Love Undercover

by Claire Cain

As a female operative, I’ve crossed paths with terrible men, honorable men, and everything in between. But when I walked into that hotel in Prague, I was shocked to come face to face with a blast from my past.

Brian "Bri" Williamson is an international heart throb, and has always been gorgeous and alluring. But now he’s put himself at the center of a mission to take down a major terrorist, and he’s in way over his head.

But that makes two of us, thanks to his request to work with me specifically. I don’t normally do ops like these, but one word from him and suddenly I’m playing fake girlfriend to the world’s sexiest man.

A sexy man who also happens to be gentle and generous and perhaps more of a danger to me than the danger we’re facing with the enemy. Because if we finally go there, and it fails… my whole team is going down with us, and I can’t let that happen.

I don’t care that this famous singer handles the pressure better than some seasoned operatives, or how well he holds his own while we navigate our ruse in the face of a madman. All I care about is accomplishing this mission without losing anyone, and if that means resisting Brian, that’s what I’ll do.

But when this mission is over, and I’m faced with never seeing him again… will I feel relieved by avoiding a potential disaster, or haunted by what could’ve been?

Love Undercover is a standalone closed-door romance with mild suspense elements.

Genres: Suspense

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2023

Reviews

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is a standalone but you can read Almost Perfect and Almost Home if you want to know more about Bri's ex girlfriend and Eddie's sister respectively. For those that have read Claire's books before, this one is a bit different as it contains mild suspense elements but her signature style of writing wonderful characters is ever present. New readers, you're going to want to read more from her and I suggest reading the Back to Silver Ridge Series. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect, though be aware the book mentions a bombing and human trafficking. It's a great first person dual pov romance about two individuals who longed for each other reconnecting.

As a special agent, Eddie has lived her years focused on her missions and closed off from others. It's not as if she's purposefully doing so but her lifestyle has gotten her accustomed to it. While she's good at her job, it's not one that she loves and she wonders about her future. When she's unexpectedly reunited with Bri, worldwide popstar and her teenage crush, her wondering become stronger. Like Eddie, Bri is used to his lifestyle in the spotlight and having to put on a façade with others. He loves what he does but he would like to be in the company of someone who doesn't like him for his connections - someone like Eddie, who he couldn't forget about since their first meeting. Being reunited with her and working alongside her in the undercover mission only makes his admiration and trust in her grow.

I love the fact that Eddie was the protector in their relationship and that applies physically and mentally. She cared about Bri's all around well being. Bri was vulnerable and saw his showing of emotions as a weakness but Eddie made him comfortable to accept it was okay for him to feel the way that he felt and not have to hide it. Meanwhile, while Bri may have been harsh on himself by seeing himself as weak, it wasn't a negative reflection on how he felt about Eddie. He was in awe of her as an agent but also how kind she was towards him even when she didn't realize it. Because of the situation that they find themselves, their romance is a slow burn but the pacing of the story is fast paced - though not rushed. Fake dating is involved so you won't mind the wait for them to confess their feelings. The romance is described as closed door but it sticks to only a few steamy kisses and suggestive thoughts/words. Aside from the romance, you will like the Cards, the other agents, and be interested in their stories as well. The action in the story is easy to follow and interesting. I am greedy and wish we would've gotten more from the end to see more of Bri and Eddie but it was fine as is. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri Williamson is an international pop star and is being asked by a black ops unit to help them find Maksim Volkov, a notorious terrorist and arms dealer based in Russia. They propose that Bri accept Volkov’s invitation to perform at his daughter’s sweet sixteen while they search for evidence. In a flurry of indecision, he thinks of the one person who could keep him stable during this sure to be stressful enterprise - Agent Eddie James who once saved his life during a bombing at the music venue in Munich. Everyone agrees that she should join the team, so she trades her tight bun and pantsuits in for a high ponytail and wardrobe more in line with personal assistant to a hot celebrity. And with that, the sparks really start to fly.

When they arrive at Volkov’s enclave the day before the concert, our couple finds themselves in awkward company when women are thrust at Bri and Volkov tries to hit on Eddie, but Bri steps in, acting as her lover, and takes her swiftly back to their room. They step into the shower to have a whispered conversation and the heat ratchets up. Then there’s a kiss in the bed. Oh, such hotness!

What an awesome, unputdownable romantic thriller, Claire Cain has penned! The plot is complex and rife with danger, and chemistry between Eddie and Bri is off the charts. But there is also trust and respect for each other that is truly heartwarming. Don’t miss out on Love Undercover with a beautiful HEA that includes a reunion with her sister and a new start in a small town! Kudos to Cain for stepping out of her comfort zone into a new genre!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Cathi Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Just a slightly different book from Claire Cain than usual, but same great quality. Eddie James and Bri Williamson’s characters have been previously glimpsed in the Back to Silver Ridge series, but fleshing out their characters in the middle of a spy novel was GENIUS. It’s a little suspenseful, a lot swoony and an engaging read. Bri Williamson – internationally renowned “heart throb” pop star is approached by EMU agents and asked to help them infiltrate a previously elusive terrorist’s network. The bad guy wants to hire Bri to do a private performance for his daughter’s 16th birthday. Normally, those requests are just ignored, but this time the good guys need him to accept the invitation so they can gain access to this terrorist’s electronic files. They agree to “embed” Eddie James with him when Bri requests Agent James’ help. He’s not sure what that means, but he likes the sound of it. Eddie is a top CIA agent, and she knows that maintaining strict professionalism is a matter of life or death. The only problem is – Bri and Eddie are feeling less than professional towards one another. She’s determined to get him through this alive and well though. It’s swoony, not “spicy” and has just enough suspense.

I was provided with an Advanced Reader Copy of Love Undercover to read in exchange for my honest review, and I am happy to provide that here.

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from Claire Cain and enjoyed it so much. It was fun that this wasn't your typical romance, but instead almost everything was reversed.

Instead of having the guy, Brian, be the protector and grumpy hero it was the Eddie. It was fun to have that dynamic where Brian was really reliant on Eddie to be his rock. She was the one he would turn to when he needed to feel safe and reassured. But at the same time Brian was brave and he was strong in other ways. He was the sunshine to Eddie's clouds and was the one who could make her smile and swoon.

I loved that this book also had a romantic suspense thread. It added that degree of danger into the mix where it upped the stakes of their relationship. It also was a fast paced book and one where you can read it pretty quickly since its only 240 pages, but despite the shorter length the story was well thought out and nothing felt rushed.

If you are looking for a book with romantic suspense, a little more steam, and a fun reverse on what you typically see in a romance book give this one a go!

Physical Intimacy Lvl 3 (See slide 3 for details and feel free to PM me if you need to know what it includes)
Mild Swearing
Triggers: Mild mentions of trafficked women, bombings, kidnapping, bad guys, danger, PTSD, anxiety
Dual POV

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, this was just a perfect book! I was excited to see how this would turn out especially because this is more of a new genre for this author. Love Undercover is the first romantic suspense written by Clarie Cain and I loved it!
Brian and Eddie were just the sweetest! It was cool to see Cain jump into a new series. I really like the blend of suspense and romance. Brian and Eddie had such a sweet connection and I loved how they helped each other in different ways. Eddie was used to being on her own but when Brian had a way of making her wish for me. Eddie helped Brain feel safe especially when he had isolated himself from others because of his fame.
This was an engaging book and I did not want to put it down. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen and if Brian and Eddie would end up together. I loved meeting the new characters and hearing mentions of old characters. I am excited to read the next books in the series. Love Undercover is a wonderful book and a must read! I would definitely recommend it! Love Undercover is a closed door romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so fantastic! I loved it so much! Absolutely recommended. It’s a mix of romance and suspense, and for me it struck a perfect balance. I’m here for the romance but I also enjoy a moderate level of suspense. This story kept the suspense interesting and well thought out in details, but also did not bog the romance down by too much detail or plot away from the main characters. Sometimes a summary or reference is all you need to move the plot along. I loved both main characters, Bri and Eddie. He was so nuanced and emotionally layered, and she was so much more than her tough, professional exterior. I was very invested in their relationship. They had a very short acquaintance in the past, under extreme circumstances, and it was very impactful, especially for Bri. Circumstances brought them together again and their attraction and attachment intensified as they worked together. This story ties to other writing by the author but it reads very well as a standalone. This book is closed door with innuendo and a small amount of mild language.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books in the series about Silverton, the kind of small town we all want to visit or maybe even move to someday. I was pleasantly surprised when this standalone novel has some connections to the people and town of Silverton.
I enjoyed the intrigue in this book which features a sexy, handsome singer who has young women swooning over him as he travels the world to sold-out performances. When he agrees to participate in a mission with the “four Cards”, he runs into a vision from his past who was an inspiration in many of the songs he has written. It’s fun to see this story – and relationship – develop from both of their perspectives.
Cain develops likable characters and creates a strong connection between Brian and Eddie. There is just enough suspense to keep the reader interested, but not too much to make the story overwhelming. I hope to meet them again in future books by this author.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new story in a slightly different genre from Claire Cain. It has all the best hallmarks of her sweet romance stories including men who have been to therapy and have the emotional maturity to show for it and women who excel at their careers and know how to make the best out of a fake relationship plot. All of the action feels more tense, quick, and high stakes within the suspenseful unfolding of an undercover operation. I love how Claire Cain's stories all have a way of tying in characters from other stories. Eddie James is Sarah James' sister, and Bri Williamson is connected to Miss Mayhem.

This story feels like Alias and The Bodyguard in all the best ways. A very enjoyable read with a delightful ending.

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Claire Cain’s books. This is a little different than her typical genres but she does a wonderful job with it.
This is a full length novel. While quick reads have their place, there’s a richness to a novel you can’t get in a short piece. They characters are well written and seem human. In some books she’s perfect and he’s perfect, and the situations work out perfectly. But this book is better and has enough plot twists to keep anyone engaged. I highly recommend this read!

Deep thanks to the author for providing an ARC that I could proofread. I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri is a well know rock star. Eddie works for the government in an operative capacity. They had met before when there was a bomb threat at Bri’s concert venue. Eddie was in love with Bri when she was a teenager. They meet up again when Bri is asked to assist the government with a jog and he requests Eddie. Loved the sweet romantic suspense story! The characters were great and the storyline was well thought out. The characters throughout the story were able to learn the depths of their lives as well as to make changes as necessary. I was a volunteer ARC for this story in exchange for an honest review

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fast paced spy story.

Brian “Bri” Williamson is a famous singer songwriter who goes undercover with an exclusive group to gain information on a human trafficking/drug ring in Russia. He request that Eddie James be brought in to help since he is acquainted with her from an incident that had happened in Germany several years before. Will they be successful with the mission without losing their hearts to one another?
Full disclosure-there are a few swear words and other scenes that could be considered questionable as to the “clean” label but the author does not cross the line as far as I could tell and it was well written. I would recommend it for reading.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri is an international pop star. He gets invited to play private parties, but rarely does so. When a Russian terrorist asks him to play his daughter's 16th birthday party, a special forces group asks him to accept. Several years earlier, Bri had worked with Agent James when a theater he was playing in was bombed. Eddie James had made quite the impression and he knew he couldn't do what they were asking without her as part of the team.

Eddie was recruited into the CIA in college and had always been a bit of a loner. She agrees to help with this op. She must keep Bri calm and alive while the rest of her team gathers intel in Volken's house.

Lots of intrigue and suspense.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Undercover is different from other books I’ve read by this author. It’s still relatively clean with some cursing and suggestive content but nothing explicit. There is something of a role reversal with Eddie and Brian, with her being the protector and him needing a safe harbor. I struggled to see Brian as more than the teen idol he used to be, making those roles even more jarring. It was nice to hear mention of characters from another series by this same author. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

👠🎸💕This book was full of the unexpected - all delivered with the complex highs and lows, lighthearted and serious moments we have come to love in a Claire Cain read! This romance had me on the edge of my seat with fingers crossed - I wasn’t sure I was going to like the bit of a role reversal twist…but man…total fan by the end! I cannot wait to see where this new creative outlet goes and I will be watching for “The Cards” - something tells me they are going to be amazing! …. Oh and if you are already a CC reader the Easter eggs are fun!💕🎸👠

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first romantic suspense novel Claire Cain has written and she aced it!
This genre is one of my favorites and it had my heart pounding during the suspenseful parts, as well as during the swoony scenes for obviously different reasons!
This was a page turner that kept me glued to my ereader until the very last page.
Although this can be read as a standalone, I loved how it is linked to the Back to Silver Ridge series.
Thank you Claire Cain for the advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a special ops agent is paired up with the heartthrob singer of her teenage dreams❓️

You get a fun, action packed, thrilling adventure with some personal fireworks while they work covertly to thwart a weapons and women trafficker 😎

Love Undercover is a standalone read, available on Kindle Unlimited, but also sets the stage for Claire's newest series [of which book one is coming later this month] that will include 4 new heartthrob heros (West, East, North & South) who are all part of the Exceptional Missions Union 🤩

[Pamela Harju · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

I bought this book because the author's brother plays bass in one of my favourite bands.
Yes, the premise of a pop star helping with a secret government operation is far-fetched, but this is fiction, and why not have some fun with it?
Cain is a talented writer who creates likeable characters, thrilling plots and puts words together in a beautiful order to keep your attention. She is clearly well positioned to write about the topics in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would gladly read more from Cain.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. It had suspense and plot twists that kept me so engaged and on the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to put the book down. The romance was off the charts. I loved this story of Bri and Eddie. Bri is an entertainer, singing and song writing. Eddie is a CIA agent. When they are put together, with her protecting him (a definite role reversal) their sweet romance starts. This story and characters are so well written and developed, this is a must-read story, it is fantastic!

[erica.reads.a.lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this rockstar/black cat/second chance-ish/romantic suspense! Bri and Eddie were both great characters, each with a lot of practice putting on a facade for the world while feeling lonely and isolated. They saw each other as the people they are underneath the faces they put on for the world. I loved how their first short meeting had such a profound impact that neither forgot the other. Bri has an open vulnerability that felt authentic, not forced. Seeing Eddie realize she wanted to be vulnerable with Bri and then actually do that was heartwarming. Another great story by Claire Cain!

[Linda Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A fun book!

Love Undercover mixes suspense and romance along with tiny perks into the worlds of espionage and rock celebrity. Two people meet in a dangerous situation that forever changed them. The story is written in the words of the main characters and speaks their honest feelings. What a fun book to read!

[Magriet Terblanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I've found a new favourite author. I somehow had the wrong idea about Claire's books. It is a very nice surprise to find out that I was wrong. This book was absolutely unputdownable and I read right through the night to finish it. Can't wait to start the next one. Keep writing.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

They met under dangerous circumstances once. Now they need to work together. Can Brian, a famous por star, and Eddie, an undercover agent, figth their feelings or will they fall in love even with the danger surrounding them? A great story linked to a beatiful series Silver Ridge.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little different genre but same great writing that hooks you in from the start. Romance with a little suspense that will have you up late at night. Loved Bri and Eddie's story and the link back to silver ridge.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

Love Undercover is a wonderful story. The fast-paced and intriguing premise kept me invested in reading. The characters are well drawn. I will look for more in this series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect mix of spy, mystery and romance. Claire Gardner kept me entertained, guessing and worrying about whether Brian and Eddie would keep ahead of the bad guys and also get together. Her signature interesting story with well developed characters. Really enjoyed this story.

[ELK Kissling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here are two people who need to find a safe place to feel and they find it in each other. This book is flirty, intense and easy to cheer for.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great contemporary romance.. I really enjoyed it! Some suspense and adventure, with lots of romance and very likable main characters..

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I liked the vulnerability that Bri shows as Eddie works out the direction she wants her life to go in.

[Charlene Rakstis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Undercover

Another good story by this talented author. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.