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Undercover Operatives #3
Sex, Lies and Valentines
Con artist Gabriel Black just got busted. By a babe. Drool-worthy (and clearly sneaky) FBI agent Danita Cruz is forcing Gabriel to choose between hard time and scamming his own family for an undercover sting. Now he has to present Danita to his family as his girlfriend. And it's the perfect opportunity to get wickedly even with her….But Danita has some tricks of her own, and Gabriel's control begins slipping away as raw sexual energy takes over. Their sham relationship starts feeling a lot like…well, the real deal. The Big Question is, will overwhelming desire be enough to make a liar go legit?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Tawny Weber
207 books1,364 followersNew York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than forty books, Tawny Weber loves writing about sexy heroes, most notably her popular Navy SEALs series. Her sassy, emotional romances are filled with men dedicated to being the best—and women determined to have the best. Tawny credits her ex-military alpha husband for inspiration in her writing, and in her life. The recipient of numerous writing accolades, including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and in addition to the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists, Tawny has also hit the number one spot on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
A homeschooling mom, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family and dogs in her Northern California home.
You can find Tawny on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
Website: http://tawnyweber.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TawnyWeber.Ro...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TawnyWeber
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tawnyweber/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
A homeschooling mom, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family and dogs in her Northern California home.
You can find Tawny on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
Website: http://tawnyweber.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TawnyWeber.Ro...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TawnyWeber
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tawnyweber/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 18, 2013
"This had started as a simple job. Babysit a conman while bringing a crime kingpin to justice and quite possibly bringing down a con artist who’d evaded capture for four decades."
After an unfortunate accident, con artist Gabriel Black is arrested by the woman who captured his interest in a hotel. Turns out this woman is Special Agent Danita Cruz. After discovering that Gabriel Black is the son of drug kingpin, the FBI arranges for an undercover mission investigating the family. This investigation involves none other than Danita and Gabriel much to their dismay. As expected, the mission gets sidetracked by other interesting (and may I say hot) developments that makes your heart melt.
I didn't imagine this little book to be anything out of the usual cliche. But, this was a really good book. It builds the story with instant intrigue (by the first scene in the hotel). Then builds the tension much more nicely. I loved how Gabriel was portrayed. He's not exactly the usual hero who is only after his own male desires and I loved this. He has more substance than any hero I've read about in those little stories. And for the first time, I didn't care about female character. She was just a bit vague and she didn't strike me as someone as appealing as she was written to be. And I find that a hindrance to me enjoying the couple perfectly.
Overall, I am giving this a 4 for Gabriel <33333333
January 21, 2012
MS Weber has done it again what an awesome story I have loved this series and this one finished it of so well I loved it
Gabriel and Danita have so much to overcome from their pasts and their passion and desire and need to learn how to trust make this story a real page turner
Thank you Tawny for hours of reading pleasure Gabriel is so hot and such a great hero just what Danita needs.
Gabriel and Danita have so much to overcome from their pasts and their passion and desire and need to learn how to trust make this story a real page turner
Thank you Tawny for hours of reading pleasure Gabriel is so hot and such a great hero just what Danita needs.
February 8, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
I love it when a plot comes together, and a scheme, a double-cross and two people adept at lying so well they’re not sure if they’re really in love or not. Sound confusing? It’s actually quite exciting if a reader has been following this three book trilogy from the creative mind of Ms. Tawny Weber.
I think readers might be able to enjoy this tale as a standalone read, but I wouldn’t advise it. My advice is to read the previous two, solely for the reason of ensuring pure and complete enjoyment. There are so many undercurrents in this story that can only be understood by reading what came before.
In this final installment, Caleb and Pandora finally get married. The reason why it’s so great and why the decorations are so wacky and kind of naughty is explained in the first book of the series,Sex, Lies and Mistletoe. There is also the fact that the overall story arc of Tobias Black’s being framed and the progression it takes through the storytelling finally comes to fruition. Adding to the suspense are the clues the author left here and there during the telling of the previous two books, making me hedge toward recommending readers check out Gabriel’s siblings’ previous stories. Because, you see, I figured it out. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure but I did a fist pump in the air when my hunch was proved correct. It was tough waiting and wading through three books before the scheme and plot was finally resolved--I wanted to jump to the end. It was well worth the wait.
Gabriel certainly is a charmer. He’s the youngest of the siblings and the hardest one to heal. Turns out, he’s had feelings of inadequacy for most of his life. He wanted to be what he felt the others expected him to be, but failed. He loved his family, he really did, but it was all mixed up in his mind and he left. What I liked about this book was, at the end, the little boy who grew up into a man with hidden emotional issues got to hear the words that he always wanted to hear, but at a time and with words that completely flummoxed him. It was one of the most emotional parts of the book.
Danita is a complicated character and an efficient liar. She works for the FBI, so lying falls under the category of ‘being undercover’. That means it’s okay, right? Wrong. And she finds out just how wrong that thinking is when her own philosophy comes back to bite her. The heroine also has her own emotional baggage to deal with. Although Cassiopeia, Pandora’s mom, tries to do a reading, I really didn’t need to know those things that the cards revealed. Maybe the heroine was being given a heads up but when a person is in denial, nothing is going to make a difference. Besides, being in both Danita and Gabriel’s heads gave me all the information I needed to know that these two lost souls are perfect for each other – if they don’t glare each other to death first.
Ms. Weber usually has a cheeky sense of humor but in Sex, Lies and Valentines, it’s toned down. It’s probably in deference to the tenor of the book and that would make sense to me. Trying to clear your dad of wrong doing is serious stuff and the author translates that sense of drama, suspense and trepidation clearly to a reader. The stakes are the highest they’ve been, especially when a real criminal element ends up coming to town.
The story isn’t depressing or overly stressful but just in case, Ms. Weber added Pippi. That was adorable, endearing and allowed a reader to see into the heart of each character. I agree with Gabriel; Danita would make a wonderful mother.
This wouldn’t be a Harlequin Blaze without some spice and serious ‘up-against-the-wall’ passion and the author did not disappoint. I enjoyed every scene because for some reason, they never went the way either character thought it should. Because the sheet action was occurring during a stressful situation while at the same time the hero and heroine are trying to learn about each other, there weren’t any cute cotton candy endings. It was oftentimes a messy and emotional tennis match where they experienced highs, lows and even some furious hisses between them. Basically, I had a ball watching them fall in love while denying it as long as they could. I mean, they are just so wrong for each other, right? I’m laughing.
The villain was not a surprise to me. What was interesting was the response. When finally confronted at the emotional climactic ending, the criminal mastermind actually responded with high dudgeon! Like they were perfectly justified in their behavior and it was for the good of all that it was done. What a deluded nutcase. Thing is, I actually felt bad for the villain. To be that consumed by hate, disillusionment and a twisted sense of justice, now that I know who it is, is a tragic state of affairs. But to go that far and to have no compunction at going to the lengths that were gone to was truly psychotic. The author wrote a wonderful villain.
And I want to go on record as stating, Hunter is sexy. I want his story and I want him to fall on his smug derrière in head-over-heels love. In this series, he is so controlled and focused. I know there’s a rebel couched inside just waiting to explode. If Ms. Weber is so inclined, I guarantee the book would be an auto-buy for me. Just reading the little tidbits in all three books have whetted my appetite to know more. I dare any reader to be immune to the possibilities after watching him in action. Yum.
Another thing to be aware of--even though the word "Valentines" is in the title, this isn’t a holiday story. Caleb and Pandora’s wedding just happens to be on the date. This tale is about Gabriel and Danita and there’s nothing “hearts and candy” about it. This is a mystery getting solved.
Sex, Lies and Valentines completes this exciting trilogy to perfection. I adored the chemistry between Danita and Gabriel and enjoyed the see-saw action of their relationship. I thought the writing was well done, the dialogue intriguing and clever, and the secondary characters a delight. The only thing I found funny that is not actually funny was the author’s use of one phrase twice practically verbatim. Did she know she did that? It fit both times because certainly Gabriel tried Danita’s patience until it cracked. I thought it was cute that he found her so alluring when she lost her temper. Anyway, I think it’s a great quiz question.
I had an absolute ball reading this book. Now that all three installments are out, I can’t wait to re-read them and catch all the other nuances the author must have put in there for me to catch. This was a fun series, thoroughly entertaining and full of heart. The best thing was the satisfied daddy at the end. Love of family is powerful and Ms. Weber captured its very essence. That’s romance.
I love it when a plot comes together, and a scheme, a double-cross and two people adept at lying so well they’re not sure if they’re really in love or not. Sound confusing? It’s actually quite exciting if a reader has been following this three book trilogy from the creative mind of Ms. Tawny Weber.
I think readers might be able to enjoy this tale as a standalone read, but I wouldn’t advise it. My advice is to read the previous two, solely for the reason of ensuring pure and complete enjoyment. There are so many undercurrents in this story that can only be understood by reading what came before.
In this final installment, Caleb and Pandora finally get married. The reason why it’s so great and why the decorations are so wacky and kind of naughty is explained in the first book of the series,Sex, Lies and Mistletoe. There is also the fact that the overall story arc of Tobias Black’s being framed and the progression it takes through the storytelling finally comes to fruition. Adding to the suspense are the clues the author left here and there during the telling of the previous two books, making me hedge toward recommending readers check out Gabriel’s siblings’ previous stories. Because, you see, I figured it out. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure but I did a fist pump in the air when my hunch was proved correct. It was tough waiting and wading through three books before the scheme and plot was finally resolved--I wanted to jump to the end. It was well worth the wait.
Gabriel certainly is a charmer. He’s the youngest of the siblings and the hardest one to heal. Turns out, he’s had feelings of inadequacy for most of his life. He wanted to be what he felt the others expected him to be, but failed. He loved his family, he really did, but it was all mixed up in his mind and he left. What I liked about this book was, at the end, the little boy who grew up into a man with hidden emotional issues got to hear the words that he always wanted to hear, but at a time and with words that completely flummoxed him. It was one of the most emotional parts of the book.
Danita is a complicated character and an efficient liar. She works for the FBI, so lying falls under the category of ‘being undercover’. That means it’s okay, right? Wrong. And she finds out just how wrong that thinking is when her own philosophy comes back to bite her. The heroine also has her own emotional baggage to deal with. Although Cassiopeia, Pandora’s mom, tries to do a reading, I really didn’t need to know those things that the cards revealed. Maybe the heroine was being given a heads up but when a person is in denial, nothing is going to make a difference. Besides, being in both Danita and Gabriel’s heads gave me all the information I needed to know that these two lost souls are perfect for each other – if they don’t glare each other to death first.
Ms. Weber usually has a cheeky sense of humor but in Sex, Lies and Valentines, it’s toned down. It’s probably in deference to the tenor of the book and that would make sense to me. Trying to clear your dad of wrong doing is serious stuff and the author translates that sense of drama, suspense and trepidation clearly to a reader. The stakes are the highest they’ve been, especially when a real criminal element ends up coming to town.
The story isn’t depressing or overly stressful but just in case, Ms. Weber added Pippi. That was adorable, endearing and allowed a reader to see into the heart of each character. I agree with Gabriel; Danita would make a wonderful mother.
This wouldn’t be a Harlequin Blaze without some spice and serious ‘up-against-the-wall’ passion and the author did not disappoint. I enjoyed every scene because for some reason, they never went the way either character thought it should. Because the sheet action was occurring during a stressful situation while at the same time the hero and heroine are trying to learn about each other, there weren’t any cute cotton candy endings. It was oftentimes a messy and emotional tennis match where they experienced highs, lows and even some furious hisses between them. Basically, I had a ball watching them fall in love while denying it as long as they could. I mean, they are just so wrong for each other, right? I’m laughing.
The villain was not a surprise to me. What was interesting was the response. When finally confronted at the emotional climactic ending, the criminal mastermind actually responded with high dudgeon! Like they were perfectly justified in their behavior and it was for the good of all that it was done. What a deluded nutcase. Thing is, I actually felt bad for the villain. To be that consumed by hate, disillusionment and a twisted sense of justice, now that I know who it is, is a tragic state of affairs. But to go that far and to have no compunction at going to the lengths that were gone to was truly psychotic. The author wrote a wonderful villain.
And I want to go on record as stating, Hunter is sexy. I want his story and I want him to fall on his smug derrière in head-over-heels love. In this series, he is so controlled and focused. I know there’s a rebel couched inside just waiting to explode. If Ms. Weber is so inclined, I guarantee the book would be an auto-buy for me. Just reading the little tidbits in all three books have whetted my appetite to know more. I dare any reader to be immune to the possibilities after watching him in action. Yum.
Another thing to be aware of--even though the word "Valentines" is in the title, this isn’t a holiday story. Caleb and Pandora’s wedding just happens to be on the date. This tale is about Gabriel and Danita and there’s nothing “hearts and candy” about it. This is a mystery getting solved.
Sex, Lies and Valentines completes this exciting trilogy to perfection. I adored the chemistry between Danita and Gabriel and enjoyed the see-saw action of their relationship. I thought the writing was well done, the dialogue intriguing and clever, and the secondary characters a delight. The only thing I found funny that is not actually funny was the author’s use of one phrase twice practically verbatim. Did she know she did that? It fit both times because certainly Gabriel tried Danita’s patience until it cracked. I thought it was cute that he found her so alluring when she lost her temper. Anyway, I think it’s a great quiz question.
I had an absolute ball reading this book. Now that all three installments are out, I can’t wait to re-read them and catch all the other nuances the author must have put in there for me to catch. This was a fun series, thoroughly entertaining and full of heart. The best thing was the satisfied daddy at the end. Love of family is powerful and Ms. Weber captured its very essence. That’s romance.
June 6, 2018
While this is the 3rd in the series, it was easily read as a stand alone. I picked it up on impulse from my local library. I do enjoy her books, but somehow missed this series.
Gabriel is a very good con artist, but gets nabbed by Danita and pulled into a scheme by the feds. He has to help them clear his estranged father's name. His father may be guilty of other crimes, but not this one.
Along the way, he finds out how much he has missed his family, and she figures out how much she wants a family.
Gabriel is a very good con artist, but gets nabbed by Danita and pulled into a scheme by the feds. He has to help them clear his estranged father's name. His father may be guilty of other crimes, but not this one.
Along the way, he finds out how much he has missed his family, and she figures out how much she wants a family.
February 7, 2012
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***
Whoa! Totally did not see that ending coming. I think it's time for me to hang up my sleuthing magnifying glass and awesome Sherlock hat. This trying to figure out whodunit thing isn't working out for me.
The con man is about to get conned into the biggest game of his life---love. Gabriel Black is the youngest of the Black children and he took after his old man not only in looks but in skill. He set out to prove that he could be a greater con man than his father going as far as selling the Golden Gate Bridge to some poor idiot.
Danita Cruz does everything by the book until the devilishly handsome Gabriel shows up. She's pulled herself up from absolute poverty and bagging Tobias Black as the man behind the illegal activity in Black Oaks could land her the promotion of a lifetime. All she has to do is act as Gabriel's floozy for hire. Easier said than done.
Gabriel is being blackmailed into helping Danita try to catch his father in the act. The surprising news of his big brother Caleb getting married on Valentines day and the pressure from the FBI send him back to the town he tried to stay away from. Caleb is in love and about to marry the woo woo queen's daughter, Maya is happily in love with an FBI agent. Seems like everyone but him has found that special someone.
After Gabriel gets an 'in' with the crime ring, he uses his charm, wit and suaveness to get the chosen men to give up some of their secrets as Danita plays his ditzy companion. Danita dressed up in sexy clothing doesn't help the matter and things get heated. But they must stay focused and either find out that Tobias is behind the illegal activity or someone else that Gabriel's known his whole life.
As the stakes get higher and their chemistry practically turns into an inferno, Gabriel and Danita must figure out not only who is the kingpin but if they are willing to give in to their sizzling attraction. Forever.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
OVERALL: A solid finish for this series. Ms. Weber definitely kept me on my toes and totally blindsided me with the ring leader. Yup. That one was a doozy. The instant attraction between Danita and Gabriel had me sucking in my breath and screaming "Just do it already! Bend her over the dresser." Whaaat? Like you wouldn't do the same thing. Gabriel was charming and Danita had me laughing with her witty quips. What a pair.
***review copy provided by author***
Whoa! Totally did not see that ending coming. I think it's time for me to hang up my sleuthing magnifying glass and awesome Sherlock hat. This trying to figure out whodunit thing isn't working out for me.
The con man is about to get conned into the biggest game of his life---love. Gabriel Black is the youngest of the Black children and he took after his old man not only in looks but in skill. He set out to prove that he could be a greater con man than his father going as far as selling the Golden Gate Bridge to some poor idiot.
Danita Cruz does everything by the book until the devilishly handsome Gabriel shows up. She's pulled herself up from absolute poverty and bagging Tobias Black as the man behind the illegal activity in Black Oaks could land her the promotion of a lifetime. All she has to do is act as Gabriel's floozy for hire. Easier said than done.
Gabriel is being blackmailed into helping Danita try to catch his father in the act. The surprising news of his big brother Caleb getting married on Valentines day and the pressure from the FBI send him back to the town he tried to stay away from. Caleb is in love and about to marry the woo woo queen's daughter, Maya is happily in love with an FBI agent. Seems like everyone but him has found that special someone.
After Gabriel gets an 'in' with the crime ring, he uses his charm, wit and suaveness to get the chosen men to give up some of their secrets as Danita plays his ditzy companion. Danita dressed up in sexy clothing doesn't help the matter and things get heated. But they must stay focused and either find out that Tobias is behind the illegal activity or someone else that Gabriel's known his whole life.
As the stakes get higher and their chemistry practically turns into an inferno, Gabriel and Danita must figure out not only who is the kingpin but if they are willing to give in to their sizzling attraction. Forever.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
Then she unzipped the bottom of the suitcase. Gabriel frowned, wondering what she was going to pull out of her FBI bag of tricks next. A cache of weapons? A computer station complete with homing signals and listening devices? Some weird but erotic form of bondage so she could tie him to the bed and ensure he didn't run off and get into trouble during the night?
OVERALL: A solid finish for this series. Ms. Weber definitely kept me on my toes and totally blindsided me with the ring leader. Yup. That one was a doozy. The instant attraction between Danita and Gabriel had me sucking in my breath and screaming "Just do it already! Bend her over the dresser." Whaaat? Like you wouldn't do the same thing. Gabriel was charming and Danita had me laughing with her witty quips. What a pair.
***review copy provided by author***
March 10, 2012
Great premise.Gabriel Black,the lead male character, is considered a liar and a bad guy. Is he really? Is Danita Cruz,the lead female character, really a lady of the evening? Will she decide to follow her heart? Love the situation that Gabriel is forced into. The Black family isn't what one would have expected for a mafia family. Who is creating trouble?
I enjoyed this book because of the characters and the plot. This is a quick read; but it is well written.
I enjoyed this book because of the characters and the plot. This is a quick read; but it is well written.
February 26, 2019
The final book of the Sex, Lies and.......series. The story contines with Gabriel, the baddest of the Blacks. I quite liked the interplay between him and Danita, as it was up front at the start, although they did find things to fall out about. All the baddies were rounded up, the mystery helper revealed. Despite liking Gabriel the beat of the three siblings in the series, I still liked the second book best. Overall, a good series.
June 17, 2012
The final chapter in the trilogy brings the family back together. I had figured out the villain early in the second book, so there was little surprise. Overall I felt this book spent a bit more time on angst of the main characters than I like, with a few scenes to set up legitimacy of their operation, but mostly it was internal worrying and sex. The book was easy to read, and the protagonists likable, but I was less engaged with their relationship than those of the previous two books.
September 17, 2014
WOW!!! What an ending to a great series? I loved Gabriel's story. I finished this in one day. It was a quick, fun read.
Gabriel and Caleb were strong reads and a lot of fun. Maya's story was sweet and funny but a little on the weak side.
For the whole series I would rank it 3.75. If you read this series read them in order: Mistletoe, Midnight, and Valentines.
Gabriel and Caleb were strong reads and a lot of fun. Maya's story was sweet and funny but a little on the weak side.
For the whole series I would rank it 3.75. If you read this series read them in order: Mistletoe, Midnight, and Valentines.
November 24, 2019
I feel very mixed about this story. I hated the beginning, but really liked the end. I didn't particularly like the characters, but loved the story. I found the plot tedious but the passion between them captivating... I wonder how the previous stories in this series were!
Read
August 14, 2017Miniseries: Undercover Operatives
March 1, 2012
Loved this series, the Black family was a very eclectic group of people. I will miss them.
February 8, 2016
love it
Read
July 10, 2012I Did NOT see that twist coming! Loved the mystery vilian arc over the 3 books of the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews