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meganh10's review against another edition
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
3.5
raving_reads's review
2.0
The beginning was very engaging but it lost me in the middle. Who doesn't love a must-protect her from my enemies premise?! This was a fun read with fun characters and great banter. I think there was no drastic peak in the middle so it just felt very long at times but still a fun rom-com read!
Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
amberreadsalot's review
3.0
I was excited to pick this up - spies, ONS to love, a super smart FMC - but this book didn't hold up to my expectations. I would classify this as a fair to middling romance. Blake is a very buttoned-up scientist who lets go on her quarterly trips away from her small Maine town. Wyatt is a recently bounced ex-spy - his cover was blown - unknowingly headed to the same small town as Blake. They end up having a very enjoyable ONS never expecting to see each other again. Of course, they do.
This book dragged a bit and some of the plot points don't make sense. Blake is insistent no one knows she and Wyatt slept together yet somehow manages to tell an entire group of people at a dinner party. Blake's apparently rigid parents exist only in the background yet somehow feed her personality throughout the story. I didn't fully understand positioning her as the town daughter. Maybe if I had read the brother's book it would have made more sense. I also would have expected Wyatt's blown cover to play a larger role given the emphasis on it. The secondary spy plot felt completely unnecessary.
The rest of the book is not bad, just not super exciting. I would still give this author another chance because there were moments I enjoyed.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
This book dragged a bit and some of the plot points don't make sense. Blake is insistent no one knows she and Wyatt slept together yet somehow manages to tell an entire group of people at a dinner party. Blake's apparently rigid parents exist only in the background yet somehow feed her personality throughout the story. I didn't fully understand positioning her as the town daughter. Maybe if I had read the brother's book it would have made more sense. I also would have expected Wyatt's blown cover to play a larger role given the emphasis on it. The secondary spy plot felt completely unnecessary.
The rest of the book is not bad, just not super exciting. I would still give this author another chance because there were moments I enjoyed.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
jillmlong's review
2.0
This book was ok. It was easy to get into and the characters were cute. This was a fun quick read but nothing I will remember.
beyondevak's review
4.0
Quick Summary: A chivalry is not dead spicy romance
My Review: The (ex) Spy Who (maybe) Loved Me by Christi Barth was quite entertaining. I loved it!
About the Book: What started out as a one night stand between strangers ended up as something way more special.
This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. The playful banter between scientist Blake Montgomery and agent Wyatt Keene was tops. From their initial conversation to their hot coupling to their unplanned reunion to the undesirable challenges they dealt with, they had something together. I especially appreciated how they both had such strength of character and evidence of integrity. They were fiercely passionate about what mattered to them, not to mention, their chemistry was fantastic. In truth, the bantering between the two characters was so well done. It was written in such a way that it revved up their engines, so to speak.
About My Favorites:
One of my favorite scenes in this story happened early on in the book. It endeared me to Wyatt and made me love Blake even more. It involved the takedown of Rob and the subsequent sexy tension that built between Blake and Wyatt. Ms. Barth wrote the scene so well and on point that I felt it down to my toes, thank you very much! After that particular confrontation, I was sure Blake would throw caution to the wind and jump Wyatt right there.
Adding to the whole Rob thing, I loved how Blake chose to ultimately handle him. (Right on!)
Another favorite of mine was when Wyatt recounted the situation concerning his parents. That was rather emotional and sadly so real. It was a gut punch to my heart. It makes me tearful even now. I loved how Blake supported him and just plain loved up on him. That said so much and revealed the true direction they were headed in.
Lastly, the sketching and art were such pivotal moments in the story. Not only was there a raw vulnerability that was displayed, but there was also trust. That made things so loud and clear...even though there were matters that still needed to be addressed.
My Favorite Quote: "You’ve got this outer uniform of scientist, and underneath is all the softness and passion. This is exactly how I’ll always remember you."
My Final Say: This was a hidden treasure read. I highly recommend it. Readers who enjoy STEAM stories with a bit of a heat factor will love this one. I certainly did. (I love brainiac romances.) This is worth the read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level:
My Review: The (ex) Spy Who (maybe) Loved Me by Christi Barth was quite entertaining. I loved it!
About the Book: What started out as a one night stand between strangers ended up as something way more special.
This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. The playful banter between scientist Blake Montgomery and agent Wyatt Keene was tops. From their initial conversation to their hot coupling to their unplanned reunion to the undesirable challenges they dealt with, they had something together. I especially appreciated how they both had such strength of character and evidence of integrity. They were fiercely passionate about what mattered to them, not to mention, their chemistry was fantastic. In truth, the bantering between the two characters was so well done. It was written in such a way that it revved up their engines, so to speak.
About My Favorites:
One of my favorite scenes in this story happened early on in the book. It endeared me to Wyatt and made me love Blake even more. It involved the takedown of Rob and the subsequent sexy tension that built between Blake and Wyatt. Ms. Barth wrote the scene so well and on point that I felt it down to my toes, thank you very much! After that particular confrontation, I was sure Blake would throw caution to the wind and jump Wyatt right there.
Adding to the whole Rob thing, I loved how Blake chose to ultimately handle him. (Right on!)
Another favorite of mine was when Wyatt recounted the situation concerning his parents. That was rather emotional and sadly so real. It was a gut punch to my heart. It makes me tearful even now. I loved how Blake supported him and just plain loved up on him. That said so much and revealed the true direction they were headed in.
Lastly, the sketching and art were such pivotal moments in the story. Not only was there a raw vulnerability that was displayed, but there was also trust. That made things so loud and clear...even though there were matters that still needed to be addressed.
My Favorite Quote: "You’ve got this outer uniform of scientist, and underneath is all the softness and passion. This is exactly how I’ll always remember you."
My Final Say: This was a hidden treasure read. I highly recommend it. Readers who enjoy STEAM stories with a bit of a heat factor will love this one. I certainly did. (I love brainiac romances.) This is worth the read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level:
aldarakamey's review
2.0
The plot was so good... it had everything to be a good book but somehow the author end up wanting to write something big that end up being meh.
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
4.0
When two strangers meet at an airport bar on an evening all flights have been canceled, they quickly agree to take their sparks-filled chemistry to a hotel room for one night only. No information is exchanged. They plan to hop on their flights the next morning and never see each other again, but it doesn’t exactly work out that way….
As it turns out, the two are headed to the same place and will spend the next several weeks paired together in a contest. And, oh yeah, he is a recently burned spy, and she is a scientist at a premier medical research facility that could easily be a target for international espionage.
This one was so much fun. I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Blake and Wyatt and appreciated how they taught each other to see something new in themselves. And I love to see a woman in STEM FMC and people finding the right fit in life for themselves.
There were some moments in the book that I found a bit frustrating, and I was expecting to see a bit more of the spy action on the page. Overall, though, this one was a fun diversion for me.
I received an advance copy from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
As it turns out, the two are headed to the same place and will spend the next several weeks paired together in a contest. And, oh yeah, he is a recently burned spy, and she is a scientist at a premier medical research facility that could easily be a target for international espionage.
This one was so much fun. I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Blake and Wyatt and appreciated how they taught each other to see something new in themselves. And I love to see a woman in STEM FMC and people finding the right fit in life for themselves.
There were some moments in the book that I found a bit frustrating, and I was expecting to see a bit more of the spy action on the page. Overall, though, this one was a fun diversion for me.
I received an advance copy from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
bookishlychar's review
4.0
3.5/5 stars - The (ex) Spy Who (maybe) Loved Me is a small town, one night stand to coworkers to lovers novel. Added bonus is this is a woman in STEM book!
Blake and Wyatt meet at an airport bar when their flights are grounded due to fog. They end up having a one night stand, but know there can be nothing more. Wyatt is returning to the states after being a spy for many years and Blake is a scientist who does not have time for a relationship. They did not expect to be in the same town, let alone paired up in a scientist/artist contest that Blake's company is holding. What the two didn't count on was the amazing chemistry they have. Will they be able to put their histories to the side to recognize the love right in front of them?
This was a quick and easy read. Blake and Wyatt were enjoyable characters, but I found a lot of their personalities lacking depth. I did enjoy seeing Wyatt's return to civilian life and how his brain just could not turn off his spy tendencies. I did have a problem with how back and forth Blake and Wyatt's relationship seemed after the one night stand. Blake kiss Wyatt and then pull back because she couldn't have a relationship or Wyatt would take her on a "date" but then pull back. I think this was meant to add to the tension, but it just left me frustrated at times.
I enjoyed the book overall and felt that it was a cute, quick read. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Blake and Wyatt meet at an airport bar when their flights are grounded due to fog. They end up having a one night stand, but know there can be nothing more. Wyatt is returning to the states after being a spy for many years and Blake is a scientist who does not have time for a relationship. They did not expect to be in the same town, let alone paired up in a scientist/artist contest that Blake's company is holding. What the two didn't count on was the amazing chemistry they have. Will they be able to put their histories to the side to recognize the love right in front of them?
This was a quick and easy read. Blake and Wyatt were enjoyable characters, but I found a lot of their personalities lacking depth. I did enjoy seeing Wyatt's return to civilian life and how his brain just could not turn off his spy tendencies. I did have a problem with how back and forth Blake and Wyatt's relationship seemed after the one night stand. Blake kiss Wyatt and then pull back because she couldn't have a relationship or Wyatt would take her on a "date" but then pull back. I think this was meant to add to the tension, but it just left me frustrated at times.
I enjoyed the book overall and felt that it was a cute, quick read. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
happyeverabigail's review
3.0
This started off SO strong. One night stand turned forced proximity (through work in this case) is a favorite of mine and I was fully on board when these characters first met. I really thought this would be a 5 star read for me. But unfortunately from there not much happens for about 80% of it including relationship building or tension or spice, it’s all pretty stagnant.
I had a few issues with this read- a major premise was that scientists and artists can’t get along or relate to each other? I’m wondering since when? It is well documented that those who have excelled in STEM fields typically have a creative outlet, sometimes with equal success. It was so one dimensional and unrealistic for me that seemingly everyone at this company and in this town believe this narrative. Another unrealistic aspect was that part of this arts competition the artists were supposedly with the scientists for their entire workday and outside of it and were judged if they did not fulfill this requirement. I can’t imagine a competition where every single artist could work in their chosen medium productively in an environment like that.
A driving factor for Blake is the perfection her parents and family demand yet we never see them on page. Blake seems pretty independent to make her own choices to me. So what’s left is the primary relationship that turned slow burn but unfortunately with fizzled out chemistry.
Side note, the title of this is written as first person point of view but the actual content is third person (somewhat dual), I wish that could make more sense.
I did enjoy the subtle humor injected in and the side characters but if I didn’t have to read this I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through as the tension would be built and then forgotten in all the wrong places. I really want to be able to recommend this but it just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and entangled for this ARC
I had a few issues with this read- a major premise was that scientists and artists can’t get along or relate to each other? I’m wondering since when? It is well documented that those who have excelled in STEM fields typically have a creative outlet, sometimes with equal success. It was so one dimensional and unrealistic for me that seemingly everyone at this company and in this town believe this narrative. Another unrealistic aspect was that part of this arts competition the artists were supposedly with the scientists for their entire workday and outside of it and were judged if they did not fulfill this requirement. I can’t imagine a competition where every single artist could work in their chosen medium productively in an environment like that.
A driving factor for Blake is the perfection her parents and family demand yet we never see them on page. Blake seems pretty independent to make her own choices to me. So what’s left is the primary relationship that turned slow burn but unfortunately with fizzled out chemistry.
Side note, the title of this is written as first person point of view but the actual content is third person (somewhat dual), I wish that could make more sense.
I did enjoy the subtle humor injected in and the side characters but if I didn’t have to read this I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through as the tension would be built and then forgotten in all the wrong places. I really want to be able to recommend this but it just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and entangled for this ARC
hookedbythatbook's review
5.0
I loved everything about this book from the title that plays on the name of a James Bond movie, to the captivating writing, witty dialogue, and interesting characters.
Wyatt’s identity as a spy has been compromised and his agency is forcing him into retirement. On the way to his (maybe) new life in Swan Cove, he meets Blake at the airport. They have a scorching night together, believing that they will never see each other again. But Blake is not only a scientist, she is also a member of the most prominent family in Swan Cove. To make matters even more complicated, Wyatt’s aunt had entered him into an art competition that saw him paired with Blake for an amalgamation of art and science.
The story started out with a one-night stand between two strangers. The author successfully created the right amount of sexual tension to make the encounter exciting and believable. And that heat and chemistry carried through till the end.
The unique and well-crafted characters felt like old friends I had known forever. Blake was flourishing as a scientist, but completely stifling her personal side. She had a hidden sarcastic side to her that came out clearly in her inner dialogue. A tipsy Blake was even more of a treat. Wyatt couldn’t just turn his spy instincts off, but he did an admirable job of fitting in as a regular joe. I enjoyed the short but interesting flashbacks to some of Wyatt’s missions.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and I can highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a simmering romance. I am definitely going to look into the other books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.