When attorney Alexandra comes home early and overhears her husband Jerry hiring a hitman to kill her, she runs. Heads toward Seattle. After being a street kid there, she knows how to disappear.
But a man is following her. After she finds a tracking device, she wonders if tall, compelling Gideon is Jerry’s hired killer.
Alex and Gideon become stranded in a massive snowstorm. Snowed in at a tiny hotel, Alex isn’t sure which is more dangerous – her husband, who is likely coming after her? Or the dark stranger she’s trapped with? A man who’s clearly hiding secrets.
USA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
Alexandra Conway is a great lawyer who hears her husband hire a hit man to kill her for insurance money he needs to pay back. Gideon Wolf is a fired FBI who wants to prove the man who fired him is dirty. Gideon knows Alex's husband Jerry Trotter stole money from the Russians and they are after Trotter. Alex takes her money, gun and his files and some of his money and runs. When Trotter finds out she got his money and files he goes after her too. Snowstorm and a killer tracking her. Gideon tells her he's not going to kill her and he can help her. Great read😊😀!
Fool Me Once by Margaret Watson Blackhawk Security #3
LOVED THIS STORY! Gripping romantic suspense that had me reading into the wee hours of the morning.
What I liked: * Alexandra “Alex” Conway: successful lawyer, street savvy, difficult childhood, on the run from hit man hired by her husband, not sure who to trust, bright, has trust issues, self-aware, good friend, really liked her. * Gideon Wolf: ex-FBI agent, works for Blackhawk Security, investigating Bratva mole in FBI, undercover protection for Alex, intelligent, good team player, sees the big picture, knows what he wants, lethal, someone I would want in my corner. * The writing, plot, pace, setting, tension…everything about the writing. * Sierra: Alexandra’s partner – wonder if she will have a story of her own and it will include Cody? * Seeing the Blackhawk Security team again and catching up with them – I wonder who will be up next and am eager to find out. * The razor edge I felt Alex was on as she ran from Evanston to get away from her husband and tried to determine who she could trust. * Not knowing at first if the hitman was who I thought it might be…and if he was a danger to Sierra. * That Jeremy, Alex’s husband, did not get off scot-free. * The strength and resilience of Alex and Gideon * That Alex was able to overcome so much and excel as she did. * Gideon’s backstory and how his father’s professional life impacted his own professional choices. * The way both Alex and Gideon were self-aware, mature, communicated with one another, came up with solutions that were mutually beneficial. * The scene near the end in the diner :) * All of it really except…
What I didn’t like: * Jeremy Trotter: Alex’s husband/ex-husband, self-absorbed, selfish, cruel, a true creep, and criminal. He was easy to want bad things to happen to. * The Bratva goons: dark, savage, cruel, creepy * The FBI mole… * Having to say goodbye to the characters and wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author for the copy to read – This is my honest review.
Alex sabe que su matrimonio está acabado. Hay que pensar en el divorcio, no hay más remedio. Eso sí, cuando vuelve a casa oye a su marido hablar con un señor y descubre que él tiene decidida una forma más expeditiva de poner fin a lo suyo: contratar un asesino a sueldo para que la mate. Ella se escapa, y está genial ver cómo lo hace. En su camino conocerá al atractivo y «mazáo» Gideon, ¿será él el asesino contratado por su marido? ¿Puede confiar en lo que él le cuenta? Una de suspense romántico muy competente. Destacaría toda la primera mitad, dedicada a la huida, a un momento snowbound, a la duda sobre si Gideon es o no el tipo contratado por el marido... Luego ya la cosa decae y se alarga mucho el final, como si hubiera varios epílogos, una vez que los malos han sido muertos o apresados. Es de las que cojo cuando están gratis. Aunque la he disfrutado, no pagaría el precio real por ella. Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Loved the story BUT enough with these Alpha men using the term ‘bae’. Once was bad enough but practically all of them? Seriously? And what’s with so many characters having red hair? It’s all become monotonous, not to mention the silly errors made in the writing. While the story is good, I feel as if I’m reading an amateur writer’s work.
Good story and well thought out plot, but for a clever lawyer to get to a safe place and still not look at damming evidence was just a stretch too far. She ate, she slept, had sex, broke her arm exercising and still didn’t look or share. I hate when women are made to be clever then delay the plot by making her stupid. Was so good but for this bit.
This book gets you right from the start and doesn't stop. Alexandra is a power attorney and works long hours. This night she was celebrating a big win with her partner and clerks, when she really starts feeling bad. But a bigger surprise awaits her when she gets home. Normally she would pull into the garage but a strange car is parked so she can't pull in. She goes thru the door and realizes her husband is talking to someone in the office. She doesn't mean to listen but when she hears her name she does, and realizes he is talking to someone about hiring them to kill her. Alexandra quickly backs away and leaves the house. She isn't sure what to do but knows she cant return home. She calls Serina, her partner, and tells her what she overheard. The next morning, Alexandra returns to her home, packs a bag. cleans out her safe of cash and a gun, then goes to her husbands hidden safe. There she takes some of the money he has stashed there and two files, she hopes to use as leverage to get him to back off. Alexandra quickly takes off, planning to drive to Seattle, where she grew up. First she needs to get rid of her car and find something else to drive. Once on the road, she make good time til she makes stop and a stranger comes up to her and states he is a FBI agent working on a case involving her husband, and he wants to protect her. She quickly leaves him and tries to get away but he continues to follow her. When a snowstorm stops her progress and the FBI agent wrecks his car, She helps him and they end up in a closed motel. Alexandra doesn't understand how she can feel safe around him when she knows he isn't tellign her the full truth. What she does know is that somehow her husband knows where she is and he is following her and that the Russia Mafia is on their tracks also. Gideon finally confesses his involvement with Blackhawk Security and knows that its the safest place for them both. Will they make it to Montana and safety? Will they figure out why the Bratva are after her? Could the money and files she have, have something to do with it? Will the attractions Alexandra and Gideon feel for each other grow or will the secrects destroy it?
Alex is a lawyer who overhears her husband hiring a hitman to take her out. Gideon is a former FBI agent, now working for Blackhawk Security, who was fired for getting too close to revealing corruption in the agency. He poses as a hitman as part of his investigation to take down his former boss. Alex takes off, while Gideon follows to keep an eye on her. When a dangerous snowstorm hits and her husband shows up with members of the Russian mob, she has no choice but to put her trust in Gideon. When all is said and done, will their unexpected love affair be able to survive?
I know I probably say it every book, but Fool Me Once has jumped to my favorite of the series. An action-packed story, it will grab your attention from the first page and will hold it until the last. There’s plenty of suspense mixed in with plenty of passion. The romance and suspense blend well together, with neither overshadowing the other. Alex and Gideon are both realistic and strong characters, but neither is afraid to step back and let the other take the lead when necessary. Along with an intriguing storyline, it all blends together to form a great read.
This is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. Some characters from the Blackhawk Security team who were introduced in previous books do make appearances in this one, but if you haven’t read the previous books, you won’t feel lost or as if you’re missing background information.
If you haven’t read any of the Blackhawk Security books, this is a great one to jump into the series with. Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author.**
I know that I have said this several times, but I love the romantic suspense genre. There is something about seeing a romance blossom while the main characters either fight for their lives or try to uncover a plot (or sometimes both) that makes me happy. So, it was a no-brainer for me when Margaret emailed me to let me know that book three was available for review.
Fool Me Once is the 3rd book in the Blackhawk Security series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. The characters from the previous books do make appearances, but they don’t take over the storyline, which I liked.
As with the previous two books, Fool Me Once is a fast-paced book. Right from the beginning, when Alex overhears her husband hiring a hitman to kill her, it was super fast. There was a small amount of lag once Gideon and Alex get to the Blackhawk Security compound, but the author could get the book back on track and keep the fast pace up until the end of the book.
Alex was a tough cookie with a backstory that broke my heart. At times, she came across as abrasive, and there were a few times where she was unlikable. But, in the end, I did like her and was rooting for her.
I wasn’t too sure what to think about Gideon. He came across as a bit stalkerish at the beginning of the book. His backstory wasn’t fully explained until they got stuck in the motel. Gideon’s backstory wasn’t as heartbreaking as Alex’s, but it was still sad.
The suspense angle of the book was well written. I liked that the author decided to go the Russian mafia/corrupt federal agent route. It made the book so much more interesting to read.
The romance angle of the book was well written also. I liked that the author didn’t have the characters jump right into bed with each other. Instead, there was a wait. There was InstaLove, but I did expect it.
I loved the end of Fool Me Once. I am not going to get into it, but there is a HEA. Plus, Alex’s ex-husband got what he deserved.
I enjoyed reading Fool Me Once. It was a fast-paced book with memorable characters. Plus, the romance was enjoyable to read.
I would recommend Fool Me Once to anyone over the age of 21. There is non-graphic violence, sex, and some mild language.
Alex had a rough childhood but has grown up to be a defense lawyer. She has just won a big case and after celebrating with her team, heads home to overhear her husband hiring a hit man to kill her. She grabs some stuff, gets money out of her safe, and takes him files and money from her husbands safe, and heads to Seattle. She used to live there and knows the ins and out there. Alex knows someone is following her but a snowstorm is coming and she'll have to pull off and find somewhere to stay. Gideon is a former FBI agent. He was fired because he discovered his boss was in with the Russian mob. His bosses boss had him fired to keep him from outing him. Gideon is trying to find evidence to prove his boss is in on it too. He goes to work for Blackhawk Security and is sent to protect Alex. Alex doesn't know whether to trust Gideon or not. She didn't see the hit man but she heard his voice. They end up trapped in a small motel, that is closed for the winter but Gideon breaks in. Can they make it to Blackhawk compound before the Russians and her ex catch up to them?
Excellent story. I absolutely loved it! Action. Sex. Secrets. And suspense. Two people who have trust issues find love with each other. But will Alex mess it up because of her past?
I have truly enjoyed every book that I have read by Ms. Watson (including this book and series). Her characters are genuine, her stories heartfelt and by the end of the book she has answered every question you might have about the story and characters. Alexandra Conway arrives home, unexpectedly, to hear her husband arranging her death with a hit man. Having survived a difficult childhood, she is now a smart and savvy attorney. She gathers what she needs and heads out of town. Former FBI Agent Gideon Wolf is still working the case of possible Russian informants in the bureau that got him fired. He represents himself as a hit man, to Alex’s husband, in order to find evidence of a money laundering scheme. A wild ride from beginning to end as Gideon follows Alex. He knows that he must gain her trust while keeping her safe from her husband, the Russians and himself. Love, romance, danger and two strong characters made this story a delight to read. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
Alex is a successful lawyer married to Jerry. One day she gets home from work, entering through the garage and not the front door, and hears her husband hiring a hitman to kill her. He owes money to the Russian mob and has taken out a large insurance policy in Alex's name. He is also slowly poisoning her she finds out later. She leaves silently and then goes back when she knows Jerry is not at home. Clears out her safe where she has money stashed, and also takes money and two files out of Jerry's safe. Then she hits the road. What she doesn't know is that the supposed hitman is really an ex-FBI agent called Gideon Wolf. Things get very heavy between Alex and Gideon while they are on the run from the Russians. Gideon now works for Blackhawk Security and vows to protect Alex. What a ride this story was. A contract. A husband with no feelings. Ever. Secrets. A gorgeous red-headed woman. A very handsome protector. Guns. Snow. A storm. A safe compound. A cabin in the woods. Darn I loved this book from start to finish. In my eyes this author can do no wrong.
You know the kind of book where when you have something you need to do, like sleep, eat, breathe, and you tell yourself just one more page, one more chapter, but you keep reading? THAT’S. THIS. BOOK. It grabs your attention from the very beginning and holds you spellbound until the very end. There’s excitement, suspense, drama, and passion. Your emotions will run high throughout, and from the very first page you’re enticed to want to know what’s coming next. The narrative is filled with intense drama, suspenseful intrigue, moments of lethal action, and hotter moments of steamy passion. It’s definitely one that will steal your breath at times and tug hard at your heartstrings. I was easily drawn into the lives of Alex Conway and Gideon Wolf and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Their storyline is fast paced and engages the reader from the start, leaving you thoroughly satisfied at the finish. It’s a tale you don’t want to miss and one you will want to read again.
Fool Me Once is another great read in the Blackhawk Security series. When Alex overhears her husband hiring a hitman to kill her, she ends up on the run and eventually finds herself trapped by a snowstorm in a deserted motel with Gideon, the supposed hitman. Can she sort the lies from the truth and can she trust him to keep her safe from her husband and the Russian mobsters that are on their trail? This engrossing, slow burn romantic suspense story had me from page one. The story has enough thrills and twists that I could not predict what was coming. In fact, the only thing I would change is the use of the endearment "bae". It's jarring and really out of place with these characters. Other than that, I loved the story and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This story was non stop action from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late reading as it was one twist and turn after the other. Alex was a strong character who was slow to trust after hearing her husband hiring a hitman. Gideon was determined to save her and get to the truth. They had to work together after the Russian mob and her husband found them. It was car chases, a safe house and constantly changing plans from then on. The romance was secondary to the action but added nicely to the story.
Alex (wife) overhears her husband hire an assassin to kill her. Gideon plants a tracker on her person and on her car. We find out later that Gideon intends to protect her not kill her. It takes some convincing but eventually Alex begins to trust Gideon. The Russians and Alex's husband follow them trying to get money and evidence back. I wish the initial police detective would have been able to understand the dangerous position he put Alex in with the nonbelief about her danger and I wish he had been punished. A good book not a totally new plot but worth the read.
Alexandra is on the run after overhearing her husband hiring a hitman to kill her for insurance money so he can pay back the money he owes to a Russian Bratva. She's joined by Gideon Wolf who says he will keep her safe. The book is action packed, with elements of suspense, and romance. Gideon is a strong, intelligent, and brave character. I love that Alex is an equal match.
guys this ALMOST had me… I was enjoying the chase and the crime and all the action so much and they had a very slow to build to finally getting together. and then he started calling the “bae.” absolutely not. AND THEN like 50 pages later they exchanged I love yous?? like I get it was a dramatic/traumatic situation but they were going at such a nice pace and then this just destroyed it for me. still an interesting switch up for me in the romance genre, might need to start reading more action??
This story had me gasping in fear, shivering with cold and laughing at all the unexpected chaos that ensues when identities are mistook and lies that are meant to be for good and not bad add to the confusion! Happily ever after is within reach but not before some groveling and forgiveness.
Ooh I Really Liked This One! The initial blurb for this book caught my attention! After reading it, I was not disappointed... I read this book in one sitting... never moved, it just pulled me in and kept me there till it was over! Truly enjoyed Alex and Gideon's story! A wonderful addition to this series.
If you love suspense, possible attempted murder & a little love connection throw in (right in the middle of a blizzard) this one’s for you. Gideon & Alex fighting for their lives against some shady FBI & the Russian mafia! It sounds crazy, but I loved it!!!
Wow this was hard to put down! Lots of of suspense and a while bunch of Blackhawk guys doing what they do best. Protect an look after not only their clients but each other. The ending was super special and perfect for the story. Enjoyed this book so much.
4 stars for Fool Me Once (Blackhawk Security Book 4). An interesting plot where Alex overhears her husband hiring a hit man to kill her so he can get her life insurance and pay back money he had been skimming fro the Russians. A chase ensues and the fun begins.
Alex overhears her husband making a deal with a hit man to kill her. She escapes without him realizing that she heard. Then things get very complicated with Russian mobsters added to the mix.
Wow! The unexpected twists and turns in this book make it hard to put down! I enjoyed every page and actually read some pages twice because of the suspense, intrigue and romance. Any avid reader will enjoy this book! Happy reading!
First read by Margaret Watson and I absouletly enjoyed it.
This storyline was unique, and for the first time reading a (private security series) and both characters where amazing. The h, she was strong willed but knew when she needed to take a step back and let things go the way they should. And the H, was just damn amazing.
Who’s the good guy? Who’s the bad guy? It’s hard to tell as this intense thriller gets rolling. If you like action combined with romance, you’ll enjoy this in.