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Chasing the CIA #3
Skirting Destiny
When a frantic Russian defector jumps into her taxi, CIA language analyst Phoebe Renfrew would love nothing more than to take him to the proper government officials. But then the taxi’s windows are shot out. And with the government shutdown, she’s got little choice but to take him home. He can hide in the basement of the beautiful but rundown place she just bought with Chase Bonaventure, her fiancé. It’s only for the weekend. What could happen, right?
But between fighting off the attacks of a determined Russian assassin—and deflecting her mother’s plans for a big wedding she’s not ready for—Phoebe’s got her hands full. When the showdown comes, maybe planning a wedding to Chase isn’t that important, after all.
Because she and Chase may not survive the weekend.
But between fighting off the attacks of a determined Russian assassin—and deflecting her mother’s plans for a big wedding she’s not ready for—Phoebe’s got her hands full. When the showdown comes, maybe planning a wedding to Chase isn’t that important, after all.
Because she and Chase may not survive the weekend.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2021
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Kay Keppler
17 books20 followersKay 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.
You can reach her at
kaykeppler.com, kaykeppler@yahoo.com, @KayKeppler, or facebook.com/kaykeppler.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 18, 2022
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
While the first one in this series is still my favorite, I loved Skirting Destiny. It was much better than the second book and I am very disappointed it is the last in the series. (Why can't there be more? There should be more. Please, Keppler, write more.)
It was hilarious and action-packed and while it wasn't as spicy as it could have been, I highly enjoyed reading this book. I never wanted to put it down and basically devoured it when I really should have been working. The pacing is great for how long of a story it is; there was a time where I was checking to see how much longer, since it felt a little long and dragged at one point, but it picked up again in no time.
The only thing I'd change is closer to the end, it became more and more ridiculous. Just absolutely fantastical. And while it was funny, I wasn't as... involved? in it. It felt less realistic and I was suddenly very aware I was reading a book, instead of being in the book and fighting off a Russian assassin with a rake with Phoebe and Kristin. That's the only reason it's not a 5-star book.
Also, halfway through, Chase's accent changed and then a couple chapters later, returned to how he normally sounded. I'm not sure if that was on purpose or on accident, and it could be attributed to exhaustion or frustration but we don't see the same style when he felt similar later on.
I'm still hoping and praying for a fourth, but I am glad this series has (so far) ended on a high note.
While the first one in this series is still my favorite, I loved Skirting Destiny. It was much better than the second book and I am very disappointed it is the last in the series. (Why can't there be more? There should be more. Please, Keppler, write more.)
It was hilarious and action-packed and while it wasn't as spicy as it could have been, I highly enjoyed reading this book. I never wanted to put it down and basically devoured it when I really should have been working. The pacing is great for how long of a story it is; there was a time where I was checking to see how much longer, since it felt a little long and dragged at one point, but it picked up again in no time.
The only thing I'd change is closer to the end, it became more and more ridiculous. Just absolutely fantastical. And while it was funny, I wasn't as... involved? in it. It felt less realistic and I was suddenly very aware I was reading a book, instead of being in the book and fighting off a Russian assassin with a rake with Phoebe and Kristin. That's the only reason it's not a 5-star book.
Also, halfway through, Chase's accent changed and then a couple chapters later, returned to how he normally sounded. I'm not sure if that was on purpose or on accident, and it could be attributed to exhaustion or frustration but we don't see the same style when he felt similar later on.
I'm still hoping and praying for a fourth, but I am glad this series has (so far) ended on a high note.
September 30, 2022
I didn’t care much for book 2 but wanted to finish out the series so I read this one too. It was much better than the 2nd book, actually it’s my favorite out of the trilogy. It start out a little boring and repetitive in the beginning, my notes contained a lot of eye rolls in regards to Phoebe’s behavior lol. But the second half of the story redeemed the book. For me, Kristen & Trouble were the real MVPs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2023
Our heroine was not prepared for a Russian defector to jump into her cab, but then who would? Of course, after that things just got more complicated. Still, all in a days work for our heroine.
This is book three of the series and the conclusion (at least for now). It does just fine as a standalone with all the essential bits covered early on.
This book is somewhere between romantic comedy and romantic suspense. We get some fun action scenes, but they are light hearted and everything is handled with a strong sense of humor. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun cast of characters that sometimes help, sometimes hinder, and always keep things fun. I found the story to be very engaging and hard to put down as I wondered what crazy thing was going to happen next. Overall, this was a very fun read and I look forward to going back for the earlier books.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
This is book three of the series and the conclusion (at least for now). It does just fine as a standalone with all the essential bits covered early on.
This book is somewhere between romantic comedy and romantic suspense. We get some fun action scenes, but they are light hearted and everything is handled with a strong sense of humor. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun cast of characters that sometimes help, sometimes hinder, and always keep things fun. I found the story to be very engaging and hard to put down as I wondered what crazy thing was going to happen next. Overall, this was a very fun read and I look forward to going back for the earlier books.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
August 27, 2023
Please tell me there is a spin-off series in the works?
Book 3 has rounded out Phoebe's trilogy nicely but there is still so much more scope for material in this 'world'
Just like the first 2 books, this third one in the series is another laugh a minute kind of read and again I found myself thinking this would play out so great at a TV series or Telemovie.
While Phoebe's journey may be over, I feel there's still so much more to tell about the other characters. I want to know more about Kristen, and Sanjay, and even Phoebe's CIA friend, Nattie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes, I would.
Would I read more by this author based on this book - absolutely!
Book 3 has rounded out Phoebe's trilogy nicely but there is still so much more scope for material in this 'world'
Just like the first 2 books, this third one in the series is another laugh a minute kind of read and again I found myself thinking this would play out so great at a TV series or Telemovie.
While Phoebe's journey may be over, I feel there's still so much more to tell about the other characters. I want to know more about Kristen, and Sanjay, and even Phoebe's CIA friend, Nattie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes, I would.
Would I read more by this author based on this book - absolutely!
January 2, 2022
In this the last of the series Phoebe and Chase are moving to Washington DC ready for her to take up her new position in the CIA. Things go slightly awry when a wannabe Russian defector jumps into a taxi with Phoebe driven by her friend Sanjay, chased by a Russian assassin.
This is a fun take on a romantic thriller, starting slowly and building up to a thrilling climax. Not to be taken too seriously as surely the FBI and CIA can't be that incompetent, can they? Probably the best book in this series it can be read as a standalone, although you do miss some of the running gags, I can definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy cozy thrillers.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through BookSirens, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is a fun take on a romantic thriller, starting slowly and building up to a thrilling climax. Not to be taken too seriously as surely the FBI and CIA can't be that incompetent, can they? Probably the best book in this series it can be read as a standalone, although you do miss some of the running gags, I can definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy cozy thrillers.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through BookSirens, however this did not influence my review of the book.
December 24, 2021
A madcap, over-the-top adventure that just keeps getting crazier as the story progressed. By Book 3 almost anything could be expected to happen.
The move to DC didn’t slow down Phoebe. She learned to drive and successfully passed her driver’s license test, and then a Russian defector jumps into her friend Sanjay’s cab with an assassin
Shooting at him.
The storyline is wild, the characters endearing and the romance between Phoebe and Chase is unforgettable. Phoebe has accumulated a circle of loyal friends and even added a few new ones in the new installment to the series.
I received an ARC from the author and Hidden Gems, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The move to DC didn’t slow down Phoebe. She learned to drive and successfully passed her driver’s license test, and then a Russian defector jumps into her friend Sanjay’s cab with an assassin
Shooting at him.
The storyline is wild, the characters endearing and the romance between Phoebe and Chase is unforgettable. Phoebe has accumulated a circle of loyal friends and even added a few new ones in the new installment to the series.
I received an ARC from the author and Hidden Gems, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2021
This trilogy was honestly so ridiculous to the very end in the absolute best way possible. If you’re just looking for a good time and are able to suspend your disbelief, you’ll get caught up in the whirlwind that is this skirting series. It has romance, very mild spice, action, adventure, and a heart warming support cast that really gave the series that extra oomph. I really enjoyed the characters of Sanjay, Kristen, Amos, and Jamal.. oh and TROUBLE 🐶!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 23, 2021
3.5/5
What a whirlwind of a book!
When a Russian defector suddenly jumps into Phoebe’s taxi cab, she takes it upon herself to protect him from an assassin. With her ragtag group of friends (and no help from federal agencies), Phoebe tries her best to keep everyone safe using her CIA knowledge and limited arsenal of weapons (i.e., gardening rakes).
Skirting Destiny is a great light, funny (and ridiculous) read! Perfect for reading after a more serious or dark book.
What a whirlwind of a book!
When a Russian defector suddenly jumps into Phoebe’s taxi cab, she takes it upon herself to protect him from an assassin. With her ragtag group of friends (and no help from federal agencies), Phoebe tries her best to keep everyone safe using her CIA knowledge and limited arsenal of weapons (i.e., gardening rakes).
Skirting Destiny is a great light, funny (and ridiculous) read! Perfect for reading after a more serious or dark book.
December 1, 2021
What a hoot! Loved it. It put a smile on my face and kept it there throughout. Entertaining, amusing, and a pure delight to read. I haven't read the first two, but I will do so soon. I am eager to discover any other books by this author also. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
December 18, 2021
This trilogy has become one of my favorites. I adore each other characters and the crazy things they get theirselves into. I don't want to write too much of of a "review' because I don't want to give book 1 and 2 away. Just know, it was a wonderful ending to this story and characters. I will miss them!
December 25, 2021
Phones and Chase have done it again in Skirting Destiny. Somehow trouble follows Phoebe (and not just her dog). She and Sanjay find themselves protecting a Russian who wants to defect… from a Russian assassin. Lots of crazy moments for these quirky characters, with many leaving me laughing out loud. Hoping we haven’t seen the last of these characters!!
December 30, 2021
Wow Chase and Phoebe true love. Phoebe gets into more hijinks and everyone bans together in Washington DC. Almost all of the main characters are in DC now and all law enforcement is involved in this story. There is a lot of humorous and steamy parts and lots of action. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2022
Once again Phoebe and Chase and their entourage give us a funny laugh out loud story. The antics and wild characters keep the pages turning. Football, electric cars, FBI, CIA, Russian defector and an assassin all add to the enjoyment.
Quick easy read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own. Thanks @booksirens
Quick easy read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own. Thanks @booksirens
February 11, 2022
Light
Fairly light with a touch of whimsy. Wonder if it'll continue on, if it does I'll read the next one.
Bit of sex but not so much nor as ridiculously graphic as seems to be popular now days.
Fairly light with a touch of whimsy. Wonder if it'll continue on, if it does I'll read the next one.
Bit of sex but not so much nor as ridiculously graphic as seems to be popular now days.
April 29, 2024
A Russian defector in your basement after you finally passed your driving test with a hit man trying to kill him while you are in a renovating your home. And your mother is a Bridezilla for you. Hilarious!
January 4, 2022
What can I say? After the first two books, the outcome was obvious.
August 3, 2025
I thought the book was good. It read more like an suspense/adventure with a hint of romance, just with the emphasis on the storyline.
March 20, 2022
Phoebe & Chase
No poleets!
Phoebe and her fiance Chase bought a house together. After they moved from Vegas for her CIA job. Well he moved his company headquarters for her to another city. The first plan after she and her friend accidentally saved the Russian defector was to take him to the FBI and then they would get rid of him. But because of several events they ended up with Yuri for a lot longer and hid him in the basement of the newly purchased house. The professional assassin Vlad tried to kill him several times but failed which made him irrational and as a result he started making mistakes. They also told every single person that they are keeping a defector in the basement. And there were a lot of people coming to the house. In the end there were like six or seven.
I loved the parts that were about Chase’s and Phoebe’s relationship. When I started reading I was not sure if they actually loved each other. But after Chase’s chapters everything was clearer.
The book did not pull me in as much as I’d hoped. The first 50% of the book was relatively boring in my opinion. A lot of repetitiveness of them explaining who and why Yuri is in the house.
What Yuri said was all written in russian, at first it was lovely to see that the author has the knowledge of the language but after a while it ended up bothering me.
The workers repairing the house, her mother nagging about the wedding and the defector was a bit all over the place. I loved the mother parts in the end. I wished they were at that level from the start.
At the end she finally wants to get married.
*I received an ARC of this book and gave my honest opinion.
No poleets!
Phoebe and her fiance Chase bought a house together. After they moved from Vegas for her CIA job. Well he moved his company headquarters for her to another city. The first plan after she and her friend accidentally saved the Russian defector was to take him to the FBI and then they would get rid of him. But because of several events they ended up with Yuri for a lot longer and hid him in the basement of the newly purchased house. The professional assassin Vlad tried to kill him several times but failed which made him irrational and as a result he started making mistakes. They also told every single person that they are keeping a defector in the basement. And there were a lot of people coming to the house. In the end there were like six or seven.
I loved the parts that were about Chase’s and Phoebe’s relationship. When I started reading I was not sure if they actually loved each other. But after Chase’s chapters everything was clearer.
The book did not pull me in as much as I’d hoped. The first 50% of the book was relatively boring in my opinion. A lot of repetitiveness of them explaining who and why Yuri is in the house.
What Yuri said was all written in russian, at first it was lovely to see that the author has the knowledge of the language but after a while it ended up bothering me.
The workers repairing the house, her mother nagging about the wedding and the defector was a bit all over the place. I loved the mother parts in the end. I wished they were at that level from the start.
At the end she finally wants to get married.
*I received an ARC of this book and gave my honest opinion.
April 28, 2022
5 Stars.
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for my own review*
This book was a lot of fun, it's a not-so serious special agent protecting a defector adding in meddling friends/family and co-workers.
The vibe very much fits the Charley Davidson/ First Grave on the Right series as it's serious issues covered in an over the top, humorous way.
I do suggest reading the others in the serious beforehand, I jumped the gun and the premise of the book had me hooked so I skipped the build up to a couple of events/people in the series. I didn't notice the missing events but I definitely feel I would have enjoyed the interactions more and been more invested.
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for my own review*
This book was a lot of fun, it's a not-so serious special agent protecting a defector adding in meddling friends/family and co-workers.
The vibe very much fits the Charley Davidson/ First Grave on the Right series as it's serious issues covered in an over the top, humorous way.
I do suggest reading the others in the serious beforehand, I jumped the gun and the premise of the book had me hooked so I skipped the build up to a couple of events/people in the series. I didn't notice the missing events but I definitely feel I would have enjoyed the interactions more and been more invested.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews