Rule #1: Spies Don't Fall in Love

by Natalie Tay

In the world of espionage, LOVE is a four-letter word.

As a senior at the Albright Academy, I’m known for two Successfully weaponizing my feminine wiles, and being the daughter of a traitor. The rumors about my supposed sex life are nothing compared to the snide remarks about my father’s treason, but when you go to a high school run by the Department of Defense, neither makes you many friends.

I was only five years old when Dad disappeared. When the CIA came barging through our door to tell us he was a Russian spy. Maybe it was fate that I followed in his footsteps; some weird need to redeem myself from my father’s misdeeds. But now, he’s back. And I can’t help but wonder what kind of damage he’ll do this time.

Fortunately, I’m not alone in this mess. My best friend Parker has known all about Dad’s treason for almost as long as I have. For thirteen years, nothing has been able to compromise our friendship, but lately it feels like he wants something more…

There’s only one problem. Spies don’t fall in love.

*This book is an upper YA spy romance that takes place in the same world as Nose Jobs, Hair Dye, and Other Ways to Fake Your Death.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Ebooks, Friends To Lovers, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2022

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

a predictable book, but still easy to read, kinda romantic cliché

[Kweya Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Natalie Tay has DELIVERED. Here’s hoping she will write for many, many years to come.

[Tori Gilooly · Rating 1 out of 5]

whoever said this is up there with Gallagher Girls count ur fucking days

[Gracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really fun, but it wasn’t quite as good as Nose Jobs, Hair Dye, and Other Ways to Fake Your Death. 3.5/5 ⭐️

[Maya Ek Madunic · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 7%

[Anna]

First, I really like young adult and adults buy novels that have an element of love to it, but this was definitely not my favorite. I hated the way the main female character her spy talent was using her body to enticement, and I hated the way it made men look all predictable, and like all men were all about sex I saw the end twist, but I like the way the book was written. I would be willing to give this author another chance, but maybe not in another spy teen level

[Christina Shih · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ummm yeah, this was a DNF for me. Why is the only Black girl in this story posed as the "mean girl"? And why is she being assaulted?

When I first saw her appear I rolled my eyes thinking it wouldn't be a big deal, but she continues to be portrayed as a key antagonist in the story and that just left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe I missed something, but as it is, it's a thumbs down.

[Lauren T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I KNEW THE DAD WAS THE BAD GUY. When I was reading it I was like, “why is Stella helping her dad that ran away 13 years ago it doesn’t make sense?” But then the twist came and she was hypnotized??? Crazy. Great book. It kept my attention the entire time and the love story between Parker and Stella was told perfectly.

[Jazz Grindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super extremely cheesy, but a good book to get you out of a reading slump. Got this for free on stuff your kindle day and I’m not mad at it. Truthfully, I think the side characters are what make this book great. Emily, Lindsay, and Grace were really great and I enjoyed the dynamics they brought to Stella.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute high school story. The plot wasn't completely predictable, only slightly predictable. kind of cheesy at times. Had me questioning the character's decisions, but hey, they're in high school. overall, a fun read

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Scontato, stereotipato e prevedibile.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was really good!

[Callie Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

she a lil slow to get exciting but still a good read

[Sthep · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some inconsistencies but I just love a teenage spy academy situation.

[nel.readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy mystery/ romance!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Michelle Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no way that YA books were this good when I was younger.
This book is super fun, exciting and captivating. It’s extremely well written and the characters are very real. I highly recommend it.

[Lady Frostine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun little romance story, but there was no WOW factor. The storyline was quite predictable and left nothing for the imagination to really keep you hooked. I still enjoyed reading it though. It was a quick and easy read.