Though possibly less credible than book 1, this sequel still gave me 5-star Feels and delight, so, sticking with another 5 star rating. I love this duet! Read it years ago, forgot about it, rediscovered it this week and here we are.
It is a bit dated now, I'm sure technology has evolved quite a lot, so, keep the pub year in mind.
Genius tech CIA deputy director Syler Perrin and CIA secret agent–foreign spy Arthur Dufault (yes I laugh at his name every time...!) are...domesticating! Neither can believe it. It's a dream come true for Arthur, who was always the good-time guy but never anyone's Guy, and a dream never had for Syler, who's unique genius mania and focus has driven off anyone he ever dated when it came into play.
But this handler-agent team is perfect for each other, so it's too bad that a series of missions gone very very wrong seems to be trying to separate them permanently. What gives?!
Add in an upcoming birthday, a surprise visitor, and a brilliant new idea on Syler's part that leads to weeks of manic server building, and it's romance, chaos, danger, and revelations all around.
Syler's final gift for Arthur's birthday is my favorite part, and the way it's revealed is just 😂😭😂😭. Seeing these two insanely competent but previously emotionally awkward AF men all loved up is hugely awesome, and I was delighted all the way through. The family drama in the background is a strong supporting subplot, and Syler's old friend and new direct report/sidekick Emily and their family of fellow agents continue to shine.
Does the conflict really make sense, is it believable that none of them would have suspected the source and caught on to any of it before the big confrontation? Nope. Not really. Did I care? Again...nope, not really. I just let go and enjoyed the ride.
HEA, CIA handler-agent, tech super genius X former playboy turned simp for his nerd romantic spy thriller. Absolutely no others/cheating/sharing OM drama at all, totally safe again for me! There's no mention of Arthur doing any seduction missions, and I'm giving the benefit of the doubt and going with they were off the table entirely as soon as he realized he had feelings for Syler in book 1. Because. Me. Highly recommended duet.