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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Hannah Gray delivers yet another stunning, heart-wrenching romance with Fool Me Once, proving once again why she’s a must-read author in the genre. From the moment I picked up my first book by her, I was captivated by her writing style—deeply emotional, passionate, and utterly immersive. This latest instalment in the New England Bay Sharks series is no exception; it’s a masterpiece of second-chance romance that will grip your heart and refuse to let go.
Young love always walks the fine line between youthful passion and growing maturity, and for Smith Sawyer, that line blurred when he made the devastating decision to break up with his first and only love, Gemma—who also happened to be his younger sister’s best friend. Thinking he was doing the right thing, he had no idea of the heartbreaking consequences that would unfold for her in the years to come.
The prologue sets the perfect stage for the emotional storm ahead, fast-forwarding six years to a broken and struggling Gemma, who turns to her best friend for help—only to find herself face-to-face with the one man who shattered her heart. But Smith isn’t the same boy who let her go. With time and maturity, he realises the depth of his mistake and is determined to win her back. However, as the layers of Gemma’s painful past begin to unravel, he understands that healing her will take patience, trust, and undeniable proof that he won’t let her down again.
The chemistry between Smith and Gemma is electric, their connection sizzling even through the pain and years of separation. And when the tension finally reaches its boiling point—prepare yourself, because you’ll definitely need a glass of ice water to cool down! But Fool Me Once isn’t just about the heat; it’s a deeply emotional journey filled with heartbreak, healing, and an all-consuming love that refuses to be extinguished.
Hannah Gray has outdone herself with this one. While every book in the series has been a five-star read, Fool Me Once might just be my favorite so far. So, grab some tissues, keep that ice water close, and dive into this breathtaking second-chance romance—you won’t regret it.
Young love always walks the fine line between youthful passion and growing maturity, and for Smith Sawyer, that line blurred when he made the devastating decision to break up with his first and only love, Gemma—who also happened to be his younger sister’s best friend. Thinking he was doing the right thing, he had no idea of the heartbreaking consequences that would unfold for her in the years to come.
The prologue sets the perfect stage for the emotional storm ahead, fast-forwarding six years to a broken and struggling Gemma, who turns to her best friend for help—only to find herself face-to-face with the one man who shattered her heart. But Smith isn’t the same boy who let her go. With time and maturity, he realises the depth of his mistake and is determined to win her back. However, as the layers of Gemma’s painful past begin to unravel, he understands that healing her will take patience, trust, and undeniable proof that he won’t let her down again.
The chemistry between Smith and Gemma is electric, their connection sizzling even through the pain and years of separation. And when the tension finally reaches its boiling point—prepare yourself, because you’ll definitely need a glass of ice water to cool down! But Fool Me Once isn’t just about the heat; it’s a deeply emotional journey filled with heartbreak, healing, and an all-consuming love that refuses to be extinguished.
Hannah Gray has outdone herself with this one. While every book in the series has been a five-star read, Fool Me Once might just be my favorite so far. So, grab some tissues, keep that ice water close, and dive into this breathtaking second-chance romance—you won’t regret it.
My gosh! Hannah has done it again!!!!
This series just gets better with each book!
Smith leaves the love of his life behind because he was told that he would hold Gemma back from her dreams. Worst mistake of his life, he has never gotten over her and she is about to marry someone that isn’t him.
Gemma is in a bad relationship with her fiancée and has run away from him and is in hiding.
My emotions were up and down in this book. I loved how Smith was trying everything in his power to help Gemma heal. This story is near and dear to my heart.
I cannot wait to read the next book!
🏒 𝙵𝚘𝚘𝚕 𝙼𝚎 𝙾𝚗𝚌𝚎 🏒
𝚋𝚢 @authorhannah_gray
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
Hannah has done it again. Woven such a heartbreaking story into something so beautiful. Another absolute masterpiece.
Hannah was able to capture the struggles that DV causes, the battles, the grief, the trauma it leaves behind and the strength it takes to overcome the past so beautifully. Gemma is such a strong beautiful soul and my heart broke for her. She did everything in her power to overcome her past and along the way to healing she was able to find a great support system that helped her along her journey.
Smith is absolute perfection. The way that man was there for Gemma in every way that she needed support was incredible. He gave her the space that she needed when she needed and really had a huge part in the healing journey. He showed her what a real man is by showering her with love and affection and changing his behaviors so Gemma always felt safe and protected.
These two were destined to be together. They had some bumps and hoops they had to go through but these two are the definition of soulmates. Perfect for each other.
This series just gets better and better. This next book, I am so ready for the FMC and all of her fiestiness.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏒Second Chance
🏒Slow Burn
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Who hurt you?
🏒Fake Dating
🏒Heroine on the run
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Best Friend's Brother
#Sportsromance #Hockeyromance #Foolmeonce #newenglandbaysharks #hannahgray #SecondChance #SlowBurn #ForcedProximity #FakeDating #Wordsmithpublicity #bookstagram #books #booklover #instagood #booknerd #bookworm #bookreview #romance #kindleunlimited
𝚋𝚢 @authorhannah_gray
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
↓↓
Hannah has done it again. Woven such a heartbreaking story into something so beautiful. Another absolute masterpiece.
Hannah was able to capture the struggles that DV causes, the battles, the grief, the trauma it leaves behind and the strength it takes to overcome the past so beautifully. Gemma is such a strong beautiful soul and my heart broke for her. She did everything in her power to overcome her past and along the way to healing she was able to find a great support system that helped her along her journey.
Smith is absolute perfection. The way that man was there for Gemma in every way that she needed support was incredible. He gave her the space that she needed when she needed and really had a huge part in the healing journey. He showed her what a real man is by showering her with love and affection and changing his behaviors so Gemma always felt safe and protected.
These two were destined to be together. They had some bumps and hoops they had to go through but these two are the definition of soulmates. Perfect for each other.
This series just gets better and better. This next book, I am so ready for the FMC and all of her fiestiness.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏒Second Chance
🏒Slow Burn
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Who hurt you?
🏒Fake Dating
🏒Heroine on the run
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Best Friend's Brother
#Sportsromance #Hockeyromance #Foolmeonce #newenglandbaysharks #hannahgray #SecondChance #SlowBurn #ForcedProximity #FakeDating #Wordsmithpublicity #bookstagram #books #booklover #instagood #booknerd #bookworm #bookreview #romance #kindleunlimited
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dual POV, Spicy, Hockey Romance, Second Chance, Best Friend's Brother, Heroine On the Run, Roommates, Fake Dating, It Was Always You, Trauma & Healing, Protective MMC
An angsty, it was always you second chance romance with emotional depth and healing from trauma. When Gemma suddenly reappears in Smith's life with a bruised face and stomach he's not buying her 'car accident' story. Soon he learns the truth and vows to do anything to protect her and keep her safe including moving her into his house, fake dating her so the entire world knows not to mess with her, and letting his dog stay with her. Hoping all the while he can prove to her that he deserves another chance when she's ready for another relationship. Gemma's journey through her trauma and subsequent healing felt so incredibly realistic as does the relationship she has with her parents.
An angsty, it was always you second chance romance with emotional depth and healing from trauma. When Gemma suddenly reappears in Smith's life with a bruised face and stomach he's not buying her 'car accident' story. Soon he learns the truth and vows to do anything to protect her and keep her safe including moving her into his house, fake dating her so the entire world knows not to mess with her, and letting his dog stay with her. Hoping all the while he can prove to her that he deserves another chance when she's ready for another relationship. Gemma's journey through her trauma and subsequent healing felt so incredibly realistic as does the relationship she has with her parents.
𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩. 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩.
This wasn’t just any second-chance romance..this was so much more. By 33% in I crying and I continued to have tears in my eyes throughout the whole story.
Gemma absolutely broke me. I wanted to hug her and never let go. She’s so strong and brave and I absolutely loved seeing her find herself again. I love her friendship with Saylor, Paige, Poppy, and Maci - they were the girl gang she needed.
𝘎𝘦𝘮𝘮𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘴. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.
Smith is one of the good ones🥹 the way he was there for Gemma, protected her, was her safe space, and gave her the time and space to find herself, was everything she needed. I love the her took his time with her and let her find herself and her way back to him, all while being right there for her at the same time.
Gemma & Smith’s chemistry is undeniable. They both have a healthy balance of control and both of them have that spice to them🔥.
Hannah delivered an emotional second-chance romance filled with healing and love. What Gemma goes through in Fool Me Once was tough to read and I thought Hannah did such an amazing job of something horrible and turning it into beautiful healing.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 is the 3rd book in the New England Bay Sharks series by Hannah Gray, featuring a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful second chance romance for Gemma and Smith. He broke her heart, when he left for college without a word, leaving her with a wounded self-confidence. She found herself grasping for any sign of affection, with devastating results. Smith always regretting leaving Gemma behind, even if there was a reason for it, but when she comes home battered and bruised, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and with him.
Hannah Gray amazes me with her ability to handle the most sensitive subjects with the utmost grace and weave a viscerally emotional and poignant story out of it!! Definitely read the trigger warnings if DV situations are hard for you to read, but I’m so impressed with how well written this story is. Gemma’s emotion is raw, gritty, and palpable, as is Smith’s reaction to it. I loved their obvious bond, the twists and turns of their reconnection, and the spicy chemistry they couldn’t avoid for long! I’m always such a fan of world building and the impact of the supporting characters, and I’m just in love with everyone in this world! There’s so much emotional depth, support, and heart. I have to say though, as a German Shepherd mom, Storm stole my heart and the show!! Sometimes you just cannot beat the love and loyalty of a dog, especially one who understands you.🥹🥰 I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait for the next one!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I'm just so happy Gemma got the happily ever after she deserved!
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Second Chance
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Best Friend's Brother
Dark Themes (not between MCs)
Gemma has just escaped an abusive relationship, and is now staying with her best friend. Unfortunately, her best friend is moving, so she's stuck with staying with her best friend's brother, Smith. Smith, who left her without saying goodbye when he left for college after they had just admitted their feelings for each other. She has always loved him, but she's never going to give him another chance.
Smith is such a good guy. He tries so hard to be everything Gemma needs him to be. I mean, the man pretty much lets her have his dog because he seems to help her. He gave her up so she could follow her own dreams, but feels so much guilt for the relationship it led to. He encourages her to seek therapy, he does his best to make her comfortable, and he's always loved her. Gemma works so hard to heal from her past, and I really liked how everything ended.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Hannah and Wordsmith Publicity, for sending me a copy of this book!
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Second Chance
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Best Friend's Brother
Dark Themes (not between MCs)
Gemma has just escaped an abusive relationship, and is now staying with her best friend. Unfortunately, her best friend is moving, so she's stuck with staying with her best friend's brother, Smith. Smith, who left her without saying goodbye when he left for college after they had just admitted their feelings for each other. She has always loved him, but she's never going to give him another chance.
Smith is such a good guy. He tries so hard to be everything Gemma needs him to be. I mean, the man pretty much lets her have his dog because he seems to help her. He gave her up so she could follow her own dreams, but feels so much guilt for the relationship it led to. He encourages her to seek therapy, he does his best to make her comfortable, and he's always loved her. Gemma works so hard to heal from her past, and I really liked how everything ended.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Hannah and Wordsmith Publicity, for sending me a copy of this book!
Tropes:
-hockey romance
-second chance
-FMC on the run
-forced proximity
-best friend's brother
-found family
-fake dating
-slow burn
Hannah’s books are so much more than hockey romances. They are deeply emotional and cover heavy topics. I have loved every single one I have read. I devoured this one in one day. I did not want to put it down. It made me laugh and cry, kick my feet, and squeal. It was everything I wanted in a book and more.
Storm is the most fantastic side character I have ever read. We do not deserve dogs. Even if he is a fictional character, we don’t deserve him. He was the goodest boy there ever was, and I love him wholeheartedly. Give me an animal as a side character, and it’s like taking me to Bucks and a bookstore. I am happy.
As always, the side characters make the story in this series. The team and their wives are a family that has everyone’s backs. They come together to show their strength and commitment to their teammates perfectly. I can’t wait to read more. I hope she never stops writing about this fantastic team.
Gemma and Smith’s connection was palpable through the pages. Smith’s dedication to proving he was there to help Gemma heal no matter what made me swoon. He was so patient and gentle with her.
I highly recommend this book. It will be available on 3/6 on KU, and I hope you read it and love it as much as I did. It is so worth the read.
Quotes:
Smith Sawyer isn’t my strength. Smith Sawyer reminded me that I have the strength.
“I promise I’m going to be better for you. I’ll be everything you deserve.”
“You’re already enough, Gem. You will always be enough.”
LOL quote: “Megalodon, Goliath, Colossal— any of those nicknames for my cock would suffice. But peen? No.”
**This book covers some heavy topics. Check your TWs.
-hockey romance
-second chance
-FMC on the run
-forced proximity
-best friend's brother
-found family
-fake dating
-slow burn
Hannah’s books are so much more than hockey romances. They are deeply emotional and cover heavy topics. I have loved every single one I have read. I devoured this one in one day. I did not want to put it down. It made me laugh and cry, kick my feet, and squeal. It was everything I wanted in a book and more.
Storm is the most fantastic side character I have ever read. We do not deserve dogs. Even if he is a fictional character, we don’t deserve him. He was the goodest boy there ever was, and I love him wholeheartedly. Give me an animal as a side character, and it’s like taking me to Bucks and a bookstore. I am happy.
As always, the side characters make the story in this series. The team and their wives are a family that has everyone’s backs. They come together to show their strength and commitment to their teammates perfectly. I can’t wait to read more. I hope she never stops writing about this fantastic team.
Gemma and Smith’s connection was palpable through the pages. Smith’s dedication to proving he was there to help Gemma heal no matter what made me swoon. He was so patient and gentle with her.
I highly recommend this book. It will be available on 3/6 on KU, and I hope you read it and love it as much as I did. It is so worth the read.
Quotes:
Smith Sawyer isn’t my strength. Smith Sawyer reminded me that I have the strength.
“I promise I’m going to be better for you. I’ll be everything you deserve.”
“You’re already enough, Gem. You will always be enough.”
LOL quote: “Megalodon, Goliath, Colossal— any of those nicknames for my cock would suffice. But peen? No.”
**This book covers some heavy topics. Check your TWs.
🏒🌊fool me once🌊🏒 by @authorhannah_gray eARC review time!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
You have to read this if you love...
🏒hockey romance
🌊fake dating
🏒second chance
🌊best friend's brother
🏒protective mmc
🌊he is sweet just for her
🏒german shepherd 🐾
🌊forced proximity
Miss Hannah Gray never disappoints. This book was. so. good. Smith and Gemma's relationship just fixed something in my brain. The way that Smith loves her with his whole heart and always has... just makes me giddy. And, the fact that Gemma realizes that she needs to find herself again, yet that leads her back to Smith is just 🥹
BLURB:
It’s true what they say, you really are wiser when you’re older, because I’ve hated my younger self for years. After leaving behind the girl that I spent my entire life loving from afar, younger me deserves the hate, though. But when her dad told me I was ruining her life, I let my own insecurities consume me and knew I had to set her free.
Now, I’m a defenseman for the New England Bay Sharks, living my dream. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Inside, I’m haunted by past mistakes, wishing I had a clock to turn back time and right my wrongs.
Just as I lose hope that she’s ever coming back, she shows up in Portland, bruised and battered—claiming she was in a car accident. She isn’t the same strong-willed girl with the bright eyes she was before. No, replacing that girl is a woman in pain. A woman who’s scared. And a woman who really hates my guts.
Right away, I knew there was no car accident. No…those bruises were put on her perfect body by a monster. One that was supposed to care for and love her till the end of time.
Worried for her safety, I craft a plan to keep her safe. One that includes her living in my house while pretending to be my girlfriend. After what I did to her all those years ago, I’ll do anything to earn her forgiveness.
I may have promised her that it’s all for show and that I have no motive for wanting to keep her so close, but the truth is…I never stopped wanting her, and that’s not about to change now.
@wordsmithpublicity
🏷️ #foolmeoncehannahgray
photos are not mine:) the edit is @mirandas.reads
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
You have to read this if you love...
🏒hockey romance
🌊fake dating
🏒second chance
🌊best friend's brother
🏒protective mmc
🌊he is sweet just for her
🏒german shepherd 🐾
🌊forced proximity
Miss Hannah Gray never disappoints. This book was. so. good. Smith and Gemma's relationship just fixed something in my brain. The way that Smith loves her with his whole heart and always has... just makes me giddy. And, the fact that Gemma realizes that she needs to find herself again, yet that leads her back to Smith is just 🥹
BLURB:
It’s true what they say, you really are wiser when you’re older, because I’ve hated my younger self for years. After leaving behind the girl that I spent my entire life loving from afar, younger me deserves the hate, though. But when her dad told me I was ruining her life, I let my own insecurities consume me and knew I had to set her free.
Now, I’m a defenseman for the New England Bay Sharks, living my dream. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Inside, I’m haunted by past mistakes, wishing I had a clock to turn back time and right my wrongs.
Just as I lose hope that she’s ever coming back, she shows up in Portland, bruised and battered—claiming she was in a car accident. She isn’t the same strong-willed girl with the bright eyes she was before. No, replacing that girl is a woman in pain. A woman who’s scared. And a woman who really hates my guts.
Right away, I knew there was no car accident. No…those bruises were put on her perfect body by a monster. One that was supposed to care for and love her till the end of time.
Worried for her safety, I craft a plan to keep her safe. One that includes her living in my house while pretending to be my girlfriend. After what I did to her all those years ago, I’ll do anything to earn her forgiveness.
I may have promised her that it’s all for show and that I have no motive for wanting to keep her so close, but the truth is…I never stopped wanting her, and that’s not about to change now.
@wordsmithpublicity
🏷️ #foolmeoncehannahgray
photos are not mine:) the edit is @mirandas.reads