Olivia is a successful journalist, but she's missing a personal life. Forget about her non-existent love life. While attending her best friend's engagement party, she meets a charming American special ops soldier named Josh who has an unusual proposition. He wants her to pretend to be his fiancee and accompany him on a Mediterranean vacation. Her ties to the overseas casinos (on which she has previously reported) will help him gain access to the high-stakes poker rooms. After a little persuasion, Olivia agrees. (Her life is desperately missing action and adventure, and this "vacation" has the potential to make a good story.)

Josh takes Olivia to a charming seaside villa, a luxurious yacht, and in the midst of a dangerous illegal weapons operation. As romantic feelings bloom between the two, Olivia uncovers deep secrets regarding Josh's true motives. Olivia wonders who is the "real" Josh: the high-rolling gambler, the all-American cowboy, or the ruthless military agent?

This book was an exciting read. It hooked me from the beginning, and I could not put it down until I'd finished it. Olivia and Josh are well-rounded characters who experience an instant attraction and a deeper connection that develops over time. The sexual tension is palpable, and the sex scenes are minimal so as not to detract from the story. There is much more to the story than just the romance between Olivia and Josh, however. The connection between Olivia and a school friend comes full-circle in a delightful way, as do her connections with other characters (particularly a charming little girl). I only wish there was an epilogue. The ending is a bit uncertain; I'd like to know what Olivia's career plans are. Overall, it's a delightful read that does not follow the over-done conventions of a typical romance novel. ( )