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Never Say Spy #2
The Spy Is Cast
Book 2 of the Never Say Spy series
When a clandestine government agency recruits middle-aged bookkeeper Aydan Kelly, she overcomes her fear and agrees to go undercover at a lavish gala affair. But the glamour of the mission fades fast when she finds herself astride a motorcycle, assigned to an all-male surveillance team.
Aydan discovers spies are using classified technology to torture information from their captives. Worse, they know she’s breached their security. Now she has to prevent them from revealing her true identity, while avoiding capture by the vicious criminals who won’t hesitate to torture her, too.
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
When a clandestine government agency recruits middle-aged bookkeeper Aydan Kelly, she overcomes her fear and agrees to go undercover at a lavish gala affair. But the glamour of the mission fades fast when she finds herself astride a motorcycle, assigned to an all-male surveillance team.
Aydan discovers spies are using classified technology to torture information from their captives. Worse, they know she’s breached their security. Now she has to prevent them from revealing her true identity, while avoiding capture by the vicious criminals who won’t hesitate to torture her, too.
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
410 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2011
202 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Diane Henders
27 books105 followersBy profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 25, 2016
In craft, I think this one was better than the first. Or, at least I didn't notice any craft issues and that's a big change after the first where they nearly threw me out of the story. Unfortunately, the action was a lot more subdued as well. Together, I think I mildly prefer the first because the non-stop action was a big part of the draw. Definitely read the first before this one and I suspect that will hold for the series where you really don't want to be skipping around.
Relationships and characters hold steady here. I had hoped for movement on a relationship with Kane. Hellhound is fine and all, but I like the honor/duty guy more and the thing with Hellhound isn't even a relationship, they're just hook-up partners.
The only real movement in this one came at the end and I absolutely loved it.
So yeah, a solid three stars, though acknowledging that while the writing was better the story was weaker.
A note about Steamy: There's no sexual violence in this one (some bits at a distance but even that mild). There's an explicit sex scene and some screwing around. So the middle of my steam tolerance, though mostly because I like the sexy-times to have contextual commitment and this was more Hellhound playtime. I'm just not a casual sex guy...
Relationships and characters hold steady here. I had hoped for movement on a relationship with Kane. Hellhound is fine and all, but I like the honor/duty guy more and the thing with Hellhound isn't even a relationship, they're just hook-up partners.
The only real movement in this one came at the end and I absolutely loved it.
So yeah, a solid three stars, though acknowledging that while the writing was better the story was weaker.
A note about Steamy: There's no sexual violence in this one (some bits at a distance but even that mild). There's an explicit sex scene and some screwing around. So the middle of my steam tolerance, though mostly because I like the sexy-times to have contextual commitment and this was more Hellhound playtime. I'm just not a casual sex guy...
October 30, 2015
Another fun adventure with Aydan getting caught up in a world of espionage and a virtual reality network where dark and violent forces are at play. Crisp writing makes the book a quick read, and Aydan's great sense of humor adds levity to the action without interrupting the flow. Aydan is a very likable character, going against all stereotypes of a "typical" woman. I think that's what I enjoy most. From seeing her near ecstasy when she gets to drive a fancy sports car to watching her hold her own with the men. She's smart, technologically savvy, and doesn't let anyone tell her what to do. The ending is satisfying as well and offers up a new development that should lead to an exciting book #3.
July 21, 2018
I loved it as much as the first one. Ayden continues to be an extraordinary heroine! In this book Ayden is teamed up with the same team to keep the country secure from bad guys. Once again secret networks and and virtual reality are involved along with sexy men and very bad people. Although this book has a few brief instances of gruesomeness, more often I found myself grinning and even laughing out loud. I can hardly wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2017
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one in this series. The plot continues on from the previous book but very little happens for several hundred pages and after a while it became quite tedious with Aydan just popping in and out of the network. Even worse was every other page seemed to be about Aydan lusting after Kane or Hellhound.
I think my biggest problem was the whole investigation was so incompetent. In the end it became so unbelievable it was almost painful to read. If I didn’t like Aydan as a character I would have only given this 1 star.
I think my biggest problem was the whole investigation was so incompetent. In the end it became so unbelievable it was almost painful to read. If I didn’t like Aydan as a character I would have only given this 1 star.
December 21, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Spy Is Cast
Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #2)
Author: Diane Henders
Genre: Spy/Mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 2
Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read on its own but better after the 1st
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
In this book we meet Aidan Kelly once more. The middle-aged bookkeeper thought she regained her freedom at the end of the first book. In this book she gets recruited to go undercover as a spy. Aidan gets abducted and escapes, saves an agent and is involved in more kick-ass action.
What I liked about the book:
I loved this book. Who would expect a boring bookkeeper to be a kick-ass spy?
What I didn’t like about the book:
There is nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
Too many to count, I loved the book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were no least favourite bits. The book makes you want to read on and not stop after the next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
That is the good news, there are 14 more in the series already and I can’t wait for no. 15.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like a tongue-in-cheek spy mystery this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Book 2 of the Never Say Spy series
When a clandestine government agency recruits middle-aged bookkeeper Aydan Kelly, she overcomes her fear and agrees to go undercover at a lavish gala affair. But the glamour of the mission fades fast when she finds herself astride a motorcycle, assigned to an all-male surveillance team.
Aydan discovers spies are using classified technology to torture information from their captives. Worse, they know she’s breached their security. Now she has to prevent them from revealing her true identity, while avoiding capture by the vicious criminals who won’t hesitate to torture her, too.
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
About the Author:
By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
P.S. Are you a fan of the Never Say Spy series? Connect with other readers and discuss the series in the Never Say Spy Virtual Backyard Book Club at neversayspy.com!
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Spy Is Cast
Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #2)
Author: Diane Henders
Genre: Spy/Mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 2
Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read on its own but better after the 1st
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
In this book we meet Aidan Kelly once more. The middle-aged bookkeeper thought she regained her freedom at the end of the first book. In this book she gets recruited to go undercover as a spy. Aidan gets abducted and escapes, saves an agent and is involved in more kick-ass action.
What I liked about the book:
I loved this book. Who would expect a boring bookkeeper to be a kick-ass spy?
What I didn’t like about the book:
There is nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
Too many to count, I loved the book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were no least favourite bits. The book makes you want to read on and not stop after the next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
That is the good news, there are 14 more in the series already and I can’t wait for no. 15.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like a tongue-in-cheek spy mystery this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Book 2 of the Never Say Spy series
When a clandestine government agency recruits middle-aged bookkeeper Aydan Kelly, she overcomes her fear and agrees to go undercover at a lavish gala affair. But the glamour of the mission fades fast when she finds herself astride a motorcycle, assigned to an all-male surveillance team.
Aydan discovers spies are using classified technology to torture information from their captives. Worse, they know she’s breached their security. Now she has to prevent them from revealing her true identity, while avoiding capture by the vicious criminals who won’t hesitate to torture her, too.
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
About the Author:
By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
P.S. Are you a fan of the Never Say Spy series? Connect with other readers and discuss the series in the Never Say Spy Virtual Backyard Book Club at neversayspy.com!
June 20, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second book fell a bit flat for me.
First off, I really didn't see anything new in book two. It felt a lot like just a re-run of what happened in book one, with very little uniqueness or really different situation and events.
The other issue, and this is a "me" thing and not the fault of the book, but the violence in these books is a bit more than I can easily handle. The stuff that happens to the characters, including Aydan, is just a little over my tolerance. For people who are used to very gritty action books, this would probably be no issue. But with this second book, for me it was to much.
The bigger issue was that it really felt like I was just reading a re-do of the events of book one, rather than a truly new and different story/situation for the characters to navigate.
I enjoyed book one a lot, but I think I should have stopped with it.
First off, I really didn't see anything new in book two. It felt a lot like just a re-run of what happened in book one, with very little uniqueness or really different situation and events.
The other issue, and this is a "me" thing and not the fault of the book, but the violence in these books is a bit more than I can easily handle. The stuff that happens to the characters, including Aydan, is just a little over my tolerance. For people who are used to very gritty action books, this would probably be no issue. But with this second book, for me it was to much.
The bigger issue was that it really felt like I was just reading a re-do of the events of book one, rather than a truly new and different story/situation for the characters to navigate.
I enjoyed book one a lot, but I think I should have stopped with it.
February 22, 2025
I quite enjoyed “Never Say Spy” and the adventures of middle-aged bookkeeper Aydin Kelly.
The question remains as to why she has the entire skillset of a very proficient spy.
She puts it down to OCD, personal trauma, and a career which has involved many jobs.
It doesn't really hold water but wth it's fiction.
“The Spy is Cast”, second in the series, starts where the first book left off and is more of the same.
That's the problem because even though lots of things are happening the plot eves forward at a glacial pace.
It's more graphically violent than it needs to be but, that aside, the author is on cruise control.
400 pages in, and nearing the end, I had to force myself to continue reading.
The finale did up the ante somewhat, but it was too little, too late.
I won't be reading on.
2 Stars.
The question remains as to why she has the entire skillset of a very proficient spy.
She puts it down to OCD, personal trauma, and a career which has involved many jobs.
It doesn't really hold water but wth it's fiction.
“The Spy is Cast”, second in the series, starts where the first book left off and is more of the same.
That's the problem because even though lots of things are happening the plot eves forward at a glacial pace.
It's more graphically violent than it needs to be but, that aside, the author is on cruise control.
400 pages in, and nearing the end, I had to force myself to continue reading.
The finale did up the ante somewhat, but it was too little, too late.
I won't be reading on.
2 Stars.
July 31, 2018
Henders/the spy is cast
Spinoff from book 1 . Aydan, the bookkeeper and John kane , spy, and his team involved in espionage. Still keeping an eye on fuzzy bunny , an enemy organization involved in arms, drugs, information involved in technology that through a Sims you can be transported through a void and recreate your own fantasy and also use for torture to get info on gov't info. You need to read it from book one to understand the concept of the story. Very good, intense, spy intelligence working for the govt underground. One that the people are unaware of.
Spinoff from book 1 . Aydan, the bookkeeper and John kane , spy, and his team involved in espionage. Still keeping an eye on fuzzy bunny , an enemy organization involved in arms, drugs, information involved in technology that through a Sims you can be transported through a void and recreate your own fantasy and also use for torture to get info on gov't info. You need to read it from book one to understand the concept of the story. Very good, intense, spy intelligence working for the govt underground. One that the people are unaware of.
July 11, 2018
My kinda book
Action, check. Sex, check. Hot attractions, check. Writing that captures the boring as well as exciting perfectly, and with skill, check. The only thing I wanted less of was death and torture and the ass that let it play out and took credit for any successes. All necessary to a continuing plot that, I confess, I love.
Action, check. Sex, check. Hot attractions, check. Writing that captures the boring as well as exciting perfectly, and with skill, check. The only thing I wanted less of was death and torture and the ass that let it play out and took credit for any successes. All necessary to a continuing plot that, I confess, I love.
October 4, 2018
Way too much FUN!
Love the unique characters and inventive plot lines. The light humorous touch is addictive. The sexy parts are just more fun and not gratuitous. I won't read them all without breaks to read other books, but sure read the first two in one week!
Love the unique characters and inventive plot lines. The light humorous touch is addictive. The sexy parts are just more fun and not gratuitous. I won't read them all without breaks to read other books, but sure read the first two in one week!
May 12, 2019
Great
Just found this grippingly good series. Couldn't put this book down until I'd finished it, thankfully got the rest of series still to read. Thank you Diane for A LOT of enjoyment. PS I'm over .. 50 too.
Just found this grippingly good series. Couldn't put this book down until I'd finished it, thankfully got the rest of series still to read. Thank you Diane for A LOT of enjoyment. PS I'm over .. 50 too.
June 10, 2019
The adventure continues. Another gripping story
Our heroine, who still needs feeding at regular intervals, is called back to the scary world of national security, this time with great motorbikes and a network of really nasty people. Great twist at the end to herald the next book.
Our heroine, who still needs feeding at regular intervals, is called back to the scary world of national security, this time with great motorbikes and a network of really nasty people. Great twist at the end to herald the next book.
June 20, 2019
The 2nd book in the series is as intense as the 1st. Little by little, the author reveals these complex characters who never completely tell the truth. They lie by omission instead. Aydan's fears are so strong the story keeps the reader on the edge of the seat.
April 4, 2020
Read: April 4, 2020
Rating: 3,5/4 Stars
I'm a little on the fence about this one, it wasn't bad by any stretch(in my opinion) but I also missed something.
I still think Aydan is an awesome sauce woman and I will definitely read the next book in this series as long as she stays like that.
Rating: 3,5/4 Stars
I'm a little on the fence about this one, it wasn't bad by any stretch(in my opinion) but I also missed something.
I still think Aydan is an awesome sauce woman and I will definitely read the next book in this series as long as she stays like that.
June 25, 2021
I was debating about giving this book three or four stars. My main compliant is that the book is overly long. The story could have easily been covered in fewer pages without losing anything. A lot of filler material could have been omitted. However, the story itself is well-written.
April 15, 2023
On to book 3
Fun book, however implausible the plot. Pure escapist spy fiction. Good beach read, good read by the fireplace. Not such a great read if you want to put it down and actually get enough sleep.
Fun book, however implausible the plot. Pure escapist spy fiction. Good beach read, good read by the fireplace. Not such a great read if you want to put it down and actually get enough sleep.
May 15, 2017
As good as the first, or maybe better ...
August 23, 2017
I found this book better than the first one and look forward to reading more in the series.
October 23, 2017
Exciting book
Wonderful story. It kept me engaged and I did not want to put the book down. Will start to read the next book right now.
Wonderful story. It kept me engaged and I did not want to put the book down. Will start to read the next book right now.
May 16, 2019
Love it!!!
Can't wait for a new paycheck to get the next book. I love the heroine, the hero, the anti-hero and the stories. Keep 'em coming.
Can't wait for a new paycheck to get the next book. I love the heroine, the hero, the anti-hero and the stories. Keep 'em coming.
May 27, 2019
Fun series.
I'm enjoying the characters. Trying to figure out Sudan's love life! For crying out loud eight movements required, 2 more
I'm enjoying the characters. Trying to figure out Sudan's love life! For crying out loud eight movements required, 2 more
June 10, 2019
The Spy is cast
I love this uber feisty main character with her gutsy self awareness that keeps everyone carefully on their toes. And she is very intelligent.
I love this uber feisty main character with her gutsy self awareness that keeps everyone carefully on their toes. And she is very intelligent.
December 20, 2019
Great storyline yet again, although all the sim inside a sim stuff went a little over my head sometimes.
January 17, 2020
Love this series!
December 15, 2020
Excellent!
I'm late to the party but enjoying every page. We'll done and I am ready to read the next book!
I'm late to the party but enjoying every page. We'll done and I am ready to read the next book!
March 17, 2022
Gets better and better!
I really admire the MFC. She's principled, compassionate, and ruthless when she has to be. I'm glad I got it and look forward to the rest!
I really admire the MFC. She's principled, compassionate, and ruthless when she has to be. I'm glad I got it and look forward to the rest!
June 20, 2022
Didn't like it
June 24, 2013
This is a humorous, engaging "escape" book. The characters are reliably well developed, albeit somewhat predictable. The Hellhound/Arnie guy might be a little too over-developed and, in my opinion, screams "smarmy hairy-chest dude with a big-assed gold medallion" despite the fact he is described as a badass biker. Alarmingly enough, he really gives me the creeps and I would honestly prefer to skip the parts that include his character. Perhaps a Men-In-Black "forget it stick" would be handy.
I probably would have given this 4 stars if it weren't for the Arnie/Hellhound character. He evokes in me this very strong, cringe-worthy feeling of embarrassment for the main character. Pretty sad, considering I am quite aware this is fiction. He is the only character whose dialogue is written using a dumbed-down version of vernacular Canadian. I assume the author would really like Arnie/Hellhound to be a much loved character. What can I say? I TRIED REALLY HARD. (OK that's a lie).
Setting aside my petty, weakly argued points - this really is an entertaining series. I will try my best to accept Hellhound and put this behind me
I probably would have given this 4 stars if it weren't for the Arnie/Hellhound character. He evokes in me this very strong, cringe-worthy feeling of embarrassment for the main character. Pretty sad, considering I am quite aware this is fiction. He is the only character whose dialogue is written using a dumbed-down version of vernacular Canadian. I assume the author would really like Arnie/Hellhound to be a much loved character. What can I say? I TRIED REALLY HARD. (OK that's a lie).
Setting aside my petty, weakly argued points - this really is an entertaining series. I will try my best to accept Hellhound and put this behind me
March 21, 2013
#2 in the Never Say Spy series
Love this series, love this book. Ayden is amazing! It is no wonder John suspects that she is already a spy; she has so many talents and thinks on her feet beyond what most people could. I know there has to be a story behind that. I adore Hellhound, Arnie, a tough,ugly biker looking PI who is so sweet and gentle with Ayden when things get tough. All of the team, mostly special forces guys and one computer nerd, are adorable in their relationships with her. The story has humor because of the way they face things, but the intrigue is real and the story has some tough violence although not all of it is for real. Once you are caught in Diane Henders' web, you are sure to be caught for good.
Love this series, love this book. Ayden is amazing! It is no wonder John suspects that she is already a spy; she has so many talents and thinks on her feet beyond what most people could. I know there has to be a story behind that. I adore Hellhound, Arnie, a tough,ugly biker looking PI who is so sweet and gentle with Ayden when things get tough. All of the team, mostly special forces guys and one computer nerd, are adorable in their relationships with her. The story has humor because of the way they face things, but the intrigue is real and the story has some tough violence although not all of it is for real. Once you are caught in Diane Henders' web, you are sure to be caught for good.
May 10, 2016
This ebook was loaned to me. Love love love Aydan and the Spy crew! My mom and I were happy to recommend this series to our local library who ordered all copies for their catalog. Although a series with a central villainous organization, each book progressively chips away at the main plot thread. I read books two and three back to back in a day, so I'll share this review to say the characters are excellent, each book has a specific sub-plot that reaches a conclusion, even as the larger storyline continues. Aydan is smart, and competent-- a badmouthed, unabashedly sexual woman in her 40s with an array of hidden talents. I highly recommend the series, which should be read in order because of the overall Fuzzy Bunny plot. This is one you should be recommending to YOUR local library!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews