Review: Spies, Lies, and Alibis

I've been seeing Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters float around for a while and knew that I had to read it based on the reviews.

The conclusion? I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am already looking forward to more adventures! I love espionage fiction set during wartime, so reading a contemporary espionage rom-com has made my day.

Book Synopsis

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.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

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

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book is straight-out fun and funny to read. I can't remember when I last laughed so hard at the many shenanigans that Cybil manages to find herself in without them compromising her safety and work. Though she definitely has the skills to carry out her responsibilities, she just keeps landing in the most awkward positions, bringing a needed touch of levity to a case that becomes more and more complicated. Thankfully, Ben is there to counter some of her foiled plans, and it's a sheer delight to watch how they reestablish their relationship after a not-so-pleasant parting in their youth.

I love that Spies, Lies, and Alibis doesn't take itself too seriously while providing high stakes action to keep readers wondering how Cybil and Ben will emerge unscathed by nefarious activities. It's escapist espionage fiction in all of its glory with an adventure that is as humorous as it is intriguing. The twists and turns are such a joy to navigate, and it has me looking forward to what's next in this world that Natalie Walters has created. Readers looking for light-hearted suspense with a dash of spunky side characters and enjoyable banter will appreciate the memorable scenes that unfold in this book.

Book Summary

• Format of book: 📱
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

“If you were older, I’d invite you to join our Pearls and Pistols club. ’Course, you’d have to be a resident, but we know how to clear openings when needed, right, Bernie?” “Sure do,” Bernie says, carefully navigating her walker over the asphalt. “Gran, that kind of talk makes it premeditated.” I use her keys and open the car door for them. “Actually, under Texas law, you need intent and an overt act for it to be premeditated.” Cybil winks. “And unless your gran’s got a taser stashed in that floral purse, she’s safe.”