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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.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Natalie Walters
15 books1,282 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 899 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.*
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.
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.
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.
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...
May 10, 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’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.
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
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.
Read
May 17, 2026Cute but dragged quite a bit for me in the first half
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.
Want to Read
January 21, 2026the cover is giving Carmen Sandiego
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 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! 📚⭐️📖🩷
March 30, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the alc of Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters and narrated by Andew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. This is my personal review.
Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a contemporary spy romance with some romcom moments that make this an ultimately light and fun story that romance lovers will enjoy and fans of James Bond will appreciate.
From the beginning, I was impressed with Walters’s ability to blend genres. This story blends the spy and romance elements in a way where both aspects support each other. Having two spies as mcs was a fun play on a bunch of other tropes: second chance, miscommunication, hidden identities, he likes to get her angry, etc. This made Spies, Lies, and Alibis something different from the other romances I’ve read that also felt super comfy and familiar.
While there isn’t much character development throughout the novel, I found both Cybil and Ben endearing and was cheering them on. I found it super cute that they both saw themselves as the “James Bond” of the story, and they were both ultimately good people who deserved their happy ending. Additionally, the ending was a lot of fun and was a great set up for…maybe more? I would absolutely read another story about Cybil and Ben and their exploits.
Ultimately, I think blending two genres together was creative, but the sacrifice felt like a more surface level romance. Again, I really enjoyed it– but it was more fun than introspective. I found the story to be medium paced, but the plot propelled things along and it never felt like it was dragging or boring.
The narrators, Eiden, and Salvacion, did an amazing job of bringing Ben and Cybil to life. I enjoyed the dual narration. Walters did a great job of writing something that translated really well to audiobook. The chapters overlap in a way that tells a complete story from both perspectives, and having the narrators there to reinforce that was perfect.
This was my first spy romance, and I’m pretty excited about how much I liked it. I hope that Walters can keep going with this.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the alc of Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters and narrated by Andew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. This is my personal review.
Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a contemporary spy romance with some romcom moments that make this an ultimately light and fun story that romance lovers will enjoy and fans of James Bond will appreciate.
From the beginning, I was impressed with Walters’s ability to blend genres. This story blends the spy and romance elements in a way where both aspects support each other. Having two spies as mcs was a fun play on a bunch of other tropes: second chance, miscommunication, hidden identities, he likes to get her angry, etc. This made Spies, Lies, and Alibis something different from the other romances I’ve read that also felt super comfy and familiar.
While there isn’t much character development throughout the novel, I found both Cybil and Ben endearing and was cheering them on. I found it super cute that they both saw themselves as the “James Bond” of the story, and they were both ultimately good people who deserved their happy ending. Additionally, the ending was a lot of fun and was a great set up for…maybe more? I would absolutely read another story about Cybil and Ben and their exploits.
Ultimately, I think blending two genres together was creative, but the sacrifice felt like a more surface level romance. Again, I really enjoyed it– but it was more fun than introspective. I found the story to be medium paced, but the plot propelled things along and it never felt like it was dragging or boring.
The narrators, Eiden, and Salvacion, did an amazing job of bringing Ben and Cybil to life. I enjoyed the dual narration. Walters did a great job of writing something that translated really well to audiobook. The chapters overlap in a way that tells a complete story from both perspectives, and having the narrators there to reinforce that was perfect.
This was my first spy romance, and I’m pretty excited about how much I liked it. I hope that Walters can keep going with this.
May 20, 2026
Update after reading a second time via the audiobook:
I read this in e-ARC form first and loved it so much that I decided to listen to it via ALC, too. That should tell you what you need to know!
This is a fun and action-packed story, and I loved it just as much the second time. The characters are well developed and lots of fun, the banter is hilarious and the romance is just right. Loved that it’s sweet with no spice. The narrators did an excellent job!
Natalie Walters is a spy romcom wizard. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
—
This book was everything I wanted in a romcom and more. Exciting plot, childhood crush history, secret identities and missions, great characters, the best slow burn (and clean!) and actual laugh out loud humor … 5 STARS FOR ME THE WHOLE TIME. I think spy romcom might be my new favorite genre.
THANK YOU NATALIE WALTERS FOR SO MUCH FUN. I will absolutely be reading another one of your books… and probably buying this when it comes out so I can reread it.
❗️Content considerations: violence/mention of murder, criminal activity, low spice (kissing only), parental disorder and childhood poverty, no language
💭 Age range: Older teen and up
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy of this e-book. My honest opinion is that I loved it!
I read this in e-ARC form first and loved it so much that I decided to listen to it via ALC, too. That should tell you what you need to know!
This is a fun and action-packed story, and I loved it just as much the second time. The characters are well developed and lots of fun, the banter is hilarious and the romance is just right. Loved that it’s sweet with no spice. The narrators did an excellent job!
Natalie Walters is a spy romcom wizard. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
—
This book was everything I wanted in a romcom and more. Exciting plot, childhood crush history, secret identities and missions, great characters, the best slow burn (and clean!) and actual laugh out loud humor … 5 STARS FOR ME THE WHOLE TIME. I think spy romcom might be my new favorite genre.
THANK YOU NATALIE WALTERS FOR SO MUCH FUN. I will absolutely be reading another one of your books… and probably buying this when it comes out so I can reread it.
❗️Content considerations: violence/mention of murder, criminal activity, low spice (kissing only), parental disorder and childhood poverty, no language
💭 Age range: Older teen and up
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy of this e-book. My honest opinion is that I loved it!
January 12, 2026
I was able to get my hands on Natalie's newest book that is not releasing until May but oh my goodness I really enjoyed it! It gives you the James Bond vibe but the relationship between Ben and Cybil was like the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith and I was all for it! The banter, tension, suspense and slow burn romance was done to perfection. What’s not to love about spies and undercover agents?
Now don’t get me wrong I do love the characters in this story and I cannot wait to read more from them but I would never be upset if Kekoa makes an appearance (I mean even a little cameo) in this series… just throwing it out there Natalie… 😉.
I saw a lot of you had this one in your 2026 hopefuls and I’m glad because I think you will really enjoy it!
Now don’t get me wrong I do love the characters in this story and I cannot wait to read more from them but I would never be upset if Kekoa makes an appearance (I mean even a little cameo) in this series… just throwing it out there Natalie… 😉.
I saw a lot of you had this one in your 2026 hopefuls and I’m glad because I think you will really enjoy it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first time reading a book by Natalie Walters and I was in for a surprise. I was expecting a creepy, suspenseful murder mystery--which might be why I'd held off reading her books for so long.
But Spies, Lies, and Alibis was romcom with a side of suspense, Wodehouse mixed with Conan Doyle, Lucy and Ricky paired with Nick and Nora. Funny yet endearing characters with a mixed-up plot that keeps you guessing.
This definitely won't be the last Natalie Walters book I read. I'm glad this title caught my eye on NetGalley!
But Spies, Lies, and Alibis was romcom with a side of suspense, Wodehouse mixed with Conan Doyle, Lucy and Ricky paired with Nick and Nora. Funny yet endearing characters with a mixed-up plot that keeps you guessing.
This definitely won't be the last Natalie Walters book I read. I'm glad this title caught my eye on NetGalley!
April 28, 2026
I had a long drive last week and was so excited that I could enjoy this audiobook while I was traveling. It kept me entertained for a good portion of the drive! I loved my time spent with the narrators, Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. They were very entertaining in bringing this story to life. And the author, Natalie Walters, has definitely written a delightful and great paced spy story!
Cybil and Ben are hysterical! They kept me on my toes (figuratively speaking of course...especially since I was driving and was seated)! And more importantly, they kept each other on each others' toes! Hahaha! Those opening chapters were very humorous and had a touch of suspense added in. These two are practically dancing around each other without realizing it for quite a while. And when they encounter each other in a moment to realize who the other is, they're doing everything they can to keep their identities a secret and hoping that the other won't blow their cover! They've known each other for years, were even each others' first crushes. Awww. But that ship has sailed and they've not seen each other or heard anything about each other for years. Can they trust each other during this stressful mission? Or should they be worried they're going to be outed? Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock. The clock is ticking down their chances to catch the bad guys or be caught themselves!
We get a really great comedic relief character in the form of Ben's grandma! And oh my word! She's so much fun! It made me miss my own grandmother's and thinking back on how funny they were. They would have fit right into his grandma's club! *Giggles* I want to join her club too!
I was guessing at who the bad guys were (besides the obvious ones) and what they were up to. And the twists and turns kept me engaged in the story.
There is a rekindling/second-chance love story throughout the story as well. It was sweet and clean and had me swooning. I love when a sweet love story has great humor in it as well. So it was definitely checking all of the boxes for me for what I love!
Content: Clean. This book is about spies and espionage and shady deals and such, but was written in a clean way. I'd let my teenagers read/listen to it!
I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Listening!!!
Cybil and Ben are hysterical! They kept me on my toes (figuratively speaking of course...especially since I was driving and was seated)! And more importantly, they kept each other on each others' toes! Hahaha! Those opening chapters were very humorous and had a touch of suspense added in. These two are practically dancing around each other without realizing it for quite a while. And when they encounter each other in a moment to realize who the other is, they're doing everything they can to keep their identities a secret and hoping that the other won't blow their cover! They've known each other for years, were even each others' first crushes. Awww. But that ship has sailed and they've not seen each other or heard anything about each other for years. Can they trust each other during this stressful mission? Or should they be worried they're going to be outed? Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock. The clock is ticking down their chances to catch the bad guys or be caught themselves!
We get a really great comedic relief character in the form of Ben's grandma! And oh my word! She's so much fun! It made me miss my own grandmother's and thinking back on how funny they were. They would have fit right into his grandma's club! *Giggles* I want to join her club too!
I was guessing at who the bad guys were (besides the obvious ones) and what they were up to. And the twists and turns kept me engaged in the story.
There is a rekindling/second-chance love story throughout the story as well. It was sweet and clean and had me swooning. I love when a sweet love story has great humor in it as well. So it was definitely checking all of the boxes for me for what I love!
Content: Clean. This book is about spies and espionage and shady deals and such, but was written in a clean way. I'd let my teenagers read/listen to it!
I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Listening!!!
May 18, 2026
3 1/2 ⭐️ rounded up
🎧 Audiobook - Advanced Listener Copy
This is a cute, well-narrated spy rom-com! The story focuses on a sting operation that has childhood friends Sybil and Ben unexpectedly reuniting when they are both involved. Not knowing that they are both undercover working for the “good side”, they can’t trust each other. As they fumble through the intrigue they also rediscover feelings for each other and hash through their missed chance at love as teens.
The storyline gets a little confusing and complicated but it keeps your interest throughout. Ben makes a believable FBI agent but, honestly, Sybil comes across as a very questionable and less than stellar spy. Her character brings most of the humor and it’s a small miracle how she manages to stay alive through all of her mishaps! The story really picks up after the mid-point when Sybil and Ben sort of start working together and the storyline starts coming together.
There is good chemistry and angst between the MCs and the narration really makes the story. So well done. The very best part of the whole book? Ben’s grandmother Dorothy was laugh-out-loud funny. She and her bestie Bernie completely steal the show. I need another book just so I can hear more of Dorothy’s antics and brushes with the law.
Fun story, good chemistry and great narration!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Natalie Walters for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy and share my thoughts.
🎧 Audiobook - Advanced Listener Copy
This is a cute, well-narrated spy rom-com! The story focuses on a sting operation that has childhood friends Sybil and Ben unexpectedly reuniting when they are both involved. Not knowing that they are both undercover working for the “good side”, they can’t trust each other. As they fumble through the intrigue they also rediscover feelings for each other and hash through their missed chance at love as teens.
The storyline gets a little confusing and complicated but it keeps your interest throughout. Ben makes a believable FBI agent but, honestly, Sybil comes across as a very questionable and less than stellar spy. Her character brings most of the humor and it’s a small miracle how she manages to stay alive through all of her mishaps! The story really picks up after the mid-point when Sybil and Ben sort of start working together and the storyline starts coming together.
There is good chemistry and angst between the MCs and the narration really makes the story. So well done. The very best part of the whole book? Ben’s grandmother Dorothy was laugh-out-loud funny. She and her bestie Bernie completely steal the show. I need another book just so I can hear more of Dorothy’s antics and brushes with the law.
Fun story, good chemistry and great narration!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Natalie Walters for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy and share my thoughts.
May 19, 2026
If you’re looking for a plot-driven, action-packed book with romance as a subplot, then this is a great option for you! Just don’t expect the romance to be front and center. There’s definitely chemistry and banter between the characters, but romance is not the primary focus of the story.
Spies, Lies and Alibis is such a catchy title, and the story is just as gripping as it promises to be. The cliffhangers at the end of each chapter constantly push you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
The book is written in dual POV, which I personally enjoyed. However, it’s been pointed out that if the story had been written in a single POV, some of the reveals would’ve been far more shocking for the reader, which is something I did not think about while I was reading it, but it's a fair point.
Overall, the story was very entertaining, and I appreciated that the mystery and plot took center stage while the romance remained present without overshadowing everything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spies, Lies and Alibis is such a catchy title, and the story is just as gripping as it promises to be. The cliffhangers at the end of each chapter constantly push you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
The book is written in dual POV, which I personally enjoyed. However, it’s been pointed out that if the story had been written in a single POV, some of the reveals would’ve been far more shocking for the reader, which is something I did not think about while I was reading it, but it's a fair point.
Overall, the story was very entertaining, and I appreciated that the mystery and plot took center stage while the romance remained present without overshadowing everything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2026
If the miscommunication/misunderstanding feel is not your thing, this isn’t for you. However, this was such a fun listen. With Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion narrating, the story was given plenty of life and entertainment along the way.
Ben and Cybil’s present lives being entangled in a web of crime, corruption and lies, with their history playing a part makes for a very fun plot with plenty at risk.
It did take me a bit to get into the story properly because the misunderstanding thing isn’t my favourite, but the intrigue was there and it kept me going enough to override any wariness I had. Cybil’s past playing into her present day so heavily felt so relatable (undercover work aside), her love of chocolate particularly so 😂
Ben was intriguing from the start, and I loved seeing him think about Cybil and their past relationship.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ben and Cybil’s present lives being entangled in a web of crime, corruption and lies, with their history playing a part makes for a very fun plot with plenty at risk.
It did take me a bit to get into the story properly because the misunderstanding thing isn’t my favourite, but the intrigue was there and it kept me going enough to override any wariness I had. Cybil’s past playing into her present day so heavily felt so relatable (undercover work aside), her love of chocolate particularly so 😂
Ben was intriguing from the start, and I loved seeing him think about Cybil and their past relationship.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
This book was a delightful surprise. It had all the feels of a rom-com in the best way. We open with two people at the same charity gala on separate secret missions to uncover a dangerous crime boss. Neither knows that that the other exists until they literally run into one another while trying to sneak into the upstairs library of the museum they are at. When both missions are interrupted by the other, they become determined to find out who the other person was only to find out that they know one another. Cybil and Ben grew up together but have not seen one another in years. Now reconnecting under less than ideal circumstances, they need to decide whether they can trust one another. I laughed so hard several times in this book. I also did not expect to enjoy the plot line of espionage as much as I did. It felt like watching a movie. This book is lighthearted and fun with just the right amount of tension and romance. I really enjoyed it. If you enjoy Finlay Donovan or Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I think you might like this one.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending this my way. The opinions here are my own.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending this my way. The opinions here are my own.
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 🔥
January 10, 2026
OVERALL STAR RATING: 6/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Natalie Walters absolutely knocked this one out of the park! I’ve been a big fan of her writing for a while now, but this is without a doubt a new favorite. One thing I really appreciate in my books is good humor. If you follow Natalie’s social media, you’ll quickly find she has her own unique vibe, and you’ll be laughing as you scroll through her videos. This book was just oozing with her obvious quick wit, sass and humor. The banter and dialogue were top notch, and you’re given endless laugh out loud scenes that are going to be living rent free in my brain for quite a while. This story was such a gift and has a little bit of everything in it. A fantastic combination of high-stakes suspense and romance and characters that you will no doubt fall in love with. While there are a lot of funny moments, there’s also a layer of depth that was very much appreciated. I felt as though I was mourning the loss of these characters once I finished reading. Natalie, I’m going to need this to become an entire series! Please and thank you. LOL
Crime boss Lorenzo Ramirez unexpectedly reunites Ben and Cybil in the craziest of scenarios. Ben is undercover with the FBI and Cybil is doing investigative work of her own. The two have a complicated past, but deep down, their hearts still beat strongly for each other. As this story unfolds however, neither quite understands what the other is up to – who can be trusted!? Are they working for the force of good or holding hands and committing crimes alongside Ramirez and his cronies? Both Ben and Cybil struggle to keep their secrets as not to completely upend their missions, but curiosity might just be the death of them.
As it goes with most suspense novels, you must pick this one up and read for yourself. I can’t say much more without spoilers. Get ready for a very special adventure as you read and let me just say – nothing can prepare you for how awesome Ben’s grandmother (Gran) is! Buckle up because this book is a wild and incredible ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Natalie Walters absolutely knocked this one out of the park! I’ve been a big fan of her writing for a while now, but this is without a doubt a new favorite. One thing I really appreciate in my books is good humor. If you follow Natalie’s social media, you’ll quickly find she has her own unique vibe, and you’ll be laughing as you scroll through her videos. This book was just oozing with her obvious quick wit, sass and humor. The banter and dialogue were top notch, and you’re given endless laugh out loud scenes that are going to be living rent free in my brain for quite a while. This story was such a gift and has a little bit of everything in it. A fantastic combination of high-stakes suspense and romance and characters that you will no doubt fall in love with. While there are a lot of funny moments, there’s also a layer of depth that was very much appreciated. I felt as though I was mourning the loss of these characters once I finished reading. Natalie, I’m going to need this to become an entire series! Please and thank you. LOL
Crime boss Lorenzo Ramirez unexpectedly reunites Ben and Cybil in the craziest of scenarios. Ben is undercover with the FBI and Cybil is doing investigative work of her own. The two have a complicated past, but deep down, their hearts still beat strongly for each other. As this story unfolds however, neither quite understands what the other is up to – who can be trusted!? Are they working for the force of good or holding hands and committing crimes alongside Ramirez and his cronies? Both Ben and Cybil struggle to keep their secrets as not to completely upend their missions, but curiosity might just be the death of them.
As it goes with most suspense novels, you must pick this one up and read for yourself. I can’t say much more without spoilers. Get ready for a very special adventure as you read and let me just say – nothing can prepare you for how awesome Ben’s grandmother (Gran) is! Buckle up because this book is a wild and incredible ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
April 30, 2026
4.25/5 ⭐️
Even though this is billed as a low-spice, thrilling spy romance, I ended up loving it.
This story leans into one of my favorite dynamics: childhood frenemies turned something more. Cybil and Ben haven’t seen each other in years, and when they collide again, they’re both deep in undercover worlds trying to take down the same bad guy… while each suspecting the other might be working for him. That tension alone keeps things moving.
What really worked for me was the balance. It has just enough suspense to keep things interesting without feeling heavy, and the romance is sweet, steady, and easy to root for. There’s some history, a little bit of unresolved hurt, but overall the angst stays low, which made it a really enjoyable, low-stress listen.
The chemistry between Cybil and Ben feels natural, especially as those old feelings start resurfacing in the middle of all the chaos. It’s more cute than intense, but it fits the tone of the story perfectly.
The audiobook was a big highlight for me. Andrew Eiden (Teddy Hamilton) and Dominique Salvacion are two of romance audiobook’s favorites and they delivered exactly what I wanted. Their performances added personality and made it easy to stay engaged with both characters.
Overall, this is a fun, light romantic suspense with a nostalgic twist. If you like undercover plots, second chances, and low-spice romance with heart, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks to the author, their publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
Even though this is billed as a low-spice, thrilling spy romance, I ended up loving it.
This story leans into one of my favorite dynamics: childhood frenemies turned something more. Cybil and Ben haven’t seen each other in years, and when they collide again, they’re both deep in undercover worlds trying to take down the same bad guy… while each suspecting the other might be working for him. That tension alone keeps things moving.
What really worked for me was the balance. It has just enough suspense to keep things interesting without feeling heavy, and the romance is sweet, steady, and easy to root for. There’s some history, a little bit of unresolved hurt, but overall the angst stays low, which made it a really enjoyable, low-stress listen.
The chemistry between Cybil and Ben feels natural, especially as those old feelings start resurfacing in the middle of all the chaos. It’s more cute than intense, but it fits the tone of the story perfectly.
The audiobook was a big highlight for me. Andrew Eiden (Teddy Hamilton) and Dominique Salvacion are two of romance audiobook’s favorites and they delivered exactly what I wanted. Their performances added personality and made it easy to stay engaged with both characters.
Overall, this is a fun, light romantic suspense with a nostalgic twist. If you like undercover plots, second chances, and low-spice romance with heart, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks to the author, their publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
May 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know those books you can’t put down that make you smile the entire time you’re reading? That was this book for me. Natalie Walters, where have you been all my life?! I absolutely loved this one and can’t wait to dive into her backlist.
I love spy movies. Mission Impossible is one of my favorite series, so naturally this book was right up my alley. This book had everything for me. Romance, banter, friendship, humor, suspense, secret missions, and real-life issues woven in so well. I loved Cybil and Ben! Even though they were highly trained in all things spy-related, they still felt so real, and I loved watching them grow and learn throughout the story. Plus, simply put, they were SO COOL.
And Ben, bravo. Strong, hunky, capable, but also vulnerable and gentle? We love to see it. Cybil also felt incredibly real to me, and I loved seeing her fight for the people she loves.
Also, Ben’s gran deserves her own book because she was an absolute hoot.
This was such a fun read and honestly one I really needed. So if you’re looking for a fun, romantic spy adventure, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted physical and ebook copies!
You know those books you can’t put down that make you smile the entire time you’re reading? That was this book for me. Natalie Walters, where have you been all my life?! I absolutely loved this one and can’t wait to dive into her backlist.
I love spy movies. Mission Impossible is one of my favorite series, so naturally this book was right up my alley. This book had everything for me. Romance, banter, friendship, humor, suspense, secret missions, and real-life issues woven in so well. I loved Cybil and Ben! Even though they were highly trained in all things spy-related, they still felt so real, and I loved watching them grow and learn throughout the story. Plus, simply put, they were SO COOL.
And Ben, bravo. Strong, hunky, capable, but also vulnerable and gentle? We love to see it. Cybil also felt incredibly real to me, and I loved seeing her fight for the people she loves.
Also, Ben’s gran deserves her own book because she was an absolute hoot.
This was such a fun read and honestly one I really needed. So if you’re looking for a fun, romantic spy adventure, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted physical and ebook copies!
May 19, 2026
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book—all thoughts and opinions are my own.
i can’t remember the last time i read a rom-com. that part of me died long ago (if it ever really existed at all). but i mean, i have a weakness for this genre. the espionage part, to be clear, not the romance. so while i understand that most people are here for the romance, i… never was, which let me enjoy the plot—and the situational comedy—in relative peace.
i mainly enjoyed this book bc it was fast-paced, made me laugh, and had spy stuff. the characters were decent—though Cybil was more developed than Ben which made one POV a lot more interesting than the other. i wish i enjoyed romance a little more bc there was a lot of yearning.
i will admit that when it came down to the nitty gritty, the actual espionage didn’t deliver quite as much as i’d hoped. also there were a lot of random side characters who didn’t really contribute and that meant a whole lot of yapping. but it was still fun for the most part, and silliness in spy stories is my bread and butter.
solid 3 stars for me—this was fun, a breeze to read, and kinda goofy but in a good way.
i can’t remember the last time i read a rom-com. that part of me died long ago (if it ever really existed at all). but i mean, i have a weakness for this genre. the espionage part, to be clear, not the romance. so while i understand that most people are here for the romance, i… never was, which let me enjoy the plot—and the situational comedy—in relative peace.
i mainly enjoyed this book bc it was fast-paced, made me laugh, and had spy stuff. the characters were decent—though Cybil was more developed than Ben which made one POV a lot more interesting than the other. i wish i enjoyed romance a little more bc there was a lot of yearning.
i will admit that when it came down to the nitty gritty, the actual espionage didn’t deliver quite as much as i’d hoped. also there were a lot of random side characters who didn’t really contribute and that meant a whole lot of yapping. but it was still fun for the most part, and silliness in spy stories is my bread and butter.
solid 3 stars for me—this was fun, a breeze to read, and kinda goofy but in a good way.
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