Fun book. Marlie writes comic books for a living. She's pretty much a loner, living in her own world, until a knock on the door has her facing an assassin. She manages to escape, then goes for help to her next door neighbor. He just happens to be an ex-SEAL who is an NCIS agent assigned to watch her. Suddenly there's more at stake than just watching over her, and it's up to them to find out who wants to kill her and why.

Marlie is an interesting character. She keeps to herself and doesn't have a lot of friends. When she was a kid her Navy father was accused of treason and shot by his best friend. Since then she has trust issues. Her comic book heroine Angelina is her alter ego, someone with whom Marlie has frequent conversations. She also calls on Angelina when the situation calls for more than she thinks she is capable of herself. The conversations between the two of them are pretty funny.

Joel left the SEALs involuntarily due to some trouble during a mission he was on with his then wife. The things that happened have had him shutting himself off from his emotions. Now he is an NCIS agent assigned to watch Marlie. What little he knows of her has him thinking that this will be a slow assignment, as she seems to lead a boring life. That all changes when she breaks into his house looking for help. Suddenly the things he hasn't been told about his assignment take on new importance.

The relationship that grows between Joel and Marlie is one that tests both their issues. Thanks to the attacks on her, Marlie has to trust Joel to keep her safe. She's also attracted to him, but opening herself up that much is very hard for her to do. Joel is also attracted to Marlie, and finds that it's rapidly becoming more than just physical. He's fascinated with the multiple aspects of her personality, and he's fighting hard to keep his heart out of it. He also has some guilty feeling going on, because he's keeping two big secrets from her - why he was there in the first place, and the personal connection that they have. He just knows that's going to cause problems when it comes out. I loved seeing how they ended up balancing each other out, once they were able to overcome their fears.

The mystery part of the story is quite involved. The comics that Marlie writes deal with conspiracy theories, her way of dealing with the events of her childhood. When one of her comics hits a little too close to home, the man at the back of it is determined to shut her up. As she and Joel try to figure out which theory started the whole thing there are a whole bunch of people and connections that get involved. There are some pretty funny moments, including a flashmob involving bowling balls and Joel and a pair of handcuffs. The final showdown is pretty good with Marlie saving the day. There's also an interesting twist involving one of the players. ( )

You Only Love Twice by Lori Wilde
ISBN: 9780446555333
Marlie Montague is a comic strip writer and she hurries to freshen up before opening the door to her new next door male neighbor. Her alter ego was carrying on a conversation with her as to whether or not to answer the door.
Problem is she trips over the bowling ball and by the time she answer it's the UPS man but he's got a semi automatic gun in his hands.
NCIS Special agent Joel Hunter was attempting to borrow some shampoo but she never answered her door.
Admiral Augustus Hunter had to warn Penelope Montague.
When Marlie has to leave her house at night she selects her mom's house but things are not what they should be there also.
Her alternate persona takes over at times and she recognizes the man who wanted to kill her. She's hot on his trail now with Joel along for the ride.
When Marlie tries to get medical service for Joel she finds her face on the TV where the police want her for arson suspect at her mothers house.
Now they have to go into hiding and she has to not only take care of Joel medically but keep them safe. Angelina, her other persona and from the comic strip she writes will aid her in this endeavor.
Joel's ex wife also has a say in what happens along with Marlie's mother. The war in the gulf holds them all hostage for many years after it was fought.
Like all the action, adventure, kidnapping, assassins, military and police investigations and romance and storyline. This book has it all. ( )

Marlie Montague is a comic book writer. Her new next door neighbor is Joel Hunter a Navy secret agent, former Seal. Her dad was killed by his best friend during a period he was framed as a traitor.
Cute story with Marlie and Joel in the middle of a full-blown conspiracy involving the Navy. Through the book you find out Joel's dad is Marlie's father best friend who killed her father. I enjoyed this book. ( )