Mr. Nice Spy

Spy Another Day #0.2

by Jordan McCollum

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. CIA operative Elliott Monteith has made it work, just like he’s made things work with his longtime fiancée Shanna. Until Shanna lays out an ultimatum: move forward or move on. Meanwhile, Elliott and his best friend and fellow operative, Talia Reynolds, try to track an elusive leak at the American embassy.

But something changes between Elliott and Talia as they close in on the man selling out his country. Professional and personal lines blur and Elliott has to choose—his fiancée or his best friend.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Short Stories

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2013

About the author

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can't resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don't want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most--she's a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

Reviews

[Ranee Clark]

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Romance, Adventure
Length: 101 pgs.
Rating: *****
Review: I LOVED this short snipped of the I, SPY world as much as I loved the full-length one. I like seeing Elliot's side of things, especially the way he sees Talia. Great adventure, perfect romance. All the excitment you need in a hundred pages. Love.
Source: Amazon Kindle book. (Free)

Read more reviews and an interview with the author at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com.

[Mara]

Another prequel novella for the I, SPY series, this one is from Elliott's point of view. Elliott's fiancee Shanna gives him an ultimatium--they get married or call it quits--and then she leaves town. Meanwhile Elliott is working a case with Talia and starts to notice how different she is than Shanna. He needs to decide what he wants to do and if he's not there to pick up Shanna at the airport on her return, she'll have her answer.

I don't know why I didn't care for this prequel as much as other books in the series. All the clues pointed to Elliott wanting to get together with Talia so I was surprised by the ending. There's the usual spy intrigue which I found interesting.

[Patricia]

I read this after I'd read Spy Noon AND I, Spy because I somehow thought this was a "1.5" rather than ".5" prequel. Who knows how I thought that. Because of that thrown sequence, there was no suspense about the relationship between Talia and Elliot so the story had no tension, no spark for me. On the upside, it was not violent (that old PG-13 warning I read on the reviews of, say, I, Spy)and I did not miss the violence. It also needs to be noted that this is a novella and as such did not have a lot of territory to cover.

I do not know how to objectively rate this since my rating is influenced by my own goof. Would I have liked this more if I'd read it right after Spy Noon? Probably so. But having read this in the sequence I did, I feel like it added nothing to the over all story line and I could have skipped it. Additionally, I was thrown when this was from Elliot's point of view. I don't recall off the top of my head of his POV ever being mentioned in the other two books (won't stake my life on it, though). Sometimes I like getting inside the head of another character but somehow it did not do that for me this time.

[Literary Chanteuse]

Short story prequels are meant to instigate interest in a series. Job accomplished. Just what you would expect from a spy story, it is full of deception, intrigue, action and mystery. The characters also show their personal sides. The complicated lives of under cover agents with a bit of wit has me curious and interested to read I spy. 3.5 stars

[Aimee]

This is a short novella that goes with I Spy. I really liked getting Elliott's point of view and some back history on the dynamics behind Talia and Elliott. I am loving these books and can't wait to read the next book in the series. It sounds so good.

[Richard Goodrum]

Talia is as wonderful as ever although she had more of a minor role in this story. Elliott has some guts but, initially, lacks what it takes to make the big decisions. He grew a lot in this title.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift.  This is my honest review.

[Robin Hansen]

Can’t get enough of these book. A spy with a heart of gold. What’s a little covert action when the one you really want is coming home. Loved it

[Rose]

This was a confusing hot mess of a story. I felt like I started in the middle. I couldn’t figure out what these two spies were trying to find out or who they were actually spying on. The story kept jumping and it was hard to follow. There was also the side story (or maybe the main point) of the two spies being attracted to each other (or not). I don’t’ know, but I won’t be checking out the rest of the series.

[JadeShea]

ARC

Mr. Nice Spy is an I Spy Prequel about Elliott. I really liked Elliott from I Spy, and this book made me like him even more.

In this book Elliott is having some problems with his fiancee. She gives him an ultimatum, either settle down, or move on. For some strange reason I just don't like Shanna, Elliott's fiancee. I secretly hoped Elliott and Talia could be together. And although we see a small glimpse into what Elliott may feel for Talia, it isn't what he feels for Shanna.

This book has drama, lots spy action, and beautiful relationships. I recommend this book, as well as I, Spy. And I can not wait to read more from this author.

[Tamera Westhoff]

Fun story, although it's definitely better to read this one before I, Spy! I loved the action! I thought it was very interesting seeing things from his point of view. I was happy with how things turned out for him. I didn't think that there was a chance at all with him ending up with someone else. Phew! I am surprised that it took him that long to get married though. Maybe 2 years is a normal engagement time? Without a wedding date in sight? Either way, I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next Spy book!

[Shauna]

Romantic Suspense will always be one of my favorite genres.

I LOVE the suspense... and then when you speckle it with a just a little bit of romance...OH. SO. WONDERFUL!
This book has it all...and in good proportions!

Elliott is just trying to catch the elusive bad guy. But when his fiance says she needs some time AND he sees his partner, Talia, in a whole new light...."Professional and personal lines blur and Elliott has to choose—his fiancée or his best friend."
All while still trying to catch the elusive bad guy.

SO GOOD! JUST LIKE I LIKE IT!

[Rachel Williamson]

Mr. Nice Spy (Spy another day prequel number 2)
This book is written by character Elliott. Not a full length novel like I, spy. I liked reading about Elliott's interactions with his partner Talia and girlfriend Shanna, along with some adventure. Very confusing relationship with his girlfriend-wasn't sure where it was heading but it all worked out in the end. This was my first reading of this series. Can't wait to read more in this series!

[T.K.]

While I enjoyed getting a first-hand account of a titillating piece of information from the series (the Talia/Elliot kiss), being inside Elliot's head was so much like Talia's that I kept getting confused. I don't know what I expected a guy constantly competing in his own personal flirt-a-thon to be thinking, but it wasn't this.

[Hollie Robb]

This book for me wasn't suspenseful, or a mystery, but fun. It was fast paced. I didn't really see any real romance, possibly because the last book I read was heavy in the romance theme compared to this book. It kept me interested enough for me to read McCollum Spy books.

[Irène Wadowski uliasz]

L'hésitation d'un couple avant de sauter le pas vers le mariage (en fait on a juste le point de vue de M.)arranger d'un peu d'espionnage était Frais et sympathique. Mais de là à lire les autres livres de la série............. non!

[Pamela LaFlamme]

This is a fun quick read! I can totally relate to Jordan's characters and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings)]

Loved it. Review to come.

[Book Geek Reviews]

Novella. I didn't love this one. I think because it was too short to really develop the characters. But I, SPY was awesome!

[Shanda]

Prequel novella to I, Spy. Quick read from Elliot's point of view. This is a great series, well-written, and a lot of fun.

[Jaime W]

Fast novella about Elliot and Talia from HIS point of view. Fun and what I've been waiting for: finding out about THE kiss!

[Elaine]

Fun story! I got into it quickly. A short in the series.

[Millie]

Cute book. Seems like a good pilot episode to a tv series. Not a ton of info, but a good beginning.

[M R]

Fun and intriguing spy story filled with the danger and romance.

[Stacie]

I enjoyed it. It was my least favorite of the series though.