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The Spies Who Loved Her #6
Bright Lights
Chanté is a broke college student, waiting tables at a strip club on the wrong side of town called The Petal, hoping one day to be on the main stage herself. She goes to classes, goes to the club and sometimes hangs out with her roommate Kenny, but besides that, she doesn't have much of a life to speak of. That is until one day a mysterious man with great facial hair strolls into The Petal and turns her world upside down and she unwittingly shakes him up a bit in return. Before Asif was a devastatingly handsome, albeit emotionally careless, spy and Chanté had yet to become the in-demand hacker with a lot of exotic dancing on the side, he was a newbie agent with a lot to prove and she was dreaming about what it would be like to have all eyes on her. They find each other long before they even know what to do with love, but they lay a solid foundation of teasing sexual tension and cash payments for a job very well done.
186 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2020
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Jackson
56 books729 followersKatrina is a seasoned spinster with an active imagination, a love of romcoms and a keenly critical nature. She's a college professor by day who writes romances by...weekend. Right now she also happens to be on summer vacation. She enjoys yogurt, sparkling water and her three cats, who don't appreciate her love.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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January 15, 2021I’m a long time lover of Katrina Jackson and her works, it’s refreshing as a Black Reader to see myself in her characters time and time again while still getting a great story along the way. With that being said, this was yet another unforgettable read.
Chanté was a great lead, I loved her experience as a waitress at The Petal and her aspiration to be on stage with the other dancers. Her admiration of stripping and the time and talent the people performing take to make sure they give a good show (and make some coin) came off of the pages. Also, shout out to the sex worker positive story WE LOVE IT. The way that Chanté also ties in who she is now to her past growing up in group homes made for a self-aware but resourceful character. The point that sometimes dancers are also students just trying to put themselves through college is also great as well. Did I mention her being tech-savvy was sexy as hell? 10/10.
Asif was the sexiest secret agent I have ever read about, and his cover story while being on a dangerous mission while having money had me ready to put my platforms on with Chanté and dance too honey. He was all about Chanté and accepting her for who she was while still putting an emphasis on her comfort and being truthful (or as honest as circumstance would allow) I loved that he pushed her to go for something she was afraid of and never doubted her. I love that he was so in tune with her in every scene and his parts were great at adding integral plots to the story while Chanté still gave you a character line; it was a wonderful balance.
The sexual scenes were on point as always and you even get a little threesome action at one point. These two were hot to say the least and I could take a few hundred more pages if the universe would be so willing. They were great at banter and playing up on the others needs and the submission from Asif with Chanté made this man that much more attractive. Not to mention he has MONEY.
I just found myself wanting more after it was over and I’m now speeding to read the rest of this series. It was a “read in one sitting” kind of romance and I’m here for every single page and paragraph.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chanté was a great lead, I loved her experience as a waitress at The Petal and her aspiration to be on stage with the other dancers. Her admiration of stripping and the time and talent the people performing take to make sure they give a good show (and make some coin) came off of the pages. Also, shout out to the sex worker positive story WE LOVE IT. The way that Chanté also ties in who she is now to her past growing up in group homes made for a self-aware but resourceful character. The point that sometimes dancers are also students just trying to put themselves through college is also great as well. Did I mention her being tech-savvy was sexy as hell? 10/10.
Asif was the sexiest secret agent I have ever read about, and his cover story while being on a dangerous mission while having money had me ready to put my platforms on with Chanté and dance too honey. He was all about Chanté and accepting her for who she was while still putting an emphasis on her comfort and being truthful (or as honest as circumstance would allow) I loved that he pushed her to go for something she was afraid of and never doubted her. I love that he was so in tune with her in every scene and his parts were great at adding integral plots to the story while Chanté still gave you a character line; it was a wonderful balance.
The sexual scenes were on point as always and you even get a little threesome action at one point. These two were hot to say the least and I could take a few hundred more pages if the universe would be so willing. They were great at banter and playing up on the others needs and the submission from Asif with Chanté made this man that much more attractive. Not to mention he has MONEY.
I just found myself wanting more after it was over and I’m now speeding to read the rest of this series. It was a “read in one sitting” kind of romance and I’m here for every single page and paragraph.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
CHANTÉ I LOVE YOU MARRY ME
January 29, 2021
If you have read any of the The Spies Who Loved Her series, you've met Chanté and you know she loathes/loves Asif.
This is why.
I only give it four stars because it makes me unhappy. I'll make up for it when she gets her happy ending. ;)
This is why.
I only give it four stars because it makes me unhappy. I'll make up for it when she gets her happy ending. ;)
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March 13, 2023I can’t rate this book. I’ll be honest. I didn’t even read the blurb. I stopped after ‘Chanté’ because what more could anyone need? But I guess I thought I would get her happy ending. And this isn’t it. It was so fun to read how the love:hate relationship started and the juicy piece of information right at the end. I just hope we eventually get what we all, but mostly Chanté, deserve!
December 2, 2021
Kat did what needed to be done and I thank her for it.
January 11, 2021
the backstory i didnt know i needed!
it was Katrina Jackson’s spy series that got me hooked on her writing, specifically the novellas involving Kenny aka Ken Doll. from there i began to read the rest. there was always Chanté threaded throughout with this hint of sadness in between the flirty banter and the low key hell she gave Asif.
when i first heard of Jackson’s plan to delve into Asif and Chanté, i was mildly curious. it had more to do with my idea of who i thought Asif was, a grade-A asshole who had done Chanté dirty in the past.
boy did this novella prove me wrong. i was honest to god rooting for them. there was even a moment when i audibly said, noooooo, because i didnt want to see these two part ways. i’m invested. i want them to have their HEA and, if Jackson decides to deliver another installment, i will eagerly buy it.
Bright Lights, the prequel novella i didnt even know i needed but so, so glad it’s here.
it was Katrina Jackson’s spy series that got me hooked on her writing, specifically the novellas involving Kenny aka Ken Doll. from there i began to read the rest. there was always Chanté threaded throughout with this hint of sadness in between the flirty banter and the low key hell she gave Asif.
when i first heard of Jackson’s plan to delve into Asif and Chanté, i was mildly curious. it had more to do with my idea of who i thought Asif was, a grade-A asshole who had done Chanté dirty in the past.
boy did this novella prove me wrong. i was honest to god rooting for them. there was even a moment when i audibly said, noooooo, because i didnt want to see these two part ways. i’m invested. i want them to have their HEA and, if Jackson decides to deliver another installment, i will eagerly buy it.
Bright Lights, the prequel novella i didnt even know i needed but so, so glad it’s here.
January 8, 2021
I may have read Bright Lights without reading the rest of The Spies Who Loved Her books however, that did not take away from this at all. I loved it so much and it left me wanting more. I already had plans to read as much of Katrina Jackson's books as I can this year and I will very much be continuing with that plan and hopefully reading The Spies Who Loved Her books first. I love the way Asif and Chanté are with each other. Supportive partners who believe in you without doubt is honestly the best and everyone deserves that. This book was hot and charming and just everything. I love Chanté. I hope she gives Asif and the Agency so much trouble in the future and makes bank while doing it. If you are into STEAMY romance which I hope you are otherwise why are you here? Then you should definitely be picking up Bright Lights and everything else Katrina Jackson writes.
January 10, 2021
This novella takes part of the series story back to the beginning of a relationship between two side characters. It hints at the complexity that is shown in the earlier books in this series and sets up a story that will be a fascinating read. It really highlights how this whole series reads like a TV series, in episodes that reveal different aspects of the story and the characters involved.
It's a neat trick to take a reader back in time with a side character and a story line that has threaded through all the earlier books in this series, and show how these two met and hint at how they ended up in such a complex situation together. I love a clever story line and this one really resonates.
The novella itself ends on a cliffhanger without an HFN/HEA, however, the earlier books in the series show enough that it feels like these characters are working towards that.
It's a neat trick to take a reader back in time with a side character and a story line that has threaded through all the earlier books in this series, and show how these two met and hint at how they ended up in such a complex situation together. I love a clever story line and this one really resonates.
The novella itself ends on a cliffhanger without an HFN/HEA, however, the earlier books in the series show enough that it feels like these characters are working towards that.
January 13, 2021
I NEED MOOOOOOORE. Yes ok I know this is a prequel to how Chante and Asif met and we'll probably get their full book somedayyyy, hopefully soon, but I want more nowwww!!
This book was excellent and Chante is a goddess and I'm gonna need Asif to get it together ok?? Cuz she deserves he world. This made me emotional because together they are perfection.
I loved how Katrina shows that Chante wants to be a dancer where she currently works as a waitress and she's in awe of the other dancers. She looks at them with reverence. They're never portrayed in a negative light which is always refreshing. And Asif and Chante's interactions...my gawwwwd!! the chemistry from the moment they meet.
Loved them. Loved this book. Need moooore
Also as a side note i'm gonna need a whole book about Joi please and thanks.
This book was excellent and Chante is a goddess and I'm gonna need Asif to get it together ok?? Cuz she deserves he world. This made me emotional because together they are perfection.
I loved how Katrina shows that Chante wants to be a dancer where she currently works as a waitress and she's in awe of the other dancers. She looks at them with reverence. They're never portrayed in a negative light which is always refreshing. And Asif and Chante's interactions...my gawwwwd!! the chemistry from the moment they meet.
Loved them. Loved this book. Need moooore
Also as a side note i'm gonna need a whole book about Joi please and thanks.
March 2, 2022
Oof this series just gets better and better!
Chanté and Asif have been such intriguing side characters throughout the earlier books and it was such a treat to see their beginnings here. Chanté has been such a star, a dazzling delight with her every appearance, and I relished getting to spend more time with her. Asif has been...less endearing but intriguing nonetheless! What this prequel really excelled in, was in showing how their interactions that we've seen on the sidelines of other books had a lot of basis in this, their first encounter. And then, at the end, the moment when I screeched 'oh Asif!' and suddenly saw some reasoning behind his behaviour.
I am so looking forward to a future story where Asif is forced to confront himself, and he and Chanté can maybe find a new stable footing.....
Chanté and Asif have been such intriguing side characters throughout the earlier books and it was such a treat to see their beginnings here. Chanté has been such a star, a dazzling delight with her every appearance, and I relished getting to spend more time with her. Asif has been...less endearing but intriguing nonetheless! What this prequel really excelled in, was in showing how their interactions that we've seen on the sidelines of other books had a lot of basis in this, their first encounter. And then, at the end, the moment when I screeched 'oh Asif!' and suddenly saw some reasoning behind his behaviour.
I am so looking forward to a future story where Asif is forced to confront himself, and he and Chanté can maybe find a new stable footing.....
March 18, 2023
5/5 stars!
This one was so hot! Chanté and Asif really have that sexual chemistry and I loved how Asif takes care of Chanté on his own ways without her knowing. The ending sucks though. There's no HEA or even HFN? I just hoped they get to have their own full length novel soon. Another thing is the friendship between Chanté and Kenny! They were so cute! This book also kind of hinted how they were able to know what The Agency is and their origin story as a spy basically. I wished we got more of those as well.
This one was so hot! Chanté and Asif really have that sexual chemistry and I loved how Asif takes care of Chanté on his own ways without her knowing. The ending sucks though. There's no HEA or even HFN? I just hoped they get to have their own full length novel soon. Another thing is the friendship between Chanté and Kenny! They were so cute! This book also kind of hinted how they were able to know what The Agency is and their origin story as a spy basically. I wished we got more of those as well.
January 10, 2021
Chanté stan
I didn't know I needed this prequel until I read it. Kat Jackson gives us female friendships, reverence for sex workers, humor, loveable side characters, sadness, and hope in less than 200 pages. I love Chanté even more after reading this book and I might hate Asif a little less. I need more from this series.
CW: mention of human traficking and assassinations, foster care system
Heat level: Mild 😊
I didn't know I needed this prequel until I read it. Kat Jackson gives us female friendships, reverence for sex workers, humor, loveable side characters, sadness, and hope in less than 200 pages. I love Chanté even more after reading this book and I might hate Asif a little less. I need more from this series.
CW: mention of human traficking and assassinations, foster care system
Heat level: Mild 😊
January 19, 2021
nice prequel
I wanted to enjoy this a lot more than I did. My main quibble with bright lights is that I didn’t realize it’s a novella? prequel? I thought it was a full length book? anyway, bright lights is the story about how Chante and Asif met. The story works if you’re already familiar with the bits and pieces of the characters from the previous books in the series. parts of it felt unearned, I imagine someone new to the book/series might be a bit confused. ok read.
I wanted to enjoy this a lot more than I did. My main quibble with bright lights is that I didn’t realize it’s a novella? prequel? I thought it was a full length book? anyway, bright lights is the story about how Chante and Asif met. The story works if you’re already familiar with the bits and pieces of the characters from the previous books in the series. parts of it felt unearned, I imagine someone new to the book/series might be a bit confused. ok read.
February 5, 2024
I haven't wanted to read this because I knew Asif was going to break Chanté's heart, and he does, as previously reported in this series. But Chanté and Kenny as college roommates, the Chanté who grew up with Caleb in foster care, and the Chanté learning how to be absolutely kick ass was worth reading. I can't wait for Asif's epic grovel.
May 29, 2024
Asif and Chanté hold a special place in my heart. The way they understand each other and care about one another without actually knowing each other is cute. I also enjoyed their physical intimacy even when they were not touching each other. In the end, it was nice to know how they actually met.
April 5, 2025
I’m so happy this books exist because I really needed the backstory on Chante and Asif! Especially Asif because his emotionally unavailable ass in the background of the first books in the series were PMO 🤣 Anyway rooting for their HEA in Honey Pot!
January 9, 2021
a perfect appetizer
This entire story was taut with anticipation - a perfect appetizer. I can’t wait to read more about Chante and Asif.
This entire story was taut with anticipation - a perfect appetizer. I can’t wait to read more about Chante and Asif.
May 13, 2021
Although you know
Although I knew it is a prequel, I was just not ready for the story to end with them not getting together. 💔 Outside of that, the story was pretty good.
Although I knew it is a prequel, I was just not ready for the story to end with them not getting together. 💔 Outside of that, the story was pretty good.
June 16, 2021
Asif & Chanté's backstory. Hugely interesting, super tease for the hope of an eventual HEA/HFN for them.
January 29, 2023
i‘m sorry but where is the full-length novel of chanté & asif????? i‘m starving
March 5, 2023
I too want to give Chanté all my money what a treat
August 4, 2024
3.75 -
Chantè is the first bisexual to ever actually!!
These man were FREAKKKSSSS
Chantè is the first bisexual to ever actually!!
These man were FREAKKKSSSS
October 1, 2024
I love this series so much! This sweet, tender backstory to one of my favorite pairings throughout the series was as unexpected as it was spicy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews