Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith
Published by Berkley on November 5, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Goodreads
When a pyrotechnic engineer discovers her biological father is an international criminal, she must work with a sexy CIA agent to take him down in this thrilling adventure rom-com.
Andee Paxton knows she’s good at her job as a fireworks designer. What she doesn’t know is that her biological father is Holt, a dangerous arms dealer who has escaped prison. And now he’s searching for his long-lost daughter-dearest.
After the CIA surprises her with this news, they drop another bombshell: they want to use Andee as bait to capture Holt once and for all. But before the CIA can even attempt to spring their trap, she’s kidnapped along with the very hot Officer Adam Chan—all because they were too busy flirting to worry about silly things like “safety protocol.”
A fake relationship—for their protection, of course—and just a few explosions bring Andee and Chan closer, but there’s more than their growing connection at stake. If Holt’s plan succeeds, the world will be brought to its knees. Andee and Chan must rely on each other to stop him…or else everything (including their feelings for each other) might just blow up in their faces.
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but I have to say, Smith turned it up a notch with Mr. Nice Spy.
Andee was a fireworks designer who was generally a lone wolf. She moved around a lot as a kid and kept a low profile due her mother convincing her that her father was a Hollywood heartthrob. But she learned the truth after she and CIA operative, Adam Chan, were kidnapped. While in captivity, they learn that baddie and Andee's father, Holt, has used his evil powers to develop a "kill pill". Now, it's up to Chan and Andee to save themselves and foil Holt's nefarious plans.
This book was packed with action and the stakes were high, but Smith managed to weave in plenty of humor and emotional moments as well. The romance also took off quite early in the book, and I will admit, I was a fan of this union. Adam Chan was such a great hero. He had a knack for making me smile, and I adored his rapport he shared with Andee. In addition to all the action and danger, there were a few surprising twists and turns that surprised me.
Overall, this story was a fantastic combination of action and romance that featured great characters who grew as they fought to save themselves and the world.
Poles Apart by Anna Burns, Jacqui Burns
Published by Allison & Busby on March 21, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
The Pembrokeshire village of Morlan is a beautiful place to live, but breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline aside, four of the female residents find themselves stuck in a painful rut.
The arrival of pole dancing exercise classes in the village hall offers each of them a chance to bond and discover previously hidden strengths. Gwen seems to have it all but how will she cope when her marriage hits the rocks? Meg would love not to be single, but her recent operation has left her confidence shot to pieces. Recently widowed Ivy is fed up with following the rules, but at seventy-two can she really change her ways? Mum of two Summer is desperate for some time to herself outside her home.
Together the group form a bond of friendship that will stand them in good stead when facing the trials and tribulations in their personal lives.
A pole dancing exercise class ends up being life changing for four women in this small town.
Poles Apart was such a delightful tale! It was a celebration of female friendship filled with lots of warmth and humor. I love the idea of these four very different women finding each other and bonding over pole dancing. Seems odd, but it was in this class that they gained the inspiration and confidence to make some major changes in their lives.
Each woman was in a very different place, being different ages and having different circumstances, yet they all benefited from each others friendship. Ivy was adjusting to life as a widow after losing her husband. She was a spy 72, and I simply loved her spirit. I found she had a lot of wisdom to share with the younger woman and served a very important role in this group.
Gwen was in her 50s and dealing with a huge upheaval in her life after discovering her husband's affair. She was being forced to start over, and I am not sure she could have taken any steps forward without encouragement from these women.
Summer was a mom of two in her late 20s. She was happily married, but her husband was away most of the time for work, leaving her on her own with the kids. She adore her children, but needed some time to herself. This hour of pole dancing became her refuge and helped her rediscover parts of herself she lost in her role as mother.
Meg was also in her 20s and trying to reenter the dating world. Her illness disrupted her education and forced her world to change dramatically. She was grateful that the procedure helped with her condition, but very self conscience of the stoma bag she was forced to wear until her bowl settled. In class, she stole the spotlight with her athleticism and dance ability which bolstered her confidence.
I really enjoyed being part of each woman's personal journey as well as seeing the group form a little family. I was cheering for each woman to attain what she desired and was overjoyed with their growth and achievements. Overall, this was a wonderful and uplifting story which highlighted the power of friendship.
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