What do you think?
Rate this book
Tarnished Heroes #1
Spy Games
Haunted by the mistakes he made while fighting for his country, Rand Duncan has become the CIA’s go to man for tough jobs in an effort to atone for his sins. Late-night phone calls and covert meetings are the norm. Until she arrives and his past crashes into his present.
Sarah Collins never thought she’d see her brother’s former best friend again. But one of Sarah’s fellow undercover informants has been captured and the briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives are in Chinese hands. If Sarah and Rand can’t retrieve the documents, people will die.
The shock wears off quick as the two must figure out how to retrieve the briefcase before it can be opened or sold. If they want to save lives, they must confront their past, while avoiding an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them.
Sarah Collins never thought she’d see her brother’s former best friend again. But one of Sarah’s fellow undercover informants has been captured and the briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives are in Chinese hands. If Sarah and Rand can’t retrieve the documents, people will die.
The shock wears off quick as the two must figure out how to retrieve the briefcase before it can be opened or sold. If they want to save lives, they must confront their past, while avoiding an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2017
55 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Bristol
122 books957 followersIt can never be said that NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and fostering cats.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 18, 2022
I'd go with 2 1/2 but 3 is a good round-up. A simple spy audiobook with some sex and medium spy craft. If you want to really know how much I liked it...well, I won't be listening to #2 anytime soon.
November 27, 2017
ARC REVIEW
What an apt name. Spy Games is the newest book from Sidney Bristol the start of a new series Tarnished Heroes through Entangled Publishing. Just like the name suggests it is full of intrigue, double dealings, and plenty of subterfuge. Sarah and Rand are a friends to lovers romance. Each having a crush on the other but friendship and Sarah's older brother, Matt who is also Rand's best friend, kept them from admitting their feelings. Rand and Matt even enlisted together and were lucky enough to be assigned together, but then they hit trouble and Matt lost part of his arm Rand felt nothing but guilt and isolated himself from his friends and family. He didn't re-enlist and became a private contractor for the CIA.
Sarah job allows to travel quite a bit on the Asian continent, the CIA decided to use her as a courier to drop messages off at dead drops. Sarah does fine with her non-official job with the CIA until someone sells her out. Rand is asked to help secure the courier until they can extract her, Rand didn't realize his "courier girl" is his Sarah were one in the same and now protecting Sarah has become his number one priority, even after they get back to the states. The fact that Sarah was sold out and the briefcase she was transporting is missing means their is a mole, and they don't know how exactly they can trust, while Sarah and Rand run for their lives their CIA handlers are trying to make heads and tails of everything trying to track down the mole.
Rand and Sarah's romance come son hot and heavy. Rand has trouble trying to get past the guilt of the fact that he failed her brother and he's not worthy of Sarah no matter how much he loves her. While Sarah tries to convince herself that Rand isn't going to be long term and to not fall in love. But first things first they must survive and track down the mole and stop the sale of the documents that were stolen.
Overall, not my favorite of Sidney's but still a really good read. I didn't guess who it was until almost the end and the action is so good, very intense. and the romance, it is hot. Although I do get tired of Sarah and Rands inability to communicate at times. And I want to know more about Thailand and Matt and Emily!
What an apt name. Spy Games is the newest book from Sidney Bristol the start of a new series Tarnished Heroes through Entangled Publishing. Just like the name suggests it is full of intrigue, double dealings, and plenty of subterfuge. Sarah and Rand are a friends to lovers romance. Each having a crush on the other but friendship and Sarah's older brother, Matt who is also Rand's best friend, kept them from admitting their feelings. Rand and Matt even enlisted together and were lucky enough to be assigned together, but then they hit trouble and Matt lost part of his arm Rand felt nothing but guilt and isolated himself from his friends and family. He didn't re-enlist and became a private contractor for the CIA.
Sarah job allows to travel quite a bit on the Asian continent, the CIA decided to use her as a courier to drop messages off at dead drops. Sarah does fine with her non-official job with the CIA until someone sells her out. Rand is asked to help secure the courier until they can extract her, Rand didn't realize his "courier girl" is his Sarah were one in the same and now protecting Sarah has become his number one priority, even after they get back to the states. The fact that Sarah was sold out and the briefcase she was transporting is missing means their is a mole, and they don't know how exactly they can trust, while Sarah and Rand run for their lives their CIA handlers are trying to make heads and tails of everything trying to track down the mole.
Rand and Sarah's romance come son hot and heavy. Rand has trouble trying to get past the guilt of the fact that he failed her brother and he's not worthy of Sarah no matter how much he loves her. While Sarah tries to convince herself that Rand isn't going to be long term and to not fall in love. But first things first they must survive and track down the mole and stop the sale of the documents that were stolen.
Overall, not my favorite of Sidney's but still a really good read. I didn't guess who it was until almost the end and the action is so good, very intense. and the romance, it is hot. Although I do get tired of Sarah and Rands inability to communicate at times. And I want to know more about Thailand and Matt and Emily!
Want to read
July 4, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/4/2019)! 🎁
November 28, 2017
I will be honest I have read a few book by Author Sidney Bristol and most of the time they are filled with graphic sex and the story comes second. I think she has found a really good balance between the sex and the story that will make readers demanding more. The story has a great build that will pull readers in as the action slows down and the romance or as I like to call it getting your know you moments the story develops and soon once again takes off at a great pace.
Spy Games will keep readers hooked from first to last page as the travel the world wondering what will happens to the first Sara Collins. The author gives a woman romance readers will love and suspense readers can cheer for.
The story moves quickly with action, adventure, lies, and enough steamy scene to fog up your windows.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
Spy Games will keep readers hooked from first to last page as the travel the world wondering what will happens to the first Sara Collins. The author gives a woman romance readers will love and suspense readers can cheer for.
The story moves quickly with action, adventure, lies, and enough steamy scene to fog up your windows.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
November 29, 2017
more like 3.5 to 4
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Overall I liked the story. The characters were interesting and developed. The story flowed and the writing was good. I had a few issues with some things but nothing that took away from the story of a man given a second chance at forgiving himself, gaining love and friendship once more.
Rand had guilt up the wazoo. Why? Not really sure. It is vague as to what went down with his SEAL team but he feels guilt and due to this walked away from everything and went into being a contractor for the CIA. He is efficient, tough and good at his job for being a good kind guy underneath his cold exterior. He feels that this is the life he deserves being alone and covert jobs. That is until his past crashes his present and his heart begins to rule him.
Sarah is a blast from rand’s past that he is trying to forget. He feels she and her family are better off without him around. Again not sure on why and that is one of my issues we only know vague specifics. Sarah went into being a courier for coverts like Rand to protect her family. Again not sure why but she also was hoping to find Rand. Suddenly she is his messenger but also in danger. She is more than just a messenger apparently and is in danger. There is a mole in the mix and her information can kill many people and she is in the crux of it. Only because of her job, Rand is as well because she was dropping something off to him when they caught up to her. Now they are trying to get back the information that was stolen, figure out who to trust, get the mole and stay alive all the while falling in love once again.
The romance portion is good. We don’t have them instantly fixing their problems but at least acknowledging their feelings never went away. It is only when Rand lets go that they are truly able to move forward. It is hard for him but Sarah does help because she helps him see the guilt is misplaced. Now he is doing everything to protect her even if it means his life and job. In the process we have the suspense of them staying alive and figuring out who is the mole and who to trust. For me this is the best part all the intrigue and suspense.
where I has areas of issue were in things I didn’t get. Like why Rand was feeling guilty what exactly happened? How could his BFF who hasn’t picked up a gun in years suddenly join in the operation as if he never left being a sniper and has a prosthetic arm. He just became cold blooded and efficient after becoming a family man? How so many secrets are still out there and with the hints it drives you nuts at times? We are left really wondering what is next for Rand and Sarah which has you wanting more but wondering will we get more with these characters?
Again the issues do not detract from the story just things I go gaga over. I enjoyed seeing Rand forgive himself and find a way to let love and friendship have a place in his life once again. A good story that is wonderfully told and intrigues you to the end.
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Overall I liked the story. The characters were interesting and developed. The story flowed and the writing was good. I had a few issues with some things but nothing that took away from the story of a man given a second chance at forgiving himself, gaining love and friendship once more.
Rand had guilt up the wazoo. Why? Not really sure. It is vague as to what went down with his SEAL team but he feels guilt and due to this walked away from everything and went into being a contractor for the CIA. He is efficient, tough and good at his job for being a good kind guy underneath his cold exterior. He feels that this is the life he deserves being alone and covert jobs. That is until his past crashes his present and his heart begins to rule him.
Sarah is a blast from rand’s past that he is trying to forget. He feels she and her family are better off without him around. Again not sure on why and that is one of my issues we only know vague specifics. Sarah went into being a courier for coverts like Rand to protect her family. Again not sure why but she also was hoping to find Rand. Suddenly she is his messenger but also in danger. She is more than just a messenger apparently and is in danger. There is a mole in the mix and her information can kill many people and she is in the crux of it. Only because of her job, Rand is as well because she was dropping something off to him when they caught up to her. Now they are trying to get back the information that was stolen, figure out who to trust, get the mole and stay alive all the while falling in love once again.
The romance portion is good. We don’t have them instantly fixing their problems but at least acknowledging their feelings never went away. It is only when Rand lets go that they are truly able to move forward. It is hard for him but Sarah does help because she helps him see the guilt is misplaced. Now he is doing everything to protect her even if it means his life and job. In the process we have the suspense of them staying alive and figuring out who is the mole and who to trust. For me this is the best part all the intrigue and suspense.
where I has areas of issue were in things I didn’t get. Like why Rand was feeling guilty what exactly happened? How could his BFF who hasn’t picked up a gun in years suddenly join in the operation as if he never left being a sniper and has a prosthetic arm. He just became cold blooded and efficient after becoming a family man? How so many secrets are still out there and with the hints it drives you nuts at times? We are left really wondering what is next for Rand and Sarah which has you wanting more but wondering will we get more with these characters?
Again the issues do not detract from the story just things I go gaga over. I enjoyed seeing Rand forgive himself and find a way to let love and friendship have a place in his life once again. A good story that is wonderfully told and intrigues you to the end.
November 27, 2017
If this book wasn't so confusing at times I would have given it a much higher review. Personally, I found that there were too many characters in the story to keep straight. It wasn't just Rand and Sarah; it was her brother and his wife, their children, her parents and then you had all the others from the agency. The family I could keep straight but Mitch, Charlie, Irene and I think about 3 other characters from the agency was just too much for me. Not to mention all the "bad guys" from China who were after Rand and Sarah. I couldn't keep up.
I loved that Rand and Sarah had a connection before running into each other again; I think without that the story might not have been as realistic.
I loved that Rand and Sarah had a connection before running into each other again; I think without that the story might not have been as realistic.
October 31, 2017
I thought the rating should be much higher. The book was an incredible read. The intrigue was awesome. It's not much of a standalone though. Maybe that's why it's rated in the mid 4s. It kept mentioning things that happened in Thailand and then not explaining what happened in Thailand. If Thailand is written anywhere as good you will be in for a treat! I highly recommend reading the entire series.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 4, 2019
Confusing but has potential.
I knew before starting this book that there were too many characters and plots crammed into a romantic suspense story. However the book was free so nothing to loose.
I liked the romance between Rand and Sarah. Childhood friends reconnect amid high drama. It was an interesting read where I saw an author with potential.
I enjoyed the CIA slant and the confusion that was caused as various characters attempted to identify a mole. Where it all went wrong was the author gave us to many characters to be suspicious of. This is where the author failed.
The writing lacked subtlety.
However if like me you enjoy romsus then I would encourage you to read the book because Rand and Sarah are a good romantic pairing.
I knew before starting this book that there were too many characters and plots crammed into a romantic suspense story. However the book was free so nothing to loose.
I liked the romance between Rand and Sarah. Childhood friends reconnect amid high drama. It was an interesting read where I saw an author with potential.
I enjoyed the CIA slant and the confusion that was caused as various characters attempted to identify a mole. Where it all went wrong was the author gave us to many characters to be suspicious of. This is where the author failed.
The writing lacked subtlety.
However if like me you enjoy romsus then I would encourage you to read the book because Rand and Sarah are a good romantic pairing.
September 25, 2019
Sarah and Rand have known each other for forever. but when Matt and Rand are deployed together, only Rand makes it back whle. Feeling immense guilt for Matt's injuries, even though he was not to blame, Rand goes off the radar. Sarah never expects to find him again - especially in the Far East!
Rand and Sarah are both carrying secrets, some more deadly than others! I'm loving this series, even though I've read it out of order! Off the charts chemistry and lots of action!
Rand and Sarah are both carrying secrets, some more deadly than others! I'm loving this series, even though I've read it out of order! Off the charts chemistry and lots of action!
May 29, 2020
I enjoyed the book, the tension and the intrigue. Unfortunately, I can’t rate it higher because I was often left confused. At times I felt like I was getting only half the story. Additionally, it is not quite a stand-alone. There are links to another couple of stories and a few loose ends that I suspect are to be tied up elsewhere.
April 19, 2022
Spy Games
Ok, Sidney did a pretty good job on this story. Rand and Sarah were friends since they were kids but they secretly had crushes on each other. This story details their lives as adults in this cruel world. There are a few funny scenes and a few intense scenes. You should enjoy the adventures of Rand and Sarah. FANTASTIC job Sidney! I would recommend this book!
Ok, Sidney did a pretty good job on this story. Rand and Sarah were friends since they were kids but they secretly had crushes on each other. This story details their lives as adults in this cruel world. There are a few funny scenes and a few intense scenes. You should enjoy the adventures of Rand and Sarah. FANTASTIC job Sidney! I would recommend this book!
December 11, 2020
A fascinating friends-to-lovers, redemption story.
March 8, 2022
Full of action
December 20, 2022
Great book
July 31, 2023
loved every moment
Thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend. Author tells amazing stories never disappoints. I didn’t want this book to end. I hope there is a sequel.
Thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend. Author tells amazing stories never disappoints. I didn’t want this book to end. I hope there is a sequel.
November 24, 2017
Rand Duncan had been best friends with Matt Collins since they were young, and Sarah, Matts little sister hung around them as much as they would allow. Once while playing Lincoln Logs with her Rand told her one day he'd build her a real house and marry her. Neither of them every forgot that promise. They grew up. Matt and Rand both enlisted and ended up in the SEALS together. During one mission, Matt was injuries and one arm below the elbow was amputated. Rand felt guilty, thought they should blame him and disappeared from the hospital and their lives. Instead of re-uping he becoming a contract worker for the CIA.
Eight years later, he is in Seoul, working with asset inside N Korea, a high level General in the Korean army who wants to defect, but with his whole family.
Meanwhile Sarah and her best friend Emily, who had been crushing on Matt, both worked for Wishing Well on a clear water initiative- working with water companies to create new treatment plants in Thailand. They had talked Matt to come with them, and when Emily was kidnapped, Matt rescued her. (This might have happened in another book, I'm not sure). Now they are married with 2 children.
Sarah continuing to work for Wishing Well, was approached by the CIA, to be a courier, and agreed, hoping maybe should would run into Rand some day.
That time has come. She had been in contact with him for the past year, but he only known her as Courier Girl. Now she is in danger. There is at least one mole who has betrayed her and if he doesn't get to her first the N.Korean MSS will grab her. Only she can open a briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives and it has fallen into Chinese hands. When Rand finds out who Courier Girls, he is furious, but will protect her with his life.
I received a free ARC from netgalley.com for an honest review. I have read the author's Hot Ride books, but this one is more thrilling. Lots of action and intrigue. Who is the mole? Who can they trust? Will Sarah be able to forgive Rand for disappearing and trust him not to do it again? Will he realize that he can't give up the one woman who is the other half of his soul?
Eight years later, he is in Seoul, working with asset inside N Korea, a high level General in the Korean army who wants to defect, but with his whole family.
Meanwhile Sarah and her best friend Emily, who had been crushing on Matt, both worked for Wishing Well on a clear water initiative- working with water companies to create new treatment plants in Thailand. They had talked Matt to come with them, and when Emily was kidnapped, Matt rescued her. (This might have happened in another book, I'm not sure). Now they are married with 2 children.
Sarah continuing to work for Wishing Well, was approached by the CIA, to be a courier, and agreed, hoping maybe should would run into Rand some day.
That time has come. She had been in contact with him for the past year, but he only known her as Courier Girl. Now she is in danger. There is at least one mole who has betrayed her and if he doesn't get to her first the N.Korean MSS will grab her. Only she can open a briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives and it has fallen into Chinese hands. When Rand finds out who Courier Girls, he is furious, but will protect her with his life.
I received a free ARC from netgalley.com for an honest review. I have read the author's Hot Ride books, but this one is more thrilling. Lots of action and intrigue. Who is the mole? Who can they trust? Will Sarah be able to forgive Rand for disappearing and trust him not to do it again? Will he realize that he can't give up the one woman who is the other half of his soul?
November 28, 2017
Haunted by the mistakes he made while fighting for his country, Rand Duncan has become the CIA’s go to man for tough jobs in an effort to atone for his sins. Late-night phone calls and covert meetings are the norm. Until she arrives and his past crashes into his present.
Sarah Collins never thought she’d see her brother’s former best friend again. But one of Sarah’s fellow undercover informants has been captured and the briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives are in Chinese hands. If Sarah and Rand can’t retrieve the documents, people will die.
The shock wears off quick as the two must figure out how to retrieve the briefcase before it can be opened or sold. If they want to save lives, they must confront their past, while avoiding an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them.
Review:
First book in a new series.
Sarah and Rand grew up together and crushed on each other until there is an accident and Rand blames himself for hurting his best friend and Sarah's brother.
Years later they are both working undercover and Sarah comes in jeopardy and together they must race to save others from information that could fall into the wrong hands.
This was a very action packed romance from page one. At every turn I was questioning who the betrayer was and really did not have it figured out until close to the end of the story. So, kudos to the Author for keeping me guessing. I liked the the pace of the story and it's intrigue it was like watching an action movie, but in book form...if that makes sense to anyone but me. That Rand and Sarah knew each other and had a history really helped with them being a couple and making them and the story more interesting. The sexy times were well-done and had great emotional quality to them. The ending was excellent, just the right amount of intrigue and action to go along with the rest of the book.
Not sure where the series is going next, but cannot wait to find out.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
Sarah Collins never thought she’d see her brother’s former best friend again. But one of Sarah’s fellow undercover informants has been captured and the briefcase containing the identities and locations of twelve other operatives are in Chinese hands. If Sarah and Rand can’t retrieve the documents, people will die.
The shock wears off quick as the two must figure out how to retrieve the briefcase before it can be opened or sold. If they want to save lives, they must confront their past, while avoiding an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them.
Review:
First book in a new series.
Sarah and Rand grew up together and crushed on each other until there is an accident and Rand blames himself for hurting his best friend and Sarah's brother.
Years later they are both working undercover and Sarah comes in jeopardy and together they must race to save others from information that could fall into the wrong hands.
This was a very action packed romance from page one. At every turn I was questioning who the betrayer was and really did not have it figured out until close to the end of the story. So, kudos to the Author for keeping me guessing. I liked the the pace of the story and it's intrigue it was like watching an action movie, but in book form...if that makes sense to anyone but me. That Rand and Sarah knew each other and had a history really helped with them being a couple and making them and the story more interesting. The sexy times were well-done and had great emotional quality to them. The ending was excellent, just the right amount of intrigue and action to go along with the rest of the book.
Not sure where the series is going next, but cannot wait to find out.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
November 9, 2019
When spies and romance get mixed together - the result is pretty much guaranteed to intrigue you!
Sarah Collins has been working as a CIA "mail girl" for a while now. Delivering packages and extremely important and dangerous information between the agency and the undercover agents who are out scattered across the globe. But when the agents she's responsible for have their identities exposed, she'll have to work together with one of them in a race against time to save as many of them as possible. The catch? The agent is actually Rand Duncan, her brother's best friend - and her first love.
I loved this book! Not only was it a much-used concept on spies but with a new spin to it, it also took the childhood sweethearts theme to a whole new level! Rand and Sarah had been in love with each other ever since they were kids, but out of respect to Sarah's brother they never really got together. But the tension was there, even after all those years. I was constantly just BEGGING them to stop being stubborn and just accept how good they are to each other and as a team.
Speaking of a team, they were a damn good one. But they were both so used to doing things their own way, it was pretty much touch-and-go at first - and there were tons of arguments, which only added to the overall tension between them. The fact that there was a traitor in CIA and people were after them did not help in the least.
By the way, I knew who the contact traitor was, and I'm so glad, because it still made an impact on me, despite knowing - imagine the shock if I was completely unaware! I was sitting on pins and needles, I tell you! Oh, and Wei scares me! A lot!!!
I can't wait to read the next books - I heard they're about Andy and Noah, and that makes me very happy, because these two sure are some crazy motherfuckers!!!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Sarah Collins has been working as a CIA "mail girl" for a while now. Delivering packages and extremely important and dangerous information between the agency and the undercover agents who are out scattered across the globe. But when the agents she's responsible for have their identities exposed, she'll have to work together with one of them in a race against time to save as many of them as possible. The catch? The agent is actually Rand Duncan, her brother's best friend - and her first love.
I loved this book! Not only was it a much-used concept on spies but with a new spin to it, it also took the childhood sweethearts theme to a whole new level! Rand and Sarah had been in love with each other ever since they were kids, but out of respect to Sarah's brother they never really got together. But the tension was there, even after all those years. I was constantly just BEGGING them to stop being stubborn and just accept how good they are to each other and as a team.
Speaking of a team, they were a damn good one. But they were both so used to doing things their own way, it was pretty much touch-and-go at first - and there were tons of arguments, which only added to the overall tension between them. The fact that there was a traitor in CIA and people were after them did not help in the least.
By the way, I knew who the contact traitor was, and I'm so glad, because it still made an impact on me, despite knowing - imagine the shock if I was completely unaware! I was sitting on pins and needles, I tell you! Oh, and Wei scares me! A lot!!!
I can't wait to read the next books - I heard they're about Andy and Noah, and that makes me very happy, because these two sure are some crazy motherfuckers!!!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
November 28, 2017
Spy Games is the first book in the exciting new Tarnished Heroes series by bestselling author Sidney Bristol. It's an action packed, thrilling, romantic suspense that you won't want to miss! With a riveting storyline full of secrets, lies, betrayal, complex characters, danger, and intriguing twists and turns, this story will have you on the edge of your seat till the very end. A terrific story, and a great beginning to this new series.
Rand Duncan is a contractor for the CIA, and after making numerous mistakes, as well as hurting those who had meant everything to him, he cut off contact with everyone, and submerged himself in his job. Sarah Collins uses the cover of her full time job to be a courier for the CIA, unknown to anyone else in her life, and although she thought that she'd never see him again, she believes that Rand is the contact of one of her dead drops.
What was supposed to be a low risk operation for her has suddenly become a life or death situation, and her only hope is that she's right about who the contact is, and that he will come for her. However, when Rand discovers that it's really Sarah, and that she's the one who has just been burned, it's definitely not a happy reunion for either of them.
With a mole selling off top secret information, as well as burning Sarah and Rand in the process, the Chinese hunting for them, and unsure who, if anyone, they can trust, they decide to go dark until they can get the answers that they need, and hopefully find a way to get the case with the sensitive information back to the CIA. Can Rand keep Sarah safe until they figure out who the mole is? Can they both keep their attractions towards one another under control until this nightmare is over? Will they get the HEA they've both wanted and deserved for so long, or will their enemies take away their only chance to be together? You're going to have to read this to find out, but you won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Rand Duncan is a contractor for the CIA, and after making numerous mistakes, as well as hurting those who had meant everything to him, he cut off contact with everyone, and submerged himself in his job. Sarah Collins uses the cover of her full time job to be a courier for the CIA, unknown to anyone else in her life, and although she thought that she'd never see him again, she believes that Rand is the contact of one of her dead drops.
What was supposed to be a low risk operation for her has suddenly become a life or death situation, and her only hope is that she's right about who the contact is, and that he will come for her. However, when Rand discovers that it's really Sarah, and that she's the one who has just been burned, it's definitely not a happy reunion for either of them.
With a mole selling off top secret information, as well as burning Sarah and Rand in the process, the Chinese hunting for them, and unsure who, if anyone, they can trust, they decide to go dark until they can get the answers that they need, and hopefully find a way to get the case with the sensitive information back to the CIA. Can Rand keep Sarah safe until they figure out who the mole is? Can they both keep their attractions towards one another under control until this nightmare is over? Will they get the HEA they've both wanted and deserved for so long, or will their enemies take away their only chance to be together? You're going to have to read this to find out, but you won't be disappointed!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 27, 2017
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
Not even sure where to begin because there is just so much to this book and I really enjoyed reading it! There is the Sarah and Rand story in the past, then there is Sarah and Rand running for their lives, then Sarah, Rand and the situation with her brother Matt. That is not even getting into the part about finding out who is the mole that betrayed them.
There is a whole cast of characters that you don’t know if Sarah and Rand should trust and at one point in the book, I kept wanting to yell at Sarah – if it seems too easy then there is usually a reason for that!!
I resisted the temptation to skip to the end and see who was mole #1, and loved the build up and gradual revelation of events as Sarah and Rand were running for their lives, as they could still feel the attraction between them.
Rand’s progression from dedicated loner and field agent to caring boyfriend was great and you could see that Sarah and Rand belonged together. Their ending was the perfect fit for them and loved their HEA.
At the end of the book, you still don’t know who the second traitor is, so I am really hoping that there will be more books to follow as we get to see a bit of Mitch and Irene to tease us!?! There were only two small questions that I had that I did not see an answer to and don’t know if they will be answered in another book or we just never know (or I totally missed the explanation):
1. Why was Rand’s name mentioned to Sarah when she was a courier and never knew the names that went with her drops, was it intentional and a set up or was it just a mistake?
2. Why did Mitch ask Charlie to get close to Sarah and seduce her?
Not even sure where to begin because there is just so much to this book and I really enjoyed reading it! There is the Sarah and Rand story in the past, then there is Sarah and Rand running for their lives, then Sarah, Rand and the situation with her brother Matt. That is not even getting into the part about finding out who is the mole that betrayed them.
There is a whole cast of characters that you don’t know if Sarah and Rand should trust and at one point in the book, I kept wanting to yell at Sarah – if it seems too easy then there is usually a reason for that!!
I resisted the temptation to skip to the end and see who was mole #1, and loved the build up and gradual revelation of events as Sarah and Rand were running for their lives, as they could still feel the attraction between them.
Rand’s progression from dedicated loner and field agent to caring boyfriend was great and you could see that Sarah and Rand belonged together. Their ending was the perfect fit for them and loved their HEA.
At the end of the book, you still don’t know who the second traitor is, so I am really hoping that there will be more books to follow as we get to see a bit of Mitch and Irene to tease us!?! There were only two small questions that I had that I did not see an answer to and don’t know if they will be answered in another book or we just never know (or I totally missed the explanation):
1. Why was Rand’s name mentioned to Sarah when she was a courier and never knew the names that went with her drops, was it intentional and a set up or was it just a mistake?
2. Why did Mitch ask Charlie to get close to Sarah and seduce her?
November 28, 2017
sarah collins was only supposed to be the courier, dropping off key pieces of intel to strategically placed assets across asia under the cover of her job as a water resources manager. when she is burned on the way to a drop she is out of her element in these spy games.
rand duncan served his country until a mistake in battle left his best friend with only one hand. the crushing guilt has him leave everyone behind, and he joins the cia as a covert operative. little does he know that his path has crossed sarah's. she's the younger sister of rand's best friend, the one girl he's always loved but never thought he could have.
faced with unparalleled danger, both rand and sarah's lives are at stake. they can't trust anyone, especially given that there is a mole in the cia's ranks. forced to work together, rand and sarah have to deal with old hurts and an inconvenient attraction that burns hot even as they must evade international spies intent on bringing them in and destroying years worth of highly classified intelligence.
figuring out who the mole is, while fighting to stay alive and one step ahead of their trackers brings them closer than they've ever been. when your life is in danger, what you really want and what things matter become surprisingly clear. and after everything, for rand it has always been sarah. and for sarah it's always been rand.
**spy games will publish on november 27, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (amara) in exchange for my honest review.
rand duncan served his country until a mistake in battle left his best friend with only one hand. the crushing guilt has him leave everyone behind, and he joins the cia as a covert operative. little does he know that his path has crossed sarah's. she's the younger sister of rand's best friend, the one girl he's always loved but never thought he could have.
faced with unparalleled danger, both rand and sarah's lives are at stake. they can't trust anyone, especially given that there is a mole in the cia's ranks. forced to work together, rand and sarah have to deal with old hurts and an inconvenient attraction that burns hot even as they must evade international spies intent on bringing them in and destroying years worth of highly classified intelligence.
figuring out who the mole is, while fighting to stay alive and one step ahead of their trackers brings them closer than they've ever been. when your life is in danger, what you really want and what things matter become surprisingly clear. and after everything, for rand it has always been sarah. and for sarah it's always been rand.
**spy games will publish on november 27, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (amara) in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2017
The story centers around Rand Duncan , a CIA agent who is undercover in Korean and has isolated himself from everyone except the Company. He feels he’s committed too many sins and hurt too many people, amongst them Sarah Collins, her brother and her family. Sarah works on a part time basis with the CIA , but only as a courier. They recruited her since her main job takes her throughout Asia. She suspects that Rand is the one receiving some of the envelopes she has delivered. The two of them have a history. She is his best friend’s little sister. Her brother served with Rand overseas, but was injured and lost his arm. Rand felt responsible for that injury and left his friend and and everyone from his past in order to atone for his “mistakes”.
He is assigned to find and either save his “courier girl” or kill her so she doesn’t end up being tortured and divulging top secrets. At first he doesn’t realize that it’s Sarah, for whom he always had feelings. Feelings that Sarah also had for him.
An informant has “spilled the beans” and now both are running for their lives.
All that said, I have mixed feeling about the book. I never connected with the characters, I felt that they fell in bed within minutes of seeing each other and that there were gaps in the storyline. There is a reference to Thailand more than once, but no further explanation.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
He is assigned to find and either save his “courier girl” or kill her so she doesn’t end up being tortured and divulging top secrets. At first he doesn’t realize that it’s Sarah, for whom he always had feelings. Feelings that Sarah also had for him.
An informant has “spilled the beans” and now both are running for their lives.
All that said, I have mixed feeling about the book. I never connected with the characters, I felt that they fell in bed within minutes of seeing each other and that there were gaps in the storyline. There is a reference to Thailand more than once, but no further explanation.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 25, 2017
Spy Games by Sidney Bristol
A Tarnished Heroes Novel
Action-packed romantic suspense that grabbed me on page one and kept me reading all the way to the end. I enjoyed this friends to lovers story that started in Korea and moved to the USA with good thwarting evil in the end.
Rand Duncan works in covert operations as a contractor for the CIA. Sarah Collins is a courier for the CIA. When they were children Rand and Matt, Sarah’s brother, were best friends and Sarah spent a lot of time with them. After eight years apart little did they know that their paths would cross again when Rand is sent to get Sarah out of Korea – someone in the CIA has “burned” her cover and set her up for kidnapping. She must rely on Rand to help her get away and keep her safe. Not knowing who to trust, having Korean bad guys after them, needing to find and secure a case filled with protocols and dealing with the chemistry between them is a challenge but they are up for it.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them both. I am interested to find out what will happen in the next book and really want to know who the bad guy is AND who will have their story told next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Tarnished Heroes Novel
Action-packed romantic suspense that grabbed me on page one and kept me reading all the way to the end. I enjoyed this friends to lovers story that started in Korea and moved to the USA with good thwarting evil in the end.
Rand Duncan works in covert operations as a contractor for the CIA. Sarah Collins is a courier for the CIA. When they were children Rand and Matt, Sarah’s brother, were best friends and Sarah spent a lot of time with them. After eight years apart little did they know that their paths would cross again when Rand is sent to get Sarah out of Korea – someone in the CIA has “burned” her cover and set her up for kidnapping. She must rely on Rand to help her get away and keep her safe. Not knowing who to trust, having Korean bad guys after them, needing to find and secure a case filled with protocols and dealing with the chemistry between them is a challenge but they are up for it.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them both. I am interested to find out what will happen in the next book and really want to know who the bad guy is AND who will have their story told next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 22, 2017
Rand Duncan is a contractor for the CIA. He has been working in South Korea for a long while. The only contact he has are the notes that he gets from the courier girl. He doesn't know who she is, just the places where she leaves his messages.
Sarah Collins travels all over Asia with her day job. That gives her the opportunity to do the little extra for the CIA as well.
Suddenly everything goes wrong, she is being followed.
Our heroine is in way over her head, she doesn't have a clue how to save herself and the package she should deliver.
Our hero is stunned when he realizes who his contact is. That is going to make staying professional much more difficult. He knows they have been betrayed ,but not who to trust. They are in grave danger .
A fast paced spy story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A particularly nasty villain who enjoys his work far too much is hard on their heels. Which of our secondary characters is the mole ? This is part of a series but easily read as a stand alone. It does tease us at the end for the next book.
Sarah Collins travels all over Asia with her day job. That gives her the opportunity to do the little extra for the CIA as well.
Suddenly everything goes wrong, she is being followed.
Our heroine is in way over her head, she doesn't have a clue how to save herself and the package she should deliver.
Our hero is stunned when he realizes who his contact is. That is going to make staying professional much more difficult. He knows they have been betrayed ,but not who to trust. They are in grave danger .
A fast paced spy story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A particularly nasty villain who enjoys his work far too much is hard on their heels. Which of our secondary characters is the mole ? This is part of a series but easily read as a stand alone. It does tease us at the end for the next book.
October 16, 2017
Loved this book! It's fast paced romantic suspense at its best! Rand is the spy who disappeared from Sarah's life after her brother was injured on his watch, while Sarah is the courier for the spies when she is burned. Unlike the TV show, she isn't dumped in a safe American city, but rather is hunted by others for the information she possesses. Rand is activated to find her and protect her, or, if necessary, kill her. When he realizes that he's been corresponding with Sarah, he is stunned and he is still just as hung up on her as she is on him. What follows is almost non-stop thrill ride as they try to figure out how she got burned and escape with their lives.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. Fans of the genre will want to put this novel at the top of their TBRs. I'm adding the author to my must read authors' list and will work my way through her back list.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. Fans of the genre will want to put this novel at the top of their TBRs. I'm adding the author to my must read authors' list and will work my way through her back list.
November 15, 2017
3.75stars
This is a romantic suspense book with a lot of action and uncertainty. It is a story about Rand a CIA agent who had always had a secret crush on her best friend sister Sarah. And what are the odds that they are working years together not knowing until the job goes bad and they ended both on a run? There is not just a present job they have to worry about, there is also a past that didn't end well. Both Sara and Rand are a well developed interesting character. I don't know if I would ever accept the job that Sara had and not asking questions from my point of view that shows her a little bit naive. Rand is an ok guy I really liked him that he changed his priorities and saw that he made a mistake. I enjoyed all the suspense and romantic side of a book what bothered me was so many POV like I could go without the Chinese POV.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
This is a romantic suspense book with a lot of action and uncertainty. It is a story about Rand a CIA agent who had always had a secret crush on her best friend sister Sarah. And what are the odds that they are working years together not knowing until the job goes bad and they ended both on a run? There is not just a present job they have to worry about, there is also a past that didn't end well. Both Sara and Rand are a well developed interesting character. I don't know if I would ever accept the job that Sara had and not asking questions from my point of view that shows her a little bit naive. Rand is an ok guy I really liked him that he changed his priorities and saw that he made a mistake. I enjoyed all the suspense and romantic side of a book what bothered me was so many POV like I could go without the Chinese POV.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
November 25, 2017
This book looks like the start of a new series by Sidney Bristol and I am going to reserve judgement on the series as a whole. I enjoyed the spy aspect of the storyline although I think there were so many characters that I had trouble figuring out who was a white hat and who was black. I actually think that was a purposeful aspect to the book and definitely kept me guessing. On the romance side of the story, I did not feel a connection to either Rand or Sarah. I am not sure why, but the romance had so much back and forth with who wanted commitment and who didn’t at the time, that I never felt their chemistry. Overall it was a fun read but I wanted more so I guess this is a real 3.5 Stars for me. I will definitely read the next book in this series to see how the storyline and romance progresses. Thanks as always to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
I really liked the plot of this one. It also kept me guessing; I certainly didn't figure out who was not to be trusted until everything fell into place. However, I had a lot of trouble staying riveted to this one in certain parts of the story. It just felt like the middle of the book dragged. I found myself often skimming long passages. I also didn't feel the chemistry between Rand and Sarah, even though I liked both characters just fine. So, this was just an okay read for me personally. I'm not sorry I read it, but it's not something I would read again. I would, however, read something else by this author; I may feel more of a connection with other characters, and the author certainly has a skill for coming up with interesting plotlines.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2018
Honestly, saying that I enjoyed this feels inadequate because of how much I loved this book. The chemistry between Sarah and Rand was intense, but the spy stuff? Holy cow, I was so nervous! The action starts off immediately and was making me so anxious!
And when Rand realizes that Sarah is Sarah, aka Matt's younger sister and also the woman he was besotted with when he was younger, everything heats up quite nicely in the romance department. I really don't know how Sidney Bristol struck such a great balance between romance and suspense. I mean, I could have used more romance (always), but I really do think this book was amazingly well-executed.
P.S. I got this book in exchange for a review on NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion. (Seriously, look at my chain of thoughts in the updates.)
And when Rand realizes that Sarah is Sarah, aka Matt's younger sister and also the woman he was besotted with when he was younger, everything heats up quite nicely in the romance department. I really don't know how Sidney Bristol struck such a great balance between romance and suspense. I mean, I could have used more romance (always), but I really do think this book was amazingly well-executed.
P.S. I got this book in exchange for a review on NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion. (Seriously, look at my chain of thoughts in the updates.)
October 29, 2017
Such a good suspense romance book! Rand is working for the CIA and is shocked to find that his best friend's little sister, Sarah, is also working for the CIA and is in trouble. Suddenly no one knows who can be trusted, trying to find the mole who sold Sarah out. Sarah loved Rand ever since she was younger and now finds herself spending all her time with him as they try to figure out what is going on and Rand is her protector. Trying to keep it simple and just sex, Sarah realizes it's more than that but it can't be more. Readers know they will never be disappointed when reading a book by Sidney Bristol!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews