Skirting Danger

Chasing the CIA #1

by Kay Keppler

Suspended for a hunch gone wrong, CIA language analyst Phoebe Renfrew is desperate to get her job back. But when she uncovers a terrorist plot at a Las Vegas start-up car company owned by famed ex-quarterback Chase Bonaventure, no one listens to her. The CIA doesn’t care, the FBI is too busy, and the cops are too tired. Even Chase rejects her wild story about Korean gun runners infiltrating his company to harm the secretary of state. Besides, he’s expecting Swedish investors at any minute…Swedish investors who speak only Korean.

Chase hires Phoebe to translate at his investor meetings and tries every game plan he knows to keep her from ruining the deal. But Phoebe fears the worst. With time running out, she must nail down the bad guys, her job, and her relationship with Chase. Can she do it all and save Madam Secretary before the Las Vegas All-Elvis Revue belts out the last chorus of “Jailhouse Rock”?

Genres: Mystery

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2020

About the author

Kay Keppler likes happy endings, whether they’re in the fiction she writes, the fiction she edits, or the fiction she reads. After all, an unhappy outcome is what the newspaper is for! Her characters are resourceful to a fault, hard-working to the extreme, and loyal to the end—qualities she absorbed growing up in a small town in Wisconsin. Resisting the character-building aspects of deep snow and cold, she now lives in California and spends her time creating happy endings.

You can reach her at
kaykeppler.com, kaykeppler@yahoo.com, @KayKeppler, or facebook.com/kaykeppler.

Reviews

[Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Lots of action and moving scenes? Check. A plot that I haven't seen explored very much? Check. A cute romance that is (mostly) well-developed and has probable cause for bringing the two characters together? Check.

Skirting Danger didn't seem like a book that would be "that good", considering there is no description on Goodreads, and the blurb I did manage to find seemed a little cheesy. (Really, there was something about a Las Vegas All-Elvis Revue?) However, it blew past my expectations and actually was a fun read.

I thought the pacing was perfect. It's hard to figure out a page limit that accomplishes everything the author wants, while not making the story too long and hard for the readers to follow. This one found a perfect combination of the two, assuming Kay Keppler had her plot list completely crossed off by the time this was published. If not, there's a sequel I am highly looking forward to.

Phoebe is a suspended CIA language analyst, speaking almost 9 different languages, and she wants her job back, after a disaster that she caused. While spending her time off in Las Vegas, she stumbles on a scheme that may be tied to what caused her downfall at the CIA - while getting trapped in a job by ex-quarterback Chase Bonaventure.

Chase is a big celebrity because he played football and was good, I guess but has turned his sights on starting a car company after an injury that retired his football career. He finds himself needing Phoebe's help translating for his Korean investors so he can close the deal and help his business begin. While at the same time trying to stop Pheobe from wrecking his deal by digging into what might or might not be a terrorist plot and also finding himself drawn more and more to her.

I enjoyed the characters. I felt like sometimes, a few of them appeared in scenes when they were unnecessary, like Kristin appearing at the jail for no reason, but most of them were well-developed: even the villains. In fact, we see one of the villains' points of view quite a few times through the story, which was a little jarring and dull for me at first, but Lars did end up growing on me. The rest of them weren't as fleshed out and only had depth when they were needed, but it was easy to overlook them in favor of the plot.

A complaint that is highly specific for me is that I was unable to see how the lawyer handled the FBI. I would kill to have seen that scene - with the no-nonsense attitude the lawyer seemed to have and the added wit and theatrics granted by Phoebe and the slight... stupidity? that the FBI agent had. It would have been a really fun scene for me, and I wish that I was able to see it.

It's obvious this book should not be taken seriously. There may be some research done on the CIA and the methods they go through when combing through possible threats, it's unrealistic to expect a majority of truth to the story. That being said, the closing only emphasized the inaccuracy. That scene was just ridiculous and comical, but it was too much. Too excessive and trying too hard to get laughs in.

Previously, I would be able to convince myself ah, yes, this is how the CIA works and I'd go with it. But the last scene - the climactic point in the book, may I add - was laughable, and not in a good way. It felt too fake and basically threw that in my face. There were plenty of funny moments earlier, in fact, I laughed a lot when reading it, but I'd like a little more seriousness and realism when it's the biggest moment to the story.

I was also expecting Phoebe to be more paranoid. She wants her job back more than anything, so you'd think she'd be seeing threats falling from the sky. She stumbled on the possible terrorist scheme, but I can't believe she doesn't at least make a passing comment about some lady having guns in her stroller instead of a baby. I want more paranoia to fit the character.

All in all, I enjoyed Skirting Danger! It was fun and cute and I liked that the romance took a long time and had a decent buildup without any "instalove" going on. I would have liked a little more buildup, in my opinion, but it was not the worst thing I've read.

[Allison Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes struggle with rating/writing reviews because books are not always comparable and 5 stars doesn’t cut it for me (I have my own spreadsheet where it’s actually a 20 point system 😂). A 3.5/4 star romcom is not being judged the same/as harshly as a 3.5/4 star contemporary fiction, that’s just my reality and I’m SORRY. I’m trying. That being said, I’m giving this 3.5 stars (rounding up) because I desperately needed something light after reading The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot and this book fit the bill.

Were their plot holes? Yes. Was this at alllllll realistic? Absolutely not. But those things don’t necessarily always bother me if I’m being entertained… and this was entertaining as hell (I finished it in a day). If anything, the most cringeworthy thing for me was Chase’s use of the word chère. If you’re just looking for a good time and can hang with 40 Elvis Impersonators, an NFL hero gone tech mogul, a CIA/FBI/Secret Service/Las Vegas PD stand-off, Swedish Korean bad guys, and a heroine who goes around telling anyone who will listen that she’s in the CIA (I’m pretty sure they frown against that….) then pick up this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess cozy mysteries are my new favorite genre. I really enjoyed reading this book!

It’s about a suspended CIA agent, who suspects that some foreigner investors biding Las Vegas of illegal activity. But no one believes her since she once cried wolf before.

The story is fast past, easy to read & will put a smile on your face.

Thank you BookSirens for this free copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily & this is my honest opinions of the book.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Felt that the main character tried to be funny and interesting, but failed.
I ended up just being very much bored of it all. Nothing interested me.

I got it from eARC from Netgalley.

[Megan Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would’ve ate this book up when I was in 7th grade

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe has a problem. As a CIA language analyst, she speaks 7 languages and she swears she overheard a threat to national security in one of them. Flash forward - Phoebe has been suspended and working for an Elvis wedding chapel in Las Vegas & living with her mother. Here's the problem - she heard another threat and this time she's determined to prove it!

I enjoyed the book and found myself rooting for Phoebe. Throw in a recent SuperBowl winning football player turned businessman, quirky supporting characters and you have a fun way to spend an afternoon.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jeanne Estridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

When newly-minted CIA language analyst Phoebe Renfrew detects an imminent threat against the Empire State Building, she zips right past standard operating procedure to call in both SWAT and the SEALs, but they arrive to find nothing. Suspended from the job she’s worked her entire life to obtain, she winds up in Las Vegas, sleeping on her mom’s couch and hawking flyers for Elvis weddings while wearing in a poodle skirt. To get her CIA job back, she must somehow prove the threat in New York was real.

Retired quarterback Chase Bonaventure needs $100 million dollars in additional capital to make a go of Venture Automotive, the electric car company he bought following a knee injury that ended his football career. A contingent of visiting Swedish-Korean investors may be the answer—except they don’t speak English. Korean just happens to be in Phoebe’s language portfolio, so Chase hires her to translate.

Phoebe doesn’t have to know anything about sports to realize that Chase is one of the most talented guys she’s ever met. Chase finds something irresistible about Phoebe’s combination of smarts and drive—not to mention her long legs.

Things go great between them until Phoebe overhears a couple of the would-be investors planning what sounds like an act of terrorism on American soil.

Filled with great characters and fast-paced action, Skirting Danger will have you laughing out loud as you root for Phoebe to catch the bad guys without destroying Chase’s company.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly, absurd, farcical, FUN!

The plot of Skirting Danger was ridiculous and completely unbelievable at times . . . and I loved it!

Too often, I read “RomComs” that are decidedly lacking in “COM,” but this book had it to spare. The main characters were very likable, both together and individually, and the secondary characters enhanced the humor even more. Even the “villains” were likable enough to be sympathetic. My favorite character had to be Sanjay; you could practically hear the monotone delivery of his lines, which were some of the best in the entire novel.

This book is the perfect antidote to negative news and stressful times. Though it deals with some serious topics, Keppler found a way to turn them into a series of outlandish events that keep you guessing. Skirting Danger isn’t based in reality, but it provides the reader with a fun and light-hearted distraction from the world around them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and the author.

[Betsy Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skirting Danger is the first is a delightful series written by Kay Keppler.
The author creates a character in Phoebe Renfrew that is very believable yet gets herself in very humorous, almost unbelievable predicaments. Starting the book, wearing a poodle skirt, she is publicizing a Las Vegas Elvis impersonator wedding venue. This poodle skirt is worn at other times in the book, adding to the humor of the situation.
Phoebe is only at this job because her CIA analyst job has been suspended and she is under review for reporting a crime that was to be committed yet never happened at the Empire State Building. She ended up sleeping on her mother’s couch in Las Vegas and taking the job for the wedding chapel.
Phoebe is a gal that can speak and understand many languages, Korean being one of them. This ability allows her to overhear two men speaking about guns and cops. Only owning a bicycle, because she has no drivers license, will not allow her to pursue these men in case a crime is going to be committed, thence her cab ride with Sanjay. This takes her to a new electric car business owned by Chase Bonaventure. Chase is the former quarterback of the Las Vegas Rattlesnakes and his name and face are very prominent in the Las Vegas community.
Skirting Danger introduces us to a cast of people who become intertwined in Phoebe’s adventure, all to get her job reinstated for the CIA. Her ability to understand and speak the Korean language plays an active part throughout this wonderful keep-you-interested, never dull story. Kay Keppler has a knack for her descriptive text.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #SkirtingDanger #KayKeppler

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read that kept me entertained for the most part. The main characters were likeable but I got a bit confused at times with the switching points of view. I felt that sometimes a bit of the plot was missed in the switch, making it feel a bit rushed.

I didn't really like the ending. It was a bit convoluted and too busy. It won't stop me from reading the next book in the series though.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wild ride of zany antics that puts a smile on the reader’s face! It’s a ridiculous over-the-top tale that makes you chuckle by just reading the book's description and you can’t help but giggle to yourself as you actually read your way through the events. It would make a hilarious movie, as it would be fantastic to watch the events play out on a screen of any size. I chose this book as the cover alone looked like it would be a fun read and I was not disappointed by the time I reached the end. Skirting Danger is the first novel in the planned Chasing the CIA series and I would read the rest without hesitation [I believe the next one is Skirting Disaster that was planned for winter 2020, but I do not recall seeing it available yet.]

Phoebe Renfrew landed her dream job at the CIA after they helped pay for her schooling and language training. She is a language analyst that speaks seven languages. During her first months on the job, she overheard a potential terror threat that would take place at the Empire State Building in New York. She alerts her superiors and events are set in motion to stop this potential attack. The event turned out to be a disaster as no threat turned out to be credible in the moment and led to Phoebe being suspended pending an investigation. With no place to go, she ends up in Las Vegas to stay with her mother. Here Phoebe finds herself in the mix of a crazy new adventure as she overhears another potential terrorist threat.

While at the courthouse handing out fliers to an Elvis themed wedding chapel where she now works, she overhears two men discuss, in a foreign language, their plan to obtain guns. She tries to interact with them to ask questions and they run at her threat to alert the police. Curiosity to follow through with these individuals gets the best of her and she hails a taxi to follow the two men. This leads her to Venture Automotive where she meets ex-football all-star quarterback, Chase Bonaventure. He runs a start-up electric car company after injuring himself during the previous football season.

The two men that Phoebe followed end up being members of the potential investor team at Chase’s company. As no one in the investor group speaks English, Chase enlists Phoebe’s translation ability as no one else ends up being available on short notice. Both Chase and Phoebe are also attracted to each other after they meet which creates even more potential drama in this silly tale. The cast of characters is incredibly enjoyable and the reader even reads from the point of view of one of the potential terrorists in some chapters, which adds another dimension to the writing.

Every character is ridiculous at times and the entire story seems unbelievable. However, it makes an excellent escapist novel to read when you just want light-hearted fun that has a good pace and temporarily makes you forget about the real world. The terrorism threat itself is silly in a way, but it fits well in the story and keeps the story interesting. Reading this story made me laugh multiple times as everyone just seemed to be a hot mess in one way or another.

Overall, this story makes you almost want to eavesdrop on other conversations so you can potentially investigate a terrorist threat and go on your own detective journey, like our characters. The novel is a quick read that will make a fun series. As it is a series, the ending wraps everything up, but it still leaves some pieces open to be addressed in the future. You could, therefore, read this story as a standalone or you could continue (when the next ones are released) the series. It fits its ROMCOM genre by providing both the romantic, as well as, the comedy portions. If you take this novel with the “ridiculous-ness” it promises and do not go in with expectations that are too high, then you most likely will enjoy it as I did. However, it is not a perfect story so if this over-the-top screwball type storyline is not for you, then I would skip it. I can’t wait to read more from this author and hope the next book in the series releases soon!

**I give a special thank you to Booksirens, the author, and the publisher for the ARC (RC) to read and review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENG
Phoebe Renfrew is in Las Vegas and she temporarily works for an Elvis themed wedding chapel.
Her previous job was at the CIA in the language analysis department: she detected messages about a potential terrorist attack at the Empire State Building at the secretary of the state, the CIA gave the greenlight for the mission, a great huge mission, but nothing happened so Phoebe is suspended waiting for further investigations.
Since, during this reinvestigation period, she isn’t paid she decided to stay with her mother, in Las Vegas.
The book starts when Phoebe is in front of the courthouse giving fliers to try to find some new customers for the chapel, instead she detects two asian looking guys talking korean and telling each other about finding a place to buy handguns.
She decides to follow them, to see what they are up to, and arrives at Venture Automotive, an electric-vehicle manufacturing start-up.
So starts this book’s exciting mission.
I have to say that I had fun reading it: I liked Phoebe’s character, her way of making friends with anyone, Trouble too, the dog, practically right away, the way she interacts with other characters, the absolutely funny ideas she has, I liked her!
I absolutely loved the duo Phoebe-Sanjay, the taxi driver: they were the best and I truly hope they will be on a mission in the second book too.
Instead I was disappointed by Chase Bonaventure, the superfamous quarterback who retired because of an injury to his knee, Venture Automotive’s CEO, because whenever Phoebe talked to him about her mission, he never actually believed her and just tried to somehow block her.
However, can’t wait for the second book where Phoebe is in training for the private investigator job. I am really looking forward to some fun.
I received an advance review copy for free on BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

ITA
Phoebe Renfrew si trova a Las Vegas e lavora temporaneamente per una cappella a tema Elvis dove si celebrano matrimoni.
Prima lavorava per la CIA nel dipartimento di analisi linguistica (non so se esiste con questo nome): aveva intercettato dei messaggi riguardanti un potenziale attacco terroristico all’Empire State Building ai danni della segreteria di stato, la CIA aveva dato l’ok, preparato una missione molto imponente ma alla fine non era successo nulla e Phoebe è stata sospesa in attesa di ulteriori accertamenti.
Visto che è sospesa senza stipendio decide di andare a stare dalla mamma che abita a Las Vegas.
Il libro comincia quando Phoebe è davanti al tribunale in cerca di clienti, invece intercetta due ragazzi dai tratti somatici asiatici che, parlando coreano, si stanno dicendo che devono trovare un posto dove comprare delle pistole.
Decide ovviamente di seguirli per capire cosa vogliono combinare e in questo inseguimento arriva alla Venture Automotive, una start-up che produce macchine elettriche.
Così comincia la missione/avventura rocambolesca di questo libro.
Devo confessare che mi sono divertita: ho molto apprezzato il personaggio di Phoebe, il modo in cui parla e interagisce con gli altri personaggi del libro, il modo in cui fa amicizia con chiunque, anche Trouble il cane, le idee che le vengono in mente, bel personaggio.
Ho assolutamente adorato il duo Phoebe Sanjay, il tassista: il top, spero ci siano anche nel secondo libro.
Invece non ho apprezzato tantissimo Chase Bonaventure, il famosissimo quarterback che si è ritirato dopo un infortunio al ginocchio, CEO di Venture Automotive, perché ogni volta che Phoebe gli parlava di questa sua missione lui non le ha mai creduto, anzi cercava di bloccarla.
Comunque non vedo l’ora di leggere il secondo libro dove Phoebe è in training per fare la detective privata, ci sarà da divertirsi, spero.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita su BookSirens e lascio questa recensione spontaneamente.

[Tonya Sadowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's difficult to express how I felt about this book. "Skirting Danger" has a truly unique, bizarrely action-packed plot with fully developed characters, such as a would-be terrorist worrying about a woman not answering his texts, sweet, romantic moments, and an adorable dog named Trouble. And if Jennifer Crusie recommended it, it must be worth reading! But it's also peppered with inconsistencies that could have been caught before publishing, like the "munching" sandwich issue; one time it was peanut butter, the other it was ham and swiss, but then she gives some to the dog right after it was peanut butter, which isn't good to give a dog. Some of the wit wasn't readily apparent until much later in the book, in the vein of classics like Dirk Gentry where something is discussed ad nauseum and it isn't until much later the reader finds out when the plot circles around back to it again and it's funny, but with this book the lead up isn't as understood. When the two first get together, it's discussed as if it'd already happened! This made the whole relationship feel rushed to romance; there was no lead-up to moving from barely liking each other to a physical relationship. And yet, despite this, the two characters get under a reader's skin. They're all incredibly likable. Despite the caricatures, most of the characters are much more than simple cardboard cutouts. Even the "bad" guys aren't two-dimensional. Phoebe is relatable, too. The author avoided passive writing most of the book, but around Chapter 10 or so, that ended, which frustrated me and made it difficult to finish the rest of the book. This author writes incredible action and well-developed characters so I know she's capable of better after writing this many books. I will probably try another book by this author, but if the writing turns passive, I likely won't pick up another. I ended up reading another book in-between this one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a zany, madcap read with plenty of drama, some suspense, lots of humor and the potential for romance. It took me a few chapters to get engrossed with the storyline and to connect with the characters, but once I did it was a fun and chaotic journey.

Phoebe is a unique heroine - she’s on leave from the CIA after her analysis and conclusions cause a national security fumble at the Empire State a building of epic embarrassment. She is in Las Vegas working a quirky job when she over hears some men talking in Korean about buying guns. Phoebe is the type to jump in feet first into the deep end with little thought to anything else other than following her intuition. She is also someone who cares deeply about everyone else and puts herself in jeopardy to protect the interests of those she cares about.

Chase is a celebrity quarterback recently retired after a knee injury in the Super Bowl with the Las Vegas Rattlers. He is trying to court a group of Swedish nationals of Korean descent into investing in his electric car manufacturing company.

Phoebe’s investigation intersects with Chase’s business interests in a crazy and fun way, and then gets wilder with lots of humor too. Phoebe is a truly unique heroine who I came to adore by the middle of the book. The romance between her and Chase is a little hit and miss as the suspenseful national security and business investment plots run full throttle. Other than a few heavy petting sessions, all the steamier moments between Phoebe and Chase happen ‘off screen’ and behind closed doors.

This was a very enjoyable read and I want to read the next book Skirting Disaster when in comes out later this year. This could be the start of a fun series.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a hoot! It has one misadventure after another and some of the funniest characters I have seen in a while from Elvis impersonators to Swedish-Korean investors who don’t speak English trying to commit crimes in between investment meetings with an American quarterback who speaks neither Swedish nor Korean.
Chase Bonaventure is a retired quarterback who is seeking investors to back his Las Vegas electric car company and his plans for the future. Phoebe is a CIA language analyst who is currently suspended from the agency for calling in the cavalry for a suspected terrorist attack on the Empire State Building that turned out to be incorrect information, or so the agency thought. Phoebe overhears two Swedish-Korean gentlemen planning to buy guns while she is working at a Las Vegas wedding chapel and begins following them around, convinced that they are planning terrorist activities, only to find that they are part of a Swedish group of potential investors in Chase’s company.
Chase needs a translator. Phoebe wants to stay close to the two suspects to make sure they aren’t a real threat to the nation. It’s a win-win… right? More like a comedy of errors with a happy ending for everyone. This book is an adorable, funny, off-key, romantic adventure that any reader might love. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next adventure that this couple takes part in.

[Kathy Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging first novel! The start of more to come, I hope.

Here we have Phoebe Renfrew, suspended CIA anaylist, working for an Elvis impersonator Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. She wears a poodle skirt and lives with her Mom who has a habit of taking off and living with different men. Phoebe knows that as a language specialist, that she had interpreted data of a terrorist attack, but got it slightly wrong and was then suspended from the CIA. As she is working in Vegas, she overhears a Korean conversation concerning buying guns. She is instantly intrigued. and wonders if this is connected to the chatter she had heard earlier while at her job at the CIA in DC. Add to this the need of star quarterback, Chase Bonadventure, for a Korean interpreter and we have the makings of an interesting mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. (and a real desire to live in Chase's house)

I love the eclectic mix of characters: from the taxi driver, his uncle's food truck and other businesses, the secretary and the lovable dog, Trouble. This was an interesting romp and I enjoyed reading the story. If you want a fast paced story line, take a chance on this!

Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with a ARC to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skirting Danger (Chasing the CIA: Book 1) by Kay Keppler
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
Release Date: October 9, 2020

Skirting Danger is the first book in Chasing the CIA series by Kay Keppler and I hope there are many more books to come! Book two, Skirting Disaster is expected to release in Winter 2020!

I loved this cozy mystery take on stopping terrorism! The main character, Pheobe, is a suspended CIA language analyst and I think she is the the cutest spitfire! Pheobe is strong-willed and determined and I love her for that!

One of the things I loved most about this book is that the terrorism threat is not stress-inducing! The book is so funny and the terrorists are basically a hot mess. I laughed throughout reading this and it brought joy to my day!

This is a quick read and I had trouble putting it down! I really enjoyed the lighthearted escape from reality this created! I can't wait to read the future books (& I'll probably re-read this one again on a hard day!)

I'm so grateful to Kay Keppler, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the New York fiasco, Phoebe has been put on suspension from the CIA. She did what right, didn’t she? With no job, she is forced to move across the country to live with her not so reliable mom in Vegas. When Phoebe takes a job at a wedding chapel and overheard some Swedish citizens (talking in Korean) who are planning to buy guns, her CIA training kicks in.
Following them, she gets a job with THE Chase Bonaventure (recently retired from the Vegas Rattlesnakes football team.) While working for him, she continues to watch the Swedish people closely and tries to solve why they needs gins in the first place.
Opinion
This fast paced book will have you rolling with laughter. The side characters and the situations Phoebe finds herself in are downright hilarious. She is such a quirky character (speaks 8 languages and can’t drive) that just about everything with her is awkward. Chase balances her out well. He is a normal person who grows frustrated at her insistence that she works for the CIA. (She was wearing a poodle skirt when they met.). All he wants is for her to quit harassing his potential investors and do the job she was hired for, translating.
Many thanks to Book Sirens for giving me a copy of this book for review.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I breezed through this fun and action-packed book loving everything about the main character and the interesting cast of characters that surround her even though I don't think any of the events are particularly realistic, or at least I hope they aren't.
Phoebe Renfrew was suspended from her brand-new job as a CIA language analyst because they don't believe her warning about an attack in New York was true. So she moves to Las Vegas to crash on her mother's couch and ends up accidentally finding a lead that might be connected to that case (helping her reinstatement) along with a job as a Korean translator for the big-man on the town, former NFL quarterback Chase Bonaventure. What follows is a story full of oddball characters, crazy stunts, and a ton of fun.
Keppler keeps the story light and entertaining even when touching on darker topics, which I really appreciate in a rom-com. Even when dark themes of imprisonment in North Korea or child abandonment come into play, the overall tone remains pretty upbeat.
Overall, it's not a life-changing or once-in-a-lifetime story, but it's an extremely entertaining for right now story that I highly recommend.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the fun read!

[Barbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative plot and quirky characters. Even a suspension from the CIA does not prevent Phoebe from deeply embroiling herself in her own investigation. Her unsanctioned case meanders down unexpected roads requiring the reader to go along on an imaginative ride. Her motley crew includes faithful followers including a taxi driver, his Uncle Boo-boo, and an Elvis impersonator. Phoebe's misadventures even include rescuing a stray dog, Trouble with a tail. Add in a handsome retired mega football star and magic happens. If you enjoy wildly imaginative stories with a little suspense, a smidge of romance, and a host of colorful characters, this story will entertain you. One area I would like to see improved is the relationship between Phoebe and Chase. I think there needs to be more development to make their feelings seem more authentic. Also, Phoebe's relationship with her mom adds a sour note to the story without a happy resolution. This brought sadness into an otherwise upbeat adventure. I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was laugh out loud funny with so many unique characters! The plot was over the top but so much fun. If you like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich you will like this as well. Phoebe is a CIA language analyst on unpaid leave because a major tip she passed on ended up in a huge embarrassment for the Feds. Since she isn't getting paid, she goes to couch surf with her mom in Vegas while she waits for the investigation to clear her name. Ironically she happens to hear a couple of guys talking about trying to buy guns in Korean. She can't help herself as she follows them (with the help of a funny taxi driver, soon to be friend) to try to figure out what is going on and possibly get her job back. As she gets roped into translating for a couple weeks of meetings between an electric car company (with a hot, ex-football star owner) and a group of Swedish-Korean investors that includes the potential gun runners things just keep getting more tangled! It's not easy figuring out what the Koreans are up to without dragging down the car company. This story is outrageous in all the best ways! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe Renfrew is currently on administrative leave from her CIA analyst job due to a highly publicized event which may have been caused by an error on her part. While on leave, she moves to Las Vegas to live with her mother and gets tangled up with Elvis impersonators, a former football quarterback turned automotive manufacturer, a family possibly plotting a kidnapping, a taxi driver who wants in on Phoebe's investigation, and a dog named Trouble.

Even though it has a serious subject and a CIA heroine, the author wants you to have a good time with her amusing characters and less than realistic situations. Phoebe is strong, moral, but still a lot of fun. The secondary characters are also a hoot. Sanjay, the taxi driver, is the best! I could read a whole book just about him and his family.

I loved the shenanigans, laughed out loud often, and was so happy to be along for this mostly lighthearted ride. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from the get go... Phoebe finds herself in Las Vegas living with her mom after a CIA job went south in spectacular fashion. Phoebe still thinks she was right in the risk but has to wait not-so-patiently to find out the outcome of their investigation. While handing out fliers for her job at a wedding chapel she encounters a couple Swedish-Korean gentleman who raise her suspicion and she just can't seem to let it go. This weird encounter lands her at Venture Automotive, where she meets Chase, ex football star and local hero. There are SO many crazy antics that it's hard to pick out my favorite, but I just loved how Phoebe would not be deterred despite all the roadblocks and questions of her sanity. Love the chemistry between her and Chase, and taxi-driver Sanjay, and of course Trouble. This story kept me reading well in to the night. Now to read what comes next for Phoebe and Chase.

[Mary Saou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was FUN. It had major "Miss Congeniality" vibes, with a protagonist who's suspended from her job at the CIA and has something to prove. After a big gaff, she goes from using her impressive language skills in DC to hawking wedding chapel specials in Vegas. A series of ridiculous events connects her to a former football star, a group of Swedish-Korean investors, and a potential national security crisis.

You definitely need to suspend plausibility when reading this. It's delightful, but also pretty much impossible (without being fantasy or anything). There's just enough wacky events to keep you wanting more. I loved getting to see characters from different parts of Phoebe's story coming together and interacting. It's the first in a series, and I look forward to the next one! Also, somebody please make this into a movie, because I would watch that in a hot minute.

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Ann Tosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe, a CIA agent is suspended and moves across the country to sleep on her mother's couch while waiting out the final decision about her employement.
Chase is a recently retired professional quarterback turned CEO.
While Phoebe wants to clear her name, she comes across something that could help, but it leads her to Chase who then enlists her help as a translator.

In the beginning, I really didn't think I would like this book. The POVs were multiple and when they would change, the first paragraph would be an omni-present POV before switching to the character's POV. I also just couldn't buy our couple ever becoming a couple. I did end up loving these two, and loving them together.

I found this to be a pretty unique romantic suspense story.
I would still say that it needed a little more editing, even by the end, though that was better than the beginning.

**I received this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is good at her job, but perhaps a bit too quick on the trigger. This gets her into trouble more than once and makes it hard for our hero to accept her. But there is more going on here than meets the eye. She just have to find a way to make others believe.

This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.

This is something of a romantic suspense story with a strong element of humor. The story is well written and easy to read with a fast paced and engaging plot that pulls you in a doesn't let go. Our characters are well developed and really made for each other. They just don't know it yet. I really liked both our leads, but particularly our heroine who has a way of finding trouble without even trying. Overall, the elements combine to make a really fast and fun read. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe is a CIA analyst who is suspended following an operation that didn't go as planned, so she moves to Las Vegas to stay with her mother. There she overhears another plot and ends up being involved in investigating this.
This is one of those books that just kept me entertained. Not a full blown thriller it includes romance, humour as well as the intrigue and action. It builds up slowly until it reaches the thrilling climax, all the time with a slight tongue in cheek slant to the story.
Some not too explicit sex scenes, so not for you if these offend you, but no violence. Definitely recommended if you enjoy these types of stories, just snuggle down and pass a few hours escaping from today's madness.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Phoebe Renfrew? Where doe she live and what does she do? What job 'had' she been doing? Who are Lars and Gustav? What about Chase? What are each of these three men doing or going after? Who is Sanjay? He is a hoot! Why does Phoebe go to see Chase? Oh my, 12% of the book and things just went to the nuclear blast zone!!! Oh my gosh! This story was a hoot, especialliy the Sunday meeting at the plant about the event for the investors! I love Nattie! When Detective Greenway pulls info the wrong way, the FBI shows up and things get seriously interesting later in the book. What did he look into? This story did not quite go how I thought it was going to, I cannot wait to see another book to this series (if there is one, I hope there is!!!).

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Booksirens FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly this was a daunting read for me. I am not sure what it was about the story, characters, plot, or dialogue, but it could not keep me engaged. I usually knock at a cozy in a day, but this one I have been attempting to finish this book for a very long time.

Was it cute? Yes.
Was it full of plot holes? Absolutely, like Swiss cheese.
Would I read the next one in the series? I don't know, maybe.

The characters were written over-the-top, with an attempt at slap-stick comedy that just didn't, well, stick. The plot was meh, the romance had a fizzle, but no real steam, the main character was more amateur detective with supposed formal training. It was a painful compilation of many comedy and romcon tropes smashed together with a little bit of espionage tangled in.

I was given this as an ARC for an honest review.

[M Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how to describe this book exactly and it is not bad but is extremely bizarre. The whole CIA and terrorism attack for me was so unreal. However, this part is what makes it unique.
I have the time of my life reading it because all seem hilarious for me.
Phoebe was just too much for everything but I love her either way and I really like Chase so I wanted to see much more of them as a couple.
Moreover, there were parts that lost my interest (Lars POV) because I MEAN the whole terrorism thing was NUTS!

I really looking forward for the next part (not bc of the CIA/police thing) but to know better Chase and Phoebe <3


*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this copy. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.