Tag: spy romance

Book Review: Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters

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Rating: ★★★★.5
Audience: Mystery + Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Natalie Walters
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 19th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide. Now, they’re both keeping dangerous secrets–and working dangerously close to blowing each other’s cover.

Forced to work together to stop a catastrophic deal that could arm America’s enemies, Cybil and Ben must face ruthless criminals, hidden agendas, and the ghosts of their past. Trust is a luxury they can’t afford–but love? That just might be their undoing.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Thank you LibroFM for the gifted audiobook.

WELL I HAD FUN.

I had many people let me know that this was not a ROMANCE in the traditional rom-com sense and I think having that expectation manage really helped my enjoyment level because I flew through this one in a morning. And before you get concerned I thought this had plenty of romance for the plot at hand and honestly had no issues on that front. I loved the banter between Cybil and Ben and I’m a sucker for a man who’s down bad.

The undercover story was fun. It’s not dark which is what I think was the right balance for the book. It’s a lighter tone overall and makes it feel perfect for the summer. I thought the pacing was great and like I said, I had no problem wanting to binge read this one. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Natalie Walters next book.

There were a few small plot quirks that stood out to me, but otherwise, this is an easy recommendation!

Overall audience notes:

  • Mystery + Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: mild
  • Content warnings: brief gun violence, kidnapping

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Book Review: Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 320 pages
Author: Carlie Walker
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Two exes. One mission. A trip she’ll never forget…

Max is just your average girl. She works odd jobs, has a soul-crushing amount of debt and just happens to have an uncanny resemblance to Europe’s youngest female prime minister, Sofia Christensen . . .

So when the prime minister receives a credible death threat, the CIA approaches Max with a a life-changing amount of money if she pretends to be Sofia on the prime minister’s annual Italian trip.

It would be a dream if it weren’t for those pesky assassins and Flynn, Max’s ridiculously hot handler – the man who broke her heart years and years ago.

With her life now on the line, Max knows she has no choice but to lose herself in the role. But losing her heart to Flynn again? Now that’s a risk that she isn’t willing to take . . .

Red, White and Royal Blue meets Emily Henry in this opposites-attract, fake-dating romcom. Perfect for fans of Katherine Center and Ali Hazelwood.

THIS WAS FUN.

I have really enjoyed the spy romcom sub genre of romance. They are a lot of fun and have a different vibe than my usual books and I appreciate the smiles it brings amidst all of the chaos of the journey.

This was a fantastic second chance romance. I was INVOLVED with Max and Flynn’s past and current relationship. I loved the slow burn tension and the bodyguard moments?? YES PLEASE.

The audiobook is great, an easy and fast listen with a solid narrator. I loved the turns the plot took and seeing Max kind of come into her own in an impossible situation. There’s romance and action and political betrayals that will keep you busy. Such a gem and can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: mild – moderate
  • Romance: brief open door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content Warnings: weapons violence, attempted murder

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Book Review: The Blonde Who Came in Form the Cold (Blonde Identity #2) by Ally Carter

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: August 5th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ten years ago, they joined the CIA.

Six years ago, he left the game.

Five years ago, they fell in love.

One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back.

And two minutes ago, they woke up, bloody and bruised and handcuffed together in the dark.

They don’t know where they are. They don’t know how they got there. And they have absolutely no idea who is after them or what this nameless, faceless villain wants.

The only thing that’s clear is that, after ten years of covers and chemistry, secrets and lies, these two rival spies have been sucked into their greatest mission yet, and now they’re going to have to team up to stay alive. (If they don’t kill each other first.)

Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC and LibroFM for the gifted audiobook.

OH I WAS OBSESSED.

OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. Frankly that’s all you need. ALL THE DANG STARS GO PICK IT UP.

I am such a puddle for a man SO DOWN BAD. The MMC (who gets his own narration!!!!) was incredible. I love him. I love him. I love him. I could give you a list of scenes that had me swooning non-stop and obsessing over his every move. And I adored the FMC too. The banter was off the charts and you could feel their chemistry from the first moment. These flashbacks were AMAZING. I’m not a flashback chapter fan and appreciated that these only added and shaped the story.

It’s fast paced, full of action, heat, romance and allllll the things. I loved the audiobook. I loved the book. I LOVED IT ALL.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance Mystery
  • Language: low
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: moderate

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