One might think they'd keep far away from each other but not so fast. Nate's not through with Monica just yet. He wants his money back, and maybe her too. Monica, still hurt that her ex-husband would put her through all that drama, is with Lewis now but is he the man she really wants?

Lewis, knowing he brings nothing to businesswoman Monica's table in the way of financial support, network, or even a supportive shoulder, wants a firm and permanent commitment from her, one he's having trouble securing. Once he discovers that Nate is not completely out of the picture, Lewis decides he's playing for keeps.

I didn't read the preceding novel, MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE, but it must have been a doozy. At first, I found it difficult to understand all the historic machinations that bind these three together but eventually I caught on, helped along by Mr. Johnson's clipped, breezy style.

Without giving anything away, MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION is one of those stories where the ending I found myself rooting for just didn't play out. Occasionally when that happens, I can appreciate the author's choice. This time I didn't. It took away from my enjoyment. But I'm a happily-ever-after kind of reader. Even though this isn't a pure romance, there were strong romantic elements that just didn't dovetail as I might have liked. I also the type who likes rooting for the underdog. In this case, it's Lewis Waters's best friend, Freddy. I didn't care for the conclusion of his tale either.

Nonetheless MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION is a fast-paced read about relationships, betrayal, and revenge, with as much drama as any soap opera. Readers who enjoy drama-filled stories of comeuppance will enjoy this book. And the funny thing is that despite the unsatisfactory endings, I find myself anticipating the third book in the trilogy, next year's MILLION DOLLAR DEMISE. Maybe because it's Freddy's story. So kudos, RM Johnson. You've wet my reading appetite and maybe earned a reluctant fan.

Book Summary