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The Alias Agenda
In this modern blend of heisty hijinks, romantic tension, and madcap mystery for fans of Ally Carter, Catherine Mack, The White Lotus and , an undercover operative with a rookie handler who’s as hot as he is blundering must infiltrate a suburban mom smuggling ring while dodging a killer from her past…
She’s had dozens of identities—but none of them have ever fallen in love.
When confidential informant Erin Daniels is abruptly pulled off an insider trading investigation and sent across the country with just a few hours’ notice, she’s definitely not expecting her new assignment to involve infiltrating a smuggling ring in a . . . suburban mommy group? She’s also not expecting to meet a clumsy field agent who is hot as hell—or to hear that the man who handled her assignments for the last 10 years is dead.
Erin’s spent the last decade as a secret operative for the intelligence agency that arrested her con artist father—and ostensibly is keeping her safe from retribution. With her former handler the only constant in a life spent on the move, inserting herself into dangerous situations, Erin has to adjust to newcomer Cal Bray, and his sometimes-blundering attempts to protect her—all while trying to deny her growing attraction to him.
But before they can get too far into the mommy ring, a vengeful figure from Erin’s past reappears, bent on killing her—and coming uncomfortably close. Drawing on her years of experience and Cal’s best instincts, Erin is determined to exorcize her ghosts for good, and find out what a real life, on her own, is like—and if Cal is willing to lend a hand . . .
She’s had dozens of identities—but none of them have ever fallen in love.
When confidential informant Erin Daniels is abruptly pulled off an insider trading investigation and sent across the country with just a few hours’ notice, she’s definitely not expecting her new assignment to involve infiltrating a smuggling ring in a . . . suburban mommy group? She’s also not expecting to meet a clumsy field agent who is hot as hell—or to hear that the man who handled her assignments for the last 10 years is dead.
Erin’s spent the last decade as a secret operative for the intelligence agency that arrested her con artist father—and ostensibly is keeping her safe from retribution. With her former handler the only constant in a life spent on the move, inserting herself into dangerous situations, Erin has to adjust to newcomer Cal Bray, and his sometimes-blundering attempts to protect her—all while trying to deny her growing attraction to him.
But before they can get too far into the mommy ring, a vengeful figure from Erin’s past reappears, bent on killing her—and coming uncomfortably close. Drawing on her years of experience and Cal’s best instincts, Erin is determined to exorcize her ghosts for good, and find out what a real life, on her own, is like—and if Cal is willing to lend a hand . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Holly James
6 books492 followersHolly James is the author of adult romance and commercial fiction. She holds a PhD in psychology and has worked in both academia and the tech industry. When she’s not reading or writing a book, she can be found on the beach or hiking in the woods. Born and raised in Northern California, she currently lives at the southern end of the state with her husband and their dog. Find her at hollyjamesbooks.com and on Instagram at @hellohollyjames.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 24, 2026
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Holly James' latest action-rom-dramedy was a fast-paced, lighthearted read with a smidge of spice that rounded up nicely in a predictable sequence of events. 👍🏻 The pacing was swift and fluid, although I would have preferred if it could have been a dual perspective, because Agent Bray, the li, did not have much presence, save for his smiley faces. 🙂 And delicious kisses. 😘
And boy, could he kiss. What?! It was hawt, okay? 😏 Even though his smitten-ness with Erin was a bit too convenient, they shared some sweet chemistry and fun banter that showed how compatible they were for each other. A very welcome and warm cage I wanted to be locked inside forever for how she had forgotten the touch and hunger she yearned for. ♥️
I struggled, though, to like Erin. As much as I sympathized with how she was forcibly resigned to be a true specter in the wind, some of her actions were a bit too casual and cavalier and reckless to be forthcoming of a good agent, who maybe was too over-confident in their multi-talented capabilities. 🙄 Which made it harder to believe her skill sets could get her out of tough situations so easily.
“The opportunity to sneak in somewhere—somewhere big—hadn’t crossed my path in years, but it was my favorite kind of challenge.”
The mystery behind both cases was lukewarm, at best. Very little time spent with her alias, which I was actually getting into! I would have liked it if the ending had given some closure to the smuggling operation, which was sadly dismissed. 😮💨 Even if it was nice how Erin tied her past and present together to assist her in her attempt to save herself.
One issue I faced with the writing, though, was the lack of contractions used at moments where it felt more necessary. 😕 The formality of it not in use, totally changes the tone of the comment, which felt ill-fitting to the situation at hand. Maybe it was deliberate, but it just disrupted the flow of the narrative for me.
Still, if you're in the mood for a quick fix for something light and active, with a dash of action and a hint of tension, nothing too heavy on the brain or too flashy-forward, then this is a nice reprieve from the moody angsty reads I torture myself with. 💮
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“I see a young woman who, not unlike us, has lost control of her life and is trying to take it back on her own terms.”
Holly James' latest action-rom-dramedy was a fast-paced, lighthearted read with a smidge of spice that rounded up nicely in a predictable sequence of events. 👍🏻 The pacing was swift and fluid, although I would have preferred if it could have been a dual perspective, because Agent Bray, the li, did not have much presence, save for his smiley faces. 🙂 And delicious kisses. 😘
And boy, could he kiss. What?! It was hawt, okay? 😏 Even though his smitten-ness with Erin was a bit too convenient, they shared some sweet chemistry and fun banter that showed how compatible they were for each other. A very welcome and warm cage I wanted to be locked inside forever for how she had forgotten the touch and hunger she yearned for. ♥️
I struggled, though, to like Erin. As much as I sympathized with how she was forcibly resigned to be a true specter in the wind, some of her actions were a bit too casual and cavalier and reckless to be forthcoming of a good agent, who maybe was too over-confident in their multi-talented capabilities. 🙄 Which made it harder to believe her skill sets could get her out of tough situations so easily.
“The opportunity to sneak in somewhere—somewhere big—hadn’t crossed my path in years, but it was my favorite kind of challenge.”
The mystery behind both cases was lukewarm, at best. Very little time spent with her alias, which I was actually getting into! I would have liked it if the ending had given some closure to the smuggling operation, which was sadly dismissed. 😮💨 Even if it was nice how Erin tied her past and present together to assist her in her attempt to save herself.
One issue I faced with the writing, though, was the lack of contractions used at moments where it felt more necessary. 😕 The formality of it not in use, totally changes the tone of the comment, which felt ill-fitting to the situation at hand. Maybe it was deliberate, but it just disrupted the flow of the narrative for me.
Still, if you're in the mood for a quick fix for something light and active, with a dash of action and a hint of tension, nothing too heavy on the brain or too flashy-forward, then this is a nice reprieve from the moody angsty reads I torture myself with. 💮
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Sometimes I'm reading about crime particularly ones like in this book and I think"isn't it easier and more profitable to just make money? "
Alas, because her dad did not think so Erin had been an undercover asset for an agency for a decade. Her identity is hidden, and her life reflects that. It's all a bit oddly sad, because Erin is truly just surviving.
This book is more suspense than romance, though the tension is amazing. Bray is an earnest do-gooder who doesn't mind a beach of ethics (my biggest issue about this book).
If there are drawbacks to the action and plot overall, it is that lack of balance and overall believing the HFN. But it was fun. Erin is a self-sufficient badass.
Alas, because her dad did not think so Erin had been an undercover asset for an agency for a decade. Her identity is hidden, and her life reflects that. It's all a bit oddly sad, because Erin is truly just surviving.
This book is more suspense than romance, though the tension is amazing. Bray is an earnest do-gooder who doesn't mind a beach of ethics (my biggest issue about this book).
If there are drawbacks to the action and plot overall, it is that lack of balance and overall believing the HFN. But it was fun. Erin is a self-sufficient badass.
May 2, 2026
Gripping!
Erin Daniels had been trapped into being run by Agent Wallace for over ten years
She’s been undercover with as many aliases as good dinners.
Now her handler has disappeared and she’s being run by another agent, Calvin Bray, who’s just a bit too much of everything to be true.
Her new assignment is to find out how a group of glam moms from a high class neighbourhood were smuggling in high end baby carriages.
A walk in the park until her past and a large unaccounted for diamond come back to threaten her.
A tightly written novel with enough action, empathy and romance to satisfy.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Erin Daniels had been trapped into being run by Agent Wallace for over ten years
She’s been undercover with as many aliases as good dinners.
Now her handler has disappeared and she’s being run by another agent, Calvin Bray, who’s just a bit too much of everything to be true.
Her new assignment is to find out how a group of glam moms from a high class neighbourhood were smuggling in high end baby carriages.
A walk in the park until her past and a large unaccounted for diamond come back to threaten her.
A tightly written novel with enough action, empathy and romance to satisfy.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for the invitation to be a part of this book tour, to Kensington Books & BTC Books for sending this ARC, and to NetGalley for the e-arc...this is my honest review.
📖 The Alias Agenda 📖
Author: Holly James
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Publisher: Kensington Books
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
I am SUCH a fan of a good mixed genre read -- especially the perfect blend of suspense, thriller, and romance that you find in The Alias Agenda from author Holly James. I loved this story and found myself completely immersed in it, finishing it in just one sitting and clamoring for more.
Told in dual timelines of the past and present, this quick read is part confidential informant thriller, part suburban mom suspense, and part will-they-won't-they rom-com. Love scenes were a closed-door spice level, and James wrote witty banter that had me chuckling!
Ten years ago when she was caught as an accomplice to her father's years of crime, Erin was given a choice: go to prison like her father or go undercover as a confidential informant. It wasn't a hard choice. For the last ten years, Erin's gone where she's told, lived the identities she's told to live, and then been transferred to a new location with a new identity as soon as she cracks a case. But when she's assigned a new handler, there's no denying the attraction & chemistry between them. While Erin would love a normal life, she's trapped by the CI contract and the threat of prison if she ever tries to leave this life. And now someone from her past has found her after all these years...And they want her dead.
The characters in this read were fantastic, the love story was such fun, and the suspense of Erin's adventures as a CI kept me intrigued. If you're a fan of mixed genre reads -- especially romantic suspense -- you do not want to miss The Alias Agenda! And it's out now!
#TheAliasAgenda #HollyJames #KensingtonBooks #BTCBooks #TLCBookTour #Netgalley #ARC #romanticsuspense #spythriller #booktour #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
📖 The Alias Agenda 📖
Author: Holly James
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Publisher: Kensington Books
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)
I am SUCH a fan of a good mixed genre read -- especially the perfect blend of suspense, thriller, and romance that you find in The Alias Agenda from author Holly James. I loved this story and found myself completely immersed in it, finishing it in just one sitting and clamoring for more.
Told in dual timelines of the past and present, this quick read is part confidential informant thriller, part suburban mom suspense, and part will-they-won't-they rom-com. Love scenes were a closed-door spice level, and James wrote witty banter that had me chuckling!
Ten years ago when she was caught as an accomplice to her father's years of crime, Erin was given a choice: go to prison like her father or go undercover as a confidential informant. It wasn't a hard choice. For the last ten years, Erin's gone where she's told, lived the identities she's told to live, and then been transferred to a new location with a new identity as soon as she cracks a case. But when she's assigned a new handler, there's no denying the attraction & chemistry between them. While Erin would love a normal life, she's trapped by the CI contract and the threat of prison if she ever tries to leave this life. And now someone from her past has found her after all these years...And they want her dead.
The characters in this read were fantastic, the love story was such fun, and the suspense of Erin's adventures as a CI kept me intrigued. If you're a fan of mixed genre reads -- especially romantic suspense -- you do not want to miss The Alias Agenda! And it's out now!
#TheAliasAgenda #HollyJames #KensingtonBooks #BTCBooks #TLCBookTour #Netgalley #ARC #romanticsuspense #spythriller #booktour #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
February 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Holly James for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who loved the show Alias, this book was like a warm hug. Different enough but had enough to make me notice similarities.
This was a genre mashup - romance, mystery, suspense - covers, false identities and crime.
Erin has a complicated past thanks to her career criminal father and 10years ago they got caught up in a bust. Rather than face prison she agreed to be a CI for a secret government agency.
Now, her handler calls her in the middle of the night to fast track her current job and sends her to a fluffy suburban job across the country where she is introduced to a new handler she wasn’t expecting. Soon she realizes her cover has been compromised and ghosts from 10 years ago are hunting her.
They fought it for a bit but the attraction and internal infatuation was pretty instant for Erin. I wish that wasn’t so fast but otherwise I really liked it. Speaking of attraction and spice, there was tension and some handsyness and comments about “ending droughts” but not much detail other than talking about a bulge or brushing nipples. I wouldn’t have been mad about more!
As someone who loved the show Alias, this book was like a warm hug. Different enough but had enough to make me notice similarities.
This was a genre mashup - romance, mystery, suspense - covers, false identities and crime.
Erin has a complicated past thanks to her career criminal father and 10years ago they got caught up in a bust. Rather than face prison she agreed to be a CI for a secret government agency.
Now, her handler calls her in the middle of the night to fast track her current job and sends her to a fluffy suburban job across the country where she is introduced to a new handler she wasn’t expecting. Soon she realizes her cover has been compromised and ghosts from 10 years ago are hunting her.
They fought it for a bit but the attraction and internal infatuation was pretty instant for Erin. I wish that wasn’t so fast but otherwise I really liked it. Speaking of attraction and spice, there was tension and some handsyness and comments about “ending droughts” but not much detail other than talking about a bulge or brushing nipples. I wouldn’t have been mad about more!
May 11, 2026
This is a book about a woman named Erin, whose life has never really been her own. First, by her con artist father who uses her as his partner in crime during her teenage years, and then by Agent Wallace of the DSA, who after a violent incident with her father and a jewel thief, basically threatens her to become an asset for the DSA or go to prison. What follows is ten years of a life full of loneliness, danger, fake names, sleepless nights and no friends or family. Then one night she gets a call from her handler, Agent Wallace and everything changes. She's moved to a new case and location and has a new handler, Agent Bray. Things start to fall apart quickly and ghosts from her past find out where she is and come to kill her. Agent Bray protects her and they start to develop feelings for each other, which is against protocol, but they can't help their chemistry. She then finds out the jewel thief is getting out of prison and to get her freedom from the agency and finally be free from hiding, she needs to find out what happened that fateful night ten years ago. There's a lot of action and the story is fast-paced, there are great characters and an explosive ending that leads to Erin's happy ending.
May 9, 2026
The Alias Agenda by Holly James
I’m a big fan of movies like Oceans Eleven, The Thomas Crown Affair, and shows like Alias. I’ve always enjoyed a clever suspense plot with a little romance thrown in. And that’s what I got with Holly James’s The Alias Agenda.
Right from the start, the main character is a woman, and I loved that. Erin is undercover, has multiple aliases, and has to deal with what she suspects is an inexperienced handler, Cal. Their case involves a group of savvy suburban moms, but underlying that is her tumultuous relationship with her father. Her past and how she got to where she is. And some romantic feelings that soon develop between the new handler she has, too.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I liked Erin’s confidence and enjoyed the story’s humorous parts.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours, Kensington Books, BTC, and Author Holly James for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m a big fan of movies like Oceans Eleven, The Thomas Crown Affair, and shows like Alias. I’ve always enjoyed a clever suspense plot with a little romance thrown in. And that’s what I got with Holly James’s The Alias Agenda.
Right from the start, the main character is a woman, and I loved that. Erin is undercover, has multiple aliases, and has to deal with what she suspects is an inexperienced handler, Cal. Their case involves a group of savvy suburban moms, but underlying that is her tumultuous relationship with her father. Her past and how she got to where she is. And some romantic feelings that soon develop between the new handler she has, too.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I liked Erin’s confidence and enjoyed the story’s humorous parts.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours, Kensington Books, BTC, and Author Holly James for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2026
Erin Daniels has been many different women for a long time as a CI to a secret government agency. Now, she is sent off to bust some desperate housewives who have their hands in some illegal activities while getting used to a new, and very handsome, handler.
This was fun! I really like action romcoms and this one fell right into that. Erin has some crazy antics as she gets in the middle of a few different cases. The main one deals with something that happened in her past which brings in a bunch of drama. There is a lot going on in this one, but they do all come together. The romance was my favorite part of this. I loved Cal and Erin together. They are opposites but also so similar. He is all duty and the job while she has such a great sense of humor to all of the crazy situations they get into.
This is right up your alley if you're looking for an action romcom that reads just like a movie!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
This was fun! I really like action romcoms and this one fell right into that. Erin has some crazy antics as she gets in the middle of a few different cases. The main one deals with something that happened in her past which brings in a bunch of drama. There is a lot going on in this one, but they do all come together. The romance was my favorite part of this. I loved Cal and Erin together. They are opposites but also so similar. He is all duty and the job while she has such a great sense of humor to all of the crazy situations they get into.
This is right up your alley if you're looking for an action romcom that reads just like a movie!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
April 29, 2026
Read Completed 4/29/26 | 4.5 stars | Book #90 of 2026
Wow, I did not expect to enjoy this so much!! It's really not a ground-breaking book, but it just hit exactly what I was craving right now (trying to find a TV show exactly like this, really, so someone please make this into a TV show too) and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. Apparently mystery/thriller with a light romance is something that's hitting for me right now too with how much I also loved THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.
I think it was the chemistry between Erin & Bray that really sold me. I thought the author did a fantastic job with the character development because I really felt them as real people. The characters really kept the story interesting, and I also always love a good con / spy concept. I was a little worried it was going to get cheesy with Erin infiltrating a bunch of rich suburban moms under suspicion of baby products smuggling ring, but thankfully that wasn't the whole story, and there was a lot of other stuff going on!
If I recommended this to others, I don't think they'd rate it nearly as high as I did, but I just thoroughly enjoyed this whole story from the very beginning. I absolutely loved Bray and Erin was also a great main character. The ending was nearly heartbreaking but I'm glad it came around to satisfying, of course.
Wow, I did not expect to enjoy this so much!! It's really not a ground-breaking book, but it just hit exactly what I was craving right now (trying to find a TV show exactly like this, really, so someone please make this into a TV show too) and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. Apparently mystery/thriller with a light romance is something that's hitting for me right now too with how much I also loved THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.
I think it was the chemistry between Erin & Bray that really sold me. I thought the author did a fantastic job with the character development because I really felt them as real people. The characters really kept the story interesting, and I also always love a good con / spy concept. I was a little worried it was going to get cheesy with Erin infiltrating a bunch of rich suburban moms under suspicion of baby products smuggling ring, but thankfully that wasn't the whole story, and there was a lot of other stuff going on!
If I recommended this to others, I don't think they'd rate it nearly as high as I did, but I just thoroughly enjoyed this whole story from the very beginning. I absolutely loved Bray and Erin was also a great main character. The ending was nearly heartbreaking but I'm glad it came around to satisfying, of course.
April 29, 2026
Entertaining mystery. I was a big fan of Erin and Bray. The chemistry between the two bounced off the pages. The plot flowed well with plenty of suspense, humor and romance.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
Fast paced and well balanced between the action, some humor, and a solid dash of romance. This isn't old school romantic suspense, Holly James is leading the way to a modern version of this genre.
Fast paced and well balanced between the action, some humor, and a solid dash of romance. This isn't old school romantic suspense, Holly James is leading the way to a modern version of this genre.
May 3, 2026
AMO este tipo de historias 💛💛💛
April 30, 2026
A spy thriller romance? Of course I'm in! I'm always in when a kickass woman had the upper hand on not only espionage but also a man who doesn't even know what hit him til he's hopelessly in love with her. This was fun and action packed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Everything is on fire, everyone is lying, and The Alias Agenda by Holly James wastes absolutely no time throwing you into the chaos. Published by Kensington Publishing, with many thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the gifted ARC, this book arrived ready to stir things up and then smirk while doing it.
At its core, this is a story about a woman who has lived too many lives and a man who’s trying very hard not to screw up the one job that matters. It’s technically a romantic suspense, but it reads more like controlled mayhem wrapped in banter, emotional bruises, and deeply inconvenient chemistry. The plot moves fast, sometimes almost breathlessly, and while I did feel the pacing wobble a bit early on, once it found its rhythm I was fully along for the ride.
Erin Daniels is the kind of heroine I always want more of. She’s capable without being invincible, guarded without being cold, and shaped by choices she never really got to make. Her life as a confidential informant feels less glamorous and more quietly tragic, and I loved how the book let that weight sit there without overexplaining it. Erin isn’t chasing danger for thrills. She’s surviving it because it’s what she knows. There’s an undercurrent of grief running through her story, especially as she deals with the loss of her longtime handler, and it gives the book an emotional depth that surprised me.
Enter Cal Bray, her new handler, who is earnest, awkward, occasionally blundering, and painfully sincere. He’s the kind of man who tries to follow the rules even when the rules are clearly failing the people he’s meant to protect. Watching Erin and Cal circle each other was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience. Their connection doesn’t feel slick or polished. It feels earned through shared stress, bad timing, and moments where they choose trust even when it’s terrifying. One line that stuck with me was, “You don’t get to choose who you become, only what you do when it matters.” That sentiment quietly hums beneath every decision Erin makes.
The suburban mom smuggling ring should feel ridiculous, and sometimes it absolutely does, but in a way that works. The story leans into the absurdity just enough to keep things fun without undercutting the stakes. I found myself laughing at the undercover setup one minute and genuinely tense the next, especially when Erin’s past comes crashing into her present. The side characters deserve a shout-out too. Even with limited page time, they felt distinct and alive, the kind of people you instantly form opinions about.
That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed, and a few plot threads could’ve benefited from more breathing room. Because of that, this lands at a solid and very honest 3.75 stars for me. Not flawless, but absolutely engaging and memorable, and carried hard by its characters.
This book is perfect for readers who like their romance threaded through danger, who enjoy witty dialogue, competent women, and soft-hearted men with hero complexes. If you’re a fan of spy stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still manage to hit emotionally, you’ll probably have a great time here.
So be honest, if you were sent undercover into a suburban mom group with secrets and smugglers hiding behind playdates, would you last… or would you spill everything by the third bake sale?
#TheAliasAgenda #HollyJames #BookReview #ARCReader #NetGalley #RomanticSuspense #SpyRomance #MysteryRomance #Bookstagram
At its core, this is a story about a woman who has lived too many lives and a man who’s trying very hard not to screw up the one job that matters. It’s technically a romantic suspense, but it reads more like controlled mayhem wrapped in banter, emotional bruises, and deeply inconvenient chemistry. The plot moves fast, sometimes almost breathlessly, and while I did feel the pacing wobble a bit early on, once it found its rhythm I was fully along for the ride.
Erin Daniels is the kind of heroine I always want more of. She’s capable without being invincible, guarded without being cold, and shaped by choices she never really got to make. Her life as a confidential informant feels less glamorous and more quietly tragic, and I loved how the book let that weight sit there without overexplaining it. Erin isn’t chasing danger for thrills. She’s surviving it because it’s what she knows. There’s an undercurrent of grief running through her story, especially as she deals with the loss of her longtime handler, and it gives the book an emotional depth that surprised me.
Enter Cal Bray, her new handler, who is earnest, awkward, occasionally blundering, and painfully sincere. He’s the kind of man who tries to follow the rules even when the rules are clearly failing the people he’s meant to protect. Watching Erin and Cal circle each other was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience. Their connection doesn’t feel slick or polished. It feels earned through shared stress, bad timing, and moments where they choose trust even when it’s terrifying. One line that stuck with me was, “You don’t get to choose who you become, only what you do when it matters.” That sentiment quietly hums beneath every decision Erin makes.
The suburban mom smuggling ring should feel ridiculous, and sometimes it absolutely does, but in a way that works. The story leans into the absurdity just enough to keep things fun without undercutting the stakes. I found myself laughing at the undercover setup one minute and genuinely tense the next, especially when Erin’s past comes crashing into her present. The side characters deserve a shout-out too. Even with limited page time, they felt distinct and alive, the kind of people you instantly form opinions about.
That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed, and a few plot threads could’ve benefited from more breathing room. Because of that, this lands at a solid and very honest 3.75 stars for me. Not flawless, but absolutely engaging and memorable, and carried hard by its characters.
This book is perfect for readers who like their romance threaded through danger, who enjoy witty dialogue, competent women, and soft-hearted men with hero complexes. If you’re a fan of spy stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still manage to hit emotionally, you’ll probably have a great time here.
So be honest, if you were sent undercover into a suburban mom group with secrets and smugglers hiding behind playdates, would you last… or would you spill everything by the third bake sale?
#TheAliasAgenda #HollyJames #BookReview #ARCReader #NetGalley #RomanticSuspense #SpyRomance #MysteryRomance #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
FMC- 28
MMC- I’m not sure it’s mentioned but I’d say similar
I absolutely loved The Big Fix by this author. Truth be told I actually love a lot of Holly James books but she does genre jump a lot and this one was more in line with the romantic suspense themes of Big Fix. The things I loved about that book ring true here too- fast paced, romantic suspense, characters I love and an interesting story line.
I don’t mean for this review to be too much of a comparison but what fell slightly short of the 5* rating of that book here was the amount of storylines and the somewhat chaotic back and forth between them. Big Fix had a bit more humor, banter, and easier to follow storyline.
Think of Erin as Sidney Bristow in Alias (only blonde) and Agent Bray as a brown haired grey eyed Jack Reacher (the TV version, not the movie version). I still think about those biceps 😂 🥰Erin’s life is not her own, working as a confidential informant due to choices her criminal father made that put her in danger. She ends up with Agent Bray as her handler who shares similarities in that his life is largely led by familial responsibility. I loved their connection and chemistry. Throughout this book Erin is both on a case as well as running from her past.
The reason I’m not more explanatory in reviewing what I wish were different in this book (or technically didn’t enjoy as much), is that I think it’s worth reading this book going in a bit blind other than just the description provided by the author. If you like a quick read and the romance suspense tropes I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this read. It would be giving away too much of some of the twists the story took to explain how the story lines diverged off, and then came back together, and it felt a little disjointed to me for reasons wrapped up in that- or I would have rated this higher.
I also wish there was more interaction and banter between Agent Bray and Erin (which again was present in Fix). I loved both characters, especially how earnest and adorable Bray was wrapped in a super hunky package.
Overall I enjoyed this read and would recommend.
Disclaimer: I was given this book as Arc by NetGalley. I know people always say they still give an honest review, but I truly do as I don’t rely on NG for books. I mostly just like the early access ( especially for authors I have loved in the past like this one) and want to help other readers find great stories. I’ll only publish a review and rating if I rate the book 4 or 5 stars. If I rate it lower, I submit feedback to the publisher only. I feel that’s a balanced way to be honest, and since I’m not sure if they’ll make changes based on feedback before official publication, fair. If I re-read after publication I’ll rate it then. Thank you to NG and the publisher for access to read this!
MMC- I’m not sure it’s mentioned but I’d say similar
I absolutely loved The Big Fix by this author. Truth be told I actually love a lot of Holly James books but she does genre jump a lot and this one was more in line with the romantic suspense themes of Big Fix. The things I loved about that book ring true here too- fast paced, romantic suspense, characters I love and an interesting story line.
I don’t mean for this review to be too much of a comparison but what fell slightly short of the 5* rating of that book here was the amount of storylines and the somewhat chaotic back and forth between them. Big Fix had a bit more humor, banter, and easier to follow storyline.
Think of Erin as Sidney Bristow in Alias (only blonde) and Agent Bray as a brown haired grey eyed Jack Reacher (the TV version, not the movie version). I still think about those biceps 😂 🥰Erin’s life is not her own, working as a confidential informant due to choices her criminal father made that put her in danger. She ends up with Agent Bray as her handler who shares similarities in that his life is largely led by familial responsibility. I loved their connection and chemistry. Throughout this book Erin is both on a case as well as running from her past.
The reason I’m not more explanatory in reviewing what I wish were different in this book (or technically didn’t enjoy as much), is that I think it’s worth reading this book going in a bit blind other than just the description provided by the author. If you like a quick read and the romance suspense tropes I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this read. It would be giving away too much of some of the twists the story took to explain how the story lines diverged off, and then came back together, and it felt a little disjointed to me for reasons wrapped up in that- or I would have rated this higher.
I also wish there was more interaction and banter between Agent Bray and Erin (which again was present in Fix). I loved both characters, especially how earnest and adorable Bray was wrapped in a super hunky package.
Overall I enjoyed this read and would recommend.
Disclaimer: I was given this book as Arc by NetGalley. I know people always say they still give an honest review, but I truly do as I don’t rely on NG for books. I mostly just like the early access ( especially for authors I have loved in the past like this one) and want to help other readers find great stories. I’ll only publish a review and rating if I rate the book 4 or 5 stars. If I rate it lower, I submit feedback to the publisher only. I feel that’s a balanced way to be honest, and since I’m not sure if they’ll make changes based on feedback before official publication, fair. If I re-read after publication I’ll rate it then. Thank you to NG and the publisher for access to read this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From what I can tell based on other reviews already posted, most people have read James’s other book- The Big Fix. I am not one of those people, but after reading this, I plan on picking it up as soon as possible! This book was chaotic and a little unhinged, part spy movie, part romance book where everything SHOULD fall apart—but somehow, it works. That’s definitely a testament Holly James and her ability to write a good book because with so many pieces, I would’ve expected this to feel chaotic in all the bad ways, but that isn’t the case with this!
The Alias Agenda is a fun genre mashup: part rom-com, part spy thriller, part suburban satire. The idea of infiltrating a smuggling ring hidden inside a mommy group is already wild, and the story fully leans into that absurdity in the best way. It’s fast-paced, a little ridiculous (affectionately), and incredibly easy to binge.
Erin is the kind of main character I immediately loved—she’s hyper-competent, emotionally guarded, and shaped by a life she never really chose. There’s something quietly heartbreaking about how capable she is, knowing it all stems from survival. Watching her navigate not just the case, but the possibility of wanting something more for herself, added a layer of depth I wasn’t expecting from such a playful premise.
And then there’s Cal. At first, he seems like he might be more liability than asset—awkward, a little out of his depth—but that quickly gives way to something much more endearing. He’s genuinely kind, and more importantly, he sees Erin in a way no one else really has. Their dynamic carries the book: a mix of tension, banter, and that slow shift from “this is a bad idea” to “this might be worth the risk.”
The romance does lean toward insta-love/lust, which might not work for everyone. I personally would’ve loved a slightly slower burn, especially given Erin’s trust issues. But the chemistry is there, and the emotional payoff still lands. Again, I think it’s a testament to James’s writing abilities because normally, anything instantaneous is a big turn-off, but I didn’t mind it here!
Plot-wise, it’s very much a rollercoaster—undercover hijinks, close calls, past enemies resurfacing. The tone stays light even when the stakes ramp up, which makes it feel more escapist than intense. The ending does wrap up a bit quickly compared to the buildup, but it didn’t take away from how much fun I had getting there. Overall, this is one of those books you pick up for the premise and stay for the characters. It’s sharp, entertaining, a little insane, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the disguises and danger. I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever Holly James writes next!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC!
The Alias Agenda is a fun genre mashup: part rom-com, part spy thriller, part suburban satire. The idea of infiltrating a smuggling ring hidden inside a mommy group is already wild, and the story fully leans into that absurdity in the best way. It’s fast-paced, a little ridiculous (affectionately), and incredibly easy to binge.
Erin is the kind of main character I immediately loved—she’s hyper-competent, emotionally guarded, and shaped by a life she never really chose. There’s something quietly heartbreaking about how capable she is, knowing it all stems from survival. Watching her navigate not just the case, but the possibility of wanting something more for herself, added a layer of depth I wasn’t expecting from such a playful premise.
And then there’s Cal. At first, he seems like he might be more liability than asset—awkward, a little out of his depth—but that quickly gives way to something much more endearing. He’s genuinely kind, and more importantly, he sees Erin in a way no one else really has. Their dynamic carries the book: a mix of tension, banter, and that slow shift from “this is a bad idea” to “this might be worth the risk.”
The romance does lean toward insta-love/lust, which might not work for everyone. I personally would’ve loved a slightly slower burn, especially given Erin’s trust issues. But the chemistry is there, and the emotional payoff still lands. Again, I think it’s a testament to James’s writing abilities because normally, anything instantaneous is a big turn-off, but I didn’t mind it here!
Plot-wise, it’s very much a rollercoaster—undercover hijinks, close calls, past enemies resurfacing. The tone stays light even when the stakes ramp up, which makes it feel more escapist than intense. The ending does wrap up a bit quickly compared to the buildup, but it didn’t take away from how much fun I had getting there. Overall, this is one of those books you pick up for the premise and stay for the characters. It’s sharp, entertaining, a little insane, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the disguises and danger. I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever Holly James writes next!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC!
April 9, 2026
I had such a great time reading The Big Fix last year, so I was thrilled that Holly James had another action romance drama book on the publishing calendar. The Alias Agenda was a fast-paced page turner with a uniquely competent FMC and a kind-hearted special agent MMC who saw and understood her.
Erin spent her childhood running cons under the influence of her dad before getting busted alongside him and turning confidential informant for a secret government organization for the past decade. When her longtime handler unexpectedly reassigns her, she lands in suburbia with a new handler, Agent Calvin Bray, on a case to bust a mommy smuggling ring. A much more dangerous case from her past resurfaces and sends Erin and Cal into a spiral of close calls and escapes while trying to get ahead of the threat.
Erin is a supremely badass FMC with her carefully honed skills and natural ability to assess and neutralize situations. At the same time, the fact that that’s her life is a tragedy because of how it came to be. Her history with her father is a painful one, and it really shaped so much of who she became as an adult and how well she could open up to or trust other people — which is to say not at all. There is a lot of growth, acceptance, and much-needed putting herself first that Erin has to do throughout this story, and I was rooting for her the whole way. I cheered for all of her choices, right or “wrong” because after so many years of doing for others, she’s earned the chance to choose herself.
Cal is a really interesting MMC. He seems incredibly green at first and of questionably competency for his chosen profession, but as his history is revealed it makes a lot more sense. Key to his character is that he has a truly wonderful heart, and he is one of the first people to come into Erin’s life who seems to really care for her well-being and for her as a person, professionally and not so professionally. He may not like all her choices but he understands them and he believes in her. He recognizes what she’s been through and what an incredible person she has become because of and in spite of it all.
I really enjoyed this latest read from Holly James. She is an autobuy author for me. Thank you to Kensington for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Erin spent her childhood running cons under the influence of her dad before getting busted alongside him and turning confidential informant for a secret government organization for the past decade. When her longtime handler unexpectedly reassigns her, she lands in suburbia with a new handler, Agent Calvin Bray, on a case to bust a mommy smuggling ring. A much more dangerous case from her past resurfaces and sends Erin and Cal into a spiral of close calls and escapes while trying to get ahead of the threat.
Erin is a supremely badass FMC with her carefully honed skills and natural ability to assess and neutralize situations. At the same time, the fact that that’s her life is a tragedy because of how it came to be. Her history with her father is a painful one, and it really shaped so much of who she became as an adult and how well she could open up to or trust other people — which is to say not at all. There is a lot of growth, acceptance, and much-needed putting herself first that Erin has to do throughout this story, and I was rooting for her the whole way. I cheered for all of her choices, right or “wrong” because after so many years of doing for others, she’s earned the chance to choose herself.
Cal is a really interesting MMC. He seems incredibly green at first and of questionably competency for his chosen profession, but as his history is revealed it makes a lot more sense. Key to his character is that he has a truly wonderful heart, and he is one of the first people to come into Erin’s life who seems to really care for her well-being and for her as a person, professionally and not so professionally. He may not like all her choices but he understands them and he believes in her. He recognizes what she’s been through and what an incredible person she has become because of and in spite of it all.
I really enjoyed this latest read from Holly James. She is an autobuy author for me. Thank you to Kensington for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to get an ARC for The Alias Agenda by Holly James. I have enjoyed her work before, and the synopsis of this book promised intrigue and tension which sounded right up my alley. So, you can imagine my disappointment when there wasn’t much of a pay off.
I wanted to like the characters. I was expecting a Sydney Bristow/Michael Vaughn from Alias dynamic, but that is not what I got. Erin is seemingly proficient in combat of all kinds but makes silly mistakes and doesn’t appear to have a poker face. Bray is supposed to be a leading man but is completely incapable of doing his job (his very serious, high-stakes job). There is nothing less attractive than male incompetence. Neither of these people are equipped for the mission and it is probably because it seems like the author is not particularly knowledgeable about law enforcement or government agencies. For example, the role of a confidential informant (CI) felt misrepresented. The way Erin’s job as a CI was depicted doesn’t align with how these relationships typically function in real-world investigations (Cis are not secret agents) which pulled me out of the story.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the writing style. I taught creative writing to teenagers for about a decade and one thing we always focused on was “showing” instead of “telling”. Sometimes this book suffered from long passages of exposition- even about things that previously happened in this very book- and I would long for some imagery and figurative language. Then I’d get my wish and there’d be a simile or emotive language that evoked the senses, but it would be odd or ham-fisted, like the “willow tree idly stroking the thick breeze”. It also felt a bit like it was written without a plan. Ultimately, if one of my students handed this in, I would be so impressed, but as a seasoned author with other books I thoroughly enjoyed, this fell short of my expectations.
Overall, while the book has a creative premise and may appeal to teen readers who are dipping their toes into adult fiction for the first time, it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me.
I was very excited to get an ARC for The Alias Agenda by Holly James. I have enjoyed her work before, and the synopsis of this book promised intrigue and tension which sounded right up my alley. So, you can imagine my disappointment when there wasn’t much of a pay off.
I wanted to like the characters. I was expecting a Sydney Bristow/Michael Vaughn from Alias dynamic, but that is not what I got. Erin is seemingly proficient in combat of all kinds but makes silly mistakes and doesn’t appear to have a poker face. Bray is supposed to be a leading man but is completely incapable of doing his job (his very serious, high-stakes job). There is nothing less attractive than male incompetence. Neither of these people are equipped for the mission and it is probably because it seems like the author is not particularly knowledgeable about law enforcement or government agencies. For example, the role of a confidential informant (CI) felt misrepresented. The way Erin’s job as a CI was depicted doesn’t align with how these relationships typically function in real-world investigations (Cis are not secret agents) which pulled me out of the story.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the writing style. I taught creative writing to teenagers for about a decade and one thing we always focused on was “showing” instead of “telling”. Sometimes this book suffered from long passages of exposition- even about things that previously happened in this very book- and I would long for some imagery and figurative language. Then I’d get my wish and there’d be a simile or emotive language that evoked the senses, but it would be odd or ham-fisted, like the “willow tree idly stroking the thick breeze”. It also felt a bit like it was written without a plan. Ultimately, if one of my students handed this in, I would be so impressed, but as a seasoned author with other books I thoroughly enjoyed, this fell short of my expectations.
Overall, while the book has a creative premise and may appeal to teen readers who are dipping their toes into adult fiction for the first time, it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Alias Agenda follows Erin, a government CI who prematurely gets called off of a job and thrown into another. Her handler Wallace has disappeared, and in his place is Cal Bray, who is Wallace’s opposite in every way. He seems to be very new at this handler business, and seems to care a lot about Erin right off the bat- and she feels an attraction to him too.
Erin’s new cover transforms her into Lauren, nanny extraordinaire, as she is sent to infiltrate a mommy ring that’s smuggling high end and expensive baby products (think strollers, that kind of thing). The neighborhood they all live in is very Stepford Wives-esque, but Erin feels safe there, at least until someone from her past makes a reappearance and has her fearing for her life. Add on the fact that she finds out Wallace has died almost immediately after reassigning her, and Erin gets swept up in multiple different mysteries, leaning on Bray to help. Where he might be pretty green, he is a protector through and through and willing and able to help her get the answers she’s looking for.
I LOVE Holly James, she’s one of my favorite authors and this was another home run for me. She creates these worlds that completely suck you into the story. You get invested right from the beginning. Her books are very much “just one more chapter!” novels and then before you know it, hours have gone by and you’ve read the entire thing. I don’t think she’s had one single miss for me so far.
This book is the perfect mix of mystery/suspense and romance, I wouldn’t say it’s more one than the other, it’s pretty even. I love that we get flashback chapters to give more context to Erin’s past and her relationship with her father, and to see how she even became an informant in the first place. And Bray is so charming! He’s so sweet and awkward you almost feel like he’s in the wrong profession entirely, but his backstory gets revealed later.
Another win in the books for Holly James. Excited to see what’s next!
Erin’s new cover transforms her into Lauren, nanny extraordinaire, as she is sent to infiltrate a mommy ring that’s smuggling high end and expensive baby products (think strollers, that kind of thing). The neighborhood they all live in is very Stepford Wives-esque, but Erin feels safe there, at least until someone from her past makes a reappearance and has her fearing for her life. Add on the fact that she finds out Wallace has died almost immediately after reassigning her, and Erin gets swept up in multiple different mysteries, leaning on Bray to help. Where he might be pretty green, he is a protector through and through and willing and able to help her get the answers she’s looking for.
I LOVE Holly James, she’s one of my favorite authors and this was another home run for me. She creates these worlds that completely suck you into the story. You get invested right from the beginning. Her books are very much “just one more chapter!” novels and then before you know it, hours have gone by and you’ve read the entire thing. I don’t think she’s had one single miss for me so far.
This book is the perfect mix of mystery/suspense and romance, I wouldn’t say it’s more one than the other, it’s pretty even. I love that we get flashback chapters to give more context to Erin’s past and her relationship with her father, and to see how she even became an informant in the first place. And Bray is so charming! He’s so sweet and awkward you almost feel like he’s in the wrong profession entirely, but his backstory gets revealed later.
Another win in the books for Holly James. Excited to see what’s next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Alias Agenda is a fantastic blend of romcom and romantic suspense, combined with spies and even some banter too. If you are a fan of stories like The Blond Identity, you’ll have a great time reading Holly James’s latest book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Erin’s been working undercover for a shadowy government agency since the night she and her con artist father were caught. Even a decade later, at the ripe old age of 28, only her handler Wallace knows all the details of her case. But now that she’s undercover as a nanny in a high end San Francisco neighborhood, she’s suddenly turned over to a new handler. Agent Calvin Bray is enthusiastic, but is a newbie trying to prove himself on a case involving a suburban mom smuggling ring. Between Erin’s nanny duties, her sleuthing skills, and her attraction to Cal, she really doesn’t have time for the people trying to take her out. Can she solve the case, explore her relationship to Cal, and escape in one piece?
Erin is an intriguing character, and I enjoyed her single POV take on her current situation. For his part, Cal is trying so hard to keep Erin safe, but with roadblocks at every turn. The forced proximity of their undercover situation makes for moments of vulnerability and big reveals.
The only thing that stopped this story from being a five star read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed; I wanted more time with these characters as the plot wrapped up.
I had a great time reading The Alias Agenda. It’s no surprise that the cut throat world of upscale suburban moms is a perfect set up for undercover spies and romcom suspense stories. If you are a fan of action, adventure, and romance, read this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Erin’s been working undercover for a shadowy government agency since the night she and her con artist father were caught. Even a decade later, at the ripe old age of 28, only her handler Wallace knows all the details of her case. But now that she’s undercover as a nanny in a high end San Francisco neighborhood, she’s suddenly turned over to a new handler. Agent Calvin Bray is enthusiastic, but is a newbie trying to prove himself on a case involving a suburban mom smuggling ring. Between Erin’s nanny duties, her sleuthing skills, and her attraction to Cal, she really doesn’t have time for the people trying to take her out. Can she solve the case, explore her relationship to Cal, and escape in one piece?
Erin is an intriguing character, and I enjoyed her single POV take on her current situation. For his part, Cal is trying so hard to keep Erin safe, but with roadblocks at every turn. The forced proximity of their undercover situation makes for moments of vulnerability and big reveals.
The only thing that stopped this story from being a five star read for me was that the ending felt a little rushed; I wanted more time with these characters as the plot wrapped up.
I had a great time reading The Alias Agenda. It’s no surprise that the cut throat world of upscale suburban moms is a perfect set up for undercover spies and romcom suspense stories. If you are a fan of action, adventure, and romance, read this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A book with espionage and romance? You bet I’ll pick it up. As an Ally Carter fan, I found this reminded me of a more grown-up version. It was fun, mysterious, and a covert assignment, with a sprinkle of romance.
Erin had an unconventional childhood. She grew up working with her father as a thief until they were finally caught. She entered a plea deal with a secret government agency that wanted to use her as an informant in exchange for no jail time. Erin’s time as a criminal and undercover operative has made her smart, resourceful, and a survivor. She’s a chameleon who can adapt to any situation, as we see when she describes some of her assignments. But all she ever wanted was her freedom back. She wants to find a way to discover who she really is on her own terms. I sympathize with how her life has turned out. She’s never really had an opportunity to be her own person, but maybe there is a way after she finds out her handler has been murdered.
There are two mysteries in the story. Who killed Erin’s handler, and what is up with the smuggling group run by a group of moms? The way her personal life collided with her current assignment was a fun twist. Her new handler, Agent Cal Bray, is a cinnamon roll with a hero complex, according to those who know him. He always wants to do the right thing and by the book. I liked the dynamic of Erin being independent and confident, while Cal was awkward and sweet.
If you’re looking for a fun time, you might enjoy this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
Erin had an unconventional childhood. She grew up working with her father as a thief until they were finally caught. She entered a plea deal with a secret government agency that wanted to use her as an informant in exchange for no jail time. Erin’s time as a criminal and undercover operative has made her smart, resourceful, and a survivor. She’s a chameleon who can adapt to any situation, as we see when she describes some of her assignments. But all she ever wanted was her freedom back. She wants to find a way to discover who she really is on her own terms. I sympathize with how her life has turned out. She’s never really had an opportunity to be her own person, but maybe there is a way after she finds out her handler has been murdered.
There are two mysteries in the story. Who killed Erin’s handler, and what is up with the smuggling group run by a group of moms? The way her personal life collided with her current assignment was a fun twist. Her new handler, Agent Cal Bray, is a cinnamon roll with a hero complex, according to those who know him. He always wants to do the right thing and by the book. I liked the dynamic of Erin being independent and confident, while Cal was awkward and sweet.
If you’re looking for a fun time, you might enjoy this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An escapist, fast-paced story where an undercover informant teams up with a slightly awkward but attractive agent to infiltrate a suburban mom smuggling ring, but danger from her past rears up. The premise was fresh and funny. Think light spy thriller meets romantic comedy meets romantic suspense, and there are some heist hijinks!
Ten years ago, after getting busted with her con-artist father, teenage Erin had to make a choice, become a CI for a secret government agency, or go to jail. Since then, she's had more aliases than she can count, but this one takes the cake. She's got no experience with kids and gets sent in as a nanny to infiltrate a group of suburban moms who are smuggling high-end baby items. She's also got to deal with Cal, a rookie handler who is more likely to blow their cover than she is. Their banter is delightful, and Cal's protective energy is sweet. Erin is capable and independent, and a badass, though maybe a little jaded by the agency always controlling her life with new identities, constant danger, and no real freedom. When these two collide, and a shadowy figure from Erin's past threatens, sparks fly. Their romance is heartfelt and sweet, yet full of chemistry.
This has some fun and familiar tropes, including forced proximity, forbidden romance, and a golden retriever hero. The ending felt a bit rushed after the mission's buildup, but with its playful tone, action, and humor, this is an enjoyable read. Would be perfect beach or poolside!
Thank you Kensington Books for the gifted review copy
Ten years ago, after getting busted with her con-artist father, teenage Erin had to make a choice, become a CI for a secret government agency, or go to jail. Since then, she's had more aliases than she can count, but this one takes the cake. She's got no experience with kids and gets sent in as a nanny to infiltrate a group of suburban moms who are smuggling high-end baby items. She's also got to deal with Cal, a rookie handler who is more likely to blow their cover than she is. Their banter is delightful, and Cal's protective energy is sweet. Erin is capable and independent, and a badass, though maybe a little jaded by the agency always controlling her life with new identities, constant danger, and no real freedom. When these two collide, and a shadowy figure from Erin's past threatens, sparks fly. Their romance is heartfelt and sweet, yet full of chemistry.
This has some fun and familiar tropes, including forced proximity, forbidden romance, and a golden retriever hero. The ending felt a bit rushed after the mission's buildup, but with its playful tone, action, and humor, this is an enjoyable read. Would be perfect beach or poolside!
Thank you Kensington Books for the gifted review copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ 5
🌶️ .5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 25
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2
👫 Erin + (Calvin) Bray
📚 Tropes/Themes: romantic suspense, secret identity, forced Proximity, protective mmc, snarky banter
👀 Single POV 1st person
💔 Content warnings: murder, death, stalking, violence
🎀 Special editions: none
This was such a cute, tongue in cheek romantic suspense. I would almost call it a rom com, given the rich moms smuggling baby products ring 🤣 but even with such a silly plot line it was still action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The romance is probably a little more pronounced with this book vs The Big Fix, and I think that made me like this one better (but TBF is great too!)
Honestly, Bray is a freaking adorable cinnamon roll and even though it's single POV it's obvious sparks are immediate on both sides. His character as a DSA agent obviously lends itself to being protective, but I think James adds a little more oomph to him, which I loved.
This book/his character sort of reminds me of the TV show, Chuck, which if you've never watched it, it's FABULOUS and it's one of my favorite shows of all time. So that should tell you how I'm feeling about this story.
But also Erin is such a great, multi-layered character too. You can really feel her swing between internal struggles and apathy in such a weirdly relatable way (I personally have never had a con man father who got me arrested and subsequently forced into being a CI but I still somehow managed to connect with her 🤣)
This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend, and I'm looking forward to reading more books from James.
🌶️ .5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 25
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2
👫 Erin + (Calvin) Bray
📚 Tropes/Themes: romantic suspense, secret identity, forced Proximity, protective mmc, snarky banter
👀 Single POV 1st person
💔 Content warnings: murder, death, stalking, violence
🎀 Special editions: none
This was such a cute, tongue in cheek romantic suspense. I would almost call it a rom com, given the rich moms smuggling baby products ring 🤣 but even with such a silly plot line it was still action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The romance is probably a little more pronounced with this book vs The Big Fix, and I think that made me like this one better (but TBF is great too!)
Honestly, Bray is a freaking adorable cinnamon roll and even though it's single POV it's obvious sparks are immediate on both sides. His character as a DSA agent obviously lends itself to being protective, but I think James adds a little more oomph to him, which I loved.
This book/his character sort of reminds me of the TV show, Chuck, which if you've never watched it, it's FABULOUS and it's one of my favorite shows of all time. So that should tell you how I'm feeling about this story.
But also Erin is such a great, multi-layered character too. You can really feel her swing between internal struggles and apathy in such a weirdly relatable way (I personally have never had a con man father who got me arrested and subsequently forced into being a CI but I still somehow managed to connect with her 🤣)
This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend, and I'm looking forward to reading more books from James.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Alias Agenda is a fun genre mash-up from Holly James.
"Confidential informant and undercover agent, Erin Daniels, is pulled unexpectedly from a case and sent to work a mommy smuggling ring. What the heck? Something has happened to her handler - the one that got her into this CI business and no one will tell her what's going on - especially not the clumsy new field agent claiming to be her new handler. An old adversary from Erin's past shows up and almost kills her. Erin is determined to get rid of her past baggage and move on."
James calls this an action-rom-dramedy. It's all of those things. The MC, Erin, has been coerced into running missions for the DSA - the Directorate of Secret Affairs - in order to stay out of prison after a con with her father went horribly wrong. So Erin is full of anger about her lack of freedom. Her new handler, Calvin Bray, has his own baggage and issues. There are sparks and Erin keeps getting distracted over her attraction to Agent Bray.
There's lots of action - Erin is full of surprises and quite capable of taking care of herself.
The eyes - there are so many references to Cal's grey eyes. A book friend (@bookswithpaulette) mentioned it was a thing years ago. Once you notice the first time it doesn't stop - it's in so many books. How many people do you actually know with grey eyes? Probably none - not sure why they keep showing up.
This is an entertaining, fun, action-filled story - definitely worth being called an action-rom-dramedy. Hope we get more of these characters in future books.
"Confidential informant and undercover agent, Erin Daniels, is pulled unexpectedly from a case and sent to work a mommy smuggling ring. What the heck? Something has happened to her handler - the one that got her into this CI business and no one will tell her what's going on - especially not the clumsy new field agent claiming to be her new handler. An old adversary from Erin's past shows up and almost kills her. Erin is determined to get rid of her past baggage and move on."
James calls this an action-rom-dramedy. It's all of those things. The MC, Erin, has been coerced into running missions for the DSA - the Directorate of Secret Affairs - in order to stay out of prison after a con with her father went horribly wrong. So Erin is full of anger about her lack of freedom. Her new handler, Calvin Bray, has his own baggage and issues. There are sparks and Erin keeps getting distracted over her attraction to Agent Bray.
There's lots of action - Erin is full of surprises and quite capable of taking care of herself.
The eyes - there are so many references to Cal's grey eyes. A book friend (@bookswithpaulette) mentioned it was a thing years ago. Once you notice the first time it doesn't stop - it's in so many books. How many people do you actually know with grey eyes? Probably none - not sure why they keep showing up.
This is an entertaining, fun, action-filled story - definitely worth being called an action-rom-dramedy. Hope we get more of these characters in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Holly James delivers an engaging, high-concept story in The Alias Agenda, blending undercover intrigue, personal stakes, and a fast-moving plot. The premise immediately pulled me in, and I especially enjoyed the depth of Erin’s backstory and the complexity of her life spent in multiple identities. The suspense elements and caper-style storyline kept the pages turning.
Going into this, I was especially excited because I absolutely loved the author’s previous novel, Last Night Was Fun, which had such sharp banter and a light, playful rom-com feel. In comparison, The Alias Agenda leans more heavily into action and mystery, with a more serious, plot-forward tone.
While the romance adds an emotional layer to the story, I would have loved a bit more development and buildup to make the relationship feel more gradual and fully earned. I also found myself missing some of the witty, lighthearted energy that I’ve loved in the author’s earlier work.
Overall, this is an entertaining and original read that will appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, undercover storylines, and character-driven intrigue. I’m always excited to see what Holly James writes next and look forward to her future releases!
Holly James delivers an engaging, high-concept story in The Alias Agenda, blending undercover intrigue, personal stakes, and a fast-moving plot. The premise immediately pulled me in, and I especially enjoyed the depth of Erin’s backstory and the complexity of her life spent in multiple identities. The suspense elements and caper-style storyline kept the pages turning.
Going into this, I was especially excited because I absolutely loved the author’s previous novel, Last Night Was Fun, which had such sharp banter and a light, playful rom-com feel. In comparison, The Alias Agenda leans more heavily into action and mystery, with a more serious, plot-forward tone.
While the romance adds an emotional layer to the story, I would have loved a bit more development and buildup to make the relationship feel more gradual and fully earned. I also found myself missing some of the witty, lighthearted energy that I’ve loved in the author’s earlier work.
Overall, this is an entertaining and original read that will appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, undercover storylines, and character-driven intrigue. I’m always excited to see what Holly James writes next and look forward to her future releases!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Is it an action book? A romance? A drama? A comedy?
Yes!
It's an action-rom-dramedy -- the second one from author Holly James (see also The Big Fix.)
There are quite a few moving parts in this one and it all seems to work in the end.
Here are a few notes from my read:
👱Erin Daniels has been a Confidential Informant and asset for an undercover government agency for ten years. Her identity has changed so much, that she is shocked when her handler abruptly sends her to a new location and signs off by calling her Erin.
🧔Calvin Bray is her new handler and seems a bit green. He makes up for that by being an empathetic and loyal source of support. He is a prince of a man although he may be better off looking into another line of work.
💎At the heart of the story is a missing diamond. When the story finally focuses on this gem things get interesting.
👩❤💋👨Will Erin and Calvin get their HEA together? Is it possible? While they break way too many rules in their shared operation I was still rooting for them as a couple.
Thank you to Kensington and Edelwiess+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Yes!
It's an action-rom-dramedy -- the second one from author Holly James (see also The Big Fix.)
There are quite a few moving parts in this one and it all seems to work in the end.
Here are a few notes from my read:
👱Erin Daniels has been a Confidential Informant and asset for an undercover government agency for ten years. Her identity has changed so much, that she is shocked when her handler abruptly sends her to a new location and signs off by calling her Erin.
🧔Calvin Bray is her new handler and seems a bit green. He makes up for that by being an empathetic and loyal source of support. He is a prince of a man although he may be better off looking into another line of work.
💎At the heart of the story is a missing diamond. When the story finally focuses on this gem things get interesting.
👩❤💋👨Will Erin and Calvin get their HEA together? Is it possible? While they break way too many rules in their shared operation I was still rooting for them as a couple.
Thank you to Kensington and Edelwiess+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2026
I received the Alias Agenda in return for an honest review TLC Book Tours.
Erin was a con artist with her dad till the day they ended up cought and she’s forced into doing missions for the intelligence agency. When she’s sent on a mission to watch house wives her new handler is very much unlike her prior one she’s hd for the last 10 years. Bodies start piling up and her past comes back to get her. With the help of her new handler Cal she may just make it out alive and learn the truth along the way.
I really enjoyed Erin's character you can't help cheering her on through the story and I really felt like I was able to connect with her. I think Cal is a perfect partner on the case to team up with as they go after the mom group. I loved the little bit of romance tossed into the whirlwind mystery that has returned from the past to get her. I enjoyed the mom group they reminded me of playdates when my teenager was little.
This is my first book by the author and i'm hooked. I ended up devouring this one ins just one reading session. The author has done a beautiful job creating lovable characters and a story that keep me captivated till the very last page. I enjoyed every moment of the story and loved the sweet sprinkle of romance between our main characters. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the authors books because this one was so much fun.
Erin was a con artist with her dad till the day they ended up cought and she’s forced into doing missions for the intelligence agency. When she’s sent on a mission to watch house wives her new handler is very much unlike her prior one she’s hd for the last 10 years. Bodies start piling up and her past comes back to get her. With the help of her new handler Cal she may just make it out alive and learn the truth along the way.
I really enjoyed Erin's character you can't help cheering her on through the story and I really felt like I was able to connect with her. I think Cal is a perfect partner on the case to team up with as they go after the mom group. I loved the little bit of romance tossed into the whirlwind mystery that has returned from the past to get her. I enjoyed the mom group they reminded me of playdates when my teenager was little.
This is my first book by the author and i'm hooked. I ended up devouring this one ins just one reading session. The author has done a beautiful job creating lovable characters and a story that keep me captivated till the very last page. I enjoyed every moment of the story and loved the sweet sprinkle of romance between our main characters. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the authors books because this one was so much fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A action-rom-dramedy, this book is a mix between Ocean’s 13 and A Killer Kind of Romance. If you like adventure in an Indiana Jones type way, this book is definitely an adventure that doesn’t come up for air.
Erin is an undercover agent for the DSA, an underground CIA/FBI operation that doesn’t have to follow all those rules. After being arrested with her father as a teenager, an agent gives her this life- going from job to job, identity to identity, all undercover. It is as much work as it is witness protection because the mafia that she and her father stolen from is still after her and wants her dead.
In the middle of the night she is whisked to Del Rio to be a nanny in the middle of a mom’s underground high end baby supply operation. There are twists and turns and this is a really fast paced fun story.
The main character in 3 words? Clever. Reckless. Imprisoned.
My favorite character? Her partner Agent Wallace, although he is MIA most of the book.
Recommended? Sure. I liked it, but you might love it. It’s the book equivalent of the queso special at Chili’s. It’s a bit predictable but glorious and full of pizzazz instead of deep meaning. Chow down!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. Book to be published April 27, 2026.
Erin is an undercover agent for the DSA, an underground CIA/FBI operation that doesn’t have to follow all those rules. After being arrested with her father as a teenager, an agent gives her this life- going from job to job, identity to identity, all undercover. It is as much work as it is witness protection because the mafia that she and her father stolen from is still after her and wants her dead.
In the middle of the night she is whisked to Del Rio to be a nanny in the middle of a mom’s underground high end baby supply operation. There are twists and turns and this is a really fast paced fun story.
The main character in 3 words? Clever. Reckless. Imprisoned.
My favorite character? Her partner Agent Wallace, although he is MIA most of the book.
Recommended? Sure. I liked it, but you might love it. It’s the book equivalent of the queso special at Chili’s. It’s a bit predictable but glorious and full of pizzazz instead of deep meaning. Chow down!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. Book to be published April 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Kensington Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
—-
I had so much fun reading this story. My review will be vague because I think it’s best to go into this story blindly. Just know that this fast-paced story, which James accurately describes as a “action-rom-dreamed”, will keep you on your toes!
Erin has a complex, tragic backstory but she’s an absolute badass. She’s learned to survive after a decade of dangerous jobs, so she’s confused when she’s quickly thrown into an assignment involving suburban moms running a crime ring from one of the safest towns in the US. It feels a little ridiculous but it’s all so fresh that it works.
I really enjoyed Erin and Cal’s dynamic. When they meet, she’s so confident whereas he’s not. He really cramps her style but as she learns to rely on him, he becomes more confident and devotes his time to keeping her safe from the dangerous ghosts of her past (he’s got a hero complex).
But their’s is a forbidden romance, seeing as she’s his criminal informant. Bray tries to hold strong but eventually there’s a “fuck it” moment which came at exactly the right moment.
I wish we had gotten more closure about the smuggling operation but overall, I really enjoyed this story!
—-
I had so much fun reading this story. My review will be vague because I think it’s best to go into this story blindly. Just know that this fast-paced story, which James accurately describes as a “action-rom-dreamed”, will keep you on your toes!
Erin has a complex, tragic backstory but she’s an absolute badass. She’s learned to survive after a decade of dangerous jobs, so she’s confused when she’s quickly thrown into an assignment involving suburban moms running a crime ring from one of the safest towns in the US. It feels a little ridiculous but it’s all so fresh that it works.
I really enjoyed Erin and Cal’s dynamic. When they meet, she’s so confident whereas he’s not. He really cramps her style but as she learns to rely on him, he becomes more confident and devotes his time to keeping her safe from the dangerous ghosts of her past (he’s got a hero complex).
But their’s is a forbidden romance, seeing as she’s his criminal informant. Bray tries to hold strong but eventually there’s a “fuck it” moment which came at exactly the right moment.
I wish we had gotten more closure about the smuggling operation but overall, I really enjoyed this story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holly James calls this an action-rom-dramedy and that's a pretty apt description of what you will get from this book. This is primarily an action book. There is a bit of romance (including an HEA) and a few funny lines in.
Erin's (FMC) father was a con-artist that included her in his work. When she was 18 they were caught. He goes to jail and she becomes an CI for a secret government organization that works in the United States. For 10 years, she works for them and doesn't have her own life.
When the story starts she is starting a new job with a new agent Calvin Bray (MMC) in California. The first half of the book is that job and Bray and Erin getting to know each other. The second half of the book is about her life and tying up loss ends over the past 18 years.
It is a light-hearted action book, with a bunch of merging story lines. I gave it 5 stars based on the action part of the book. The romance with Bray is secondary. The book ends with Erin's life getting resolved and the epilogue is about them. If it was a romance I would have liked to see more character development and them together more at the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Holly James for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Erin's (FMC) father was a con-artist that included her in his work. When she was 18 they were caught. He goes to jail and she becomes an CI for a secret government organization that works in the United States. For 10 years, she works for them and doesn't have her own life.
When the story starts she is starting a new job with a new agent Calvin Bray (MMC) in California. The first half of the book is that job and Bray and Erin getting to know each other. The second half of the book is about her life and tying up loss ends over the past 18 years.
It is a light-hearted action book, with a bunch of merging story lines. I gave it 5 stars based on the action part of the book. The romance with Bray is secondary. The book ends with Erin's life getting resolved and the epilogue is about them. If it was a romance I would have liked to see more character development and them together more at the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Holly James for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
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