fly. It was fun watching Monty deal with first the perceived abandonment by his coworkers and then his unexpected feelings for Taylor. Taylor has worked so hard to clean up her act only to find out the Russians have hijacked her company website and when she discovers their incursion put her on the run.
This story sucked me in and kept me riveted from the first page to the last. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen the author surprised me with an unexpected twist. Though this is part of a series it can be read standalone.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,659 reviews85 followers
June 3, 2018
Intense and action packed! Monty is sent to an off the grid cabin in Alaska as punishment for putting an Investigative Collection Unit mission at risk. He doesn't mind being alone because he doesn't like being with people. When he finds Taylor in a frozen stream he could use some help from the team. She has been kidnapped and flown to Alaska. I like that Monty and Taylor are able to work together to escape the kidnappers. They hide at one point in caves to get away. If you aren't claustrophobic before you read this scene you may be afterwards. It is very realistic. I enjoyed this book. I think you will too.

review by Cathy
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2018
8 stars- I have just finished this book and ended up buying book one in the series. Fast, sexy, hot, fun and full of action, twists, surprises, and many turns. What would happen when you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, or possibly the wrong place and the right time? This book will keep you guessing and entertained from the word go. The characters are well developed and have a great connection.
Profile Image for Rae Latte.
1,331 reviews14 followers
March 16, 2023
An-on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance that transports you to the wild and beautiful mountains of Alaska with explosive chemistry, great writing, and tons of wicked adventures!

Lucy Farago is a must read author who knows how to deliver an amazing thrilling romance. I love this series and cant' wait for the next book!

I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
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