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Agent Ex #3
Live and Let Love
Live and Let Love Gina Robinson Though Willow Pierce has moved forward since her husband died two years ago, she can't ignore her sixth sense that Jack is alive.When newcomer Con Russo comes to town, Willow is convinced he's Jack. She'd never forget his eyes. Willow is determined to learn the truth about Con's identity―even if it means brazenly seducing him. Secret agent Jack Pierce was almost killed in an explosion that left him severely disfigured. Thanks to reconstructive surgery, he has a new face and a new life. But when the terrorist who tried to assassinate him suspects he's still alive, Jack's forced to go undercover―and destroy him for good. But before he can complete his mission, he must protect the only woman he's ever loved...
325 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Gina Robinson
89 books502 followersRomance addict. Hopeless daydreamer. People watcher. Total romantic at heart.
That's me. When I'm lost in a good book a nuclear bomb could go off next to me - I wouldn't flinch. I'm not afraid to read in public and laugh until my eyes water and my sides hurt. I'll cry at a tender moment. Dab my eyes when a couple finally realizes they're in love. Race with my heart pounding to the end of an adventure. Give me a little mystery – now I'm really intrigued.
I'll fall in love with a hot, witty hero any day of the week. Shhh. Just between you and me? My biggest turn-on? A man with a sense of humor. Let me melt now. I'm hooked.
Give me billionaires, modern-day dukes and royals. Give me hot, witty nerds, and intelligent men.
Marriages of convenience? Fake relationships? Second-chance romances? I'm in!
I write books that I want to read. That make me laugh. That make my heart race. If any of this sounds good to you, join me! If you want to be sure to hear when I have a new release, visit me at www.ginarobinson.com and sign up for my newsletter.
That's me. When I'm lost in a good book a nuclear bomb could go off next to me - I wouldn't flinch. I'm not afraid to read in public and laugh until my eyes water and my sides hurt. I'll cry at a tender moment. Dab my eyes when a couple finally realizes they're in love. Race with my heart pounding to the end of an adventure. Give me a little mystery – now I'm really intrigued.
I'll fall in love with a hot, witty hero any day of the week. Shhh. Just between you and me? My biggest turn-on? A man with a sense of humor. Let me melt now. I'm hooked.
Give me billionaires, modern-day dukes and royals. Give me hot, witty nerds, and intelligent men.
Marriages of convenience? Fake relationships? Second-chance romances? I'm in!
I write books that I want to read. That make me laugh. That make my heart race. If any of this sounds good to you, join me! If you want to be sure to hear when I have a new release, visit me at www.ginarobinson.com and sign up for my newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 22, 2019
3 stars
This series is about secret agents, their wives and the bad guys who are trying to kill them, so it is formulaic. I hesitate to shelve this as romantic suspense because there is never any doubt that there won't be a HEA for these couples who are separated or having trouble due to hubby's job. Most of the time, the wives end up helping their hubbies because they have picked up spy techniques along the way. If you enjoy an entertaining book about spies and their wives with low angst, this series is for you. The couples are true to each other and the boss is usually helping to reconcile the couples and recruit the wives.
This series is about secret agents, their wives and the bad guys who are trying to kill them, so it is formulaic. I hesitate to shelve this as romantic suspense because there is never any doubt that there won't be a HEA for these couples who are separated or having trouble due to hubby's job. Most of the time, the wives end up helping their hubbies because they have picked up spy techniques along the way. If you enjoy an entertaining book about spies and their wives with low angst, this series is for you. The couples are true to each other and the boss is usually helping to reconcile the couples and recruit the wives.
January 4, 2013
Review also posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
”The love and tension between them [Jack and Willow] just went beyond the pages.” ~Under the Covers
Ms. Robinson is a new to me author and though December was a good month of new author discoveries for me, I wish I’ve known about this author before. I am not one to read out of order but when I accepted this book, I did not know it was the 3rd installment. But things happen for a reason and all that and I’m glad I took it for review. I enjoyed this book a great deal and now, going back to book 1 is a must.
Willow Pierce has been a widowed the past two years. Her husband died from an explosion, one of the hazards of being CIA. She has mourned his loss and moved to a small town called Orchard Bluff hoping to start anew. But when Con Russo stumbles in for directions, she is
sure Con is her departed husband. Being a wife of a spy earned her some skills and with a talent of “sense”, she strongly believes Con is her Jack.
Con Russo AKA Jack Pierce had given up the love of his life to give her a chance at love. After a big explosion, he feigned his own death, got a new look but left his old life behind. Unfortunately,
his next job requires him to have close contact with his wife as her life may be in danger. The question is, how will he keep his real identity hidden from her.
I love Jack and Willow, they truly are in love with each other …til death do them part and even beyond. The love and tension between them just went beyond the pages. Their interactions were sweet and funny. One of my favorite scenes is when they were scaring each other and
mentioning scary movies. It totally made me laugh-out-loud. The secondary characters were also a delight, funny personalities that makes up a “small town” world.
Ms. Robinson brought a light romantic read with a hint of suspense and fun and whole lot of sweetness. Live and Let Love is a stand-alone read. I did not feel like I missed any information WHILE reading this book, except that I missed reading the first two installments for my enjoyment.
*ARC provided by publisher
January 3, 2013
I think this is her best book of the series. Its quite predictable in how the hero and heroine dance around each other; Jack trying not to give away his identity and Willow trying all sorts of tricks to trip him and prove he's her husband..
I'm beginning to get Gina Robinson's style of writing... its not the sort of heavy, emotional romantic suspense I'm used to but a rather light-hearted, fun read.
I'm beginning to get Gina Robinson's style of writing... its not the sort of heavy, emotional romantic suspense I'm used to but a rather light-hearted, fun read.
June 5, 2013
My Review:
You have to go into this series with simply a fun perspective on them. The books are a little silly, a little tongue in cheek, but they are wholly fun and entertaining for a light spy-adventure read.
This book is about Jack. As a reader of the series, we've known about Jack's death throughout the last two books so it was really nice to see him come back to life. This book takes place in a small town, centered around the apple festival and harvest. Willow, is Jack's widow, and she's the town caramel/candy maker. Jack is back from the dead, undercover as Con, who is out to "take care of" the Rooster, who is in town as Shane and romancing Willow because he thinks she may know something about Jack not dying. Confused yet?? LOL, don't worry, Gina Robinson explains it much better than me.
Jack/Con goes into this assignment knowing it's going to be tough to be so near Willow and not pursue her two years after his death. His goal is to go in and get the Rooster taken care of as soon as possible. Even he underestimates how difficult it's all going to be though. There is some emotional angst to this book because....hello, he's supposed to be dead....and Willow is onto him. But it never gets heavy or to the point where I was crying into my book. It stays light-hearted throughout. That doesn't seem right for angst, but Gina Robinson pulled it off.
I liked the story line and the little details like Willow and Jack's dog who they both love. The scenes between Jack and the dog were just too sweet. I also liked the little details that only a wife can spot about her husbands quirks and mannerisms. Willow is a great character. She's so strong...torn between thinking Con *may* be her husband, and if he is, why doesn't he reveal that to her? She always knew he was a spy and so she's really mature in that aspect of the fact that sometimes she simply can't know it all. BUT I love the little tricks of the trade that she picked up from him over the years. Willow isn't spy-trained, but she watched her husband enough to have learned some of the tricks and I loved that she employed so many of them. Her character really made the book for me.
Like I said, these books are just pure fun. Really perfect for a summer vacation read as we head into summer
You have to go into this series with simply a fun perspective on them. The books are a little silly, a little tongue in cheek, but they are wholly fun and entertaining for a light spy-adventure read.
This book is about Jack. As a reader of the series, we've known about Jack's death throughout the last two books so it was really nice to see him come back to life. This book takes place in a small town, centered around the apple festival and harvest. Willow, is Jack's widow, and she's the town caramel/candy maker. Jack is back from the dead, undercover as Con, who is out to "take care of" the Rooster, who is in town as Shane and romancing Willow because he thinks she may know something about Jack not dying. Confused yet?? LOL, don't worry, Gina Robinson explains it much better than me.
Jack/Con goes into this assignment knowing it's going to be tough to be so near Willow and not pursue her two years after his death. His goal is to go in and get the Rooster taken care of as soon as possible. Even he underestimates how difficult it's all going to be though. There is some emotional angst to this book because....hello, he's supposed to be dead....and Willow is onto him. But it never gets heavy or to the point where I was crying into my book. It stays light-hearted throughout. That doesn't seem right for angst, but Gina Robinson pulled it off.
I liked the story line and the little details like Willow and Jack's dog who they both love. The scenes between Jack and the dog were just too sweet. I also liked the little details that only a wife can spot about her husbands quirks and mannerisms. Willow is a great character. She's so strong...torn between thinking Con *may* be her husband, and if he is, why doesn't he reveal that to her? She always knew he was a spy and so she's really mature in that aspect of the fact that sometimes she simply can't know it all. BUT I love the little tricks of the trade that she picked up from him over the years. Willow isn't spy-trained, but she watched her husband enough to have learned some of the tricks and I loved that she employed so many of them. Her character really made the book for me.
Like I said, these books are just pure fun. Really perfect for a summer vacation read as we head into summer
February 3, 2013
An Agent Ex Novel
The game is definitely on
Jack Pierce is a spy that rose like a phoenix and came back from the dead with new physical features and old heartache. Jack had been gone for two years from everything he held dear to serve the Government to the best of his ability. Now Jack is going undercover in the town where his wife Willow started over after his supposed death.
Willow swears she would know Jack anywhere even with her Spidey Sense tingling. The minute she meets a man new to town named Con, Willow knows he is not some Italian import he is her husband come back to her. Jack will not give up his cover because the mission is too important for the country’s well-being, but the temptation of Willow is a hard one to ignore. She always did rattle every sexual chain he had and resisting her is not going to be easy.
The stakes are high and everything is on Jack’s broad but breakable shoulders. Willow has decided to up the ante and expose that his man named Con is really Jack, and figure out why he is in town. Willow was not a spy but she spent enough years as the wife of one to have a few tricks of her own and losing Jack again is not an option.
Gina Robinson has the ability to keep readers clutching their books and frantically turning the page just to know what is going to happen next.
The game is definitely on
Jack Pierce is a spy that rose like a phoenix and came back from the dead with new physical features and old heartache. Jack had been gone for two years from everything he held dear to serve the Government to the best of his ability. Now Jack is going undercover in the town where his wife Willow started over after his supposed death.
Willow swears she would know Jack anywhere even with her Spidey Sense tingling. The minute she meets a man new to town named Con, Willow knows he is not some Italian import he is her husband come back to her. Jack will not give up his cover because the mission is too important for the country’s well-being, but the temptation of Willow is a hard one to ignore. She always did rattle every sexual chain he had and resisting her is not going to be easy.
The stakes are high and everything is on Jack’s broad but breakable shoulders. Willow has decided to up the ante and expose that his man named Con is really Jack, and figure out why he is in town. Willow was not a spy but she spent enough years as the wife of one to have a few tricks of her own and losing Jack again is not an option.
Gina Robinson has the ability to keep readers clutching their books and frantically turning the page just to know what is going to happen next.
December 30, 2012
Just when you think her last book can't be beat, Robinson's new book comes out, and she proves you wrong. A fun read with a believable storyline and wonderfully written characters. When Willow suspects newcomer "Con" to be her lare husband, it's natural that she asks for help from Drew and staci Fields (who were the lead characters in a prvious book). Great fun to read more about what happened to the Fields's, as well as to get a little insight into spy Chief Emmett Nelson (hoping Robinson continues the trend in her next book and somewhere down the road, decides to do a book that makes Nelson the lead character).
The story is engaging and the villian a worthy adivisary for "Con".
The triangle that Robinson sets up propels the story. The supporting characters are well developed and unique, though my favorite of all isn't human. Spooky steals more than one scene and is a worthy device to illustrate both Willow's loniness and the very human side of a cold warrior fighting to keep that side hidden.
Love, love, love this book and wish the next one was already in the bookstores.
The story is engaging and the villian a worthy adivisary for "Con".
The triangle that Robinson sets up propels the story. The supporting characters are well developed and unique, though my favorite of all isn't human. Spooky steals more than one scene and is a worthy device to illustrate both Willow's loniness and the very human side of a cold warrior fighting to keep that side hidden.
Love, love, love this book and wish the next one was already in the bookstores.
June 13, 2017
This is a cute, light, pure cotton candy read. I enjoyed the (predictable) sweet story and it was easy to pick up even for just five minutes. A hot assassin husband underconver, an intuitive wife candy maker, a small town with a dash of drama... what more do you need? The thing I did not like is that the narrator would change mid page and there were a few times that it was confusing, causing me to go back a paragraph and reread.
May 14, 2021
This could have been better, but nope. It’s just so silly and the thriller that it’s supposed be just isn’t. I know, I know it’s a romance novel. But....
I made it to page 70 and finally quit. Right when the hero and the villain were fighting in a line dance face-off. No joke.
Didn’t like the hero, didn’t like the heroine’s “sense,” and the villain was plain old stupid.
Could have been cute. It makes the Iris Johansen books I just read look like Pulitzer Prize winners.
I made it to page 70 and finally quit. Right when the hero and the villain were fighting in a line dance face-off. No joke.
Didn’t like the hero, didn’t like the heroine’s “sense,” and the villain was plain old stupid.
Could have been cute. It makes the Iris Johansen books I just read look like Pulitzer Prize winners.
September 24, 2022
slow and sluggish
Nit what I’m used to from this author and I found the book slow and sluggish. Potential was there to be better than it was. The senses kept being referred to yet didn’t seem to materialise. Disappointed.
Nit what I’m used to from this author and I found the book slow and sluggish. Potential was there to be better than it was. The senses kept being referred to yet didn’t seem to materialise. Disappointed.
October 14, 2023
It was just "fine"
A little dragged. Also the FL, Willow was just too perfect...like she wasn't even mad or asked for any proper explanation when he finally told he was Jack after denying it almost the whole book. I wanted some groveling!!
A little dragged. Also the FL, Willow was just too perfect...like she wasn't even mad or asked for any proper explanation when he finally told he was Jack after denying it almost the whole book. I wanted some groveling!!
August 16, 2018
Excelente serie, me encanto!!! realmente muy bien escrita, adoro a los personajes!!!
Want to read
September 21, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/21/2022)! 🎁
April 3, 2024
Interesting
This book is well written, but the series hilarious comedy is traded in for delicious apples and caramel. I'll still finish reading the series.
This book is well written, but the series hilarious comedy is traded in for delicious apples and caramel. I'll still finish reading the series.
January 14, 2017
Every single books from "Agent ex" series are awesome.
Gina Robinson writes better "spy" books than her other books ie duchess contests.
Gina Robinson writes better "spy" books than her other books ie duchess contests.
May 26, 2012
I’ve become a big fan of Gina Robinson’s Agent Ex novels. Every single couple showcased in this series are married, and the hero is an undercover spy. The heroines know about their husband’s work, and are supportive and very loving. In Live and Let Love (Agent Ex #3), Willow was told her husband Jack was killed in an explosion. Jack was hurt in an explosion, but wasn’t killed. He’s been hiding out in Rio for two years, along with a new face and a sexy accent, thanks to his boss, National Clandestine Service chief, Emmett Nelson, head of the spying arm of the Central Intelligence Agency. Jack was responsible for taking out the hated drug lord, Beto Bevilacqua, but he had to give up his life and his wife, Willow, who he misses dearly. Emmett comes to Jack with a new mission. It looks like Rooster, Jack’s nemesis and assassin spy for the evil group, RIOT thinks Jack is alive and wants to kill him. In order to bring Jack back out in the open, Rooster and RIOT are going to blow up an auxiliary meeting of the G Eight summit in Los Angeles. Jack will go back undercover as Con Russo, an Italian first cousin once removed to Aldo Salemo who lives in the small town of Orchard Bluff, Washington where Rooster is hiding. But Emmett throws a big wrench in Jack’s plan. Jack’s wife Willow also lives in the small town and Rooster is romancing her in order to get to Jack.
Willow enjoys her small town life making homemade sauces and candy, but she doesn’t feel totally at peace since she still misses her deceased husband Jack. Shane Kennett, the handsome farmer keeps asking her out but she really isn’t interested in him. And then the sexy and attractive Con comes into town and Willow’s spidey senses are tingly. There’s something about Con that puts her on alert. She can’t understand why he reminds her so much of Jack although he doesn’t look like him and he has a hot accent. She wants to know more about the elusive Con and goes out her way to get close to him.
Jack has to do whatever he can to prove to Willow he’s not her husband and the man she loves all too well. He does everything the complete opposite of what Willow would expect Jack to do, including eating foods he despises that Willow cooks for him in order to confuse her. But Willow won’t give up and Jack has to decide if he should tell Willow the truth in order to protect her from the Rooster who also may know that Con is not whom he appears to be.
Live and Let Love is a loopy, adorable romance that made me smile and chuckle a few times. Watching Jack and Willow trying to foil one another was a real hoot. Jack is very sneaky and down and dirty, but he’s not mean or cold as you would expect most spies to be. He may have killed for his country in order to protect the innocent, but his morals and conscious are still intact. He has a big sweet spot and weakness for Willow who puts up quite the fight trying to get Jack to admit who he is. These two have great chemistry even though there is only one love scene in the entire novel. The joy in reading is watching these two try to outwit one another.
The ending is a bit abrupt and Jack and Willow’s HEA is one you have to suspend your disbelief over, but Live and Let Love was good time, easy breezy reading. Also Willow’s pup, Spookie and her doggie antics lead to even more laughs than expected.
I can always count on Gina’s stories and characters to cheer me up. Her Agent Ex books are always ones I look forward to and ones I recommend you try.
Willow enjoys her small town life making homemade sauces and candy, but she doesn’t feel totally at peace since she still misses her deceased husband Jack. Shane Kennett, the handsome farmer keeps asking her out but she really isn’t interested in him. And then the sexy and attractive Con comes into town and Willow’s spidey senses are tingly. There’s something about Con that puts her on alert. She can’t understand why he reminds her so much of Jack although he doesn’t look like him and he has a hot accent. She wants to know more about the elusive Con and goes out her way to get close to him.
Jack has to do whatever he can to prove to Willow he’s not her husband and the man she loves all too well. He does everything the complete opposite of what Willow would expect Jack to do, including eating foods he despises that Willow cooks for him in order to confuse her. But Willow won’t give up and Jack has to decide if he should tell Willow the truth in order to protect her from the Rooster who also may know that Con is not whom he appears to be.
Live and Let Love is a loopy, adorable romance that made me smile and chuckle a few times. Watching Jack and Willow trying to foil one another was a real hoot. Jack is very sneaky and down and dirty, but he’s not mean or cold as you would expect most spies to be. He may have killed for his country in order to protect the innocent, but his morals and conscious are still intact. He has a big sweet spot and weakness for Willow who puts up quite the fight trying to get Jack to admit who he is. These two have great chemistry even though there is only one love scene in the entire novel. The joy in reading is watching these two try to outwit one another.
The ending is a bit abrupt and Jack and Willow’s HEA is one you have to suspend your disbelief over, but Live and Let Love was good time, easy breezy reading. Also Willow’s pup, Spookie and her doggie antics lead to even more laughs than expected.
I can always count on Gina’s stories and characters to cheer me up. Her Agent Ex books are always ones I look forward to and ones I recommend you try.
April 19, 2013
เพิ่งอ่านงานของนักเขียนคนนี้เป็นเล่มแรกค่ะ ได้ยินชื่อเธอมาพักใหญ่แล้ว ประมาณว่าเป็นนักเขียนที่ขายอารมณ์ขัน และเมื่อดูจากเนื้อเรื่องที่เป็นเรื่องราวของสายลับที่ทำงานให้กับรัฐบาล เราก็เลยนึกถึงแนวจอห์นนี อิงลิชขึ้นมาซะงั้น เลยทำให้ไม่ได้สนใจคิดจะหามาอ่านนัก จนกระทั่งเห็นพล็อตเรื่องของเล่มนี้ ที่เป็นเรื่องของสามีภรรยาที่ฝ่ายหญิงคิดว่าสามีซึ่งเป็นสปายตายไปแล้ว แต่แท้จริงยังมีชีวิตอยู่ และตอนนี้สามีได้รับภารกิจให้ต้องกลับมาใกล้ชิดกับภรรยาอีกครั้ง ซึ่งแนวนี้เราก็ชอบ เลยตัดสินใจซื้อมาลองอ่านดู
พออ่านเข้าจริง ต้องบอกว่าผิดคาดนะคะ เรื่องนี้ไม่ได้ตลกตีหัวแบบเอาฮาอย่างเดียว แต่ถือว่า ให้น้ำหนักพล็อตส่วนตื่นเต้นที่เป็นการชิงไหวพริบระหว่างสายลับสองข้างได้ค่อนข้างดี ในขณะเดียวกันก็มีอารมณ์ขันอยู่เป็นระยะ ๆ แต่ถ้าใครหวังอ่านอ่านแล้วจะฮาแตก ก็คงจะไม่ใช่แบบนั้นค่ะ อย่างไรก็ตามธีมของเรื่องที่ค่อนข้างขัดกัน ระหว่างภารกิจที่ความเสี่ยงสูง มีความเป็นความตายเป็นตัวตัดสิน กับการดำเนินเรื่องที่ค่อนข้างผ่อนคลาย ผสมเสียงหัวเราะเป็นระยะ ๆ ทำให้คนอ่านอย่างเราปรับอารมณ์ไม่ค่อยถูกเหมือนกัน ราวกับว่า เราทุ่มเทอารมณ์ไปกับการลุ้นว่า พระเอกจะแก้แค้นคนร้ายที่ฆ่าเพื่อน และพยายามฆ่าเขา แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็มีฉากฮา ๆ ระหว่างพระเอก และภรรยา (ที่ไม่รู้ว่า เขาคือสามีที่กลับมาจากความตาย)
พล็อตเรื่องก็เลยเป็นการผสมระหว่างความซีเรียสจริงจัง กับบางอย่างที่ดูไม่มีเหตุผลเท่าไหรนัก ภารกิจของพระเอกที่เป็นมือสังหาร ภูมิหลังที่มาจากครอบครัวที่ขาดความอบอุ่น บ่งบอกว่า พระเอกควรจะเป็นคนแบบนึง แต่ในเนื้อเรื่องเขาไม่ใช่คนแบบที่เราคาด (ไว้สำหรับคนที่มีภูมิหลังแบบนี้) ซึ่งนั่นไม่ได้เสียหายนะคะ เพียงแต่เรารู้สึกว่า คำอธิบายไม่ชัดเจน ไม่ลงลึกมากพอที่จะทำให้เราเข้าใจว่า ทำไมพระเอกจึงเป็นคนอย่างที่เขาเป็นในปัจจุบัน
นอกจากนี้ยังมีส่วนที่อาจจะเรียกว่า "พารานอมอล" เล็ก ๆ ในเซ้นต์ของนางเอก เหลือเชื่อเกินเหตุ คิดว่ามันเป็นทางออกที่ง่ายเกินไปในการอธิบายว่า ทำไมนางเอกถึงได้จำได้ว่า พระเอกคือสามี (พระเอกโดนระเบิดจนเสียโฉมเลยศักยกรรมใหม่หมด กลับมาหล่อกว่าเดิมเยอะมาก) เราว่า ถ้าใช้การอธิบายว่า จดจำได้เพราะผูกพัน หรือรักฝังใจจะดีกว่า (ซึ่งจริง ๆ ในเรื่องก็มีการใช้จุดนี้มาเป็นคำอธิบายด้วยนะคะ แต่เราว่าน้อยเกินไป ถ้าเน้นตรงนี้มากขึ้น เรื่องน่าจะซึ้งกว่านี้เยอะเลย
โดยรวมเรื่องนี้ไม่ได้เลวร้าย แต่ก็ไม่ได้ถึงกับโดดเด่น หรือสร้างความรู้สึกว่า เราจะต้องติดตามอ่านงานเรื่องอื่น ๆ ของคนแต่งคนนี้ แต่อย่างน้อยก็ทำให้เรามองผลงานของคนแต่งในแง่ที่ดีขึ้นกว่าที่เราเคยคิดเอาไว้ (ซึ่งเป็นความคิดที่ไม่มีเหตุผลอะไรเท่าไหรนัก)
คะแนนที่ 60
พออ่านเข้าจริง ต้องบอกว่าผิดคาดนะคะ เรื่องนี้ไม่ได้ตลกตีหัวแบบเอาฮาอย่างเดียว แต่ถือว่า ให้น้ำหนักพล็อตส่วนตื่นเต้นที่เป็นการชิงไหวพริบระหว่างสายลับสองข้างได้ค่อนข้างดี ในขณะเดียวกันก็มีอารมณ์ขันอยู่เป็นระยะ ๆ แต่ถ้าใครหวังอ่านอ่านแล้วจะฮาแตก ก็คงจะไม่ใช่แบบนั้นค่ะ อย่างไรก็ตามธีมของเรื่องที่ค่อนข้างขัดกัน ระหว่างภารกิจที่ความเสี่ยงสูง มีความเป็นความตายเป็นตัวตัดสิน กับการดำเนินเรื่องที่ค่อนข้างผ่อนคลาย ผสมเสียงหัวเราะเป็นระยะ ๆ ทำให้คนอ่านอย่างเราปรับอารมณ์ไม่ค่อยถูกเหมือนกัน ราวกับว่า เราทุ่มเทอารมณ์ไปกับการลุ้นว่า พระเอกจะแก้แค้นคนร้ายที่ฆ่าเพื่อน และพยายามฆ่าเขา แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็มีฉากฮา ๆ ระหว่างพระเอก และภรรยา (ที่ไม่รู้ว่า เขาคือสามีที่กลับมาจากความตาย)
พล็อตเรื่องก็เลยเป็นการผสมระหว่างความซีเรียสจริงจัง กับบางอย่างที่ดูไม่มีเหตุผลเท่าไหรนัก ภารกิจของพระเอกที่เป็นมือสังหาร ภูมิหลังที่มาจากครอบครัวที่ขาดความอบอุ่น บ่งบอกว่า พระเอกควรจะเป็นคนแบบนึง แต่ในเนื้อเรื่องเขาไม่ใช่คนแบบที่เราคาด (ไว้สำหรับคนที่มีภูมิหลังแบบนี้) ซึ่งนั่นไม่ได้เสียหายนะคะ เพียงแต่เรารู้สึกว่า คำอธิบายไม่ชัดเจน ไม่ลงลึกมากพอที่จะทำให้เราเข้าใจว่า ทำไมพระเอกจึงเป็นคนอย่างที่เขาเป็นในปัจจุบัน
นอกจากนี้ยังมีส่วนที่อาจจะเรียกว่า "พารานอมอล" เล็ก ๆ ในเซ้นต์ของนางเอก เหลือเชื่อเกินเหตุ คิดว่ามันเป็นทางออกที่ง่ายเกินไปในการอธิบายว่า ทำไมนางเอกถึงได้จำได้ว่า พระเอกคือสามี (พระเอกโดนระเบิดจนเสียโฉมเลยศักยกรรมใหม่หมด กลับมาหล่อกว่าเดิมเยอะมาก) เราว่า ถ้าใช้การอธิบายว่า จดจำได้เพราะผูกพัน หรือรักฝังใจจะดีกว่า (ซึ่งจริง ๆ ในเรื่องก็มีการใช้จุดนี้มาเป็นคำอธิบายด้วยนะคะ แต่เราว่าน้อยเกินไป ถ้าเน้นตรงนี้มากขึ้น เรื่องน่าจะซึ้งกว่านี้เยอะเลย
โดยรวมเรื่องนี้ไม่ได้เลวร้าย แต่ก็ไม่ได้ถึงกับโดดเด่น หรือสร้างความรู้สึกว่า เราจะต้องติดตามอ่านงานเรื่องอื่น ๆ ของคนแต่งคนนี้ แต่อย่างน้อยก็ทำให้เรามองผลงานของคนแต่งในแง่ที่ดีขึ้นกว่าที่เราเคยคิดเอาไว้ (ซึ่งเป็นความคิดที่ไม่มีเหตุผลอะไรเท่าไหรนัก)
คะแนนที่ 60
Read
February 6, 2013Jack was supposedly killed in an explosion 2 years ago but the man who is now in Willow's town who calls himself Con seems an awful lot like Jack. Since Jack was a spy Willow isn't completely convinced that Jack is now dead. She wouldn't put it past the Agency to fake his death. Willow's more than determined to find out the truth.
Jack is in Orchard Bluff, the town where Willow lives, but he's not about to tell his wife that he's alive. An assassin is courting his wife and though Jack doesn't like it he's more worried about “The Rooster” as the assassin is called, doing something more than courting – more like killing. Jack's mission is to get to the Rooster – who is calling himself Shane – kill the man and get the hell out of dodge. As much as he loves Willow he knows that he's not good for her and that him being dead is the safest thing for her. He just didn't count on Willow's persistence and his emotions getting in the way.
This was a very cute story. The whole is he or isn't he Jack question that was constantly on Willow's mind was pretty funny. The pair was adorable in their efforts to thwart the other. Willow knew enough about spy life that she could try and fool Con if he was indeed Jack but Jack was on to her. Of course every time Jack tried to fool Willow she was on to him as well.
The author drew me in with her quirky sense of humor, the emotions of the characters and the loyalty and caring of the townspeople. I will definitely be reading another book by this author in the future.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
Jack is in Orchard Bluff, the town where Willow lives, but he's not about to tell his wife that he's alive. An assassin is courting his wife and though Jack doesn't like it he's more worried about “The Rooster” as the assassin is called, doing something more than courting – more like killing. Jack's mission is to get to the Rooster – who is calling himself Shane – kill the man and get the hell out of dodge. As much as he loves Willow he knows that he's not good for her and that him being dead is the safest thing for her. He just didn't count on Willow's persistence and his emotions getting in the way.
This was a very cute story. The whole is he or isn't he Jack question that was constantly on Willow's mind was pretty funny. The pair was adorable in their efforts to thwart the other. Willow knew enough about spy life that she could try and fool Con if he was indeed Jack but Jack was on to her. Of course every time Jack tried to fool Willow she was on to him as well.
The author drew me in with her quirky sense of humor, the emotions of the characters and the loyalty and caring of the townspeople. I will definitely be reading another book by this author in the future.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
April 20, 2013
Shey's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
If you are looking for a fun and sexy contemporary romance with HOT spies and to die for assassins then look no further than this series. The 3rd book in an Agent Ex series by Gina Robinson has this and much more.
When Jack Pierce was blown up two years ago in a mission gone wrong he thought he was doing right by his wife and keeping her out of harms way. Yet, not everyone thought Jack died in the explosion. With a new name and new look Jack has to take on the hardest mission of his life, protecting his wife.
Willow Pierce is trying to move on with her life after the death of her husband Jack, dating even. However, when a sexy Italian Con Russo walks into her candy business there is such a draw to him that is unexplainable. He looks like her dead husband but doesn’t. From his laugh to his eyes even him picking out the same candy that was Jacks favorite. Willow will do whatever she can to get to the bottom of this mystery.
I loved how much fun I had reading this book even with the mystery and suspense of it Ms. Robinson had enough humor in it that everything was well blended together to make for a great read. This is a great contemporary series that you can’t help but get caught up in.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
If you are looking for a fun and sexy contemporary romance with HOT spies and to die for assassins then look no further than this series. The 3rd book in an Agent Ex series by Gina Robinson has this and much more.
When Jack Pierce was blown up two years ago in a mission gone wrong he thought he was doing right by his wife and keeping her out of harms way. Yet, not everyone thought Jack died in the explosion. With a new name and new look Jack has to take on the hardest mission of his life, protecting his wife.
Willow Pierce is trying to move on with her life after the death of her husband Jack, dating even. However, when a sexy Italian Con Russo walks into her candy business there is such a draw to him that is unexplainable. He looks like her dead husband but doesn’t. From his laugh to his eyes even him picking out the same candy that was Jacks favorite. Willow will do whatever she can to get to the bottom of this mystery.
I loved how much fun I had reading this book even with the mystery and suspense of it Ms. Robinson had enough humor in it that everything was well blended together to make for a great read. This is a great contemporary series that you can’t help but get caught up in.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 11, 2015
Anyone who is interested in a romance type of novel that can get exciting at certain points will enjoy this book. This book can entertain many people because of the unexpected situations and will keep you on your feet. At the start you will almost always want Willow to find out that Jack is Con. Anyone can relate to this romance novel, it makes you think of that special someone and what you would do for them. This book would be great for anyone of mature age, because there is some sexual parts of the book that may offend some people. I recommend this to people who craving a great romance novel.
This was a one of the most romantic and interesting book I have read in a awhile for that I give this book at three out of five star rating. It isn’t a bad book but has room for improvements. The overall plot was exciting at times, but was hard to understand because I haven't read all of the other Agent Ex books. I also felt that at the end of the book the author was speeding up the plot and didn't give much thoughts at the end. I did however really like how the author developed Jack and Willow's background and their chemistry together. I also loved the romantic moments they had together, it made me laugh and really want them to be with each other even more.
This was a one of the most romantic and interesting book I have read in a awhile for that I give this book at three out of five star rating. It isn’t a bad book but has room for improvements. The overall plot was exciting at times, but was hard to understand because I haven't read all of the other Agent Ex books. I also felt that at the end of the book the author was speeding up the plot and didn't give much thoughts at the end. I did however really like how the author developed Jack and Willow's background and their chemistry together. I also loved the romantic moments they had together, it made me laugh and really want them to be with each other even more.
November 13, 2013
My Booklist review:
Robinson’s third Agent Ex novel after Diamonds Are Truly Forever (2012) finds CIA agent Jack Pierce resurrected after an explosion has reportedly killed him. Now with extensive reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, he’s been assigned to kill the man whose job it was to kill him. Jack is excited about this assignment; if only his adversary hadn’t set up his operation in the same community where Jack’s “widow” lives. After the CIA confirmed Jack’s death, Willow has rebuilt her life by establishing a candy business and is finally emerging from her grief. However, she’s suspicious when Jack, under the pseudonym Con, arrives. Although he doesn’t look like her late husband, he sure reminds her of him. As Con and his enemy play cat and mouse, and even engage in a deadly line-dance competition, Willow grows more and more certain Con is Jack. But what is he doing here, and why won’t he acknowledge her as his wife? Robinson again skillfully digs into the semisweet love life of those connected with the spy business, while adding a dollop of humor.— Pat Henshaw
Robinson’s third Agent Ex novel after Diamonds Are Truly Forever (2012) finds CIA agent Jack Pierce resurrected after an explosion has reportedly killed him. Now with extensive reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, he’s been assigned to kill the man whose job it was to kill him. Jack is excited about this assignment; if only his adversary hadn’t set up his operation in the same community where Jack’s “widow” lives. After the CIA confirmed Jack’s death, Willow has rebuilt her life by establishing a candy business and is finally emerging from her grief. However, she’s suspicious when Jack, under the pseudonym Con, arrives. Although he doesn’t look like her late husband, he sure reminds her of him. As Con and his enemy play cat and mouse, and even engage in a deadly line-dance competition, Willow grows more and more certain Con is Jack. But what is he doing here, and why won’t he acknowledge her as his wife? Robinson again skillfully digs into the semisweet love life of those connected with the spy business, while adding a dollop of humor.— Pat Henshaw
October 30, 2013
Willow lost her husband in a terrorist attack and has begun a new life for herself. She may have restarted her life as a candy maker her personal life has been stalled since the loss of her husband. When a new man walks in to town, Con, she’s convinced it’s actually her husband Jack. Jack did survive the terrorist attack but her was injured so badly her underwent reconstructive surgery and started a new life for himself, hoping that if he stayed away from Willow she would move on and meet someone new with a less dangerous job. But when the man who killed Jack tries to use Willow to flush him out of hiding and finish the job, Jack can do nothing less than protect her. As Willow tries to uncover Jack/Con’s cover, she finds herself falling for someone for the first time in years. This was a really fun story of reunion, first loves, with a little bit of humor and danger on the side. I’ve really enjoyed the Agent Ex series from Gina Robinson and can’t wait to keep reading!
May 26, 2016
This was a cute enough of a read. It read a lot like the teeny-bopper books I occasionally picked up back in high school. That was until page 300 when things got a tad steamy. Then it was over. haha!
Anyway, I even skipped over a bunch. It turns out that I was just not interested in all of the spy stuff. Who would have thought? I love ridiculous love stories. This is kind of one of them. I should have loved this to pieces.
I liked this enough. What I didn't like was that at the literal end of the day, was that *spoiler* they were right back to where they left off two years ago. No retirement, no career change, no nothin'. Oh well, can't win them all I guess.
Anyway, I even skipped over a bunch. It turns out that I was just not interested in all of the spy stuff. Who would have thought? I love ridiculous love stories. This is kind of one of them. I should have loved this to pieces.
I liked this enough. What I didn't like was that at the literal end of the day, was that *spoiler* they were right back to where they left off two years ago. No retirement, no career change, no nothin'. Oh well, can't win them all I guess.
December 8, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyable and delectable mix of spy romantic suspense and humorous contemporary romance. Definitely recommend!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
August 14, 2016
Another great installment in the series. I am surprised she keeps finding angles that work for two "exes" to get back together. Tons of action, "organic apples", and some good ol' women's intuition make for a fun summer read.
February 1, 2013
Rating 4.5
May 17, 2015
fun fluff!
January 27, 2016
contemporary romance
February 21, 2016
A sweet and fun read!
January 2, 2013
3.5 out of 5
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