Ravens: A Tripoli Duet

by R.M. McDonald

As an asset of the Raven Program, Tripoli has been exposed to an endless stream of valuable intelligence and, what a Raven doesn’t come by honestly, they steal. Considered one of the Agency’s most effective Ravens, Tripoli has hung on the arms of spies and diplomats alike, being whatever they want her to be while she carries out her own objective.

But when Tripoli is assigned to play the role of “wife” to the enigmatic British agent, York, things get off to a tense start. Not only is he gorgeous, but he isn’t like any other spy she’s worked with before. Sucked into his aura of arrogant charm, Tripoli is blind to the red flags of the assignment, and him. As his charm and her patience wear thin, though, Tripoli discovers that York’s real mission is her.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

Reviews

[Valisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of military novels, plot twists, intrigue, and suspense, this is exactly what you need. There is a nod to the same TV series and movies about agents😎.

In fact, for a significant part of the book, I just couldn't put the whole plot together and came up with a dozen theories, but... I was still surprised at the end, but I really liked it. The main character is exactly the kind of strong woman we love to read about. I really liked how the author immerses you in this world by describing even the smallest details.

Thanks' booksirens for the opportunity to read this book<3

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ devoured this!! So fucking clever!! Mr and Mrs Smith vibes with a mental plot twist 🔥

[Beth Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

If you love suspense, spies, mystery, plot twists, and fast-burning romance, then this book is for you. As a lover of the TV show 'The Night Agent' and the film 'Mr and Mrs Smith', I highly recommend this book.

Not only are you in for a wild ride with the spice in this book but also for the shocking cliffhanger. This book is so hard to put down, with the small chapter length and wanting to know what happens next. The spice is amazing, the perfect amount where it doesn't distract from the main plot.

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

[Lauriane McPhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! It got me hooked from the start.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me in a chokehold from the beginning. Devoured it in one day. The ending had me questioning everything tbh! Am I the only one??? lol

[Gabrielle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravens à Tripoli Duet is a book that doesn't give you a moment's rest. From the very first pages, the plot grabs you, and unless you have a strong willpower, it becomes hard to put down. The author excels at building palpable tension throughout the story, especially through the interactions between Trip and York. Their relationship, marked by a subtle blend of love and fear, is well serve with the sexual tension and sex scene.

What I particularly enjoyed was the way the plot unfolds. Every twist in the story took me by surprise, and the author manages to twist the plot in ways that kept me guessing about what would happen next. The unexpected turns make the reading experience even more captivating.

Overall, Ravens à Tripoli Duet is a book rich in emotions, suspense, and surprises. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrilling stories with deep characters and an unpredictable plot.

[Caroline Lapensee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven - A Bold, Sultry Exploration of Romance and Mystery

Adventures is an exciting and provocative blend of adventure, romance, and smut, a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat while exploring the boundaries of passion.

The story follows Tripoli on a journey through exotic locales, dangerous encounters, and thrilling escapades, where the lines between love, lust, and danger blur. The plot is rich with twists and turns, offering moments of high-octane adventure alongside intimate, steamy encounters that will leave readers breathless. The romantic chemistry between the characters is electric, and the scenes are unapologetically sensual, blending erotica with suspense in an alluring way.

While the book is undeniably sultry, it never sacrifices character development or plot for mere titillation. The author does a fantastic job of weaving a narrative that pulls readers into Tripoli and York world, making them feel as if they are right there alongside her, navigating both peril and passion.

However, it’s important to note that the book doesn’t shy away from explicit content. For readers who enjoy steamy romances, the sizzling scenes will hit all the right notes.

Overall, Adventures is a compelling read for fans of erotic adventure fiction. It’s an unforgettable ride full of thrilling action and undeniable passion, making it a must-read for those who like their books bold, sultry, and packed with intrigue.

[Beth WOLLENBERG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravens R.M. McDonald

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️


🎧✨ Just finished Ravens: A Tripoli Duet by R.M. McDonald and WOW. This book had everything—espionage, danger, sizzling tension, and two characters I couldn’t get enough of. Tripoli is sharp, fearless, and captivating, and York… let’s just say his arrogant charm had me hooked from the start.

The chemistry between Tripoli and York crackles with intensity. Their banter, mistrust, and undeniable pull kept me on the edge of my seat just as much as the espionage-driven plot. Every layer revealed made me more invested, and the twists had me second-guessing everything I thought I knew.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dani Soleil and it was phenomenal. She brought the story to life in such a vivid, immersive way—one of those performances that makes you feel every twist and turn. Highly recommend grabbing the audio if you can!

[BookishRaquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️ | 4 🎧

RTC

What to Expect:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Enemies with Benefits
- Grumpy/Grumpy
- Secret Identity
- Forced Proximity
- Spies, Secrets & Betrayal
- Suspense
- Plot Twists
- Touch Her and D!e
- Stabby/Badass FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Cliffhanger
- Single POV
- Solo Narration

Narrator: Dani Soleil

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ravens: A Tripoli Duet (Book 1)
by R.M. McDonald
⭐️ 3.75 stars
Thank you to the lovely author for the digital ARC!

🎯 “Trust is a weapon. And babe, in this game? Everyone’s armed.” 🎯

Tripoli, my slippery little spy queen, I salute you. This book hit me with the chaotic energy of The Night Agent, spiked with a twist of Mr. & Mrs. Smith and one hell of a smoking gun 🕵🏼‍♀️❤️‍🔥💣

If you're here for romance, betrayal, and a plot with more switchbacks than a mountain pass -congrats babe, you just stepped into the Raven Program.

• What I Liked
• Tripoli: lethal, luscious, and emotionally locked down 🔐💄
• York: British. Arrogant. Dangerously hot. Say less 🇬🇧🍸
• Spies, lies, and oh-so-many secrets 🕶️📜
• Chapters short enough to trick me into reading 40 in one sitting 😩📖
• Fast-burn enemies-with-benefits tension that flares FAST and hot 🌡️🔥
• Spice level: enough to fog your sunglasses but not derail the mission 😏🌶️
• The cliffhanger??? Not cool. I mean -YES- but also… NO 😭

• What Didn’t Hit as Hard
• Felt slightly adrift for like... 70% of this ride 🛫⛓️
• Love triangle peeking around the corner like 👀
• Can I trust anyone??? Do I trust myself for loving this??

TROPES / THEMES
• Enemies with benefits 💔➡️🔥
• Fake marriage / forced proximity 💍🛏️
• Spycraft, secrets, and government shadows 🧬🕵️
• “I was sent to betray you, but oops I caught feelings” 💘😵
• Plot twists that slap you mid-page 🧠🔪
• Political intrigue with bear-related chaos 🐻❓
• Touch her and you’ll disappear 🔫

Final Thoughts:
Ravens gave me jet-setting espionage, passion and paranoia, and a heroine who knows how to weaponize a glance. It’s sharp, sexy, and slippery as hell.

Would I recommend it?
💣 YES, if you want romance tangled in razor wire.
💣 YES, if you enjoy being betrayed by both characters and plot twists.
💣 YES, if you don’t mind yelling “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!” into the void around chapter 27.

Am I already preparing for Book 2? Babe, I’m halfway to the bunker with a forged passport and a burner phone. Let's finish this mission 💋🖤

Erie (definitely not falling for the enemy... probably) OUT 🧨🕶️💄

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank R.M McDonald for the opportunity to Arc read Ravens A Tripoli Duet for the exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

If you like spies, mystery, suspense, plot twists and fast burn romance with tension I would recommend reading this book. Jason Bourne meets, Jake Ryan meets The Night Agent.

I felt like I was on the edge of my seat reading this book the action starts off right from the beginning of the book and doesn’t stop until the end where yes there is a cliff hanger. I felt lost for nearly 75% of this book trying to figure out where this story was heading but with all the twists and turns I didn’t stand a chance. Even by the end of the book I’m still not convinced what I read is really what is going to be happening. I clearly have trust issues with this story 😂.

❤️‍🔥Enemies with Benefits
❤️‍🔥fast burn romance
❤️‍🔥Forced proximity
❤️‍🔥suspense
❤️‍🔥plot twists
❤️‍🔥cliffhanger
❤️‍🔥Spies/contract killers/corruption/politcal intrigue and ‘bears Oh my’ seriously there is bear.

This has a lot of spice (starts within the first few chapters) but maintains the plot. I didn’t feel the plot got lost within the spice which was nice. I typically like more of slow burn romance but the enemies with benefits fits the story line.

By the end of the book we are heading into love triangle/why choose territory which I’m not usually a fan of but I’m interested in seeing how it plays out my curiosity is peaked and if she must end up with one over the other as it sits I would pick the one that comes into the picture later on in the story, I just felt there was more tension between him and the FMC. Although I don’t trust either men at this point and I feel like I’m being played.

I can’t give a lot a way without ruining the plot and the twists that come along with the story.

Can’t wait for the conclusion of this story and how it will all play out.

Rating 3.75⭐️
Spice 3.5 🌶️

The book will be available April 2nd.

[Kelly Domonkos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on tight, you’re in for a wild ride.

By the end I was on the edge of my seat and excited for the next ride to start. Cliff hanger ? I’ll never tell. It’s a secret, much like our epic female lead is no stranger to. Find out for yourself - you won’t regret this action filled, steamy adventurous read.

The author has such a talent for making the spice just as hot as the plot and what fed that fire was what you didn’t see coming. You think it’s going to be predictable romance but is as much of a mind game and unpredictable as the characters. Tripoli is no princess. She’s a mastermind, a vault, Pandora’s box and as the story builds as does the tension between her and the hot grumpy agent York. Did I mention York has some fun “friends”.

Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets 007 but with a dash of forced proximity, a sprinkle of enemy’s to lovers, some wait - What?!, a dump of PLOT TWIST and that extra mind game as the cherry on top. Oh and the spice …chefs kiss.

Complex characters, passion, dangerous encounters but not without a few good laughs. This book could have been a one night read if life wasn’t so busy because I was in so deep. Yeehaw , can’t wait for the next one !!

Note : explicit content, possible mild trigger warnings.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥🔥

If you want plot twists that you did not see coming....read this!

Emotions throughout the book: 🤨😏🧐😳🤔🫣🤯

I legit could not tell you what I expected because, I did not the twists, and they were throughout the book, not just at the end. Trip was such a bådåss, and I still don't know exactly who she is. I feel like there are definitely still some things to discover that will happen in the second book. York was also a very interesting character, and had a lot of mystery around himself as well.

I can't say much or I will feel like I may spoil the plot. So all I need to say is if you are into spy books, intrigue, and a lot of mystery with revenge, then pick up this book. Mind the cliff, because you're gonna want to know more.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Spies and Intrigue
✅ Betrayal
✅ Secret Identity
✅ Single POV
✅ Captor/Captive
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ Cliff

***I was given this as an ARC for free and writing a review voluntary. All opinions are my own.***

[Jade Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin!
As a newbie to this genre, I had no idea what to expect but wow what a pleasant surprise.
I felt like I was in the story myself, so often turning the pages so quickly to see what would be next.
I found the main character Tripoli very relatable in many aspects (that I don’t want to give away) and I absolutely loved being able to read this from her perspective.

There were so many moments where I was in shock and some of the surprises definitely weren’t how I thought they would turn out!
This is a book you definitely won’t be able to put down and will likely read in record time like did, I HAD to know what would happen next.
I also quite enjoyed that the chapters were short and to the point.
It was spicy enough that my heartbeat would race but not so raunchy to the point that I felt I couldn’t read it in the presence of my children lol.
I also found myself giggling and blushing!

My only complaint about this read is that I’m sad it’s over and I can’t wait for the next one!!


Well done R.M. McDonald 👏

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit this isn't my usual type of book but once I started I just couldn't stop reading. The story is a little bit all over and a little hard to follow and know who is to be trusted. Tripoli is good at not letting people in she knows to much to trust anybody. When she's sent on assignment and something is off, she knows somethings not right. Meeting York is a shock to say the least he's not what she expected. From here on out nothing is what's he thinks but she's still keeping her secret to herself. The attraction between her and York is undeniable but can she really trust him. This story just keeps you guessing. When you think you've worked it out something else happens that makes you doubt everything. Can Trip really trust York. If you enjoy a good thriller along with a lot of spice than this could be for you. Except you will be like me eager for book two

[Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dnf’d this at 86%. I usually don’t rate books I DNF but I was almost done with it so I feel like I should be able to because I’m so annoyed. Although this book was a little confusing because literally nothing is like ever explained I was looooving it.

But then

SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD…..

York gets shot and all a sudden Tripoli has a thing for his friend/associate thing while the man is passed out after being shot. Nowhere is it mentioned this would be a love triangle/why choose and I don’t read those, they just aren’t for me. Even in the authors note in the beginning, it says it’s a complete rewrite of Tripoli and York and the story they were meant to have. So even if they end up together, she’s still a pos for leaving yorks side while injured to go frolicking with someone else. I’m pissed lol

[Robyn McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just getting back into reading, and when I heard this book was packed with action with some racy smut, I had to pick it up.

It was amazing! Unlike some smut-heavy books that lack plot or storyline, I was quickly immersed in the story and eager to find out what happened next. The characters felt like they stepped out of an action movie—while not exactly relatable, they have that grit, attitude, skills, and bravery you might fantasize about.
I really appreciated that the steamy scenes were thoughtful and well-placed, not just thrown in randomly.

The twists near the end kept me on my toes, and I can’t wait to dive into the second book!

If you enjoy James Bond style action with a strong female lead, morally grey characters, and plenty of racy scenes, this book is definitely for you.

5 stars—no question.

[James Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and If you like spies and spice this is for you. Fast paced, complex characters, TONS of action (all kinds ;P) only reason I didn't give it 5 stars i sit felt a little rushed. I expected twists but definitely didn't see all of them ahead of time, which in my opinion is good writing in this genre. Tripoli is an interesting character that in hundreds of books I have NEVER met before. Looking forward to getting to know her more. Thank you R.M. for something different to read! Only reason I didn't read it in one sitting was work deadlines. Absolutely LOVE the cover art as well.

I understand the next book is twice the length so am looking forward to things getting fleshed out a little bit more. (pun intended)

[Jennifer Paradis · Rating 4 out of 5]

the twists and turns that this boom took had my hanging on from page one. I enjoyed that the main character was a strong female. although she had her moments of the stereotypical female she is a badass and took everything in stride. so many things I wish I had the strength for. definitely I nice way to live vicariously through the writing. I think it flowed well from beginning to end, I was left on a cliff hanger that is going to be living in my head rent free until the second book is released. (heck I'm posting this review before this book is even released. Ravens will be released in April according to R.M. Mcdonald). if you like spies, danger etc Ravens is a good choice to add to your library.

[Kristen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and I couldn't put it down despite a crazy busy work week. It was my go-to for "me time" to get lost in the story and characters. Tripoli and other characters, not named so as not to spoil some of the twists, have great depth and some unexpectedness to them. I was always wondering what was going to happen next and was off a few times on how I thought the book would play out, but that definitely added to the enjoyment factor. Lots of great plot twists and enjoyed the back and forth between Trip and York. Definitely added to the spice in this book. Great read and can't wait for the next book!

[BLUNTBOOKREVIEW · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars This is a fast based novel, with a ton of twists and turns. The book starts out a little confusing at first with a lot of information coming at you thats made clear later. The spicy scenes were hot, the first one was realistic as a scratch an itch kinda hook up. The second one for me felt a bit forced for the sake of spice. The ones following flowed well.

This book was a fun quick read, think Mr. and Mrs Smith or the twists of oceans 11.

The characters development was good, and kept you reading to see how it played out. Holy cliffhanger at the end!

I received my copy as an ARC to review.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of suspense, spies, plot twists, danger and a fast burn romance.

It took me a while to get into with the amount of information at the beginning and took me a minute to figure out where the plot was going. I enjoyed the strong female character, she’s one heck of a baddie! The banter I have to say are my favorite parts in this book. The steaminess takes off pretty quickly and is HOT! There was a lot of action and tension, some parts I was at the edge of my seat. There were twists and turns throughout which I didn’t see coming. This was a pretty quick read once I got going. And be prepared for that cliffhanger! Wasn’t ready for that one!
*3.75/5

[Lisa McRoberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this book has got it all😍🥵
-SPIES
-badass FMC
-enemies to lovers
-hot banter
-possessive MMC
-SPIIIIIICEE
-grumpy x grumpy
-breeding kink
-one last trope that i will not spoil for everyone but ONE OF MY ALLTIME FAVES

It's like Mr and Mrs. Smith meets Black Widow. It's crazy fast paced and there's danger around every corner. Our FMC, Trip, is clever and witty and always observing. The ending absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible, I was laughing, I was scared, and I couldn't put it down. I devoured this book and cannot wait until book two!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I need book 2 like yesterday! I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns, information being trickled, and knowing you can’t really trust what anyone says. I was pretty surprised by the twist at the end, even though I shouldn’t have been. I do truly enjoy the main female character, and can’t help but be envious of her while simultaneously feeling bad for her. This will keep you on your toes and second guessing what you think you know!.

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

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really messed with my head. Just when I thought the book was going one way, it went in an entirely different direction. The ending had me confused and hopeful at the same time.

I loved Tripoli's character; she was feisty from page one. Most of these types of books have timid female main characters with dominant male main characters and I found myself enjoying the dynamic.

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

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I honestly didn't have high hopes. Then I found myself letting the AI read it for me while I was driving or doing housework and realized I was deep in it. The names at the beginning weren't really my thing but it worked for the characters. This book really is phenomenal with the right amount of spice. Recommend highly. Hot spies. Awesome female bad ass lead. Loved it. Can't wait for part 2 bc yes it's a cliffhanger

[Jess Vanchoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

This was a really enjoyable suspenseful romance novel. The FMC is complex and interesting, and I loved how the character’s secrets were slowly revealed through the book. The plot feels clever and fresh to me, and something about the prose just really hit for me as well.

This is definitely a spicy read. Is it is bit over done? Maybe, but it felt like it aligned with the character development, so I wasn’t mad at it.

Looking forward to book 2 of this duet.

[Ian Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. It was fabulous. Spicy and actioned-packed. This year I read/listened to all of the popular romance/action series with the faeries and the dragons. Ravens was better action, character development, and flaming hot scenes to make a person blush and flush. 5 stars for this indi Canadian author. Looking forward to the sequel (the same narrator is signed up to do the voice acting and she's fabulous too).

[Kelci · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️- Ok this was SUCH A RIDE. Fast paced and intoxicating. I don’t know what’s up and what’s down. I thoroughly enjoy the idea that nothing is safe and no one is who you think they are. This started with so many Mr and Mrs Smith vibes and eventually I felt like I was watching The Blacklist with all the twists and turns and other plays happening within plays. It was so well done. LOVED THIS, can’t wait to finish this duet…

📱: KindleUnlimited

[Brent Johner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart. Sexy. Action packed. Fun from cover to cover. Font and paper selection made the physical book a pleasure to read. Chapters were short and punchy -- allowing me to read long or short, depending on the time I had available. The minimalist style adopted by the author kept driving the story forward from one scene to the next. Pacing was perfect. Tripoli was relatable and memorable.