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Dangerous Illusion
Valerie Bradley has always lived by three Prim. Proper. Professional. Fresh out of training and armed with a sharp mind and indomitable willpower, she’s ready to prove herself at the CIA—even if it means suppressing every vulnerable part of herself to fit in with the boys’ club of Langley.
What she doesn’t expect is the mysterious woman across the street from her new home.
Luna is captivating, elusive, and clearly hiding something. Valerie knows better than to get involved, but when quiet glances turn into a tense game of proximity, she finds herself falling into something far more treacherous than any mission she could be assigned. Because Luna isn’t just her neighbour and confidante—she might be the enemy.
Set during the height of Cold War paranoia, Dangerous Illusion is a heart-racing blend of spy thriller and forbidden romance. With secrets on both sides of the street, Valerie must decide what’s more the mission—or falling in love.
What she doesn’t expect is the mysterious woman across the street from her new home.
Luna is captivating, elusive, and clearly hiding something. Valerie knows better than to get involved, but when quiet glances turn into a tense game of proximity, she finds herself falling into something far more treacherous than any mission she could be assigned. Because Luna isn’t just her neighbour and confidante—she might be the enemy.
Set during the height of Cold War paranoia, Dangerous Illusion is a heart-racing blend of spy thriller and forbidden romance. With secrets on both sides of the street, Valerie must decide what’s more the mission—or falling in love.
312 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 21, 2026I received this audiobook as an ALC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was very excited to begin this book because the synopsis sounded intriguing and full of promise.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good fit for me. The portion I listened to focused primarily on a lesbian relationship, with more graphic sexual content than I personally enjoy. Because of that, I decided not to finish the audiobook.
This review reflects my personal reading preferences rather than the quality of the writing. Readers who are comfortable with this type of content may have a very different experience.
I was very excited to begin this book because the synopsis sounded intriguing and full of promise.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good fit for me. The portion I listened to focused primarily on a lesbian relationship, with more graphic sexual content than I personally enjoy. Because of that, I decided not to finish the audiobook.
This review reflects my personal reading preferences rather than the quality of the writing. Readers who are comfortable with this type of content may have a very different experience.
July 13, 2026
This story is about new CIA agent Valerie, who has moved to DC from Seattle. The story is set in 1975 and Valerie is gay but keeps totally quiet about it after getting her new job and moving. She knows that she will be fired if she comes out as a lesbian. Her mostly male co-workers are total homophobic assholes, and give her grief on a daily basis. She moves into an old townhouse in Alexandria VA and notices a petite neighbor across the street. Luna is the mysterious neighbor who has a husband who beats her for any reason. Luna visits Valerie and tells her she's French and that she hates her husband and is afraid of him. Valerie is very concerned about Luna and soon a slow burn romance starts and they get closer.
I liked the espionage and action in this book, but I felt that Valerie was very lax in her perception of Luna. Since this was at the height of the Cold War and Valerie was investigating KGB activity in her area, why didn't she suspect Luna and her husband George? Especially since she was fluent in Ukrainian and Luna was actually from there. Luna' character was well done and she fit the part of a Eastern European woman, who was recruited to be a spy.
For a debut novel, this was a great start, I enjoyed it overall.
I look forward to reading more books from Hawthore in the future.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I liked the espionage and action in this book, but I felt that Valerie was very lax in her perception of Luna. Since this was at the height of the Cold War and Valerie was investigating KGB activity in her area, why didn't she suspect Luna and her husband George? Especially since she was fluent in Ukrainian and Luna was actually from there. Luna' character was well done and she fit the part of a Eastern European woman, who was recruited to be a spy.
For a debut novel, this was a great start, I enjoyed it overall.
I look forward to reading more books from Hawthore in the future.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
OK, I may be biased because I do know the author, but this story is great.
I read this book about a year ago, and then again a little bit ago, and it is still just as compelling.
The romance isn't forced, but rather unfolds naturally. The side characters are people I would like to be besties with.
And all of it takes place before I was born.
Cold war era has never been my go to, but the way the author positions us, it is fascinating and allows you to truly feel what the characters are feeling...
I read this book about a year ago, and then again a little bit ago, and it is still just as compelling.
The romance isn't forced, but rather unfolds naturally. The side characters are people I would like to be besties with.
And all of it takes place before I was born.
Cold war era has never been my go to, but the way the author positions us, it is fascinating and allows you to truly feel what the characters are feeling...
August 3, 2026
Spice Level: 1.5/5 Open Door
Fresh out of the CIA Academy, Valerie Bradley is ready to prove herself in the workforce. She has been trained to locate KGB spies in the time of the Cold War but she herself has a secret she is keeping from her employer.
Luna is Valerie’s next door neighbor. Her and her husband can be heard almost on the daily having loud arguments that send Luna escaping her home and looking for a safe haven, usually in the form of her neighbor, Valerie. However, what is loudly being presented to the public could be a distraction tactic. There might be some more deep seeded motives.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. First and foremost this is absolutely a sapphic romance BUT I would probably also classify this as either historical romance or historical fiction. This takes place during the cold war. For some of us, it might not seem like it was not that long ago, but adding the years up, it did. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Up until close to the very end, you are still guessing the motives of certain characters (making sure not to give any spoilers). This one kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want to stop listening.
This book / audiobook involves some topics that might be disturbing to others so please tread lightly when reading this book. Luna is married to a man and their relationship is volatile and she is involved in many DV instances. There is also gun violence. Again, if this isn’t your cup of tea, this might be one you want to skip.
Jennifer Pickens is the narrator for this audiobook. She did a phenomenal job. She had a couple characters she had to do different accents for different languages and she was able to switch flawlessly between characters in scenes.
🔎 Cold War Setting
🔎 Homophobia
🔎 Sapphic Romance
🔎 Violence
🔎 DV
🔎 Unaliving
🔎 Spy Thriller
🔎 Forbidden Love
🔎 CIA
🔎 Slow Burn
Fresh out of the CIA Academy, Valerie Bradley is ready to prove herself in the workforce. She has been trained to locate KGB spies in the time of the Cold War but she herself has a secret she is keeping from her employer.
Luna is Valerie’s next door neighbor. Her and her husband can be heard almost on the daily having loud arguments that send Luna escaping her home and looking for a safe haven, usually in the form of her neighbor, Valerie. However, what is loudly being presented to the public could be a distraction tactic. There might be some more deep seeded motives.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. First and foremost this is absolutely a sapphic romance BUT I would probably also classify this as either historical romance or historical fiction. This takes place during the cold war. For some of us, it might not seem like it was not that long ago, but adding the years up, it did. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Up until close to the very end, you are still guessing the motives of certain characters (making sure not to give any spoilers). This one kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want to stop listening.
This book / audiobook involves some topics that might be disturbing to others so please tread lightly when reading this book. Luna is married to a man and their relationship is volatile and she is involved in many DV instances. There is also gun violence. Again, if this isn’t your cup of tea, this might be one you want to skip.
Jennifer Pickens is the narrator for this audiobook. She did a phenomenal job. She had a couple characters she had to do different accents for different languages and she was able to switch flawlessly between characters in scenes.
🔎 Cold War Setting
🔎 Homophobia
🔎 Sapphic Romance
🔎 Violence
🔎 DV
🔎 Unaliving
🔎 Spy Thriller
🔎 Forbidden Love
🔎 CIA
🔎 Slow Burn
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cold War sapphic spy thriller…sign me up!!
Dangerous Illusion wastes no time, opening with Valerie's first day at the CIA and immediately establishing an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The strain between the United States and Russia is palpable from the very first briefing, creating a constant sense of unease that lingers throughout the story.
The setting is incredibly immersive, making it easy to get completely lost in this world of espionage, secrets, and suspicion. Themes of homophobia and misogyny are woven into the story in ways that feel authentic and true to the time period, adding another layer of tension to an already gripping narrative.
The dialogue flows naturally, and the characters feel fully realized. Valerie and Luna, especially, are impossible not to become invested in. Their dynamic, combined with the ever-present sense of danger, had me flying through the pages. The writing is so engaging that I genuinely didn't want to put this book down.
Dangerous Illusion completely stole my heart. I came for the Cold War sapphic spy thriller vibes and stayed because I became so invested in Valerie, Luna, and everyone around them. The suspense kept me on edge, the characters had me rooting for them, and the romance was everything I wanted it to be. This was a fantastic read that I didn't want to end, and I can't wait to see what comes next for E.R. Hawthorne!
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Dangerous Illusion wastes no time, opening with Valerie's first day at the CIA and immediately establishing an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The strain between the United States and Russia is palpable from the very first briefing, creating a constant sense of unease that lingers throughout the story.
The setting is incredibly immersive, making it easy to get completely lost in this world of espionage, secrets, and suspicion. Themes of homophobia and misogyny are woven into the story in ways that feel authentic and true to the time period, adding another layer of tension to an already gripping narrative.
The dialogue flows naturally, and the characters feel fully realized. Valerie and Luna, especially, are impossible not to become invested in. Their dynamic, combined with the ever-present sense of danger, had me flying through the pages. The writing is so engaging that I genuinely didn't want to put this book down.
Dangerous Illusion completely stole my heart. I came for the Cold War sapphic spy thriller vibes and stayed because I became so invested in Valerie, Luna, and everyone around them. The suspense kept me on edge, the characters had me rooting for them, and the romance was everything I wanted it to be. This was a fantastic read that I didn't want to end, and I can't wait to see what comes next for E.R. Hawthorne!
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked this one quite a bit. It was my first venture into a sapphic spy drama and it was a nice change of pace from just romance.
Valerie is a former Seattle cop, turned CIA agent during the Cold War. When she moves across the country to begin her new life with the CIA, she quickly forms a bond with her new neighbor, Luna - who is as alluring as she is mysterious.
This book hits on some common spy themes from that time - sleeper agents, double agents, KGB infiltration, etc. But it also dives into other issues not as commonly discussed. Valerie is a woman in very male dominated field, and she's not exactly welcomed with open arms. And though Don't Ask Don't Tell wasn't established during that time, it was still very much a thing.
I enjoyed the romance in this. Both MCs showed up for each other when they needed it the most it seemed. It wasn't one-sided. There was minimal spice in this, but what was there was well done.
The book was narrated by Jennifer Pickens. It was my first experience with her and I thought she did a wonderful job.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Valerie is a former Seattle cop, turned CIA agent during the Cold War. When she moves across the country to begin her new life with the CIA, she quickly forms a bond with her new neighbor, Luna - who is as alluring as she is mysterious.
This book hits on some common spy themes from that time - sleeper agents, double agents, KGB infiltration, etc. But it also dives into other issues not as commonly discussed. Valerie is a woman in very male dominated field, and she's not exactly welcomed with open arms. And though Don't Ask Don't Tell wasn't established during that time, it was still very much a thing.
I enjoyed the romance in this. Both MCs showed up for each other when they needed it the most it seemed. It wasn't one-sided. There was minimal spice in this, but what was there was well done.
The book was narrated by Jennifer Pickens. It was my first experience with her and I thought she did a wonderful job.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A debut novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. Valery Bradley is a new at the CIA agency in Langley. It is the mid 1970’s and America is at the apex of the Cold War with Russia. Working in a male dominated field she tries her best to live by her motto of prim, proper and professional.
This is a true spy thriller. There are dead drops, codes, sleeper agents, double agents etc. While looking out for Russian interference Valery is also dealing with misogyny in the workplace and seeing who she can trust. At her apartment she notices her neighbor, Luna. Their interactions start neighborly and then become more friendly.
I was caught up in the story and don’t want to give spoilers. I found it hard to think of the seventies as historical fiction but it clearly fits the definition. And I like that it pre-dates all the magical phone and computer hacking in modern spy stories. This is an intense romantic spy thriller and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
This is a true spy thriller. There are dead drops, codes, sleeper agents, double agents etc. While looking out for Russian interference Valery is also dealing with misogyny in the workplace and seeing who she can trust. At her apartment she notices her neighbor, Luna. Their interactions start neighborly and then become more friendly.
I was caught up in the story and don’t want to give spoilers. I found it hard to think of the seventies as historical fiction but it clearly fits the definition. And I like that it pre-dates all the magical phone and computer hacking in modern spy stories. This is an intense romantic spy thriller and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
July 26, 2026
Strong debut - espionage during the Cold War
It‘s 1975, the height of the Cold War. Valerie has finished her training and starts at the CIA - no easy days for women and a lesbian at that. I loved how Hawthorne captured the KGB paranoia, her first steps at the agency and the atmosphere of life for homosexuals: there might have been „family“, but even hinting at you sexuality was dangerous and might end your career. Well done and kudos to the unsung LGBTQ heroes.
Luna is an intriguing character - at times I wished Valerie would‘ve earlier followed her suspicions, but guys were no better. There is no lack of action and no lack of sapphic attraction. The book kept me well entertained. It was mature writing, a strong debut. Hawthorne obviously knows her subject matter and made the most of it.
I look forward to read more of Hawthorne in the future.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
It‘s 1975, the height of the Cold War. Valerie has finished her training and starts at the CIA - no easy days for women and a lesbian at that. I loved how Hawthorne captured the KGB paranoia, her first steps at the agency and the atmosphere of life for homosexuals: there might have been „family“, but even hinting at you sexuality was dangerous and might end your career. Well done and kudos to the unsung LGBTQ heroes.
Luna is an intriguing character - at times I wished Valerie would‘ve earlier followed her suspicions, but guys were no better. There is no lack of action and no lack of sapphic attraction. The book kept me well entertained. It was mature writing, a strong debut. Hawthorne obviously knows her subject matter and made the most of it.
I look forward to read more of Hawthorne in the future.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
August 3, 2026
There were so many things to love about this… the prologue, the spycraft, the time frame and setting and KGB/CIA tension, the relationship buildup, Valerie’s friendly coworkers, Luna… everything about Luna… it was a great spy story in so many ways. Plus, the audiobook narration was fantastic.
There’s just one thing I struggled with, and it’s that for all she can wow people in a training exercise or at the range, Valerie isn’t great in a fight where there are lives on the line. (Luna, on the other hand… wow!) I don’t mean to say it’s bad or unrealistic, just… I kind of want my spies to be badass when we get to that point? So it was a failure of expectations, I guess, but it hurt my enjoyment a bit when I didn’t feel like I was fully team Valerie.
Maybe the sequel can be Luna’s story, lol. That’s one I’d love to see!
There’s just one thing I struggled with, and it’s that for all she can wow people in a training exercise or at the range, Valerie isn’t great in a fight where there are lives on the line. (Luna, on the other hand… wow!) I don’t mean to say it’s bad or unrealistic, just… I kind of want my spies to be badass when we get to that point? So it was a failure of expectations, I guess, but it hurt my enjoyment a bit when I didn’t feel like I was fully team Valerie.
Maybe the sequel can be Luna’s story, lol. That’s one I’d love to see!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lies, secrets, betrayals, high stakes, and a beautiful love story throughout. The Killing Eve that we all deserved. This was a spy/thriller that actually had spy elements in it, which was a change from some others that focus more on the romance bit. Not to say this doesn't have romance; it absolutely does. But it also has a whole lot of action. And I loved every heart pounding second.
There were some inconsistencies with chapter structure but this seems to be this author's debut so I didn't count that towards the 5 star rating. The vibes were there and I had a great time.
I am not overly familiar with the narrator, Jennifer Pickens, but I think she did a lovely job. Would definitely listen to her again.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC
There were some inconsistencies with chapter structure but this seems to be this author's debut so I didn't count that towards the 5 star rating. The vibes were there and I had a great time.
I am not overly familiar with the narrator, Jennifer Pickens, but I think she did a lovely job. Would definitely listen to her again.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC
September 12, 2026
I actually enjoyed this one. Luna and Valerie’s relationship was definitely the most interesting part for me. The whole situation is complicated enough with Victor being Luna’s husband, and then you add the fact that Luna and Victor are KGB spies while Valerie is an agent. So yeah… things get messy pretty quickly. 😂
I liked the tension between Luna and Valerie, and I enjoyed the spy element and all the secrets surrounding them. Victor also added to the story, especially with Victor being such an important part of Luna’s life and the bigger picture.
That said, I didn’t completely fall in love with the book. Some parts felt a little predictable, and I think the story could have gone even deeper with the characters and the whole spy side of things.
Still, it was an entertaining read, and I’m glad I picked it up. Definitely a solid 3 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
wow this book is so well written and the characters are to die for but for me it took me back to a place and a time that i really didnt want to revisit.... to many flashbacks
but i could see how the two main characters were so well thought out and brought to life and the bits of the storyline i could read made for an interesting read but for me i just couldnt finish it because i had those very same bruises... and i really didnt want those flashbacks
sorry
but i could see how the two main characters were so well thought out and brought to life and the bits of the storyline i could read made for an interesting read but for me i just couldnt finish it because i had those very same bruises... and i really didnt want those flashbacks
sorry
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Im not sure what I just read. I have so many unanswered questions.
This is a novel about Russian spy cells in the USA. But there was very little explanations.
I dont want to give away spoilers so I will say the first half was not too confusing. But when the love story started and explanations started I kept saying "What?"
The romance was fine. I definitely felt the draw and heat between Luna and Valerie.
But the rest of the spy stuff was vague and confusing.
And Valerie was supposed to be this clever puzzle solver but she was a big dope to me. Especially in the action scenes.
The epilogue was too short or not necessary.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a novel about Russian spy cells in the USA. But there was very little explanations.
I dont want to give away spoilers so I will say the first half was not too confusing. But when the love story started and explanations started I kept saying "What?"
The romance was fine. I definitely felt the draw and heat between Luna and Valerie.
But the rest of the spy stuff was vague and confusing.
And Valerie was supposed to be this clever puzzle solver but she was a big dope to me. Especially in the action scenes.
The epilogue was too short or not necessary.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2026
Great sapphic MCs, cold war, CIA and KGB agents and so much secrecy and action. The audiobook was an amazing experience, really recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**** ARC REVIEW ****
What happens when you fall for the girl next door, but her secrets might lead to your downfall? This is a riveting spy thriller that will keep you reading long past bedtime! Set in the 1970s during the height of the Cold War, the author does a great job of capturing the unrest and paranoia in the country at that time in history, as well as the challenges women had to overcome to be considered equal in the workplace. The story building and character development is amazing; I didn’t know which characters to trust! What makes this book extra special is that it is centered around two women who find themselves falling for each other, and their relationship refuses to take a back seat to espionage and duty. There are twists and turns, deception, and plenty of queer characters to love in this book. An engaging read for your brain and your heart!
What happens when you fall for the girl next door, but her secrets might lead to your downfall? This is a riveting spy thriller that will keep you reading long past bedtime! Set in the 1970s during the height of the Cold War, the author does a great job of capturing the unrest and paranoia in the country at that time in history, as well as the challenges women had to overcome to be considered equal in the workplace. The story building and character development is amazing; I didn’t know which characters to trust! What makes this book extra special is that it is centered around two women who find themselves falling for each other, and their relationship refuses to take a back seat to espionage and duty. There are twists and turns, deception, and plenty of queer characters to love in this book. An engaging read for your brain and your heart!
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