Leah Masters knew she probably should be dead. When she put Cain Knox’s son in the hospital, her days were numbered. Instead, Cain gave her a choice, she either dies or comes to work for him. There was a catch though, he gets to control every aspect of her life. She’d rather live than die, so she reluctantly agreed.
Cain had no intention of killing the fiery blonde that put his son in his place. His kid had been giving him a headache for some time, as the boy didn’t like the word no. He tried to attack Leah and suffered the consequences.
She tried to ignore the older man. Cain was a force to be reckoned with. He didn’t take any crap from anyone, and she respected him for it. Soon business turns into pleasure. Leah never expected him to freak out when discovering she was a virgin, but Cain told her he was certainly going to be her last.
But things are complicated because Cain still had a son, and that son hated her for what she had done. He is going to have to make a choice—the love of his life, or his only son. Who will he choose?
Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound. She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
Fool Me Once is a steamy, OTT, opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers, age-gap, curvy virgin gets her morally gray hunk. Leah is a 25-year-old smart, feisty, and curvy girl. Cain is a hunky, 45 year old crime boss. Leah beat Danny, Cain's son, so bad that he landed in the hospital after attempting to rape her. Cain gave her a choice of death or come work for him. She agrees and essentially becomes his companion. The two fall in love, but neither is trusting, and Danny is a problem. Can these two let love in? I loved this couple. Can would never hurt Leah. He loved how fierce she was and knew his son was a problem. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, and the ending was happy after a lot of drama. I loved it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a standalone story by the author and I absolutely loved it! It gave us strong, fierce characters. A real alpha male main character and a female lead who was strong, independent but also vulnerable. It just took the right people to see it within her. Leah Masters has had a hard start to life, in and out of the system her whole childhood, living on the streets, she had no one to care for her but herself. She had one friend her whole life and he was now sadly gone. At the age of twenty five she was working in a bar owned by the toughest man in the city. She wanted to yo work and go home, however when the crime Lords son Danny tried to take more from her that she was willing to give she was forced to defend herself the only way she knew how. She did not expect it to lead to the next chain of events and especially not being in close proximity with the Crime lord himself. Mr Cain Knox. At forty five Cain was used to the way of the world, how people worked, he learnt there were only a few rare gems in this world, everyone else was out for themselves. Leah was a mystery to him. She didn't try to report him, leverage him or take from him, she was an enigma but he was determined to figure her out. Neither of them expected the combustible chemistry to simmer between them and finally reach boiling point. I loved how these characters brought out something within the other they didn't think they wanted or needed, the heat, the connection, the love, it was just perfect. I adored the story telling and Cain was swoonworthy. Also Frank was a great secondary character that really had a great rapport with both leading characters. Overall a great read. Happy Reading. Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given. 5 out of 5 stars.
All working in one of his bars, she beats up his son for assaulting her not realizing who he was. Coming from foster care she has been scrapping and protecting herself her whole life. He is a dangerous man, but he gave her a choice. She can come work for him or be killed. Now she finds herself living in his house, wearing the clothes he picks out. She is an enigma to him at first he wasn’t sure if he could trust her but now after keeping her all this time he realized that’s all he wants to do.. he is a hot over-the-top possessive, older, crime boss. She is unlike anyone else he has ever known, and she makes him want things he never thought he would. First, he kept her close just to watch her but now it’s because he doesn’t want her anywhere else. This is a short story format, so you do not expect to get overly detailed plot lines or complex character development. However, for a short story of the author, does you solid here with some really good character development you have a strong sense of who each of them are. You quickly feel invested in their relationship and then finding a happily ever after. The story is well written and is unique in the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fool Me Once is an entertaining story that mixes age-gap, Mafia, family, explicit violence and touches on attempted sexual assault. The story is about Leah Masters, a young woman who grew up on foster care. She was lucky once to have a man, Ben, who looked out for her like a big brother/father figure. He also taught her how to fight and survive. Unfortunately, as she was working in a bar she caught the eye of a young man, Danny, who did not like to take no for an answer. When he tried to assault her she fought back and ended up putting him in the hospital. Cain Knox is a man who has fought to get to the top of the city, in the Mafia underworld that is. He is smart, does not shy away from inflicting violence and does not do relationships. He also has the unfortunate title of Dad to Danny. When Danny ends up in the hospital and Cain sees the video camera tape of just what happened he is intrigued by the young woman. He offers Leah two choices...come to work for him or die. Of course Leah would rather live even if it comes with some strange stipulations from Cain. Thus starts their story which was a wild ride and a sweet HEA.
This is Cain and Leah's story and I rather enjoyed it. Cain is sort of the "bad" guy who believes in justice. It starts with Leah, a women with a past in the foster system who doesn't trust easily working at one of his bars that his son Danny runs. Danny however is a self important true bad guy with no moral compass. When he tries to rape Leah as he has others in the past her past self defense training on the streets served her well and she put him in the hospital. Cain is intrigued with her on many levels and as it was his son (who he really doesn't care for because of his lack of morals and any sense of right or wrong) that she hurt, he tells her she can work for him or he will have her killed. He really has no intention of doing this but he is impressed by her and how she stands up to to him. As they get to know each other something grows between them but will it get cut short by their past coming back to haunt them? Check it out to see. You will be glad you did.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah knew how to take care of herself. She certain made Danny Knox think twice. Now she is working for Cain Knox, his father. He wants her by his side to keep an eye on her. She would never tell anyone about what he has done. But the longer she is with Cain, the more she is drawn to him. Cain likes the little spitfire. She put his son in his place. He knows that Danny is worthless. Having Leah with him just makes things interesting for him. But she is making him feel things he hasn’t. I love that Leah beat the crap out of Danny. You see, a woman can defend herself. She made him sorry. But let’s face it, that boy was just that, a spoiled boy that needed to be handled. I understand Cain wanting to protect him but he even knew that that boy was worthless. Leah showed him what love was. I loved that she made friends with his staff and he didn’t even notice. She is one smart cookie.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fool Me Once is a mildly dark slow burn with lots of tension and great supporting characters. Cain is an intense and ruthless man who rules his territory with an iron fist. His obsession with Leah is clear from the outset, as is his inability to recognize his feelings for what they are. Leah is a dynamic woman who has survived so much in her life, willing to sacrifice for her survival. I love how strong and independent she is, alongside her huge heart. Supporting characters Frank and Cameron have a fascinating history, and I liked how the author wove their love story into the plot. I would have loved to see more character development and there are minor plot points that could use some improvement. The overall story is engaging and I love the twisted connection between Leah and Danny—that was great villainy building there.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah grew up in the foster care system and sometimes on the street when she would run away. And that time she met a man named Ben who taught her how to protect herself. So when she was working at a bar and a guy named Danny tried to assault her she defended herself and put him in the hospital. Cain is Danny's dad and it also the owner of the bar. After seeing the surveillance video he gives her a ultimatum to either work for him or he will end her. He's intrigued by the scrappy beautiful woman. But a time comes when he has to choose between her or his son. In some ways I feel bad for Danny cuz I feel like maybe if he had a loving parent growing up he wouldn't have turned out to be the bad person that he was.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah grew up in foster homes and having that background made her tough. When Cain's son Danny cornered at work and tried to take advantage of her and she beat him up and good. After Cain finding out what happened between his son and Leah he decided to take some drastic measures with his son and keep Leah tied to him. He threatened her to make her stay with him. She didn't know better but she was the one woman that he couldn't give up. The chemistry between this couple is so much fun to read. Leah never backs down and tells Cain when she feels he is wrong. She is so kind to his staff, and is the least selfish woman he had every met. This book was a lot of fun to read to see where it would take me. This is a definite must read.
I always get happy when Sam Crescent has a new book out. I enjoyed the story of Leah and Cain. Leah knows the ropes, she didn't have it easy, she went from foster homes to the streets where she lived for a while. After a while she meets Cain when she accidentally causes his son to end up in the hospital, and she has to fear for her life because Cain is not easy, she gets a job with him. This is a great story with enough drama, action, danger, betrayal and tension and enough steamy and hot moments. I enjoyed reading their story and because I had trouble putting my book down I finished it in one go 😊
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a wild ride! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel, this novel checked so many boxes for me. Once I started reading this novel sucked me in and held on tight. I loved Leah and Cain's story. I loved Leah had fought back when Cain's son tried to attack her. I loved how strong and resilient she was. I loved Leah and Cain's chemistry. I loved watching them both lower their defenses,despite all the outside drama with Cain's son, and fall in love. Once I started reading this novel kept me on the edge of my seat reading what was happening next. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So good!
-dual POV -no separation -virgin heroine -hero celibate after meeting the h -no insta love/lust 😩 -single dad - he never loved the mother of his son 👍🏻(he actually killed her when she tried to blackmail him with their son) -not very alpha hero - his friend had to tell him to pull his head out of his ass and tell the heroine that he loved her 🙄 -experienced hero -no chemistry -their first time was off page 👎🏻 -no real ow drama - the hero danced with a woman in front of the h but he wasn't interested in her (this happened before the MCs were a couple) -the H's son tried to rape and kill the h -h(25)/H(45) -no cheating -epilogue: 10 years later -married with 4 kids (I think)
Fool Me Once is an engaging and quite compelling book. Like the storyline, the characters are gritty and realistic. There is a steamy romance that was a long time coming, as well as drama, action, a betrayal, tough choices, and more that keep you turning the pages.
The only curiosities about the book were the title Danny's ability to knock out a bunch of what I assume to be trained guards. I did not get it. If it is a reference to Cain's son, he did not fool anyone. Regardless, I high recommend the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah thought when she beat Cain Knox's son, that would be the end of her life. He gave her two choices, the only option was to go to work for him, as she liked to keep breathing. Cain never had any of intention of hurting her, his deserved what he got. He attacked her, his injuries were the consequences.
The pair grow closer but one night he freaks out when he discovers she is a virgin. He has a lot to make up for, as he is not letting her go. When his son causes trouble for Leah, he will have to chose one or the other.
Some may find the it triggering due to the attempted SA and violence.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah is a product of the system who had to grow up fast. Danny is a spoiled brat who could get away with anything, he thought. He didn't count of Leah fighting back or his father finally seeing with his own eyes. Cain gives Leah a job and slowly they fall in love. Sound corny? In a way. However, the author makes sure the characters are multi layered and you understand why they are who they are. The secondary characters are interesting also. This isn't as dark as her other stories. There are some parts of the arc that would have benefited from that. It was an interesting take to hold off on the dark. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an engaging and page turning read that takes a gritty storyline and brings it to life beautifully. Cain ties Leah to his side after she beats up his son when he tries to force her into 'relations' with him. She's had a tough past and has no problem telling Cain the truth on all things without fear, something he's not used to. As you may imagine, feelings bloom but his son is still trying to make trouble for her... I really enjoyed how this one had me glued to my reader to see how everything would unfold. Expect a wild reading ride with twists, chemistry, action and steam as Cain and Leah work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!
First of all I absolutely love a strong, tough and self reliant FMC and that what we get in Leah. And that shows, when she lets Danny Knox know, what he gets for trying to corner her. Now she has to work for Cain Knox, his father. The attraction and chemistry is growing between these two. They are a super interesting couple, they are equal in all parts, despise the differences in power. She is not afraid to use her voice, not with him, not with anyone and that is something I soo enjoy in characters. It makes the story interesting, exciting and fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am a huge fan of Sam Crescent! This book is an excellent addition to all her other works. Be forewarned, it is violent at times, but this only makes the book more engrossing. Leah has had a difficult life and now must defend herself against a would-be rapist. Unfortunately, the rapist's father, Cain, is a crime boss, so she has to answer to him. The plot of this book includes a few twists that make it even better. I love how Leah and Cain fall in love. It’s unconventional but completely fantastic! Oh, and don't forget that it is super spicy! :)
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Leah is a strong, independent woman who knows how to care for herself. Leah is attacked by Danny, but to his surprise, she ends up putting him in the hospital. Cain is Danny's dad, and he is a crime boss. Cain offers Leah a job to work for him, or she dies. Leah was my favorite character. I did like Cain, but he should have dealt with his son's behavior a long time ago.
I did enjoy the building of Cain and Leah's relationship, and I liked how protective he was of her. Will Cain protect Leah from his son, or will he side with his son and take care of Leah?
Leahs life changed when she was attacked by Danny but she went on the defense and he was the one to end up in the hospital instead! When his father Cain comes along he gives Leah 2 options to die or work for him giving her self and her life over to him. She chooses to work for him but neither could know the spiraling draw to one another would bring and his son certainly isnt happy about her being around. but will Cain have to choose between family or love? Well written fast paced quick, steamy age gap read
Another winner from Sam Crescent. This book has dark overtones. Cain and Leah’s story. Cain’s son Danny attempts to rape Leah at a bar he owns. Leah literally beats the snot out of Danny and puts him in the hospital. Cain makes Leah come to work for him. She’s worried he will kill her since she injured his son. This story becomes a long winding love story. Trust is earned and backstories of neglect and abandonment play into the plot. Very interesting story. Frank the house Chef is an added side story. Good read!!
This is an entertaining age-gap romance and is Cain and Leah's story. This story is action-packed, has betrayal, suspense, passion and chemistry. Leah is a strong young woman, who speaks up when needed. Leah has lived in foster care and on the streets, until she met a good friend. Leah's friend, taught her how to protect herself. She now works for Cain Knox.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like this author. The storylines are interesting and the characters complicated beneath the exterior you are allowed to see. Another man brought down by a strong willed girl. A decision made has its complications and were designed to control. The question is who is actually controlling whom. They each have goals, but the drama in their lives are not actually choreographed and trus personalities begin to emerge.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A hot intense read, a cat and mouse game between both Cain and Leah is ready to explode when they give into their feeling and start a hot intense steamy relationship.
Falling in love had not been in his life plans but when his son gets out of control, he has to make a decision that could change his life forever.
A wonderful romantic, sizzling read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this book from beginning to end ..hot and sweet . their were a couple of confusing parts , like I one part of the book Frank ( not the MMC) was telling Leah that he went to prison over a women he didnt even want , then in another part he said the same women was the love of his life . Then I hate the fact that after taking her virginity, he walked away .. She should have left the mess for him .. She had a back bone and she was tough but not were it mattered .
This was a shorter story and I enjoyed it. Leah doesn't take cr@p off anyone so when she knocks out a guy who was bothering her, his dad comes to find her. Yes, it's an older man, younger woman. Cain takes one look at her and wants her so he tells her she has to marry him since she went after his son. Oh, his son is a jerk and deserves everything he gets. The story is engaging and hot! You don't want to miss this one if you like Sam Crescent's stories!
I'm confident that our MMC will make a great choice! It’s been so sweet watching them fall for each other, even if they don’t quite see it yet. He might come off as grumpy sometimes, but he has such a gentle side when it comes to her. While others might find him a bit intimidating, he truly knows how to care for those he loves.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Dark and Seductive read. Leah's (FMC) life gets complicated when she takes down crime lord Cain's son - Danny when he tries to force himself on her. Which in turn then led her to work for Cain doing whatever he told her too. That close proximity that they had gave way to a simmering attraction that they both had for each other. My word was the steaminess off of the charts hot! A great read with 2 characters that had me invested in this story from the first chapter.
A street wise woman goes to work for the mafia boss after she puts his son in the hospital after he tries to rape her. (There is talk about this attempted rape and mention of other rapes). What follows is a story of their relationship and consequences of actions.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah and Cain, an unusual story. His son attempts to rape Leah, so Cain employs her and sends his son away (turns out he is a serial rapist who is very unlikely to ever be more than a creep). Cain selects her outfits, takes her just about everywhere he goes, cares for her but no intimacy. Until one night changes everything. Eventually passion, communication and love follows