The Spy

King's Security #3

by A. Rivers

I don’t trust former spy Zeke Watts, but I’ll have to swallow my pride and ask him for help before I’m arrested for a crime I didn’t commit.

I was forced to leave my job in the art world when I was falsely accused of stealing from my boss. When another priceless painting goes missing under similar circumstances, the police think they know exactly who to blame.

But this time around, I have one of the world’s most powerful security companies at my back—even if that includes the incredibly infuriating Zeke. To clear my name, I’ll have to play along with his games, even though my gut tells me it’s foolish to rely on him.

Before long, I realize Zeke may not be as reckless as I’ve always thought, but I can’t allow my attraction to him to distract me. If we don’t track down the real thief, I could end up behind bars.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

250 pages, Unknown Binding

Published October 30, 2023

About the author

A. Rivers writes steamy romance books with take-charge heroes and strong heroines who aren't afraid to fight the odds for love. On the rare occasions when she ventures out of the writing cave, you can probably find her face down in a book, cuddling her pets, or planning her next overseas adventure with her husband.

If you'd like to keep up to date with her books and news, subscribe to her newsletter today!

Reviews

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Fiona, the female lead, left the art world under a cloud caused by the theft of four paintings that she was framed for. Given that she didn’t steal them, the police couldn’t charge her but her art reputation was destroyed. Now, years later, the police are again questioning her because a valuable painting has been stolen in similar circumstances. This time, however, she’s not alone - her boss and co-workers at the security firm where she’s a PA are determined to exonerate her, especially Zeke, the male lead and apparent playboy partner.

Zeke has been attracted to Fiona for a long time but he never acted on it, though he’s determined to ensure her innocence is proven. As they spend time together, their masks come off and they come to realise how alike they are and how much they care for each other. But the perpetrator(s) of the crime are determined to ensure Fiona looks guilty…

This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fun, fast-paced, suspenseful contemporary romance. I enjoyed Fiona’s resilience and determination in the face of persecution. I enjoyed Zeke’s care and persistence. I enjoyed their relationship development and their steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and the chosen family feel to the interactions.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three and the final book in The King’s Security Series and it is Zeke and Fiona’s story. When Fiona is accused of a crime that she didn’t commit within the Art World she lost her job but when it happened again and they think that she is involved again Fiona knows that she needs help not only to solve the crime but also clear her name so when it is Zeke who is assigned to not only protect and keep her safe but also find out who is involved and why Fiona is being targeted and even though Fiona is not happy working with Zeke but can she trust him if she wants to clear her name. Zeke had always been drawn to Fiona but because he is a bit of a lad and flirt she always disregards him but now she needs his help he is all in and hopes that she can see him in a different light so that when they solve the crime she might give him a chance to prove himself worthy of being part of her life and hopefully more but only time will tell if things will work out for Zeke and Fiona in the end. When Zeke and Fiona start spending time together things between them start to change but will it be enough for them to eventually be together and take a chance on a relationship and future together. I absolutely loved this book with all it’s twist and turns, ups and down, drama, suspense, danger, mystery, great characters, strong attraction and chemistry, trust, intrigue, justice and hope and I am so sad to come to the end of another great series but definitely look forward to seeing what this author writes next.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Ryan works for Ronan King, the chief executive of King’s Security as his assistant. Two Chicago detectives come to the office and demand that Fiona go to the station for questioning. They won’t tell her what it is all about. Zeke Watts is one of the founders of King’s Security and is in charge of security. He flirts with Fiona but is concerned when he sees her leave with the police.

A Monet painting was stolen from the Windy City Gallery. The crime has similarities to an art theft four years ago. Back then, Fiona lost her job as the assistant to the manager of the gallery because the police suspected that she used her access to steal three expensive paintings. She was never charged in the Black Swan case but her reputation in the art world was ruined.

King’s Security tells Fiona that they will help her find out who really stole the Monet to clear her name once and for all. She and Zeke end up working together.

Can they find prove that Fiona is innocent? Can they find the Monet? Will Fiona and Zeke end up as more than co-workers?

I loved trying to figure out who stole the painting along with Fiona and Zeke. I loved the whole series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s been attracted to her from the beginning, but she’s never given him the time of day. She thought him to be a player, but there’s more to him that what he lets on.

Fiona’s had a rough past, one filled with a an ex she believes framed her for an art heist, and the police who believe she did it. Now, when the cops come knocking at her door again, she has the backing of the best security firm in the city.

Zeke’s past has left him scared and with plenty of trust issues. He’s happy to never be out on the field and running the cybersecurity division of the firm. When trouble comes for Fi, he can’t stand by, in fact, he does what he never wanted to do again, go out in the field.

What starts out as an unlikely tag team to help Fiona, has views changing, hearts fluttering, and the steam ratcheting up!

I loved this book and I loved both Zelenskyy and Fiona. I did find myself wondering where all this fire was in Fiona with her ex.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona's past has come back to haunt her and Zeke is not going to stand by and let it take her away from him.

Fiona thought her past was behind her, but when police shows up to question her about a new crime that has all the same characteristics of the one she was accused 4 years prior, she's shook. She needs all the help she can get even if it's coming from the frustrating handsome Zeke.

Zeke has had feelings for Fiona since the first day he met her. But he kept his distance and settled on bating her every chance he got. But now the danger has come to take her away and he will not stand ideally by. He's determined to keep her safe and in the process show her what she means to him.

The story was fast paced and held my interest from start to finish and I hope new characters show up so this series doesn't come to an end.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final installment of the King's Security series is a non-stop thrill ride through the art scene! Doesn't seem like the two would go together, right? But there are art thieves, forgers and others who would like to make it look like Fiona is guilty of the theft of a Monet. I did have to suspend belief a little bit that there wasn't overly tight security for this painting, but they did have it protected. So when the painting apparently disappears, the police come looking for Fiona. When Zeke finds out, he vows to Fiona and everyone else that he will make sure that she is proven innocent. The police have tunnel vision and refuse to look anywhere else, so Zeke and Fiona team up to find out the real culprit. Along the way they also find their attraction to each other and fall in deep. Their banter was so funny (especially when he calls her FiFi). The story and the characters are so fun and I can't see to see what's coming next from this author!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spy by A. Rivers is a thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my seat. The book is part of the King's Security series and is the third instalment. The story follows a spy who is tasked with a dangerous mission that puts her life at risk. The plot is well-crafted and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book.

One of the things I enjoyed about The Spy is the author's writing style. The prose is engaging and descriptive, and the pacing is just right. The book is a page-turner that I couldn't put down. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the spy craft and the accuracy of the technical details.

Overall, The Spy is a great addition to the King's Security series and a must-read for fans of spy thrillers. While it's not perfect, it's a solid 4-star read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced and exciting book.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and exciting , this third and final book in the King’s Security series marks its ending with my favourite character Zeke. His unique outside dangerous appearance does not reflect who he is underneath. He’s been attracted to Fiona for years and her attraction to him is also reciprocated. They are thrown together, as once again, her past catches up with her and she’s forced to seek her employer’s help. Zeke is determined to be the one to save her. His un caning cyber skills mixed with his gouvernement agent experience makes him the best person for the job. At some point in their investigation, they are faced with acknowledging their feelings and trust issues they both seem to have due to past experiences. Again, this author’s writing draws you in from the very beginning, has you glued to this final book and it’s amazing ending to this Awesome Series. A 5 stars ⭐️ and more rating!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate to Love where? Sure Fiona disliked Zeke, and honestly, I would too if he consistently called me 'Fifi.' She's right, by the way, that's the quintessential name for a poodle. But frankly, this just lacked a little bit of everything. There was no real suspense. The mystery basically solved itself and any potential suspects were literally nonexistent.

There also was absolutely no chemistry and no building up to it either. They went from Fiona disliking Zeke to literally fucking in a safe house. 30 minutes before that, Fiona was pissed because she wasn't included on the plan and that meant that Zeke didn't trust her. Insert aggressive eye roll here.

Nothing about this book was able to keep me interested enough to read it in more than 5-10 minute burst. And with another book from A./Alexa Rivers being a middle of the road book for me, I think this is the last book I'll read from them.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Fiona was suspected of art theft and despite never being charged for the crime, her life was upended and she's worked hard to set it straight. Now, another art theft has occurred and the police are once again looking at Fiona as the prime suspect. However, she didn't do it, even though she's fairly certain her ex was involved. Unlike before, her current employers at King's Security believe in her innocence, and Zeke, their tech wizard, is intent on helping her solve the crime. Will Fiona finally trust Zeke after shutting herself off after living through betrayal in her past?

This is a fast-paced storyline with plenty of suspense and some danger. The romance between Fiona and Zeke is fiery and entertaining. This is a great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story that I have read from this series and I really enjoyed it, I liked the strong characters, the interesting storyline, the relationships and the connections and chemistry. Seeing Fiona and Zeke come together whilst dealing with everything else made for good reading. I really liked that Fiona was able to see when she was wrong and that she reevaluated what she thought about Zeke and how she acted towards him. Zeke handled finding out why she thought and acted a certain way really well in my book, he never held it against her, he accepted it, reevaluated how he acted and then let their relationship change at it's own pace, what a super star.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we learn about the mysterious Zeke and he certainly is a complex guy and felt for him when finding out the reason for all the tattoos and piercings, then the is Fifi and her history that led her to working for King's security for which was the best move for her. A painting is missing and it's Zeke's chance to get close to Fiona as well a prove she didn't steal the painting recently as well as hopefully solve the past theft. These two are perfect for each other even though it takes a bit for Fifi to see it but when he offers to do the one thing he never wanted to do again you know he is serious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Kusu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I thought this was a decent read, it just wasn’t my favourite storyline. I’ve read other works by Rivers so this was a different style to her sports romances that I’ve read and really enjoyed. Not to say it’s a bad story, because it was well written I just wasn’t super crazy about the main characters and their relationship and the storyline isn’t one I normally would gravitate towards. I gave it a try though to try something different and because I know that I really enjoy Rivers writing style. I think others that enjoy mystery romances would enjoy this read and find it enjoyable and a good read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SPY 🔥🔍🖼

This is an absolutely gorgeous story about an artist - Fiona and one of the director's of King’s Security - Zeke.
If you are up for some stolen art, some clues, some spying and lots and lots of trouble then you have got the right book. Enjoy it as much as I did!
Ms Rivers takes you on an adventure you definitely want to go on. This story is sweet but Hot too!
Thank you, Ms Rivers for an awesome series I loved them all and I’m sad to say goodbye. But I hope we can revisit one day soon!

I received an ARC and I’m leaving my honest and voluntary review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Amazing!
When Fifi is falsely accused of theft, she is forced to turn to Zeke and his security team for help.
These two really had explosive chemistry Anna not just because they were at odds at the start. Having an intolerance to each other initially, their attraction and passion wins out. I really adored these two.
Very well done, and an action packed thrilling read that grabs on and doesn't let go till the last word. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic fast paced suspenseful romance read that I could not put down. Fiona finds herself again the target of a police investigation. This time her three boss’s will be behind her to clear her name. Zeke has always wanted Fi to be his and now is his chance to prove to her the kind of man he is behind his mask. Plot keeps you on edge with secrets, chemistry, misjudgments, danger, banter, sweetness, humor, an evil ex, spicy moments, resilience, intrigue, justice and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When fiona gets accused of another crime that's similar to one shebwas accused of before she has to put her trust in the one man she doesn't, Zeke. Zeke had been drawn to fiona butbshe always gave him the cold shoulder but now shes in trpubkeband he will get to the bottom of it and keep her safe, but can he get his girl too? Well written steamy desires drama and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I liked the way Fiona's opinion of Zeke changed the more she got to know him and how Zeke was able to use that connection to open up about his past. That they were able to do all of that at the same time they were trying to clear Fiona's name, is an added bonus. The storyline was believable and I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. This was a perfect ending to the King Security series and I look forward to what A. Rivers comes up with next!

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of King's Security starring Zeke Watts and Fiona. WOW talk about a ride and dangerous filled ride. I was sure one of the detectives was in on it, you will never believe all the ways this story turns and the secrets behind all this trouble. I cannot believe this series ends with this story. I so want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written romantic suspense with strong characters in Zeke and Fiona. The author does a great job developing the story and building the tension. She pulled me in with all the action, adds in some humor and a steamy chemistry. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Evy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story captures your attention and you want to know what happens next, who’s in on it, what will happen… this one was no other. I’m so sad this was the last one in the King’s series, I really loved this series. Fiona is this strong and fiery reedhead, she’s Ronan’s personal assistant and good friends with Sage and Willow. Zeke on the other hand is the funny and strong guy but a bit secretive about his past. Together they complete each other and they are pure fire. I really thought that one of detectives was part of the scheme.
The ending was beautiful and funny at the same time.
I’m going to miss this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant build up of sexual tension, mixed with suspense and intrigue. The story line is brilliant, I was hooked not only on the budding romance, but the actual cause of bringing Zeke and Fiona together.

If you enjoy suspense romance, slow build, steam, dual pov writing, drama, "undercover agents", alpha males, strong willed females, HEAs then you'll enjoy this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona and Zeke are MAGIC together! He is so gone for her; from the get-go you know the "I just like getting a rise out of her" is really much, much more. And really, she can't explain why she doesn't like him and instead finds more and more about him to like. Their banter is fantastic and the heat is off the charts. They bring out the best in each other and I am here for it! Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two were hilarious together. Their banter with one another was fabulous and definitely made the book fun. I liked how she came around to him, but man, the chemistry between these two was sizzling!! To have two people who can have fun like this and still have the outrageous chemistry makes me vote for them to become a couple. It was a really enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TELA666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really liked this, the final book in the Kings Security Trilogy. We finally see Zeke as more than than closed off but flirty, assumed playboy of the office. Fiona was strong but jaded and it took her a while to understand her instant dislike to Zeke.
The art crime is well written, not forced or overly dramatic and their relationship develops during the investigation at a realistic pace. This was a great end to the series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona and Zeke. Hes a former spy turned security and shes being framed. She doesnt trust him but she needs him. He has trust issues. Shes had a rough past and thinks her ex is involved. Zeke doesnt do the field work but for Fiona...He'll do anything. What can I say...steam, adventure, danger, and did I say steam. You'll love this book. I promise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona was a suspect I an art robbery but her guilt wasn’t proven. Now, another piece of art has gone missing and Fiona is once again a suspect.
Zeke has been attracted to Fiona and will do anything to prove her innocence. They spend time together and true feelings are revealed but what will happen when the real culprits are set on Fiona taking the fall? A good story and different.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke has intrigued me from book 1. Abit of mystery with a hint of sadness. He absolutely melts my heart. Fifi definitely was put through a wringer & you feel the need for justice. Romance, suspense, intensity all wrapped up in this final book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spy by A. Rivers is a romantic suspense with a HEA in her King’s Security series. I loved the first 2 books in this series, but by far, this is my favorite!!! There is so much tension, action, humor, & steamy romance all woven seamlessly into an incredibly well-written story. You cannot go wrong with anything written by Ms. Rivers!

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get to read Zeke's story and understand why he is like he is. He however is the last person that she expects to want to clear her name. As they continue to spend time together, she starts to see the real person.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.