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Spies, Lies, and Alibis
They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope.
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.
Then he walks back into her life.
Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.
The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide. Now, they're both keeping dangerous secrets--and working dangerously close to blowing each other's cover.
Forced to work together to stop a catastrophic deal that could arm America's enemies, Cybil and Ben must face ruthless criminals, hidden agendas, and the ghosts of their past. Trust is a luxury they can't afford--but love? That just might be their undoing.
The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.
Then he walks back into her life.
Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.
The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide. Now, they're both keeping dangerous secrets--and working dangerously close to blowing each other's cover.
Forced to work together to stop a catastrophic deal that could arm America's enemies, Cybil and Ben must face ruthless criminals, hidden agendas, and the ghosts of their past. Trust is a luxury they can't afford--but love? That just might be their undoing.
The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Natalie Walters
17 books1,316 followersMy world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,298 reviews
May 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐
I did like this overall, it was plot-driven, full of action and entertaining, but I wish the romance took a more prominent role. It was much more background than I think it should've been, which made me lose interest at certain times..
Cybil has been working for a real estate mogul, collecting information of his crimes silently.. He's in the middle of a deal with Lorenzo Ramírez, a dangerous and powerful man and it's her job to find out what they are planning. Her mission gets interrupted, her first love walks into her life again and her job is about get a lot more dangerous. Ben is right in the middle of the deal, working as a financial adviser, but he's working undercover too and seeing the girl who broke his heart again is about to complicate his job even more.. They're both on a mission, pretending, keeping secrets and old feelings are returning..
Cybil was driven and strong, I loved how she never let fear or anxiety stop her, she never backed down from anything. She was ready to do everything in her power to get the job done. She was also too clumsy and found herself in far too many hilarious situations for someone who was supposed to blend in, it was highly entertaining.
Ben was such a great character, I loved him. He knew how to play the game and I love how protective he was of Cybil, even when he didn't know the whole story. He saw the real Cybil, always.
I loved all the secondary characters, they made the story so much better. Ben's grandmother was my favourite character though, she's an icon.
Ben and Cybil were perfect for each other and while we did get a few little glimpses into their past, it wasn't enough.. I wish we got more romance, more of them. I really liked them together, so I feel like their story shouldn't have been in the background.. Don't get me wrong, I loved the plot, this is my favourite type of story, but I wish the romance was more prominent, while still maintaining the action part of the story. We got some great moments with them, but because the conflict was dragged so much, we never got the payout that was needed. There was absolutely no reason to leave the conversation about their true roles so last minute.. I, personally, didn't like that at all. It made me so frustrated and angry, I just feel like we should've gotten them working together, as a team, sooner. It would've made it so much better, more fun and it would've made their connection stronger.. I normally read books very fast, but I lost interest in this story a few times and that impacted my enjoyment..
I still had a great time, even if I didn't get everything I needed from the story.
The ending is what made me give that half star, it was actually a great conclusion, it lessened my frustration and made me happy!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
I did like this overall, it was plot-driven, full of action and entertaining, but I wish the romance took a more prominent role. It was much more background than I think it should've been, which made me lose interest at certain times..
Cybil has been working for a real estate mogul, collecting information of his crimes silently.. He's in the middle of a deal with Lorenzo Ramírez, a dangerous and powerful man and it's her job to find out what they are planning. Her mission gets interrupted, her first love walks into her life again and her job is about get a lot more dangerous. Ben is right in the middle of the deal, working as a financial adviser, but he's working undercover too and seeing the girl who broke his heart again is about to complicate his job even more.. They're both on a mission, pretending, keeping secrets and old feelings are returning..
Cybil was driven and strong, I loved how she never let fear or anxiety stop her, she never backed down from anything. She was ready to do everything in her power to get the job done. She was also too clumsy and found herself in far too many hilarious situations for someone who was supposed to blend in, it was highly entertaining.
Ben was such a great character, I loved him. He knew how to play the game and I love how protective he was of Cybil, even when he didn't know the whole story. He saw the real Cybil, always.
I loved all the secondary characters, they made the story so much better. Ben's grandmother was my favourite character though, she's an icon.
Ben and Cybil were perfect for each other and while we did get a few little glimpses into their past, it wasn't enough.. I wish we got more romance, more of them. I really liked them together, so I feel like their story shouldn't have been in the background.. Don't get me wrong, I loved the plot, this is my favourite type of story, but I wish the romance was more prominent, while still maintaining the action part of the story. We got some great moments with them, but because the conflict was dragged so much, we never got the payout that was needed. There was absolutely no reason to leave the conversation about their true roles so last minute.. I, personally, didn't like that at all. It made me so frustrated and angry, I just feel like we should've gotten them working together, as a team, sooner. It would've made it so much better, more fun and it would've made their connection stronger.. I normally read books very fast, but I lost interest in this story a few times and that impacted my enjoyment..
I still had a great time, even if I didn't get everything I needed from the story.
The ending is what made me give that half star, it was actually a great conclusion, it lessened my frustration and made me happy!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
June 8, 2026
I kept going back and forth on how to rate this. On one hand, I really did enjoyed and was immersed in the plot, but then the some of the characters and the situations that they were in were so genuinely ridiculous—like bonkers ridiculous that it really took me out of the story and had me slapping my forehead and rolling my eyes.
But let's start with what I actually ended up enjoying. The writing. Even though I didn't necessarily like some of the characters and plot, I did enjoy the writing. It had great cadence and was easily digestible which helped a lot considering some of the ridiculous shenanigans I was reading. Moving on , I loved the little romance plot towards the end. It was exactly what this book needed and really helped tie everything together. Next, I will admit that some of this book was laugh out loud funny. But the other part....I was cringing left and right.
It was really hard for me to root for the main character Cybil. I wanted to so badly. But she was just so clumsy and a bit too ditzy for me. I think in an attempt to be humorous, the author made the main character of fool of herself. She was constantly tripping over things and running into things and causing general mayhem. It was funny the first few times, but as a continuous theme in the book, it got old very quickly.
What redeemed this book for me was Ben. Bless his heart he was the saving grace for this mess. I looked forward to his perspective and he brought the calm to this book's storm.
I had the privilege to listen to the audiobook version and I would like to say that the narrators did a fantastic job. I especially loved the male narrator, he matched Ben perfectly and the narrator for Cybil did a great job as well. They definitely added to the story instead of taking away from it.
This book lands solidly in the 3 star area. Some parts were definitely problematic, but you can easily look past them and have a fun time.
*Thanks NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
But let's start with what I actually ended up enjoying. The writing. Even though I didn't necessarily like some of the characters and plot, I did enjoy the writing. It had great cadence and was easily digestible which helped a lot considering some of the ridiculous shenanigans I was reading. Moving on , I loved the little romance plot towards the end. It was exactly what this book needed and really helped tie everything together. Next, I will admit that some of this book was laugh out loud funny. But the other part....I was cringing left and right.
It was really hard for me to root for the main character Cybil. I wanted to so badly. But she was just so clumsy and a bit too ditzy for me. I think in an attempt to be humorous, the author made the main character of fool of herself. She was constantly tripping over things and running into things and causing general mayhem. It was funny the first few times, but as a continuous theme in the book, it got old very quickly.
What redeemed this book for me was Ben. Bless his heart he was the saving grace for this mess. I looked forward to his perspective and he brought the calm to this book's storm.
I had the privilege to listen to the audiobook version and I would like to say that the narrators did a fantastic job. I especially loved the male narrator, he matched Ben perfectly and the narrator for Cybil did a great job as well. They definitely added to the story instead of taking away from it.
This book lands solidly in the 3 star area. Some parts were definitely problematic, but you can easily look past them and have a fun time.
*Thanks NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
જ⁀➴ 𝟐.𝟓𝟎₊˚⊹🕵 𝟙𝟚/𝟚𝟞/𝟚𝟝—𝟙𝟚/𝟛𝟘/𝟚𝟝
it really does pain me to give an ARC such a low rating (especially since I’ve only had amazing luck with them in the past)—but i guess we just can’t like every book 😭.
this wasn’t a bad book at all—but just incredibly boring for me. i found myself demotivated to pick up the book and the romance was so dry.
before you pick this up, please note that it’s not a romance. it’s much more of a mystery and spy centered book that is falsely marketed as an undercover romance. this personally made it incredibly boring for me and quite underwhelming.
i’m not going to say that it’s a book I wouldn’t recommend, as you could definitely LOVE this if you enjoy spies and undercover work (which I normally do, but for me it was just not doing it for me in this book). 😭 please don’t go into this expecting a cute second chance romance however as that is not focused on whatsoever (despite the blurbs).
thank you to Netgalley for this arc—opinions are all my own!! 🧡
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟓𝟎
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟐.𝟓𝟎 🧡
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
🧡 spy romance
🕵 forced proximity
🧡 second chance romance
🕵 secret identities
🧡 low spice
🕵 undercover agents
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
trying to get all the arcs in before my huge Amazon order comes in 🤭 (20+ books… and 3 new bookshelves!)
this cover looks so good and the description is giving “Mr and Mrs smith” 👀🖤!! this looks like such a fun read and it’s second chance romance with a mix of spying!!
it really does pain me to give an ARC such a low rating (especially since I’ve only had amazing luck with them in the past)—but i guess we just can’t like every book 😭.
this wasn’t a bad book at all—but just incredibly boring for me. i found myself demotivated to pick up the book and the romance was so dry.
before you pick this up, please note that it’s not a romance. it’s much more of a mystery and spy centered book that is falsely marketed as an undercover romance. this personally made it incredibly boring for me and quite underwhelming.
i’m not going to say that it’s a book I wouldn’t recommend, as you could definitely LOVE this if you enjoy spies and undercover work (which I normally do, but for me it was just not doing it for me in this book). 😭 please don’t go into this expecting a cute second chance romance however as that is not focused on whatsoever (despite the blurbs).
thank you to Netgalley for this arc—opinions are all my own!! 🧡
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟒.𝟓𝟎
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟐.𝟓𝟎 🧡
╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
🧡 spy romance
🕵 forced proximity
🧡 second chance romance
🕵 secret identities
🧡 low spice
🕵 undercover agents
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
trying to get all the arcs in before my huge Amazon order comes in 🤭 (20+ books… and 3 new bookshelves!)
this cover looks so good and the description is giving “Mr and Mrs smith” 👀🖤!! this looks like such a fun read and it’s second chance romance with a mix of spying!!
January 3, 2026
[arc review] I’m stuck on what to rate this—so I’m settling on 3.5 stars rounded down.
‘spies, lies, and alibis’ is an action-packed spy novel that will have you saying ‘one more chapter’ until you find yourself finishing it in one sitting!
I will start off by saying I did enjoy reading this, and the premise of the book is what drew me in—I just wish it was written solely in cybil’s pov. the added mystery of cybil reuniting with ben when he’s using an alias would’ve meant for a fantastic reveal in the final quarter.
for future readers: I want to add that while this is marketed as a romance, it’s definitely plot driven and the romance is tucked in the background—and it isn’t the driving force of the story. I didn’t mind it, and liked it relied more on the plot than the romance, but understand that isn’t for everyone!
overall this was a great read, and I definitely want to read more from this author in the future!
thank you thomas nelson fiction for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
‘spies, lies, and alibis’ is an action-packed spy novel that will have you saying ‘one more chapter’ until you find yourself finishing it in one sitting!
I will start off by saying I did enjoy reading this, and the premise of the book is what drew me in—I just wish it was written solely in cybil’s pov. the added mystery of cybil reuniting with ben when he’s using an alias would’ve meant for a fantastic reveal in the final quarter.
for future readers: I want to add that while this is marketed as a romance, it’s definitely plot driven and the romance is tucked in the background—and it isn’t the driving force of the story. I didn’t mind it, and liked it relied more on the plot than the romance, but understand that isn’t for everyone!
overall this was a great read, and I definitely want to read more from this author in the future!
thank you thomas nelson fiction for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, I'll admit to it. I was bored and trolling NetGalley. This is totally an impulse ARC request, but you have to admit - that is a cute cover. And it was classed as "Mystery & Thrillers, Romance" My catnip classification. I really enjoyed the plot: slow burn second chance romance with spy intrigue. Cybil, the heroine, was just plain annoying at times. But Ben, the hero, was a delight and his grandmother was a hoot. This is one of those genre bending books. I'm not really sure how to classify it. Suspense, clean contemporary romance, humor, it has all those elements. I found several plot points vague and wasn't sure If Cybil was working with a white hat agency or what. I felt the tension as both Cybil and Ben were basically working toward the same purpose, bringing down the nasty baddies, but came close to mucking it up for each other.
Cybil Langford has struggled with her mother's ADHD all her life having to be the adult in their relationship a lot of the time. She doesn't trust easily and that has a lot to do with her mother trusting the wrong people and she has turned that into a burning passion to get the scum that preys on those weaker. She is working undercover for a man, Mr. Edmonds, she wants to help a mysterious agency bring down.
Ben Bradley is an FBI agent who has worked undercover for over a year infiltrating the organization of Lorenzo Ramirez, a real nasty piece of work. Ben's cover is as a financial wizard to the extremely rich and criminally corrupt. He is really close to obtaining the information he needs to shut down Ramierz's operation.
Edmonds and Ramirez are cooking up a billion-dollar deal and that puts Cybil and Ben on a collision course that has them unsure just who the other really is. But their teen past has each of them thinking that this adult version just can't be real. They just need to figure it out before it's too late.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Cybil Langford has struggled with her mother's ADHD all her life having to be the adult in their relationship a lot of the time. She doesn't trust easily and that has a lot to do with her mother trusting the wrong people and she has turned that into a burning passion to get the scum that preys on those weaker. She is working undercover for a man, Mr. Edmonds, she wants to help a mysterious agency bring down.
Ben Bradley is an FBI agent who has worked undercover for over a year infiltrating the organization of Lorenzo Ramirez, a real nasty piece of work. Ben's cover is as a financial wizard to the extremely rich and criminally corrupt. He is really close to obtaining the information he needs to shut down Ramierz's operation.
Edmonds and Ramirez are cooking up a billion-dollar deal and that puts Cybil and Ben on a collision course that has them unsure just who the other really is. But their teen past has each of them thinking that this adult version just can't be real. They just need to figure it out before it's too late.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
May 19, 2026
“I’ll play along. Because I need this paycheck. And maybe—just maybe—I need to know who Ben Bradley really is and why after all these years, and against every ounce of logic, my heart is doing that ridiculous, traitorous skip when he’s near me.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and a review was not required.
Cybil Langford has spent years working undercover in a polished corporate world tied to a dangerous criminal network. Ben Bradley is deep undercover with the FBI, infiltrating the same world from a different angle. Neither expects to run into each other again—especially not at a high-stakes gala where secrets, lies, and danger collide.
But the biggest complication? They were each other’s first love… and maybe their last chance at something real.
How do we get more books like this??
I have been following Natalie Walters for YEARS, and this book still blew me away. The blend of romantic suspense, humor, danger, and emotional tension is practically perfect.
I carried this book everywhere with me—there was no putting it down. It’s fast-paced, twisty, hilarious, and completely addictive. Think just the right mix of James Bond chaos and Austin Powers humor, but make it clean, swoony, and full of heart.
I laughed, I held my breath, I highlighted SO many sections (seriously—Teaser Tuesday material for months). The chemistry, the suspense, the misdirection… all of it works.
And can we talk about the characters? I am fully emotionally attached. Especially the granny. I need a whole spin-off series immediately, thank you very much.
This is one of those rare books that just WORKS—fun, smart, tense, romantic, and impossible to put down. It’s officially landing on my top favorites list for the year.
If you love clean romantic suspense with banter, spies, chaos, and heart—you absolutely need this one.
Available NOW!
Happy Reading📚
Content/Triggers: ADHD representation in side character, mild violence, mentions of weapons and spy accessories, romance—kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and a review was not required.
Cybil Langford has spent years working undercover in a polished corporate world tied to a dangerous criminal network. Ben Bradley is deep undercover with the FBI, infiltrating the same world from a different angle. Neither expects to run into each other again—especially not at a high-stakes gala where secrets, lies, and danger collide.
But the biggest complication? They were each other’s first love… and maybe their last chance at something real.
How do we get more books like this??
I have been following Natalie Walters for YEARS, and this book still blew me away. The blend of romantic suspense, humor, danger, and emotional tension is practically perfect.
I carried this book everywhere with me—there was no putting it down. It’s fast-paced, twisty, hilarious, and completely addictive. Think just the right mix of James Bond chaos and Austin Powers humor, but make it clean, swoony, and full of heart.
I laughed, I held my breath, I highlighted SO many sections (seriously—Teaser Tuesday material for months). The chemistry, the suspense, the misdirection… all of it works.
And can we talk about the characters? I am fully emotionally attached. Especially the granny. I need a whole spin-off series immediately, thank you very much.
This is one of those rare books that just WORKS—fun, smart, tense, romantic, and impossible to put down. It’s officially landing on my top favorites list for the year.
If you love clean romantic suspense with banter, spies, chaos, and heart—you absolutely need this one.
Available NOW!
Happy Reading📚
Content/Triggers: ADHD representation in side character, mild violence, mentions of weapons and spy accessories, romance—kisses only.
June 16, 2026
3.5 stars
Audiobook narrated by Andrew Eiden; Dominique Salvacion
Once upon a time, they were high school sweethearts. Now, he's an FBI agent working undercover, and she's a spy. Can they maintain their professional facades?
This was such a cute read. While the romance was a little slow to develop, the characters were hilarious, and their antics had me laughing throughout. With dual narration and no spice, it reminded me of the charm and humour of a Sandra Bullock rom-com.
#SpiesLiesAlibis #NetGalley
Publication Date 19/05/26
Goodreads Review 09/06/26
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Audiobook narrated by Andrew Eiden; Dominique Salvacion
Once upon a time, they were high school sweethearts. Now, he's an FBI agent working undercover, and she's a spy. Can they maintain their professional facades?
This was such a cute read. While the romance was a little slow to develop, the characters were hilarious, and their antics had me laughing throughout. With dual narration and no spice, it reminded me of the charm and humour of a Sandra Bullock rom-com.
#SpiesLiesAlibis #NetGalley
Publication Date 19/05/26
Goodreads Review 09/06/26
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 4, 2026
Spies, Lies and Alibis by Natalie Walters
4 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was a lot of fun you guys! I have enjoyed Natalie's books in the past and this was a rom-com twist on romantic suspense! So hilarious, great characters, fun romance, lots of spies and espionage. I needed a book with a lot of laughs and this delivered. Natalie herself is a ball of laughs too, just check out her Instagram :) I could read an entire series of Ben and Cybil together solving crimes! They would be a dynamic duo. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys clean romantic suspense with lots of humor. Lighter romance, mission driven book, loved that ending.
OH, and the audiobook narration is perfection.
About the Book:
Cybil and Ben knew each other years ago as kids and an unexpected mission throws them back in their lives together. Her mission leads her to the path of Lorenzo Ramirez, a crime boss with deadly plans....Ben is undercover with the FBI under an alias as a financial advisor helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target is Lorenzo and this is how he gets caught up with Cybil again. They are forced to work together in this mission and keep their covers under wraps...
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a gifted ebook and audiobook to read/listen to for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was a lot of fun you guys! I have enjoyed Natalie's books in the past and this was a rom-com twist on romantic suspense! So hilarious, great characters, fun romance, lots of spies and espionage. I needed a book with a lot of laughs and this delivered. Natalie herself is a ball of laughs too, just check out her Instagram :) I could read an entire series of Ben and Cybil together solving crimes! They would be a dynamic duo. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys clean romantic suspense with lots of humor. Lighter romance, mission driven book, loved that ending.
OH, and the audiobook narration is perfection.
About the Book:
Cybil and Ben knew each other years ago as kids and an unexpected mission throws them back in their lives together. Her mission leads her to the path of Lorenzo Ramirez, a crime boss with deadly plans....Ben is undercover with the FBI under an alias as a financial advisor helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target is Lorenzo and this is how he gets caught up with Cybil again. They are forced to work together in this mission and keep their covers under wraps...
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a gifted ebook and audiobook to read/listen to for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
tried-it
May 12, 2026dnf @30%
I love adventure romcoms so I was very excited for this one. Conceptually it’s right up my alley but I wanted more romance. I also felt a bit confused trying to keep track of who was who and to what organization they belonged to. Perhaps thats part of the fun of the suspense portion of this book?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced suspense/mystery with a sprinkle of romance this might be a good pick for you!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I love adventure romcoms so I was very excited for this one. Conceptually it’s right up my alley but I wanted more romance. I also felt a bit confused trying to keep track of who was who and to what organization they belonged to. Perhaps thats part of the fun of the suspense portion of this book?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced suspense/mystery with a sprinkle of romance this might be a good pick for you!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
May 29, 2026
Oh my goshhhhh!!!! I had so much fun reading this. Ngl at first I was nervous that the lying would be a big part but I didn’t think it was glorified at all in this book so I definitely liked that. And omg I had so much fun. Natalie Walters’ is one of my favorite romantic suspense novels after reading her SNAP agency series. And it was so cool to see a reference to SNAP in this book! I wasn’t expecting that 😄!
The characters oh dear I loved them all. They were just so much fun, I felt like I was hanging out with. And they were so funny. Ahhh I loved this so much. I didn’t know until after reading this that I need more spy/romantic suspense meets rom com. Like I NEEDDDDD MOREEEEE. *cough cough* Anyways yeah as u can tell I loved it. Yup that’s it okay byeee ✌🏽
The characters oh dear I loved them all. They were just so much fun, I felt like I was hanging out with. And they were so funny. Ahhh I loved this so much. I didn’t know until after reading this that I need more spy/romantic suspense meets rom com. Like I NEEDDDDD MOREEEEE. *cough cough* Anyways yeah as u can tell I loved it. Yup that’s it okay byeee ✌🏽
November 16, 2025
4.5 stars
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but covers are chosen for a reason. They tend to give a hint as to the kind of book. Not whether it will be good or not but what you might expect.
So imagine my surprise when I saw this cover with the name “Natalie Walters” on it. Wait, what? I must be remembering wrong. *checks Goodreads* Nope. That is the same person. The one who wrote two action-suspense trilogies. Well, I was intrigued before but now I HAVE to see how this goes.
She did a great job! This was fun and witty and also kind of nerve-wracking (she is still an action-suspense writer after all 😊).
My only beef was the stupid compartmentalization! It had me mentally screaming “COMMUNICATE!” but of course they have to follow orders. It went on a bit longer than I preferred. Honestly, imagine how much grief would have been avoided if they could have talked at the museum?!
The ending was phenomenal! Surprising and sweet! I only have one unanswered question (that is driving me nuts!) and I loved how Natalie worked one of her previous trilogies into this book. Cameos and tie-ins are the best!
Well done, Ms. Walters. Well done!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but covers are chosen for a reason. They tend to give a hint as to the kind of book. Not whether it will be good or not but what you might expect.
So imagine my surprise when I saw this cover with the name “Natalie Walters” on it. Wait, what? I must be remembering wrong. *checks Goodreads* Nope. That is the same person. The one who wrote two action-suspense trilogies. Well, I was intrigued before but now I HAVE to see how this goes.
She did a great job! This was fun and witty and also kind of nerve-wracking (she is still an action-suspense writer after all 😊).
My only beef was the stupid compartmentalization! It had me mentally screaming “COMMUNICATE!” but of course they have to follow orders. It went on a bit longer than I preferred. Honestly, imagine how much grief would have been avoided if they could have talked at the museum?!
The ending was phenomenal! Surprising and sweet! I only have one unanswered question (that is driving me nuts!) and I loved how Natalie worked one of her previous trilogies into this book. Cameos and tie-ins are the best!
Well done, Ms. Walters. Well done!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.
June 10, 2026
Wow! Nonstop action, witty banter, laugh-out-loud humor, an intriguing espionage plot, & characters you can’t help but love all with a James Bond vibe that made this impossible to put down! I’ve been an avid Natalie Walters fan for years, & Spies, Lies, & Alibis is a new favorite. I adored this book! From the clever plot & spies unknowingly working on the same mission to the simmering romantic tension of a second-chance romance, this story grabbed hold & didn’t let go.
FBI agent Ben Bradley was such a dream! He’s got the good looks & irresistible charm of James Bond paired with the humorously clean version of an Austin Powers or Maxwell Smart. Posing as a financial analyst for the ultra-wealthy with a talent for laundering money, Ben’s determined to bring down international crime boss Lorenzo Ramirez. He’s closing in when a former love unexpectedly appears at a charity gala & seems to be working for the enemy.
Cybil Langford has worked hard to leave her past behind. As the personal assistant to a wealthy real estate mogul, she has access to a shady network that could help her take down Lorenzo Ramirez. But when she discovers the childhood love who broke her heart is seemingly on the wrong side, she’ll need all her wits to keep her mission & her heart under control.
I loved this story so much! Ben & Cybil are working toward the same goal from different directions, & I had so much fun watching their Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style dynamic unfold. Cybil is adorably clumsy, Ben is always there to rescue her, & their witty banter, sizzling chemistry, & endless one-liners kept me grinning throughout. Loved seeing them finally resolve past hurts & find love again.
Their exciting missions take them from Texas to Italy & back again & I enjoyed all the crazy calamity that ensues. The Italian mafia feel, espionage elements, clever twists, & tie-ins to the author’s previous series kept me eagerly turning the pages. Also adored Ben’s granny who’s a spitfire as well as other friends, family, & coworkers!
It’s a delightful start to a new series & I can’t wait for more. Highly recommend to romantic suspense romcom fans. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
FBI agent Ben Bradley was such a dream! He’s got the good looks & irresistible charm of James Bond paired with the humorously clean version of an Austin Powers or Maxwell Smart. Posing as a financial analyst for the ultra-wealthy with a talent for laundering money, Ben’s determined to bring down international crime boss Lorenzo Ramirez. He’s closing in when a former love unexpectedly appears at a charity gala & seems to be working for the enemy.
Cybil Langford has worked hard to leave her past behind. As the personal assistant to a wealthy real estate mogul, she has access to a shady network that could help her take down Lorenzo Ramirez. But when she discovers the childhood love who broke her heart is seemingly on the wrong side, she’ll need all her wits to keep her mission & her heart under control.
I loved this story so much! Ben & Cybil are working toward the same goal from different directions, & I had so much fun watching their Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style dynamic unfold. Cybil is adorably clumsy, Ben is always there to rescue her, & their witty banter, sizzling chemistry, & endless one-liners kept me grinning throughout. Loved seeing them finally resolve past hurts & find love again.
Their exciting missions take them from Texas to Italy & back again & I enjoyed all the crazy calamity that ensues. The Italian mafia feel, espionage elements, clever twists, & tie-ins to the author’s previous series kept me eagerly turning the pages. Also adored Ben’s granny who’s a spitfire as well as other friends, family, & coworkers!
It’s a delightful start to a new series & I can’t wait for more. Highly recommend to romantic suspense romcom fans. I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was honestly such a fun book.
I originally got the ebook ARC from NetGalley through Thomas Nelson Fiction, and when the audiobook popped up as “Listen Now” narrated by Andrew Eiden… aka Teddy Hamilton... yup, there was absolutely no way I was skipping that. I think the audiobook made this even better.
As the blurb says, Cybil and Ben were childhood friends who spent summers together pulling ridiculous pranks at the family farm. Frogs in boots (LOL) & chaos … and somehow that same energy follows them into adulthood.
Now they both work undercover, secretly investigating the same dangerous criminal network without realizing the other is involved too. So for a good part of the story, they’re basically giving major Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes while trying not to blow each other’s cover.
The banter between them was genuinely one of the best parts of the book. This isn’t a spicy romance, but honestly? I didn’t even care, because the chemistry and humor carried everything so well.
I also really liked Cybil. She’s resilient, smart, and doing her best despite a difficult past. And Ben was a great match for her. Protective without being overbearing, and secure enough not to get weird when Cybil handled situations better than him.
The pacing was solid too. I was entertained the entire time, and even when the story got more serious toward the end, it still kept that fun energy overall.
My only real complaint was that the romance felt a bit too instant once they reunited. It quickly jumped into “oh no, I still love them” territory without giving us much insight into what happened in their lives during the years apart. I would’ve loved more background on how they ended up working undercover in the first place.
Still, overall this was a really enjoyable and bingeable romantic suspense, and the narration elevated it even more.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC and ALC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
I originally got the ebook ARC from NetGalley through Thomas Nelson Fiction, and when the audiobook popped up as “Listen Now” narrated by Andrew Eiden… aka Teddy Hamilton... yup, there was absolutely no way I was skipping that. I think the audiobook made this even better.
As the blurb says, Cybil and Ben were childhood friends who spent summers together pulling ridiculous pranks at the family farm. Frogs in boots (LOL) & chaos … and somehow that same energy follows them into adulthood.
Now they both work undercover, secretly investigating the same dangerous criminal network without realizing the other is involved too. So for a good part of the story, they’re basically giving major Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes while trying not to blow each other’s cover.
The banter between them was genuinely one of the best parts of the book. This isn’t a spicy romance, but honestly? I didn’t even care, because the chemistry and humor carried everything so well.
I also really liked Cybil. She’s resilient, smart, and doing her best despite a difficult past. And Ben was a great match for her. Protective without being overbearing, and secure enough not to get weird when Cybil handled situations better than him.
The pacing was solid too. I was entertained the entire time, and even when the story got more serious toward the end, it still kept that fun energy overall.
My only real complaint was that the romance felt a bit too instant once they reunited. It quickly jumped into “oh no, I still love them” territory without giving us much insight into what happened in their lives during the years apart. I would’ve loved more background on how they ended up working undercover in the first place.
Still, overall this was a really enjoyable and bingeable romantic suspense, and the narration elevated it even more.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC and ALC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
June 18, 2026
thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing with an ALC/ARC of this book for an honest and voluntary review! This book has now been released and is available to check out yourself!
3.25/5 stars
honestly this book left me a little bit conflicted... ultimately it was a solid book; it had a nice flow to it, the characters were enjoyable and the dual narration was super fun but somehow it felt like there was still a lot to be desired. This book had the fun and laughter but it was kind of yearning for a bit more... yearning? I completely get there's a time and place for yearning but honestly i think we couldve got away with more in this book regardless
also... i fell out of the story a little as our fmc is meant to be this trained spy but is just permanently clumsy LMAO and girl me too?? but i can't in good faith believe that you have completed and survived any other of your spy missions up to this point
i enjoyed the narrators a lot - they both portrayed the book perfectly in my opinion!! i would love to check out more of their work in the future
3.25/5 stars
honestly this book left me a little bit conflicted... ultimately it was a solid book; it had a nice flow to it, the characters were enjoyable and the dual narration was super fun but somehow it felt like there was still a lot to be desired. This book had the fun and laughter but it was kind of yearning for a bit more... yearning? I completely get there's a time and place for yearning but honestly i think we couldve got away with more in this book regardless
also... i fell out of the story a little as our fmc is meant to be this trained spy but is just permanently clumsy LMAO and girl me too?? but i can't in good faith believe that you have completed and survived any other of your spy missions up to this point
i enjoyed the narrators a lot - they both portrayed the book perfectly in my opinion!! i would love to check out more of their work in the future
June 30, 2026
Very entertaining and breezy. highenergy blend of romantic tension and playful deception that keeps the atmosphere light despite the stakes.
The fun back and forth between the characters and loathing lust is so riveting.
The fun back and forth between the characters and loathing lust is so riveting.
June 9, 2026
This took me way too long to read just because of life … but I loved every minute of it!
I’m not a huge romcom slapstick humor fan, but the few instances in this book were honestly perfect and truly funny.
The wit and sarcasm? There were so many one-liners that had me laughing! And I usually don’t laugh a lot when reading. I was worried the rooster and Gran would be too over the top for me, but it was like a seasoning that was added in just the right amounts.
And then let’s talk a moment about romantic tension. It was amazing! I haven’t FELT the romantic tension in books recently, but it was all over the place here in a good way. I had so much anticipation for their misunderstandings to be resolved and Natalie Walters didn’t disappoint.
This was probably the best ending I’ve read in a while for an action-based book. It took turns I didn’t predict and was highly satisfactory.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like the switch from more suspense to romcom action and adventure, but I truly did.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review.
I’m not a huge romcom slapstick humor fan, but the few instances in this book were honestly perfect and truly funny.
The wit and sarcasm? There were so many one-liners that had me laughing! And I usually don’t laugh a lot when reading. I was worried the rooster and Gran would be too over the top for me, but it was like a seasoning that was added in just the right amounts.
And then let’s talk a moment about romantic tension. It was amazing! I haven’t FELT the romantic tension in books recently, but it was all over the place here in a good way. I had so much anticipation for their misunderstandings to be resolved and Natalie Walters didn’t disappoint.
This was probably the best ending I’ve read in a while for an action-based book. It took turns I didn’t predict and was highly satisfactory.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like the switch from more suspense to romcom action and adventure, but I truly did.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review.
April 28, 2026
Spies, Lies & Alibis by Natalie Walters
🎧 ALC Review
3.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Narrators: Andrew Eiden & Dominique Salvacion
A fast-paced spy story packed with action and nerve-tingling tension 🔥
I really enjoyed this one. It’s light, engaging, and easy to get into, with a great sense of humor and an intriguing plot. The story feels like the perfect evening escape – almost like watching a fun spy movie, leaving you with that satisfying aftertaste once it’s over.
While the main characters do get their happy ending, the journey there is driven more by secrets, missions, and the dynamics within their teams, as well as their ongoing battle against criminals. The romance is present, but it never overshadows the core spy storyline.
Overall, it’s a smooth and entertaining read, even with the constant shifts in circumstances, stakes, and objectives.
As for the narrators – they did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each voice felt vivid and engaging 💘
What to expect :
🕵️♂️ Spy x Spy
💥 Action-Packed Plot
🧩 Secrets & Hidden Agendas
🤝 Team Dynamics
⚔️ Good vs Evil
🎯 Mission-Driven Story
😏 Witty Banter
❤️ Subtle Romance
🔥 High Stakes
🏁 Happy Ending
🎧 ALC Review
3.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Narrators: Andrew Eiden & Dominique Salvacion
A fast-paced spy story packed with action and nerve-tingling tension 🔥
I really enjoyed this one. It’s light, engaging, and easy to get into, with a great sense of humor and an intriguing plot. The story feels like the perfect evening escape – almost like watching a fun spy movie, leaving you with that satisfying aftertaste once it’s over.
While the main characters do get their happy ending, the journey there is driven more by secrets, missions, and the dynamics within their teams, as well as their ongoing battle against criminals. The romance is present, but it never overshadows the core spy storyline.
Overall, it’s a smooth and entertaining read, even with the constant shifts in circumstances, stakes, and objectives.
As for the narrators – they did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each voice felt vivid and engaging 💘
What to expect :
🕵️♂️ Spy x Spy
💥 Action-Packed Plot
🧩 Secrets & Hidden Agendas
🤝 Team Dynamics
⚔️ Good vs Evil
🎯 Mission-Driven Story
😏 Witty Banter
❤️ Subtle Romance
🔥 High Stakes
🏁 Happy Ending
July 4, 2026
3.75⭐️ This was such a fun read! It reminded me so much of those action packed spy romcom movies, and I honestly think it would make an amazing film.
I laughed so many times, but I was also on the edge of my seat throughout the story. It had the perfect balance of humor, action, and suspense that kept me completely hooked.
I also have to mention the audiobook because it was fantastic. It kept me engaged from start to finish, and the narrators did an incredible job bringing the characters and the story to life. I highly recommend experiencing it in audio if you get the chance!
I laughed so many times, but I was also on the edge of my seat throughout the story. It had the perfect balance of humor, action, and suspense that kept me completely hooked.
I also have to mention the audiobook because it was fantastic. It kept me engaged from start to finish, and the narrators did an incredible job bringing the characters and the story to life. I highly recommend experiencing it in audio if you get the chance!
June 3, 2026
Great narration and a story that keeps you on your toes!
Both spy mystery and rom com, I was equally intrigued by Cybil and Ben's second chance romance as I was the criminal business plot.
Really enjoyed every minute of this light romance with some edgy spy plots.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the ALC.
Both spy mystery and rom com, I was equally intrigued by Cybil and Ben's second chance romance as I was the criminal business plot.
Really enjoyed every minute of this light romance with some edgy spy plots.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the ALC.
Read
May 17, 2026Cute but dragged quite a bit for me in the first half
May 20, 2026
Walters brings the whole package in this delightfully fun humorous romantic suspense. The banter is chef’s kiss. The adventure pure chaos and hilarity.
*audiobook is 🔥
*audiobook is 🔥
February 14, 2026
Spies, Lies and Alibis by Natalie Walters
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy of this book, releasing May 2026.
A fun twist on a rom com - except it’s spies, the childhood crush who got away and a lot of clumsy shenanigans. Ben is undercover for the FBI, posing as an accountant to some powerful mafia billionaires. Working behind the scenes and avoiding danger, the last person he expects to run into is his childhood crush, Cybil. Cybil has secrets of her own, working as the assistant to a questionable man is only the surface for her - as she works from the inside to gather info on him that can help and protect others. The one who can sidetrack this - is Ben. As they both work to keep their covers and motives intact (even from each other), they keep being drawn back together. But as danger looms closer, Ben has to decide if the mission is worth the girl.
I wanted to love it more, but I found the writing a little clumsy and disconnected for me. And I didn’t connect to the chemistry between Ben and Cybil.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy of this book, releasing May 2026.
A fun twist on a rom com - except it’s spies, the childhood crush who got away and a lot of clumsy shenanigans. Ben is undercover for the FBI, posing as an accountant to some powerful mafia billionaires. Working behind the scenes and avoiding danger, the last person he expects to run into is his childhood crush, Cybil. Cybil has secrets of her own, working as the assistant to a questionable man is only the surface for her - as she works from the inside to gather info on him that can help and protect others. The one who can sidetrack this - is Ben. As they both work to keep their covers and motives intact (even from each other), they keep being drawn back together. But as danger looms closer, Ben has to decide if the mission is worth the girl.
I wanted to love it more, but I found the writing a little clumsy and disconnected for me. And I didn’t connect to the chemistry between Ben and Cybil.
April 30, 2026
Snark, spies, and swoons—pure audiobook gold!
This one had me laughing out loud from the very start! This romantic suspense is packed with sarcastic banter, lightning-fast pacing, and enemies-to-lovers chemistry that crackles on every page. The spy plot twists and turns without ever feeling forced, blending high-stakes action with genuine heart.
That sarcastic banter between the MCs? Is the heartbeat—pure gold in every scene, driving all the humor, tension, and chemistry. Walters nails the balance—clever suspense that keeps you guessing, plus hilarious mishaps and witty one-liners that had me snorting at the most unexpected moments. It's the kind of book where the characters feel like real (slightly chaotic) friends you'd want to grab lunch with. Honorable mention: Kentucky Fried chicken—iconic!
Narration brilliance : Andrew Eiden's deadpan delivery makes every sarcastic quip perfection, while Dominique Salvacion brings sparkling energy and warmth to the romance. Their dual performance turns this into an absolute must-listen—like watching a romcom unfold live!
Perfect for fans of snarky romantic suspense who want laughs with their thrills. Highly recommend! Was my first ever Natalie Walters book and definitely not going to be my last!!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and the author for gifting me this ALC. As always, this review are my candid thoughts and opinions.
This one had me laughing out loud from the very start! This romantic suspense is packed with sarcastic banter, lightning-fast pacing, and enemies-to-lovers chemistry that crackles on every page. The spy plot twists and turns without ever feeling forced, blending high-stakes action with genuine heart.
That sarcastic banter between the MCs? Is the heartbeat—pure gold in every scene, driving all the humor, tension, and chemistry. Walters nails the balance—clever suspense that keeps you guessing, plus hilarious mishaps and witty one-liners that had me snorting at the most unexpected moments. It's the kind of book where the characters feel like real (slightly chaotic) friends you'd want to grab lunch with. Honorable mention: Kentucky Fried chicken—iconic!
Narration brilliance : Andrew Eiden's deadpan delivery makes every sarcastic quip perfection, while Dominique Salvacion brings sparkling energy and warmth to the romance. Their dual performance turns this into an absolute must-listen—like watching a romcom unfold live!
Perfect for fans of snarky romantic suspense who want laughs with their thrills. Highly recommend! Was my first ever Natalie Walters book and definitely not going to be my last!!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and the author for gifting me this ALC. As always, this review are my candid thoughts and opinions.
May 19, 2026
2.5 stars
This was a bit of a disappointment because it is exactly the sort of plot I love, but I was so disappointed to find it written in present tense which ruined the smoothness of the story completely. People generally talk in past tense so books written in present are constantly jarring to me because the conversations and the actions never match. It takes a really talented author to make such a POV work and sadly Walters wasn't able to pull off a seamless POV. In addition to the trouble with present tense (which didn't always stay tidily in the present with all the verbs), the two POV characters couldn't be easily distinguished from each other in the scenes and their "voices" both sounded nearly identical, which resulted in several times of me having to flip backwards to see who was in the scene.
Otherwise, I felt like I could have enjoyed the characters if I could have had the perspective to know them better, but since they both sounded so much alike, it felt like I was seeing through a dim window and not seeing the actual characters clearly.
I also didn't like the frequent vulgarities like "freaking" which was recurring constantly.
The plot was solid, though, and the sequence of actions at the ending had me giving out an extra star for how everything came together with the plot twists. Walters consistently does well with plotting and this story was no different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
This was a bit of a disappointment because it is exactly the sort of plot I love, but I was so disappointed to find it written in present tense which ruined the smoothness of the story completely. People generally talk in past tense so books written in present are constantly jarring to me because the conversations and the actions never match. It takes a really talented author to make such a POV work and sadly Walters wasn't able to pull off a seamless POV. In addition to the trouble with present tense (which didn't always stay tidily in the present with all the verbs), the two POV characters couldn't be easily distinguished from each other in the scenes and their "voices" both sounded nearly identical, which resulted in several times of me having to flip backwards to see who was in the scene.
Otherwise, I felt like I could have enjoyed the characters if I could have had the perspective to know them better, but since they both sounded so much alike, it felt like I was seeing through a dim window and not seeing the actual characters clearly.
I also didn't like the frequent vulgarities like "freaking" which was recurring constantly.
The plot was solid, though, and the sequence of actions at the ending had me giving out an extra star for how everything came together with the plot twists. Walters consistently does well with plotting and this story was no different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
May 24, 2026
I’ve gone back and forth about it, but I give this a *mostly* complimentary 3.5 stars. I have FEELINGS and you’re going to hear about them.
Cybil Langford works as an executive assistant to a corrupt real estate mogul—and she’s going to take him down! Her work as a covert asset brings her to a fundraising gala to gather evidence. The problem? Cybil runs into Ben Bradley, her childhood frenemy and lost love. Unbeknownst to Cybil, Ben’s working undercover with the FBI to prosecute the same people she is. The pair circles each other trying to accomplish their missions while keeping their covert activities (and lingering attraction) secret.
I love when a book doesn’t take itself too seriously. I came for a lighthearted spy rom-com and got a lighthearted spy rom-com. Cybil and Ben were easy to root for and had a fun dynamic. The romance was sweet and closed door. I did read this in a day, so the plot engaged me and kept me off my phone. 🎉 I enjoyed the spy/FBI agent intrigue and the rich people drama. I just had to know how it would end!
While I enjoyed the characters, juicy plot, and humorous writing, several things bothered me. First, I wrestled with the author’s portrayal of ADHD. To me, it felt insensitive and uneducated to link ADHD with poor decision making and financial instability; there was not enough nuance. Also, I consulted a family member with a special education degree and I don’t believe the type of assisted living community the author describes exists for ADHD (I’m open to being wrong about this).
Second, Cybil was incredibly clumsy for a supposedly talented asset. She accidentally tripped or ran into people far too many times. Tripping 👏🏻 shouldn’t 👏🏻 be 👏🏻 a 👏🏻 plot 👏🏻device. Sometimes Cybil just… forgot how to spy. She’d go from girlboss to clueless in the same chapter. You shouldn’t have to consistently take away your heroine’s power to get the plot moving.
All in all, this isn’t a book that takes itself too seriously and I mostly enjoyed the ride. It was a fun romp! I would have just changed a few things.
Cybil Langford works as an executive assistant to a corrupt real estate mogul—and she’s going to take him down! Her work as a covert asset brings her to a fundraising gala to gather evidence. The problem? Cybil runs into Ben Bradley, her childhood frenemy and lost love. Unbeknownst to Cybil, Ben’s working undercover with the FBI to prosecute the same people she is. The pair circles each other trying to accomplish their missions while keeping their covert activities (and lingering attraction) secret.
I love when a book doesn’t take itself too seriously. I came for a lighthearted spy rom-com and got a lighthearted spy rom-com. Cybil and Ben were easy to root for and had a fun dynamic. The romance was sweet and closed door. I did read this in a day, so the plot engaged me and kept me off my phone. 🎉 I enjoyed the spy/FBI agent intrigue and the rich people drama. I just had to know how it would end!
While I enjoyed the characters, juicy plot, and humorous writing, several things bothered me. First, I wrestled with the author’s portrayal of ADHD. To me, it felt insensitive and uneducated to link ADHD with poor decision making and financial instability; there was not enough nuance. Also, I consulted a family member with a special education degree and I don’t believe the type of assisted living community the author describes exists for ADHD (I’m open to being wrong about this).
Second, Cybil was incredibly clumsy for a supposedly talented asset. She accidentally tripped or ran into people far too many times. Tripping 👏🏻 shouldn’t 👏🏻 be 👏🏻 a 👏🏻 plot 👏🏻device. Sometimes Cybil just… forgot how to spy. She’d go from girlboss to clueless in the same chapter. You shouldn’t have to consistently take away your heroine’s power to get the plot moving.
All in all, this isn’t a book that takes itself too seriously and I mostly enjoyed the ride. It was a fun romp! I would have just changed a few things.
June 24, 2026
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Thomas Nelson Fiction and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio.
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she is perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez - a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans - she will need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.
Then he walks back into her life. Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get complicated.
The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.
Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can not determine if she is an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts. The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.
I feel a bit conflicted about this book. Overall, it was a solid and easy read with a nice flow, an engaging plot, and enjoyable characters. I was definitely immersed in the story, but at the same time, some of the characters and the situations they found themselves in felt a little too ridiculous.
Cybil felt much more developed than Ben, which made her point of view a lot more compelling. While the second-chance romance between Cybil and Ben was cute, it also felt slightly underdeveloped. There was a lot of yearning, but I wish we had seen more emotional build-up between them in the present day.
It is also worth noting that the story leans more heavily into action and spy antics than pure romance. Overall, this was a quick and lighthearted read, but I do think the pacing and romance could have been better balanced.
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she is perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez - a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans - she will need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.
Then he walks back into her life. Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get complicated.
The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.
Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can not determine if she is an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts. The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.
I feel a bit conflicted about this book. Overall, it was a solid and easy read with a nice flow, an engaging plot, and enjoyable characters. I was definitely immersed in the story, but at the same time, some of the characters and the situations they found themselves in felt a little too ridiculous.
Cybil felt much more developed than Ben, which made her point of view a lot more compelling. While the second-chance romance between Cybil and Ben was cute, it also felt slightly underdeveloped. There was a lot of yearning, but I wish we had seen more emotional build-up between them in the present day.
It is also worth noting that the story leans more heavily into action and spy antics than pure romance. Overall, this was a quick and lighthearted read, but I do think the pacing and romance could have been better balanced.
June 9, 2026
I love the trope childhood friends to lovers, and I also love enemies to lovers. This book is like a great mashup of both, although I can't say Ben and Cybil were exactly friends. And that title alone is enough to hook me; but put this book in the hands of Natalie Walters and I already knew it was going to be a fun ride.
This book had a different tone than some of her other books. Part romcom, part suspense? Whatever it was, I loved it!
I do wish there was more screen time with the couple together. But I get that's a hard line to make when writing a romantic suspense; half your audience is calling for less romance and more action, and the other half wants the opposite!
Based off the last chapter, I'm assuming there will be a sequel. Joy and Marcos anyone? Would love that story! Overall, it was fun to reconnect with SNAP and can't wait to see what comes next!
*My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of Spies, Lies, and Alibis. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book had a different tone than some of her other books. Part romcom, part suspense? Whatever it was, I loved it!
I do wish there was more screen time with the couple together. But I get that's a hard line to make when writing a romantic suspense; half your audience is calling for less romance and more action, and the other half wants the opposite!
Based off the last chapter, I'm assuming there will be a sequel. Joy and Marcos anyone? Would love that story! Overall, it was fun to reconnect with SNAP and can't wait to see what comes next!
*My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of Spies, Lies, and Alibis. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2026
I read this book as an audiobook.
The storyline was really good. Had a lot of humorous moments. The grandmother's character deserves her own book! I really enjoyed the clumsiness of Sybils character. Made me laugh every time she tripped over herself or messed up something.
The narrators both did a great job. Though the female narrator used the same voice for every character so scenes with multiple people talking got confusing. The male narrator was excellent! He was really good at conveying the humorous moments and exasperation with different things. He also did a good job with using different voices for various characters so made it was much easier to enjoy the story.
Overall I'd rate this as a 4 star.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
The storyline was really good. Had a lot of humorous moments. The grandmother's character deserves her own book! I really enjoyed the clumsiness of Sybils character. Made me laugh every time she tripped over herself or messed up something.
The narrators both did a great job. Though the female narrator used the same voice for every character so scenes with multiple people talking got confusing. The male narrator was excellent! He was really good at conveying the humorous moments and exasperation with different things. He also did a good job with using different voices for various characters so made it was much easier to enjoy the story.
Overall I'd rate this as a 4 star.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
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May 29, 2026If Andrew Eiden narrates it, I'm going to listen. He is so good at the different tones of voices, and expressions. And he's got a deep voice that is so good. Dominique Salvacion is so good too, at playing a slightly clueless, but desperate character.
Ben and Cybil were childhood summer friends. He constantly was pranking her, and she was secretly in love with him. Until the night she heard him tell her cousin he didn't like her, she was too much a of a mess. Since then, Cybil takes time to trust. But with her mom's ADHD making it impossible to save money, Cybil takes a job spying on her boss. Who happens to be doing business with a known business criminal, that the FBI is currently investigating, with undercover cop, Ben.
When they meet again, they are attracted to each other, and Ben wants to protect her. But can he trust her when she's working for the enemy? And can she trust him when he's working for the enemy?
This book is a fun romance spy novel, with silly antics, but filtered with the hard parts of life. I really enjoyed it!
Ben and Cybil were childhood summer friends. He constantly was pranking her, and she was secretly in love with him. Until the night she heard him tell her cousin he didn't like her, she was too much a of a mess. Since then, Cybil takes time to trust. But with her mom's ADHD making it impossible to save money, Cybil takes a job spying on her boss. Who happens to be doing business with a known business criminal, that the FBI is currently investigating, with undercover cop, Ben.
When they meet again, they are attracted to each other, and Ben wants to protect her. But can he trust her when she's working for the enemy? And can she trust him when he's working for the enemy?
This book is a fun romance spy novel, with silly antics, but filtered with the hard parts of life. I really enjoyed it!
May 15, 2026
I JUST WANTTO SAY THAT I HOPE THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE THE START OF A SERIES!!
I have not read this author before, but I absolutely LOVED this book!
A little bit of small town, backward vibes where everyone knows everyone else.
And... A big heaping serving of undercover letter agencies (FBI), spies, inopportune ops, magical escapes, shady characters, mafia vibes (with a whole escape to Italy 🇮🇹 in the mix!)… and so much more!
Cybil is just trying to make ends meet…as her plan is to go to law school. Unfortunately, her family was taken for a ride several years ago when their life savings were swindled by a schemer… so now, she and her Mom re just barely scraping by. But that’s ok. She plans to make it on her own,and she’ll be just fine.
Ben is an FBI Agent. He’s deep undercover and using an alias… he’s in with the BIG DOGS, and hoping every day that it’s not his last…but he THINKS he’s got it all under control…
Until one day he sees Cybil, his childhood sweetheart, in the same sketchy place as him! And, WHY is she there? And, what is she doing there? And is she safe? They are basically surrounded by bad guys… and he’s worried!
This one will keep you on your toes… make you die laughing one minute, and then chew up your cuticles the next.
It’s fun. Its smart. It’s enlightening. It’s scary. It’s filled with thugs… And filled with wonderful people as well!
4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#SpiesLiesAndAlibis by @NatalieWalters and narrated beautifully by @AndrewEiden and @DominiqueSalvacion.
** This one has not been released yet, so please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/19/26! **
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelson and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
I have not read this author before, but I absolutely LOVED this book!
A little bit of small town, backward vibes where everyone knows everyone else.
And... A big heaping serving of undercover letter agencies (FBI), spies, inopportune ops, magical escapes, shady characters, mafia vibes (with a whole escape to Italy 🇮🇹 in the mix!)… and so much more!
Cybil is just trying to make ends meet…as her plan is to go to law school. Unfortunately, her family was taken for a ride several years ago when their life savings were swindled by a schemer… so now, she and her Mom re just barely scraping by. But that’s ok. She plans to make it on her own,and she’ll be just fine.
Ben is an FBI Agent. He’s deep undercover and using an alias… he’s in with the BIG DOGS, and hoping every day that it’s not his last…but he THINKS he’s got it all under control…
Until one day he sees Cybil, his childhood sweetheart, in the same sketchy place as him! And, WHY is she there? And, what is she doing there? And is she safe? They are basically surrounded by bad guys… and he’s worried!
This one will keep you on your toes… make you die laughing one minute, and then chew up your cuticles the next.
It’s fun. Its smart. It’s enlightening. It’s scary. It’s filled with thugs… And filled with wonderful people as well!
4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#SpiesLiesAndAlibis by @NatalieWalters and narrated beautifully by @AndrewEiden and @DominiqueSalvacion.
** This one has not been released yet, so please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/19/26! **
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelson and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
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